The Parkes PCYC recently hosted local Parkes artists, Irene Ridgeway and Sean James Cassidy for two days of workshops on discovering Indigenous Cultural Art.

Day one started with a moving Welcome to Country by Wiradjuri Elder, Uncle Robert Clegg, introducing us to Yindyamarra, to do slowly, to respect, to be gentle. He reminded us to look up, look down, look around and to be aware, present and respectful of where we are.

The artists were joined by eight budding artists including children and adults across the two days, eager to learn more about the Wiradjuri art styles. Inspired by a series of exquisite videos including ‘I am My Elders Blood’ and ‘Patterns in Nature Screening’, together Irene and Sean shared the concept of sand mapping. The symbolic use of three lines was shared. The lines are reflective of the three rivers of Wiradjuri and three phases of life.

Day Two started with an Acknowledgement of Country by Irene, before revisiting the clay canvas, this time crushing and adding charcoal to continue the story sharing. These textures and story lines were then translated into acrylic paint, on a black canvas. Using brushes, sticks, fingers, hands, each artwork told its own story.

To wrap the two days of workshops, Uncle Robert returned and revealed his newest mural, proudly displayed on the PCYC wall. Symbolic of the Eight Ways of Learning, Uncle Robert featured the Wiradjuri totem, Gugaa (goanna) and the three lines. Not only did workshop participants hear first hand the artist’s story, the PCYC Vacation Care kids joined in for the explanation. The mural was complete with handprints by each of the workshop participants.

Artist, Sean James Cassidy said, “Knowing that we’ve enriched the lives of the artists who attended, sharing the cultural knowledge, language and symbols with them – it means that we’ve had a positive impact in continuing the Wiradjuri traditions.”

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is welcoming more than $10 million in funding under the Growing Regions Program which will deliver new community infrastructure in Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Parkes.

“I’m really pleased the communities of Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Parkes will be receiving a share in more than $10 million to support the development of local community and economic infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.

“Parkes Shire Council Mayor Cr Neil Westcott described the $943,738 secured for bird-hides and boardwalks in the Parkes Wetlands as ‘wonderful news’,” Mr McCormack said.

“I’m really looking forward to the Boardwalks and Bird hides: Elevating Parkes Wetlands project to support habitat creation and promote tourism at the wetlands.”

“I’m always interested to see innovative uses of defunct facilities, particularly when land can be reclaimed for environmental purposes that benefit the whole community as well as ecological diversity,” Mr McCormack said. “This new funding under the Growing Regions Program will take the wetlands to the next level.”

“I look forward to seeing works for these projects getting under way and I eagerly await the time when the community can start to benefit from them.”

Last Thursday, 16th May the ladies from the Companions Through Cancer held a Biggest Morning Tea in the Parkes Red Cross Room to help raise much needed funds for the Cancer Council. They raised an amazing $475.90 and the winner of the raffle was Marie Walker.

The ladies are thrilled with the money that was raised and will continue supporting the Cancer Councils Biggest Morning Tea next year in 2025. Until then, the ladies have plenty to keep them busy and talk is swirling about the upcoming soup day in June, which is a favourite for many.

Companions Through Cancer is a local support group that was formed by Parkes business woman Dianne Tanswell after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in mid 1977. After multiple operations, intensive radiation and chemotherapy, Dianne learned that a positive mindset was vital and her will to live took on a new purpose – to live with cancer and to help others do so.

A lot of people fall apart when they are told they have cancer, I just began to fall into place, said Dianne.

Companions Through Cancer is a support group for people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Their main purpose is to provide companionship. The group started with 78 members, however over the years this number has dwindled to just 20 current members, so Companions Through Cancer are putting a call out for new members to join.

The group meet once a month for lunch, enjoy planned outings, have a BBQ day and a fun Christmas party. Money raised by the group is distributed to local support networks at the end of each year. The group is open to men and women of all ages and is only $10 per year to join.

If you are interested or would like more information, contact Neighbourhood Central on 6862 3757.

 

The Parkes Que Club are always busy planning, staging, helping, listening, responding, working and, of course, laughing and enjoying our time together as we endeavour to help our community whenever we can.

Two nights after our highly successful International Women’s Day Luncheon, many of us attended the VIEW Club’s Trivia Night to help them support some disadvantaged children’s education, while some of us go regularly to Southern Cross to conduct art lessons with the residents in care.

At our April dinner meeting we welcomed a new member, Colleen Staples and in May Sue Maddison joined our ranks. Our club is growing again after the Covid hiatus, which is great. We always welcome new members of any age and appreciate their new ideas and enthusiasm, call 0407 894 498 to learn more.

We recently gave $4,000 to P.E.C.C. to subsidise the hearing and speech testing of their children. Many youngsters develop middle ear infections and if these are not picked up and treated before they start school, so if this donation finds even just one child, it’s well worthwhile.

This year our major project is Life Education which teaches children important health and wellbeing lessons so that they can thrive. Last week, during the Parkes Festival of Health Family Event, which included the Healthy Harold’s Colour Run, we took the opportunity to add to the subsidy that Northparkes Mine provides to ensure all local young students would be able to attend. Healthy Harold was there at Keast Park and the children were ecstatic.

We had an afternoon last week when many of us received painting lessons from three of our talented members, and we also enjoy a morning tea each month just to enjoy each other’s company.

By Pam Nankivell

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is excited to see more than $56,000 in funding delivered to community volunteer organisations to support the efforts of volunteers in the Riverina and Central West under the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants program.

“Across the Riverina and Central West, 16 organisations were successful in their application for grants valued between $1,000 and $5,000,” Mr McCormack said.

In our local area, the following organisations were named among the funding recipients:

• NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show, Forbes $1,000

• Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society $5,000

• Peak Hill Bowling Club $5,000

“This funding will make a world of difference to the volunteers who make such important contributions to our community.

“Among the equipment to be purchased under the grants are barbecues, groundskeeping equipment, first aid equipment and electronics.

“It was so heartwarming to hear the wonderfully positive reactions from organisation representatives when I told them their applications had been successful.

“As we all know, community organisations and the wonderful volunteers involved in them form the backbone of our strong and vibrant communities. However, it can be very difficult for some clubs and organisations, particularly those in the smaller villages and towns in the Riverina and Central West, to raise money for vital equipment to keep volunteers safe or to improve their services to the community — that’s why this funding is so important.