Excitement for the 2022 Parkes Show received a major boost this week with the announcement of a $4 million allocation for the new main pavilion.

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway was in Parkes on Wednesday to announce the $4,046,020 grant from the latest round of the COVID-19 showground stimulus program.

“I never thought I’d see this ‘pipe dream’ of 15 to 20 years come to fruition in my life time,” said President of the Parkes PA & H Peter Unger. He said the plan was to have the new pavilion of 80m by 20m including a function room, commercial kitchen, toilets and showers, ready for next year’s show. “It is going to be fantastic,” said Chairman of the Parkes Showground Land Manager Tim O’Brien.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said apart from hosting the largest individual exhibition outside of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the new facility would be available for a range of other activities, such as Elvis events, weddings, trade shows and more. Project Manager Nathan Weeks of Lyons Advantage said the demolition of the old pavilions would start by the end of August after a proper heritage recording of the nearly century old main pavilion had been completed. He said the tender process for the building of the new pavilion would also be set in motion. The Show Society received a grant of over $200,000 earlier this year for the demolition of the old pavilions.

By Maggi Barnard

The winners of the prestigious astrophotography competition of the Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS) were announced during a special online presentation on Saturday.

The overall winner of the ‘David Malin Awards’ is Marley Butler from Western Australia with his beautiful nightscape image called Between a Rock and Outer Space.

Entries came from all over the country for the seven categories: Deep Sky, Wide-Field, Solar System, Nightscapes, Animat-ed Sequences (Scientific and Aesthetic), and Junior.

Two photographers from Bathurst represented the Central West. Niall MacNeill received honourable mentions for two entries, while another two of his images received a highly commended. Rodney Watters received an honourable mention.

Known as the highest level astrophotography awards and premier competition of its kind in Australia, the annual competition is judged by a panel of three distinguished Australian astrophotographers namely Peter Ward, Phil Hart and Alex Cherney, who are all previous winners of the David Malin Awards, and numerous other national and international astrophotography competitions. Dr David Malin then judged the Over-all Winner from the list of these winners, as the best in show.

It was not just technical skill that was assessed – prizes were awarded to pictures that are technically excellent and captured the beauty of the sky and the intrinsic interest of astronomy in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

“The high quality of the images is a testament to the outstanding skills and talents of Australian astrophotographers”, said Astro-Fest organiser John Sarkissian.

Celestron Australia supported the competition with online gift voucher prizes valued at $10,000. Will Godward, National Sales Manager for Celestron Australia said: “Astrophotography is regarded as the hardest genre of all photography. The dedication and level of professionalism that is shown by these astrophotographers should be awarded and celebrated.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the permanent exhibition of the winning images at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitor’s Centre, will be officially opened when the restrictions are eased. It will remain on show for one year. The second touring exhibition, organised by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, will travel to selected venues across Australia, beginning with Sydney Observatory in October.

See the back page of today’s issue for the print category winners, and to view all the winning images and animations, visit: http://www.cwas.org.au/

After following his passion almost every day for the past 30 years, local photographer Marc Payne received great recognition recently.

One of his works was selected in the Top 101 portrait photographs of the year from 948 entries from all over the world.

Marc entered three portrait studies in the International Portrait Photographer of the Year 2021 competition with two photos getting over 80%. His portrait study of Dusty was included in the Top 101.

“It is an honour to be recognised with some of the best portrait photographers,” said Marc, who learned a lot about portrait studies from the late Jim Buckley, who owned a photo shop in Parkes.

According to Australian photographer, known internationally for his landscape photography, and chairman of judges in the competition, Peter Eastway, the main aim of the competition was to be selected in the Top 101 and be published in the exclusive annual book.

“That’s why we put more emphasis on being in the Top 101 as there is plenty of room for a variety of tastes, approaches and styles. And any of the Top 101 photographs could be a prize winner on the day.”

Marc said it all started with his older brother David, who introduced him to photography when he was looking for something for his art unit at school. “He is also a landscape photographer and we still do a lot together and go on road trips. I think we both got our ability from our late father Alan who was a very talented cartoonist.

“I used to draw cartoons and would zone out from everything around me. That is why landscape photography is my passion as I can zone out in nature with no one around me, destress and relax.”

He said his love of nature first started watching David Attenborough documentaries when growing up, and his passion for landscape and nature photography, including Astro photography, has since taken him all over the world. “I’ve travelled extensively, mostly to Europe and Asia with Nepal one of my favourite destinations.”

In 2008 Marc entered a portrait of a Nepalese girl in a US-based competition and he ended up in the top three.

“My main goal for entering competitions is to score well and get feedback from the judges.”

He said the feedback on his entries in the International Portrait Photographer of the Year competition was all very positive with the judges remarking on his old school or traditional style of portraiture.

Marc met Dusty through a mutual friend, and “after a few beers I asked if he would sit for me as he had an interesting face with a lot of character. At the time I never thought it would be a winning photo.”

He used his Sony at the time, but has since switched back to a Fuji medium format camera. Marc has his own studio at home and prints his own photos too.

Marc, who is painter and decorator by trade, describes his love of photography as an addiction. “I have to go out and shoot at least four times or more per week. A day without taking a photo does not feel complete.”

By Maggi Barnard

Musicians from Parkes and further afield joined up last week for a nationwide initiative to record a beautiful Indigenous piece of music.

Musicians and singers from all over Australia are recording ‘Morning Star, Evening Star’ as part of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Online Orchestra – the country’s largest virtual orchestra.

This year’s piece of music for this annual event, is a newly commissioned song written by Yugambeh songwoman and Indigenous Ethnomusicologist Candace Kruger, with co-writers Lann Levinge and Isobella Kruger. Morning Star, Evening Star is based on an Aboriginal lullaby sung by Lottie Eaton [nee Levigne] to Candace and Lann, and tells the story of two stars seen in the Australian skies.

Members of the Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) and Forbes Shire Concert Band, as well as local string players from Parkes, Trundle and Eugowra were delighted to be part of the initiative, with Parkes High School student Hannah Dun singing. PSCB’s Duncan Clement was conducting, and Darren Mann did the recording.

“All musicians involved have been greatly encouraged by the opportunity to play and sing such beautiful music together,” said one of the organisers, Pam Parkin. “It is always a lot of fun to play music in a bigger group, and to be able to do so with a piece of music which describes the beauty of our Australian skies so well, was a real treat.”

The group plan to perform Morning Star, Evening Star at the NAIDOC celebrations at the Wirdadjuri Amphitheatre next Saturday, 10th July, depending on the COVID restrictions on the day.

A newcomer at Parkes East Public School has not only gained instant popularity, but has also done wonders for the general level of well being of students, staff and parents. Nixon, a fully trained guide dog, joined the school about five weeks ago in the role of therapy dog to help support students.

“We can already see the impact he is having,” said Principal Michael Ostler, who has a special rug in his office where Nixon can take a break when he is tired.

“He is very attentive and acts as a circuit breaker for students with anxiety. They come and give him a cuddle or stroke him, and it has a calming effect.”

Michael said the two-year old white Labrador did get weary after doing the rounds in the classrooms. In the beginning the kids got very excited when they saw him, but they’ve had some training about how to respond to Nixon and they are getting used to having him around.

Michael said he had even noticed the benefits for himself spending time with Nixon. “He has absolutely improved my well being too.”

The idea of getting a therapy dog for the school came from assistant principal Claire Mackenzie. “I’m an animal lover and after doing some research found out about the benefits of having a therapy dog to further support kids with special needs in addition to what we’re already doing.

“Nixon benefits all students by providing companionship and support that is non-judgemental. The overall well being in the school has already improved so much and when he enters a classroom there are smiles and happiness everywhere. The students feel calm when he’s around – the response has been unbelievable, and the kids are all very positive.”

It was quite a lengthy process, with the disruption of the COVID pandemic, to get a therapy dog, but Claire said when Nixon arrived at school it was just the best feeling. She said the response from parents had also been very positive. “It’s truly the best idea ever! My daughter is so happy about it, well done Parkes East,” wrote one parent on the school’s Facebook page.

Claire was disappointed she could not provide a home for Nixon outside school hours, but another teacher has offered to take on the role. Nixon is now the property of the school, and the students are planning to do some fundraising in support of him.

Parkes East is the first school in Parkes to get a therapy dog, while Trundle Central School has had one for a while called Nugget, who is Nixon’s brother. The only other school in the region to have a therapy dog is Bathurst West Public School, according to Michael.

Trained dogs are in high demand from Guide Dogs NSW, and Michael said they felt very fortunate to have been able to get one.

By Maggi Barnard

It’s easy to think the topic of sustainability has been exhausted, but the ‘Breaking Down’ Sustainability Workshop last Wednesday inspired attendees to make further changes in their personal lives.

Presenters Hannah Farrant-Jayet, Michael Chambers and Sue Clarke had some shocking and gloomy statistics of the devastation of our natural world, but also offered hope and encouragement of what each of us can do to help the planet heal.

Hannah focused on the big issues affecting the planet by looking at the three pillars of sustainability, namely economic viability, environmental protection and social equity, and how we need all three to achieve lasting prosperity.

She also focused on the crisis of biodiversity, especially on Australia’s dismal record with 59% of surviving species rated as threatened.

Michael offered some lesser known practical solutions of how each of us can be more sustainable in how we live. Some of these included using our voting power, moving to a more fruit and vegetable-based diet with less meat, buying pre-owned clothes from opp shops, online market places or looking for ethical fashion brands.

An easy one is planting more native species in our gardens, buy paper with the FSC label, take part in citizen science projects, buy 100% recycled toilet paper, start a worm farm and invest ethically.

“We have to keep it simple and take little steps at a time,” said Sue Clarke from Netwaste. “Our lives are busy, and it is easier to shut down about climate change, than take action.”

By Maggi Barnard

The mouse plague has not only been devastating for farmers and households, but the pesticides are sadly starting to take its toll on wildlife.

More than 100 galahs have been found dead at the Parkes cemetery where a large flock roosts in the trees, while over 200 dead birds have been reported in Forbes over the past month.

WIRES volunteer in Parkes, Kelly Lacey said it was not only galahs, but also cockatoos and corellas affected by mouse bait. Parkes vet Daryl Elphick said he has had to treat numerous household cats and dogs since the outbreak of the plague.

“I have looked after hundreds of injured birds over the past five years through my work with WIRES, and the current situation is very hard for me. It is just devastating,” said Kelly.

The bird deaths lead to an investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) around Forbes, Parkes, Dubbo, Narromine, Condobolin and the Riverina. Toxicology results have confirmed some of the bird deaths were caused by baits.

“The EPA understands regional communities are facing a difficult situation and that everyone needs to keep their families, community and the environment safe, and that the need to control these mice to protect homes, families, pets, properties and wildlife is paramount,” said EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Carmen Dwyer.

She did call on the community though to use pesticides very carefully. “To keep the families, community, wildlife and the environment safe, registered pesticides should only be used according to directions on the label.

“The safe baiting of mice is an important step in reducing mice numbers and pesticide users must make sure they handle baits safely and are careful to always follow the directions on the label to protect their family, neighbours, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment from harm.”

Carmen said mixing and blending pesticides could seriously impact health, family and pets. “Please only use pesticides as directed on the label.”

“Grain eating birds can be impacted after eating the pesticide coated grain,” Carmen said. The Parkes vet said he had to treat a dog two weeks ago who had eaten a dead swan that had eaten pesticide covered grain.

“Our advice is to think carefully about where the bait is being placed, and only use the recommended amount of bait,” Carmen said.

Kelly said when the birds eat the poisoned grain, they started to bleed internally and there was not much that could be done for them. She cautioned the community to not touch sick or dead wildlife. “They produce a toxic gas in the stomach that is poisonous to humans too.”

Kelly is very concerned about the NSW government’s announcement of the distribution of 10,000 litres of bromadiolone as part of a $50 million mouse control package. “If the bromadiolone is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, it will kill a lot more wildlife, including all reptiles.”

If there are more than five dead animals of the same species, please make a report to the EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line.

If you suspect a family member has been affected by a pesticide product, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Anyone with a concern, knowledge of an incident involving pesticide misuse or seeking further information can contact the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.

The 47 entries into this year’s Waste to Art competition and exhibition have not only given the three judges a very tough task to pick the winners, but also look particularly well on display in a gallery setup in the newly refurbished Coventry Room.

Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton opened the exhibition on Monday night and told the packed venue the imagination of the entrants had astounded her. “The thought that has gone into each piece, and the physical making of it, is just wonderful.”

She said feedback from the three judges, Bill Jayet, Margot Jolly and Michael Chambers, was that the quality of entries had given them a headache in deciding on the winners. “They also commented on the artistry and talent of the entrants, and how well the pieces had been displayed in the exhibition.”

The theme for this year was steel and aluminium cans, and the winner of the yearly theme prize is Meredith Barber for her piece called Patio Flowers. She also won the Community 3D category with this piece.

The Special Category – Scrap Metal prize went to Helen Standen for Bloody Linen Dresses. She also won the Open 3D category with this entry.

Other category winners are: Middleton Public School (Building Sculpture 2D – Barugil); Rex Veal (Building Sculpture 3D – Chook RV); Ballantyne Family (Community 2D – Alice’s Garden); Ian Rowe (Communi-ty Functional – Shower of Enlightenment); Elsie Mahon (Open 2D – My Old Cot Quilt); Deb Jones (Open Functional – Scrap Bin Lamp); Blake McMahon (High School 3D – Jeff); Trundle Central School to Work (High School Functional – Time in Chain); Amarni Reidy (Primary 2D – Rainbow Magazine); Elijah Cole (Primary 3D – Viking Ship); and Kelsey Finnegan (Primary Functional – Fruitilicious).

The exhibition is open until 26th June and the winners will go through to the Regional Exhibition hosted by the Coonamble Shire Council.