When the curtains draw tomorrow for the opening night of Les Miserables at the Little Theatre in Parkes the production will not only be testimony to local talent, but also be a first for audience members with a hearing impairment.

The production, based on the acclaimed Victor Hugo novel, will feature subtitles and captions to make it an enjoyable experience for more people.

“It is great for people with disabilities – especially the hearing impaired,” said Currajong Disability Services client Rhyse Forrestal. “It’s a positive step in the right direction.”

Rhyse, an experienced thespian in local productions, will once again be on stage playing three roles. “I play a convict, a drunk and a beggar,” said Rhyse. “I even get to sing a very short solo too.”

For Rhyse it’s all about making a quality inclusive production and living out his dream of one day becoming a fulltime actor. “I was inspired by Robin Williams growing up. He remains an icon for me. “This production will push me and I am excited by the challenge. I can’t wait for you all to see it!”

Les Miserables is directed by Lyn Townsend and Neil Westcott, and stars local favourites Kimberley Ryan, Aaron Kingham, Andrew Francis, Rachel Westcott and James Whalan.

Australia’s premier aviation event is coming to Parkes for the first time and is set to light up the skies from 20th to 22nd September. This year’s AirVenture Australia event sees the addition of a comprehensive youth aviation engagement program, the first of its kind in regional Australia. For the first time in Australia a group of 25 school students across the Central West and Australia, including ten from Parkes, will build a BushCat aircraft from a kit as a team.

Remarkably, the aircraft will be built within seven days and take its maiden flight in the event’s airshow on Sunday, 22nd September. “Numerous high quality applications have been received,” said AirVenture Australia’s Director David Young. “We had a tough time selecting the successful applicants.

It’s really overwhelming to see so much interest in the work experience program from future aviation professionals.”

The event will also feature a separate, but extensive day long aviation careers and STEM engagement program. The program includes six, hour long programs with students selecting four to complete. With activities ranging from airfoil construction and software coding to aerodynamics, students will benefit from a broad exposure to industry occupations and concepts.

The program will have access to a full motion flight simulator to give aspiring pilots the opportunity to experience simulated flight with a flight instructor guiding them.

“We expect that in excess of 150 year 8 to 12 students from Central West NSW will attend and participate,” said David.

For more information on all the events at AirVenture Australia, including the high energy air show on 22nd September, visit www.airventureaustralia.com.au

La Bella Medispa Parkes made a clean sweep at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards last month taking out Australian Clinic of the Year and NSW Clinic of the year, while founder Rebecca Miller won Business Leader/Director of the year.

It was a magical moment for Rebecca Miller and her business partner Jess Galvin, surrounded by their team and best of the best in the beauty industry.

In accepting her award Rebecca told the story of her recent head shave in support of Connie Johnson and raising $25,000.

More than 70 community members attended the inaugural Coffee with a Caseworker in Parkes last week.

“It was a wonderful success in bringing the community together for Child Protection Week,” said Brenda Hart Senior Caseworker at the Parkes Community Service Centre.

“We hope to make this an annual event for Parkes to keep the importance of supporting children and families in our community’s minds and conversations.”

Roasted Kombi Café owners, Darrin Gibson, Deborah Mitchell and Kelvin Rowe welcomed the event and hosted caseworkers from the Department of Communities and Justice who interacted with the public.

The purpose of the event was to create an opportunity for community members, local service providers and caseworkers to meet up, enjoy a coffee and chat about the importance of child protection and our role within that.

National Child Protection Week is coordinated by NAPCAN starting on Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September. The aim of the week is to engage members of the community in supporting families and protecting children.

This year the focus was on introducing a ‘child development’ communication frame to promote the messages that: kids do well when parents are supported; and to raise thriving kids, parents need support to navigate life’s choppy waters.

The kids had fun and the adults gained new knowledge at the first ever Community Health Open Day held at Parkes Hospital on Tuesday.

Just over 50 community members turned up for a day of fun activities in the sun with the focus on kids. Children could complete a treasure hunt, while doing various activities including an obstacle course with the physiotherapists dressed as Minions, craft activities, different games and some handouts.

About ten different services were represented including mental and oral health, occupational, speech and physiotherapy, dietician, social work, psychology, family health and community-based nursing.

“It went quite well,” said Community and Allied Health Manager Kath Gleeson. “The kids enjoyed the various activities, and some adults even received some impromptu consultations.”

She said from feedback received it was clear they could have done more to promote the day in the community. “It was a good start and definitely worthwhile. Our staff enjoyed it as much as the community members.”

Kath thanked Northparkes Mines for a grant that enabled them to print a calendar to further promote the services offered by Community Health.

If you think a day of grazing, tasting and meandering through vineyards to savour delectable organic food and wine sounds like an itinerary item for a trip around Tuscany, you are on the wrong continent!

Cowra Tourism will be running half day guided Wine & Forage Tours of the Cowra local wine region this spring giving you the opportunity to experience the very best of local organic food and wine.

Antonio D’Onise of Antonio’s Vineyard, formerly Gardener’s Ground, kicks off the tour with a wine ‘treasure’ wander through his vineyard to not only fill up on very interesting facts about organic and vegan wines, but also taste his latest imaginative shiraz and chardonnay releases.

Taking over from Antonio is Sam Statham who takes the group on a wander through Canowindra’s first organic vineyard and farm at Rosnay. Along the way there is a tasting table with a range of some delightful fig and olive products.

The last stop is at Wallington Wines, a family owned and operated organic and biodynamic farm producing grapes and olives just outside Canowindra, with its unique straw bale cellar door. Sitting under the pergola tasting the Bald Hill wines with breathtaking views over the valley, while lunch is being prepared in the wood fire pizza oven, it is easy to imagine yourself in Tuscany…

The 2019 Cowra Wine & Forage Tours will run from Saturday, 14th September and will be available throughout Spring.

Tickets are $80 per person. Contact the Cowra Visitor Information Centre on 6342 4333 or book online via www. visitcowra. com.au/wineandforage.

By Maggi Barnard