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Plenty Of Holiday Fun At The Parkes Radio Telescope

December 16, 2022 By Roxane Manley

THE DISH…The Parkes Radio Telescope is located 20km north of Parkes on the Newell Highway.

The January School holidays are just around the corner, and the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, Murriyang will be hosting Astronomy Talks each weekday at 11am from Monday, 9th January through to Friday, 27th January 2023.

There will be three different CSIRO astronomers presenting talks, providing a rare opportunity to speak with a real astronomer and ask them your space questions.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be booked online at https://parkesdishshop.com/products/school-holiday-talks, by calling the Visitors Centre on 6861 1777 or in person at the Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor’s Centre.

All ages are welcome to attend. It is an out-of-this-world school holiday activity so be sure to head along!

Whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to check out the 3D Theatre (admission applies). The half-hour show is currently showing “Expedition Earth”, “Parkes – Beyond the Barrier” and “Bigger than Big.”

While there, enjoy lunch or refreshments at the famous Dish Café. The kids can have some fun and explore the newly opened space playground just across from the café. There are also many hands-on displays to provide endless fun for all ages.

If you are visiting during the 2023 Elvis Festival, don’t miss the daily science fun shows at 1:30pm.

These free, one-hour shows un by Fizzics Education are sure to blow your mind. This outdoor event, right in front of the Dish, will be perfect for families or anyone with an enquiring mind.

The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre will be open daily throughout the school holidays from from 8:30am – 5pm, except for Christmas day and Boxing day.

Team Flood Relief Races To Help Eugowra

December 16, 2022 By Roxane Manley

HARNESSING SUPPORT…Pictured here is Michael Dumesny on the right and Fellow Team Flood Relief member Jack Trainor on the left.

Have you heard of “Team Flood Relief?” It is a fundraising initiative designed to help the flood affected community of Eugowra, and is being driven home by well known Parkes local and racing industry identity, Michael Dumesny.

Born and raised in Parkes, Michael started coaching rugby league in Eugowra after spending time in the town where his partner and two young daughters resided. “I ended up coaching and being on the committee for four years and absolutely loved the place, loved the people and made many good friends,” said Michael.

The horrific flash flood that hit Eugowra on 14th November took two lives, and 150 Eugowra residents had to be airlifted to safety. Michael said: “My little girls still live out there and although they were not involved in the floods physically, they basically lost everything in their lives when that little town flooded.”

“I also saw a lot of heartache from some of my very good friends. After being out there on and off for the few weeks after the major wave hit, I knew I had to help in some way.”

It all started when Michael and his good friend and fellow Parkes Harness Racing trainer/driver Brett Hutchings were throwing around a few ideas of ways to make some money through racing. One thing led to another and Team Flood Relief was formed.

Brett Hutchings has pledged a part of his driving fee and winning driving percentage right up until New Years Eve at Parkes towards the current flood situation in Eugowra and Forbes.

Michael posted the concept of Team Flood Relief and Brett’s pledge through his social media channels and it instantly received well over 100 shares. Before he knew it, people were phoning and messaging him wanting to be involved. Within four days the numbers had ballooned and there well over 60 people involved in the fundraising effort.

Team Flood Relief is made up of some of the biggest names in the racing industry across Harness Racing, Thoroughbred Racing and Greyhound Racing.

Michael considers anyone who has contributed in any way to be part of the team. He was unwilling to name the big racing identities that have supported Team Flood Relief, and appreciates each and every person who has assisted the cause, regardless of the size of their contribution.

“We will be raising money in any way we can. Whether that be through drivers, trainers and owners winning races and donating part of their winnings or through silks that have been sponsored and specially made and sponsored. Direct donations from people have been humbling and unreal,” explained Michael.

Racing is in Michael’s blood, and he has been around the industry since birth. “Our family owned ‘Ruby Vale’ stud at Alectown and most of my weekends growing up consisted of being around the horses.”

In Michael’s later years he moved to the media side of things, writing stories, working on radio and eventually ending up a race broadcaster. As far back as he can remember, racing has been an important part of his life.

We asked Michael what his message for the Eugowra community would be? Michael went on to say, “I guess my main message is that we are just hoping everyone is coping as well as they can both physically and mentally in these tough times. We have got their backs one hundred percent and will work our backsides off to make as much money as we can for that beautiful community. If we can put a small ray of light into their days that is all we are trying to achieve.”

Deano, “You Are Appreciated”

December 16, 2022 By Roxane Manley

THANK YOU…Pictured with one of his helicopters is Dean Brus from Orange Helicopters.

Originally from the Pinnacle area south of Forbes, Dean is the Director and chief pilot at Orange Helicopters. In recent weeks he has been engaged in various roles assisting with SES flood relief activities.

Dean has assisted with relocating people and re-supplying residents in addition to the movement of equipment from pumps and boat motors to mail.

He has also aided in the important task of stock movements and fodder drops to stranded stock isolated on islands throughout the areas of Forbes, Bedgerabong, Condobolin, Louth, Wilcannia and Bourke.

“The amount of help that is needed during and after an event such as the latest floods means there is a lot of coordination from all of the services,” said Dean

“This particular operation is being co-ordinated by the SES, however they are working closely with the RFS who contribute a great deal of people power and trucks. The airbase at Parkes has been managed by a a team from New Zealand. We’ve had the ADF, the Singapore military and also a New Zealand fire fighting team here.”

“Both the Local Land Services (LLS) and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are involved with the coordination of stock rescues. They liaise with the farmers first, then organise suitable helicopters with the correct equipment to conduct the lift and relocation. It’s very complex, but works well when all parties are working together,” said Dean. Dean also works alongside two sons Peter and Jarrod who are both qualified crewmen.

Imagine little islands surrounded by water, and on those islands are livestock stranded with no food; this is what farmers have been faced with.

If the waters are expected to rise, teams are called in and tasked with airlifting stock in cages to a safe location nearby. If the stock can’t be moved, or if water levels are not expected to rise, stock feed is dropped so they don’t starve.

Dean explained, “The LLS provide the service to get the feed to the stranded livestock, but they don’t provide the fodder, that is up to the farmer. Sometimes a farmer doesn’t have any hay and he might have some donated to him.”

Dean became a helicopter pilot after being a firefighter with NSW Fire & Rescue for 24 years, and enjoys that his job still allows him to help people.

“We build a lot of rapport with the farmers and I always wish them all the best. We’re not just there to do our jobs, there is definitely a lot of compassion there,” said Dean, who often refers to the livestock that he drops feed to as his ‘babies’.

Dean went on to say, “A complete stranger whom I have not met, nor probably will, gave us a lovely message and some home made goodies as a thank you gift. It’s nice to know that people appreciate your efforts whilst they are experiencing tough times themselves. It’s not expected, but certainly appreciated.”

Orange Helicopters own and operate four different helicopters, each with different capabilities including charter, weddings, farm inspections, fire and flood relief, joy flights and specialised training.

Keep an eye on the Forbes & Parkes Phoenix facebook pages for some footage courtesy of Orange Helicopters.

HOMEGROWN GRATITUDE…An appreciation gift left with a thank you note from a grateful stranger.

Flying High With The Parkes Aero Club

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

MEET BRETT PREISIG… Look at the smile on Bretts face as he takes position in the Pilots seat of one of the Parkes Aero Clubs 2 Aeroplanes which are available for student training and private hire

Originally built in 1948, and owned by Parkes Shire Council, the clubhouse for the Parkes Aero Club is the last remaining building along with 3 hangars which were part of the RAAF training aerodrome.

Brett Preisig is the secretary of the Parkes Aero Club and a flight instructor with the Parkes Recreational Aviation Centre.

They work together as the Aero Club provides the aeroplanes and the Aviation Centre provides the instructors. “That is how we get new members to come to the club, because people want to learn to fly and that is the club’s charter, to encourage all things aviation,” said Brett.

There are currently around 35 active members but the club is always keen to welcome new members. Students range from under 15 all the way up to retirees, and once students receive their license to fly, the club have two aircraft for hire.

Brett commented that over the years there has been busy phases such as when the military parachute jumpers were in town. However, since the flooding emergency the Parkes Airport has been busier than ever.”It’s a bit like a military operation out here with all the extra fueling arrangements. The majority of the helicopters that found themselves based here are not running on regular AV gas. They are jet turbine engines and that requires jet A1 fuel and they have been bringing that in by the semi trailer load,” said Brett.

A lot of high technology and expensive aircraft have touched down at Parkes Airport to help with the floods. Bretts personal favorite was the Sikorsky Sea King helicopter.

Flying teaches a lot of discipline and precision and Brett quoted and old aviation saying, “A superior pilot with superior skills will use his superior judgment to not have to use his superior skills.”

Let’s Make It A Christmas Of Kindness

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Spread kindness this Christmas.

Just when we started thinking 2022 might get a better rating than the previous two years, the widespread flood disaster uprooted and traumatised so many people across our region.

The outpouring of support, kindness and generosity by community members has been phenomenal, but Christmas is still going to be very tough for so many.

There are lots of ways we can all do our little bit to make this festive season a bit more joyous for those have been affected by this catastrophe.

Here are some suggestions of where you can contribute. And remember to do all your Christmas shopping local to support our businesses.

• Forbes Shire Council has set up a GIVITdonation page to match you up with people who need help. There is a need for food vouchers at the moment. If you want to donate go to www.givit.org.au/donate-items. If you need help call 1300 585 054 or email givit@forbes.nsw.gov.au

• Eugowra GIVIT applications for help orto donate can be directed to www.visiteugowra.com.au/contact

• Forbes Central Butchery has a Christmas Wishing Tree, and Be Cafe inParkes (formally Pink Orchid Cafe) is a dropoff point for presents wrapped with an age and gender. The presents will be distributed to kids, big and small, from Eugowra, Forbes and Bedgerabong.

• Big W is bringing back the Giving Treeinitiative at all its branches to supportfamilies in need and help spread joythis Christmas. Customers are invitedto donate a gift until Christmas Eve. Unwrapped gifts including books, toys, stationery, puzzles or games, can be placedunder the Giving Tree. The Parkes store will be matched with a local charity to ensure each donation is delivered to members of the community that need it most.

• Woolworths Parkes and Forbes in partnership with OzHarvest are joiningbranches across the country to help raisethe equivalent of 7 million meals for thosein need. Simply round up your supermarket shop to the nearest dollar whilein store, or by adding a 50 cent token toyour basket until 25th December.

By Maggi Barnard

A Melanoma Alert For Regional NSW

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/

A newly released melanoma hotspot map has highlighted the extreme danger of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun, with 23 of the 25 melanoma hotspots located in regional NSW.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said with summer now upon us, the map is a reminder to take simple protective measures.

“This should be a real reminder to our regional communities, if you step outside, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, cover up and seek shade,” Mrs Taylor said.

Melanoma is the most common cancer among young Australians and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in all Australians.

Ninety-five percent of melanoma and 99 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Cancer Institute NSW recently launched a powerful new skin cancer campaign targeting the 70 percent of 18-24 year olds who fail to protect their skin.

The campaign focuses on the invisible but potentially lethal threat of UV radiation.

The most effective defence against UV radiation is to follow the Slip, Slop, Slap. Make sure to apply SPF50+ sunscreen, pop on a wide brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses.

Flood Help At Hand

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Parkes farmers and local landholders who were affected by recent floods have access to support through the NSW and Australian Governments.

NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) provides access to loans and grants for primary producers, small business operators and not-for-profit organisations.

Primary producers affected by flood can apply for the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant or the $10,000 Rural Landholder Grant to help cover immediate costs associated with clean-up, repairs to infrastructure and reinstatement of primary production enterprises.

The Special Disaster Grant program opened 18th November and 1,302 applications have been received by the RAA, $5.6 million has been approved in principle and over $1.5 million has been paid to approved applicants.

Information is available from the RAA by phoning 1800 678 593, emailing rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au or visiting the RAA website www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Farmers and landholders are encouraged to report severe weather and flood damage by using the primary industries disaster damage survey.

A simple online form, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage, can be used to record primary production damage and stock losses from natural disasters to help target and direct resources to aid recovery.

The amount of crops, animals, infrastructure and other items damaged in a single event can be recorded and images can be attached to show the severity of damage in your area.

Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline provides emergency assistance to farmers impacted by the floods, including livestock assessment, veterinary advice, emergency fodder, animal euthanasia and burial.

Call 1800 814 647 to register your need for assistance or email aasfa@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Let The Festive Fun Begin

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Get ready to delight in the fun and entertainment tonight from 5pm in Templar and Rankin Streets.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring some festive cheer to the community, with the annual Forbes Christmas Carnival being held from 5pm today, 9th December.

“There will be market stalls, giant games, rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines, jumping castles, merry-go-round and arts and craft activities. Food will be provided by lcal businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site,” said Aaron Acheson, President, Forbes Business Chamber.

The carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar and in Rankin Streets. The Committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning.

“Forbes and the surrounding villages are well and truly due for a celebration after the serious weather that the district has experienced recently. There will be so much to see and do, such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus,” said Aaron.

Entertainment and music will be on the stage located at the junction of the two streets.

Thanks to the many people who have offered to assist and participate. Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to bring the Christmas spirt alive in Forbes.

Five $500 draws have already taken place, with three of the lucky winners being: Lisa Grayson, John Slessor and Susan Earl. People are encouraged to keep clicking on the QR code every time they purchase at a participating business to go in the draw to win. The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed outside participating businesses.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Rallies To Support Eugowra Residents

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Eugowra residents devastated by flash flooding can continue to call on CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) for financial counseling services.

It continues CCWF’s commitment to the town of about 700 people since disaster struck on November 14, tragically claiming two lives. More than 200 buildings at Eugowra were damaged or destroyed by the flash flooding, authorities report.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche visited Eugowra, and the organisation donated goods worth thousands of dollars to provide immediate relief.

“Members of our team at Forbes and Parkes did not hesitate, they wanted to be there for the people of Eugowra who have lost so much,” Ms Mioche said.

CCWF staff worked alongside defence force personnel going from house to house, and listened to people’s stories of survival, and provided information about CCWF services.

Eugowra sits outside the Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, but has links with Forbes.

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, travelled to Eugowra to support the neighboring community, where he said there were people who had “lost everything, in the true sense of the word”.

Bishop Columba, whose father’s family came from Eugowra, offered reassurance to the “strong and resilient” residents of the small town.

For more information on how CatholicCare can support you contact them for assistance on 1800 067 067

Are You Our Next Miss Priscilla?

December 9, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

REIGNING MISS PRISCILLA… 2022 Winner Ashleigh Smith.

The beautiful, enigmatic Priscilla Presley made her indelible mark on fashion in the 60s with her signature winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and ultra glamorous take on fashion.

Hailed the Queen of Rock & Roll with The King by her side, Priscillas signature looks throughout the 60s were instantly recognisable. Priscillas emblematic Rock & Roll meets Hollywood lifestyle has been celebrated for the past 15 years at the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner.

Guests are encouraged to dress in the Blue Hawaii theme to see a bevy of beauties compete for the coveted title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival.

Enjoy a two-course dinner with entertainment that includes an extravagant floorshow by premiere swing dancing troupe, the Sydney Swing Katz, local favorites Amitie with mesmerizing harmonies, then dance the night away to Elvis tribute artist, Brendan Chase.

Judges will look at overall appearance, including make-up, hair, and dress to resemble the pre-1969 look of Priscilla Presley. The prize includes a cruise on P&Os Tribute to The King Cruise for the winner and her stylist.

The Miss Priscilla winner becomes the face of the Festival performing official duties including riding in a lead car in the Northparkes Street Parade, taking part in the official opening ceremony and appearing at festival favorite events including the renewal of vows ceremony and appearances on the Cooke Park main stage.

Festival founder, Anne Steel said, “Miss Priscilla becomes a celebrity throughout the Festival. Fans snap a photo with her at every opportunity. She plays such an important role and becomes a part of our history.”

Miss Priscilla becomes Parkes Elvis Festivals ‘glambassador’ for the next 12 months until she hands the title to the winner the following year.

Entries for the competition and tickets for the dinner are available at parkeselvisfestival.com.au

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