General Interest Archives - Page 110 of 352

Flying High With The Parkes Aero Club

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

MEET BRETT PREISIG… Look at the smile on Bretts face as he takes position in the Pilots seat of one of the Parkes Aero Clubs 2 Aeroplanes which are available for student training and private hire

Originally built in 1948, and owned by Parkes Shire Council, the clubhouse for the Parkes Aero Club is the last remaining building along with 3 hangars which were part of the RAAF training aerodrome.

Brett Preisig is the secretary of the Parkes Aero Club and a flight instructor with the Parkes Recreational Aviation Centre.

They work together as the Aero Club provides the aeroplanes and the Aviation Centre provides the instructors. “That is how we get new members to come to the club, because people want to learn to fly and that is the club’s charter, to encourage all things aviation,” said Brett.

There are currently around 35 active members but the club is always keen to welcome new members. Students range from under 15 all the way up to retirees, and once students receive their license to fly, the club have two aircraft for hire.

Brett commented that over the years there has been busy phases such as when the military parachute jumpers were in town. However, since the flooding emergency the Parkes Airport has been busier than ever.”It’s a bit like a military operation out here with all the extra fueling arrangements. The majority of the helicopters that found themselves based here are not running on regular AV gas. They are jet turbine engines and that requires jet A1 fuel and they have been bringing that in by the semi trailer load,” said Brett.

A lot of high technology and expensive aircraft have touched down at Parkes Airport to help with the floods. Bretts personal favorite was the Sikorsky Sea King helicopter.

Flying teaches a lot of discipline and precision and Brett quoted and old aviation saying, “A superior pilot with superior skills will use his superior judgment to not have to use his superior skills.”

Let’s Make It A Christmas Of Kindness

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Spread kindness this Christmas.

Just when we started thinking 2022 might get a better rating than the previous two years, the widespread flood disaster uprooted and traumatised so many people across our region.

The outpouring of support, kindness and generosity by community members has been phenomenal, but Christmas is still going to be very tough for so many.

There are lots of ways we can all do our little bit to make this festive season a bit more joyous for those have been affected by this catastrophe.

Here are some suggestions of where you can contribute. And remember to do all your Christmas shopping local to support our businesses.

• Forbes Shire Council has set up a GIVITdonation page to match you up with people who need help. There is a need for food vouchers at the moment. If you want to donate go to www.givit.org.au/donate-items. If you need help call 1300 585 054 or email givit@forbes.nsw.gov.au

• Eugowra GIVIT applications for help orto donate can be directed to www.visiteugowra.com.au/contact

• Forbes Central Butchery has a Christmas Wishing Tree, and Be Cafe inParkes (formally Pink Orchid Cafe) is a dropoff point for presents wrapped with an age and gender. The presents will be distributed to kids, big and small, from Eugowra, Forbes and Bedgerabong.

• Big W is bringing back the Giving Treeinitiative at all its branches to supportfamilies in need and help spread joythis Christmas. Customers are invitedto donate a gift until Christmas Eve. Unwrapped gifts including books, toys, stationery, puzzles or games, can be placedunder the Giving Tree. The Parkes store will be matched with a local charity to ensure each donation is delivered to members of the community that need it most.

• Woolworths Parkes and Forbes in partnership with OzHarvest are joiningbranches across the country to help raisethe equivalent of 7 million meals for thosein need. Simply round up your supermarket shop to the nearest dollar whilein store, or by adding a 50 cent token toyour basket until 25th December.

By Maggi Barnard

A Melanoma Alert For Regional NSW

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/

A newly released melanoma hotspot map has highlighted the extreme danger of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun, with 23 of the 25 melanoma hotspots located in regional NSW.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said with summer now upon us, the map is a reminder to take simple protective measures.

“This should be a real reminder to our regional communities, if you step outside, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, cover up and seek shade,” Mrs Taylor said.

Melanoma is the most common cancer among young Australians and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in all Australians.

Ninety-five percent of melanoma and 99 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Cancer Institute NSW recently launched a powerful new skin cancer campaign targeting the 70 percent of 18-24 year olds who fail to protect their skin.

The campaign focuses on the invisible but potentially lethal threat of UV radiation.

The most effective defence against UV radiation is to follow the Slip, Slop, Slap. Make sure to apply SPF50+ sunscreen, pop on a wide brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses.

Flood Help At Hand

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Parkes farmers and local landholders who were affected by recent floods have access to support through the NSW and Australian Governments.

NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) provides access to loans and grants for primary producers, small business operators and not-for-profit organisations.

Primary producers affected by flood can apply for the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant or the $10,000 Rural Landholder Grant to help cover immediate costs associated with clean-up, repairs to infrastructure and reinstatement of primary production enterprises.

The Special Disaster Grant program opened 18th November and 1,302 applications have been received by the RAA, $5.6 million has been approved in principle and over $1.5 million has been paid to approved applicants.

Information is available from the RAA by phoning 1800 678 593, emailing rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au or visiting the RAA website www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Farmers and landholders are encouraged to report severe weather and flood damage by using the primary industries disaster damage survey.

A simple online form, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage, can be used to record primary production damage and stock losses from natural disasters to help target and direct resources to aid recovery.

The amount of crops, animals, infrastructure and other items damaged in a single event can be recorded and images can be attached to show the severity of damage in your area.

Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline provides emergency assistance to farmers impacted by the floods, including livestock assessment, veterinary advice, emergency fodder, animal euthanasia and burial.

Call 1800 814 647 to register your need for assistance or email aasfa@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Let The Festive Fun Begin

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Get ready to delight in the fun and entertainment tonight from 5pm in Templar and Rankin Streets.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring some festive cheer to the community, with the annual Forbes Christmas Carnival being held from 5pm today, 9th December.

“There will be market stalls, giant games, rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines, jumping castles, merry-go-round and arts and craft activities. Food will be provided by lcal businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site,” said Aaron Acheson, President, Forbes Business Chamber.

The carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar and in Rankin Streets. The Committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning.

“Forbes and the surrounding villages are well and truly due for a celebration after the serious weather that the district has experienced recently. There will be so much to see and do, such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus,” said Aaron.

Entertainment and music will be on the stage located at the junction of the two streets.

Thanks to the many people who have offered to assist and participate. Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to bring the Christmas spirt alive in Forbes.

Five $500 draws have already taken place, with three of the lucky winners being: Lisa Grayson, John Slessor and Susan Earl. People are encouraged to keep clicking on the QR code every time they purchase at a participating business to go in the draw to win. The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed outside participating businesses.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Rallies To Support Eugowra Residents

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Eugowra residents devastated by flash flooding can continue to call on CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) for financial counseling services.

It continues CCWF’s commitment to the town of about 700 people since disaster struck on November 14, tragically claiming two lives. More than 200 buildings at Eugowra were damaged or destroyed by the flash flooding, authorities report.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche visited Eugowra, and the organisation donated goods worth thousands of dollars to provide immediate relief.

“Members of our team at Forbes and Parkes did not hesitate, they wanted to be there for the people of Eugowra who have lost so much,” Ms Mioche said.

CCWF staff worked alongside defence force personnel going from house to house, and listened to people’s stories of survival, and provided information about CCWF services.

Eugowra sits outside the Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, but has links with Forbes.

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, travelled to Eugowra to support the neighboring community, where he said there were people who had “lost everything, in the true sense of the word”.

Bishop Columba, whose father’s family came from Eugowra, offered reassurance to the “strong and resilient” residents of the small town.

For more information on how CatholicCare can support you contact them for assistance on 1800 067 067

Are You Our Next Miss Priscilla?

December 9, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

REIGNING MISS PRISCILLA… 2022 Winner Ashleigh Smith.

The beautiful, enigmatic Priscilla Presley made her indelible mark on fashion in the 60s with her signature winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and ultra glamorous take on fashion.

Hailed the Queen of Rock & Roll with The King by her side, Priscillas signature looks throughout the 60s were instantly recognisable. Priscillas emblematic Rock & Roll meets Hollywood lifestyle has been celebrated for the past 15 years at the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner.

Guests are encouraged to dress in the Blue Hawaii theme to see a bevy of beauties compete for the coveted title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival.

Enjoy a two-course dinner with entertainment that includes an extravagant floorshow by premiere swing dancing troupe, the Sydney Swing Katz, local favorites Amitie with mesmerizing harmonies, then dance the night away to Elvis tribute artist, Brendan Chase.

Judges will look at overall appearance, including make-up, hair, and dress to resemble the pre-1969 look of Priscilla Presley. The prize includes a cruise on P&Os Tribute to The King Cruise for the winner and her stylist.

The Miss Priscilla winner becomes the face of the Festival performing official duties including riding in a lead car in the Northparkes Street Parade, taking part in the official opening ceremony and appearing at festival favorite events including the renewal of vows ceremony and appearances on the Cooke Park main stage.

Festival founder, Anne Steel said, “Miss Priscilla becomes a celebrity throughout the Festival. Fans snap a photo with her at every opportunity. She plays such an important role and becomes a part of our history.”

Miss Priscilla becomes Parkes Elvis Festivals ‘glambassador’ for the next 12 months until she hands the title to the winner the following year.

Entries for the competition and tickets for the dinner are available at parkeselvisfestival.com.au

I’m Leavin’

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

I did get behind the lens on a few occasions like this one at the 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival with Joe Camilleri and Greg Page. (Photo: Keith Turk)

I clearly remember the thrill of having a camera and notebook in my hands again returning to journalism close to seven years ago when I started as reporter for the newly established community newspaper, The Parkes Phoenix.

I had not worked as a journalist for a number of years, and did not have any real prospect of getting a taste of reporting in Australia as so many newspapers were downsizing. And then this opportunity at The Parkes Phoenix came along out of the blue. Little did I know at the time what a lifeline it would become, and how much joy it would bring.

As a relatively new immigrant to Australia with a young child, and having only done some casual work at a school in Parkes, my world was very small and my knowledge of everything Australian was rather limited.

Working for both The Parkes Phoenix and later The Forbes Phoenix catapulted me into every corner of both communities and the wide array of events, traditions,stories and customs, and exposed me to experiences I would otherwise never have had.

From meeting so many amazing and interesting locals and listening to their inspiring stories, countless visits by politicians, including several premiers and prime ministers, the craziness and buzz of the Parkes Elvis Festival to covering Anzac Day, Australia Day, Parkes Show, natural disasters, sporting events and milestone anniversaries… the list goes on and on.

I have learned from every experienced, gained valuable insights in what makes Australians tick, and even became an ‘Elvis expert’ as a bonus! Getting to know our communities inside out has made me even more grateful that my family could make this great country our new home.

In our regular Our Bloke/Gal column we asked people what they like about living in Parkes or Forbes, and so often they would say the community. I couldn’t agree more. I have never felt such a sense of community anywhere else, and the recent flood events once again demonstrated the abundance of kindness and generosity that binds us all together.

Sadly, it is time for me to say goodbye and leave my beloved Phoenix job. Thank you for sharing your stories with me, smiling for my photos and accepting me into the community. It has made me feel very welcome and helped me become Australian.

Maggi Barnard

Latin Sounds Kick Off Summer Season

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Summer is here and the Parkes community is invited to a free event at the Cooke Park pavilion tomorrow from 5pm featuring a nine-piece band with solo performer Caribe (pictured). This is great entertainment for the whole family.

There is nothing like music to put you in the right mood, and tomorrow summer will officially kick off in Parkes with some vibey Brazilian rhythms at the Cooke Park pavilion.

Latin Sounds at the Pavilion, presented by Parkes Shire Council, is the first of a series of musical performances this summer with something for everyone. Funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program, Sounds at the Pavilion will also run in Parkes and Tullamore in February next year.

“As musical curator of this event, I am proud to be presenting such an extraordinary selection of musicians here in Parkes,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Community Events Officer Carmen Nieves.

“Born in South-America, I am passionate about connecting regional audiences with the very best of the Australian performing arts scene. I am confident that showcasing Latin Sounds at the Pavilion will impress and bring the community together in a celebration of this rhythmic genre, rarely performed in regional areas.”

The community is encouraged to sit back and be transported to Rio de Janeiro tomorrow, Saturday, 3rd December from 5pm, with the Carioca Project featuring Brazilian percussionist and vocalist Gustavo Cantor, saxophonist Gai Bryant, pianist/vibes Ed Goyer and bassist Harry Birch.

In between sets, DJ Frank Madrid will entertain with a mix of the most popular Latin beats from around the world. The main dish is the nine-piece band and solo dancer, Caribé; a melding of musicians from Sydney’s Cuban, jazz and Latin communities, integrating traditional Cuban dance and music with a modern jazz aesthetic in an immersive performance experience.

This is a free community event for the whole family with food vendors onsite for the evening. Dancers of all abilities are encouraged to attend this interactive performance.

Visit www.visitparkes.com.au for more information.

Greeting Ceremony Between Māori And Wiradjuri

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Fire and Emergency New Zealand team with Daniel Anderson (front right) and Wiradjuri representatives last Friday.

A beautiful ceremony took place at the Parkes SES Headquarters last Friday to welcome the Fire and Emergency team from New Zealand to Wiradjuri country.

Year 6 student Daniel Anderson from Parkes Public performed the Welcome to Country in Wiradjuri language with several members of the Wiradjuri community present.

In return Kylan McKeen from the New Zealand team responded in Māori language. “We are sending much respect from all of us to you,” he said. “My heart is very full to have you come down and welcome us. It is very important to us to have contact with local people.”

The New Zealand team performed a song in Māori, and then the team members gave everyone the traditional Māori greeting, the hongi. It is performed by two people pressing their noses together and also touching their foreheads.

The New Zealand team also travel with a Māori stone, called pounamu, on their special assignments. The stone was passed around to everyone. “Embrace it so we can take your spirit with us,” said Kylan.

Wiradjuri elder Pat Oliver expressed her gratitude to the New Zealand team for what they have come to do. “We cannot thank you enough for all the help you have given us,” she said.

Maori man Kylan McKeen performs a traditional Māori greeting with Wiradjuri elder Pat Oliver.

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