Maggi Barnard

The Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, will open an electorate office in Parkes on Monday, 4th June. “The northern part of the Riverina electorate, which includes Parkes, Forbes, Peak
Hill, Trundle, Tullamore and Cowra, is a vibrant region and deserves an accessible office to provide the best representation possible,” Michael said.

“I am in this part of the electorate frequently and the office will allow me to meet constituents in a private and comfortable environment.”

“Having an office with a full-time staff member in the region will also provide a face-to-face service for constituents.”
The Parkes office will be located at 207A Clarinda Street and will have one full-time staff member. The office telephone number will be 6862 4560. “I am really delighted to have created a full-time job in Parkes and to have supported local trades in the outfitting of the building,” Michael said.

An official opening of the office will be held today at 5pm.

“From about 4.30pm I will take a walk through the central business district and would love to catch up with as many people as possible for a quick hello.”

Parkes Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith, welcomed the decision to open the new office. “We are delighted the Federal Member has decided to locate his office in Parkes in the northern part of the electorate to make it easier and more convenient for his constituents to meet with him and to discuss their issues,” the Mayor said.

Next weekend is not only a long weekend, but also time for the social highlight on the Parkes calendar. On Saturday, 9th June the gates will open at 11:30am at the Parkes Racecourse for the annual Parkes Picnic Races. The first race of the five-race program will start at 12:30pm.

One of the Central West’s most prestigious Fashions on the Field competitions will take place once again with fantastic cash and prizes on offer. The guest judge this year is Julie Herbert of Julie Herbert Millinery Creations from Orange. The categories this year are Contemporary, Elegant Lady, Stylish Man and Millinery.

The Contemporary category is your chance to show your unique style with that race-day look for those who dare to be different. It’s a category for both men and women! The Elegant Lady category is the most prestigious of the day for those who showcase pure style and elegance.

The Stylish Man category is for gents who consider extra detail and stand out in the crowd. The Millinery category is  for ladies who turn heads with their headwear. Go the Parkes Picnic Races website or Facebook page for more details and requirements to be competing in the different categories.

The judging of Fashion on the Field will start at 3pm at the Picnic Stage. There will be loads of entertainment including live music provided by local band Gerholm Jonson. The racecourse provides full bar and betting facilities along with a range of catering services available on course throughout the day. A range of catered marquees will be on site offering packaged food and beverage tickets with seating available.

You are welcome to bring along your own food hampers and picnic on the grass, however the racecourse is a licensed venue so no alcohol is to be brought onto the grounds. “We are expecting a good crowd,” said Stafford Orange of the organising committee.

He said entry tickets were still available at the Cambridge, Parkes and Railway Hotels, as well as the Tourism Office, or at the gate on the day. Start planning your outfit, gather your group together for a great day out and possibly catching up with long lost friends.

Livestock branding is a common practise in a town like Parkes surrounded by cattle farmers, but have you ever seen burger branding? If you have not been to the Burger Hub at 263 Clarinda Street, you have missed out according to loads of accolades bestowed on this establishment as satisfied customers rave on its Facebook page.

“This is just what Parkes needs, something different, something top shelf gourmet food; Best food and best people; Food was so good and service was amazing.”

Only three weeks after opening, and owners Jason McGuire and Sophie Meek are still completely overwhelmed by the response of the public. “We returned to Parkes with the idea of starting a business. We decided on doing burgers on our way back from Canberra one day,” said Jason.

Over his 18 years of being a chef at the Parkes Services Club to the Whale Bone Wharf in Port Macquarie and a few others in between, Jason has gained valuable experience and ideas and these came to good use when creating the Burger Hub’s menu.

“We are more American style influenced and have special sauces, but most important for us is to make everything in house or source locally as far as possible. We are not a fast food restaurant, and make every single patty by hand, as well as all our sauces, while the bread rolls are baked locally.”

All tastes, diets and appetites are catered for with gluten free options available, a herbivore burger for vegetarians, and a double up option for everything between the two bread buns for only $6 extra.

The industrious couple has many plans up their sleeves to keep the Hub humming, but for the time being make sure to get in early from Tuesdays to Saturdays to lay your hands on one of those branded burgers as they are still selling out regularly.

BOOK SALE
Time again for Parkes Library’s annual book sale from 4 to 9 June 2018. Prices start at 50 cents. Many bargains!

AUTHOR VISIT
Julie Frank “Call Me Frank”
Tuesday 19 June, 10am, Parkes Library
Call me Frank is a collection of autobiographical stories of men over 50 telling it like it is at this stage of their lives. The stories are honest, sometimes confronting and always inspirational. It is a companion book to Feisty, Fabulous & 50+, a collection of 21 ‘warts and all’ autobiographical stories of women navigating their way through their 50s. Please RSVP to parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au or on 6861 2309 by 17 June.

TOURING DISPLAY
May Gibbs
15 to 28 June, Parkes Library
Its 100 years since May Gibbs’ adorable characters found their way into the homes and hearts of Australians. We are celebrating with a display from the State Library of NSW featuring May Gibbs’ iconic artwork. May Gibbs was Australia’s first full-time, professionally trained children’s book author and illustrator, and the display features reproductions of some of her most beloved characters including the gumnut babies and the brothers Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

PERFORMANCE
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Thursday 21 June, 6pm, Parkes Library
In celebration of international Make Music Day, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will share a global broadcast of its performance of Verdi’s Requiem live from the Sydney Opera House. With the support of Create NSW, ABC Classics, Sydney Opera House Creative Learning, Music Australia and the Australian Music Association. RSVP by 19 June on 6861 2309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au