A new Advanced Water Recycling Facility in Parkes will produce high-quality recycled water for irrigation purposes and reduce commercial demand for potable water and is phase one of a three-phase Wastewater Treatment Plant and Recycled Water Scheme development.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr McCormack said the project gave the region greater water security into the future. “Water is the lifeblood of our regional towns and cities and the Advanced Water Recycling Facility will ensure Parkes can thrive into the future.

Not only will it leave more water available for domestic use, it will also provide a water source that is drought-resistant.”

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project represented a major investment in local jobs and the region’s economic future.

“This project will deliver substantial benefits to the Parkes community, supporting 61 jobs during construction,” Dr McVeigh said. “The facility reduces the need to pump water 25 kilometres from Lake Endeavour Dam, and 30 kilometres from the Lachlan River and Lachlan Borefields, saving money and providing substantial energy savings for the Parkes community.”

“The Advanced Water Recycling Facility creates an entirely new water source for the town, allowing us to maintain our parks and sporting grounds year-round,” said Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire Council Barbara Newton.

“We would like to thank the Australian Government for partnering with Parkes Shire Council to make the Advanced Water Recycling Facility possible. This will provide water security and build community capacity, positioning Parkes well into the future.”

Climate Smart Innovation
Climate Smart Innovation for the Central West is a conference being held in Cowra on 18th and 19th April exploring the future of agricultural practices. The conference will showcase the latest in the region’s agricultural, environmental and conservation projects. It will promote new and sustainable production methods for land production and environmental stakeholders in the Central West.

Major speakers at the conference include Mick Callan of Central West Councils Environment & Waterways Alliance who will speak about Environmental Protection Projects in the region. Mick is the current winner of the Jo Ross Memorial Award for his contributions to the environment of the Bathurst Region for implementing projects such as “Racing to Save the Mount Panorama Woodlands” and “Protecting and Connecting Bathurst Copper Butterfly Habitat”.

Dr Paul Gibson-Roy, the Lead Scientist for Greening Australia will be speaking about “Bringing native biodiversity back into rural and urban landscapes”, which will touch on both ecology and amenity and the techniques used. Paul will speak about how native species are not only used to reduce soil or water surface loss but are also useful in farming systems for fodder or for their integrated pest management attributes.

A visit to one of the country’s leading dairy, “Moxey Farms”, will also feature. See how the farm of 6,000 cows manages innovative technology to run sustainably, including a tour of their new bio-digester which is turning farm waste into fertiliser.

Kristy Good, the Splash Program Coordinator for Sydney Water will be running a workshop on “Living Waterways Framework”, providing participants with the skills to identify, design and promote solutions for water sensitive urban design strategies.

For more information and to register, contact Cowra Council on 02 6340 2040 or go to www.cowracouncil.com.au

Re’lish Home And Living
Re’lish Home and Living is a home décor boutique in Cowra. The store offers a range of homewares, gifts and associated products, including locally sourced produce. Re’lish Home and Living was nominated in the Cowra Business Awards for 2018, as a business that is integral to Cowra, provides an exemplary product and/or service, and continues to leave a legacy of very happy customers through sound, efficient and ethical business performance.

As Mother’s Day is coming up soon, the store has stocked a range of items including Glasshouse Candles, as well as inspirational books, notecard sets, jewellery, and scarves. Brands include Gingerlilly Australia, Cadelle Leather, Najo, Swarovski, Ruby Star Traders, and Tea Tonic. Drop in any time between 9.30am to 5.30pm, at 9A, 95-109 Kendal St, Cowra.

Cowra Tourism Centre
Cowra is a town steeped in rich history and culture, from the beautiful rolling hills of the Cowra Japanese Garden to the solemn site of the great POW Breakout, history and culture are an integral part of what makes Cowra beautifully unique.

With friendly locals, exquisite local wine and produce, a great range of accommodation options and so much more, Cowra truly is the great escape, a town that is just begging to be explored.

For history buffs, a visit to Cowra’s POW Campsite, War Cemeteries, and famous POW Hologram at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre are a must! Ring Australia’s World Peace Bell located just outside the Cowra Council Chambers and take a walk around Cowra’s tranquil Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.

There is a little something for everyone in Cowra, with plenty of events on throughout the year including the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival, the Cowra Christmas Street Festival, the Cowra Wine Show and so much more! A full list of events is available at the Visit Cowra website at www.visitcowra.com.au/events. For further information on Cowra contact the Cowra Visitor Information Centre at 02 6342 4333 or email info@cowratourism.com.au.

Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are a significant cultural, architectural and historical feature of Cowra and the Central West region. Ken Nakajima designed the Kaiushiki (strolling) garden to embody the entire landscape of Japan, where every bend takes the visitor on a voyage of discovery: the striking hill representing Mt Fuji; manicured hedges cascading across the garden like rolling hills; streams flowing like rivers; and ponds glistening like inland lakes and the sea – ponder a moment or feed the koi. Special features of the garden include: a Bonsho bell; traditional Tatami room; an authentic open air Tea House; Bonsai House; Giftshop and Café.

Friends of the Garden are treated to a range of benefits including: 12 months unlimited entry for member/s plus one guest; free entry to special events; 5% discount in gift shop; discounted group rate for additional guests; and will also receive the quarterly newsletter. Individual Pass – $50 (incl GST), Family Pass – $60 (incl GST).

Hippity Hop
Hippity Hop Kids is a family owned Boutique and online store located in Cowra. This unique store attracts many people from near and far, offering special children’s items – not only clothing, but also a range of accessories, toys and fabulous decor items for their rooms.

The owners take pride in personally selected products and friendly service, and hope to make your life a little easier by being able to shop for all of your favourite brands in the one spot.

The much-anticipated Sheep Field Day returns to the Australian National Field Day (ANFD) site near Orange on Thursday 19th April. “This event is an exciting addition to the Field Days’ calendar,” said Jayne West, ANFD’s Administration Manager.

“Last year’s inaugural Sheep Field Day attracted farmers from across NSW. The success of the day has cemented the event as an annual fixture. The Sheep Field Day creates a one-stop-shop for all sheep related products, meaning farmers can access the latest information and products all in one location.

There’ll be a variety of exhibitors at the event providing sheep producers with a unique opportunity to interact with the best in the field,” Mrs West said.

“Exhibitors will be displaying automated drafting systems, sheep handlers, stockyard systems, animal health products, electronic ear tagging and livestock management systems, as well as nutrition, supplement feeding and pasture management.

“In addition to the variety of exhibitors, a number of information seminars will include: the release of the MSM Stockfeeds’ Supplementary Feeding Trial results; a farmer feedback panel focusing on lamb feeding; a discussion by Ian Crafter from Atlex Stockyards regarding the evolution of the modern sheep yards; a presentation by Dr Kathryn Egerton-Warburton from the NSW DPI on sheep genetics and results from the NSW whether trials currently being run.”

Exhibitor sites are available to all companies related to the sheep industry and can be booked by calling the ANFD office on 02 6362 1588. Gates open at 9am on Thursday April 19th and entry is free. Kiosk facilities will be available on the day.

For further details contact Australian National Field Day, Jayne West on 6362 1588.

This week marks Joe Kinsela’s 40th year at Pat Kinsela Motorcycles. Pat Kinsela Motorcycles has been in business in Parkes for over 50 years, proudly providing motorcycles, bicycles, power equipment, accessories and so much more.

The business first began in the building where the Parkes PA & H Association now resides in Welcome Street, before moving down the road to one side of its current premises and later expanding into the next door building when it became available a few years later.

“I started when I was almost 17 years old. I had all these assignments to do for school, and then I just decided to come in and work here instead,” said Joe. “I enjoy doing the spare parts. It’s what I did when I first started, then progressed to sales, everything … except the mechanics.”

“We sell quite a lot of motorcycle accessories. The lawn-mowers are more of a side business. There are some surprising requests sometimes. We’ve had a few people come in interested in a bike, but it may take them months, or even years to decide. We just let them work it out,” said Joe.

Pat, Joe’s father, worked in the business until he was 85, then eventually stopped working altogether by the time he was 90. There may be a few more milestones ahead of you yet, Joe!

Social isolation is a growing issue in the Australian older adult population and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, depression and anxiety. As people are staying in their own homes longer, it is important to be aware of the services available in your community that help combat isolation and associated health concerns.

Macular Health, From Hansens
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration (MD) is a progressive eye disease in which the photoreceptors at the macular start to deteriorate and die due to the breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This causes a build-up of retinal metabolic waste that clinically appears as yellow spots, called drusen.”

Ways to promote macular health?
• After you turn 50 years old, have your eyes and macular checked regularly every two years by your optometrist.
• Abstain from smoking.
• Have a well-balanced diet: include fresh fruit and vegetables daily, oily fish 2 to 3 times a week handful of nuts a week, and limit fat intake and high-GI carbohydrates.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Have adequate sun protection for your eyes.

Parkes Services Club, Serving You
The Parkes Services Club have a variety of services to get you out and about, in an environment of comfort and ease. Here’s an example of facilities, events and activities available at the club:
• The Bistro is open every day, 12pm-2pm and 6pm-8.30pm, with a variety of meals catering for all tastes and health needs. The coffee shop is open from 10am till late.
• Line Dancing is on every Monday between 10am and 12pm.
• Take part in the Sweepstakes every Sunday, tickets go on sale at 5.30pm. Alternatively there is the Spin & Win Raffle every Wednesday at 6pm.
• At the end of April, there will be a Country Music Variety Show, starring Wayne Horsburgh and Rodney Vincent. The show starts at 2.30pm, and tickets cost $20.

With a variety of events and activities for all ages, the friendly Tullamore Irish Festival provided a full day’s entertainment last Saturday, celebrating the best of two cultures, Australia and Ireland.

The morning began with the street parade, featuring community organisations as well as street performers, officials and locals. Groups of onlookers mingled along Cardigan Street dressed in a diverse range of fashions with a common green theme. After the parade passed by, people stopped along the street to grab a coffee, or to watch street performers, before heading down to the showground.

Although it quite quickly became unseasonably warm for this time of year, many people still embraced the spirit of the festival, dressing up to the nines, wandering around to check out the stalls, visiting the art exhibition, watching a shearing demonstration, or sitting down in the shade to watch the entertainment. Children flocked to the rides, or to the ice-cream vendors.

The Festival was officially opened with an Acknowledgement and Welcome to Country ceremony performed by local Wiradjuri youth, followed by an address from Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. Shortly afterwards, Parkes Councillor Barbara Newton announced the winners of the ‘Wearing of the Green’.

The entertainment continued throughout the afternoon, with musical performances by both Irish and Australian artists, as well as dancing performances by the Halloran Dancers. The day’s program ended with a concert by John Williamson. Attendees of the Festival came from a range of places, including a couple that originally hailed from Tullamore … in Ireland!

“This is our first time at this Tullamore,” said Pat Hanlon. If you like to dress up, eat a variety of food and drinks, while away the day listening to music, and have a laugh or two, why don’t you head along to the Tullamore Irish Festival next year.

Parents and supervisors of local learner drivers are encouraged to attend a free workshop which will be held at Parkes High School on Tuesday 10th April. The free two-hour workshop, Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers, will offer parents and supervisors hands-on advice on how to provide the most effective driving practice for learner drivers.

Parkes Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, who is presenting the workshop says it is well worth attending. “Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why Parkes Shire Council have teamed up with Roads and Maritime Services to hold these FREE two-hour workshops to offer practical advice to parents and supervisors on how to help learner drivers become safer drivers.”

“Parents and supervisors who have attended this workshop in the past have found that it boosted their confidence, helped them better plan driving sessions and allowed them to share their experiences with other parents and supervisors,” Ms Suitor said.

The Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers workshop will be held at Parkes High School on Tuesday 10th April commencing at 6pm. Light refreshments will be available during the workshop. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

For further information please call Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.

The Hon Melinda Pavey, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight made the announcement last week securing the Corridor connecting the M7 to the Bells Line of Road at Kurrajong.

“This is so very welcomed in Central NSW. At last we see some real action. The securing of the Corridor is the essential first step for the future development of better transport links between Sydney and our communities,” said Cr John Medcalf, Chair of Centroc and Mayor of Lachlan Shire.

“The communities of Central NSW and Western Sydney need certainty and to see direction, which is what the State Government has done,” said Cr Ken Keith Portfolio Mayor for Transport for Centroc and Mayor of Parkes.

WASTE TO ART EXHIBITION
This exhibition will showcase all the imaginative works entered in the 2018 Sims Metal WASTE TO ART and design competition. This year is the Year of Polystyrene but there will be other waste items featuring that will celebrate the reuse, recycling and upcycling of waste through arts and crafts. This exhibition aims to challenge peoples’ perceptions about ‘rubbish’. The exhibition is open for viewing from 4th to 28th April 2018. Opening Night and announcement of winners, Thursday 12th April at 6pm. Please RSVP by 11th April.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Bits, Bobs and Games!
Come along for stories, crafts and games. For: Kinder to Year 2, Tuesday 17th April and 24th April, 10.30am -12pm.

Fabulous Felt Children’s Workshop Artist: Cecily and Toni presented the Fabulous Felt Exhibition in the Parkes Library last year is conducting felting workshops for children these school holidays. Children will learn how to felt wool and fashion the felt into unique pieces of art. For: Kinder to Year 2, Wednesday 18th April, 10:30am – 12:00pm.
Year 3 to 6, Wednesday 18th April, 1:30pm – 3:00pm.

Knight for a Day!
Discover the world of chivalry, heraldry and knights. Design your own family shield. Optional – Come dressed as a knight. For: Year 3 to 6, Thursday 19th April and 26th April, 10.30am -12pm.

Bookings required for above sessions in person at Parkes Library. Cost $2. Wear old clothes, closed in shoes,
bring your drink bottle & library card. NB All children must be library members to participate in holiday activities.