General Interest Archives - Page 113 of 352

Is Que For You?

November 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Fashionistas Dina White, Judy Chambers Pat McCallum and Gai Baker were thrilled with their prizes.

At the October meeting for Parkes Que, every table was given a sheet of paper with a drawing of an urn on it and about five old coloured pencils or textas. We had to create a beautiful picture with a prize for the best one.

At my table only a blue and a green texta actually worked, making it quite difficult. We didn’t expect to see any masterpieces as displayed in the National Art Gallery.

Fast forward to Melbourne Cup Day when we gathered at Wendy Neville’s home to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by some of our talented members, to laugh and chat and, of course, to buy some sweep tickets. With three hours between our arrival and the start of the big race, we also held a Fashions on the Field event and played pin the tail on the horse.

Dina White was the best dressed in a soft, beautifully flowing frock, while Judy Chambers won a prize for the latest new trend. Judy had broken the heel off a shoe on her way and attended the party barefooted, while Pat McCallum was awarded a prize for her beautiful shoes and Gai Baker had the best hat.

The prizes for the winners of the five pin the tail competitions were presented, and Lisa Flowers, Robin Morrissey, Judy Chambers, Marg Klein and Kerrie Churchill each received a laminated urn picture from our previous meeting.

We welcome new members and appreciate their fresh ideas and their friendship, so if you would like to know more about Que, please call me on 0407 894498 any afternoon or evening.

Come and join Parkes Que where we help others while having lots of fun!

By Pam Nankivell

Lisa Flowers, Robin Morrissey, Judy Chambers, Marg Klein and Kerrie Churchill couldn’t stop laughing when they received the laminated urn pictures as their prizes.

Patients Give Very High Rating For Hospital Care

November 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Up to 93% of patients treated in the Western Region gave very high ratings of their experience of care.

According to the Bureau of Health Information’s 2021 Adult Admitted Patient Survey almost all patients treated at Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) hospitals rated the overall care they received as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

More than 1,300 respondents from across the district provided positive feedback on the safe, high-quality care they received.

The dedicated health professionals in the district received very high ratings from their patients. Nearly all surveyed patients (95%) rated the doctors who treated them as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. A similar proportion of patients (96%) rated the nurses who treated them as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Mark Spittal, WNSWLHD Chief Executive welcomed the findings and thanked patients for their feedback.

“My gratitude to our staff who adapted to the challenges the pandemic presented – as well as their continued dedication to delivering patient-first care – cannot be understated.”

Forbes Health Service performed very strongly where nine in 10 patients (92%) rated their treating doctors as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. Almost all patients (99%) rated their treating nurses as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Between mid-2012 and mid-2022 the Western New South Wales Local Health District increased its workforce by an additional 701 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 14.6% including 136 more doctors, 216 more nurses and midwives, and 143 more allied health staff.

Pink Ribbon Night Defies All Odds

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The raffle ticket table was a busy place at the Trundle Pink Ribbon Night keeping Debbie Veale, Janette Fry and Carolyn Keep on their toes. Debbie has organised the event for the past seven years with Carolyn, and Janette from the Blue Mountains is one of the biggest donators.

The challenges were plenty with floods, closed roads and the ABBA Festival cancellation, but the Trundle Pink Ribbon Night survived it all to once again produce an amazing result raising over $26,000 for the NSW Cancer Council.

“It was bigger than we had imagined,” said organiser Carolyn Keep, who was named the Central West’s 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her committee’s remarkable fundraising efforts.

She said with the rain and the uncertainty of the harvest, they were not sure what kind of support they would get, “but the place was packed out with over 400 people. It was just fabulous, with people coming from Parkes, Forbes and other surrounding towns too.”

Carolyn and her committee were once again overwhelmed with generous donations and they ended up with 35 auction items and 58 raffle prizes. “We have received such wonderful support from the local small businesses donating baskets of goods and local produce.” Other donations included a Glen McGrath helmet that sold for $1,100 and a signed cricket ball reaching $300.

Carolyn thanked Parkes Services Club and Whittaker Contracting from Orange sponsoring a total of $4,000 for the event, and the Cancer Council for all their wonderful support.

Help Ease Local Food Insecurity This Festive Season

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Woolworths customers are encouraged to make a dry food donation to its Local Community Food Drive campaign that will help out local families in need.

The Local Community Food Drive organised by Woolworths in Forbes and Parkes will help deliver food relief to those experiencing hardship in the lead-up to Christmas.

The initiative started on Wednesday, and Forbes and Parkes Shire customers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items. A specially marked Local Community Food Drive trolley has been placed in each store, and donated items can include: breakfast cereals, pasta, rice and instant noodles, canned fish or meat, spreads (peanut butter, honey, jam); and baked beans and spaghetti.

Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many Australians with more than half a million households struggling to meet food needs, and more than two million households having gone hungry in the last 12 months, according to the 2022 FoodBank Hunger Report.

Within these households, the number of children affected has increased by 100,000, resulting in 1.3 million children grappling without having food on their plate.

Woolworths stores are working closely with local food charities to ensure Forbes and Parkes Shire residents in need will receive the donated items, along with fresh food to the value of $250 in time for the upcoming festive season.

The Food Drive is a frontline community effort to help provide a solution for hunger relief, which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and changes in household living arrangements.

“We’re asking Forbes and Parkes Shire customers who are in a position to do so, to join us in donating to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive on their next grocery shop, by simply adding non-perishable items to our trolleys. By making a small donation, you will be helping the wellbeing of our local community, providing them with the essentials they need,” said the managers of the two stores.

Customers can donate in-store until 15th November.

Generous Support Help Stage NAIDOC Event

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Aboriginal Project Officer Micheal Anderson (left) hands over a certificate of appreciation to representatives from Fortescue Mining Elise Jackson, Jason Scouropoulos and Taylor Ogden.

The annual NAIDOC celebrations, held at Bushman’s Hill last month, was made possible with the generous support of community members and organisations. Neighbourhood Central (NC) presented awards in appreciation of their support. These included: Benevolent Society, Currajong Disabilities, Dyagang Dance Group, Harding – Jade and Chelsea, Fortescue Mining, Mid Lachlan Housing, Northparkes Mines, NSW Police, Parkes AECG, Parkes High: Wiradjuri Guwals, Parkes Shire Council, Parkes Rotary Club, Parkes Shire Concert Band, Pulse Gym Coffee Van, Rural Fire Service and Spuddy Buddy. NC Aboriginal Project Officer, Micheal Anderson is keen to help the community in any way he can.

Vinnies Volunteers Celebrate Centenary

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Cutting the special Vinnies cake were Lesley Crowe (centre president from 2006 to 2010), Barbara Scott (centre president from 2016 to 2022) and Christine Cox (centre president from 2011 to 2016 and current retail team leader).

More than 50 former and current volunteers did not miss the golden opportunity in Parkes last Thursday to celebrate 100 years of Vinnies shops in NSW.

The tables were decorated in gold and filled with delicious cakes and treats for the special occasion. Vinnies NSW Regional Retail Manager Tanya Godden thanked all the volunteers for their service saying they played an extremely important role. She handed over a framed certificate of appreciation.

Tanya said the Vinnies shop first opened in Parkes in 1947, while the first Vinnies shop in NSW opened in Newtown in 1922 and was selling horse manure! The shop is still in the same location.

Barbara Scott, who was centre president from 2016 to August 2022, said she loved the people and the one-on-one interaction she had with customers.

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

Youth aged 12-18 are invited to attend our next Youth Lock-In Games and Pizza Night on Wednesday, 23rd November from 5:30pm-8pm. Four-player games on the Nintendo Switch, or BYO a 4G-enabled device to join the fun of our Jackbox party games, plus outdoor games and free pizza, thanks to Domino’s Parkes. Places are strictly limited, book via humanitix.com.au.

YOUTH VOICES

Parkes Shire Youth Voices is in recess for Term 4. In the meantime, Parkes Shire Libraries are asking the youth to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on youth programs and events at https://forms.office.com/r/ciK8MkTaCB

FRIDAY FLICKS

Friday, 25th November at 6pm we are screening a legendary Australian story which has been adapted to film. This award-winning film is set in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1800s tackling issues of feminism and anti-racism. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

Composting & Worm Farming (FREE): Tuesday, 8th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Book via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3NkLbVX

Weaving with Ronda Sharpe ($25 per workshop): Monday 14th, 21st & 28th Nov

from 6-8pm. Book via Humanitix https://bit.ly/3FAKYwh

Multicultural Art Group (FREE): Tuesday, 15th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Contact Soniatilley@outlook.com.au

Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101

Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): Saturday, 26th Nov from 9am or 1pm. Book through the Orange Cricut Group Facebook Page.

Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Friday, 2nd Dec from 6:30pm and Saturday, 3rd Dec from 10am. Bookings via email popupsucculentshop@outlook.com

Live Entertainment At Broadway For Ausmusic Month

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Cletis Carr outside The Blind Pig in Orange. (Photo: Zenio Lapka).

If you love live music, Parkes is the place to be this November on a Sunday with special sessions at the Broadway Hotel to celebrate Ausmusic month.

Following some changes made at the ‘Broady’ over the past two years it has become the home of live music in Parkes. In conjunction with Arts OutWest the Broadway will be hosting free live music at its Sunday Live & Kicking Lunchtime Sessions for the whole month.

The first session this Sunday (6th November) kicks off with Americana Blues served up by Cletis Carr and his trio from 12noon.

Cletis is an accomplished songwriter and has toured the world sharing stages with Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Elvis Costello, Joan Jett, Nick Lowe and Huey Lewis. He has also performed with members of AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, the Easybeats and the Saints. Cletis, a consummate storyteller who entertains his audience with tales of backstage life, will be performing his new full-length blues album ‘Trouble & Me’.

On Sunday, 13th November it is the turn of Raptor County, a four-piece band who know how to rock with a touch of country blues, singing their songs about life from a regional perspective. They’ll have Parkes local Twiggy opening for them with his acoustic pop tunes from his ‘Now & Then’ release plus some crisp new tunes.

Sunday, 20th November Central West duo Smith & Jones will perform their finely crafted songs with their gorgeous harmonies. Opening their show will be Parkes local Gracey Denham-Jones like you’ve never heard her before.

Finishing off the month with their good time funk ‘n soul vibe is the dynamic duo Jaffer. Featuring the big bass sound of Luke Ferguson, who has toured nationally and appeared at major festivals including Blues Fest, Woodford folk festival and Splendour in the Grass. Twiggy will be opening the session.

Find out more at www.artsoutwest.org.au

Spring Photo Competition Winners

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Spring Photo Competition Winners are: (clockwise from top left) Winner Parkes – Elizabeth Drady, winner Forbes – Peta Allen, second Parkes – Wendy Baigent, second Forbes – Katie Drady, third Forbes – Anne McLennan and third Parkes – Casper Jones.

We received plenty of beautiful images of birds, flowers, landscapes, pets and more from our readers for the Spring Photo Competition. The judges had a tough task picking the winners. Bec Bennet from Hold Photography picked 15-year-old Peta Allen as the Forbes winner, while Marc Payne from March Payne Photography named Elizabeth Drady as the Parkes winner.

Bec’s comments on Peta’s winning entry was: “Lovely composition, perfect mirroring of the silo in the water, nice warm colours, soft afternoon sky. Depicts a lovely country scene.” Marc said of Elizabeth’s winning shot: “It has impact, it fills the frame and is nicely exposed.”

The judges also wanted to give a special mention to the second and third place winners.

• Forbes 2nd: Katie Drady: “Skiing in theflood waters. Great concept, great current scene for our region.”

• Forbes 3rd Anne McLennan: “Great composition, beautiful bright colours, goodfocus.”

• Parkes 2nd: Wendy Baigent “Image fillsthe frame and has nice colour, gives impact.”

• Parkes 3rd: Casper Jones “The use oflight is gorgeous in this image and thelight in the cat’s eyes draws you in.”

Peta and Elizabeth have each won a family photo session with Bec and Marc respectively.

Parkes Christian School Celebrates 40 Years

October 28, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

CLASS OF ’22… The Parkes Christian School is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend with a spring fair and celebration service. The 2022 Year 12 class graduates.

Parkes Christian School is celebrating 40 years of Christian education in the Central West with a spring fair and celebration service this weekend (29th and 30th October).

Past principals, staff, students and families that have been involved with the school over the past 40 years are all invited to attend.

The spring fair is also open to the general public, and will go from 9am to 2pm with market stalls run by students, vendors, lots of food options and coffee, Devonshire tea, an art exhibition, live entertainment and fun games and competitions.

The school procured a framed and signed Nathan Cleary jersey, and everyone who makes a small donation on the day stand a chance to win this piece of sporting memorabilia. There will also be a display of photos, uniforms and video footage of the school over the past 40 years to show just how far the school has progressed.

The fair is also a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and parents to come and have a look at what the school has to offer.

On Sunday, 30th October from 10am former staff, students and families of the school are invited to attend a celebration service in the school hall. Staff, students and members of the Parkes Community Church will perform worship songs, and reminisce about the beginning and development of the school.

Principal Glen Westcott is delighted to be hosting the 40-year celebrations. “Parkes Christian School was the first Christian school to be built in NSW west of the Blue Mountains.”

Glen said from humble beginnings, the school was now well and truly thriving. “With a growing population of 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and more than 40 staff, the school has impressive facilities.”

For more information follow the school on Facebook, or contact the school office on 6862 4164.

Parkes Christian School Celebrates 40 Years

2009 Parkes Christian School staff.

1993 Parkes Christian School staff.

1989 class photo of Year 7 & 8.

Parkes Christian School students in 1982.

Kelvin Smith, Principal Judy Huda and Ameeka Hodges.

Parkes Christian School as seen from above.

Students take part in the annual Anzac parade.

In 1986 the second school building was constructed. John Magill, founding member of the school and chairman of the board for many years, is in the trench.

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

YOUTH VOICES

FRIDAY FLICKS

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

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