Young Parkes boy Creed enjoying the street party.

On Sunday May 5th, InKredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barber hosted their fourth annual Flash Bash and Street Party in celebration of their 14th year in business.

The crowds were entertained by local artists, including the fabulous Gracie Denham Jones, and the energetic and easy going Hunter Rawson who also provided the equipment and ran the music on behalf of EJS. Spuddy Buddy and Smoking Brother’s kept everyone well fed and Ems Fancy Faces had the kids happy with some cool face painting!

The tattoo team was flat out, tattooing some of the amazing flash designs they had available on the day.

The team at InKredible would like to thank their wonderful volunteers and sponsors who made the day possible, including: Parkes Shire Council, Bugman, PDF, Visual Apparel, Parkes Caravans, Switch Signs and Tattoo Numbing Cream.

This year was the most successful event to date, raising an impressive $3,000 to be shared between two local mental health charities. There were a number of mental health charities and support services present on the day to provide information and advice regarding mental health.

The InKredible team are passionate about mental health awareness. Please reach out and ask for support if you ever need help, or call into the shop and they will give you information to point you in the right direction. Dates are in the works for May 2025, keep an eye out for more information.

Dolly Everett, who we remember each year on Do it for Dolly Day and her parents, Tick and Kate Everett who are determined no other family should suffer the loss they did.

Dolly Everett was only 14 years old when she tragically took her life in January 2018, following relentless and sustained bullying and cyberbullying. Sadly, six years later the problem is not going away.

A recent report from the eSafety Commissioner has shed light on a troubling trend: cyberbullying is on the rise. There has been a staggering 40% increase in cyberbullying reports. What is particularly worrying is that two-thirds (67%) of these reports were concerning children aged 12-15 years old – just like Dolly – highlighting the vulnerability of young people to online harassment and abuse.

Determined that no other family would suffer from the same devastation, Dolly’s parents Tick and Kate Everett established the anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream. They have committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide, through awareness, education and direct support to young people and families.

“We don’t want other families to ever have to go through the heartache we have experienced. We are proud that Beacon provides easily accessible support and information to families, especially in our rural, regional, and remote communities, that we wish we had,” Kate Everett.

Each year in May thousands of wonderful communities come together to remember Dolly by going blue, donating and participating in fundraising activities to help support the important anti-bullying work of Dolly’s Dream, sharing the message to be kind and speak even if your voice shakes.

To register, donate or to find out more visit www.doitfordollyday.org.au

Sami Bayly is pictured with children who took part in a workshop at Trundle Library.

Parkes Shire Libraries had the pleasure during April school holidays of hosting Illustration Workshops with author and illustrator, Sami Bayly.

Nearly 50 children and young people at Parkes and Trundle Libraries enjoyed hearing some fascinating, fun, and revolting facts from Sami’s vast knowledge of animals, birds and insects. Sami then walked our young library members step by step through the process of illustrating different interesting animals.

Sami’s works include The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals and Creatures of Camouflage and Mimicry. She is also the feature artist for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge promotion.

This was Sami;s very first visit to the Central West and many young fans were excited to meet her, have a photo and have their books autographed. Call in to Parkes and Trundle Libraries to borrow Sami’s beautifully illustrated Junior Non Fiction books.

One young person who attended commented that the workshops were “very unique and gave a lot of information about what is in the world.” Another said “My favourite part of the activity was hearing the disgusting stories, but I didn’t think they were disgusting!”

Sami commented that she had a fun and joyous trip to Parkes and Trundle and will be sure to visit again. “I really had a wonderful time!” she said.

These illustration workshops were generously funded by NSW Office of Regional Youth for the benefit of young people in regional and remote communities. Keep an eye out for more children and youth activities hosted by Parkes Shire Libraries.

Country Education Foundation of Australia Manager of Partnerships, Hilary Matchett, second from the left, with CEF alumni, from left to right, Matthew Moorse, Kadee Gerhard-Scali and Laura Mannes, who are studying at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has made it possible for dozens of aspiring country university students to experience a university campus, with a fully subsidised trip to Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga as part of its Explore Day on Tuesday 19th March.

Twenty-five students, including four from Parkes High School, four from Forbes High School and four from Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes, took advantage of the opportunity given to them by the CEF, which covered their costs for transport, accommodation, and meals, thanks to funding from its partnership with Charles Sturt University.

Students were collected from Parkes, Forbes, Grenfell, Young and Cootamundra and transported to Wagga Wagga to learn about the university, the courses it offers, and the benefits of studying in a regional area.

CEF Manager of Partnerships Hilary Matchett, who organised the trip, said its aim was to build motivation and aspiration for students from targeted areas and to keep them engaged with exploring their tertiary study opportunities.

“It is important to deliver these sorts of opportunities for students in our regions, as with the rising cost of living, travelling to university events, such as an Explore Day, can have many barriers for a regional student,” she said.

“Students thoroughly enjoyed seeing learning facilities, learning about application processes, accommodation and scholarships, going on campus tours and hearing from current students about studying at a regional university.”

The university’s partnership with CEF demonstrated its commitment to improving access to university for rural and regional students.

Photo of cast after rehearsing an orphan scene last Sunday. Photo credit Ruth Crowley.

Experience the beloved story of Little Orphan Annie as brought to life by the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society. Prepare to be enchanted by this timeless tale, offering a new generation the opportunity to embrace the essence of resilience and hope.

Annie presents a captivating musical journey, featuring an unforgettable score including classics like “It’s A Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.,” the poignant “Maybe,” and the ever-optimistic anthem “Tomorrow.”

In 2005, Annie was the first non-original musical Lyn Townsend directed. 19 years on, and she is once again directing this perennial favourite. Neil Westcott is Musical Director, promising a tight, entertaining music score, with choreography by the talented Gracie Townsend

The 2024 production of Annie has a cast of 45, including 16 orphans. Lexi Herden plays the irrepressible Annie with the perfect mix of poise and spunk. Joining her is Hannah Farrant Jayet as Grace, Andrew Francis as Oliver (Daddy) Warbucks, Ruth Barnes as Miss Hannigan, Aaron Kingham as Rooster and Kimberley Ryan as Lily.

The season of Annie runs from April 20th to May 11th, with performances every Friday and Saturday night, along with Sunday matinees. Thanks to Betta Electrical Parkes, Friday night attendees have the chance to win an exciting lucky door prize! All bookings over the season go into a draw to win a 56 inch television. Join us and discover why Annie remains one of the most cherished and awarded musicals of all time. Reserve your seats now for an unforgettable evening or afternoon of entertainment.

(Left to Right) – Vince Williamson, Darrin Souters, Peter Parkes, Dr John Reynolds, Matt Spittles, Mayor Neil Westcott, Phil Donato MP, Nick Marjason (CSIRO), Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet, Rhonda Towney, Cr Lousie O’Leary, Melissa Schrader, Kelly Hendry, Tricia Trim (CSIRO).

Visitor areas at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory has received a major upgrade thanks to $500,000 from the NSW Government. The investment supported the installation of wheelchair accessible paths, automatic doors at the Visitor Centre and accessible and renovated bathrooms to ensure the observatory remains a major drawcard that can be enjoyed by everyone. The funding also included the construction of an inclusive space-themed playground with accessible equipment, soft fall ground cover, and sun cover. Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the accessibility upgrades to the visitor areas at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory will bring great benefits to the Central West, this project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when various levels of Government work together.

“This is now a great accessible space to host young space fans, further cementing itself as a world- class tourism destination for budding astronomers who visit the region,” Minister Moriarty said. Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Neil Westcott said: “Increasing the accessibility to all indoor and outdoor visitor areas at the facility, and by making the Visitor Centre more mobility friendly, inclusive and family friendly, will improve the visitor experience.”

The icon of Australian science attracts over 100,000 visitors per year. The observatory is home to Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope, used by astronomers from around the world to explore the universe. CSIRO Director of ATNF Operations Dr John Reynolds said “These upgrades to our Visitors Centre help us share the wonders of the Universe with all our visitors.”

Just two of the Highway Patrol Officers that will be keeping our roads safe over Easter are Sergeant Cornish (Parkes) and Acting Sergeant Mooney (Bathurst).

Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from Thursday 28 March until Monday 1 April 2024 as Police encourage road users to look out for each other over the Easter break.

During these five days, double demerit points will apply for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Adam Cornish has indicated that Police will also be targeting other high-risk behaviour including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. “We are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across NSW for the long weekend. Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions. We want everyone to reach their destination safely and to enjoy the Easter break without tragedy.

“I ask all drivers to play their part in reducing crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts” Sergeant Cornish said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that Police enforcement figures show that double demerit points do deter motorists from speeding when roads are at their busiest. “Drivers are reminded that mobile phone detection cameras will be active over the Easter break to catch people illegally using their phone whilst driving. Drivers will accrue 10 demerit points for all licence classes during the double demerit long weekend and also receive a fine” Ms Suitor said.