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Rock Band Vibes Hits Parkes These School Holidays

April 9, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Library and Cultural Centre is turning up the volume these school holidays bycelebrating Youth Week with Rock Band Vibes, a high-energy, hands-on music experience for young people aged 12–22, happening on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument or already love to play, this beginner-friendly workshop is all about jumping in, trying new things, and making music together.

Across the 2.5-hour session, participants will rotate through guitar, bass, drums, vocals and keys – before choosing a favourite and as a group, form an instant band.

Starting with the basics, you’ll have the chance to build confidence quickly and learn parts of a song that matches their skill level. Everyone will work as a group, piece together a popular song with a focus on timing, teamwork and performance skills – then wrap it up with a full run-through so the newly formed band is stage-ready.

“We’re excited to have Dave Cutler from Forbes Guitar Academy leading the sessions. He brings a wealth of experience and a real passion for making music accessible to young people,” said Creative Learning Coordinator Sharon Degeling.

Then it’s time to hit the stage at Jam Night! After the workshop, participants (and other young performers) will have the opportunity to perform in a fun, supportive live music setting. No pressure – just good vibes, creativity, and celebrating local talent.

This event is part of NSW Youth Week from 16 – 26 April and is proudly supported by Parkes Community Arts and the Office for Youth (Department of Communities and Justice). For information contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or book your spot at https://events.humanitix.com/rock-band-vibes-youth-event

Free School Holiday Kids Club: 14-17 April

April 9, 2026 By Roxane Manley

There is no excuse for young people in Parkes to be bored these school holidays, with a free Kids Club running from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April at 1 Talbot St, Parkes, from 10am – 12 noon and the best part is it’s free to attend for all kids aged 4 years – 12 years.

Co-ordinated by STORM Co, Kids Club is a total blast, with puppets, clowns, skits, games, crafts, singing, Bible stories, parachute activity, balloons, face painting and so much more – all for free.

What’s more there’s a free coffee shop for parents and carers, offering hot drinks and delicious treats. The friendly team will make you feel very welcome.

STORM Co was created in 1995 on the Gold Coast, based on the concept of young people serving their communities via kids clubs, yard clean ups, and generally helping the community wherever they can. The idea quickly spread throughout Australia, with STORM Co’s now operating around the world, usually run by young people from big cities, to help out small country towns.

The Adventist church and Sanitarium both sponsor Kids Club, and there are many individual STORM Co teams around Australia that run these events each year. For instance, a STORM Co team from Wollongong visit Condobolin each year to run a Kids Club and serve the community in many other ways too.

Everyone is welcome to come along to the free Kids Club and parents are encouraged to enjoy the free coffee shop. Assuming that Kids Club is a success in Parkes during the April school holidays, STORM Co plan to run a monthly kids club on the first Saturday of each month. Keep an eye out for this!

Meet The Trundle Bush Tucker Day Volunteers

April 9, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured are just some of the Trundle Bush Tucker Day Committee who donate their time to put this amazing family event together.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day began in 1987 as a friendly bet between two mates to see who could cook the best bush tucker in a camp oven behind the local pub. That spark of competition evolved into the Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

Since the very first Trundle Bush Tucker Day in 1987, the Trundle Bush Tucker Committee has put $249,000 back into the Trundle community! Now in its 38th year the Trundle Bush Tucker Day is organised and run by a dedicated volunteer committee. This hardworking group is made up of locals who volunteer their time year-round to plan, fundraise, and deliver the event.

The committee’s role goes far beyond just putting on a festival, they manage everything from securing entertainment and sponsors, to overseeing logistics like market stalls, food vans, accessibility, and a fresh array of family-friendly activities.

Their aim is to preserve the original spirit of mateship and bush traditions, while growing the event into one of the Central West’s most iconic celebrations.

If you’re planning to attend Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2026 on Saturday, 6 September, here’s what’s on offer: National Bush Cook Championship, Camp oven cooking demonstrations and damper making classes, featuring celebrity bush cook Ranger Nick, known for holding the Guinness World Record for the longest damper. Free bush tucker taste testing 11am-3pm and so many competitions to enter with prizes to be won!Live entertainment with special guests The Bushwackers and Headliner Casey

Barnes, local bands and music throughout the day and finishing off the evening with Local Band The Alternators.

Proceeds from the Trundle Bush Tucker Day benefit local groups, and any participation supports the region directly. To purchase Early Bird Tickets and to book Camping at Trundle Showground go to https://linktr.ee/trundlebushtuckerday

Vote For Forbes In The 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards

April 9, 2026 By Roxane Manley

It’s time to show New South Wales what locals already know – Forbes is a top tourism town! The community is being encouraged to throw its support behind Forbes by voting in the 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards, celebrating the very best destinations across New South Wales.

The 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards give nominated towns the opportunity to shine, recognising places that deliver outstanding visitor experiences and showcase the best of regional NSW.

Forbes has been nominated in the Top Tourism Town Award category (population over 5,000), alongside Ballina, Moree, Shellharbour, Coffs Harbour, Kiama, Orange and Wollongong.

Run by the NSW Tourism Association, the program brings a strong focus to regional tourism, highlighting standout destinations from coast to country, as well as the operators who bring these towns to life.

Forbes’ nomination reflects its rich heritage, vibrant events calendar, beautiful Lachlan River setting and strong visitor offering, making it a destination locals are proud of and visitors love to explore.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Forbes really is amazing, and this nomination is a fantastic endorsement of the Forbes Shire as a destination and everything we have to offer visitors.”

“I encourage everyone to jump online and vote for Forbes showing the rest of NSW exactly what makes our town stand out.”

Vote now and support Forbes in the 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards at https://nswtourismassoc.kartra.com/survey/anmWRKOLCr9c

The winners will be announced on 27 May at Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Maitland.

Parkes Shire Council Reviews Dog Access At Three Local Sporting Fields

April 9, 2026 By Roxane Manley

PSC announces a review of dog access to three ovals in Parkes.

Parkes Shire Council is reviewing dog access at Harrison Park, Woodward Oval and Keast Park in response to ongoing concerns about irresponsible dog ownership and uncollected dog waste.

These issues pose serious health and safety risks for the many community members who use these sporting facilities.

The review will run until 17 May 2026, during which time Council is inviting community feedback to help inform its decision on whether dogs should continue to be permitted at these locations or be banned from the sporting fields.

Director Planning & Community Services, Annalise Teale, said “These sporting fields are heavily used by families, children

and sporting groups, and we need to ensure they remain clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

“While we recognise many responsible dog owners, ongoing issues with dog waste and compliance mean we must carefully consider the future of dog access at these sites,” Ms Teale said.

During the review period: Dogs will still be permitted at the sporting fields and ovals but must be always kept on a leash. Owners are required to promptly collect and dispose of all dog waste. Council Rangers will increase patrols to monitor compliance.

Council encourages all community members to have their say. Feedback can be provided via https://bit.ly/4mfm0Wn

Five Days Of Double Demerits For Easter Long Weekend

April 2, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Over the next five days, double demerit points will apply for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads until Monday 6 April 2026 as Police encourage road users to look out for each other over the Easter break.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police in the area will also be targeting other high-risk behaviour including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

“We are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across NSW for the long weekend. Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions.

We want everyone to reach their destination safely and to enjoy the Easter break withouttragedy.

“I ask all drivers to play their part in reducing crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts,” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that Police enforcement figures show that double demerit point periods do deter motorists from speeding and illegally using their mobile phone, while reminding them to wear their seatbelt/helmet.

“Drivers are reminded that mobile phone detection cameras will be active over the Easter break to catch people illegally using their phone whilst driving. Drivers will accrue 10 demerit points for all licence classes during the double demerit long weekend as well as receive a fine,” Ms Suitor said.

Snippets…

April 2, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Year 6 – Year 12 Students from Trundle Central School tied Dragon Boating out at Lake Endeavor.

Parkes Dragon Boat Club: What a lovely time was had on Lake Endeavour introducing dragon boating to a great group of kids from Trundle Central. Beth coached the crew, while Linda swept and Chrisso and Pelcho came to help out. The group of year 6 to year 12 students enjoyed the range of drills and the fun of the session, with lots of smiles and laughter throughout the paddle. “They really are among the best of any group of students I’ve ever coached!’ said Beth. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with them and their teachers.”

Canowindra International Balloon Challenge: The Canowindra International Balloon Challenge kicks off with the Welcome Street Party and BBQ Competition on Saturday the 11 April. There are a host of events during Balloon Week, including daily balloon launches, a trivia night, paint and sip, fashion show, flickerfest and open gardens. The final weekend kicks off with the Home Ground Sounds: Friday Night Live concert headlined by party band Furnace And The Fundamentals on Friday the 17th of April. Balloon Week culminates with the Cabonne Community Glow on Saturday the 18th of April, with market stalls, live music, food trucks and of course, glowing hot air balloons. Details on the website Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.

Central West Police District: Do you own a private e-scooter? E‑scooters are treated as motor vehicles, and they can’t be ridden on roads or footpaths. Please keep in mind – Riding an e‑scooter on the road or footpath can lead to fines or even a court appearance. If your child rides one in a road‑related area, you may also be fined.

Most importantly, we want everyone to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks. So, before you buy or jump on a private e-scooter, check the current rules in NSW. https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/e-scooters

Forbes Riverside Community Gardens: On Saturday, 28 March Forbes Riverside Community Gardens held a free compost and worm farm workshop and free sausage sizzle, on their flash new BBQ, donated by FBS Handicraft shop. There was also a lucky door prize of a recycled worm farm with worms – winners Gail and Tom are ready to put the new found knowledge to the test. Come down and support your Community Garden at 59-71 Reymond St Forbes.

The winners of the recycled worm farm (lucky door prize) complete with worms, pictured with Gail and Tom.

Harmony In The Air At Inkwood & Ivy

April 2, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is the Parkes Community Choir singing in the bookshop, “Inkwood and Ivy”, on Saturday morning for Harmony Day. The conductor is Kerrie Peden and the Pianist is Pam Parkin.

To celebrate Harmony Day on Saturday 21 March, Parkes Community Choir brought their voices to the welcoming space of Inkwood and Ivy Books and Curiosities, singing their hearts out in a morning of fun and music. Songs included rounds from around the world, partner songs and some pop favourites. Customers enjoyed the unexpected concert and passersby were invited in to listen.

Inkwood and Ivy Books and Curiosities is a new shop in Parkes which opened on 8 December 2025. It is run by Deb Jones who moved from Cobar to start the business.

“We have many exciting and community engaging plans for our shop and already have a book club meeting here. Thursday evenings offer a quiet reading time between 7-9 pm and we are running junk journalling classes on Fridays.”

“Our future plans involve book readings, author talks and book launches with events on some Saturday mornings especially in the lead up to Anzac Day. You can check out our Facebook page or pop into the shop for a chat and find out what’s coming up.

We are open to supporting local and independent writers and are happy to promote their work” said Deb.

The shop offers an immersive shopping experience with not only an extensive range of books and gifts but a unique atmosphere and opportunities to relax. A lovely, old piano is waiting to be played at any time by anyone. A guitar waits to be strummed, a jigsaw puzzle challenges you to fit in some pieces and a chess set is ready for a game.

The many couches and chairs scattered around are irresistible for settling in with a good book or your knitting.

The fostering of harmony in our community and our world is important, so, read, sing with and talk to each other and create harmony.

The Community Spirit Is Alive And Well In Parkes This Easter

April 2, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The wonderful team at the local Parkes Big W store recently supported the Lifestyle Solutions foster care team with a very generous donation of Easter chocolates.

For children and young people in care, holidays can sometimes be a challenging time. Small acts of kindness from the local community help create a sense of belonging and ensure they don’t miss out on the holiday fun.

The Lifestyle Solutions Parkes team was thrilled to receive the donation, noting the immediate impact it will have: “Big W Parkes, your kindness and support will bring joy and smiles to children in our foster care program this Easter.

“Because of you, Easter will be a little bit brighter, a little sweeter, and full of special moments for the young people we support.”

A huge, heartfelt thank you to the BIG W Parkes team for their generosity.

Children and young people all across Australia urgently need foster carers, particularly in our local area. Could you open your heart and home to a child who needs you? To fond out more go to: www.lifestylesolutions.org.au/foster-care/foster-care-withlifestyle-solutions

Healthy Harold’s Colour Run Returns To Parkes

April 2, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured with Healthy Harold is the Chair of Life Ed NSW, Ken Keith OAM.

Parkes is set to come alive with colour as the Healthy Harold Colour Run returns, with local community groups, sporting clubs, health services and businesses invited to get involved.

Stallholder expressions of interest are open for the free, family-friendly event, taking place on Wednesday 20th May 2026 from 3.30pm to 5.00pm at Keast Park, Hooley Street, Parkes.

The Colour Run forms part of the Healthy Harold Parkes Festival of Health, a twoweek initiative promoting positive health and wellbeing across the region.

“We know Parkes has an incredible network of community organisations and health services,” said Ken Keith OAM, Chair of Life Ed NSW and former Mayor of Parkes. “The Colour Run is a great opportunity for local groups to connect with families, showcase their services, and be part of a fun event that celebrates community pride.”

The festival coincides with visits from Life Ed NSW’s specialist health educators, with more than 1,500 local children taking part in the Life Ed program at their school or early learning centre, exploring topics including nutrition, cybersafety, respectful relationships and drug and alcohol education.

The Colour Run has previously attracted hundreds of locals who walked, ran and danced through clouds of colourful powder while exploring interactive stalls hosted by community organisations. These stalls sparked conversations about health and wellbeing, while families discovered local services and support programs.

“Events like the Colour Run highlight the strength of community partnerships,” Terese Hooper, CEO of Life Ed NSW said.

“When local organisations come togeth

er, we create meaningful opportunities to support the health and wellbeing of families across Parkes.”

Local organisations interested in hosting a stall, activity or interactive display are encouraged to get involved. To express interest or find out more, visit https://go.lifeed.org.au/FOH2026 or email nsw@lifeed.org.au

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