Articles Archives - Page 161 of 452

250 Rally Cars Overnight In Trundle

May 6, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

A total of 250 cars worth less than $1,000 will take part in this year’s Shitbox Rally covering 3,600km and passing through Forbes tomorrow afternoon.

The Central West will see the 250 cars taking part in this year’s Shitbox Rally tomorrow when the 500 participants will pass through Forbes in the afternoon on their way to Trundle where they will overnight.

The teams of two will leave Wollongong on Saturday, 7th May in cars worth less than $1,000 (aka shitboxes) and travel 3,600km to cross the finish line seven days later in Mackay, Queensland. The rally is the largest independent fundraiser for the Cancer Council with over $30 million raised since the rallies began. The $2 million target for this rally is well in sight with current fundraising totals at over $1.7 million.

James Freeman who founded Box Rallies (Shitbox and Mystery Box Rally) after losing both of his parents to cancer within 12 months of each other said: “Shitbox Rally is not a race, but a reward for fundraising efforts. This is a chance to explore Australia, drawing teams from around the country to help achieve the extraordinary. Autumn 2022 will be another incredible rally starting for the first time in Wollongong and finishing in Mackay. As with all rallies though, the route will be on the roads less travelled as we make our way into the Outback.

The impact of COVID in 2020 and 2021 has made it particularly difficult for teams to fundraise and Box Rallies has seen its expected fundraising total for the period, cut by as much as $7.2 million from Cancer Research. Rallies are the reward for raising vital funds for cancer research but when the reward is unable to take place, the fundraising slows considerably.

The rally cars are expected to go through Forbes from around 4pm and can be spread out over two to three hours. Arrival time in Trundle is from 5pm.

Light Horseman’s Journey

May 6, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

John Bogie with his horse Kookaburra.

Light Horseman John Bogie on his horse Kookaburra attracted a lot of attention at the Anzac Day commemoration in Parkes last week. John said the boots he tied backwards on the horse were to remember the fallen.

John, who is from Tichborne, and previously from Narromine, was dressed in full World War I gear, which he received in 2007. He went to Turkey and Israel for the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba of 1917 wearing the heavy woollen period uniform, slouch hat adorned with emu feathers, and a World War I issue rifle. John was part of the re-enactment of the famous charge of the Light Horse Regiments in the Battle of Beersheba, which is today the Isreali city of Be’er Sheva on the edge of the Negev Desert.

The Australian Light Horse Brigade, whose last-ditch, seemingly near-suicidal charge against the Turks on 31st October 1917 was a turning point in World War I and helped pave the way for the creation of the state of Israel.

Buy Regional For Mum This Mother’s Day

May 6, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

There’s no better way to spoil mum this year than to buy Mother’s Day gifts from the NSW Government’s Buy Regional web page, directly supporting businesses in regional towns.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Buy Regional features more than 800 businesses with thousands of ideas for mum. “Mother’s Day is a chance to shower mum with love, so why not discover a new regional business and find the perfect gift for Sunday.

“This is also an opportunity to support small businesses in the Northern Rivers region that are recovering from the devastating effects of the recent floods. The Buy Regional website lists over 100 Northern Rivers businesses that are ready to take your Mother’s Day orders.”

Natasha Davies owns Pebbly Path rocky road in Mudgee. She prides herself on only using locally sourced ingredients in her handcrafted treats, which she says are perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth this Mother’s Day. “Pebbly Path rocky road is made with local ingredients such as honey and nuts from Oberon,” Natasha said.

Based at Woy Woy, Homeground founders Deiniol and Dallas Berridge deliver hampers bursting with local produce ranging from pre-mixed cocktails to home-made sweets and pamper packs to your door. “We pride ourselves on our high quality hampers full of locally made goodies. We have pamper hampers, food hampers, pre-mixed cocktail hampers, and each and every item is sourced from small and medium sized Central Coast businesses,” Dallas said.

To find the perfect Mother’s Day gift, view the map, or to register your regional NSW business on the site for free, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.

How To Solve The Problems Of The World

May 6, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

‘PHANTASTIC’ PHYSICS… Kerrie Peden and Sean James Cassidy are very excited to have their article and art featured as the cover story in the latest edition of Australian Physics. A copy of the magazine is available at the Parkes Library for anyone wishing to read the published article.

Hours and hours of research and discussions have paid off for a Parkes artist and an educator with their work included as the cover feature article in a prestigious science magazine.

The first edition of Australian Physics of 2022 features Sean James Cassidy’s artwork Two Goannas/Bula Gugaa on the front cover and a seven-page article written by Sean and Kerrie Peden of Ub Ubbo Exchange.

“This is a big deal for us,” said the excited pair after receiving the printed copies of the magazine.

The commission for the article flowed from a previous connection with Australian Physics when Sean’s artwork called Radio Telescope, which is on permanent display on the Woolworths wall, was featured on the front cover in October 2020.

“They asked us to do an article exploring the space between art, science, indigenous culture and connection to the land,” said Sean.

“We are very happy that they are so keen to get science out there and were willing to take a risk of publishing our work which is very different to the standard type of article printed in the magazine.”

The editors David Hoxley and Peter Kappen wrote in their editorial: “The article highlights how learning can happen in different ways. The connection to physics is perhaps more subtle here – it may lie in the ‘negative space’ about what we don’t teach.”

Kerrie and Sean based their work on the premise that if you can develop both parts of the brain, you’d be able to look at things in a clinical way and a creative way, and that would mean you are more likely to solve problems the world is facing.

They wrote: “Art and Science can be seen to be similar in the spark and drive of the inquiring mind and in the necessity for keen powers of observation. Where they differ is that Science is the quest for facts and Art seeks to explore the imagination and satisfy the need for human expression. Generally, artists and scientists have been thought to view things differently but is there a greater benefit for the brain to cultivate and enhance the neural pathways so these two views can coalesce?”

The article continues to explore how both art and science were created from a deep connection to the land; the use of negative space and how Australian aborigines identified the big emu in the sky that was a seasonal indicator; and the concept of Yindyamarra.

Yindyamarra is a powerful Wiradjuri word of deep meaning that encompasses a whole view of respectful listening to, understanding of and sensitivity towards the thinking about, learning from and living with Nature. It is the knowledge that everything interacts and is connected.

This way of thinking promotes a different mindset and therefore a different approach to absorbing information, and is in part explained through the Eight Aboriginal Ways of Learning that employs a holistic view of interconnected ways to engage all the senses.

Sean and Kerrie further explore the importance of imagination and how collaborations have occurred between artists and scientists throughout history, and whether the two disciplines are really different or mutually exclusive.

They conclude by asking: “Could more open acceptance of different mindsets enable the creative intersection of knowledge bringing the possibility of the development of a universal language through which we will all be able to understand each other?”

Top Cat

May 6, 2022 By Catherine Pratt

It didn’t occur to me I was different from other cats until my boy, Joe, began to read a story about a dog who taught himself to read and talk. I learned by mimicking Joe’s voice.

Joe kept my secret, and when he reached adulthood, we moved to study law. After graduation we ran a one-man practice, me his secret partner. He did the face-to-face, and I did the research and some of the calls.

We were at the height of our game when the pandemic hit. Joe was among the first to fall ill. I begged him to let me call someone, but Joe said he’d spent his life protecting my secret and since that meant isolation, there wasn’t anyone to call. I lay on his chest reading to him until his chest rose no more.

You may think cats unfeeling, and, after reading this you still might, but I tell you it hurt. I’d lost my friend, familiar, colleague… but I needed to survive. If his body was found I’d be taken to a shelter. I’d worked too hard to end like that.

As I looked down at his ashen face my spirit roused. I idly batted the virtual reality gaming device we’d often played in, forming an idea. I could use his body scan to create an avatar, like a phone filter, and use that to conduct conference calls from home. Normal practice, thanks to the pandemic and it worked.

During a call, I noticed the faces on the screen twist in shock and confusion. I peered at the tiny box that showed my video feed. Instead of Joe’s (my avatar’s) face, my own peered back at me. I pounced on the power button.

Once my avatar was reinstated, I called again: “Sorry about the last call. My phone does this cat filter… A malfunction or something. Then I knocked coffee on my keyboard…”

“Didn’t you just say you were on your phone?”

“I…”

“I’ve organised for the Police to see you’re alright.”

I maintained my poker face until the call ended. When the knock on the door came, I panicked and scrambled into the garbage shoot. I was spat out just another stray.

Months later I sat watching a young girl holding a bewildered puppy by the cheeks.

“C’mon! Speak! I won’t tell!”

She gave up and resumed reading a book. I’d recognise that cover anywhere. This was my chance!

“Hello.” I rubbed up against her.

“You talk?”

“You can’t tell anyone, or they’ll do nasty experiments on me.”

She glanced at the book about the talking dog that would confirm my fears. “I won’t.”

“Even to your parents?”

“They died, and Grandma’s old.” She sobbed. “Social Services say I won’t be able to stay if she can’t remember to answer the phone and pay the bills.”

“I can help with that.” I purred.

It turns out being part of a family wasn’t a bad way to spend your days, after all.

By Catherine Pratt

Enjoy the Space and Freedom Of Country Living

May 6, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Old Pine Estate is a unique 105ha property located in the beautiful shallow rush area on the western limit of Parkes NSW that is being developed into a residential area for families looking for the beauty of country living. The locally owned and established subdivision is done by Giles Land Development and will comprise six lots of 1.3ha each and 23 lots of 4ha each.

Peter Giles, Project Manager, said the development was named ‘Old Pine’ after the original farm. The development is located adjacent to Moulden Street, Cookapie Street, Back Trundle Road and Gold Rush Road.

Peter said the large blocks were targeted at the family looking for the freedom and lifestyle of country living. “The joys of watching your kids grow up, riding horses or motorbikes, enjoying the outdoors or the older couple looking for a quiet community to retire into, with the added convenience of the town centre only minutes away.”

With the current shortage of property available across the Parkes region and the Central West, Peter and Nartayliah decided it was the perfect time to release this subdivision to the public. “There is currently no other affordable 4ha or 1,3 ha lots available in the area,” said Peter.

“We are very excited to present this affordable and desirable land to the Parkes community.”

All the blocks will have power, sealed road access, new fencing and estate style entryways. There will be no house design or style restrictions, but the standard council regulations for the R5 Zoning code will apply. The 1.3ha lots have town water and street lighting, and all the lots can have a bore installed.

Peter said the response had been great so far, and he and his family were also going to build and live on the estate.

To register your expression of interest and to receive an information brochure scan the QR code in the below image. For up-to-date news, like and share their Facebook page @gileslanddevelopment.

Snippets…

May 6, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack (left) presented Parkes East Public School student Kasey Morgan with the book prize she won in the annual Anzac Day writing competition. With them is principal Michael Ostler.

HSC Exam Timetable: The HSC exam timetable was released this week marking the final stage of the school journey for Year 12 students. HSC written exams will start on Wednesday, 12th October for 76,000 NSW students with English Paper 1 and finish on Friday, 4th November. Management of the HSC is no small feat, with this year’s schedule running across 18 days, for 126 exams and 780 exam centres. NESA CEO Paul Martin said planning the HSC exam timetable was a complex process, designed to ensure every student has an opportunity to show what they know.

Seedling Bank Grants: Applications are open to school and community groups around Australia for National Tree Day grants and close on Friday, 27th May. Just log in and add your application to your registered 2022 National Tree Day event. If you’ve applied for a grant in the previous round and were not successful, your application will be re-considered in this round. The Seedling Bank funds projects of all sizes. There is no upper limit to the amount of funding you can request! To register your event, get more information on The Seedling Bank or apply for a grant, visit treeday.planetark.org.

Seniors Scams: Senior Australians are urged to stay vigilant against scams, as the total cost swindled from older consumers skyrocketed to over $11 million last year. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received 16,915 reports from seniors in 2021. A total of $6.7 million had been lost through false billing scams, while online shopping scams cost Australian seniors $1.8 million last year. A common example is the purchase of a motor home online via fake websites. NSW Fair Trading guide with up-to-date information for seniors about their consumer rights and how to deal with unscrupulous operators are here visit: www.fairtrading.nsw. gov.au/help-centre/youth-and-seniors/seniors. The Aging and Disability Commission available resources are here www.ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au

Observation Survey Results: The 2021 observation surveys measuring seatbelt wearing rates and illegal mobile phone use in Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin are in with mobile phone usage improving 2%. Only 13 people were observed using a mobile phone compared 85 from the previous survey. The seatbelt wearing rate decreased 3%, with 84 people observed not wearing a seatbelt. The best advice when you are driving is to put your mobile phone on silent or activate the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ function on your phone.

The Parkes Potters received a Parkes Shire Cultural
Grant last year. Applications are open for this year’s grants.

Parkes Shire Cultural Grants Now Open

May 6, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Local groups and organisations are encouraged to enhance their musical, cultural and artistic endeavours by applying for a Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grant.

The aim of Council’s Cultural Grants Program is to encourage and support the development of local community organisations, services and strategies, which make a positive contribution to the community and cultural life of the shire. Applications must request a grant of at least $2,000 with the total funding pool at $10,000.

“The grants can be utilised in a variety of ways, including to develop a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment, or minor capital works,” said Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones.

In 2021, five community cultural projects were successful in their application for funding. “The Parkes Potters Group were thrilled with the equipment they were able to purchase,” said Parkes Shire Councillor Bill Jayet.

“The equipment has enabled them to extend their coaching and mentoring of new skills in the production of clay sculptural pieces and pottery to new members through in-house learning days.

“The Parkes Potters have been an active community group for over 50 years and Parkes Shire Council was pleased to be able to support their contribution to creative pursuits in the community,” said Bill.

Cultural Grants application forms are available on Council’s website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or you can obtain a hard copy from your local library. Applications close on Friday, 3rd June.

For advice and support in completing the application, contact Council’s Grant Officer on 6862 9127. Successful applications will be announced in July 2022.

Biggest Anzac Day Commemoration In Recent Memory

April 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes High School student Melinda Acret meets John Bogey and his horse at the Anzac Day commemoration on Monday.

The commemoration of Anzac Day in Parkes on Monday was the biggest in recent memory with well over 1,000 people attending the Dawn Service and March, and over 400 the ceremony in Cooke Park.

“It is the biggest ever in my time,” said Paul Thomas, Parkes Sub Branch secretary. “I have never seen Memorial Hill so packed for the Dawn Service.”

Paul said many visitors from the Elvis Festival stayed on to attend the Parkes commemoration. He was equally impressed with the support from the schools and the number of students who turned up to take part.

The guest speaker, Major General J Paul Stevens, AO (retired) said the strength of Anzac Day had waxed and waned over the years, “but I think it will remain strong for three reasons”.

He said firstly the date of 25th April was not a date to celebre a victory, or mourn a defeat, but a day to recognise the human cost of war.

Secondly, the name of the day did not represent a battle or a place. “Anzac was a name for a group of people and it is people who are the focus of this day. We do not mark this day with military parades and shows of might and power. We mark it much more personally.”

The third reason he said was what some would call the Anzac spirit and the values of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. “The world changes daily and we change with it, but these values endure especially in tough times. We see them in our communities in times of bushfires or floods, we see them in our emergency services, in our health services as we have done during the pandemic, in the defence force, and today on Anzac Day. We remember those who served, and give thanks for the example they set for us.”

Parkes Showground All Shook Up

April 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Members of the Parkes Showground Land Manager committee with Mayor Ken Keith (3rd left), Sam Farraway MLC (4th left) and Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson (right) at the announcement of additional funding last Thursday.

Additional funding of over $2 million announced last week will ensure the new pavilion at the Parkes Showgrounds will be constructed after a massive escalation in building costs hampered the realisation of the project.

The additional funding from the NSW Government’s Crown Lands Improvement Fund would ensure the completion of the new pavilion along with key fire safety upgrades.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said: “Of the $2.1 million, $1.78 million is being allocated to the next stages of the new pavilion that is being constructed at Parkes Showground as well as a further $382,000 for fire safety upgrades to benefit other buildings.”

“The additional funding will ensure the showground plays a central role within the community by hosting the annual show and events like the Parkes Elvis Festival, farmers’ markets and supporting emergency evacuations if needed.”

Sam Farraway MLC said the NSW Government’s showground stimulus funding had supported a complete overhaul of the Parkes Showground.

“Showgrounds are the heart of local communities, they are where we come together to showcase and celebrate the local region and through the Crown Reserves Improvement fund Parkes Showground has received a complete overhaul,” he said.

“This funding is also supporting the upgrades to the heritage-listed grandstand including its roof, floor, drainage, subfloor ventilation, masonry walls, and timber columns and balustrades along with improvements to lighting and additional power points for camping and stall holders.”

The Parkes Showground Land Manager received a grant of $4,046,020 from the COVID-19 showground stimulus program in August last year to realise its dream of a new pavilion. The escalation of building costs during the pandemic meant the initial grant was not enough to complete the new pavilion.

Sam and Kevin were in Parkes last week during the Elvis Festival to make the announcement, and attended the official opening of the event on Saturday in Cooke Park.

Subscribe