Trundle’s Berryman Park is about to get a $500,000 make-over thanks to a NSW clubGRANT funding decision that was announced this week.

The upgrade will include new seating and lighting, expanded grandstands, and the construction of an amenities block. The grant is a significant victory, allowing the improvements to be undertaken in one stage, rather than tackling the improvements on a piecemeal basis – a process that could have dragged on for years.

The Minister for Racing Paul Toole joined MLC Rick Colless in making a special visit to the shire for Tuesday’s funding announcement. Berryman Park is one of only 11 pro- jects that were funded from this round. With more than 400 applicants, it was a very tough playing field. Paul Toole said the funding will change the way the park is used and

showcase what Trundle has to offer. Understandably, the locals were thrilled with the windfall. Andrew Rawsthorne, Trundle Progress Association grants officer, said that this project will have a significant long-term benefit for the town.
Geoff Jones, Trundle Sports Council President, agreed. “Lots of things happen here, not just rugby,” he said. “We have the Abba Festival and cricket as well.”

Mayor Ken Keith said that while all the towns in the shire are wonderful, he conceded there is something special about Trundle. He extended council’s gratitude for the funding decision.

“Parkes Shire Council has a philosophy that we should spend other people’s money rather than our own if we can,” he joked.

By Raen Fraser

“I didn’t really set out to collect handbags – it just happened!”

Janine Hando was the main exhibitor at All Things Handbags at the St George’s Hall last Saturday. The 73 bags she put on display added to a collection of miniatures by Rhonda Dunn, the Historical Society’s interesting pieces and many other bags from individuals, each with its own story.

Janine said she was a keen op shopper and usually browsed the handbag section. “I like unusual bags, but there are many things that draw me to a bag. It could be the colour, a lovely handle, a nice pattern, unusual shapes or sparkles.” She has hardly ever bought a bag brand new, and her favourite every day handbag she got for $1 in an op shop in Moruya. It was made in India from

buffalo leather and has accompanied her on many trips.

Norma Garment, one of the organisers of the event, dug up the handbag she got when she was 11 for the Queen’s visit in Newcastle. “When I opened it up I found three toys inside.”

Other unique exhibits included a pure silver handbag from late 1890, a tiny mother of pearl bag with Chinese painting on it and a beadel bag that belonged to well-known radio personality and actor, Gwen Plumb.

The Parkes Newsagency donated a leather handbag for the raffle, and put on a fashion show of its handbag collection, while ladies enjoyed scones and tea.

By Maggi Barnard

Brenton Hawken is an impressive young man. He has already accumulated an enviable portfolio of scholarships and nominations and he hasn’t even finished university yet.

Last month he added another achievement to his already glowing CV when he was selected to attend the National Indigenous Youth Parliament (NIYP).

The Parkes Wirradjuri man was amongst 50 other young Indigenous Australians invited to participate in the week-long program, which was held at Old Parliament House in May.

“This had been a six-year goal of mine,” he said. “I was overwhelmed with joy when I was selected.”

Brenton admits that he is a very goal driven person. “I set myself a lot of little tasks and challenges and work towards them.”

He can cross meeting the Prime Minister off his to do list. During the NIYP program he had the opportunity to speak with both Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten.

“The real highlight was delivering my adjournment debate in front of Tony Smith, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,” he said. “I learned a lot about Australian democracy and the parliamentary system.”

Brenton said the experience has definitely helped clarify his ambition, and possibly helped shape it as well. “I’m very passionate about education, I wouldn’t be where I am without access to such quality education. I can’t speak highly enough of the teachers who helped me succeed.

“My ultimate goal is to be the minister for

education one day.”

By Raen Fraser

Since the announcement of the huge investment for the Inland Rail Project there is no stopping the Parkes Shire Council in its drive to put Parkes on the map.

Council’s pitch to international electronic commerce giant Amazon with a fun video posted online last week has received an overwhelming response.

After the online retail giant made it known they will establish a fulfilment centre in the country next year, Parkes Shire Council pitched our town as the perfect location to house the Australian arm of Amazon.

Parkes’ strategic location to deliver solu- tions and opportunities for the Amazon business model is highlighted in the quirky one minute video.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said: “The video was designed to showcase Parkes’ strengths as a major logistics hub, whilst also reflecting the essence of our town by letting its personality shine through featuring the iconic Radio Telescope and the world famous Parkes Elvis Festival.”

As Parkes is situated at the intersection of the Newell Highway and major railways linking all major ports in Australia, 80% of the country can be reached overnight.

“Capitalising on these strategic advan- tages, we believe that Parkes offers major distributors such as Amazon a myriad of opportunity,” said the Mayor.

The Inland Rail Project will complete the connection of the Parkes region to global markets via all the major ports of Australia, placing the Central West region into an economically advantageous position.