Charlie and Brydee Taunton showing off their recipe new Cook book.

A ‘delicious’ new book is set to take the culinary fame started by Trundle’s Bush Tucker Day to the next level.

The Parents and Friends committee (P&F) of St Patrick’s Parish School in Trundle has launched its highly anticipated recipe book called Cook.

It is a beautifully designed, full-colour recipe book, containing more than 215 recipes. It is the work of some of the best cooks in rural Australia, with contributions from St Patrick’s students (past and present), parents, grandparents, teachers, community members and local cooks.

The recipes are drawn from the inherited culinary wisdom passed down from generation to generation of country chefs. The recipes range from Asian Breakfast Soup to Marinara Linguine; Marshmallow Jelly Cake to Pear and Hazelnut Cheesecake; Condensed Milk Pikelets to Fig Jam.

There’s even a recipe for Camel Curry. Filled with ‘mouthwatering’ photographs, and drawings by some of the school’s 33 students, the book also has advice on how to keep backyard chickens and growing vegetables.

“Cooking and sharing recipes is at the very heart of country life,” says P& F President Kate Berry. “Many friendships have been forged, and memories made, over a cup of tea and scones, or a steaming bowl of soup at school events.”

While COVID-19 has put a stop to a proper launch celebration for the book, nothing can take away from the pleasure of the book itself.

All proceeds will directly benefit the students. To order a copy of the book at $30, email stpatscook2020@gmail.com or pop into the school office.

The $1,000 prize for the best float in the Parkes Elvis Festival parade this year went to the Parkes Dragon Boat Club (PDBC). The prize is sponsored by Northparkes Mines (NPM). The Potts Group helped PDBC build the winning float. PDBC President Bill Thomas (second left) received the prize last week from NPM MD Hubert Lehman (right) with Parkes Mayor Ken Keith (left) and David Potts.

Parkes Weighbridge Operator Abigail Bryant believes the new waste disposal vouchers provide a more convenient and efficient system.

A new waste disposal voucher system for households in Parkes and Peak Hill will replace free tip weekends.

At the July Ordinary Council Meeting, Councillors resolved to provide two vouchers per household per year to dispose of up to a trailer load of domestic waste for free.

“The new initiative will allow residents to utilise the waste vouchers at a time that is convenient for them,” said Chair of the Waste Committee, Cr Alan Ward. “It will also benefit the facility’s operational efficiency, safety and environmental performance, as our staff will be able to better manage the inspection of loads and categorisation of the materials.”

Two vouchers will be mailed to property owners in Parkes and Peak Hill with the first instalment rates notices at the start of each financial year.

The vouchers will be valid for one year, and expire on 31st July following year of issue. Landlords and managing agents are encouraged to pass the vouchers onto their tenants to ensure that they can best manage their household waste and keep the property in good order. New domestic properties or new owners or new tenants will receive their first waste voucher at the next scheduled mail out of rates notice in August. Vouchers will not be issued before that time.

Each waste voucher permits the user to dispose of up to one eligible trailer load of general household waste or uncontaminated green waste at no cost. Two vouchers may be redeemed at once for a double load. Vouchers are not transferable or redeemable for cash, and cannot be reissued. Please keep your vouchers in a safe place.

The annual Kerbside Bulky Goods Collection will continue each September for Parkes and the Shire townships.

At the recent annual general meeting of Parkes Can Assist the following committee members were elected (L-R): Publicity Officer Betty Huntly, Vice-President Colleen Mitchell, Assistant Secretary Carol Southwell, Treasurer Adrienne Brown, Secretary Patricia Bailey, President Sylvia Glendenning and Assistant Treasurer Trevor Southwell. “We would like to thank everyone in Parkes and surrounding areas who continue to help us raise funds to assist people with cancer related expenses,” said Sylvia. “Even though our fundraising efforts are restricted at the moment, we are still supporting clients with their medical and travel needs.”

The Beargamil Dam (also known as Bumberry) has been bone dry for more than two years. Situated about 5km downstream from Lake Endeavour, it quickly filled up when Endeavour reached capacity about two weeks ago and thousands of litres started flowing over its spillway. By last weekend Beargamil reached capacity and its dramatic overflow attracted many visitors providing a spectacular setting for a picnic.

Photo: Bill Thomas