Michale Dumesney pictured in the centre, along with Ter-rie and Tony at the Coachman Hotel Motel Parkes

The atmosphere was electric and bids were flying high at the Eugowra Fundraiser last Friday, 3rd February at the Coachman Hotel Motel in Parkes. The following is a message of thanks from the event organiser, Michael Dumesney:

“Hi everyone, I just want to say a massive thank you for your generosity in last Friday nights auction! We made $46.5k in the official final spreadsheet. I cannot thank you all enough for helping with that and I will be forever grateful and I am sure the Eugowra community will be as well. Once again from the bottom of my heart thank you. MD”

NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto, Mayor Ken Keith, NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway and Cr Bill Jayet.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway recently joined NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto to announce that the Parkes Shire Council has received $100,000 to develop business cases for the Spicer Oval Caravan Park and Carrington Hotel.

“I’m proud to announce that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s will be providing Parkes Shire Council with $100,000 to develop vital business cases for the Spicer Oval Caravan Park and the Carrington Hotel in Peak Hill,” Mr Farraway said.

“By providing these resources, we are demonstrating our Government’s commitment to supporting local communities and we are confident that these business cases will lay the foundation for a bright future for the Parkes Shire.

“The Spicer Oval Caravan Park Redevelopment Business Case will be instrumental in determining the best path forward for the site, whether it’s relocation to a more suitable location or exploring new uses for the site.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 355 projects worth $560 million to mining communities since 2012, stimulating local economies and delivering critical infrastructure.

“It’s absolutely crucial we continue to support regional mining towns that supply our State with the resources needed to keep the lights on and the economy moving forward, and this program is just another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to the future of our mining regions.

I would like to congratulate Parkes Shire Council for putting forward these projects which will make big difference for the people and organisations in this local community.” 

For further information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/R4R

Marnie pictured at Canberra Airport the day of her departure from Australia.

Over the next 12 months we will be following the exciting journey of Marnie Noakes. Marnie is a 15-year-old, Parkes Christian School student who has been lucky enough to be selected for a 12 months Rotary educational exchange to Germany. She is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Parkes. 

When Marnie applied to be an exchange student, she was not given the opportunity to select the country that she wished to travel to, she was just thrilled to be able to experience a different culture, language and way of life. When she learned her host country would be Germany, she was instantly excited to be able to explore as much as she can and is looking forward to a range of new experiences including snow, German food and searching for new crafts.

Marnie was farewelled from Canberra Airport on 18th of January 2023, and after a long, 31 hour journey she arrived at her final destination of Frankfurt Airport in Germany. 

Whilst in Germany, Marnie will stay with four different Rotary host families and will attend the Wirsberg-Gymnasium School in Wurzburg. She will return to Australia in mid January 2024.

Marnie’s mum, Liz Noakes said, “We have FaceTimed her a few times and she is super happy and really enjoying it.” 

It was Marnie’s idea to reach out to the Forbes & Parkes Phoenix to see if we would be interested in following her journey. We are excited to say that once a month we will be publishing an update from Marnie on her schooling and many adventures in Germany. 

Be sure to follow our social media pages for any images that don’t make it into the printed edition.

We wish Marnie a wonderful trip, and can’t wait to hear of her adventures!

Charlotte is the newest member of the PSCB.

The newest memebr of the Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB), Charlotte, recently moved to Parkes from the Central Coast to complete her Honours Thesis and finish her Chemical Engineering Degree through Sydney University. 

Charlotte has been working with Council to learn more about the drinking water that is supplied to areas in the Forbes, Parkes, and Lachlan Shire Councils to find a way to improve the water quality. 

“I’ve been able to meet some amazing people over the short week I’ve been here in Parkes, including the Parkes Shire Concert Band!” said Charlotte.

The PSCB was recommended to Charlotte by another USYD student who played in the band last year, who said that playing in the band was a highlight of her experience in Parkes. 

“It’s given me the opportunity to pick my saxophone back up after putting it down over three years ago,” said Charlotte.