At the recent annual general meeting of Parkes Can Assist the following committee members were elected (L-R): Publicity Officer Betty Huntly, Vice-President Colleen Mitchell, Assistant Secretary Carol Southwell, Treasurer Adrienne Brown, Secretary Patricia Bailey, President Sylvia Glendenning and Assistant Treasurer Trevor Southwell. “We would like to thank everyone in Parkes and surrounding areas who continue to help us raise funds to assist people with cancer related expenses,” said Sylvia. “Even though our fundraising efforts are restricted at the moment, we are still supporting clients with their medical and travel needs.”

The Beargamil Dam (also known as Bumberry) has been bone dry for more than two years. Situated about 5km downstream from Lake Endeavour, it quickly filled up when Endeavour reached capacity about two weeks ago and thousands of litres started flowing over its spillway. By last weekend Beargamil reached capacity and its dramatic overflow attracted many visitors providing a spectacular setting for a picnic.

Photo: Bill Thomas

The theme of the Parkes Elvis Festival, scheduled to take place from 6-10 January 2021, is Speedway.

The final decision on whether the Parkes Elvis Festival will proceed next year will be made by the 28th of September.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community, artists, fans, staff and businesses is foremost in our planning, and we are evaluating moving the festival to another date or cancelling it altogether,” said Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM added the health and safety of the community would come first in the decision. “However, with just over five months to go we are still hopeful that the 2021 festival will proceed as planned and do not want to be premature in cancelling an event that has such a positive impact on the region.”

“A festival of this size takes year-round planning, therefore we are continuing to work behind the scenes,” said Cathy. “This way we can make sure that if we get the green light from NSW Health, we have everything in place to host a safe and fun festival for everyone.”

The following decision-making dates have been scheduled: The ticket launch date has been delayed from 7 September to 19 October. No sales will be made before confirmation the event is safe to proceed; The decision to move the festival to a later date will be made by 31st August; Community and business consultations will take place in September to ensure that the decision is in line with community expectations for the final decision on 28th September.

Some of the fabric masks on sale at the Craft Corner in Parkes.

Although the wearing of masks in public is only compulsory in Victoria at the moment, masks have become a sought-after commodity all over the country.

Members of the Craft Corner in Parkes jumped at the opportunity and started making fabric masks with well over 200 already sold since last week.

With about five members making masks, the shop offers different styles, sizes and colours priced at $6 or more each.

“As soon as we get new masks in, they go,” said Rosemary Mitchell. “People are worried and want to be sure they have one in case they need it.” She said as it was also compulsory for all visitors to hospitals to wear masks, the demand was even higher.

She did want to point out that the fabric masks were not surgical masks, although some of their designs have a pocket for a filter.

The Craft Corner sewers are having trouble finding elastic for making the masks. Stocks everywhere seem to have been depleted. They are asking for any donations of spare elastic people might have at home. They are specifically looking for thin elastic. Donations can be dropped off at the Craft Corner.

It is Education Week next week and NSW public schools will celebrate with the theme ‘Learning Together’ drawing on the education community’s sentiment of 2020. Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said schools faced unprecedented challenges this year, and Education Week would provide an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the public school community in the face of adversity. “The year started with communities still suffering the impacts of drought and the destructive summer bushfires, while flooding forced the closure of some schools. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and totally disrupted our way of life, changing the way we learn and socialise.”

“Despite these significant disruptions our staff, in partnership with parents and carers, have worked tirelessly to ensure that high quality teaching and learning has continued for all students.”

This year’s events will focus on opportunities to celebrate virtually. The week will start with a live stream on Monday featuring public schools across NSW. The Education Week 2020 website at education.nsw.gov.au/edweek20 offers a wealth of ideas for schools.