Articles Archives - Page 240 of 448

Snippets…

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

DOUBLE DATE… Elly and Becky Miles from Parkes will be the first sisters to feature on the Bachelorette show screening on national tv later this year. It will be Elly’s second time to be in a popular reality show after she was in the last season of The Bachelor.

No Mask No Entry: All staff, patients and visitors need to wear face masks to enter Parkes Hospital and all other hospitals and multi-purpose services across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). “We are urging the community to be prepared and to bring their own mask when they come to our health services,” said WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan. “All visitors are required to wear a mask if they are coming into a health facility for any reason. A mask will be provided during wellness screening when you enter the hospital if you don’t have one already.” Children 12 years and under are not required to wear a mask.

Share the Dignity: Woolworths Parkes and Share the Dignity are partnering in a Dignity Drive that will provide essential support to the growing number of NSW women experiencing period poverty as a result of COVID-19. The economic and financial impacts of COVID-19 mean that even more women are having to make the choice between buying food or sanitary items. Share the Dignity reports a 54% increase in the number of charities registering for the August Dignity Drive. During August customers have the opportunity to donate sanitary items via collection boxes in store. Woolworths will also donate five cents from the sale of pads, tampons and liners in August to Share the Dignity. “At a time when community support and kindness is more important than ever, we are incredibly proud to be partnering with Share the Dignity for the August Dignity Drive,” said Kerrie Kennedy, Store Manager Woolworths Parkes. “It’s this small act of kindness that goes such a long way in supporting vulnerable girls and women across Parkes.”

NAIDOC Week Grants: The Federal Government has opened a new NAIDOC local grants round, with $1.4 million available to local communities to host events and other activities during NAIDOC Week from 8 to 15 November. This year’s theme is Always Was, Always Will Be. Information is at www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc. Applications close 17th August at 7pm (AEST). All applicants from the previous round that closed in March will be contacted by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and provided guidance on how to re-apply.

Regulations require hands to be sanitised before entering a public venue. The Parkes Library has a hand sanitiser dispenser at its entrance for visitors and members to use as demonstrated by Library staff member Dan Fredericks.

‘Won’t You Take Me For A Drive Down An Old Dirt Road’

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

COUNTRY GIRL… Raechel Whitchurch on her parents’ property outside Parkes where she filmed the video for her latest single ‘My Father’.

When your life reads like a country song, including a song about your father on your debut album would come as no surprise.

Raechel Whitchurch always wanted to write a song about her dad. “We are such similar people, but it felt like I would never be able to find the right words. I’d been working on the song for three years and I’d finally said everything that I needed to, but I never imagined that a song so personal would make it on to my record.”

Raechel, who moved to Parkes from Broken Hill with her family when she was 18, has just released the single ‘My Father’ and its video filmed on her parents’ property outside Parkes featuring her dad, Steve Lee.

Although Raechel has been living in Sydney for 10 years, she still likes calling Parkes home as her family is still here. She wanted to replicate her childhood memories with her dad and decided to film the video in the beautiful landscape around Parkes.

“When I was a kid, we spent a lot of time in the bush as a family. We’d go camping and shooting, and would always sit around a campfire at the end of the day and sing songs. I knew that my parents’ property would be perfect for the video.”

Raechel was born and raised on country music. She started playing piano when she was five, and then traded it in at eight for a mandolin. Guitar and banjo soon followed, and so did the songs.

In 2019, Raechel realised she had more than enough songs for a full-length album, and she felt ready to put those songs out into the world.

“I went into the studio with my producer Matt Fell over the New Year’s break of 2019/20 and recorded my entire album. I wrote all the songs myself, with the exception of two. One I co-write with Colin Buchanan, and one with my husband, Ben Whitchurch.” Ben is also a Parkes boy.

There is no release day yet for the album, but the aim is early next year. Raechel has released two singles from the album so far: ‘I Found Home’ in March, and ‘My Father’ last month.

While releasing a first single amidst a worldwide pandemic has its challenges, it seems that fans and artists are excited for her new music. Country music star Adam Harvey said: “I have watched Raechel’s career since she was a kid performing in her family band and it’s been fantastic to see her grow as an artist, a singer and a song-writer. This latest single demonstrates her real talent.”

Raechel impressed her fans in 2016 with her debut EP ‘Outlaw’ when it opened at #1 on the Australian Country iTunes charts (ahead of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Chris Stapleton).

All Raechel’s music is available online for streaming and download via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Youtube and all other streaming platforms. You can watch the video of ‘My Father’ here

By Maggi Barnard

New Can Assist Committee

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

At the recent annual general meeting of Parkes Can Assist the following committee members were elected (L-R): Publicity Officer Betty Huntly, Vice-President Colleen Mitchell, Assistant Secretary Carol Southwell, Treasurer Adrienne Brown, Secretary Patricia Bailey, President Sylvia Glendenning and Assistant Treasurer Trevor Southwell. “We would like to thank everyone in Parkes and surrounding areas who continue to help us raise funds to assist people with cancer related expenses,” said Sylvia. “Even though our fundraising efforts are restricted at the moment, we are still supporting clients with their medical and travel needs.”

Local Government Week 2020 Highlights Council Services

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

It is Local Government Week this week and the theme this year is ‘Councils Do’, highlighting the significant work councils do in their communities and the wide variety of services they provide including libraries, roads, waste collection, footpaths, parks, pools and animal shelters.

“Local Government Week is a time to acknowledge the significant role councils are playing to support communities across the state to recover from the drought, bushfires and COVID-19,” Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said.

“Our communities are facing some of the most difficult times in the modern era anding Local Government Week to recognise the critical role your local council is playing to support your community during these trying times.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM said: “Parkes Shire Council is proud to have delivered close to $200 million worth of infrastructure over five years, notwithstanding enduring the worst drought on record and the impacts of COVID-19.”

“We have played a vital role in respond ing to COVID-19 by maintaining essential community facilities and services in the face of significant restrictions and financial distress.”

“I urge everybody to take a moment during Local Government Week to recognise the critical role your local council is playing to support your community during these trying times.”

“Parkes Shire Council employs 195 full time equivalent staff across its operations which includes 37 business activities, some that are not generally known as regular council services,” said the Mayor.

“While Council is commonly known for managing roads, water and waste services, Local Government Week is a great opportunity for our community to learn about the breadth and diversity of the work that often goes unseen.”

“We have vibrant, creative and strategic teams working in a range of sectors such as business development, town planning, education, childcare, events, art and culture, environmental sustainability and town presentation just to name a few.”

“We are a leader in fostering career pathways for young people in our region to have opportunities for professional careers at Council. In 2019/20 Council offered a range of traineeships/cadetships and school-based trainee positions across our operations.”

“Council is also committed to diversity in the workplace including closing the gender gap with women comprising 57% of supervisory/management positions.”

For more information about Council or Local Government Week and to view some exciting vacant positions available now visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Beargamil Overflows

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Beargamil Dam (also known as Bumberry) has been bone dry for more than two years. Situated about 5km downstream from Lake Endeavour, it quickly filled up when Endeavour reached capacity about two weeks ago and thousands of litres started flowing over its spillway. By last weekend Beargamil reached capacity and its dramatic overflow attracted many visitors providing a spectacular setting for a picnic.

Photo: Bill Thomas

Snippets…

July 31, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Shire Concert Band returned to their weekly rehearsals this week on Tuesday after a long COVID-19 break. This is a screen shot of a second online video they recorded during lockdown.

Masks Compulsory At Hospitals: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has implemented new state-wide requirements for staff and visitors to wear face masks. “This change impacts staff, visitors and patients,” said WNSWLHD Director of Operations, Mark Spittal. “All visitors must wear a mask when they are in any of our health facilities. We encourage people to wear their own masks as long as they are in good condition.” He said if visitors had underlying health issues that might prevent them from wearing a mask, they should contact their local health service before they visit to get advice. At this stage, children 12 years and under are not required to wear a mask if they do not have any symptoms. “The use of masks does not mean physical distancing and hand washing/sanitising should not be adhered to. If you are unwell do not visit. If you have even the mildest cough, fever, runny nose or difficulty breathing, visit a COVID-19 clinic or call your doctor.” For more information about COVID-19 call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 088 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Disaster Assistance: Disaster assistance is now available in the local government areas of Parkes, Bogan, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Lachlan and Warrumbungle following heavy rainfall and flooding in April this year. The storms left the local councils with expensive repair bills. A range of practical assistance is available to help communities and councils assess the damage and get on with clean-up efforts and repair to damaged infrastructure. If you are uninsured and have low income, for information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au Further information is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

Free Arts Funding Workshop: There is currently $10million of extra arts funding available nationally through the Australian government’s Regional Arts Fund (RAF). Arts OutWest is offering a free, online, workshop to help people in the region prepare applications for RAF. The free workshop will be held via Zoom today, 31st July from 10.30am-12noon. To register for the workshop email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au or call 6338 4657. Places are limited.

The Parkes Airport recorded close to 50mm of rain last weekend, while other areas in town had well over 50mm. Billabong Creek also broke its banks on Tuesday.

Where Creativity Meets Resilience

July 31, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The arts have always been a large component of my teaching. During my career, I have run school choirs and dance groups, taught recorder and drumming, co-written and produced many concerts and items for performing arts concerts, and performed at Schools Spectacular and eisteddfods.

In the classroom I found that the study of visual and creative arts provided students with the opportunity to express themselves. It is also an enjoyable and engaging activity and has positive benefits that flow on to other aspects of learning.

I am delighted to work with my nephew Sean James Cassidy on The Art of Resilience project, creating a platform for the youth of the Parkes Shire to display their creative talents.

I have watched Sean’s art career and his many exhibitions. As a founding member of Ub Ubbo Exchange, Sean has developed strong ties with indigenous and non-indigenous artists in Australia and the Philippines who work on closing the gap projects. I have been a board member of Ub Ubbo Exchange for many years.

Since my retirement from teaching I have been able to devote more time working with Sean and Ub Ubbo Exchange. I have started a community choir in Parkes and am writing my second novel.

By Kerrie Peden

NOTE: The closing date for The Art of Resilience has been extended to midnight 10th of August. Categories include photography, painting, drawing, poetry and song writing. Entry forms can be found on the Art of Resilience Facebook group or downloaded from Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Winners will be announced on Friday, 14th August and will be selected from Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.

Your Say Parkes

July 31, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Shire Council has $2.97m available for community projects in the Parkes Shire. Make sure to vote today for your favourite projects.

Parkes Shire Council launched an online hub called Your Say Parkes to make community engagement easier than ever before.

The hub provides a simple and secure way for the community to connect and collaborate with Council.

“Community input is integral to Council’s planning process, to ensure that our decision-making meets the community’s needs,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

“While we will continue to use traditional forms of engagement like workshops and face-to-face meetings, our new online hub makes it easier and more accessible for our whole community to get involved and have their say.”

The hub uses a variety of tools including surveys, forums, ideas boards, interactive mapping, quick polls and more.

To Elvis Or Not To Elvis

July 31, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The theme of the Parkes Elvis Festival, scheduled to take place from 6-10 January 2021, is Speedway.

The final decision on whether the Parkes Elvis Festival will proceed next year will be made by the 28th of September.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community, artists, fans, staff and businesses is foremost in our planning, and we are evaluating moving the festival to another date or cancelling it altogether,” said Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM added the health and safety of the community would come first in the decision. “However, with just over five months to go we are still hopeful that the 2021 festival will proceed as planned and do not want to be premature in cancelling an event that has such a positive impact on the region.”

“A festival of this size takes year-round planning, therefore we are continuing to work behind the scenes,” said Cathy. “This way we can make sure that if we get the green light from NSW Health, we have everything in place to host a safe and fun festival for everyone.”

The following decision-making dates have been scheduled: The ticket launch date has been delayed from 7 September to 19 October. No sales will be made before confirmation the event is safe to proceed; The decision to move the festival to a later date will be made by 31st August; Community and business consultations will take place in September to ensure that the decision is in line with community expectations for the final decision on 28th September.

Fabric Masks In High Demand

July 31, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Some of the fabric masks on sale at the Craft Corner in Parkes.

Although the wearing of masks in public is only compulsory in Victoria at the moment, masks have become a sought-after commodity all over the country.

Members of the Craft Corner in Parkes jumped at the opportunity and started making fabric masks with well over 200 already sold since last week.

With about five members making masks, the shop offers different styles, sizes and colours priced at $6 or more each.

“As soon as we get new masks in, they go,” said Rosemary Mitchell. “People are worried and want to be sure they have one in case they need it.” She said as it was also compulsory for all visitors to hospitals to wear masks, the demand was even higher.

She did want to point out that the fabric masks were not surgical masks, although some of their designs have a pocket for a filter.

The Craft Corner sewers are having trouble finding elastic for making the masks. Stocks everywhere seem to have been depleted. They are asking for any donations of spare elastic people might have at home. They are specifically looking for thin elastic. Donations can be dropped off at the Craft Corner.

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