General Interest Archives - Page 86 of 342

New Fencing Has Tails Wagging

May 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Phil Donato MP, Member for Orange with Parkes District Kennel Club member Fiona Watts and Fiona’s dog Willow, in front of the newly erected fencing

Earlier this week, Member for Orange Philip Donato MP caught up with Parkes District Kennel Club Inc to inspect their newly completed fencing, funded by a $24,910 grant under the 2022 NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership.

Funding was allocated for the removal of existing ring pipework, construction of new post and rail, chain, wire and mesh fencing and construction of entry and exit gates for competition rings. All works have now been completed.

Parkes District Kennel Club member Fiona Watts was on hand to show Phil the completed works, saying, “An enclosed fence was a pipe dream for us. We’ve received a few smaller grants from Council for equipment, as that can be expensive, but the cost of the enclosed fencing seemed unobtainable.”

The club applied for a grant and under the Community Partnership Program. Phil explained the process, “The applications come to my office, I asses them, score them and rank them, whhich accounts for 60% of the overall ratings of the scores. Applications then go to an independent review panel where they get scored again and the scores are collated before funding is allocated.”

The new fencing was erected by local contactor, Matt Clarke from Central West Fencing.

The Parkes District Kennel Club has been operating for 60 years, predominantly as a confirmation club for breeders. However, for the past six years, they have been focusing on sporting.

Dyagang Koori Dance Group Receive Commonwealth Bank Community Grant

May 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The four original members of the Dyagang “Boys” Keanu, Ashton, Tyrece and Abel Robinson with Troy, Branch Manager of The Parkes Commonwealth Bank.

The Dyagang “Boys” were originally group of four brothers learning and representing Aboriginal culture. The group expanded in 2022 and now consists of 12 kids and a few adults.

Jade Alexander, the mother of the four Robinson brothers, was shocked to receive a call from Troy at the Commonwealth Bank to inform her that the Dyagang Boys had been voted winners of a $500 community grant. Jade said, “The boys were stoked to hear the news.”

The group recently performed at Eco Day in Trundle, Homegrown in Parkes and the Back to Peak Hill event.

Ensure The Safety Of Your Precious Cargo With A Free Child Restraint Check

May 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Authorised Child Restraint Fitters will be in Parkes on Friday 12th May and Forbes on Saturday 13th May.

Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles with free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Parkes on Friday 12 May 2023 and Forbes on Saturday 13th May.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that these free child restraint checking days will now be held bi-annually as they are usually well patronised and are important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

“Due to the success of previous events, we’ve received funding to offer this service twice a year to residents in Parkes and Forbes – one round of checking days will be held in late November/early December and the other round will be in April/May,” Ms Suitor said.

The upcoming child restraint checking days will be held in Parkes on Friday 12 May from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Kelly Reserve and in Forbes on Saturday 13 May from 10am – 2pm in the Bunnings carpark.

The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash.

“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child – such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe,” Ms Suitor said.

Bookings are essential – phone 6861 2364 to secure your place. Information about the child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will also be available.

Parkes Residents Welcome New Play Paradise For Lions Park

May 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Birthday parties at Lions Park in Parkes are about to get a lot more exciting with new play equipment including flying foxes, climbing towers, trampolines and a carousel that will turn this popular spot into a play paradise for all.

The very popular Lions Park in Parkes is to receive a much-needed upgrade, with the scope of the project to include a new collection of play equipment, as well as brand new shelters and barbeques.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Ken Keith OAM spoke of the planned upgrades to the park, “The big changes have a lot of community support and are sure to make the venue an even more popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

“Children will be able to develop a range of skills playing on the new equipment, as they get wings on the 25m double sky-rider (flying fox), scramble up the multi-play Sky Tower, or scale the quartz rock climbing block.

“There will also be a swing set with an inclusive seat, a 2.3m carousel that can accommodate a wheelchair, three trampolines placed in the ground, a balance trail and a junior multi-play unit,” he added.

All the equipment will be placed on soft fall to enhance the physical experience of the park and encourage independent play. A winding bike path around the equipment will encourage children of all abilities to engage in wheel-based play.

The first preparatory steps have already begun, with two dangerous trees removed to improve community safety and to make way for the remainder of the works, withcompletion expected by July 2023.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said infrastructure projects such as the Lions Park in Parkes was precisely why the LRCI Program was created.

Proudly funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program committing $435,000 and Parkes Shire Council $415,000.

Breakfast For Mum: Corn Fritter Stack

May 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

With Mother’s Day around the corner, what better way to spoil her than with this delicious breakfast to start the day.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 x 420g cans corn kernels, drained
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 100g fetta, crumbled
• 30g piece cold butter
• 1 small avocado, cut into wedges
• 30g baby rocket
• 2 tbsp Coles sweet chilli sauce, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place flour into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Use a fork to whisk eggs and milk in a jug and pour gradually into the flour, stirring gently to combine. Fold in corn, chives and fetta. Don’t over-mix or the fritters will be tough.

2. Wrap butter in a piece of paper towel. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and wipe with the butter to grease. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of mixture into the pan (you’ll have to cook in batches). Cook for about 2-3 mins, until golden brown underneath, then turn and cook the other side. Repeat with the butter and fritter mixture.

3. Serve fritters with avocado, bacon, cherry tomatoes, rocket and sweet chilli sauce.

Parkes Makes A Splash With Kelly Reserve Water Play Space

May 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

An inspiration photofrom the Stuart Park Splash Pad in Idaho (https://www.visitpocatello.com/stuart-park-splash-pad/). Detailed concept plans will be available once the project goes out for tender.

Parkes Shire Council are set to open a free water play space at Kelly Reserve in Parkes after securing $500,000 in funding from the NSW Government.

Community consultation has identified Kelly Reserve as the most suitable location for a water play space.

The play space will be designed using the topography of the Lachlan catchment and the rivers, lakes, dams, weirs, and bores as inspiration. Interpretive signage will tell the story of water and explain the physics and engineering that surround natural and engineered water flow.

Council’s Mayor, Ken Keith OAM said the project would expand on the already popular facilities at Kelly Reserve.

“The establishment of a free water play space has been a long-held desire of many in our community, and we’re very pleased to be bringing this vision to life through the funding we’ve received from the NSW Government,” added Cr Keith.

Innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility is at the forefront of this project ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can engage in play, with inclusions such as a splash pad, water fountains, wide bridges and trickling streams included.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said the new water play space will be a great addition to Kelly Reserve in Parkes.

“Once completed this place will make a splash in the Parkes community and bring residents of all ages and abilities together to cool off in summer months as well as learning about water,” Mr Scully said.

“I can’t wait to see how the design will draw on the unique water story of the Lachlan Valley and I am really excited to see the project get underway.”

Works on this project are expected to be completed mid-2024.

A Great Time Had By All At The Show

April 28, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Milarni 8, Isabelle 6 and Khan 4 from Forbes, had a great time at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

We have received glowing reports from our Royal Easter Show competition winners.

Forbes winner, Joanne Holmes was excited to win and took her three grandchildren to the Show, saying “The grandkids and I had a great time, as you can see by the smiles on their faces.”

Parkes winner Theresa Byrnes was equally excited and took, daughter Rebecca Byrnes and two of her grandchildren along with her. “We had an absolute blast adventuring around the show,” said Theresa.

Help Wanted For Ambulance Service

April 28, 2023 By Pam Nankivell

Que President Kathie Whitchurch hands over the first box of Teddies to a delighted Daniel Wright

First drought, then fires, floods and Covid have affected all Australians, but not just the human population, they have also devastated the numbers of new, knitted teddy bears.

Our Que Club members heard rumours that this year’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic might not go ahead, but we only realised the gravity of the situation when the Ambos called to tell us that their bear cupboard was completely bare and asked for help.

Our ambulances usually carry two of these bears which they find a tremendous help in comforting distressed children.

Those of us who can knit have been very busy and we have some other people in the wider community helping as well. However we need more knitters and, for those who can’t knit we would also appreciate donation of 8ply wool or acrylic for those who can.

We have patterns available, and yarn may be left in the box at Parkes Decor which is also where people may also leave their finished teddies.

We are looking to cover the whole region and we certainly need more help.

For more information please call on 0407 894 498.

By Pam Nankivell

Local Bicycle Mechanic Gearing Up For Mudgee Classic

April 28, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Aaron Arnott from Bicky’s Cycle Shed is excited for the Mudge Classic Cycle event being held this weekend.

In an extremely exciting development for the cycling community in Parkes, local bicycle mechanic Aaron Arnott, better known as Bicky from Bicky’s Cycle Shed, has been selected to provide services for the Mudgee Classic Cycle event.

The Mudgee Classic, being held this weekend 29th and 30th April, is a major cycling event that attracts over 2,000 riders annually to the picturesque city of Mudgee.

The event caters for all levels of cycling ability, with four different event distances ranging from 35km to 175km.

Aaron has been servicing bikes in Parkes for over 20 years and completed Certificate II and III at the Bicycle Mechanic Training Institute, the industry standard and only recognised qualification under the Australian Training Framework. He has since gained a reputation for his expertise and attention to detail.

His skills were noticed by the organisers of the Mudgee Classic, who were impressed by his knowledge and absolute professionalism. This will be the third time that Aaron has been invited to provide services to the participants at the Mudgee event.

This opportunity will not only allow Aaron to showcase his abilities to a wider audience, but provide a valuable service to the riders, ensuring that their bikes are in top condition for the challenging ride.

Aaron attended both the Mudgee and Bowral cycle events last year, which are recognised as significant fixtures on the cycling calender.

Aarons selection is undoubtedly a proud moment for the entire cycling community in Parkes. It is testament to his dedication, hard work and passion, and we wish him all the best for the event.

World Premier Of Cracks In The Mirror A Cracking Success

April 28, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Cracks in the Mirror tackles some very topical subjects in a respectful and authentic manner through five very talented actresses; Kimberley Ryan, Jade McGovern, Maddison Collits, Ruth Barnes and Amelia Regnier.

By all accounts, the Parkes M&D Society’s newest production, Cracks in the Mirror, which opened on the weekend is a hit!

Comments left by the audience were gushing in their praise including: “Absolutely brilliant, could not have been better. Loved. Loved Loved!”; “Beautiful story, beautiful voices and awesome acting”; “Love it! The girls are amazing!”

The production is an original musical with script and Lyrics by Lyn Townsend, and musical composition by Gail Smith. The musical arrangements were handled by Anthony Leonard and Gail Smith.

There are a few ‘cheeky’ moments in the play, hence the recommendation for people 14 and over.

Writer Lyn Townsend said, “We have been overwhelmed with the response. We had a good feeling when we wrote a few of the songs and felt pretty good about the finished product. But really, the strength of this production is the cast and band. We were so lucky they came on board and took this journey with us!”

Cracks in the Mirror also received a glowing review in Stage Whispers, the national theatre magazine, with reviewer, Robert Cocks noting the production has “Clever, topical storylines, powerful ballads, catchy, toe-tapping tunes, and music that crosses multiple genres and would sit nicely on any Spotify playlist.” Read more of the wonderful review at www.stagewhispers.com.au/reviews/cracks-mirror.

Cracks in the Mirror runs for two more weekends, closing 7th May. Tickets are available at www.parkesmandd.com.au or you can email ticket requests to parkesmandd2870@gmail.com

Subscribe