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Flying High: Parkes Christian School Raises Champions

March 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Christian School’s flying machine travelled some 750 km to Melbourne to enter the Moomba Festival Birdman Rally, but it was the last few metres of its journey that made the trip worthwhile.

On 11th March the glider sailed to victory with an 11m flight along the Yarra River, winning the Hawk trophy for the longest distance.

The Parkes Flyer was the work of design and technology students. Teacher Jason Wynstra said the project has massive educational benefits. “On top of the maths, science, and engineering that is involved in the design process, the students also worked with community groups.”

The glider was constructed with donated materials, such as bamboo and window film. Phil Seeley of the Sport Aircraft Asso- ciation of Australia piloted the craft. David and Wendy Richards were key collaborators, and Neil Unger provided transport to Melbourne.

The Parkes Flyer was the school’s second entry into the Birdman Rally, and bet- tered their 2015 third placing.

The fledgling aeronautical engineers are in years 11 and 12: Madelynne Capple, Ethan Peters, Elly Collins, Nicholas Strudwick, Michelle Mulligan, William Thompson, Mitchell Day, James Simpson and Oliver Gregson have a new feather for their caps.

But it’s not all about the glory – the event is a charity fundraiser, and the team raised $2,100 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Australia.

The students will continue to aim high, with plans to continue their winning streak next year.

By Raen Fraser

A Memorable Event: Remembering Oradour

March 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The magic of books is their ability to transport the reader to another time and place, and that magic spilled from the page at the launch of Beth Thomas’s debut novel on Saturday. More than 60 people arrived at the Little Theatre for the literary event, but once they stepped inside they were treated to a touch of France. From the artfully curated props in the foyer, to the canapes and costumed servers, the book launch was an immersive experience.

Remember Oradour Souviens-Toi is a historical novel that tells the gripping story of a village in war-torn France. It was officially launched by Councillor Barbara Newton, whose speech wove quotes from acclaimed authors amongst her own adulations for the compelling work, ending with an Isobel Allende quote: “write what should not be forgotten”.

But the launch was more than simply words on paper. Liz Matthews sang a trio of French songs which were dispersed throughout the proceedings. The audience was also presented with two staged scenes from the book, with actors breathing life into emotionally charged passages – the entire theatre jumped with the crack of gunshot!

But a book launch wouldn’t be complete without a word from the author. Beth shared her many thanks, a few anecdotes, and some words of encouragement for aspiring authors. Her journey to becoming an author began where an unforgettable holiday ended. “Always take care to notice the gifts strewn in your path,” she said.

By Raen Fraser

Being Bold For Change On International Women’s Day

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Dozens of Parkes residents celebrated International Women’s Day on Wednesday with a free barista-made coffee and a muffin at Cooke Parke, courtesy of North- parkes Mines. The breakfast was an opportunity to network, be inspired and to raise funds for the Ochre Health Women’s Health Services.

International Women’s Day is a celebration of what women have accomplished, and an opportunity to recognise what remains to be achieved.

Michelle Wetherell, the Northparkes Mines Superintendent of HR and Organisational Development, invited local author and interior style guru Karen Creith to speak on how being bold was a tool for change in her own life.

Karen shared the highlights – and low- lights – of her career, from leaving school as the Dux of year 12, to leaving university after failing her first exam. Life followed, and Karen found herself married with two children, living back in Parkes and running a retail business with her husband, John. It was at a business seminar that she was introduced to the concept of a SWOT analysis – a technique for identifying your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Karen applied the SWOT analysis to herself, and realised that she had more talents than she had realised. After sub- mitting photos of her home to a national style magazine, Karen was amazed by the opportunities that followed. First, she was given a column in the magazine, then made editor of her own magazine. Not all was smooth sailing though, Karen’s book idea was rejected by multiple publishers, despite the endorsement of a respected agent. Not to be deterred she opted to self-publish, and is now the author of two books. Karen gave the attendees two pieces of advice. The first is to consider applying a SWOT analysis to yourself to unlock your own strengths and confidence. The second is when an opportunity comes, have the courage to take it.

By Raen Fraser

Elvis Festival One Of Top Three Events In Australia

March 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It is official. The Parkes Elvis Festival is one of the best events in Australia taking out a prestigious prize at the tourism industry’s peak awards ceremony!

The 2016 Festival won bronze at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards in the Festivals and Events category. More than 800 industry leaders and peers were wit- ness to this great accolade at a gala ceremony in Darwin last Friday.

Mayor Ken Keith said: “This award is the icing on the cake for what has been a re- markable 12 months for the Parkes Elvis Festival.”

“This esteemed award is a reflection of all the hard work, dedication and support that our wonderful community, volunteers and staff contribute each year to make the Festival what it is today.”

The Mayor said the award capped off an exceptional couple of months, hav- ing won the Regional and State Tourism Awards late last year, a NSW/ACT Regional Achievement & Community Award in November, and delivering the most successful Parkes Elvis Festival to date in January.

The Elvis Festival was one of eight final- ists in the Festivals and Events category, representing NSW against Uluru Camel Cup (NT), Sounds by the River (SA), Queenscliff Music Festival (VIC), Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster (WA), Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo (QLD), The Falls Music & Arts Festival, Marion Bay (TAS) and 2016 National Folk Festival (ACT).

Gold and silver were awarded to the Queensland and ACT events respectively.

Record Number Of New Aussies

February 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Fourteen new citizens pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people on Tuesday, making it the largest Citizenship Ceremony to be held by the Parkes Shire Council.

Mayor Ken Keith welcomed the new Australians, who have come from all over the globe. The new citizens have come from as far away as Scotland, Iran, Pakistan, India, Thailand, and the Philippines, with one from neighbouring New Zealand.

Our newest citizens have already called Australia home for at least five years, al- though former Scotsman James Murray boasts the longest residency – he has lived here for 29 years. James came to Australia from Scotland in 1988, and has lived in Parkes since 1993. James is the Regional NSW Manager with Linfox Logistics.

Former Kiwi Daniel Klaas Kroot is another long-term Parkes resident who decided to make it official. Daniel came to Australia from New Zealand in July 2000, and has been living in Parkes since 2001. Daniel works as a warehouse team member with Containit Solutions.

Felipa Prado Unger arrived in Australia from Philippines in July 2011 and settled in Parkes straight away with her husband Donald.

Rupa Abhishek Dupe came to Australia from India with her husband and two daughters in October 2011 and settled in Parkes straight away. Mrs Dupe is a Placement Consultant with Joblink Plus.

Anoop Nair arrived in Australia from India in November 2005, and his wife Lakshmi Balachandran arrived on Christmas Day in 2009. They relocated to Trundle in March 2013. Anoop is a Retail Assistant. Lakshmi is a Registered Nurse. They have two children including Maadhav, who also received Australian citizenship.

Muhammad Akmal arrived in Australia from Pakistan in July 2011 and his wife Ammara joined him in September 2011. They moved to Parkes in November 2013. Muhammad works as a Procurement Officer with Northparkes Mines. Ammara looks after their three children; Hareem and Muhammad Arham, also became Australian citizens on Tuesday.

Mohammadebrahim Emamjomeh, who is known as Abraham, came to Australia from Iran in April 2012. He moved to Parkes in March 2016 and works as a Civil Engineer with John Holland. He is married with a two year-old son.

Hathaya Nongkhu arrived in Australia from Thailand in 1996. She relocated to Parkes in 2016. She is engaged and works at the RMS as a Project Contract Officer.

Maribeth Loberanes Wagner arrived in Australia from Philippines in June 2012 be- fore relocating to Parkes. She is a cook at Chong Hing Restaurant in Parkes and enjoys cooking for her husband.

By Raen Fraser

Art Program A Big Plus for Young Artists

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A beautiful thing is never perfect, at least that’s one message from the latest exhibition on the Community Cultural Wall.

A raging duck, tranquil sea creatures, and an elaborate space-scape are juxtaposed in the installation on the corner of Clarinda and Church Streets. The vibrant and engaging artworks represent the political and lyrical perspectives of a new generation of artists.

Twelve local youths participated in the art program, Journey into Mystery – Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Art, which was hosted by Parkes Shire Library.

Parkes Shire Council’s Manager of Cul- tural Education and Library Services, Shellie Buckle said the artworks captured what young people were thinking and worrying about.

The participants’ inspiration was wide- ranging; from international politics, the

Parkes Radio Telescope, to the concept of inner-beauty as portrayed in popular culture.

Art teacher and art therapist, Maralyn Nash said one of the objectives of the art classes was to connect with young people. “We had many discussions about their vision for the future and these ideas were used to create the art,” she said. “They’re very talented artists. They were a super intelligent group, and they were all very skilled drawers.”

Dozens of art lovers of all ages attended the unveiling on Wednesday, which was officially opened by Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

The Community Art Wall is a temporary exhibition space, which features community artists, and is part of Council’s Public Art Program, bringing vibrancy to our main street.

Orange MP Grants Wishes For Local Community Groups

February 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Philip Donato was the bearer of good news on Tuesday when the MP for Orange visited the Parkes Shire to announce the latest round of Community Building Partnership grants.

A total of $38,925 has been allocated to several local community groups for vital repairs and upgrades. “As Member for Or- ange, I am proud to announce four Com- munity Building Partnerships grants for groups in Parkes, Trundle and Peak Hill.” Philip said.

The Parkes PCYC received $20,000 to contribute for the upgrade of amenities. PCYC Club Manager, Amanda Sutton said around 600 members utilise the PCYC on a weekly basis, participating in various sports, after-school care, or even traffic offender programs.

“The building is in almost original condi- tion and is in need of a lot of repairs,” she said. “People have a strong connection to the PCYC through the activities, but a lot of people are unhappy with the amenities, so it will be great to be able to start the improvements.” The female toilets and change rooms will be the first to benefit, with a renovation set to provide new tiling, new basins, and an essential repair of the sagged and broken ceiling.

The staff at Meals on Wheels were delighted to show the MP around their new premises. Service Manager Gillian Kinsela said their new facilities were fantastic. “It’s bright and airy and spacious. We have a private meeting room, and are looking to make further improvements to help our staff and volunteers work comfortably,” she said.

Their $10,000 grant will go towards new freezers, so they can continue to provide nutritious meals to their clients. The volunteers deliver 300 hot and frozen meals each week in Parkes alone, allowing people to retain their independence for as long as possible. The volunteers also provide social interaction and welfare checks to clients who might otherwise be isolated.

“Meals on Wheels are a vital community service, and one we’re proud to support,” Philip said.

Peak Hill’s historic A.I.F. Memorial School of Arts was the recipient of a $3,000 grant, which will contribute to the costs of repaint- ing the interior of the hall.

A grant of $5,925 will help the Trundle War Memorial Hall upgrade their kitchen.

The four local organisations were amongst 14 community groups across the Orange electorate to receive funding in the latest round of grants.

“Each of these facilities makes a valuable contribution to community life, and these grants will enable them continue to provide their services to the community,” Philip said.

“The $200,000 pool of funding available to the Orange electorate is an excellent resource allowing community groups to reach their goals. I look forward to many more organisations benefiting from this program in the future.”

By Raen Fraser

The Butlers Did It

February 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The secret is out – talent runs in the Butler family. January was an exceptional month for Ella and Amy Butler, with the motherdaughter duo each receiving recognition for their literary flair. Amy was declared Best Novice Poet at the Elvis Festival’s Poets’ Breakfast. Then, just weeks later, her 12 year-old daughter Ella received the Student Cultural Award in recognition for her written skills, which was presented at the Australia Day ceremony.

Amy said her daughter’s nomination was a huge surprise. “It’s wonderful to know that someone in the community took enough notice. Because she’s home schooled, there haven’t really been the same opportunities for awards and recognition, so this has been a huge honour for us,” she said. Ella’s nomination follows her first publication in Top Secret, a national anthology. Her short story “Beware the Griffin” is a tale about children on a quest to save their parents.

“I’ve always loved fantasy, and mythology; dragons, phoenixes and griffins are my favourite,” Ella said. “But when it comes to writing, it’s not all about the story; description and grammar are really important, that’s what makes you care about what’s happening.” Ella credits the Parkes Shire Library’s Dan Fredericks as one of her mentors. “Dan was probably the motivation for me getting published, and my mum is my inspiration for actually writing.”

Amy has a background in broadcast journalism and worked as a researcher and writer before she made the decision to home school her children. She’s written poetry for years, but this year was the first time she’d put it out there publicly. But despite her recent accolades, Amy’s current focus is on being a mentor to her children’s writing.

“Our family really values creativity and imagination. We bounce ideas off one another and love making up stories and sharing stories together,” she said. As for Ella’s ambitions – she has already got plans for her first novel. Having earned such recognition, encouragement and support at such a young age, it’s safe to say Ella is ‘write’ on track.

By Raen Fraser

Almost 30 Cyclists Ride On With Safety

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Twenty-six children took part in the Aboriginal Bicycle Safety Program at the PCYC in Parkes last Friday.Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Logan Dobel said he was very happy with the turnout considering it was raining on the day.

The participants were excited but had to concentrate hard during the free session facilitated by Jenny and Damien Enderby of Bike and Fitness. They are both qualified Cycling Australia and AustCycle coaches. The three-hour session gave participants a fun, interactive learning experience teaching them to ride safely. The session is based on the Let’s Ride Program.

Depending on age, the practical skills learned and reinforced included pedaling, gear changing, braking, hand signals and scanning (both forwards and behind). They also learned the importance of visibility while riding and safe places to ride.

A bike mechanic was also present to provide much needed maintenance on bicycles free of charge. Logan said this was really important. The maintenance included the replacement of brakes, tyres and pedals.

All participants received a new bike helmet. The helmet laws for cyclists of all ages in NSW help prevent head injuries from falls. The NSW Road Rules state that all cyclists, regardless of age, including children on bicycles with training wheels must wear a helmet.

The Parkes session was part of a series of ten held throughout the Central West. Over 60 sessions were held in the whole of NSW.

Viva Parkes, Viva Elvis Fans, Viva Enjoyment

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A record-breaking 25,000 fans came from all over the world to celebrate 25 years of the Parkes Elvis Festival last week.

The many highlights of the five days of non-stop entertainment and events include a personal message of congratulations from Priscilla Presley read out at the special anniversary gala dinner.

The town throbbed with the sounds of Elvis’ songs and the heatwave’s cicadas competing for audio dominance, while in the streets the tsunami of rhinestoned jump- suits, feathered showgirls, casino paraphernalia, hot rods, vintage cars and neon lights grew instantly with the arrival of 400 fans on the Elvis Express with more creative ver- sions of the theme from the 1964 Viva Las Vegas film.

“In the 25 years since it began, Parkes Elvis Festival has grown to become a bucket list event for many people in Australia and around the world. We’ve had an incredible five days of hip-swiveling action and turned Central West NSW into its own version of Las Vegas,” said Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

The Elvis-themed tsunami was bursting with colour and fun as it washed down Clarinda street on Saturday morning to the delight of 16,000 people lining the main street. There were Elvii and Priscillas galore of all ages and sizes on Elvis-themed floats, in vintage cars, on motorcycles, in walking groups and marching bands.

In 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival will celebrate its 26th year with the theme ‘68 Comeback’.

By Maggi Barnard (see results of competitions and other highlights on p.12)

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