Jimmy Barnes and 5,000 plus fans in Tullamore on Saturday. (Photo: Jimmy Barnes Official Facebook page)

A severe duststorm on Saturday nearly led to the cancellation of the much-awaited Jimmy Barnes show at Tullamore, but more than 5,000 fans were very happy it went ahead.

Jimmy said on his official Facebook page “a dusty sandstorm couldn’t spoil a great time. They call me the rainmaker and Troy Cassar-Daley is known as ‘Stormboy’ and together with a rockin’ crowd the rains came down. So happy for the farmers who have struggled through years of drought.”

The fans could not agree more with lots of praise and compliments handed out for the event.

Parkes resident Janine Hando said the whole weekend was a credit to the Tullamore and surrounding communities. “The whole show was fantastic. The dust storms gave the many out of town visitors a taste (literally) of what it is like living in a drought.”

Another fan on the Jimmy Barnes page said: “Wind, dust, then a short shower on 5,000 plus people – truly amazing, enjoyed every minute of it.”

Another said it was an amazing concert. “The dust didn’t worry me, incredible atmosphere.”

Seems like Tullamore was rocked like it had never been before.

By Maggi Barnard

Glen Harbidge is the winner of our very popular Spring Photo Competition this year with his entry called Yesterday’s Hero. Glen wins a $150 gift voucher from Greenparkes Garden Centre. The quality was astounding in this year’s competition with almost 110 entries received. Thank you to everyone who took the time to photograph the beauty surrounding us every day despite the drought.

Holding a collection of awards are (L-R) Julian Fyfe (Parkes Shire Council, Technical Infrastructure Manager), Raen Fraser (Parkes Shire Council, Project Communications Officer), Cr Neil Westcott and Alison Westcott.

Parkes made a clean sweep at the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards in Cessnock last weekend coming home with six awards.

Parkes not only won the overall award for population 12,001-20,000, but also claimed awards for Waste Management, Response to Climate Change, Environmental Education, and Community Spirit and Inclusion.

However, it was the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society who stole the show winning the Community Spirit and Inclusion Award for the musical Shrek – Junior. The production not only included a record number of junior members on stage, but also offered an autism friendly relaxed performance – a first for a regional theatre company and junior cast.

The show was attended by many who had not previously had the opportunity to see live theatre before, such as those living with autism, epilepsy, a sensory disorder, or a disability.

Parkes Shire Council was recognised with the Waste Minimisation Award for the Waste Management Strategy Implementation, which saw new waste facility up- grades in Parkes and Peak Hill, including a new weighbridge, gatehouse, and drop-off facilities at Parkes. The new Waste Transfer Station at Peak Hill included undercover waste drop-off areas, new sealed roads and staff amenities. Environmental improvements were also undertaken at land-fills at Bogan Gate, Gunningbland, Trundle and Tullamore.

The Parkes Recycled Water Scheme was recognised with a Response to Drought Award. The Scheme represents Council’s long-term vision to secure Parkes’ water supply and increase our drought resilience in a changing climate.

Banjo the Frog received a Highly Commended Environmental Education Award for sharing the message on recycled water and water resource issues with our community.

Trundle School was recognised with a Highly Commended Community Spirit and Inclusion Award for their Country Kids Reaching Out project.

At PECC’s 65th birthday on Wednesday were (L-R) Lindy Farrant, Colette Genet-Marks, Craig Smith, Sam Bennett (accountant), Rosemary Morris (patron), Cr Bill Jayet and Mayor Ken Keith.

It’s always exciting when a school day turns into a celebration when you can dress up in party hats and superhero costumes and eat lots of cake.

This is what happened at the Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC) on Wednesday for the centre’s 65th birthday.

A bright and colourful scene greeted the special guests as the children sang a welcome song in their party gear in the sun.

President of the management committee Craig Smith said it was a great occasion for the centre still going strong after 65 years.

Parkes Mayor and patron of PECC, Ken Keith told the children he attended 60 years ago when it was the Parkes Preschool. “The legacy left by Lindy Farrant (Director) is astonishing. We aimed to make it the best childhood centre in the state and succeeded!” He praised Lindy’s significant contribution over the years.

Lindy, who has been Director since 1994, announced her retirement last week. “I warmly and sincerely thank all the staff, committee members, families and children for everything you’ve contributed over the years,” she said.

“We have a special surprise for Miss Lindy,” said Acting Director Colette Genet-Marks as she handed Lindy balloons shaped in the number 33 to represent the years she has been involved with the centre.

Then it was time to cut the special birthday cake with the centre’s new logo much to the delight of the children.

By Maggi Barnard

Drought-affected students from rural NSW can go on a trip to see the School Spectacular in Sydney.

School students from across drought-affected NSW have the opportunity to take a break and spend a night with the stars.

The first ‘Wish Upon a Star’ initiative will bring 150 students from drought affected schools to see the Schools Spectacular and enjoy a fun weekend away.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell encouraged principals to nominate students for this trip which will be a no-cost treat to families battling the unrelenting drought.

“We want to give 150 kids a fun weekend to take their minds off the challenges of the drought for a few days,” said Sarah.

The students will travel from hubs at Dubbo, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga on Friday, 22nd November to stay at Sport and Recreation Centres at Narrabeen, Broken Bay and Berry, and attend the Schools Spectacular matinee on Saturday, 23rd November. They will also visit the beach for a swim and try water sports and other activities.

Nominations close today through the Department of Education. Schools can nominate up to four drought-affected students.