Last Friday’s Colour Run was a blast. We loved seeing everyone covered in vibrant colours and smiles from ear to ear.
It’s always wonderful to bring the community together, and this event couldn’t have been a success without the incredible support from our local heroes.
Here’s to a fabulous end of Term 3 and a bright start to Term 4.
Farming communities across NSW are encouraged to stay alert to fire risks as the state’s rural Bush Fire Danger Period begins today.
NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee member Garry Grant said the danger period is set to be in force until at least 31 March, with landholders urged to remain vigilant.
“If you’re planning on lighting an open fire anytime soon, it’s also critical that you seek a Fire Permit and notify your local fire authorities and neighbours well before you burn.
“Awareness, preparedness and communication will be key to stopping bushfires in their tracks this summer, so we can all stay safe.”
Residents in rural communities across the state are encouraged to prepare themselves for this year’s bushfire season, Mr Grant said, with a few simple measures critical to ensuring safety during a bushfire event.
“Downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app is an easy way to stay up to date with fires that are in your region or other regions if you’re travelling around the state this summer,” Mr Grant said.
“Bushfires always spread faster than we think they will, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Pictured front and centre on Launch day at the Cooke Park Pavillion was Michael McCormack MP.
It’s time to get all shook up—Parkes Elvis Festival is back for 2025! Running from 8–12 January, the 32nd annual festival will pay tribute to Elvis with a groovy 1960’s Easy Come, Easy Go theme, offering fans a packed program of concerts, dancing, markets, and a few surprises along the way.
More than 25,000 Elvis lovers are expected to shake, rattle, and roll into Parkes, NSW, making it the largest celebration of The King in the Southern Hemisphere.
Australia’s official Elvis hometown will once again come alive with festival favourites like the Evolution Mining Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, bustling markets, and electrifying performances on the Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage.
A major highlight of 2025 will be the launch of the Gates of Graceland, a full-sized replica of the iconic Graceland gates, located at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. This beautiful new attraction will honour key contributors to the festival, with stars also commemorating the winners of the Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Festival founders Bob and Anne Steel will be the first to be officially recognised at the gates for their pivotal role in establishing the event.
Festival goers can look forward to stunning outdoor installations, including Under Our Umbrella, a vibrant 250-metre canopy of colourful umbrellas providing shade and a perfect photo op, and Vivid Elvis, a nightly lighting display illuminating the main drag.
Staying connected will be easier than ever with the new mobile app.
Joel Ulbricht, Festival Producer, said, “Each year we work to capture the essence of Elvis, and the 2025 Festival will be no different. This year’s program offers something for everyone.”
Tickets went on sale Monday 23 September for Parkes League Club shows and 2pm Tuesday 24 September for all other events, at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
Parkes Shire Council is excited to announce the F-ABBA-LOUS lineup for the 2024 Trundle ABBA Festival, set to return on Saturday 19 October 2024. As Australia’s only and original ABBA festival, this year’s event will feature a spectacular array of performances that will have fans dancing the afternoon and night away.
Headlining the festival is the world-renowned ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again.
These super troupers are back by popular demand after their sensational performance last year.
The festival will be hosted by Tristan MacManus, best known for his five-season stint on Dancing with The Stars, a co-host of Studio 10 and runner-up on this year’s “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”.
Joining the lineup are:
• Furnace and the Fundamentals. Prepare to dance like never before with Furnace and the Fundamentals, a six-piece band described as “humanity’s most exhilarating dance party,” these Sydney showmen will deliver an unforgettable party set filled with the greatest songs of all time.
• Disco Revolution. Step back into the glittering world of the 70s with Disco Revolution, a seven-piece show band that reignites the disco flame with passion and flair.
• Andante Andante Choir. For a touch of nostalgia and harmony, the Andante Andante Choir will take the stage to perform ABBA’s most beloved hits.
• DJ Diggz. Adding a modern twist to the festival, DJ Diggz will keep the party going with his infectious dance and pop beats.
This year’s festival marks the 10th anniversary of Trundle ABBA Festival and the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s historic Eurovision win with “Waterloo.” Join us for a day of music and magic of ABBA in the charming regional town of Trundle. For information visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au
Thanks to the equine and music stars, the 2024 Parkes Carnival Of Cups was a massive success.
Great tunes from The Living End, Shannon Noll, Sara Berki, Robbie Mortimer and Michael Green.
The amazing night that saw a record crowd at the Parkes Harness Racing Club. Thanks to all involved.
The awning at Forbes Station was trimmed by 300mm and the track was slewed laterally by more than half a metre during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.
After more than 100 hours of round-the-clock activity, Inland Rail has completed a gruelling schedule of work which puts the Stockinbingal to Parkes section well on the path towards completion.
Starting last Saturday, 13 September, at 6am and finishing on Thursday 19 September, at 10am, teams from Inland Rail and principal contractor Martinus Rail completed work at four key sites during a 100-hour shut down of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goobang Junction.
To get this work finished on time, up to 240 rail workers across the four sites completed shifts which began ahead of the shutdown and finished after the line reopened.
James Kennedy, Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes (A2P), Inland Rail, said “The work we have carried out this week can only be done safely when the line is closed.
“Safety is our highest priority and so we make the most of the two available track possessions which take place each year.
“To do that we undertake rigorous and methodical planning, working hand in hand with Martinus Rail, to ensure we complete our work and return the line to the operators on time.
“I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while we carried out these construction tasks.”Treaven Martinus, Martinus Rail CEO and founder, said “The successful completion of this super possession is a testament to the dedication and planning of both the Inland Rail and Martinus teams.
“Across multiple locations, from the installation of turnouts to extensive earthworks and track formation reconstruction, every task was executed with safety and efficiency as our top priorities.
“We are grateful for the community’s support and patience.
“Martinus remains steadfast in our mission to deliver this landmark project safely, effectively, and with a focus on creating lasting value for Australia’s future.”
A tamper packs down the ballast supporting the newly installed rails at the Wyndham Avenue road bridge, where the rail line was lowered by two metres during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.
Timmy Duke in swing – where did that go?
The Men’s golf competition on Saturday was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Forbes Concrete. The field of 69 relished the warm and sunny conditions, leading to low scores.
In the A-Grade Terry Griffiths did a repeat to both win a medal and have the same score as last month. His 68 nett was achieved with a new putter. Runner-up was Peter Dawson who was chasing Terry fast but his 69 nett was one shot adrift.
B-Grade was won by Peter Barnes with his 68 nett. His changes to his swing style, required after a lingering injury, seems to be working well. A little way adrift was Paul Pymont with a classic 72 nett. No dramas, just good steady golf.
C-Grade Medal was won by Archie Quirk, another repeat performance. He finished on 70 nett on c/b, and while he was Runner-up for the vouchers the winner was not eligible for the Medal. The unfortunate winner of the voucher was Adrian Cole who did the best in the field to score a nett 67.
The NTP’s were: 9th Steve Betland; 18th Steve Grallelis. The Pro Shop Super pin went to Todd Callaghan, finishing a comfortable 277cm away. The ball sweep to 74 nett on count back.
This weekend is the Labour Day Weekend, which brings some fun in the form of a ‘Canadian Foursomes’ event on Saturday.
Stableford Medleys are available on both Sunday and Monday.
A reminder that the Club Championships start on Sat Oct 12, with four rounds to be played on Sat and Sunday across two weekends. There are Daily comp prizes.
By Short Putt
Henry played at number 1 in the NSW Under 15 Boys Division 1 team and had some tough matches against quality opponents from all around Australia. He saved 11 Championship points to become the National Champion.
Well done Henry! Photo credit: Rogue Gun PhotographyAlso representing the 2024 NSW Bluetongues was Jay Cross who has stepped up to Head Coach to see the team through AJC. Max Jones – NSW Division 2 Under 15 Boys team and Cooper Jones – NSW Division 2 Under 13 Boys team.
Members of the Parkes Branch NSW Nurses and Midwives Association pictured in the main street of Parkes trying to rally support an increase in pay.
NSW Public Health is in the midst of a staffing crisis, which is why you may have seen members of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, gathered on Tuesday morning in the main street of Parkes from 10am to 12pm. These members were part of an organised strike that also took place at various locations across the state.
Our nurses and midwives are burnt-out and exhausted. Shockingly, NSW nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in Australia, with other states paying nurses a significant 18 per cent more. NSW nurses are asking the NSW government for an immediate 15 per cent pay increase, so they can afford to stay in the professions and the towns they love.
Tracy Boney, President of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said: “We love our profession, we care, we want to make a difference for our patients and our communities.”
Tracy wants people to know that they aren’t just striking for more money. The increase in pay will also help with other worrying factors such as unsafe staffing levels, nurse to patient ratios and staff retention.
“We are living in 2024 on 2008 wages,” said Tracy, who is outraged that NSW has lost around 16,000 nurses last year alone.
To show your support for our amazing nurses and midwives, go to: https://www.nswnma.asn.au/campaigns/ratios4nsw/
Jordan is pictured here handing Leo our donation with his inspiring mum Nikki.
Parkes Services Club: On Sunday morning Parkes Services staff Jordan and Chloe attended a charity event in support of Little Wings and Leo Doyle. Leo was diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy in April 2023 at six years of age. Leo’s medical needs are quite extensive and he is unable to receive the care he requires close to home. Parkes Services Club were more than proud to donate $1,000 to this heartwarming cause, with the hope that others who are able, can support the journey of Little Wings and Leo. Learn more about Leo’s story at https://rarevoices.org.au/personal-story/leos-story
Forbes Toy Library: Committee meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 25th September, Forbes Golf Club. If you’ve been interested to join the Toy Library Committee please join us. All welcome.
PCYC Safer Driver Courses: Shave 20 hours off your log book and learn essential road safety while you’re at it. Courses will be held in Forbes on 30th September with fully funded places available. Contact Forbes Shire Council directly for voucher codes to use at the check out. Then in Parkes on 10th October 10th. Book at www.pcycdrivereducation.org.au
Boys To The Bush: Dust off those fishing rods and get ready to cast a line, all while supporting young and at-risk boys in need.
Boys to the Bush has hooked a great catch, hosting the inaugural catch and release fishing competition at the picturesque Lake Burrinjuck on 16th and 17th November. It will be a great chance to gather the family or a few friends and enjoy two wonderful days of fishing. And the best part? All money raised will go towards supporting boys in our programs. Register at: https://boys-to-the-bush-woolgarlo-fishing-competition.raiselysite.com/
Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations: We have some amazing local businesses and food vans ready to feed the crowds next Saturday. Stay tuned for our food van lineup dropping this Friday. Don’t forget to secure your free tickets at: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44118/northparkes-cheers-to-30-years-festival
Forbes Town & District Tennis Club: What a fantastic day! A massive thank you to all the sponsors, auctioneers and those who attended the Charity Day for Leo Doyle and Little Wings on Sunday, 22nd September. It was a huge success, and on behalf of Forbes Town & District Tennis Club and the Doyle Family we say thank you to our community for their generosity and heartfelt support.
A big shout out to everyone who helped out in any way.