The Newell Highway Taskforce Committee met at Parliament House.

The Newell Highway Taskforce held its meeting at Parliament House in Canberra with an address by the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack. He focused on the budget outcomes and the commitment by the Federal Government to the Newell Highway’s continued improvement at over $700 million.

Grade separation of the Inland Rail along the corridor is a major issue and the Federal Government has initially committed $187.5 million for prioritised works. This will increase the cost of Inland Rail and as a result the completion date is now expected to be 2027. Comprehensive updates were provided by Robyn Legg and Cathy Milfull from the Department of Infrastructure and Alistair Lunn from Transport for NSW. They highlighted major safety improvements along the length of the Newell Highway, including heavy duty pavements, additional overtaking lanes, centre line separation and audio-tactile treatments. Chairman of the Newell Highway Taskforce, Cr Ken Keith OAM from Parkes commended both the Federal and State Government for contributing over $1.4 billion into this vital inland corridor, the third busiest in the state.

The Newell Highway Taskforce Committee agreed to lobby for continuous mobile phone coverage. The next meeting will be held in Coonabarabran on 10th August.

(Photo: Susan Mill)

It’s been called the State’s most iconic steam locomotive, and it came to Parkes on Tuesday. The historic steam train 3801 returned to the Central West for the first time since 2007. On Tuesday it came through Parkes from Orange and on its way to Dubbo, much to the delight of train spotters. Its beautiful whistle could be heard across town. (Photo: Susan Mill)

There has been a 47% increase in the demand for food relief in communities across Australia in the past 12 months

In response Woolworths and FareShare have launched the 2021 Feed Appeal with 100% of all funds raised in NSW to be distributed to local food relief charities either as grants, or the direct donation of ready-to-eat meals.

Feed Appeal grants enable local charities to purchase equipment like fridges, freezers, ovens and vans, building their capacity to receive, prepare and distribute more food.

The aim is to raise enough money to create the equivalent of 3 million meals for vulnerable Australians. Woolworths also donates the equivalent of over 22 million meals in surplus fresh food per year to food relief, and supplies half of the fresh fruits, vegetables and meats donated to Fare-Share.

“We encourage Parkes Shire custom-ers to make a donation to the Feed Appeal the next time they shop with us, by simply rounding up their purchase at the checkout. Just 50 cents means a meal can be placed in the hands of an Aussie in need,” said Parkes Store Manager Harjit Sing.

Playing last week were (L-R) Kevin Robinson, Rosemary Morris, Ingrid Stephenson and Beryl Twardy hoping for 7NT.

Today we continue explaining some bridge terminology: 7NT is the highest possible bid in bridge and gives the highest points, if you take all 13 tricks winning your contract.

The opposition may have a couple of good honours (picture cards) and doubt your ability to make the contract. So, they put a cross on the bidding sheet. That means you are doubled! If you do win your 13 tricks, you have just greatly increased your score. A coy smile at that could be excused. But wait there’s more!

If you and your partner understand each other’s bidding conversation as you should, and you believe you can make your contract you can put two crosses on the bidding sheet. You have now redoubled. This is a great score on any contract, but 7NT doubled and re-doubled is as colossal as it gets. Be sure to smile sweetly without smirking.

Smiling winners over the last week were on Thursday Catherine Smith with Peter Quin north/south and Rosemary Morris with Beryl Twardy east/west; Monday Beryl Twardy and Barbara Hughes.

New players are welcome. We play Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lutheran Church Hall.

Check our website https://www.parkes.bridge-club.org or call Greig Ball 0429621712 or Bev Laing 0418114826 for more information.

Jordana Freney and Emma Henderson are looking forward in building strong relations with the Parkes and Forbes business communities.

The Phoenix Newspaper Group has opened a new office in Forbes to serve the Forbes and Parkes Phoenix sales team. The new office is at Shop 7 in the Forbes Arcade, 113 Rankin Street.

Phoenix Newspaper Group owner Josh Matic, who took over ownership of the group from Sarah Maynard two years ago, said the latest investment in space, skills and packages was the start of a new culture in the organisation. He is hopeful everyone in the business communities of Parkes and Forbes will continue to support the brands.

“We offer complete multi-media solutions and video has proven extremely popular for those who commit to longer term campaigns with us,” he said.

For Parkes-Forbes Manager and Forbes Editor Dane Millerd, the importance of an office space for a free weekly community newspaper and for business and community contributions is vital.

“The Phoenix is unlike any other publication in that it has a dual purpose of providing a platform for public interest journalism as well as to promote each respective town it represents like tourism and council organisations do,” he said.

“Our mailbox drops and distribution points are all reflective of the demand for the paper and we will only continue to grow as our owner is invested in our region.”

The Parkes/Forbes sales team of Jordana and Emma can be reached at – sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or sales@parkesphoenix.com.au.

IMAGE CREDIT: The Annual Parkes Picnic Races Facebook Page.

Whether you are into sports, culture, or love a social outing, there is something for everyone in the Parkes Shire this long weekend.

The annual Parkes Picnic Races will make a fashionable return tomorrow, 12th June with plenty of trackside entertainment. The five-race program includes the Coradgery Cup sponsored by Parkes Services Club, full TAB and betting facilities, canteen and bar services, coffee van, and the popular Fashions on the Field. Guest judges from Sydney, Elizabeth Packchung and Dixie Coulton, will be looking for modern cutting-edge style and originality, discreet elegance and fine craftsmanship, attention to detail with accessories, an understanding and interpretation of current fashion trends for winter and excellent grooming and deportment. Entry is free for under 16s, with $20 adult general admission tickets available online via 123Tix. Service NSW Dine & Discover vouchers can be used to purchase tickets online. Gates open at 11.30am.

The Peak Hill Arts and Craft Exhibition returns for the 48th year. It’s an opportunity to browse the huge display of local handcrafts and artworks, market stalls and handiwork, and also sampling local delights, including Devonshire tea, homemade soups and a barbeque.

The official opening will be at the Carrington Hotel today at 6pm. The exhibition will be open to the public tomorrow and Sunday at the Southern Cross Hall and Leisure Centre for just $2 per person at each venue from 9:30 am to 4pm on both days.

Sporting fans will also be kept entertained on Sunday with the action-packed clash between Parkes Spacemen and rugby league rivals Forbes Magpies in the local derby at Jock Colley Oval.

The Henry Parkes Centre will be open all weekend from 10am to 3pm daily. One ticket gains access to The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit and Parkes Motor Museum. Service NSW Discover vouchers can be redeemed to purchase tickets.

IMAGE CREDIT: Forbes Central Butchery Facebook

Billy Spence has been operating Forbes Central Butchery for a few years and what started as a small family business to serve the local community has quickly turned into something far bigger.

Forbes Central Butchery now cover the Parkes and Forbes Shire from Bogan Gate and Trundle through to Tullamore and Tottenham with deliveries every Friday.

“There’s no order too big or small,” said Billy. “We are now also targeting local farmers markets with our new and unique ranges of sausages and other selected products,” he said.

And with the local Forbes Rotary Markets on tomorrow, 12th June what better time to trial Billy’s new snags in Victoria Park in preparation for the Forbes Central Butchery Sausage Sandwich Eating Contest at the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on 13th November?

Tommy Jeffs is back in glitter as he takes his cabaret show to Forbes in July, in aid of Ronald McDonald House.

When Tommy Jeffs OAM hung up his alter ego Tallulah’s sparkly gown in 2020, he was sure she had retired forever. Then Ronald McDonald House in Orange called on Tallulah to raise some funds for their vital service and Tommy could not say no.

So, the perpetually busy Canowindra legend will be taking his cabaret show to Forbes for Christmas in July in collaboration with Forbes Shire Council.

“I have had friends that have used Ronald McDonald House. They are getting more and more people over there and it is becoming harder to raise money to support the good work they are doing. It is much easier to raise a lot of money in one night, than to do a lot of little fundraisers.”

Tommy knows this well, after a career of fundraising over $1 million, which earned him an OAM last Australia Day.

Those who know Tommy, will not be surprised that Tallulah is back. As Canowindra’s mover and shaker, he is not one to remain idle. During lockdown last year, Talullah gained a cult following of half a million people around the world from posting short clips online.

When asked what people can expect of the show, Tommy said: “They will get value for money. A beautiful meal, a variety show and a good laugh — and that is all we need

I decided I would have a try
At doing Waste to Art.
Recycling old to make objects new
Sounds easy – but where to start?

I went down to the library
To see the latest ones on show.
What do they use ? How can they make stuff?
To see them may help me to know.

Well! There’s nothing they won’t use.
(Though I viewed some with distaste)
But though my art is fairly limited
We have an awful lot of waste.

Rex says it will come in handy
I mustn’t throw it away.
It will end up “just the thing we need”
Upon some far-off day.

Car parts, wheels, gates and iron,
Posts of wood, cement and iron,
Materials to “build that shed one day”
Can’t remember them all, though I’m tryin’.

I know! I’ll build a sculpture!
In the garden to be seen
By those who come to visit us-
(I began to get quite keen.)

I searched, and found just what I need.
I put them in a pile.
While I thought about how to make
A sculpture with pizazz – and style.

Visitors can “Oooh and Aaah” over it
On Open Gardens Day.
It will look so fine, so cultured, so clever.
“I wonder what they will say?”

But an old-car man came. He bought three wheels,
Swapped Rex some tools for my cattle grid.
Took some iron lace, a tractor seat
And a camp oven (without a lid).

All this came from my sculpture pile.
It was gone before I found out.
Ambition was dashed. Inspiration was quashed
(That’s what art is all about.)

So here I stand. All my plans are gone.
Reality is – they are now all ghosts.
For all that is left is a petrol drum
And three big iron posts!