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What A Party It Will Be In 2022!

October 2, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

ROCK ON 2022… The cancellation of the 2021 Parkes Elvis Festival was received with a lot of sadness and understanding, but excitement is already ramping up to make the 2022 festival the best one ever. The Sydney Swing Katz showed the way to celebrate at this year’s festival with their amazing dance moves.

News of the cancellation of next year’s Parkes Elvis Festival has gone viral around the world with more than 50,000 messages of support logged on the festival’s Facebook page earlier this week.

“It’s gone national on radio stations right across Australia, and we’ve received messages from right around the world,” Festival Director Cathy Treasure told The Parkes Phoenix.

The overwhelming sentiment from fans has been that it is very sad, but necessary under the current COVID situation, and everyone is looking forward to 2022.

“So sad, but think how great the atmosphere will be in 2022. Congratulations on doing the right thing Parkes, we will miss you,” said one fan. Another said: “We will be back in 2022 with blue suede shoes on. The King will understand. What a party it will be in 2022!”

The same sentiment came from participants in Parkes. “It is probably the best for the safety of our senior volunteers and the community, especially if there is another outbreak,” said Al(vis) Gersbach, who has transformed into Elvis for the past 16 years. “Let’s wait for 2022 and fully enjoy the spirit of Elvis as it should be, The King of rock and roll. Thank ya very much.”

Parkes’ very own Elvis tribute artist Barry Green also said it was the right decision. “We hope 2022 will be bigger and better and we can all have a great and safe time.” Cathy said the positive outcome of this was that the festival had captured a much wider audience reaching people they had not reached before, “and we are going to capitalize on that”.

“This means 2022 is going to be huge as it is Elvis’s birthday on the Saturday and a massive night is planned at the new stage in Cooke Park.” A greater influx of people is also expected to pass through Parkes on their way to the 50th anniversary of Australia’s largest music festival, the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“It is good that we now have lots of time to really fine tune eve- rything, but we are keeping the Speedway theme as so many fans have already started work on their costumes.”

While there have been some suggestions to still play Elvis music in town next year when the festival would’ve been on, or do other smaller events, Cathy said they only planned some online events for the Friday and Saturday. “We will pay tribute to Elvis and festivals past and promote 2022. We do not want a mini festival and create the wrong impression of what the Elvis Festival is really about.”

Cathy said the months leading up to the final decision were agonising. She had to make some very tough calls last week to many people whose livelihood depend on events like the Elvis Festival, like the entertainers, market stall holders and many more. “They mean so much to us, we will miss them and we want them to come back.”

But she said the Parkes community had to have the final say and it was the best decision to send out the survey to the community and ask them for feedback. “We had more than 1,200 responses from residents, business owners and volunteers with 80.9% across all categories saying no. It is very sad, but the right decision.”

By Maggi Barnard

Active Citizens Of The Future

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The group of students at one of their activities they’ve done so far this year as part of the Active Citizen Program.

COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of many events so far this year, but fortunately for three students from Parkes the Active Citizen Program will still be going ahead, albeit in a modified form.

Trudy Richardson, Charlie Oraha and Jayden Pope have joined ten other Year 10 students from Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo in the program run by the NSW Police Force’s Central West Police District.

The aim is to build leadership skills, confidence, increase employability and awareness in being an active citizen in their local community whilst enhancing cultural knowledge.

Activities this year have included visiting significant local cul- tural areas with local elders talking about the history of the town, completing workplace courses, artefact activities and visiting the Condobolin SES unit.

The highlight so far has been an online link-up with former NRL star, Jonathan Thurston, giving the students an opportunity to ask questions.

Upcoming activities include completing courses, health checks, presentations by a NSW police officer and Aboriginal elder andYouGotThis program through the Jonathan Thurston Academy on life choices and building self-confidence.

The students will also visit local businesses and community groups to discuss ways on being an active citizen and why they choose to give back to their communities.

Central West Police District Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Shane Jessep, said police were pleased to be able to offer the modified version of the program this year.

“The Active Citizen Program gives local police and businesses an opportunity to be involved in developing leadership qualities of young people in our community,” Shane said.

“Participants also have this exciting opportunity to build their skillsets and learn – not only from local identities, but also famous people – which will help them become the best versions of themselves as leaders.”

Central West Police District Youth Officer, Senior Constable Daniel Greef, said: “We are excited to be able to work with and buildup these future leaders of our communities and see them grow.”

Attending one of the Active Citizen Program’s activities were Trudy Richardson from Parkes, Billie O’Bryan (Condo), Kiara Harris (Condo).

Olympic Memories

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

All the sports clubs were asked to make a float for the 2000 Olympics. The tennis club float stood out with all the writing and pictures on the sides made from crepe paper flowers.

Bob and Bev Bokyar kept their tickets and some other memorabilia from the Games.

Helen Magill with the Olympic torch near the Star Hotel. She recalls ‘running ever so slowly because I didn’t want it to end…’

Mayor Robert Wilson on The Dish with the Olympic torch.

Snippets…

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling and his of- ficers will be more visible on the roads this school holiday period and the October long weekend.

Double Demerits: With school holidays approaching, motorists are reminded that double demerits will be in place over the October long weekend for four days commencing on Friday, 2nd October and ending on Monday, 5th October (inclusive). Police will target speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said there would be more police on the road which meant a greater chance of drivers being caught if they were doing the wrong thing. “With alcohol, seatbelts and speeding being the biggest factors in serious injury and fatal crashes this year in the Central West, my staff and I will be targeting these offences. We will take your licence for drink driving and the higher speeding offences, no question,” Sergeant Ling said.

Keep COVID-19 safe: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has urged organisers of community events to be aware of their COVID-19 responsibilities and to have comprehensive COVID-19 plans in place. Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley said: “Despite several months with no active cases, the threat of a confirmed case is ever present. There may be people in our communities or visiting our communities that have returned from areas with confirmed cases. We also have many vulnerable people living in our communities that we need to be extra considerate of.” She said complying with the Public Health Orders was up to each individual, business and event organiser, and reminded people that fines could be issued for a breach of the Public Health Orders. For more information on COVID Safe Business Plans go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Deductible Gift Status: Men’s and Women’s Sheds have been granted access to Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status by the Federal Government. This means you can claim an income tax deduction when donating $2 or more to your local shed, provided they register with the Australian Tax Office for this status. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said: “I have been to many sheds around the Riverina and Central West and I am always impressed by the fantastic work they do for our communities. They are not only great organisations working hard for our cities, towns and villages, they also are places where people go for friendship and support,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Have you seen the new street art at Cooke Park? Local artist Jac Clark added more work to her existing panels recently.

Olympic Memories Still Sparkle After 20 Years

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

GOLDEN GAMES… The closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games took place on 1st October 2000 in Stadium Australia with a fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour. (Photo: theloop.com.au)

Twenty years ago Sydney hosted the biggest sporting event ever held in Australia and Parkes created unique memories to be included in this exciting part of the country’s history.

Not only did the Olympic torch come through our town with the late Parkes Mayor Robert Wilson taking it on top of the Parkes Radio Telescope, and local hockey hero Stephen Davies represented Australia at his third Olympics, but IBM also broadcast an advertisement worldwide about Parkes and Stephen.

Stephen, who was known as the Maradona of hockey, scored for the Kookaburra team when they won the bronze medal. With three Olympic medals in his pocket, he announced his retirement after the Sydney Olympics having played more than 274 games in green and gold and scoring 140 goals.

Two decades later people all over the country have dug up their photos and memorabilia to revel once again in this universally uplifting event and share their glowing memories.

“I’m sure it’s one of Parkes Shire’s favourite memories how the Olympic Torch galvanised the whole community from schools, sports clubs, service groups and the general public,” said Helen Magill, who was one of the torch bearers.

The golden chariot made by Jim Frecklington (front) with hockey hero Stephen Davies and Parkes resident Betty Muzyczuk riding in the chariot at the front of the Olympic torch procession.

Council’s promotions officer at the time, Michael Greenwood said as Parkes was lucky enough to get an overnight stop for the torch, it was decided to do something different. “We organised a procession with 35 different floats each representing an Olympic sport with Stephen Davies leading it in a chariot, just ten days before the start of the Games.”

Michael said Olympic organisers in Sydney said the event at Parkes was one of the most innovative in the whole country. According to Michael, Parkes was also the only town where the torch was handed over between twins with Ken Keith (current Mayor) handing it to his brother Tim, the town crier.

Parkes’ iconic radio telescope provided another unique opportunity and footage of the Mayor with the torch on The Dish went around the world.

That was exactly the focus of the famous IBM advertisement – two Parkes icons: Stephen Davies and The Dish that again splashed the name of Parkes around the world.

“The American film crew came for a week and had their every need looked after. We even closed the main street for them to film,” Michael recalled.

Memorable moments included the horse that went into a café and filming Stephen bouncing a ball on his hockey stick as the sun came up at The Dish. “When I saw the ad for the first time on TV, I nearly dropped my beer. It was so good!”

After all the excitement of filming the ad and hosting the torch relay, Michael and his family were lucky to watch three hockey matches at the Games in Sydney. “There were a lot of Parkes people there and it was great to feel part of it.”

Although Helen could not get any tickets, she still has very fond memories of the torch relay.

“I was so proud to be representing my community and even though we were far away from Sydney, the torch relay was our piece of the Olympics and we felt like we had contributed to the Games. I’d have to say it’s been one of the highlights of my life.”

By Maggi Barnard

Warren Keeps On Walking

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Warren Edwards has walked the equivalent of going to Orange and back and to Orange again so far this month. Tomorrow you can help him get back to Parkes!

It is a personal quest for the Parkes resident, who is one of almost 3,500 Australians taking part in The Long Run, The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s first ever fundraising event. Warren has several family members diagnosed with prostate cancer, the greatest threat to men’s health.

He is close to doing 300km, which is well over the required 72km for taking part. He has also smashed his fundraising target with almost $4,000 raised so far.

Members of the local Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group and the Parkes Action Group have ‘Walked with Waz’ each Saturday morning during September. Tomorrow, Saturday 26th September, Warren invites the broader community to join him for his final push starting at Lions Park at 9am and ending with a victory celebration.

Warren and his supporters welcome any more support for his effort and donations are still accepted to assist in developing research and medical care for those suffering with prostate cancer. You can do this by making a tax deductable donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia online www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/warrenedwards or give your donation to a member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer and Awareness Group 0408 975 643 or a member of the Parkes Action Group.

Mayor and Deputy Mayor Re-elected

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Cr Barbara Newton, Deputy Mayor and Cr Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire.

Parkes Shire Council maintained its executive leadership on Tuesday, returning Councillors Ken Keith OAM and Barbara Newton to the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively.

It is the Mayor’s 13th year in the position, while Barbara marked her 6th year as Deputy Mayor.

The election of the two positions was necessary following an announcement in March this year by the Minister for Local Government that the NSW Local Government Elections scheduled for this month would be postponed to address the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus. All councils had their terms extended by twelve months.

As a result, Councils like Parkes who follow the recently introduced procedure of electing mayors and deputy mayors for a two-year term, had to carry an additional election for an extended twelve-month period.

“It is a really humbling experience to be Mayor of this shire and I am honoured to be able to carry out that role for another year,” said Ken.

“I think we are a wonderful Council and all Councillors are great contributors to the work of Council,” said Barbara, who admitted that due to the extension of the term she had to think long and hard about renominating.

Virtual Field Day On Harvest Safety

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

This year’s harvest is set to be a bumper one and farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day via Zoom on Thursday, 24th September from 8am.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that while the usual face to face field day at the Central West Livestock Exchange wasn’t possible due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the online delivery would hopefully make it more easily accessible for participants to attend.

“For the first time in about three years it is looking like we are going to have a good harvest, and it is therefore important to refresh people’s knowledge about the new and current rules and regulations for legally and safely moving harvest equipment on the road.

Topics for the field day include how to apply for permits, the new National Agricultural Machinery Notice, load restraint, pilots, the Grain Harvest Management Scheme, COVID-19 Safety Plan for silos, border restrictions and much more.

“The first 20 people to register will receive a free cuppa! And by taking part in a short road safety quiz you could win one of three Engel car fridges valued at $190,” Melanie said.

Registration is free and can be completed via the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Councils’ Facebook pages.

Attendees will all receive a Moving Harvest Machinery 2020 USB, which contains most of the relevant notices and information about moving agricultural machinery on the road.

Snap And Show Spring

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Phoenix is once again running its very popular competition, and this year Spring is magnificent after all the rain. So, go out and get snapping, we would love to see what you see! Ivey Lane Photography has sponsored a $50 gift voucher as the prize. Enter via our Facebook page or email your photos to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. Entries close 30th October. Carla Greef sent us this one of a friendly critter she came across.

Parkes Public Spreads Kindness Like Sunshine

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Class group 6C at Parkes Public School all wanted to be the ‘i’ in kind when the school celebrated kindness for a week to focus on the good in the world during these times of turmoil.

“Kindness is spreading sunshine into other people’s lives, regardless of the weather.”

After the mixed up beginning to the year, Parkes Public School decided to focus on the good in our world, and the good we can show other people. The whole school celebrated a week of kindness as term 3 is drawing to a close.

All members of the school community took part in some way. “We all talked about how we can be kind, how we can help others belong and how we can use our power to make the world a happier place,” said teacher Erin Woolstencroft. “Last Thursday we took time to check in with each other for R U OK Day.”

There was a chocolate fairy who visited the teachers, classes made gifts for each other, there were discussions on how students could help people in our local community, and the week finished off by being the ‘i’ in kind. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Lianna Richings and Sophie Kim.

Principal Coral O’Neill.

Jack Gould.

Ben Woolstencroft.

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