General Interest Archives - Page 83 of 352

2024 Parkes Elvis Festival Set To Be Australia’s Finest Celebration Of All Things Elvis

September 14, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Monday 11th September saw the official launch of the 2024 Elvis Festival Program with the theme Jailhouse Rock.

Festival Producer, Julien Poulson said “Our 31st edition shows how Elvis: the 20th century cultural phenomena, the Prince from another plane, the hunk-a-hunka burning love, returns stronger and brighter than ever!”

“The incredible legacy of Elvis Presley delivers the magical kind of power people no longer see in rock ‘n’ roll singers, and we’re proud to present a great line-up.

“This is a great program. Many of the best Elvis tribute artists will be here in Parkes alongside a great program of local talent and a real spotlight on our creative community and homegrown Elvis events, from jailbird doggies in Jailhouse Rock outfits through to the ever popular Poet’s Breakfast and Miss Priscilla competition.

“It’s going to be big, hot and totally amazing with not one but two of the worlds best Ultimate Elvis winners, Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez, returning to Parkes, backed by the sensational TIC band, it’s an Elvis dream come true!”

Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith said, “I have mixed emotions today, being the last time that I will launch the festival as Mayor of the town, but I will still be there getting dressed up, it’s in my DNA now.”

Ken went on to say, “I have a group of students, that I taught 40 odd years ago, who are coming back as a group to enjoy the Elvis Festival with me in 2024.”

To start planning your schedule ahead of ticket sales next Tuesday 19th September, from midday, check out the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival Program. Follow the link www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au/events

Connecting The Community To Break The Stigma

September 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is MC and Guest Speaker Dr Norman Swan, Producer and presenter of the Health Report, Dr Norman Swan, is a multi-award winning producer and broadcaster.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) along with partners invites community members and professionals to the 2023 Suicide Prevention Forum in Orange NSW.

WNSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) invite community members and those with an interest in suicide prevention to come together on 12th October for the WNSW PHN Suicide Prevention Forum. The forum aims to encourage conversations, break the stigma and collaborate and learn about the future of suicide prevention in western NSW. All too often, people in marginalised or economically disadvantaged groups or those living in rural and remote areas find it difficult to access timely, appropriate and relevant support.

Recent times have also brought on many challenges including recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, record breaking and devastating floods in the region, and more recently the cost of living crisis, there has never been a better time to get the conversation going.

WNSW PHN aim to create a space for people to connect with each other. Bringing together approximately 300 healthcare professionals, community members with an interest in suicide prevention, a number of presenters from service providers, the Western NSW Local Health District and keynote speaker and MC, Dr Norman Swan, from ABC RN’s The Health Report, the day is an opportunity to share the latest knowledge, information, hear stories of lived experience and collaborate together to identify gaps and discuss solutions.

This event is free for all attendees however spots are strictly limited. Catering will be provided on the day. Tickets are available at www.123tix.com.au/events/39686/wnsw-phn-suicide-prevention-forum-2023.

Biggest Firework Display Ever At Forbes Show

September 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

School work hung for judging and display. Come have a look.

It’s one of the most exciting times of the year, the Forbes Show. Come along and enjoy the fireworks, sideshow alley, pavilions, dog high jump, ring events, shearing, young woman, rural ambassadors, dog trials and so much more.

The CMOC Northparkes Mines firework display will be at 8pm on Friday 8th September. Head to the Forbes Show to get the best view in town. A big thank you to Northparkes Mines for their continued support of the Forbes Show.

Remember pre-purchase your tickets and save yourself time at the gate. https://www.123tix.com.au/events/39629/forbes-show

Apply Now For Round Two Sports Grants Program

September 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Do not miss the deadline to apply for Round 2 of the CMOC-Northparkes Mines/Parkes Shire Council Sports Grant Program.

Sporting groups and educational institutions in the Parkes Shire can apply for the latest round of the CMOC-Northparkes Mines / Parkes Shire Council Sports Grant Program. The deadline for Round 2 closes at midnight on the 30th of September 2023 with a total of $30,000 available to be distributed amongst successful projects that promote participation in sport or improve sporting facilities.

Together, CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) and Parkes Shire Council are providing financial assistance grants to sporting groups in the Parkes Shire. The funding, administered by the Parkes Sports Council, aims to help sporting groups increase regular and on-going participation opportunities in sport, and improve sporting infrastructure. The funding is split between projects promoting participation and facility development projects.

Participation projects must deliver a sport or physical activity participation experience to an identified group of people. Facility development projects typically involve building new or upgrading sport and recreation facilities to support increased participation.

The first round of funding was awarded earlier this year and those grants went to a broad range of projects including upgrades to sporting facilities, such as a marquee and a victory podium, new corner posts and swimming training equipment to hosting a workshop.

Northparkes have supported the Sports Grant Program for a number of years. Managing Director Jianjun Tian said, “Northparkes proudly supports the continued partnership with Parkes Shire Council and our sponsorship of the Sports Grant Program. Sport plays an important role in the lives of many, and contributes to the health, happiness and prosperity of our communities.”

For more information about the CMOC-Northparkes Mines and Parkes Shire Council Sports Grants Program, you can contact Council’s Grants Officer on 02 6861 2398 or alternatively you can visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on the 30th of September 2023, so start getting your applications ready.

Parkes NAIDOC Celebrations

September 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day to be held on Saturday, 16th September, at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre on Bushman Hill is a fantastic event that celebrates the Wiradjuri people’s rich Indigenous culture and heritage.

This year’s theme, “For Our Elders,” is a beautiful way to acknowledge and show gratitude for the older generation’s wisdom, guidance, and resilience in preserving and passing on the cultural heritage to future generations.

There will be local performances, a smoking ceremony and Wiradjuri artifacts on display, providing insight into the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Wiradjuri people. This display is aimed at educating attendees and to serve as a reminder of the rich history that continues to shape the local community. In addition to the cultural performances, there will be service information stalls, a free sausage sizzle, and children’s activities.

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day is an excellent opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the vibrant Indigenous culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. It promises to be a joyful and inclusive event for anyone interested in learning more about Indigenous traditions, supporting the community, and having a great time with family and friends.

Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre Sells For $8.9M

September 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

JLL sells Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre with a significant vacancy from Target’s 2021 national store closure.

Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre has sold for $8.9 million to a Sydney-based private investor, as demand for neighbourhood centres with value-add opportunities continues to outstrip supply.

JLL’s Sebastian Fahey, Dylan McEvoy, Nick Willis and David Mahood sold the shopping centre via an Expressions-of-Interest campaign on behalf of a Brisbane-based private investor.

In 2021, parent company Wesfarmers announced the closure or rebranding of more than 160 sites with many of the locations being rebranded to Kmart/K-Hub. The increasingly competitive market was too much for the Target business with landlords scrambling to backfill the vacancies.

Parkes Arbour is anchored by a Coles supermarket and supported by a Liquorland and two speciality retailers. The asset included a 4,019sqm vacant ex-Target space, allowing an opportunity to reposition and or redevelop the centre.

“Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre offered the purchaser an attractive repositioning play with the potential to significantly increase the centre’s income by splitting the major vacancy into smaller offerings. This resulted in the campaign attracting unprecedented demand for a regional neighbourhood centre with over 200 groups and 10 offers being received at the close of the campaign.”

Colleague David Mahood added “Parkes Arbour reaffirms the increase in demand for retail assets with value-add initiatives. Investors are continuing to seek these opportunities as they provide a secure holding income with significant upside through a repositioning.”

Savour The Colours Of Spring At The Orange Wine Festival

September 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

We continue to see the evolution of world class wines from the Orange Wine Region.

Get ready to savour the essence of the finest wines of the season as the 2023 Orange Wine Festival returns to the Orange region with a month-long program, from 29th September to 29th October. This year’s highly anticipated event promises an extraordinary celebration of our region’s cool-climate wine and wine culture, attracting connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and travellers from near and far.

An opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Orange, where lush vineyards meet rolling hills, and the art of winemaking comes alive. The 2023 Orange Wine Festival showcases the diverse array of vineyards, each boasting their own unique terroir and distinctive varietals. From seasoned wine aficionados to those discovering their palate, there’s something to delight every taste bud.

Ned Sweetapple, Orange360 General Manager added; “Wines of the Orange region get noticed and Spring is such a beautiful and colourful time to visit. This year’s Orange Wine Festival is all about colour and taste and we’re thrilled to offer such a diverse program to entice visitors to the region. There are so many good things to enjoy in spring, our region’s latest wine offerings, paired together with fresh local produce and great dining, art, culture, and music.”

Events include:

• Orange Wine Show Tasting: 14th October

• Food & Wine @ Altitude: 28th October

• Boree Lane Ramble: 7th October

• NRL Grand Final at Mortimers: 7th October

However, if these big-ticket items aren’t for you, there are plenty of low-cost events that allow everyone to get involved in celebrating the 2023 Orange Wine Festival, including the popular Night Markets on Friday, September 29th. Further low-cost events include:

• Orange Wine Festival Night Market: 29th September

• Wine and Cheese, Yes Please!: 12th and 26th October

• Yoga in the Vines: 15th October

For information and tickets, visit orange360.com.au/Events/Orange-Wine-Festival

Snippets…

September 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Grenfell was put on the “map” again.

Grenfell finally take the Shield home: History was made by this Grenfell Tennis Team in Forbes. Since 1966 this intertown tennis shield has never been won by Grenfell but today was a different story. Congratulations to all the players that have contributed towards this magnificent win, past and present.

Parkes Elvis Festival – Concert Alert: Elvis Leaves His Mark, starring Mark Andrew. Festival-favourite Mark Andrew will be performing at the 2024 Parkes Services Club on Friday and Sunday. Tickets will be on sale for his shows and a King-sized program of other events on Tuesday 19th September, here: bit.ly/PEF2024 Stay tuned for the full program, launching next week!

Forbes High School SASS Appreciation Week: This week schools all around the state are celebrating their amazing SASS (School Administrative and Support Staff) staff. We might be biased, but at FHS we think we have the best SASS staff ever! Without our SASS staff, our school would not be the same. They work extremely hard and are loved by students and staff.

Register Today For The TUFF Workshop: TUFF is a two-day workshop for farmers, fishers and rural blokes to take two days to relax, connect and reflect on what’s important. During the workshop participants will explore strategies and tools for:

• Navigating life challenges.

• Exploring work/life balance – identifying places for change and achievable actions.

• Dealing with difficult situations and conflict.

TUFF is brought to you by the NSW DPI who will cover accommodation, meals and activities during the workshop. The only cost will be travel to and from the venue.

If you, or a rural bloke you know, needs to re-charge contact Henry Goodall on 0438 744 267 or email henry.goodall@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Trundle Pink Night: Need a lift to the fabulous Trundle Pink Night on Friday 13th September? We’ve got you covered. A bus will depart Cooke Park, Parkes at 5.30pm. The bus will then depart Trundle at 10pm. To book your seat, go to: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/40122/the-pink-bus

Turners Furniture One: The new Forbes store opened on Thursday 7th September. Head down and check out the new store, located at 155/157 Lachlan Street, across the road from the Bernardis.

Come check out the new Turner’s Furniture One location at 155/157 Lachlan Street.

Visionary Support For Aspiring Regional Students

August 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Country Education Foundation has provided Forbes and Parkes aspiring university students a chance to tour Charles Sturt University campus open days.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has made it possible for dozens of aspiring country university students to see a university campus, with fully subsidised trips to three of Charles Sturt University’s campuses for their open days in August.

Thirty-four students took advantage of this amazing opportunity provided by the CEF, which covered their costs for transport, accommodation, and meals in partnership with Charles Sturt University.

The opportunity allowed students to visit Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga, Albury and Bathurst campuses, with 16 students checking out Wagga Wagga, eight students seeing Albury, and 10 students experiencing Bathurst.

CEF transported students from many different towns, including Forbes and Parkes, to attend the open days, to experience what university life is like at Charles Sturt.

Kelsey Mann and Cameron Frogley from Parkes High School, Clarissa Azzopardi, Hunter Kriedemann and Laura Jones from Red Bend Catholic College, and Grace Barbary and Czarah Saladino from Forbes High School, took part in the Wagga Wagga trip.

Students took the opportunity to learn about each campus, the courses they offer, and all other benefits of studying there.

CEF Manager of Partnerships Hilary Matchett, who organised the trip, said, “CEF are excited to partner with Australia’s leading regional university, Charles Sturt University, to give the opportunity to regional students to access their Open Days across three of their campuses.

“Students made the most of experiencing all that Charles Sturt can offer, from hands on learning in their state-of-the-art labs and facilities, to chatting to academic staff about course options, and accessing affordable and vibrant on-campus accommodation options”.

These experience camps offer more than a chance to see a university campus; they give regional students the chance to connect with like-minded peers, hopefully to then become friends for life.

In a separate program through its department ‘Three Rivers Department of Rural Health’, Charles Sturt has partnered with CEF for the last five years to offer scholarships to students studying a health-related degree at Charles Sturt. Students awarded grants by their local CEF foundation, from 18 local CEF foundations across the west are eligible to apply.

The CEF is a national for-purpose organisation that helps rural and regional youth aged between 16 and 25 access post-school education, training and employment through grants, scholarships, support services and resources.

Since 1993 CEF has awarded over 7000 individual grants and scholarships totalling over $15 million, with over 400 volunteers across its network of local foundations working hard to provide local students the support they need.

For more information on the CEF please visit www.cef.org.au or phone 1300 652 144.

Get Ready To Paint The Town Red

August 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Students are expected to start arriving in Cooke Park from 9.15am onwards. Come along, bring a book have a read and enjoy in the fun.

On 6th–8th of September 2023 we will celebrate our 9th National Conference, on Wiradjuri Country at Parkes, NSW, the birthplace of Paint The Town Red (PTTR). Rhonda Brain, the then principal of Parkes Public School started PTTR with six other local school principals and it’s in over 100 communities across Australia.

Our theme is Storytelling and Told Stories. We have been liaising with local elders in planning and preparation.

It is fitting that it will fall in National Child Protection Week and on Indigenous Literacy Day. Told Stories give every child everywhere a fair go at learning who they are, and where they have come from. The Conference will begin with Indigenous storytelling the very best and right place to start. We’re an early literacy movement. Encouraging people to read with children from birth, so they start school ready to learn.

Our brains do most of their critical development in the first three years of life. A baby’s brain doubles in weight in the first year, tripling by age three.

Every time we read, talk, sing and rhyme with children brain connections grow, and build the foundations for learning. Children with good foundational early literacy skills arrive at school:

• able to communicate their needs.

• understanding conversations

• able to take direction, and

• ready to learn to read and write, with a healthy brain.

PTTR have been helping children since 1997. From humble beginnings, PTTR has grown into a thriving community of over 100 local groups, helping over 500,000 pre-school aged children get ready to learn at school.

The movement is making a difference. If children start school without early literacy skills, no matter how good the teaching, these initial cognitive gaps increase as children go through school. Head along and help Paint The Town Red.

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