The Parkes Dragon Boat Club picked a perfect day to invite breast cancer survivors and their supporters to share the beauty and calming effect of a paddle on Lake Endeavour last Sunday.

Scientists say that feeling a sense of calm when we are around water has a positive effect on our brains. This was evident on Sunday with plenty of smiles and positive vibes floating around. The day was organised by Secretary Beth Thomas, and club members stayed behind after their regular Sunday morning training session to entertain their
guests to a paddle, slice, sausage sizzle and socialising.

As the beaming paddlers stepped off the boat, they all agreed they had a fantastic time. “It is just wonderful, I’ll definitely do it again,” said Sandy Perceval. “It is a pretty spot and just great being out on the water,” said Jenny McDonald.

Lachlan Health Service McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Dianne Green organised a group of more than 20 breast cancer survivors, including their families and friends, from Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle and Alectown.

“It is wonderful of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club to invite us out here,” said Dianne. “It is so nice to get them all together with their loved ones to share their common bond.” President of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club Bill Thomas said: “This is a great way to showcase our club.” He welcomed the guests to join as members or a paddling session whenever they felt like it.

By Maggi Barnard

Cooke Park was abuzz with hundreds of children for Paint Parkes REaD 2018 last Friday. An amazing array of REaDiculous characters,  including the Mayor, Town Crier, Reading Bug and Rooby Roo, set out to celebrate literacy and raise awareness of the importance of a language-rich environment from infancy.

“I am totally and ‘readiculously’ thrilled with the Parkes community and schools,” said creative director Rhonda Brain, “for helping us spread the message to: read, sing, talk and rhyme to your baby all the time.”

Reading and activity hotspots were found along Clarinda Street engaging groups of students.

Mayor Ken Keith OAM, who read stories, said: “The community reading day is absolutely fantastic for our town. This is the most ‘readiculous’ idea that Rhonda has ever come up with!” National Party candidate Yvette Quinn read from a tree and Roel Ten Cate OAM enlisted a visiting seven-year-old from Dubbo as his helper.

Among the activities of reading, rhymes, dancing, drumming, theatre and word puzzles, there was the novelty of sending Morse code telegrams and messages by carrier pigeon.

The community reading day, which is a Parkes initiated program, have been adopted in over 70 communities in five states. Barbie Bates, the event’s national executive director, was in Parkes to address the importance of early language on brain development.

The crusade continues with Sarah Chamberlain attending to learn how to Paint Lightning Ridge REaD, and Robyne Harrison and Rooby Roo has set off to Paint Penrith REaD.

By Beth Thomas

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…” Most of us know the words to the classic song My Favourite Things from The Sound of Music.

For Sarah Bowkett the song took on new meaning the past two years as she worked hard creating a beautiful exhibition of her favourite things. This afternoon she will take a giant step to hopefully establish herself as an artist when her first solo exhibition of drawings, paintings and pottery, called My Favourite Things, opens at the Parkes Library.

In a back room at Currajong Disability Services where she created her art works with art therapist Maralyn Nash, Sarah is extremely humble, but very excited about her achievement. “I hope I can make a career from my art,” said Sarah who will celebrate her 30th birthday next month. “It’s always been my dream to have a job and earn a salary.”

Sarah has loved art since school, but when she started classes with Maralyn they began exploring her interests in learning and art history. When looking through a book of famous paintings, the first one that caught Sarah’s eye was Starry, Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. “It was my favourite painting as a teenager,” said Maralyn.

That was the basis for the first painting Sarah did with Maralyn.

In the exhibition there are two paintings Sarah created after Claude Monet, but the one that gives her real satisfaction is Sarah’s Mona Lisa, after Leonardo da Vinci. “I’ve always wanted to do this one as it is so famous, and I feel very proud of it.”

Over the two years Sarah explored many different techniques and did very intricate work to create her art work.
“She is very meticulous and works with great detail, while she is also very good at follow up on suggestions,” said Maralyn. “A solo exhibition is a massive achievement for any artist. Sarah has put a lot of hard work into it.”

The exhibition includes a selection of Sarah’s favourite things that she believes in.” I hope everyone will enjoy my artworks as much as I have enjoyed creating them.”

The exhibition opens at 3pm today and runs until 21st September. All works are for sale.

By Maggi Barnard

The global slow food movement has been making inroads since 1989, but have you heard of slow clothing? Last weekend the Parkes Library’s Curiosity + Wonder 2018 started with a community talk on rethinking our clothing culture.

Australian social entrepreneur and author Jane Milburn presented a compelling case for why we need to change the way we dress through everyday practice. “Slow Clothing is a holistic approach – it starts with: think, natural, quality, local, few and moves through to: care, make, revive, adapt and salvage for those who have time and energy for these more engaged actions” said Jane.

Jane challenged those who attended the talk to pay more for quality local natural garments and have fewer of them.

Woolerina, a local business based in Forbes, provided a wonderful example of slow clothing – their garments are simple styles made from local wool that will last for years or until they literally wear out.

The two workshops held by Jane over the weekend continued with the themes of reviving, adapting and salvaging.
Participants spent Saturday exploring the art and creativity of using everyday items to dye natural fibre materials and clothing.

Rusty tools, horseshoes, strawberries, gum leaves, passionfruit skins and tea were used to transform old items ready for a new life. Many of the participants enjoyed the unrestrained nature of eco dyeing – trying something and seeing how it turned out.

Many participants returned on Sunday for the snip, stitch and upcycling workshop turning their dyed items into new wearable pieces of clothing. They also created a new piece of clothing from something old, including pinnies, t-shirts, jackets and skirts, while some made a functional piece such as a phone bag.

The aim was to revive and adapt wardrobe and op shop surpluses to suit themselves, while exploring their unique style.

Participant Mirella found the workshop great. “It gave me lots of ideas to use and inspired me to have greater confidence and just try things,” said Mirella.

Parkes Library’s Curiosity + Wonder opening weekend encouraged the community to be part of the change to consciously live lightly, buying less (or nothing) and making more.

By Shellie Buckle

The spectacular fireworks display of the Parkes Show on Tuesday was symbolic of how our community can still shine despite the severe drought gripping the region. Speakers at the official opening of the 138th Parkes Show all agreed that without the support of the community, this annual highlight on the town’s calendar would not be possible.

“The community spirit and support for the Parkes Show remains strong,” said Forbes Showgirl Grace Allen, who placed third in the State-wide Sydney Royal Showgirl competition as she officially opened the show. Show President Peter Unger thanked the more than 200 people involved in staging the show, as well as all the exhibitors. “We would not have a show without all the entries.”

The Prime Minister was in Forbes on Sunday to announce further support for drought stricken communities. “We are making changes to ensure farmers are even more resilient, as our farmers are the best in the world,” said Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull at HE Silos in Forbes.

The assistance provides immediate relief to communities, tax breaks for fodder storage and simplifying the application form for Farm Household allowance.

An additional $75 million will be given to 60 councils, of which 30 are in NSW, to address local needs. Parkes is among the councils in NSW, Queensland and Victoria which will initially receive $1m grants.

“Council will host a community forum in the coming weeks to discuss how the money can be applied for best effect across the Parkes Shire,” said Parkes Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM. “Landholders, agri-businesses and local support organisations are encouraged to attend to provide ideas and suggestions.”

Further to Sunday’s announcement the Parkes Shire Council made a resolution on Tuesday to activate immediate drought support measures. Councillors voted to adopt a suite of drought relief initiatives, which include immediate
access to domestic and stock water free of charge for rural residents from Council’s stand pipes. Council will also investigate options for subsidising potable water cartage.

Additionally, as a small token of assistance to drought affected community members, Council unanimously supported the resolution to provide free entry to all shire pools for the coming season. “Opening our pools in Parkes, Trundle, Tullamore and Peak Hill free of charge, could serve to provide some respite from the day-to-day distress of this worsening drought,” said Cr Bill Jayet.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith OAM said while the measures were not a long-term solution, they would provide some short-term relief for our farming families doing it tough.

For information on current state and federal government relief packages contact the Central Region’s Rural Financial Counsellor at www.rfcscr.com.au or phone 1800 940 404.

Any rural rate payer in the Parkes Shire seeking confidential discussions around accessing Council’s hardship provision for rates can email payment.help@parkes.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6861 2304.

The Parkes Chamber of Commerce is an organisation for local business people whose common goal is the prosperity and growth of the business sector of the Parkes Shire.

The chamber’s mission is to support programs and events in the Parkes Shire that will lead to overall commerce growth in Parkes; generate funds and provide services for the promotion, education and training of business and industry to the mutual benefit of commerce and the community; and liaise with Council and relevant committees for the improvement of our community.

This year we hope to invigorate the business community by providing timely information, networking opportunities and sourcing education and training opportunities including guest speakers.

The Chamber of Commerce Facebook page regularly posts and shares important information that involves our local community. We encourage not only business owners but also the general public to like our page and if there is any beneficial information to be shared we are happy to facilitate this.

The Parkes Shire – What’s in store for you? Facebook group is like a one-stop group to help promote the wonderful businesses of the Parkes Shire and encourage people to shop local! It is there for local businesses to promote their offers, discounts, specials and events for the  benefit of their customers.

Businesses are encouraged to share their upcoming promotions to the group for members to take advantage of what is on offer. Members may also share to help spread the word. It is free of charge and already has over 1,200 members.

Parkes Chamber Of Commerce Events & Initiatives

The chamber’s annual program includes many events and initiatives of which the The Henry Awards Gala Evening is a premiere event on the Parkes calendar. The prestigious night not only gives businesses the opportunity to celebrate their peers’ success, but it is also an excellent opportunity to network and socialise. This year’s event takes place on 19th October. Nominations close on 27th August.

Meet My Business Networking Event: This event is hosted at a local business to network with other chamber members and the host to showcase their business. AA Blatch is the next featured business on Wednesday, 12th September at 6pm with drinks and nibbles provided.

Celebrate our Families Day at Lions Park on Sunday, 18th November: As a business community we recognise the important role our families and friends play in supporting and running a local business.

We will have a jumping castle, sausage sizzle and a chance to socialise on a non business- related level.

Quarterly information sessions: Different topics and guest speakers to help educate chamber members on ways to improve their business.

Women in Business Chamber Networking Group: An idea we hope to grow in the new year. It will be a support network for women in business in the shire, whether you are a chamber member or not. Any- one will be welcome to join and to invite successful women to share their stories.

Website: The chamber plans to update our website to make it more informative, easier to use and more relevant. We hope to feed into our social media as well as create a platform for members to access.

 

Parkes Public School will always be one jump ahead of the rest of Australia’s schools as the only participant to take part in the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart every year since its inception in 1983.

On Wednesday 435 students skipped the morning away celebrating its 35th annual Jump Off day.

“It is an event embedded into our school culture with the date set on our calendar every year,” said Principal Ben Smith.

“There are so many benefits, with great community participation in the Jump Off, it encourages a healthy lifestyle for students and results in greater focus in the classroom.

And the kids love it with every single student taking part, including students in the support classes.”

More than 90% of Australian schools have participated in the annual event with more than 300,000 students in over 1,300 schools taking part each year.

“This is one of the best jump off days I have ever been to,” said Heart Foundation Jump Rope Field Officer Alex Fernandez.

“It was very structured with lots of skipping workshops and all the students had a great time showing off their skills and celebrating this unique milestone.”

For Wiradjuri language teacher Lionel Lovett it was a special celebration as he used to take part in the annual event when he was at Parkes Public.

Heart Foundation Chief Executive Officer NSW, Kerry Doyle thanked and congratulated Parkes Public School for its extraordinary long-running commitment. “It is a wonderful achievement.”

The White Ribbon Cup came to Parkes this year after the inaugural event in Forbes last year with a crowd of about 2,500 packing the Pioneer Oval on Monday. The annual footy event between Parkes and Forbes High Schools aims to raise awareness of domestic violence.

“Our youth are standing up and saying loud and clear: ‘It needs to stop!’” said White Ribbon Ambassador and Forbes
High School Aboriginal Educational Officer (AEO), Barry Merrit. The staggering statistics of domestic violence speaks for itself.

On average, one woman a week is murdered in Australia in a domestic violence incident and one in four children has witnessed domestic violence in their lifetime. “It was an amazing day for our students,” said Peta Moran of Parkes High School.

She said the idea of spreading the message through sport was definitely making an impact judging by the huge crowd on the day. “It does not stop with the game. We will invite the Forbes team over for a barbeque, and on White Ribbon Day in November we plan more activities at the school.”

Although Forbes High School took home the cup for the second time with a 42-10 victory, the day was not about winning the game but about students coming together and raising awareness.

The Oliver Carlisle Memorial Medal for the best sportsman from Parkes was awarded to Harrison McGregor, while
Charlie Staines from Forbes High School received the Jess Cole Memorial Medal.

By Maggi Barnard

The history of the latest addition to the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum collection is a story filled with adventure doing maritime search and rescue missions and playing a vital role in many other areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith were present at the official handover of the recently retired AP3-C Orion in Parkes last week.

This aircraft served in a multitude of roles since joining the RAAF in 1978 that include a tour of duty in Afghanistan, tracking Russian subs in the South East Asian and Pacific regions, border protection and fishery patrols. It also participated in the search for Malaysian airliner MH370 and the lone French female sailor in the Southern Ocean some years ago.

The Orion type first entered service with the RAAF in 1968 and has been steadily upgraded over the years with more powerful engines and advanced avionics and intelligence gathering capability. The AP3-C Orion is the pinnacle of that development.

The aircraft flew into Parkes Airport some months ago and has been moved to the museum area and is being prepared so the public can visit on board.

The Museum works with students from Parkes High School and member volunteers to restore and prepare the exhibits for display. There is always a need for more volunteers to help out with hands on restoration or being a tour guide.

The Museum is open 9:30am to 3:30pm on Sundays and Thursdays.

By Mike De La Hunty