Parkes Public and Parkes Christian School attended a Kindy Enviro morning at Kelly Reserve in Parkes on Tuesday.
Nate Teague, Hannah Farrell, Mariana Garcia-Castano and Kyan Johnston from Parkes Christian School.
Oscar Brown, May Steventon and Lillian Honnor from Parkes Christian School.
Myles Tonkin and his classmates from Parkes Public School.
Averie Smith and Archie Curtis from Parkes Public School.
The Forbes Dragon Boat Club at the Western Region Regatta at Lake Canobolas on Sunday where they won three silver medals and a bronze. The mixed team included a paddler each from Canberra and Sydney respectively.
The Forbes Dragon Boat Club did exceptionally well at the first Western Region Regatta in three years despite the flood preventing almost half of the team from participating.
Regatta coordinator Nicole Williams did a fantastic job to source some paddlers from other clubs to reach the minimum number to participate. This meant the Lachlan Dragons had fewer paddlers in the boat than most other teams, but still qualified for all the finals and came home with four podium spots.
There was great excitement for the return of this annual event and more than 18 teams totalling over 300 paddlers from the Central West, Sydney and the ACT competed at Lake Canobolas on Sunday in great weather.
The Forbes team had been training hard for the event, and the disappointment was huge for the members who could not make it across the floodwaters to participate. Club president and coach Chris Favell, who was also water locked, was devastated he could not be there, but very happy with his team’s performance in the field of strong competition.
“A very proud coach moment,” he said. “All that hard work is showing in the results. Wish I could have been there!”
The Forbes women’s team had to compete as a Waratahs team combining with members from Tsunami in Sydney, Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga and one paddler from Parkes Dragon Boat Club. Having not paddled together before, the team qualified for the final after two heats, and clinched second spot in the 200m with 62.4 seconds after Colour City from Orange (61.13) and Ryde Dragon Boat Club from Sydney in third place (62.43).
The Forbes mixed team with only 16 paddlers instead of 20, came second in the 200m final (56.79) after Ryde (52.9) and Outback Dragons from Dubbo in third place (57.15).
The Forbes men’s team, with only eight paddlers instead of 10, came third in the 200m final (59.04) after Ryde in first place (53.01) and Outback Dragons second (54.54).
The Dash for Cash race is a very fast sprint over 100m, and once again the Forbes team clinched second place in 29.65 after Ryde (28.43) and Outback Dragons (30.54).
The mixed team and Dash for Cash team included a paddler each from Sydney and Canberra to bring the number to the required minimum of 16.
It was a great day for the team to get their minds off the flood devastation back home, and to give the members who had to stay behind some good news!
By Maggi Barnard
The raffle ticket table was a busy place at the Trundle Pink Ribbon Night keeping Debbie Veale, Janette Fry and Carolyn Keep on their toes. Debbie has organised the event for the past seven years with Carolyn, and Janette from the Blue Mountains is one of the biggest donators.
The challenges were plenty with floods, closed roads and the ABBA Festival cancellation, but the Trundle Pink Ribbon Night survived it all to once again produce an amazing result raising over $26,000 for the NSW Cancer Council.
“It was bigger than we had imagined,” said organiser Carolyn Keep, who was named the Central West’s 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her committee’s remarkable fundraising efforts.
She said with the rain and the uncertainty of the harvest, they were not sure what kind of support they would get, “but the place was packed out with over 400 people. It was just fabulous, with people coming from Parkes, Forbes and other surrounding towns too.”
Carolyn and her committee were once again overwhelmed with generous donations and they ended up with 35 auction items and 58 raffle prizes. “We have received such wonderful support from the local small businesses donating baskets of goods and local produce.” Other donations included a Glen McGrath helmet that sold for $1,100 and a signed cricket ball reaching $300.
Carolyn thanked Parkes Services Club and Whittaker Contracting from Orange sponsoring a total of $4,000 for the event, and the Cancer Council for all their wonderful support.
Woolworths customers are encouraged to make a dry food donation to its Local Community Food Drive campaign that will help out local families in need.
The Local Community Food Drive organised by Woolworths in Forbes and Parkes will help deliver food relief to those experiencing hardship in the lead-up to Christmas.
The initiative started on Wednesday, and Forbes and Parkes Shire customers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items. A specially marked Local Community Food Drive trolley has been placed in each store, and donated items can include: breakfast cereals, pasta, rice and instant noodles, canned fish or meat, spreads (peanut butter, honey, jam); and baked beans and spaghetti.
Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many Australians with more than half a million households struggling to meet food needs, and more than two million households having gone hungry in the last 12 months, according to the 2022 FoodBank Hunger Report.
Within these households, the number of children affected has increased by 100,000, resulting in 1.3 million children grappling without having food on their plate.
Woolworths stores are working closely with local food charities to ensure Forbes and Parkes Shire residents in need will receive the donated items, along with fresh food to the value of $250 in time for the upcoming festive season.
The Food Drive is a frontline community effort to help provide a solution for hunger relief, which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and changes in household living arrangements.
“We’re asking Forbes and Parkes Shire customers who are in a position to do so, to join us in donating to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive on their next grocery shop, by simply adding non-perishable items to our trolleys. By making a small donation, you will be helping the wellbeing of our local community, providing them with the essentials they need,” said the managers of the two stores.
Customers can donate in-store until 15th November.
Aboriginal Project Officer Micheal Anderson (left) hands over a certificate of appreciation to representatives from Fortescue Mining Elise Jackson, Jason Scouropoulos and Taylor Ogden.
The annual NAIDOC celebrations, held at Bushman’s Hill last month, was made possible with the generous support of community members and organisations. Neighbourhood Central (NC) presented awards in appreciation of their support. These included: Benevolent Society, Currajong Disabilities, Dyagang Dance Group, Harding – Jade and Chelsea, Fortescue Mining, Mid Lachlan Housing, Northparkes Mines, NSW Police, Parkes AECG, Parkes High: Wiradjuri Guwals, Parkes Shire Council, Parkes Rotary Club, Parkes Shire Concert Band, Pulse Gym Coffee Van, Rural Fire Service and Spuddy Buddy. NC Aboriginal Project Officer, Micheal Anderson is keen to help the community in any way he can.
Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange had some unu-sual visitors last week. Around 100 Jerusalem Donkeys (named for the cross on their backs) stayed in the yards overnight enroute from the Northern Territory. (Photo: FCWLE)
June Public Holiday Renamed: In recognition of the reign of King Charles III, the NSW Government has amended the Public Holidays Act 2010 to rename the Queen’s Birthday public holiday the King’s Birthday public holiday. The amendment has been gazetted and will be effective from 13th January next year. The holiday remains the same, save for a change in name. This means the King’s Birthday public holiday will still be recognised on the second Monday in June. Although Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birth date was 21st April 1926, in keeping with Royal tradition, official celebrations in the UK were held in June when there was a greater likelihood of fine weather for the Birthday Parade or Trooping of the Colour. NSW followed in that tradition.
New Skills For School Leavers: The ‘Class of 2022’ will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education. The Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers. Summer Skills courses will be available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations for people between 16 and 24 who have left school. For more visit www.skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.
Real-Time Traffic Updates: The NSW Government announced the first regional expansion to its LiveTraffic system, with the status of roads across 22 local government areas now available for navigation software such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said the widespread heavy rain and flooding had caused major problems for many local roads, posing a safety risk. “There are potholes you could hide a cow in at some places, and getting them back up to standard quickly and efficiently will be a big problem for authorities. It’s great to see the first stage of the NSW Government’s LiveTraffic upgrade come online for some of these flood-impacted areas.” He said people in the Central West and Riverina would be very keen for their area to come online sooner than later. “In the meantime, everyone needs to drive to the conditions, take extra care and remember: if it’s flooded, forget it!
Parkes Christian School could not have asked for a better day of sunshine for their Spring Fair on Saturday to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary. There was a huge turn out and great entertainment, with Emma Baker having a cuddle with this cutie. (Photo: PCS)
David Brennan
Where were you born? At Shoalhaven Hospital in Nowra.
Were you named after anyone? Not that I am aware of.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Progressing my career in hospitality to club management roles in a relatively short amount of time in the industry.
What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The 2019 bush fires in NSW. I remember walking outside of work at the time, on a Saturday night with virtually no customers inside, and the sky was an eerie black colour, and oddly quiet.
What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be disheartened by trying to change the world overnight, and not being able to. Make positive, small steps and you will look back in the future and see the success.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving my previous club, and moving to Parkes, to be the General Manager of the Leagues Club.
What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A fishing rod, matches and a (full) water bottle!
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book flights to see my best friend who moved to the USA two years ago.
When are you happiest? Relaxing on the outdoor lounge with a cold beer in hand.
Cutting the special Vinnies cake were Lesley Crowe (centre president from 2006 to 2010), Barbara Scott (centre president from 2016 to 2022) and Christine Cox (centre president from 2011 to 2016 and current retail team leader).
More than 50 former and current volunteers did not miss the golden opportunity in Parkes last Thursday to celebrate 100 years of Vinnies shops in NSW.
The tables were decorated in gold and filled with delicious cakes and treats for the special occasion. Vinnies NSW Regional Retail Manager Tanya Godden thanked all the volunteers for their service saying they played an extremely important role. She handed over a framed certificate of appreciation.
Tanya said the Vinnies shop first opened in Parkes in 1947, while the first Vinnies shop in NSW opened in Newtown in 1922 and was selling horse manure! The shop is still in the same location.
Barbara Scott, who was centre president from 2016 to August 2022, said she loved the people and the one-on-one interaction she had with customers.
Youth aged 12-18 are invited to attend our next Youth Lock-In Games and Pizza Night on Wednesday, 23rd November from 5:30pm-8pm. Four-player games on the Nintendo Switch, or BYO a 4G-enabled device to join the fun of our Jackbox party games, plus outdoor games and free pizza, thanks to Domino’s Parkes. Places are strictly limited, book via humanitix.com.au.
Parkes Shire Youth Voices is in recess for Term 4. In the meantime, Parkes Shire Libraries are asking the youth to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on youth programs and events at https://forms.office.com/r/ciK8MkTaCB
Friday, 25th November at 6pm we are screening a legendary Australian story which has been adapted to film. This award-winning film is set in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1800s tackling issues of feminism and anti-racism. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.
Composting & Worm Farming (FREE): Tuesday, 8th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Book via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3NkLbVX
Weaving with Ronda Sharpe ($25 per workshop): Monday 14th, 21st & 28th Nov
from 6-8pm. Book via Humanitix https://bit.ly/3FAKYwh
Multicultural Art Group (FREE): Tuesday, 15th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Contact Soniatilley@outlook.com.au
Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101
Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): Saturday, 26th Nov from 9am or 1pm. Book through the Orange Cricut Group Facebook Page.
Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Friday, 2nd Dec from 6:30pm and Saturday, 3rd Dec from 10am. Bookings via email popupsucculentshop@outlook.com
Parkes Hockey Incorporated (PHI) is getting ready to showcase Parkes as a premier regional venue when the first ever Hockey One game will be played out of a capital city in Parkes on 12th November. PHI officials are (L-R) executive direc-tor Richard Rice, women’s director Mandy Westcott, treasurer Tracey Chambers and event manager Ian Westcott.
Excitement is building for the biggest hockey day ever to be held in Parkes next Saturday when up to 11 international players will be in action at the McGlynn Park.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Kookaburras and Hockeyroos in the NSW Pride and Canberra Chill teams on 12th November in the first ever Hockey One match to be played in a regional centre.
Parkes Hockey Incorporated (PHI) organisers are expecting a crowd of around 1,000 people with local hockey star Mariah Williams the biggest draw card on the day. The 27-year-old has been a lock in the national squads for the past decade and has made over 100 appearances across all national levels. Mariah has played a pivotal role in the 2022 instalment of the NSW Pride campaign.
Event Manager Ian Westcott from Parkes Hockey Incorporated said he would love to see local people getting behind the event.
The men’s and women’s matches in Parkes will be the final games for the second season of the Sultana-Bran Hockey One League and will decide the make-up of the final series to be held in Bendigo the following weekend.
The NSW Pride teams will feature a number of Kookaburras and Hockeyroos with some players returning from stints in the powerful European Hockey Leagues. This will also be the first taste of Australia’s Hockey One league for these returning superstars of the game.
In addition to these international superstars there is a mix of great young locally developed talent as well as some up-and-coming stars of the game.
This will be the first time a Hockey One game has been played out of a capital city and is a joint venture between Parkes Shire Council, Hockey NSW, NSW Pride and Parkes Hockey Incorporated.
“Hockey NSW is delighted to be partnering with the Parkes Shire Council and Parkes Hockey Incorporated to bring the only Hockey One game to regional Australia. It’s a wonderful opportunity for hockey enthusiasts and the broader community in and around Parkes to enjoy elite sport and we are expecting a capacity crowd on the day,” said Hockey NSW Chief Executive Officer, Emma Highwood.
Both games will be streamed on Kayo Sports, with the broadcast commencing at 3:30pm.
Parkes Hockey will also be hosting a junior clinic on Saturday morning free of charge run by Glenn Johnstone -Hockey NSW RPC.
A Celebration of Hockey dinner will also be held at the Parkes Golf Club on Saturday evening with Jamie Dwyer as guest speaker. Jamie has won the World Hockey Player award six times was voted 5-time MVP. He will tell his hockey story and guests will be able to mingle with Jamie and a host of other Australian players. Tickets for the Clinics and Dinner can be found at the links below.
• Clinic: https://www.123tix.com.auevents/35611/hockey-coaching-clinic-with-nsw-pride-act-chill-players
• Dinner: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/35542/parkes-hockey-inc-presents-a-night-with-jamie-dwyer
• Tickets for the games are available viaTicketek at https://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=HOCKEYNS21