General Interest Archives - Page 139 of 352

Grants For Parkes And Trundle

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The fence at Berryman Oval in Trundle will be replaced as part of a big upgrade project.

Two Parkes Shire community organisations will be able to carry out important upgrading work following the approval of grants under the popular Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

The Trundle Sports Council has received a $20,000 SCP grant, while Neighbourhood Central in Parkes has been approved for a $3,000 grant.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Trundle Sports Council would put its grant towards upgrading Berryman Park, which included replacing fencing. Neighbourhood Central is going to use its grant to install a shade sail over its courtyard.

Trundle Sports Council spokesman Andrew Rawsthorne welcomed the SCP grant. “Berryman Park is a hub for the whole community and is really loved,” he said. “Everyone takes a great deal of pride in it.

“The community has worked tirelessly for the past 10 years to upgrade its facilities and we are just about to kick start one of the largest upgrades in the park’s history. “This funding to start the replacement of the park’s perimeter fence is a huge help and will make the park safer, particularly at night-time, and far better for the many young families who use the park every day, as well as more easily accessible and more event ready.

“We are extremely grateful for the funding.” Neighbourhood Central executive officer Dianne Scott said the shade sail would make a big difference to the courtyard. “Staff, volunteers and clients will be able to use the courtyard safely, because there is no shade there now,” she said.

Michael said $149,500 had been approved for 11 projects in the Riverina and Central West through Round 7 of SCP, a program for not-for-profit organisations which funds small capital projects that deliver important social benefits in each of the 151 Federal electorates across the country.

Thousands Of Fingerlings Find New Home In Lake Endeavour

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Left: Helping with the release of the fingerlings on Monday were (L-R) Councillors Daniel Webber, Marg Applebee, Alistair Pearce from Uarah Fisheries, Mayor Ken Keith and Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coor-dinator, Michael Chambers. Right: It will take two years before the fingerlings are a catchable size.

Thousands of fingerlings were released into Lake Endeavour on Monday to benefit not only the health of the dam but also enhance fishing opportunities.

The Native Fish Stocking initiative by the Department Primary Industries Fisheries enabled Parkes Shire Council to release Murray Cod and Golden Perch in an effort to increase the health and biodiversity of the dam, as well as enhance recreational freshwater fishing opportunities for locals and visitors.

The program also assists in the development of regional aquaculture industries, as well as increases awareness and understanding of responsible stocking.

“While Murray Cod were once wide-spread throughout the Murray Darling system, they unfortunately are now listed as a threatened species – so these restocking efforts are extremely important for restoring and increasing the local populations,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers.

“With the last fish release at Lake Endeavour in 2020, Council have been working with DPI for the past two years to secure fish for this recent release. It will take a further two years before these fish are a catchable size.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith said: “As an integral part of our Shire’s water-ways, it’s important that we foster a sustainable and productive environment at Lake Endeavour, as well as ensure the precinct is there for residents and visitors to participate in passive recreation for years to come.”

Access permits for Lake Endeavour are available from Council for passive recreational activities such as bushwalking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking. Anglers wishing to fish at Lake Endeavour must apply for a recreational fishing licence through the Service NSW website and pay the associated fee.

Parkes Picnic Races Spectacular

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://parkespicnicraces.com.au/

Save the date for the biggest weekend of the year in Parkes on Saturday, 11th June for the Parkes Picnic Races.

The annual meeting of the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Amateur Race Club Inc on the long weekend in June has become a social highlight for locals and visitors.

Expectations are extremely high that this year’s event could be the biggest on record according to club secretary Mark Olson. “The shackles are off and the saddle is on and we are off and running for what will be a great day for picnic racing and as usual a fantastic community get together opportunity.”

President Tim Keith had a spring in his step announcing the major sponsor for 2022 will be Parkes Services Club. “What a wonderful long-term partnership we have,” he said.

The committee is putting a shout out to any locals who would like to volunteer their time on race day with help in all manner of jobs. For those interested in helping out, call into the Memphis Motor Inn or call Mark O’Neill on 0427 647 170 for further information.

Fashions on the field is going to be a smash again this year with effervescent judges Dixy Coulton and Elizabeth Pakchung given the unenviable job of judging the four categories of Best Dressed Couple, Elegant Lady, Stylish Man and Millinery.

Spots are limited for sponsored tents with all the usual suspects lining up again.

A live band will be on course for an afternoon of fabulous music with Foxxy Cleopatra.

There will be five races on during the afternoon with good prize money attracting capacity fields.

Hoofnote, the club is searching far and wide for an extra special celebrity guest so watch this space and above all else we will see you all on 11th June at the Parkes Picnic Races.

By Mark O’Neill

Harmony Is Poetry

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Rosemary Prior of the Henry Parkes Museum with Tilly the dog, UB UBBO Exchange Director Sean James Cassidy, and President of the Parkes & District Historical Society Bruce Hall.

The international art group, Ub Ubbo Exchange, marked Harmony Day and Poetry Day on Monday, 21st March with the release of a new song, Journey to Gulbalanha.

This song, celebrating peace and harmony, is connected to the Rotary Peace Precinct at the foot of Memorial Hill. The song and film clip is a musical and visual representation of the values inscribed on the story branches, the five carved tree trunks; Acknowledge the Past; Strong Families, Strong Community; Respect and Value Diversity; Yindyamarra, Winhanganha meaning to respect knowledge.

The premiere was held at the Henry Parkes Museum which has a strong relationship with Ub Ubbo Exchange having hosted several other premieres and featured The Art of Resilience videos.

By Kerrie Peden

Stars Align For A Splendid Night

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The stars aligned on Saturday night in heaven and on the Cooke Park Pavilion stage for a magnificent show attended by people from all over the Central West and further afield.

The stellar performance of Josh Piterman and Lucy Durack, Australia’s brightest stars in musical theatre, shone through and inspired the talented cast of Central West performers, musicians and choristers who not only impressed the audience but left them with a feeling of pride.

Overture delivered everything it promised and so much more leaving the 900 patrons with only words of praise and hope that this was the beginning of an era of great shows in Parkes.

“It truly was next level amazing,” said one, while another described it as “an incredible night”. Parkes local Jenny Short said: “Absolutely wonderful display of local talent – so proud of them all. So proud of Parkes!”

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said it was a great night to christen the new Cooke Park Pavilion. “It never ceases to amaze me the talent produced across the Central West.”

Deputy Mayor and member of the organising committee Neil Westcott said: “What an amazing event. Truly a one off and memories forever.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith thanked everyone who made it such a memorable event, including the Council’s amazing and dedicated staff.

The community’s warm welcome and kindness were mentioned by Lucy and Josh on stage. They were both very excited to be part of the production.

Wooden Artefacts On Exhibit

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Working on the new display of Aboriginal wooden artefacts were (L-R) Ronda Sharpe, Ethan Hartley, Geoff Anderson and Irene Ridgeway.

The Henry Parkes Museum has enlisted the help of members of the Aboriginal community in Parkes to display a collection of wooden artefacts.

The collection includes spears, boomerangs for hunting and fighting, a didgeridoo and two shields. All the items are from the Parkes area and have been in the museum’s archive according to President of the Parkes & District Historical Society Bruce Hall. Artist Irene Ridgeway and Ethan Hartley painted the mounting board, and Ronda Sharpe and Geoff Anderson helped them with the mounting of the items on the board.

The new exhibit is on display in the Aboriginal section of the museum.

Basil, Sybil And Manuel Are Coming To Town!

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Expect nothing short of guaranteed fun and a brilliant night out as you climb inside the BBC’s iconic Faulty Towers TV show and experience it from the inside out…

Yes, you can be part of the action right here in Parkes as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter. With over 70% of each performance improvised, it is completely immersive and a highly interactive comedy spectacular where anything can happen… and usually does!

It took Allison Hattenfels, Manager of Bushman’s Motor Inn, four years to get this top attraction of London’s theatre scene to come to Parkes. The good news is the show will run for two nights on Wednesday, 27th and Thursday, 28th April.

“It is a very different and fun experience,” said Allison, who decided she wanted it to come to Parkes after she had seen in Young.

“Not only will it be a good night to catch up with friends and have a good laugh, but it will also help to keep the feel-good mood that the Elvis Festival bring to town last longer as it is three days after the end of the festival,” said Allison.

She says we all need humour in our lives after COVID, and the world’s most sought-after tribute to the iconic Faulty Towers is sure to deliver barrel loads of laughs in an irresistible blend of top-flight improvisation and tight theatrical script.

“The actors are extremely quick witted and react instantly to any quips made by audience members,” said Allison.

Be prepared to be pranked and expect the unexpected as chaos reigns right from the start with Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Book a table with friends by calling 6862 2199 or go to www.bushmansmotorinn.com.au

Budget Highlights

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Federal budget delivered on Tuesday night had many measures for the Riverina and Central West in health, defence, infrastructure, social services and easing costof-living pressures, according to Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack.

Cost Of Fuel: Events abroad are pushing up cost-of-living pressures, and the government is cutting fuel excise in half. Australians will save 22 cents a litre for the next six months. This could mean a saving of $30 a week for a family with two cars, or $700 over the next six months.

Extending Tax Relief: Around 61,700 taxpayers in Riverina will benefit from tax relief of up to $1,500 this year, made up of the $1,080 low and middle income tax offset and a $420 cost of living tax offset.

Cost Of Living: Government is also providing a one-off cost of living payment of $250 for Australians most in need. In Riverina, these payments will be delivered to: 20,326 pensioners; 6,607 disability support recipients; 2,258 carers; 8,233 jobseekers; and 14,180 eligible self-funded retirees.

Health: Charles Sturt University will receive $14.8 million through its Rural Clinical School to establish training sites and accommodation at Cootamundra and Parkes.

Large Aircraft Take To Sky Over Parkes

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

An AP3_C Orion, an ex RAAF maritime patrol aircraft. It will be in the flyover on Saturday afternoon, and another one will be on display on the ground at the Parkes Airport.

If you hear a roar in the sky in Parkes tomorrow afternoon, you should look up!

This weekend will see much aviation activity at the Parkes Regional Airport, and at 2pm on Saturday, 2nd April the sky will fill with the large ex-military aircraft of the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum.

Some big radial engines will provide the excitement, including the AP3-C Orion, the long-range maritime patrol aircraft that came out of service in 2018, and an ex RAAF DC3. There will also be an ex RAAF Caribou, a workhorse of the Vietnam War.

There will also be up to 100 recreational aircraft and their crews flying in and camping at the Parkes airport to celebrate their passion and hobby with like-minded people. If you have ever thought about learning to fly and are looking for a relatively inexpensive way to do it come out and look at what recreational aviation is all about!

The aircraft at the museum will be open for you to visit with some open cockpits that children of all ages can sit in and enjoy. You can explore the AP3-C Orion, the Caribou, 2 Lockheed Neptunes, a de Havilland Heron, a Harvard military trainer and a 1938 Lockheed 12 being reassembled.

Music To Our Ears

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

COMMUNITY CHOIR… Some of the members of the Parkes Community Choir who will be on stage for Overture tomor-row night. They are L-R Kaye Lindsay, Don Orr and Malcolm Westcott, Stuart Peden, Bob Strickland, Kerrie Peden, Ros Bell, Bev Rowe, John Jelbart and Michelle Jelbart. (Photos: Robert Shore)

There will be plenty of local Parkes faces to look out for in the massed choir in the Overture performance at the Cooke Park Pavilion tomorrow night.

After many hours of preparation and rehearsals, the Parkes Community Choir will have a strong representation of 34 members on stage for the long-awaited show with Australia’s celebrity stars.

“The whole process has been very interesting, rewarding and an exercise in problem-solving,” said Kerrie Peden, the choir’s director.

Not only did they have to learn the repertoire, but the process started during COVID restrictions and members had to learn to wrangle Dropbox and Zoom, and practise alone and in isolation from other members.

“When COVID restrictions prevented choirs from meeting and singing was not allowed, our members were not daunted and learned the repertoire online using singing resources supplied by the music producers Jessica Westcott, Nicholas Gentile and Harriet Snaith,” said Kerrie. “Gradually, small groups were able to meet with Carolyn Butler, Colleen Leonard, Sherree Rosser and Pam Parkin assisting.”

It has all come together and tomorrow night the choir will support Lucy Durack and Josh Piterman, and the other soloists in a wide-ranging repertoire, including a medley of five ABBA songs.

“It is wonderful for our choir to be part of such a prestigious performance and will undoubtedly create memories that will live on. This achievement has been a team effort and I am extremely proud of our members and the part they have played in bringing Overture to fruition,” said Kerrie.

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