Articles Archives - Page 141 of 452

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

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

COMMUNITY LOUNGEROOM

Libraries are terrific places. Full of wonder and interesting things. But have you ever thought about visiting the library just for a quiet place to sit, perchance to dream? We have created a lovely quiet community loungeroom where you can do just that. On display are some of our collection of magazines and beautiful, glossy coffee books. There are art books and garden books, books about food and books of the rich (and not necessarily famous). So the next time you are looking to treat yourself to some quiet, dream time, come visit us at the Library – we are pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.

BE BIFFSQUIGGLED!

Recently the library celebrated Roald Dahl Story Day with fun activities. Library users were able to vote for their favourite BFG word. BIFFSQUIGGLED was the winner, and it means to be confused or puzzled. Golden tickets were hidden in the library and those who found them won a prize.

AUTHOR TALK & HISTORY WRITING WORKSHOP

Jeanette M Thompson, author of Bone and Beauty: the Ribbon Boys’ Rebellion, will be giving an author talk and history writing workshop on Wednesday, 26th October. Make sure to call us to book your spot for this event.

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE WORKSHOPS

Two free workshops funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program. Numbers are limited, call 6861 2309 to book your place.
• 13 October: Inventing Insects with Helen Standen and Elsie Mahon, 9am-noon
• 12 & 17 October: Festival Community Drumming with Robert Shannon, 5:30-7pm.

BEST IN SHOW ART EXHIBITION

We have been inundated with paintings, sculptures, drawings and 3D creations for the Best In Show Art Exhibition! The exhibition opens on Saturday, 8th October at 10am and will be on display until 22nd October.

Number 22 Inspires Us To Respect And Protect

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

TIMELY MESSAGE… Within – Without (Of Land and Spirit) by Greg Johns from Adelaide is located 26km from Con-dobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way towards Forbes. John has been a professional sculptor for 45 years working in Corten steel, wood and stone.

The ever expanding inland public art trail of Sculpture Down the Lachlan is becoming the focal point of the region’s arts and culture and the addition of the 22nd sculpture has added yet another dimension to this unique experience.

Within – Without (Of Land and Spirit) by Greg Johns uses interlinking geometric shapes to represent the patterns formed in nature, and the interconnection that exists between them. The 5m high geometric piece, located on Marsden Road in the Lachlan Shire, speaks of nature’s micromacro links and the importance of respecting and protecting them.

“When links are broken, such as the extinction of particular flora or fauna, the whole system becomes vulnerable and can ultimately collapse,” said sculptor Greg Johns. Greg used hundreds of solid 25mm mild steel unites, each cut from solid steel plate in collaboration with boilermaker Darryl McFarlane of Demill Engineering.

The 5m high pod, formed from open hexagonal units, offers vastly different patterns when viewed from different angles. “The public can see through the form to the surrounding landscape, and this conection to the surrounding landscape is important,” Greg said.

“When you move around the sculpture, which continually changes visually, a negative figure suddenly appears from one angle. The intended implication of the organic pod form is of a protective spirit. A deep, profound guardianship of place as a priority is a message this sculpture hopefully conveys.”

Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick said the sculpture’s connection to the landscape was complementary to the theme of environmental sustainability that spans across the 100km trail.

For more information about the project, visit www.forbesartssociety.com.

Time To Get Up! Show Up! Stand Up!

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The 2022 NAIDOC Female Elder Award went to Ronda Sharpe (middle). She received her award from (L-R) Irene Ridgeway (MC), Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith, Pam Oliver and Kim Oliver.

The Bushman’s Hill Indigenous Precinct came alive with music, dancing and lots of people on Saturday for this year’s NAIDOC celebrations.

The NAIDOC theme this year is Get Up! Show Up! Stand Up! and celebrates Australia’s Indigenous cultural history of fighting for systematic change.

In keeping with the theme, Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said in his opening address it was time for the terrible things that happened to First Nations people during colonisation to be taught in history lessons in school. “This will help us to move forward. The massacre of Aboriginal people is something we are not proud of.”

The program on Saturday included a smoking ceremony, dance performances by the Dyagang Koori Dance Group and Wiradjuri Guwals, music by the Parkes Shire Concert Band, stall holders, basket weaving, beading, face painting and a free barbeque.

The Mayor also helped to present the 2022 NAIDOC Week Awards. The award recipients are: Innovation Award- Neighbourhood Central; 2022 National NAIDOC Education – Geoff Anderson; Caring for Country and Culture Award – Tyrone Robinson; Creative Talent Award – Dyagang Koori Dance Group; Youth Award – Brock Charlton; Sportsperson – Reece James; NAIDOC Female Elder Award – Ronda Sharpe; NAIDOC Male Elder – Geoff Anderson; NAIDOC Person Award – Scott Sauce Towney; NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement – Irene Ridgeway.

Lebron Murray is part of the Dyagang Koori Dance Group who performed on the day. The group received the Creative Talent Award. Tyrone Robinson, who runs the Dyagang Koori Dance Group, won the Caring for Country and Culture Award.

Wonderful Organisation Turns 100!

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

MILESTONE… The Parkes CWA branch was formed on 4th April 1924 and currently has 225 members, including 8 juniors. The organising committee for the 100-year celebration were (L-R) Ann Olson, Lisa Bicket, Julia Macauly, Alice Milne (president) Dorothy Macdonald (member for 50 years) and Annette Moss. Insert: High tea at its best – CWA style.

There is only one way for the NSW CWA to celebrate its centenary and last Saturday 120 Parkes women were treated to a high tea out of the books, plus a fashion show, as the local branch celebrated this milestone occasion.

Established in 1922, “the ladies of the CWA forged a foundation of friendship and service that spread around the state and nation creating a legacy of strength and communities,” said Parkes President Alice Milne in her welcoming address at the Parkes Golf Club. “We seek to serve our community through friendship, advocacy and fundraising.”

Dorothy Macdonald, member of the Parkes branch for 50 years, reminisced about the friendship, good times and laughter over the years. “There are many treasured memories,” she said recalling how her mother was given life membership from the Peak Hill branch when she was 16 years old.

“At the age of 100 my mum still wanted to know what the CWA was doing.” She said Parkes branch had always been very busy and singled out catering for the opening of the Parkes Radio Telescope as a highlight. “Nothing was too hard, members are very skillful, accept all challenges and are able to achieve whatever they put their minds to, whether it is caring for others, or helping those in need to a love of cooking, flowers, music, and handicraft. “To enjoy what you do is not a chore and for all the years I have been involved with the CWA I have had the most enjoyable learning experiences in my life,” said Dorothy.

Upgrade For Tullamore Pool

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The 500 residents of Tullamore in the Parkes Shire can look forward to their pool getting a face lift thanks to $100,000 of funding from the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF).

The funding will see a new shell installed to provide a modern, easily-cleaned facility that will reduce maintenance for repairs and ensure its longevity into the future. “Tullamore is a small town of just over 500 residents and the community pool is at the centre of this township’s social gatherings throughout the hot summer months,” said Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM.

“This is a well-used facility that sees people enjoy it of all ages from young families to elderly citizens.”

Parkes Shire Councillor Daniel Weber said the pool was used by the aqua group, Tullamore Central School and the Tullamore Swimming Club, whose relay team have made it to state for the last three years.

“Swimming is a vital life skill to learn. We are pleased that the upgrade will allow for these skills to continue to be put into practice and ensure the safety of our community around water,” said Daniel.

Works are expected to completed by November.

Snippets

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The 2022 Footy Tipping competitions in Forbes and Parkes were both won by Yellow House Design & Print. The owner, Joshua Matic, who is also the owner of the Phoenix Group of Newspapers, has donated the prizes to the runners-up in both towns. Here is Dane Millerd from Michael McCormack’s office accepting the Forbes prize on behalf of Michael from Shanae Sydenham from Harvey Norman, who sponsored a prize to the value of $500 for each competition.

One Week Left To Use NSW Vouchers: Households are reminded to use any outstanding Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers as both programs are set to expire on Sunday, 9th October. The Stay NSW vouchers help support accommodation providers impacted by COVID-19. NSW residents aged 18 and older can apply for one $50 voucher to use towards the cost of accommodation bookings. There are around $63 million worth of Parents NSW vouchers issued, pending redemption, to date. One person from each eligible household can apply for five $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total. Visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw and https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers

Save On Petrol With App: NSW drivers are urged to use the FuelCheck app to find a cheaper servo and save up to $10 a tank as the fuel excise discount ended on Wednesday. Treasurer Matt Kean said the app could save drivers up to $800 a year. “Driving a couple of hundred metres down the road to a cheaper servo can really pay off and boost your budget. New data from the past six months shows independents consistently offer drivers the cheapest fuel. “FuelCheck has been an overwhelming success, with more than 2.2 million drivers downloading the free app, and 93% giving it the thumbs up.”

School Holiday Fun With Junior Landcare: Junior Landcare has added a fun new activity to its Learning Centre – an online platform packed with resources to help children learn about the environment and how they can protect it. To download the new Biodiversity Find-a-Word activity sheet, crosswords, colouring-in sheets and more holiday fun, visit www.juniorlandcare.org.au/just-for-kids

Nominate A Tradie: Get in your last nominations for the Tradie of the Month competition in Forbes sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear. Readers can nominate a tradie by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear or email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Combat Feral Animals: Landholders and farmers across the Central West are encouraged to take part in the NSW Government’s Spring Pest Offensive following a rise in the number of wild animals. Contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 29

Meg Hunter from Parkes Services Club was the runner-up of the Parkes Footy Competition and also received the winner’s prize from Yellow House.

Focus On Deaf People

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The display in the Parkes Library created by Roxanne Gallacher (left). She is with Rose Jones, Kalisha Jones and Mazikeen Davis, who had a hearing aid fitted when she was only a few days old.

The National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) was celebrated in Parkes last week with displays in the Parkes Library and at the Henry Parkes Museum.

The annual event is an opportunity for deaf people to celebrate their communities, language, culture and history, and to create public awareness.

In Parkes a group of 14 people have started learning Auslan, the sign language of the Australian Deaf community. Classes are taught by Rose Jones. “The interest was overwhelming with more people on the waiting list said Rose.” She learned Auslan when her daughter was born with deafness.

Mock Crash Video Ready For Students

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Constable Emma Montgomery, Kaitlyn Stevenson, Constable Cooper Crouch-McKinnon and Sam Hargraves during the filming of the crash scenario.

The horrors of a vehicle accident will confront students when the screening of this year’s Youth Driver Education Program starts next month.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be hosting an official screening of the NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program video on Tuesday, 11th October.

“This year’s project is a little different from previous years,” said the councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor.

“Like so many events, we have experienced two years of COVID disruption. This year we made the decision to film the crash scenario, which is usually the live mock crash demonstration, to provide us with a contingency for future programs. The video will also allow us to train new actors and could be used in other areas across the region.”

The youth actors involved in this year’s program, local emergency services, Councillors, council staff and invited guests will attend the official screening, which will be the first time the video has been viewed publicly.

Ten local high schools will take part in the program over three weeks, starting on 17th October.

“Year 10 students from our local high schools (and Year 9 or 11 in some of the smaller schools) will be taking part in the program, which includes a pre-lesson, the video and a follow-up lesson. “The pre-lesson provides information about the licensing system, licence conditions, common P plate offences and random breath/drug testing.

“The follow-up lesson will provide students with the opportunity to ask us questions about the crash scenario and we’ll also provide them with additional information about the Emergency+ app, car safety ratings and tips on being a safe passenger,” Melanie said.

The NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program has been running since 2009, during that time crashes on local roads that involved a young driver (17 – 25 years old) have decreased 27%.

ABBA-Mania Returns To Trundle!

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

TIME OF YOUR LIVES… Excitement is building up for the return of the Trundle ABBA Festival on Saturday 15th October with a fantastic line-up including world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Björn Again.

ABBA fans only have to wait two more weeks for the much-anticipated comeback of the Trundle ABBA Festival on Saturday, 15th October.

This year Parkes Shire Council has announced a hugely entertaining schedule full of ambition, breadth and range for Australia’s one and only ABBA festival.

Headlining the festival is the world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Björn Again. ABBA fans from all over the world are packing their dancing shoes and sparkly outfits to ensure Trundle’s Berryman Oval is full of Dancing Queens while they also enjoy the five fabulous bands supporting Björn Again.

The hottest live disco show on the circuit, Disco Revolution is set to have the crowd dancing to classic hits from the 70s and 80s, while those who prefer to shake their tailfeather will enjoy the fun-loving Blues Brothers Re-Booted with their soul, rhythm and blues set.

Plump, the dynamic five-piece band from Canberra will channel a Studio 54 vibe bringing some funky disco tunes to the party. Trundle ABBA Festival also continues to showcase local talent with Parkes trio, Amitie back by popular demand to harmonise with sweet sounds from the 50s, 60s and 70s. For the very first time teenage sensations, Plus One from Cowra will win over the crowds when the gates open at 12pm.

Irish born dancing sensation and co-host of Studio 10, Tristan MacManus will be the official festival host, bringing together the fabulous line-up and keeping the crowd dancing the day away.

The festival is a day of family fun and entertainment as Trundle comes alive with colour, glitter and music. It’s time to ‘dance and jive and have the time of your lives’ as the Trundle ABBA Festival returns to light up the region.

Don’t miss out! For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au.

First Time At Schools Spectacular

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Wiradjuri Guwals dance group of the Parkes High School performed at the NAIDOC celebrations on Saturday.

The Wiradjuri Guwals dance group of the Parkes High School will be taking part in this year’s Schools Spectacular in November.

“This will be the first time ever for Parkes High to be taking part in Schools Spectacular,” said teacher Rayleen Mills.

The 14 girls will be part of the Aboriginal Dance Ensemble with about 350 other participants. The Wiradjuri Guwals group was started last year for students. “We work with the Bangarra Dance Theatre in Melbourne to learn the dances,” said Rayleen.

COMMUNITY LOUNGEROOM

BE BIFFSQUIGGLED!

AUTHOR TALK & HISTORY WRITING WORKSHOP

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE WORKSHOPS

BEST IN SHOW ART EXHIBITION

Subscribe