The vacant block beside the Hong Loch Chinese Restaurant will be converted into an open-air plaza and improve pe-destrian connectivity between Clarinda and Welcome Streets under the new round of funding for the CBD activation.

The Parkes CBD makeover has received more funding to further expand the program that will see the transformation continue to create a vibrant precinct. 

Parkes Shire Council’s successful application resulted in $499,930 in grant funding from the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Program. 

“The CBD is the community’s most important meeting space,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM. “We’ve done a lot of work in recent years to improve the look and feel of the Parkes CBD to make it a more vibrant and welcoming precinct. 

“This next stage will focus on activating the southern end of Clarinda Street, including converting the vacant block beside the Hong Loch Chinese Restaurant into an open-air plaza for public space and improving pedestrian connectivity between Clarinda and Welcome Streets.” 

The works will include surface levelling and sealing, drainage works and landscaping, as well as the installation of new bollards, street furniture and festoon lighting. 

“Outdoor dining is more important than ever as we adjust to the ‘new normal’ way of life with COVID-19. This funding will allow us to construct two additional dining platforms, similar to those at Bella’s Restaurant and Packed Cones Gelato,” the Mayor said. 

The projects will commence this month, with completion expected in February 2023. 

Parkes Christian School wants to maintain a small-school environment and will be limiting class sizes to cap the student numbers at 350.

Parkes Christian School (PCS) continues to experience a high level of growth, so now is the time to secure your enrolment for next year. 

The school currently has more than 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, having grown from around 200 just three years ago. In order to manage this rapid growth, the school is now taking applications for enrolments for 2023 Kindergarten and Year 7 students. 

School Principal Glen Westcott said while the school continued to grow, they also wanted to maintain a small-school environment. “We have made a tough decision to limit our class sizes from this point forward. In Kindergarten, we will only enrol approximately 21 students, and in Year 7 we will only take 50 students, split across two classes.

“Naturally, students who are in Year 6 will automatically be enrolled in Year 7 next year, but for everyone else, the earlier they get their applications in, the better chance they will have of securing a position,” said Glen. 

Parents of students in any year group thinking of enrolling at PCS should also apply as soon as possible, as almost a third of year groups are nearly full.

“We are big enough to have friendly competition in the classroom, all the HSC subjects that other schools offer, sporting teams, school musicals, bands and more, but we are small enough that everyone can be involved and create a really wonderful sense of community,” said Glen.

To find out more contact the school office on 6862 4164, email administration@parkescs.nsw.edu.au or take advantage of the online enrolment application form at www.parkescs.nsw.edu.au/enrolment

Carla Ash received the most votes for her portrait of Elvis in the People’s Choice Award.

Almost 800 people visited the Parkes Painting Group’s exhibition at the Parkes Elvis Festival last month. 

The group had over 120 artworks and about 18 pieces of pottery sculpture for its Elvis-themed exhibition held in the Uniting Church Hall during the festival. Some of the artists’ grandkids also entered works for the exhibition. 

“We had more than double the amount of people this year compared to previous exhibitions at the Elvis Festival with 759 visitors,” said President Kerrie Davies. 

All the visitors cast their vote for the People’s Choice award and Carla Ash from Parkes received the most votes at 130 for her graphite drawing of Elvis she called ‘Are you lonesome tonight?’. 

Carla was very surprised with her win saying she only draws when she has time, but has been inspired to join the Parkes Painting Group. 

Carla’s mum Joan Ash came second with her Elvis portrait she called ‘Reflections’. The third most votes went to Kerrie’s Elvis portrait called ‘In Concert’. 

Kerrie said about 15 paintings were sold, with one going as far as Tasmania. 

“We are very happy with the outcome of our exhibition, and are already planning to go bigger and better next year.”