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Parkes Phoenix

Help Ease Local Food Insecurity This Festive Season

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Woolworths customers are encouraged to make a dry food donation to its Local Community Food Drive campaign that will help out local families in need.

The Local Community Food Drive organised by Woolworths in Forbes and Parkes will help deliver food relief to those experiencing hardship in the lead-up to Christmas. 

The initiative started on Wednesday, and Forbes and Parkes Shire customers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items. A specially marked Local Community Food Drive trolley has been placed in each store, and donated items can include: breakfast cereals, pasta, rice and instant noodles, canned fish or meat, spreads (peanut butter, honey, jam); and baked beans and spaghetti. 

Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many Australians with more than half a million households struggling to meet food needs, and more than two million households having gone hungry in the last 12 months, according to the 2022 FoodBank Hunger Report. 

Within these households, the number of children affected has increased by 100,000, resulting in 1.3 million children grappling without having food on their plate. 

Woolworths stores are working closely with local food charities to ensure Forbes and Parkes Shire residents in need will receive the donated items, along with fresh food to the value of $250 in time for the upcoming festive season. 

The Food Drive is a frontline community effort to help provide a solution for hunger relief, which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and changes in household living arrangements. 

“We’re asking Forbes and Parkes Shire customers who are in a position to do so, to join us in donating to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive on their next grocery shop, by simply adding non-perishable items to our trolleys. By making a small donation, you will be helping the wellbeing of our local community, providing them with the essentials they need,” said the managers of the two stores. 

Customers can donate in-store until 15th November.

Generous Support Help Stage NAIDOC Event

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Aboriginal Project Officer Micheal Anderson (left) hands over a certificate of appreciation to representatives from Fortescue Mining Elise Jackson, Jason Scouropoulos and Taylor Ogden.

The annual NAIDOC celebrations, held at Bushman’s Hill last month, was made possible with the generous support of community members and organisations. Neighbourhood Central (NC) presented awards in appreciation of their support. These included: Benevolent Society, Currajong Disabilities, Dyagang Dance Group, Harding – Jade and Chelsea, Fortescue Mining, Mid Lachlan Housing, Northparkes Mines, NSW Police, Parkes AECG, Parkes High: Wiradjuri Guwals, Parkes Shire Council, Parkes Rotary Club, Parkes Shire Concert Band, Pulse Gym Coffee Van, Rural Fire Service and Spuddy Buddy. NC Aboriginal Project Officer, Micheal Anderson is keen to help the community in any way he can.

Snippets…

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange had some unu-sual visitors last week. Around 100 Jerusalem Donkeys (named for the cross on their backs) stayed in the yards overnight enroute from the Northern Territory. (Photo: FCWLE)

June Public Holiday Renamed: In recognition of the reign of King Charles III, the NSW Government has amended the Public Holidays Act 2010 to rename the Queen’s Birthday public holiday the King’s Birthday public holiday. The amendment has been gazetted and will be effective from 13th January next year. The holiday remains the same, save for a change in name. This means the King’s Birthday public holiday will still be recognised on the second Monday in June. Although Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birth date was 21st April 1926, in keeping with Royal tradition, official celebrations in the UK were held in June when there was a greater likelihood of fine weather for the Birthday Parade or Trooping of the Colour. NSW followed in that tradition.

New Skills For School Leavers: The ‘Class of 2022’ will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education. The Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers. Summer Skills courses will be available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations for people between 16 and 24 who have left school. For more visit www.skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.

Real-Time Traffic Updates: The NSW Government announced the first regional expansion to its LiveTraffic system, with the status of roads across 22 local government areas now available for navigation software such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said the widespread heavy rain and flooding had caused major problems for many local roads, posing a safety risk. “There are potholes you could hide a cow in at some places, and getting them back up to standard quickly and efficiently will be a big problem for authorities. It’s great to see the first stage of the NSW Government’s LiveTraffic upgrade come online for some of these flood-impacted areas.” He said people in the Central West and Riverina would be very keen for their area to come online sooner than later. “In the meantime, everyone needs to drive to the conditions, take extra care and remember: if it’s flooded, forget it!

Parkes Christian School could not have asked for a better day of sunshine for their Spring Fair on Saturday to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary. There was a huge turn out and great entertainment, with Emma Baker having a cuddle with this cutie. (Photo: PCS)

Vinnies Volunteers Celebrate Centenary

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Cutting the special Vinnies cake were Lesley Crowe (centre president from 2006 to 2010), Barbara Scott (centre president from 2016 to 2022) and Christine Cox (centre president from 2011 to 2016 and current retail team leader).

More than 50 former and current volunteers did not miss the golden opportunity in Parkes last Thursday to celebrate 100 years of Vinnies shops in NSW.

The tables were decorated in gold and filled with delicious cakes and treats for the special occasion. Vinnies NSW Regional Retail Manager Tanya Godden thanked all the volunteers for their service saying they played an extremely important role. She handed over a framed certificate of appreciation.

Tanya said the Vinnies shop first opened in Parkes in 1947, while the first Vinnies shop in NSW opened in Newtown in 1922 and was selling horse manure! The shop is still in the same location.

Barbara Scott, who was centre president from 2016 to August 2022, said she loved the people and the one-on-one interaction she had with customers.

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

Youth aged 12-18 are invited to attend our next Youth Lock-In Games and Pizza Night on Wednesday, 23rd November from 5:30pm-8pm. Four-player games on the Nintendo Switch, or BYO a 4G-enabled device to join the fun of our Jackbox party games, plus outdoor games and free pizza, thanks to Domino’s Parkes. Places are strictly limited, book via humanitix.com.au. 

YOUTH VOICES

Parkes Shire Youth Voices is in recess for Term 4. In the meantime, Parkes Shire Libraries are asking the youth to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on youth programs and events at https://forms.office.com/r/ciK8MkTaCB

FRIDAY FLICKS

Friday, 25th November at 6pm we are screening a legendary Australian story which has been adapted to film. This award-winning film is set in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1800s tackling issues of feminism and anti-racism. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

Composting & Worm Farming (FREE): Tuesday, 8th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Book via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3NkLbVX

Weaving with Ronda Sharpe ($25 per workshop): Monday 14th, 21st & 28th Nov

from 6-8pm. Book via Humanitix https://bit.ly/3FAKYwh

Multicultural Art Group (FREE): Tuesday, 15th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Contact Soniatilley@outlook.com.au

Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101

Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): Saturday, 26th Nov from 9am or 1pm. Book through the Orange Cricut Group Facebook Page.

Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Friday, 2nd Dec from 6:30pm and Saturday, 3rd Dec from 10am. Bookings via email popupsucculentshop@outlook.com 

Live Entertainment At Broadway For Ausmusic Month

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Cletis Carr outside The Blind Pig in Orange. (Photo: Zenio Lapka).

If you love live music, Parkes is the place to be this November on a Sunday with special sessions at the Broadway Hotel to celebrate Ausmusic month.

Following some changes made at the ‘Broady’ over the past two years it has become the home of live music in Parkes. In conjunction with Arts OutWest the Broadway will be hosting free live music at its Sunday Live & Kicking Lunchtime Sessions for the whole month.

The first session this Sunday (6th November) kicks off with Americana Blues served up by Cletis Carr and his trio from 12noon.

Cletis is an accomplished songwriter and has toured the world sharing stages with Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Elvis Costello, Joan Jett, Nick Lowe and Huey Lewis. He has also performed with members of AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, the Easybeats and the Saints. Cletis, a consummate storyteller who entertains his audience with tales of backstage life, will be performing his new full-length blues album ‘Trouble & Me’.

On Sunday, 13th November it is the turn of Raptor County, a four-piece band who know how to rock with a touch of country blues, singing their songs about life from a regional perspective. They’ll have Parkes local Twiggy opening for them with his acoustic pop tunes from his ‘Now & Then’ release plus some crisp new tunes.

Sunday, 20th November Central West duo Smith & Jones will perform their finely crafted songs with their gorgeous harmonies. Opening their show will be Parkes local Gracey Denham-Jones like you’ve never heard her before. 

Finishing off the month with their good time funk ‘n soul vibe is the dynamic duo Jaffer. Featuring the big bass sound of Luke Ferguson, who has toured nationally and appeared at major festivals including Blues Fest, Woodford folk festival and Splendour in the Grass. Twiggy will be opening the session. 

Find out more at www.artsoutwest.org.au

Spring Photo Competition Winners

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Spring Photo Competition Winners are: (clockwise from top left) Winner Parkes – Elizabeth Drady, winner Forbes – Peta Allen, second Parkes – Wendy Baigent, second Forbes – Katie Drady, third Forbes – Anne McLennan and third Parkes – Casper Jones.

We received plenty of beautiful images of birds, flowers, landscapes, pets and more from our readers for the Spring Photo Competition. The judges had a tough task picking the winners. Bec Bennet from Hold Photography picked 15-year-old Peta Allen as the Forbes winner, while Marc Payne from March Payne Photography named Elizabeth Drady as the Parkes winner.

Bec’s comments on Peta’s winning entry was: “Lovely composition, perfect mirroring of the silo in the water, nice warm colours, soft afternoon sky. Depicts a lovely country scene.” Marc said of Elizabeth’s winning shot: “It has impact, it fills the frame and is nicely exposed.”

The judges also wanted to give a special mention to the second and third place winners.

• Forbes 2nd: Katie Drady: “Skiing in theflood waters. Great concept, great current scene for our region.”

• Forbes 3rd Anne McLennan: “Great composition, beautiful bright colours, goodfocus.”

• Parkes 2nd: Wendy Baigent “Image fillsthe frame and has nice colour, gives impact.”

• Parkes 3rd: Casper Jones “The use oflight is gorgeous in this image and thelight in the cat’s eyes draws you in.”

Peta and Elizabeth have each won a family photo session with Bec and Marc respectively.

Parkes Christian School Celebrates 40 Years

October 28, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

CLASS OF ’22… The Parkes Christian School is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend with a spring fair and celebration service. The 2022 Year 12 class graduates.

Parkes Christian School is celebrating 40 years of Christian education in the Central West with a spring fair and celebration service this weekend (29th and 30th October).

Past principals, staff, students and families that have been involved with the school over the past 40 years are all invited to attend.

The spring fair is also open to the general public, and will go from 9am to 2pm with market stalls run by students, vendors, lots of food options and coffee, Devonshire tea, an art exhibition, live entertainment and fun games and competitions.

The school procured a framed and signed Nathan Cleary jersey, and everyone who makes a small donation on the day stand a chance to win this piece of sporting memorabilia. There will also be a display of photos, uniforms and video footage of the school over the past 40 years to show just how far the school has progressed.

The fair is also a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and parents to come and have a look at what the school has to offer.

On Sunday, 30th October from 10am former staff, students and families of the school are invited to attend a celebration service in the school hall. Staff, students and members of the Parkes Community Church will perform worship songs, and reminisce about the beginning and development of the school.

Principal Glen Westcott is delighted to be hosting the 40-year celebrations. “Parkes Christian School was the first Christian school to be built in NSW west of the Blue Mountains.”

Glen said from humble beginnings, the school was now well and truly thriving. “With a growing population of 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and more than 40 staff, the school has impressive facilities.”

For more information follow the school on Facebook, or contact the school office on 6862 4164.

Parkes Christian School Celebrates 40 Years 

2009 Parkes Christian School staff.

 

1993 Parkes Christian School staff.

 

1989 class photo of Year 7 & 8.

 

Parkes Christian School students in 1982.

 

Kelvin Smith, Principal Judy Huda and Ameeka Hodges.

 

Parkes Christian School as seen from above.

 

Students take part in the annual Anzac parade.

 

In 1986 the second school building was constructed. John Magill, founding member of the school and chairman of the board for many years, is in the trench.

 

Phil Runs Again

October 28, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP officially announced his intent to contest the NSW State election for the seat of Orange on 25th March next year. 

“I continue to be 100% committed to serving the people of our communities here in the Orange electorate, and greater regional NSW,” he said.

Phil was first elected in the 2016 by-election, triggered by the resignation of former sitting member Andrew Gee, when he was voted in by a margin of just 55 votes taking the seat from the National Party after 69 years. 

“Since I’ve been elected, the Orange electorate has seen record funding and investment from the NSW Government for services and infrastructure, proving that a non-government representative has helped our community get the attention it deserves.

“Not having to toe a government or big party line, I’ve been able to strenuously advocate for the community, without fear or favour – which can only be achieved by not being a member of the government,” Phil said. 

Free Arts Funding Workshop In Parkes

October 28, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Arts OutWest will run a free arts funding workshop in Parkes next Wednesday, 2nd November from 10:30am to 12.30pm at the Parkes Library.

The workshop will help people prepare applications for the annual Country Arts Support Program and brush up on their grant writing skills.

The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is a small annual funding round supporting arts activities in the NSW Central West. Applications for the 2023 round are now open.

CASP funds the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake or manage arts activities that offer exciting creative outcomes. Grants of up to $3,000 are available.

“The free workshop will explain the CASP funding, help people plan an application, chat through their project ideas and take a look at the application process,” Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead said.

CASP applications for 2023 close at 5pm on Monday, 5th December.

Projects funded by CASP could include (but are not limited to) arts or heritage-based workshops, classes, performances, installations, exhibitions, tours, screen/film making, writing or composition, development of new work, tours or talks, artist-in-residence programs, recordings or podcasts, and new arts activities attached to festivals or events – as long as they have some element of public outcome.

The funding is open to individuals, groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts businesses and councils.

If you can’t make the Parkes workshop, there will be an online information session on Wednesday, 16th November.

Book for the Parkes workshop at either Parkes Library, Arts OutWest or find it on Eventbrite.

Read the full CASP criteria at www.artsoutwest.org.au/pf/casp/

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