General Interest Archives - Page 68 of 351

A Passion For A Healthy Parkes Community

April 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Daniel Wright, MC Peter Buckley, Leanne Rogers at Spirituality in the Pub on 8 April 2024..

The Holy Family Parish hosted a “Spirituality in the Pub’ evening on Monday, 8th of April with two vibrant and inspiring speakers, Leanne Rogers, and Daniel Wright. The event was in the function room at the Coachman Hotel, and many of the audience stayed on for dinner and a chat.

The topic, ‘A Passion for a Healthy Community’, was appropriate to their own lived experiences. Dan has been a paramedic in Parkes (NSW Ambulance Service) for the past 15 years. Dan lost his son Luke to suicide in 2019 and the grief and trauma suffered by his family prompted Dan to work towards preventing these tragedies in our community.

Dan lobbied for Parkes to be chosen as the first regional site for a Safe

Haven site in NSW. He also co-designed the concept of the site which is on the ground floor, Suite 3, 195-199 Clarinda Street. It is a place for people to go if they are feeling distressed or having suicidal thoughts.

People can talk openly about how they are feeling and what they are going through, and they will be supported, not judged.

Leanne grew up in Parkes and by age 18 was in Adelaide studying to become a nurse. After graduating and completing Intensive Care qualifications, she went back to a rural setting where she had opportunities to take on leadership roles and education positions. This included teaching medical students at Flinders Uni rural clinical school with an emphasis on quality, safety and patient focussed care, teaching through realistic healthcare simulation.

As a community we must have concern about each other. Every person’s story matters and a little bit of kindness goes a long way. Is your group, service club, organisation interested in supporting these amazing centres which are fostering community connections and adding new dimensions to the provision of mental health in Parkes?

If so, visit Safe Haven, talk to people like Daniel and Leanne to find out more contact Lynn Rogers, lynnandwayne@bigpond.com.

Myopia

April 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Myopia (also called short-sightedness) is an eye condition that causes blurry distance vision. A person with myopia can see clearly up close such as reading or looking at their phone screen, but to see when driving, watching tv or the smart board in class is blurry for them.

Myopia has always been around, but we are seeing a sharp increase in the prevalence of short sighted children in recent times. In Australia, the rate of short sightedness in 12 year olds has doubled in just six years and it is projected that by the year 2050, half of all people living in the world will be myopic! Not only are more children myopic today, but we are seeing them becoming myopic at an earlier age. This is not ideal, because we know that the earlier a child becomes myopic then the more severe their myopia is likely to become in the long run.

This can become a huge problem because myopia causes a host of different eye health problems in adulthood such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration and earlier cataract development.

You can help prevent your child’s risk of myopia by encouraging them to take regular breaks from close work, limiting their screen time to the recommended 2 hours maximum each day and encouraging them to spend time outdoors. Book them in for regular eye tests because the earlier that myopia is detected, the more that can be done to treat it and slow it down.

At Hansen Optometrists Parkes, we offer the full array of latest myopia treatments to help put the brakes on your child’s myopia progression.

Parkes Painting Group Annual Art Exhibition Opening Night

April 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Three of the paintings that will be on display, from the following local artists from left to right Joan Ash, Carole Lowe and Kerry Davies.

Tonight, Friday April 19th, is the Opening of the Annual Art Exhibition from the Parkes Painting Group. The Parkes Painting Group have now been going for 22 years and the exhibition is a display of 23 artists from the group and also 12 potters from the Parkes Potters group.

This year there will be a special guest artist, Glenn Morton, who has brought along 14 paintings to display in his section of the exhibition. Parkes Painters have previously done a number of workshops with Glenn and Glenn also judged the art section of the last Parkes Show as well. Glenn is a professional artist and not only are we lucky to have him involved this year, but Glenn has kindly donated a piece of artwork which has been mounted and framed and it is the prize for the raffle that will run over the entire two weeks of the exhibition.

The exhibition kicks off with the opening tonight, from 6pm – 9pm, the cost is $20 (Pay at the door) and the cost includes wine and nibbles. For atmosphere we will have Steve Lyndsay on Piano and Mayor Niel Westcott will be delivering the Opening night speech. but then runs for another two weeks from Saturday 20th of April up until Sunday 5th of May. The exhibition is being held in the Coventry Room at the Parkes Library, open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday – Sunday 10am – 3pm. All are welcome to come along and entry is free after opening night.

Final Week To Apply For $10,000 ‘Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship’

April 11, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy) one of the mentors involved in this year’s mentoring.

Time is running out for First Nations creatives to apply for the $10,000 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with applications closing next week.

The Façon Magazine initiative, which is sponsored by Greater Bank, will see nine NSW-based Indigenous storytellers receive guidance from some of their industry’s most successful First Nations artists with one overall recipient taking home $10,000.

In its second year, the scholarship supports a diverse range of mediums including writing, fashion design, accessory design, art painting, music, dance, digital art, film, and photography, with category finalists paired with a world-class industry mentor.

Façon Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Lara Lupish said “As the deadline approaches, we’re excited to start sifting through all of the incredible applications.

“It’s never an easy task, but we’re genuinely excited to see the level of talent this year,” Ms Lupish said.

Greater Bank Chief Retail Officer David Baker said that he was eager to see the artistry of the 2024 entrants.

“We know from last year that the quality of entries is going to be very high, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the final week brings,” Mr Baker said. “There’s still time to enter – you may just receive the opportunity of a lifetime!”

2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship mentors:

• Mitch Tambo (world musician)

• Samantha Harris (international supermodel)

• Sidney Saltner (Youth Program Director, Bangarra Dance)

• Professor Chelsea Watego (author of Another Day in the Colony)

• Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy)

• Stephen Page (Director of Spear)

• Nicole Chaffey (artist and Museum Gallery Director)

• Travis De Vries (digital artist and illustrator)

• Milly Hooper (photographer and exhibitor at Head On Photo Festival).

Applications for the 2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship close at midday on 18 April, with the recipient to be announced during NAIDOC Week on 11 July.

For information visit faconaustralia.com/scholarship or greater.com.au

Bjorn Again Are Coming To Canowindra In A One Night Only Even

April 11, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The internationally renowned act will perform at the Canowindra Sports Complex on April 26th.

In an energetic display of glitz and dance, Bjorn Again will bring the stage to life playing all the much loved ABBA hits, as part of the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Festival.

2024 marks fifty years since ABBA first burst onto the music scene with their Eurovision winning song, ‘Waterloo’. Their music and style changed the landscape of the music industry, and their impact still permeates today, with audiences young and old enjoying the vibe of the show.

Roundbox Events Director, Debra Clarke, said, “It is such a pleasure to be able to bring this renowned international performance to the Canowindra region. Bjorn Again’s show is spectacular, and for them to be here performing is a real coup. Whether you are an ABBA die hard fan or simply enjoy a great show, we truly believe this brings an additional layer of entertainment to the Balloon Festival we haven’t seen before and we hope the greater community gets behind it.”

Tickets are available at:

www.123tix.com.au,

Canowindra Services Club (cash only),

Balloon HQ at Canowindra Phoenix Office, 84 Gaskill Street, Canowindra

At the gate on the day (card only).

Aspiring Uni Students Explore Charles Sturt Wagga Wagga

April 11, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Country Education Foundation of Australia Manager of Partnerships, Hilary Matchett, second from the left, with CEF alumni, from left to right, Matthew Moorse, Kadee Gerhard-Scali and Laura Mannes, who are studying at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has made it possible for dozens of aspiring country university students to experience a university campus, with a fully subsidised trip to Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga as part of its Explore Day on Tuesday 19th March.

Twenty-five students, including four from Parkes High School, four from Forbes High School and four from Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes, took advantage of the opportunity given to them by the CEF, which covered their costs for transport, accommodation, and meals, thanks to funding from its partnership with Charles Sturt University.

Students were collected from Parkes, Forbes, Grenfell, Young and Cootamundra and transported to Wagga Wagga to learn about the university, the courses it offers, and the benefits of studying in a regional area.

CEF Manager of Partnerships Hilary Matchett, who organised the trip, said its aim was to build motivation and aspiration for students from targeted areas and to keep them engaged with exploring their tertiary study opportunities.

“It is important to deliver these sorts of opportunities for students in our regions, as with the rising cost of living, travelling to university events, such as an Explore Day, can have many barriers for a regional student,” she said.

“Students thoroughly enjoyed seeing learning facilities, learning about application processes, accommodation and scholarships, going on campus tours and hearing from current students about studying at a regional university.”

The university’s partnership with CEF demonstrated its commitment to improving access to university for rural and regional students.

Ultralight Aircraft To Fly In To Parkes Airport

April 11, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Everyone is invited to come out to the Parkes Airport on the 12th-14th of April to enjoy this family friendly event.

The RAAus event planned for 12-14th April at Parkes Regional Airport will bring large numbers of aircraft and people to Parkes to enjoy and share their love of flying for fun, the event will give the people of the Central West the opportunity to experience the possibilities of affordable, low cost flying with manufacturers exhibiting their aircraft.

Recreational Aviation Australia is the governing body for ultralight aircraft in Australia and their aim is to promote affordable recreational aviation to a great number of Australians who wish to pursue their dream of owning and flying, and even building their own aircraft.

The occasion is the second “Fly’n for fun” fly in at Parkes Regional Airport where a large number of light aircraft are expected to attend, many will take the opportunity to camp under the wings of their aircraft, demonstrating the opportunity for low cost affordable flying trips away for families and groups.

Subject to weather there will be a fire pit and bar operated by Parkes Aero Club to ensure the event will maximise the camaraderie and enjoyment of the participants to enjoy a weekend with like minded people.

Some of the visitors will avail themselves of the many fine hotels and motels in Parkes and enjoy the country hospitality at pubs and restaurants throughout the town.

Aviation has always been a major part of life in Australia and costs and regulation of general aviation flying has put flying out of reach of many people and ultralight flying is an ideal way to get into the air.

Come out to the airport on Friday 12th to Sunday 14th and see how easy and enjoyable it is to get into recreational flying.

For information contact: Letesha Stretton RAAus events@raaus.com.au

Mike De La Hunty, HARS Parkes Aviation Museum, 0418473175

Presenting Annie The Musical

April 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Photo of cast after rehearsing an orphan scene last Sunday. Photo credit Ruth Crowley.

Experience the beloved story of Little Orphan Annie as brought to life by the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society. Prepare to be enchanted by this timeless tale, offering a new generation the opportunity to embrace the essence of resilience and hope.

Annie presents a captivating musical journey, featuring an unforgettable score including classics like “It’s A Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.,” the poignant “Maybe,” and the ever-optimistic anthem “Tomorrow.”

In 2005, Annie was the first non-original musical Lyn Townsend directed. 19 years on, and she is once again directing this perennial favourite. Neil Westcott is Musical Director, promising a tight, entertaining music score, with choreography by the talented Gracie Townsend

The 2024 production of Annie has a cast of 45, including 16 orphans. Lexi Herden plays the irrepressible Annie with the perfect mix of poise and spunk. Joining her is Hannah Farrant Jayet as Grace, Andrew Francis as Oliver (Daddy) Warbucks, Ruth Barnes as Miss Hannigan, Aaron Kingham as Rooster and Kimberley Ryan as Lily.

The season of Annie runs from April 20th to May 11th, with performances every Friday and Saturday night, along with Sunday matinees. Thanks to Betta Electrical Parkes, Friday night attendees have the chance to win an exciting lucky door prize! All bookings over the season go into a draw to win a 56 inch television. Join us and discover why Annie remains one of the most cherished and awarded musicals of all time. Reserve your seats now for an unforgettable evening or afternoon of entertainment.

Trundle Abba Festival Returns

April 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

ABBA fans from all over the world are set to pack their dancing shoes, sparkly outfits and head to the worlds one and only ABBA Festival in Trundle.

The Trundle ABBA Festival is confirmed to return to Trundle on Saturday 19 October 2024. Make sure you set your alarms because tickets go on sale at 10am on Saturday 6 April 2024.

Now in its 10th year, the 2024 festival will celebrate the 50- year Anniversary of ABBA’s win at the Eurovision Song Contest on April 6, 1974, with their chart-topping hit ‘Waterloo’.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Council, Cr Neil Westcott said Parkes Shire Council is delighted to be bringing back the Trundle ABBA Festival in 2024 to mark and celebrate this milestone.

“We are pleased to be hosting the 2024 festival and look forward to showcasing and establishing Trundle as the home of the festival.

“Trundle has the unique honour of being THE Australian ABBA festival on the 50th anniversary of Waterloo and will be the centre of the ABBA universe come October. Parkes Shire Council could not be happier to be partnering with the community of Trundle on what will be an amazing festival,” added Cr Westcott.

Parkes Shire Council’s Director of Customer, Corporate Services and Economy, Anthony McGrath said “the festival provides so much value to the Parkes Shire and Trundle community, by helping boost the economic revenue and visitors to the town.”

“We encourage people to continue supporting regional events and we can’t wait to light up the streets of Trundle with music and glitter once again”, added Mr McGrath.

To re-live moments of the 2023 festival, view the official photo gallery at bit.ly/2023TAFphotos.

Held in the regional township of Trundle, in Central Western NSW, the Trundle ABBA Festival is

Australia’s only and original ABBA festival. The ABBA Festival is a day packed full of family-friendly entertainment and annually attracts thousands of ABBA fans since its inception in 2012. Tickets for the 2024 Trundle ABBA Festival will go on sale at 10am on Saturday 6 April 2024. For more information and to stay up to date with future announcements, visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au.

McDonald Claims Another First

April 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

WMX Results – Rd1. 1st Charli Cannon – 50. 2nd Tayla Thompson – 44. 3rd Danielle McDonald – 40 (Yamaha Racing).’

It was another weekend and another first for Parkes’ teenage dirt bike sensation, Danielle McDonald. With a junior career littered with national championships in off road and motocross, then a gold medal at the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) last year not long after her sixteenth birthday, McDonald is putting together a lengthy list of achievements for her resume. 2024 has started well with success at the opening round of the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), she won the Women’s division on day two. She also racked up another milestone, by landing on the podium at round one of the ProMX in the Women’s class.

McDonald was nervous prior to racing getting underway as she is new to the ProMX scene. Race one saw her make a couple of mistakes as she shook off the nerves, resulting in two small crashes, yet she was able to pick herself up and fight all the way to the finish and cross the finish line in third.

Race two and she was again in the thick of the action and was in a tight battle with seasoned campaigner, Emma Milesevic, who challenged her right until the end. The pair swapped positions several times in the later stages of the race, but McDonald was able to hang on for another third place and was sent straight to the podium for third on the day.

A pattern is forming here with Danielle: Her first ProMX, her first ProMX podium. Her first senior AORC, her first podium. Her first ISDE, her first ISDE podium. Keep an eye out for the talented and determined teenager as she continues to gain experience in both the motocross and off-road paddocks.

McDonald explained “I had a great time at the ProMX round and really enjoyed the racing. It’s much bigger than I thought with so many major teams and the media presence at the race. I still have a lot to learn and there are a lot of fast girls but I’m looking forward to doing this year’s series and thankful Yamaha Australia has given me support to race it”.

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