After almost 15 years at the Parkes Services Club, Cindi Murphy became Club Manager in October last year.

With a staff complement of around 50 people, Cindi is very grateful for developments in the business environment and support offered to women. She has so far received a lot of encouragement in her new position.

“You still come across a minority of mostly older generation men who think that a man would do a better job,” says Cindi. “They find it hard to take direction from you and to change their mindset that the position is only suitable to a man.”

Cindi is not discouraged by these attitudes and says to the contrary it only makes her more determined to do a better job and prove them wrong.

“I am also very lucky to be working in the Clubland environment where there is a lot of support and training for women, perhaps more than in other places.” She says colleagues and managers have given her a lot of encouragement. “They value my opinion as much as theirs.”

After four months in the ‘hot seat’, Cindi really enjoys the teamwork. “We are like one big family!” She also likes all the different challenges that comes across her desk every day.

“The club is here for the community and it is important to run it successfully, not only to maintain the jobs of our staff, but also to keep on supporting the communities in the Parkes Shire through donations to clubs and schools.”

Alison Reaburn is a woman who is not daunted by a challenge. Not only did she move here from Dubbo, but she took on the mammoth task of re-opening the Royal Hotel on the very first day of this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival.

After six years of running a café in Dubbo, the opportunity came up to become Owner/Manager of the Royal and she jumped at it.

“It went very well during Elvis and everyone has been very friendly and helpful.”

Alison has many ideas for her new venture, but her biggest aim is to promote the Royal’s central location and friendly atmosphere as the ideal spot for after work drinks, business lunches and a meeting place for women, young mums and anyone else looking for good service and great prices.

She wants to offer something for everyone with plans to make it a venue for live music featuring local artists, running regular competitions, like the footy tipping that has started, and sponsoring sports teams.

Connection and Collaboration were the themes for the launch of the 28th edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine (RLM) last month featuring Parkes and Forbes.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed 80 guests saying: “It was so important for us to showcase the beauti- ful communities in which we live. To have this edition launch during one of the driest times on record, I can’t tell you the value that this will have in terms of visitation.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM said: “It has been the tourism sector that has supported our communities during these drought times. Having a town 20 minutes down the road, I think it’s fantastic that we can support one another, as well as celebrate and share the success of each other’s events.”

Regional Lifestyle Magazine Editor, Elizabeth Tickle acknowledged the success of the partnership between the two regions. “This particular project has been six months in the making…113 pages dedicated to the beautiful Forbes and Parkes areas.”

The highlight of the evening was the welcome dance performed by the River Spirit Dancers which emphasised the importance of connecting with one another.

Copies of the Autumn 2020 edition are available online at lifestylemagazine.net. au or from Parkes NewsXpress, Peak Hill Newsagency, Trundle Newsagency and News On Rankin in Forbes. For more information visit: www.lifestylemagazine.net.au

In about two years’ time fishing at Lake Endeavour promises to be abundant after the release of over 16,000 fingerlings recently.

The Native Fish Stocking initiative by the Department Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries was carried out by Parkes Shire Council.A total of 11,600 Murray Cod and 4,500 Golden Perch were released 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 widespread 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 2015, we’ve been working with DPI for the past two years to secure fish for this recent release.”

Michael said it would take two years before these fish were a catchable size.

Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Barbara Newton said: “As an integral part of our Shire’s waterways, 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.