Weaving artist Lanny Mackenzie from Orange presented a weaving workshop at the Parkes Shire Library on Sunday.
The group of 15 had a great day working through morning tea and lunch to create their projects. Lanny primarily uses natural and recycled reclaimed materials. Participants used waxed linen, coconut husk twine and raffia,
and experimented with branches, lavender, grasses, palm tree materials, shells and other items to finish off their bowls.
With 64.8mm of rain recorded in the first four days of September in Parkes and more than 20mm forecast for today, the wet is not going to go away very soon and more flooding could be expected. If you are planning any road trips or outings for the weekend, it would be wise to check on road closures and conditions before leaving.
Several roads were closed during the week and might still be closed for the weekend. You can keep up to date using www.livetraffic.com or Parkes Shire Council’s social media pages for the latest information on road closures.
Parkes Shire Council has urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution when travelling in the wet weather. “Please avoid walking or driving through flood waters, as it may be deeper and faster flowing than anticipated. Additionally, the road may have suffered extensive damage hidden beneath the water.” The Forbes community was on moderate flood warning during the week, with the Red Bend College closing on Wednesday in anticipation of flooding. The Lachlan River peaked at 10.35m at the Iron Bridge on Wednesday slightly under the level of 10.55m recorded in the 2012 flood. The SES and volunteers filled thousands of sandbags to be distributed to properties in low-lying areas.
By Maggi Barnard
Tullamore Library open all hours: The Tullamore community will soon have access to an Australian first – the first public library to be available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On Wednesday, 7th September a self borrowing and 24 hour access arrangement will be launched at an Open Day at the library. The system will enable library members to borrow, return and use the library facilities at a time that suits them. Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Shellie Buckle said: “Parkes Shire Council and the Tullamore Community Consultative Committee have supported this project to offer the community access to the library when it suits them and their family schedules.” It is a very simple solution of using a computer setup where members can borrow items themselves, and members will be able to apply for a key to the front door. Library Assistant Mel Alvey will still be on deck the usual hours, 11am to 4.30pm on Wednesdays. The community is invited to join library staff for the 24-hour access launch at 11am on Wednesday, including a BBQ lunch provided by the Tullamore Men’s Shed at 12.30pm.
More youth take up traineeships: The future of the Parkes Shire looks positive as Council reported an increase in the number of traineeships taken up by local youth. Parkes Shire Council has more than doubled the number of traineeships offered over the past four years. Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager Kent Boyd said: “It’s encouraging to see these opportunities being taken up by Parkes Shire youth.” “Of the 176 Council employees, 15 of them are trainees. Based on the work ethic and enthusiasm being shown by these young people, the future of this region looks bright.” Council currently offers traineeships in engineering, information technology, finance, town planning, building surveying, tourism, horticulture, ranger services, human resources, business administration and water operations. Additionally, Parkes Shire Council has five school-based trainees across their departments including finance, mechanical services, library services, administration and water operations. “Council traineeships are a fantastic way to kick-start a career in your preferred field. Trainees are exposed to a broad and diverse range of opportunities to suit their background, skills and interests,” Kent said. For further information about the traineeships on offer, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.
Correction: We reported last week in the story on the Battle of Long Tan that Harold Amor had lost his battle with cancer in Queensland recently. This was unfortunately incorrectly stated on the commemoration program, and Harold passed away peacefully at his home from a heart attack. We apologise for any distress this has caused the family.
Parkes residents have one week left to make up their minds who to vote for in the Local Government Election on Saturday, 10th September. Twenty candidates will be contesting for the ten Parkes Shire Councillor positions. Of
the 20 candidates, eight are current councillors. Michael Greenwood and Belinda McCorkell are not standing again. The new candidates include an interesting mix of Parkes residents.
The candidates as they appear in order on the ballot for the Parkes Shire are Alan Ward (Parkes), Terri Ann Baxter (Trundle), Rosanne Jones (Parkes), Neil Westcott (Alectown), Danny Blakemore (Parkes), Louise O’Leary (Peak Hill), John Sarikissian (Parkes), Barney Thompson (Parkes), Kenny McGrath (Parkes), Kim Ross (Parkes), George Pratt (Parkes), Craig Smith (Parkes), Bill Jayet (Parkes), Barbara Newton (Tullamore), Greg Peterson (Parkes), Conrad Mill (Parkes), Ken Keith (Parkes), Bob Haddin (Cookamidgera), Wally Biles (Parkes) and Patricia Smith (Parkes).
Councillors will vote to elect the mayor at a special meeting of the new council shortly after the election. Voting is compulsory for all residents of the Parkes Shire who are registered on the electoral roll. Electors enrolled for federal and state elections are automatically enrolled for their local council area.
There is no absentee voting in local government elections. If you are unable to vote on election day, you can vote by either prepoll or postal. Voting on 10th September will be between 8am and 6pm with pollings stations at the Alectown Hall, Bogan Gate Public School, the Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore Central schools, and in Parkes at Middleton Public School, Assemblies of God Hall, Parkes East Public School, and the Little Theatre. The new council will serve for the next four years.
Go to www.votensw.info for more information on the election.
What do you like the most about the Parkes Show?
Rachael Hancock and Lucas Bennie: The thing we love the most about the show is the food – show food is a real treat!
Jill Fiels and her son Bill: Jill: I love admiring my grandchildren’s craft.
Michelle and David Bicket, and Cody Hall: The thing we love about the Show is the exhibitions. Michelle loves the art, flowers and cakes; David enjoys the variety of things on display. Cody loves the cattle, and participated in a parade.
A class of year two students of Parkes Public School has created a book about endangered animals called “Precious Wildlife”. Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith, officially launched the book, at the Parkes Public School Library last Wednesday.
The book’s journey began when year 2 teacher Zoe Ruckley took a holiday on the Great Barrier Reef and noticed it wasn’t nearly as colourful as she thought it would be. This led to an investigation with her students on the effects of global warming, and the class learned that there were many other animals at risk of extinction.
“The students were so interested in learning about the black Rhinoceros and the southern corroboree frog that they each selected an animal from the endangered species list to research.” Zoe said. The students complimented their research with art projects, and their notes and illustrations were compiled into a beautiful book.
“The students wanted to share their information so that we might be able to help save their chosen animal, so we created this book” Zoe said. “These students are aged eight, so this is an amazing effort on their part.” Parkes Public School relieving principal Ben Smith proudly hosted the proceedings with the excited students, their families, and teachers revelling in the occasion.
The school gifted a copy of Precious Wildlife to the Parkes Library, which will be held in the Local History collection. The library will purchase more copies for general borrowing. Mayor Ken Keith officially launched the title, lending both gravitas and levity to the occasion. “What is the tallest building in the school?” he asked the students, “the library of course; it has the most stories.” And thanks to the diligent work of these young writers, the library has one more.
Precious Wildlife can be ordered at the Parkes Public School office.
By Raen Fraser
Show bags, fireworks, baby animals, free mechanical bull rides, KidZone, poultry, face painting, balloon sculpting, dog jumping, sheep shearing, rides, FMZ show, equestrian competition, exhibits, demolition derby, ice creams, dagwoods, pizza… the 136th Parkes Show did not disappoint!
“It is hard to believe it was the 136th show,” said Garry O’Brien, Show President. “It can be attributed to the support of the entire community who continue to enjoy everything our show has to offer.” While the main attraction for many kids are the thrilling rides and choosing a showbag, other people love the animals, food and art and crafts on display.
One tradition going for more than 100 years is the Parkes District Exhibition that attracts a large number of visitors to the main pavilion. It is not only considered the crown jewel of the show but also the biggest industry exhibition outside the Royal Sydney Show. The theme of the exhibit this year displayed the new branding of the Parkes Shire Council and was only made from natural products like wool, grain and fresh produce.
Another huge drawcard to the show is the equestrian competition attracting more than 100 competitors from all over Australia. Rain threatened to wash out the last show day on Wednesday, but the sun came out in the afternoon for the much-loved Demolition Derby to go ahead.
Garry thanked his committee, volunteers and stewards for their hard work to ensure the long running tradition of the show continues.
Braden Lindbeck
How long have you lived in Parkes? I moved here two years ago from Sydney.
Where do you work? With my parents at Smeaton’s Bakehouse.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Customer interaction – it is the most satisfying part of hospitality work, and when you try out new products and get good feedback about it.
What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy watching sport and movies, and often go back to Sydney to catch up with friends.
How do you like your coffee? It depends on the day and my mood. After making coffee for 20 years, I mostly enjoy a latte standard with no syrup and little sugar not to bastardise the flavour of the coffee.
What makes your day? I am a fairly optimistic person and usually wake up in a good mood and have a good day, so I don’t need something to make my day. It is special though when customers say they like what we do.
What is your favourite food? I enjoy any food that has been made with effort and love!
I was pleased to accept the appointment to Parkes as Branch Manager for Sincock LVM recently. The business is based in Parkes and Condobolin with the majority of sales happening in Condobolin at this point. My role is to steadily improve the business in Parkes with good service.
With my background as a technician on agricultural machinery, I understand that above all, customers want professional support for the products they purchase. The work environment at Sincock LVM is very friendly, which flows from the owners of the business, Garry Hopper and Darryl Henley (Dags). They are very personable and customer focused. My wife and I moved from Horsham in the Wimmera, Western Victoria, where many dry years made business difficult. I’m already enjoying the green and lush growth in the Central West. My wife has also joined Sincock LVM in a support role assisting the service managers with the sometimes tricky processing of warranty and insurance claims.
Our team is very welcoming, so don’t be afraid to pop in for a chat any time.
By Bruce Cobb
Cherrie Phillips won her maiden singles Ladies Club Championship, sponsored by Ron Dunfords Pharmacy, at the Parkes Golf Club last Sunday. Cherrie, who led after the first three rounds, was forced into a playoff with defending
titleholder, Lynne Guise, after both players finished the 72 hole championship locked together on 366. Lynne forced the playoff when she closed with a solid 92, after Cherrie was leading going into the final 18 holes by three shots.
During the playoff both ladies finished level on 1 over par in the accumulative play after recording bogey 4’s on the Par 3, 1st hole and then both fired pars on the Par 5, 2nd Hole and on the difficult Par 4, 9th hole. They were being forced into a sudden death situation and with Cherrie crowned as the 2016 Ladies Champion when she parred the Par 3, 1st hole with Lynne managing a bogey 4.
In the minor grades Colleen Flynn took out the B Grade after finishing six shots clear of Leone Stevenson, while in C Grade junior Kasey Fay-Rice was a close three shot victor over Liz Matthews. One of the clubs most popular events, the annual Pybar Handicap Challenge, will be held this Sunday with the final 19 players facing the starters gun at 9am.
The field of 19 players have been the best performers during the six preliminary rounds. Despite the withdrawal of hot favourite Robert Cheney, the field still has plenty of chances. There are a couple of players who could spring a surprise, including Chris Goodie,Troy Thomson and junior Lachlan Buesnell who finished runner up to Smith last year.
The full field for Sunday’s final is Brian L. Hogan, Victor Gaidzionis, Laurie Wakefield, Tony Hendry, Cameron Butler, Colin Barker, Ian Phipps, Lachlan Buesnell, Troy Thomson, David Stevenson, Mitch McGlashan, Garry Phipps, Ross Smith, Matt Lawryk, Peter Magill, Mick Dellaca, Joey Van Opynen, Robert Hey and Chris Goodie with the reserves being Michael Smith and Bernie McCabe.
By Paul Thomas