Roxane Manley

Roxane is a true local to the Forbes and Parkes areas. Having been with the Phoenix for a number of years, she is passionate about her region and loves being involved with the local community.

Meet the Parkes Elvis Festival Volunteers

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Gail Richardson

When did you get involved with the Parkes Elvis Festival? I started back in 2007 as an Elvis Revival Inc committee member, and also served as vice-president and president.

Which year was your favourite festival and why? To be honest all have been great, from when the committee was running it to now. For an Elvis fan it is the perfect festival to be involved with and I have truly enjoyed it.

What is your fondest memory of the Parkes Elvis Festival? Fondest memories were of just standing in the middle of Cooke Park and watching all the visitors’ faces and seeing all the smiles. Knowing we had put together another successful festival.

What has the festival meant for our community? I think it’s really important as it helps kick start small businesses at the beginning of the year, which then has a two or three-fold back onto other businesses. It also puts a wonderful spotlight on our town from all over the world even if it’s just for five days. It really does help to promote our town.

What is your favourite Elvis song? I have two: If I Can Dream and Edge of Reality.

Elvis Lennox

When did you get involved with the Parkes Elvis Festival? I joined the Elvis Revival Inc committee with my wife Deb in 1994, the year after the very first festival. We received lifetime membership after ten years, and both of us served as president.

Which year was your favourite festival and why? The first one – as an Elvis fan I will never forget the thrill and excitement. I was just great as there were never any Elvis-related shows happening before the festival.

What is your fondest memory of the Parkes Elvis Festival? Making jumpsuits with my wife for the first five years. She did all the sewing and I did the designs. As Elvis fans, we really bonded doing that.

What has the festival meant for our community? It helped Parkes to boom and it put our town on the map. People have come here from all over the world, and many of them have visited my private museum. They have left such wonderful comments in my visitor’s book. I plan to reopen my museum for next year’s festival.

What is your favourite Elvis song? Little Sister – I like the story it is based on.

Dean Z Back For Fourth Time!

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

It is only fitting that Dean Z is back for the 30th anniversary festival as he very loyal supporters at the Parkes Elvis Festival.

For nearly two decades, Dean Z has performed thousands of shows for millions of people around the globe, being named by Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) as their Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2013.

Dean was officially awarded EPE’s “Ultimate” title and starred in their international touring production Elvis Lives (with over 500,000 tickets sold).

Dean Z has thrilled Elvis fans across Europe with his portrayal of the King performing to sold out audiences in some of the UK’s most historic venues including the London Apollo, Manchester Arena and The Echo arena in Liverpool on the Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour. He is the only Elvis tribute artist to host SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio channel and currently serves as an ambassador and contributor to Graceland and the Elvis Presley estate.

It is the fourth time you will be performing at the Parkes Elvis Festival. What makes you come back every time? I love the audiences in Australia, especially in Parkes! They are always electric and ready to have a great time celebrating Elvis’s incredible music.

What do you think sets the Parkes Elvis Festival apart from other Elvis festivals? The Parkes Elvis Festival is such a great event because everybody gets involved. It’s not just the shows, there are so many incredible events throughout the week that people participate in. I love that the entire town is incorporated into the festival.

What do you think of the fans at the Parkes Elvis Festival? The fans are truly dedicated to Elvis and his memory. I love watching them enjoy the music. There is so much love for Elvis at the event.

When did you first hear an Elvis song? I’ve first heard Elvis when I was three years old. There was a television documentary called ‘This is Elvis’ that just happened to be on TV when I was a little kid. I instantly cleared off our living room coffee table and started dancing, trying to mimic what I was seeing. I was enamored by him and his presence, even at that early age. I can tell that he was so special.

Why does his music appeal so much to you to make a living from it? It’s not really about making a living from it, it’s just living my childhood dream and lifelong passion. Elvis has provided for so many including myself, and I am forever grateful for that. I always say that this career chose me instead of me choosing it. I am honestly living my childhood dream every show.

Why does Elvis stand the test of time? Elvis stands the test of time because his music is timeless. People, young and old gravitate to him, because of the quality of his voice, his appearance, his charisma and charm. Elvis is forever in style.

What did you think of this year’s Elvis the movie? I absolutely loved the new movie! I believe that Austin Butler deserves an Oscar for his performance as Elvis. He captured something very special, the man behind the music. I want to shake his hand and tell him how much I appreciated the way he brought my hero to life on the big screen.

What do you look forward to at the 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival? We have some incredible shows planed for Parkes this year! Myself and fellow headliner Vic Trevino are going to present Elvis in some very cool ways!

What can fans look forward to in your shows? I don’t want to give too much away, however, my show “The Rocker” is going to absolutely ROCK this year!

Do you have a favourite Elvis song? My favorite Elvis song is “If I Can Dream,” because it tells a beautiful story of hope. No matter how I’m feeling I always pour my heart and soul into singing that song.

Mayoral Message

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Mayor Kent Keith OAM on board the Elvis Express. (Photo: Metro News)

Recognised as one of the top three festivals and events in Australia, the multi-award-winning Parkes Elvis Festival celebrates its 30th year in 2023. On behalf of Parkes and the surrounding townships of Bogan Gate, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore, we look forward to welcoming you into our communities and showing you the diverse offerings of places to stay, eat and explore.

Following on from years of drought, bushfires and a global pandemic, 2022 has brought its new challenges. Over many months, wet weather and record-breaking flood events have devasted and isolated communities in our region. Despite the economic challenges this has brought, our resilient communities continue to band together in the face of adversity, coming out the other side stronger than ever. We encourage you to visit Parkes Shire, stay a little while, shop local and help us to celebrate and honour the legacy of Elvis Presley.

The 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival program of events we have in store are not to be missed! The action-packed schedule has something for everyone, including live entertainment, trivia, karaoke, lip sync battles, rock ‘n roll dance lessons and more. We are thrilled to welcome the 2023 feature artists Dean Z, hailing all the way from Lancaster, California, and Victor Trevino Jr, the current International Champion for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition. Visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au to view the full program of events and purchase tickets.

I welcome you to Parkes Shire, where you can enjoy a wonderful selection of entertainment, hospitality, accommodation and adventure. I express my greatest appreciation to all the staff, volunteers, business owners, sponsors and community members who have dedicated countless hours in bringing this event together. The Elvis Festival would not be where it is today, without your hard work and perseverance.

I wish everyone a safe journey to and from our shire, no matter how far and wide you are travelling. I hope you have a fantastic time and enjoy the biggest and best Elvis Festival yet.

Prepare A Plan B To Get Home This Holiday Season And Win A Swag

December 23, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Promoting this year’s Plan B Win a Swag promotion is Chelsea Philips from Parkes Services Club.

It’s the season of celebration and end-of-year gatherings with work mates, family and friends, so if you’re choosing to have a few drinks, it also means, planning how to get home safely.

Throughout December 2022 and January 2023, almost 60 licensed venues across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are participating in the Plan B Win a Swag promotion to encourage patrons to make a Plan B to get home safely when they drink alcohol. It’s a reminder that drink driving is never an acceptable plan.

The promotion is currently underway in all pubs, clubs and bottle shops across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas, with the exception of venues in Forbes, Lake Cargelligo and Tullibigeal.

The Plan B Win a Swag promotion encourages the conversation about planning safe ways to get home. In many of our smaller villages there isn’t public transport or a courtesy bus, so this promotion prompts patrons to think of other alternatives to get home safely. It’s great that the swag is also a Plan B!

If you’re celebrating locally, patrons at participating hotels, clubs and bottle shops can complete an entry form that asks what their Plan B for getting home safely is. They then go in the draw to win a swag valued at over $250. Each venue has a swag to give away, with winners drawn at the end of January (or February in Forbes, Lake Cargelligo and Tullibigeal).

NSW Police will also be out in force conducting random breath testing during the holiday season. Double demerits will be in force from the 23rd December 2022 to 2 January 2023 and 25th to 29th January 2023.

For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils; Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.

Parkes Bowling & Sports Club

December 23, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is the late Frank Gersback who recently passed, he was an extremely valuable member of the PB&SC and he will be forever remembered and sorely missed

THURSDAY

The festive sounds of Christmas parties, twist tops and can openings with BBQ sausage aromas was the background for 20 social Bowlers on Thursday.

Major Rob Irving teamed up with Ian Simpson against the Committee Executive of Col Miller and Marty Tighe. The scores were always in favour of Irving and Simmo, despite a late flurry of winners from Col and Marty. Rob and Simpson ended up winning the late finishing game 17 shots to 16.

The pairing of Mike Valentine and John Corcoran was a master-stroke, however Ray Jones and Col Hayward dominated the game, Ray and Col steadied and held on to win by 20 shots to 16.

Noel Johnstone and Pete McPhee played John Carr and visitor Josh Mills, but Noel and Pete were too consistent, winning 21 shots to 14.

Al Affleck and John Ward too strong for Maureen Baille and George Boatswain, winning by 15.

Ron Nobes and Gary McPhee had a good game against George Bradley and Steve Ryan. Gary and his new protégé were too strong all game, winning by 18 shots to 10.

MIXED PAIRS

Liz Byrne to showcase her class as she partnered with Tony Riordan, in a closely fought mixed pairs match against Elaine Miller and Marty Tighe. The 18 end format of Mixed Pairs seemed to suit Elaine and Marty, bowling well and leading after the 13 th end, by 12 shots to 8. Tony and Liz then stepped up the pressure, with Liz claiming the shot bowls, winning the match by 16 shots to 12.

On Sunday Mick and Joanne Simpson beat Wilbur Harris and Merrilyn Rodgers in a very one-sided match. Joanne played brilliant Lead Bowls and has finished her year of Bowls in very good form.

SATURDAY

Two games of social triples and three games of pairs were played on Saturday.

Joaane Simpson, Mike Valentine and Nathan Reynolds played Rob Irving, Bob Freeman and Dave Reilly, winning by 24 shots to 16.

Gary McPhee, Graeme Dixon and John Carr played against George Bradley, Rob Tinker and Col Hayward. Team Hayward won 26 shots to 21.

Rhona Went and Geoff Freeman beat Tony Riordan and Tom Furey, winning 21 shots to 16.

Jim Blake and Darryl McKellar played against Bernie Mitchell and Guy Ellery. Team Ellery scored a win 27 shots to 14.

Col Woods and Mick Simpson played against Elaine Miller and John Ward winning 14 shots to 23.

VALE FRANK GERSBACH

The Club was sad to hear of the passing of Bowls legend in Parkes – Frank Gersbach, and extends it’s deepest sympathy to Joy and her family.

The Club was proud to participate in the recently completed competition for the Frank Gersbach Cup, a competition initiated by the Parkes Railway Bowling Club to rightly recognise and honour the tireless efforts of Frank to Bowls at the Railway Club over many years, and in Parkes and District.

RIP Frank – keen bowler, a true legend and always a gentleman.

Premier’s Back To School NSW Vouchers Ease Pressure On Parents

December 23, 2022 By Roxane Manley

BACK TO SCHOOL…Parent are being encouraged to access their Back to School NSW vouchers on the Service NSW app.

Parents across the State can access $150 worth of vouchers through the Premier’s Back to School NSW program from Monday, giving a boost to household budgets through savings on textbooks, uniforms, stationery and other school essentials.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Summer holidays are a good time for families to start buying supplies for the new school year and the voucher program would help cover those costs.

“The NSW Government wants to make sure every child attending school has the opportunity to strive for their best when they are in the classroom and providing access to essential items for learning is our priority,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said people can start applying for the vouchers from Monday, until they expire on 30 June 2023, giving everyone plenty of time to take advantage of the savings.

“Applying for the vouchers is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes using the Service NSW app, on the phone or by visiting a Service Centre,” Mr Dominello said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Premier’s Back to School NSW program would ensure every school-aged child has a brighter future.

The Premier’s Back to School NSW program is one of more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program.

For more information about the vouchers visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit your local Service NSW Service Centre.

Customers can search for registered businesses here: https://vouchers.service.nsw.gov.au/vouchers/providers-search/

A Reminder To Motorists To Plan Ahead This Festive Season

December 23, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Motorists from all across western NSW are being urged to consider the safety of other road users this holiday season by leaving the car at home and having a Plan B ahead of the festive season.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said drink driving remains an extremely serious issue in western NSW with 34 fatal crashes involving alcohol in the last three years and another 79 resulting in serious injuries.

“No one wants to lose a loved one this Christmas period which is why I am telling people to think about others on the road and not do something stupid like drinking and driving,” Mr Farraway said.

Mr Farraway said country people make up around a third of NSW’s population, but over the past five years deaths on country roads made up 67 per cent of lives lost on our roads.

“These are the impacts that I want drivers on our regional roads to think about the next time they get behind the wheel and why I urge all drivers to have a Plan B.”

For more information visit Plan B – Campaigns – NSW Centre for Road Safety.

What message do you have for locals as we approach the holiday season?

December 23, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Adam MacGregor Club Forbes: Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year from the directors and staff at Club Forbes, we are looking forward to seeing all of you in the new year. Hope you have a safe and relaxed holiday!

David Giblett Forbes Police Sergeant: The NSW Police wish the community a happy and safe holiday, and remind everyone to drink responsibly during the festivities. We would also like to remind the community about being safe on our roads, with double demerits in force and a highly visible police presence during the holiday period.

Hon Sam Farraway MLC: It’s been a really tough year for everyone on the back of covid and the floods, I just hope that people are able to take some time to recharge their batteries. I want to remind people how important it is to drive to the road condition, and enjoy the holiday festivities.

Miss Priscilla Dinner Celebrates 15 Years

December 23, 2022 By Roxane Manley

The beautiful, enigmatic Priscilla Presley made her indelible mark on fashion in the ‘60s with her signature winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and ultra-glamorous take on fashion.

Hailed as the Queen of rock ‘n roll, with The King by her side, Priscilla’s signature looks throughout the ‘60s were instantly recognisable. Priscilla was emblematic of the era’s decadent ‘Rock ‘n roll meets Hollywood’ lifestyle that has been celebrated for the past 15 years at the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner.

Attending a Miss Priscilla Dinner then it is highly recommended by all those that have previously attended. Enjoy a two-course dinner and a night of entertainment that includes performances, dancing and a whole lotta fun. Watch an extravagant floorshow by one of Australia’s premiere swing dancing performance troupes, the Sydney Swing Katz. Local favourites Amitie will mesmerise you with their harmonies, then dance the night away to NZ Elvis tribute artist Brendon Chase.

The evening promises to be a fun night where guests are encouraged to dress in the Blue Hawaii theme and watch the bevy of beauties and their stylists as they compete for the coveted title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival. There are fabulous prizes on offer including balcony cabins on P&O’s Tribute to The King Cruise for Miss Priscilla and her stylists.

There are two other competition categories in the Festival’s Blue Hawaii theme;

Miss Blue Hawaii – will have the best interpretation of Blue Hawaii, inspired by the 1961 classic movie with the hairstyle, makeup, and dress in theme. This is a fun competition where you can use your imagination!

Blue Hawaii Theme – best dressed audience members in the Blue Hawaii theme.

Tickets and competition information can be found on parkeselvisfestival.com.au. The Miss Priscilla Dinner is proudly sponsored by Goodsell Machinery.

Forbes Croquet Winners

December 23, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Encouragement awards won by Fay Picker, Lyall Strudwick, Carolyn Neilsen, Noel Jolliffe and Allan Jones.

Doreen Rogers joined Forbes Croquet Club in September 2004 and is the longest serving member. Doreen was given the opportunity to cut the cake.

Perpetual trophy winners Robin Pols and Elvy Quirk with runner up winners Colleen Liebich and Cheryl Toohey.

Perpetual trophy winners Kevin Rubie and Neville Spry. Centre: John Browne with runner up trophy in Aussie croquet.

Roxane Manley

Gail Richardson

Elvis Lennox

THURSDAY

MIXED PAIRS

SATURDAY

VALE FRANK GERSBACH

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