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Elvis Movie Sets On Exhibit At 30th Anniversary Festival

October 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

This year’s winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition Paul Fenech performed at the official launch of the 30th anniversary festival in 2023. He had three young supporters Reginald (8), Lottie (7) and Alfred (5) Dixon from Parkes.

It might be a good idea to get to see Baz Luhrman’s Elvis movie before the 30th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival next year from 4th to 8th January.

The exciting news announced at the official launch of the festival last Wednesday was that the new exhibition at next year’s festival will feature a number of the movie sets, including the famous jungle room.

“Every year we try and get something new, and thanks to Warner Brothers and Baz Luhrman we’ve been gifted some of the movie sets,” said Festival Director Tiffany Steel. “You will actually get to see the full movie set of the jungle room, as well as the carnival house of mirrors, the world’s largest hound dog and some neon signs.

“We also have a number of items from the Bendigo Art Gallery Elvis exhibition.” These include the giant Elvis letters, the Elvis portico, and the giant neon sign that was at the front. “These items will all be on display with some of our own memorabilia of previous Elvis festivals.”

The other great announcement was the special concert to kick off the 30th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, 4th January. The Elvis Wall of Fame event will take place at 10am with Ross Wilson as inductee. Ross will then join three previous inductees, Brian Cadd, Joe Camilleri and Russel Morris at 12:30pm for a fantastic opening concert.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith thanked all the volunteers who have been involved over the past 30 years for their hard work and contribution to the event. Also attending was Deputy Premier Paul Tool who said the festival had become a regional product and was a showcase for people to see what is great about living in regional NSW.

The festival has more than 350 events and tickets are available to purchase online at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au. The festival also has a new website to make navigation of the five-day event easier.

The partnership between the Parkes Elvis Festival and the Forbes Shire Council is growing with another event put on in Forbes for next year, the Lakeside Luau: Hawaiian Fest with the Australian Beach Boys Show. The launch was attended by Forbes Mayor and Deputy Mayor last week. Also at the launch were (L-R) Al(vis) Gersbach, Anthony McGrath, Tiffany Steel, Paul Tool, Phyllis Miller, Ken Keith and Paul Fenech.

Capture Spring And Win A Family Session!

October 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Our Spring Photo Competition is in full swing and we’ve received some wonderful entries so far.

You have until the end of the month, Sunday, 30th October to enter and stand a chance to win a fantastic prize.

The Forbes winner will receive a family session with Hold Photography with the owner Bec Bennett also judging the entries.

In Parkes the winner will receive a family session (up to six people) with Marc Payne Photography. He will also be judging all the Parkes entries.

It is very easy to enter. Readers from Forbes can send your photos to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au, and Parkes readers can send their entries to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.

These are some of the entries received so far. Nature has lots of beauty to offer us this spring after all the rain, so get out and get snapping.

Mock Crash Video Targets Young Drivers

October 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor (middle) with this year’s youth actors in the Mock Crash Video. They are (L-R) Amelia Barwick, Kaitlyn Stevenson, Shaylee Edwards and Zak Chatman.

The official screening of this year’s Mock Crash Video took place at the Parkes Pavilion on Tuesday. The NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Program was filmed this year, instead of the live demonstration to high school students as was the practise in previous years.

Ten high schools will take part in this year’s program starting next week, which includes a pre-lesson, the video and a follow-up lesson. The youth actors involved in this year’s program, local emergency services, councillors, council staff and invited guests attended the screening on Monday. The video will also be used to train new actors.

Premium Pet Food ‘Made In Parkes’

October 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

PROUD PARKES PRODUCT… Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith and Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott hold a bag of Black Hawk kibble showing off the ‘Made in Parkes’ label printed on every bag at the state-of-the-art Petcare Kitchen facility in Parkes.

Pet owners in Australia and across the world now have the opportunity to buy premium pet food made in Parkes at the very first business to open its doors in the Special Activation Precinct (SAP).

The $82 million state-of-the-art Pet Care Kitchen manufacturing facility, officially opened last Wednesday, uses the latest technology and up to 50% locally sourced ingredients within a 200km radius to produce premium Black Hawk kibble.

“Partnerships with local farmers will ensure crops are grown to the company’s exacting specifications and provide primary producers a guaranteed market for their product,” said EBOS Group Chief Executive Officer John Cullity.

The pet food bags, ranging from 400g to 25kg, all bear the inscription “Proudly made in Parkes, NSW Australia” in the top right hand corner. “These bags are incredible, and it means wherever the pet food is sold a bit of Parkes is going right across the country and the world,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole, at the opening.

The very large and complex project, measuring 12,800 square metres, took over four years to build with all the challenges of the COVID pandemic, and employs 60 people from Parkes and the region and is in production 24 hours per day, five days per week.

“We will take thousands of trucks off the roads as we leverage the benefits of Parkes and its rail hub to move our pet food to all parts of Australia and other parts of the world,” said John.

For the Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM the opening of the pet food facility is a significant milestone for the Parkes SAP and a very exciting time for Parkes.

“This is the start of a new era for the region. The SAP will ensure that Parkes continues to boast a strong diverse economy and will create jobs and opportunities for the whole region when completed, particularly efficiently linking agricultural value-added products to world markets.”

Inside the $82 million state-of-the-art Pet Care Kitchen manufacturing facility are (L-R) General Manager Parkes Shire Council Kent Boyd, Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM, CEO EBOS Animal Care Julie Dillon, Deputy Premier Paul Tool and CEO EBOS Group Ltd John Cullity.

NORTHERN GATEWAY PRECINCT

Work on the game changing Northern Gateway Precinct is also kicking off, which will connect the Parkes SAP to the town centre and the Newell Highway. The Stevens Group will invest $18 million to develop the project that will create hundreds of jobs during construction. “The 20-hectare Northern Gateway will include a new highway service centre, as well as a future commercial and business park,” said Paul Toole.

Parkes Mayor said the connecting road from the bypass to the CBD presented an opportunity for Parkes to tempt them to turn at the large round-about and spend time and money in town.

Snippets…

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Spring Fling Festival in Parkes starts tomorrow, 8th October and runs until the 23rd and has a fun filled pro-gram for the whole community.

Free Breast Screen: More than 250 women are expected to be diagnosed in Western NSW Local Health District with breast cancer this year. Make it a priority to book a free breast screen this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in NSW, with one in seven being diagnosed in their lifetime. More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. Screening saves lives by finding breast cancer early. BreastScreen NSW recommends all women aged 50-74 years have a breast screen every two years. It takes just 20 minutes. Call 13 20 50 to book an appointment or book online.

Have Your Say on Parkes Projects: Your Say Parkes is Parkes Shire Council’s online community hub where you can provide real input into the direction of projects and decisions that affect the community. Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Middleton Master Plan and the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy. To learn more about these projects, head to Your Say Parkes.

Helping Orphaned Animals: Forbes TAFE is hoping to run a one-day course in Orphaned Animal Nutrition. This basic introductory course is for members of the community to provide emergency care for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife. Cost is $85, and the course will run for one Forbes Public School day and is dependent on numbers to commence. A date will be set when minimum numbers have been reached. Register your interest at: https://forms.office.com/r/dzGqrxvQ4q

Newell Highway Update: The Newell Highway Taskforce held its AGM and regular committee meeting last month. Ongoing chair, Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM was re-elected and Bland Shire Councillor Tony Lord, re-elected as deputy chair. Ken reminded the community to be mindful in light of the wet weather. “We ask that all road users during this La Niña rain period drive safely and appreciate the difficulties the various road authorities are having trying to maintain the road network.” Current initiatives of the taskforce include: an additional 40 overtaking lanes; 1.2m centreline separation of traffic; bypass of Moree completed, Parkes underway; widened clear zones; additional truck stops. Over $1.4 billion has been spent or committed by the State and Federal Governments. Important projects the taskforce is currently seeking government commitment include: Forbes – West Wyalong flood mitigation; bypass of Coonabarabran; Inland Rail grade separation; more truck stops.

Forbes has seen a lot of beautiful cars recently with the 44th National Chevrolet Festival and the 55th Veteran & Vintage Chevrolet Association of Australia Ltd Anniver-sary Rally last week, and the Forbes Motor Show on the weekend.

Three Bowlers Become Life Members

October 7, 2022 By Marty Tighe

John Carr, John Ward and Colin Mudie received life membership at the AGM of the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club recently. Right: John Carr in action on the bowling green.

The hard work and dedication of three bowlers were recognised when they received life membership to the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club recently.

John Carr, John Ward and Colin Mudie were presented with Life Membership in acknowledgement and deep appreciation of their volunteer work in and around the bowling club over many years. Terrific applause erupted at the club’s annual general meeting attended by 65 bowlers and social members when the news was announced.

The three Bowlers were nominated by the Mens’ Bowling Committee. They wanted to recognise their decades of meritorious service to the club, particularly developing, maintaining and enhancing both the clubs’ and bowlers’ amenities and facilities, together with promoting bowls, and developing and fostering the sporting volunteer culture that exists within the Club.

Each of them has had extensive history serving on bowls and club committees in executive positions. Their considerable amount, depth and length of volunteer service to developing the club and bowls over many years has significantly aided and enhanced the high standard of amenities, facilities and volunteer culture currently within the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club.

The club and all members sincerely congratulate and thank John Carr, John Ward and Colin Mudie, who now share life membership with Terry Horan, Maureen Stone, Gwenda Carty, Colin Hayward, Bob Rise-borough, Graham Barby, Liz Byrne, Ray Jones and Audrey Jones.

By Marty Tighe

Col Is September’s Tradie

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Winner of Tradie of the Month for September is Col Lamrock, the owner of Glass Place in Parkes. He received his prize from Shann Kriedemann of Totally WorkWear.

The owner of Glass Place, Col Lamrock, is the final winner of our Tradie of the Month competition sponsored by Totally WorkWear. Col was very happy with his prize and said he was lucky to have such great employees and loyal customers and to live in such a great town.

The person who nominated Col said he worked tirelessly to provide a valuable service in our community whilst also taking on young apprentices and showing them the ropes. “He is an understanding boss, who is able to recognise employees’ strengths and give them opportunities to develop their weaknesses. No job is too big or too small for Col and his team and he happily works six days a week to ensure he leads his team to meet high standards and complete jobs within suitable time frames. Col is a top notch bloke, who is genuine and trustworthy.”

Trundle’s Carolyn Wins Volunteer Award

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Carolyn Keep received her 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year award in Bathurst recently.

A Trundle resident has been recognised for her remarkable fundraising efforts and has been named the Central West’s 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year.

Carolyn Keep and her committee have raised more than $100,000 over the past six years for the NSW Cancer Council with the Trundle Pink Ribbon event.

“It is just lovely, a great honour and a win for the whole team,” said Carolyn.

She had a great surprise hearing the news as the Cancer Council nominated her for the award.

Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and really wanted to do something for all women’s cancers after her wonderful experience with the breast care nurse.

She spotted a great fundraising opportunity on the Friday night before the Trundle ABBA Festival and organised the first Trundle Pink Ribbon event in 2016.

“It is a great night with cancer survivors and those fighting cancer with live music and a lovely vibe.” They sell loads of raffle tickets with more than 60 prizes on offer, and also run an auction with bidders paying up to $2,000 for a painting and $3,000 for a holiday package. Carolyn said there were supporters from Trundle and as far as Melbourne and Queensland who donated so many items for the raffle.

COVID did not stop them and last year they managed to raise $33,000 with only community support from Trundle’s population of less than 1,000!

They will be back next Friday, 14th October with the return of the ABBA Festival. “We hope to reach $50,000 this year,” said Karolyn. “Everybody is welcome to join us for a great night out at the Trundle Services & Citizens Club.”

The funds raised are for patient transport, treatment, accommodation and financial assistance.

This is a great opportunity to support the Trundle Pink Ribbon event as they punch well above their weight in fundraising for cancer research, advocacy and support.

Spring Fling Festival Starts Tomorrow

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

COLOURFUL SPRING… Parkes Community Arts members Helen Standen, Margot Jolly, Kerryn Jones and Lisa Ram-say were spotted yarn bombing in Cooke Park ahead of the Spring Fling Festival. (Photo: Bill Jayet)

The Spring Fling Festival will bring family fun, music, art and lots more to the Parkes community over the next two weeks with plenty of free events.

Hosted by Parkes Shire Council in partnership with Parkes Community Arts Inc (PCA) the festival will run from the 8th of October to the 23rd.

The jam-packed program of free events includes a Community Fun Day, a film screening of Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS, creative workshops, music and art. The workshops cover a wide range of topics from community drumming, and an Inventing Insects Art Workshop to a spring flower-arranging workshop.

ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann’s latest film, will be screened at Cooke Park Pavilion on Friday, 14t October at 6pm.

“Movie goers are encouraged to come dressed up in their best Elvis or Priscilla gear, with prizes to be awarded for the best dressed,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones.

“Although these events are free, bookings are essential for the film viewing and all workshops. To reserve your spot, visit PCA’s Facebook page for further details.”

The Community Fun Day on Saturday, 22nd October at Cooke Park Pavilion from 10am to 2pm will have market stalls, six beautiful alpacas from Quentin Alpaca Park, face-painting, live music, free Rotary BBQ, coffee van, arts and crafts, and more.

On Sunday, 23rd October the Parkes Shire Band will team up with other musicians and bands to present a free concert at the Parkes RSL Starlight Lounge at 2pm, celebrating Lindsay Morehouse’s contribution to music in Parkes.

The Best in Show Art Exhibition (funded by CMOC-Northparkes Mines) opens tomorrow (8th October) at 10am and will be on display in the Coventry Room through-out the festival.

Other events in the Parkes Shire include the Peak Hill Arts Connect Workshops, Parkes Que Club’s Gardens and Galleries (9 October), Parkes M&D Spring into Summer events, and the Trundle ABBA Festival (15 October).

Visit www.facebook.com/PCAFestival for more information and to buy tickets.

Peak Hill Lamb Producer Turns Nuffield Scholar

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

2023 Nuffield Scholar Fiona Aveyard.

Fiona Aveyard from Peak Hill has been awarded a prestigious scholarship that will take her to several countries to study the red meat market.

Fiona, who is a lamb producer at Outback Lamb, received the Nuffield Australia Scholarship from the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF).

“I don’t really have the words to say what it feels like to be selected as a 2023 Nuffield Scholar,” said Fiona in a Facebook post.

“It’s been a crazy couple of months with state, then national interviews, and some nervous moments (OK, hours!) waiting by the phone to hear. I’m sitting amongst a pretty illustrious cohort and I can’t wait for our experience to begin.”

The scholarship will enable Fiona to explore how best to incorporate value-add opportunities into the red meat industry, aligning with the Meat & Livestock Australia strategic plan to double the value of Australia’s red meat sales by 2030.

Fiona plans to travel to the US, Germany, France, the UK and Ireland to study niche marketing, investment and mechanisation.

Fiona said she was looking forward to bringing home plenty of big ideas. She gave a big shout out to the RASF who supported rural and regional people and communities in a multitude of ways.

NORTHERN GATEWAY PRECINCT

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