Students, families and friends attended PHS open day last week. It was a great opportunity to see the facilities and meet the amazing staff and student leaders.
Each faculty had rooms open with interactive activities to see what High School is all about.
Parkes High School P&C members provided the BBQ, and the schools SRC students conducted the tours.
Come and watch the excitement over two fun days.
The Parkes Yard Dog Trial is set to be an exciting and action-packed weekend on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June at the Parkes Showground. This thrilling competition showcases the remarkable skills of working dogs and their handlers as they move the sheep through a series of tasks.
The Parkes Yard Dog Trial warmly invites the general public to attend this fantastic event. Entry is open to everyone, making it a perfect outing for families, dog enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the excitement of yard dog trials firsthand. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of yard dog trials or a first-time spectator, this event is designed to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages.
There will be a coffee van and BBQ available on both days.
If you are interested in trialling your dog, or would like to get involved and help on the weekend, please contact Bernard Dwyer on 0428 653 233. The entry forms for the trials are available by emailing admin@dwyercontracting.com.au
Important update on the future of the Trundle ABBA Festival.
Parkes Shire Council recognises the Trundle ABBA Festival as a much-loved event that has brought joy to the community, attracted visitors from across Australia, and provided a significant boost to local businesses, tourism, and hospitality. However, due to increasing financial constraints and many competing essential service areas, Council is unable to continue funding the Trundle ABBA Festival in its current form.
This decision follows a two-year funding trial after the event’s cancellation in 2022 due to significant inclement weather. Despite this, Council is eager to see the event continue, and is currently exploring all possible funding opportunities, including grant funding, to support the festival’s future.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while expressing appreciation for the Trundle community’s willingness to collaborate on potential solutions. “We are saddened to make this decision about an event that brings so much joy to the community and visitors who travel from near and far to attend,” said Cr Westcott.
“Last night, I met with the Trundle Community alongside my fellow Councillors, and we are grateful for their cooperation and openness to exploring alternative options.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a part in making this festival a success, including organisers, volunteers, sponsors, performers, and attendees. Your passion and dedication have created something truly special, and we deeply appreciate your efforts,” he added.
Looking ahead, Council is hopeful the festival can return in some form, whether through grant-funded Council support or as a community-led event backed by the Events Financial Assistance Program.
Council will continue working closely with the Trundle District Progress Association to explore all viable options and determine the best path forward.
Shooting organisations in the Orange electorate have shared in almost $800,000 NSW Government funding after grants were awarded in the Safe Shooting Program.
The organisations were among 25 Statewide to receive grants of $10,000 – $50,000 for projects that improve storage, safety and security at shooting facilities, as well as purchase new equipment.
The Program also invests in projects which incorporate inclusive design to improve environmental sustainability and increase use of shooting facilities.
Another key objective of the Program is increasing participation in shooting by removing barriers for women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people.
Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said “I’m a massive supporter of all our shooting sports, many of which are deeply rooted in our nation’s history.
“I congratulate both the Parkes Pistol Club and the Eugowra Rifle Club on respectively receiving $18,000 and $21,000 in grants funding, which will enhance club equipment and infrastructure to help ensure the ongoing growth and success of shooting sports here in the Orange electorate,” Mr Donato said.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “This funding will play a role in supporting the next generation of Olympians and ensure Australia’s success at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”
For information on the Safe Shooting Program and the list of grant recipients, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/safe-shooting-program
Term 1, Week 8 Assembly. Acknowledgment of Country by Stella Neville.
The entrance of the cross, candles and Brass Heart by Clare Gorton, Holly Purcival, Immy Ousby, and Cooper Holloway (pictured).
College Captains Ruby Arnott and Lachlan Kupkee congratulated our students on their strong commitment to our community.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, further outlined Council’s position on the proposed facility. “We are pleased to see progress on this important project and support the principle of the Parkes Energy Recovery facility, as part of a sustainable waste management solution for the future”.
On Tuesday 18 March, Councillors and the Council’s Executive Management Team met with representatives from Parkes Energy Recovery, a consortium led by Tribe Infrastructure Group, to discuss their proposed Parkes Energy Recovery facility in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct (Parkes Precinct).
Parkes Energy Recovery (PER) will leverage proven technology from global leader, Kanadevia Inova, to turn waste into electricity, which will power homes, businesses and industries across NSW. The proposed facility will divert an estimated 600,000 tonnes of waste per annum from landfill and generate at least 60 megawatts of energy – enough to power 80,000 homes per year.
The anticipated capital investment is $1.5 billion, making this the largest single investment in the history of Parkes.
Parkes Energy Recovery is a group of companies led by Tribe Infrastructure Group (Tribe) and including Tadweer Group, HiQ Group (HiQ) and Kanadevia Inova (KVI).
They have been selected by the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation (RGDC) who are delivering the Parkes Precinct, after a market process to identify a developer which included scrutinising the consortium and the technology offered.
The consortium will now begin the process of wide community engagement and the planning and environmental approvals process for the facility that it will design, fund, own and operate on land leased from RGDC. This will include rigorous planning and environmental approvals with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). Parkes Energy Recovery will produce technical studies as part of its development approval, ensuring any technology adheres to high standards for human and ecosystem health.
Council encourages residents to participate in upcoming community engagement opportunities led by Parkes Energy Recovery. For information on the proposed facility, visit www.parkesenergy.com.au email info@parkesenergy.com.au or call 02 8405 7915.
The new faces of the 2025 Parkes Picnic Races.
Parkes Picnic Races: Introducing the 2025 Parkes Picnic Races Committee:
President Tim Keith, Vice Presidents Ann Olson and Ian Brown, Secretary Tricia Trim, Treasurer Robyn Hawke, Executive Members Christine Somers, Stafford Orange, Mark Olson, Kelly Spedding, Kathryn Blackstock, Fiona Glasheen, Sommer Bishop, Elissa Amor, Gai Smith. Absent from photo, Tiffany Steel, Ian Brown.
Forbes Shire Council: We need your help to choose a name for the new Spooner Oval Grandstand, expected to be completed by September 2025. Jump onto the link below to add your suggestions, photos or comments to the idea board. You can also vote on other suggestions. https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/spooner-oval-grandstand-naming
Cancer Council NSW: Could you host a morning tea to support Aussies with cancer? Register now to host and event and you’ll receive a free host kit to help make your morning tea amazing. Your host kit comes packed full of goodies including: beautiful decorations, games and activities, and a delicious recipe to try. You can register today and join the fun: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
NSW Farmers: NSW Farmers is proud to join rural leaders in launching a new appeal for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in Australian agriculture. We are calling on the Australian Government to invest in $50 million over five years to address the rural mental health crisis. View our statement: https://bit.ly/4iyLqeP Read more about the coalition: https://bit.ly/43P22KQ If you or anyone you know, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or access other services for mental health support at https://nff.org.au/mental-health-resources/
Parkes Shire Council: Only two weeks left to share your thoughts on the Draft Parkes Airport Masterplan! We want to hear from you, so check out the plan and let us know what you think. Your feedback matters! Submit your comments by 5pm on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. Together, we can shape the future. Find out more at: bit.ly/3QJDdrY
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes: Time is running out to enter the 2025 CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Aboriginal Art Competition. The competition offers a total prize pool of $4,000 to encourage emerging Aboriginal artists to create and share meaningful artwork that shows the rich Aboriginal culture and artistry in our diocese. Paintings are invited from people 15 years and over. Entries close on Monday, 31 March. For more details: https://tinyurl.com/mrck53an
There is just two weeks left to enter the CCWF Aboriginal Art Competition.
The majority of the Mamma Mia cast at a recent rehearsal.
Tickets have gone on sale for the eagerly anticipated production of Mamma Mia and by all accounts, this is going to be another hit for Parkes M&D Society.
The show is led by two powerhouse voices, Kimberley Ryan playing Donna and Maddi Collits in the role of Sophie, but that’s not the only talent on stage.
Cue Shev Brown as the irrepressible Tanya, Cath Welsh as the zany Rosie, Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott playing Architect Sam, Greg Ballantyne as the intrepid traveller, Bill, Aaron Kingham as Headbanger Harry and Matt Prow returns to the Parkes stage to play Sophie’s love interest, Sky.
Supporting the lead cast is Gracie Townsend playing Ali and newcomers, Thomas Glastonbury as Pepper, Loki Ramsay as Eddie, and Annabella Brown as Lisa.
Backed by an immensely talented band led by Anthony Leonard and an all singing and dancing ensemble second to none, Mamma Mia promises to be something very special.
Many have seen Mamma Mia in professional theatres, but this production will have a few surprises in store for audiences – a point of difference for the Parkes production. Audiences will feel like they are right there on the Greek island of Kalokairi.
Mamma Mia opens on 3 May and runs until 25 May. Tickets can be purchased online at www.parkesmandd.com.au or you can purchase them from box office at the theatre on any Sunday between 10.30am – 12pm. Don’t miss out – tickets are selling fast!
Assembly: The entrance of the cross, candles and Brass Heart by Cooper Holloway, Blake Reeves, Clare Gorton and Camille Murru.
Girls age swimming champions: 12/13 years Zoe Field, 14 years Amelia Grayson, 15 years Rosie Hurford, 16 years Jessie Tyack, 17+ years Ruby Jones.
Boys age swimming champions: 12/13 years Ollie Keane, 14 years Charlie Smith, 15 years Jedd Smith, 16 years Oscar McGill, 17+ years Max Reid.
The Parkes Potters at the last Homegrown Parkes event.
Homegrown Parkes is back for 2025, providing an opportunity for visitors and locals to fill their Saturday in Parkes with plenty of good food and local produce next Saturday, 29 March between 9am and 2pm in Cooke Park.
Homegrown Parkes provides an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community.
Demonstrations will again be one of the highlights of the 2025 events, highlighting processes for using locally produced food and products, with the aim of encouraging locals to grow produce in their own backyard.
The Homegrown Parkes Committee consists of members of Central West Lachlan Landcare, Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council.
If you are interested in joining the Homegrown Parkes events, make sure you follow their social media, check out their website: centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/get-involved/homegrown-parkes/ or contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053 or via email homegrownparkes@gmail.com The Homegrown Parkes spring event will be held on Saturday, 11 October.