General Interest Archives - Page 121 of 352

‘Avarice’ A Thrill For Forbes Scriptwriters

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

MOVIE MAKERS… Dane Millerd and Adam Enslow have collaborated before on other projects. Avarice has been described in the media as ‘smartly put together and entertaining, a rock-solid homegrown thriller’.

It took more than four years to see the fruits of their labour, but last week two Forbes locals celebrated when the world premiere of a new thriller was screened in Perth, Western Australia.

‘Avarice’ is an action-packed thriller about a home invasion and it all started when Adam Enslow and Dane Millerd met director John V Soto in 2018.

“Adam and I were introduced to John through a mutual film colleague from the US. John had read our horror home invasion script ‘Are You Scared Yet?’ and wanted to chat with us. From there the action thriller Avarice was born and Andrew Slattery was brought in to help us with the script,” said Dane.

Luckily ScreenWest and Epic Pictures believed in the movie and it was made for over $2 million and filmed in Perth.

“It was a great process that Dane and I went through and to see it being made into a movie is pretty awesome,” said Adam.

Dane is just as excited about the movie saying the long wait of four years made it all worthwhile. “There are not short cuts in this business.”

Starring Gillian Alexy and Luke Ford the story of Avarice follows a woman (Alexy), who is an Olympian lever archer, as she attempts to rescue her investment banker husband (Ford) after he is abducted during a vicious home invasion.

As a screenwriter you have to put up with a lot of changes and Dane and Adam were involved in the five rewrites for Avarice. As a point of reference, Dane said Star Wars: A new Hope had 27 rewrites.

“We created the plot and the initial storyline and was able to put our stamp on it,” said Adam.

The writing pair have another thriller on their slate that has been delayed due to COVID, called ‘Death’s Waiting Room’, plus some other projects in their infancy.

They have not seen the movie yet, but can’t wait for the Sydney premiere in mid-September. It will then be released in theatres, streamed online and available on DVD/Blu Ray and video on demand.

Gillian Alexy, who also starred in The Americans, with director John V Soto at the premiere of Avarice in WA last week.

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

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

THE DROVER’S WIFE

The eAudiobook of The Drover’s Wife, read by Leah Purcell, is available for loan on BorrowBox. Download the BorrowBox app on your mobile device or computer, find Parkes Library, enter your member number and password (your birthdate DDMMYYYY. If you need help drop into the library or give us a call. https://parkes.borrowbox.com/

CALLING ALL BUDDING AUTHORS

The Parkes Shire Library writing group meets every first Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm Next meeting is 6th September.

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

Marramarra Makerspace is open from 2-5:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays. Expressions of interest are being taken for information sessions in 3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, cricut and sewing. Call theMakerspace on 6862 9101.

Lego Club on Tuesday afternoons 4-5pm for young people aged 10-15. Book your spot – call 6861 2309.

POL CRUZ ART EXHIBITION

Apolinario (Pol) Cruz is a local artist and his public exhibition of paintings, sculptures and assemblage will be in the Coventry Room from 10th to 24th September. The opening event is on Friday, 9th September at 6pm. Tickets are $15 and available at Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/from-here-exhibition-opening. Call Parkes Library on 6861 2309 to RSVP for catering purposes if you prefer to pay on the night.

BEST IN SHOW ART EXHIBITION

Is your pet the best pet ever? Well, ruffle your feathers and get your paints out; snap away to get the perfect shot; build your own sprit animal or dress as your favourite animal and take a selfie! Best in Show is calling for artwork for this community art exhibition focussing on animals and pets. Entry forms available at Parkes Shire Libraries. Closing date: Monday, 19th September and works to be delivered by Friday, 30th September.

Millions For Parkes Shire Water Supply Project

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The NSW Government announced an investment of $22 million to make the Parkes/Peak Hill Water Supply Project a reality and to help future-proof the region’s water supply.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $61.7 million major infrastructure project would strengthen water security for the shire and bolster the region’s drought resilience by creating a new raw water supply network for residents and businesses.

The government’s investment provides the last piece of the funding puzzle to hep the project deliver: 39km of new pipelines to link new and existing infrastructure; two new pump stations; an upgraded Lachlan River pump station; two new pre-treatment plants at Eugowra Road and Akuna Road; and a new raw water dam at the Parkes water treatment plant.

The pipelines will link new and existing infrastructure to support the water needs of residents and businesses.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM welcomed the NSW Government’s support and said the new infrastructure would be crucial for the region’s continued development. Construction is expected to begin in late 2022.

Sun And Show A Spectacular Combination

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The show rides are a great source of excitement and a fantastic workout for the lungs. These kids were in the moment on this bumpy train ride!

It looked like torrential rain was going to cancel the Parkes Show for a third year, but on Tuesday the sun suddenly appeared and it did not take long for the masses to start queuing at the gates of the showgrounds.

The excitement was palpable and no one seemed to mind the mud and construction site as it was just so great to be back.

“The show is what brings the community together once a year,” said Molly Wright from Peak Hill, winner of the inaugural NSW Young Rural Women competition at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Molly officially opened the 142nd Parkes Show on Tuesday afternoon saying she loved being back at shows on her own turf. She congratulated the organising committee of the show for persevering through all the challenges and giving 110% to celebrate the agriculture industry.

The winner of the first 2022 Parkes Show Young Woman is Sarah Townsend, who was welcomed by 2021 Parkes Showgirl Rebecca Bicket, the first online winner of the competition.

Sarah, who is a farmer from Alectown, said it was pretty special winning the title. “Being in agriculture, I would like to support and promote the efforts of women in this industry. I also look forward to learning much more and meeting lost of new people in my field.”

The Parkes Rural Ambassador Award, which is a new program this year, went to Sally Wright, while the 2022 Parkes Show Miss Teenager winner is Holly McColl.

Parkes Show President Peter Unger welcomed everyone back to the show saying the new animal nursery building was a great addition to the show facilities.

Jenny Rathbone received honorary life membership for her services as ringmaster, while Bob Orr was recognised for his 50 years of services on the show committee.

2022 Parkes Show Young Woman Sarah Townsend and 2021 Parkes Showgirl Rebecca Bicket.

Bob Orr was recognised for 50 years of service on the show committee and Jenny Rathbone received honorary life membership.

GP Surgical Clinic Re-Opens

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

A rural generalist surgical clinic has been re-established at Parkes Hospital and is run by Dr Angus Brown.

A rural generalist surgical clinic has been re-established at Parkes Hospital that will improve access to high quality surgical care for communities across the Lachlan Valley.

The reinvigorated clinic is being delivered by Dr Angus Brown, a rural generalist with advanced skills in general surgery, endoscopy and emergency medicine, and offers pre and post-operative care for a range of procedures.

“Through the rural generalist surgical clinic, Dr Brown provides public consultations throughout the surgical process to help patients understand their procedures and coordinate any care required afterward too,” said Professor Damien Limberger, Acting Clinical Director of Lachlan Health Service.

“Dr Brown has been providing services to the region for over a year. The reinvigorated clinic continues the work of local GP surgeon Dr Stephen Morris following his retirement.”

Rach Ellem, Health Service Manager of Lachlan Health Service, which includes Parkes and Forbes Hospitals, said the clinic currently operated only at Parkes Hospital on Tuesdays once per month, but there was scope to expand.

Contact the rural generalist surgical clinic on 68612455 or WNSWLHD-Admissions@health.nsw.gov.au

CMA Addresses Skills Shortage

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

At the CMA meeting were (L-R) Scott Ferguson, Mayor Blayney Shire Council; Kylie Thomas, Mayor of Kyogle Council; Doug Hawkins OAM, Mayor Liverpool Plains Council and Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire.

The Country Mayors Association (CMA) hosted a Skills Forum recently in response to the dire situation of attracting skilled staff to councils and communities.

“Covid has highlighted Australia’s dependence on skilled migration and the need to refocus on training and education,” said Mayor of Parkes Cr Ken Keith OAM and Chair of the CMA. “We have seen a decline, particularly in regional towns, in the delivery of courses, particularly face-to-face, by TAFE and private providers.

“Course enrolments have decreased significantly by 12.7% from 2016-2021 and more importantly, only 29% of people enrolled completed their courses in 2021. One of the main issues is the lack of apprenticeships and traineeships in rural towns,” said Mayor Keith.

The forum was addressed by the National Commissioner for Rural Education Fiona Nash, as well as the director of policy for the McKell Institute, Edward Cavanagh, CEO of Parkes CUC Cr Jacob Cass, Cr Rick Firman OAM and CEO of Riverina Joint Organisation, and Julie Briggs, who outlined the Riverina’s skills shortage project.

A round table discussion seeking suggestions for positive change was held. Ideas included: specifically isolating data from metro areas to compare to regional, rural and remote local government areas; to allow flexibility for reduced class sizes and course offerings and more support and incentives for businesses to train trainees within TAFE’s community service obligation; to encourage state government to train their own trainees and apprentices rather than taking from local government and the private sector; to advocate for the aged workforce to return to work and provide training and mentoring; that the CMA membership support the McKell Institute and its endeavours to increase skills and retain skills in country NSW; and to engage with Minister Henskens and his advisors to discuss problems facing regional and rural NSW.

Lining Up For Rhyming Day

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Christian School Kindergarten class dressed up for a day of ‘rhymingly’ good fun in the park.

As soon as Wolf began to feel
That he would like a decent meal,
He went and knocked on Grandma’s door.
When Grandma opened it, she saw
The sharp white teeth, the horrid grin,
And Wolfie said, “May I come in?”

The pantomime of Roald Dahl’s ‘Revolting Rhymes’ version of Little Red Riding Hood by the Morley family was a big hit at last Friday’s PAINT PARKES REaD Day.

Cooke Park and the CBD was transformed into a world of rhymes and ditties with more than 600 day care, pre-school and primary kids in dress ups adding to the magical makeover.

The theme for the annual event was Rhymingly with plenty of community members and groups playing a role to bring nursery rhymes, contemporary rhymes, ditties and made-up rhymes to life.

“It was really exciting and rewarding to see hundreds of children, in great costumes, participating with such enjoyment and enthusiasm,” said founder of PAINT PARKES REaD, Rhonda Brain.

With 10 shows and 13 rhyme stations there were plenty of fun to be had. The shows included Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott and Cr Bill Jayet at the Henry Parkes statue making up rhyming songs, QUE club at Roasted Kombi, the Parkes Shire Concert Band, Project Sprouts, Marg Applebee from Landcare, Christian School, Parkes and Peak Hill libraries, Parkes School of Dance and more.

“We could not have asked for a better day to spread the importance of REaD, Talk, Sing and Rhyme with our children from birth,” said coordinator Shonel Redfern. “We’ve had great feedback, the weather was perfect and the smiles on the children’s faces was great to see.”

Rhonda said the support and contributions of so many of the Parkes community demonstrated once again the generosity and teamwork which had become so much a part of our culture.

New Look For Henry Parkes Exhibition At Museum

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Museum volunteers Rosemary Prior and Suzy Cotterell at the Henry Parkes exhibition holding the book signed by him in 1887.

It’s heritage month and a good time to brush up on your local knowledge of Parkes.

Research officers Rosemary Prior and Rose Jones at the Henry Parkes Museum have updated and revamped the exhibition on the famous figure the town has been named after.

The Henry Parkes – Father of the Federation exhibition is looking fantastic with new photos and new and updated information. It also includes a very precious item.

A great discovery was made when a book of speeches by Henry Parkes with an inscription and signature by him was found in the museum’s archives. The inscription reads: “Presented to the free library of Parkes with the compliments of Henry Parkes – July 30th 1887”

The five-time premier visited Parkes on four occasions, and he donated this book during his second visit when he stayed for a week.

His first visit was in August 1873, and it was after this visit that the Progress Committee petitioned to have the town’s name changed from Bushman’s to Parkes. The name change happened on 1st December 1873.

Henry Parkes migrated to NSW in 1839 and he started a business as an ivory and bone turner in Sydney, and later added toy making. At the end of 1850 he started a newspaper called The Empire as he was always interested in political matters. He also wrote poetry. He was elected to parliament in 1854 and became premier in 1878.

The exhibition has some personal items of Henry including some of his carvings, his wallet, and a Bible given to him by his sister Maria. There are also photos of his three wives, Clarinda who died in 1888, Eleanor who died in 1895 and Julia. Henry married Julia on 24th October 1895 and died six months later on 27th April 1896. Julia was left to look after his children from his previous marriage and died in 1919.

Let Us All Remember

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

State Member for Orange Phil Donato (second left) with members of the Parkes RSL Sub-branch at the Vietnam Memorial last Thursday.

A good crowd of veterans and family and community members attended the commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day last Thursday in Parkes.

State member for Orange Phil Donato officially opened the renovated Vietnam Veterans Memorial before the start of the service.

The memorial celebrates not only one of Australia’s longest military engagements of the 20th Century from 1962 to 1972, but also the almost 60,000 Australians who served and the 521 veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Vietnam Veterans Day takes place on 18 August, originally to acknowledge the Battle of Long Tan which took place in 1966 and resulted in 18 Australian deaths and 24 wounded after three hours of fierce fighting before the withdrawal of the Viet Cong.

Parkes RSL Sub-branch member Ian Griffey delivered the prologue saying on the 56th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan it was important to remember that “for our Vietnam veterans, life after the war could never be the same. Thousands of our servicemen have developed long-term health problems associated with what they were exposed to in Vietnam. Tragically they are over-represented in statistics on respiratory disorders, cancer, depression and suicide.”

The Australian War Memorial recognised Indigenous Vietnam veterans on the commemoration day after new research had identified more than 250 Indigenous men and women who served for Australia during the Vietnam War.

State Member for Orange Phil Donato with President of the Parkes RSL Sub-branch Keith Woodlands after the official opening of the renovated Vietnam Memorial in Parkes.

Training Boost For Local Emergency Services

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

One of the scenarios volunteers worked on at the Careflight trauma care workshop in Parkes on Sunday. (Photo: CareFlight)

Emergency services in Parkes and Forbes received a boost on Sunday when CareFlight hosted a unique community education workshop for 14 SES and RFS volunteers.

CareFlight’s trauma care workshops are one of a kind and are provided at no cost to participants. Lifelike medical manikins, simulated accident scenarios and specially-designed simulation equipment aid in the recreation of a high-pressure, hands-on environment, ensuring the training is realistic, applicable and improves participants’ ability to connect learning to real-world situations.

In addition to lifesaving skills, personnel are armed with essential leadership, teamwork, situational awareness and communication skills that will help them respond to traumas.

Head of education and training at CareFlight, Colin Brown said it was the third time in 11 years that CareFlight had hosted the workshop in Parkes. “It is one of our favourite workshops and we love doing it in country towns like Parkes.”

He said the feedback from the participants was fantastic. “Talking to them afterwards they said it was really helpful, especially as they were often the first people to arrive at the scene of an accident or emergency.”

“Some of the practical aspects they learned were how to manage patients in a particular situation, how to triage patients and what to do when they have more patients than resources.”

CareFlight was able to bring the training to Parkes thanks to government grants, and is part of CareFlight’s grassroots initiative to create a resilient and healthier community. In collaboration with local groups and their members, CareFlight is building confidence in the emergency response abilities of locals in the community.

CareFlight’s Community Education workshops are coordinated by experienced doctors, paramedics and nurses who train first responders.

THE DROVER’S WIFE

CALLING ALL BUDDING AUTHORS

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

POL CRUZ ART EXHIBITION

BEST IN SHOW ART EXHIBITION

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