Of the 88 one-teacher schools that used to be in the Parkes Shire, the Wongalea School became the most famous.

After the school building’s feature role in the 1972 movie Sunstruck, it became the property of the Parkes and District Historical Society.

Today it is one of only two remaining one-teacher school buildings, and has just been revamped by the Parkes and District Historical Society members during COVID-19 isolation.

“We have added lots of memorabilia like books, pens, ink wells, school satchels, a collection of typewriters and lots more,” said Rose Jones, who compiled the history of the school in a book.

They have also researched many of the other one-teacher schools and added their stories to the collection.

“The school first came to my attention when I began to research my husband’s family. My father-in-law was an ex-student and he also purchased the teacher’s residence by tender after the school’s closure.” She said to her amazement very little had been recorded about the school.

“There is so much interest in this building, and so many locals went to these schools, we need to preserve this history,” said Rose. “It is just great that we still have the building here on site.”

According to Rose’s book the school was located 20km northwest of Parkes on the public road to Trundle in the Parish of Gunningbland. The building was a cypress wood structure and construction was completed on 25th October 1912. There were 50 settlers at the time, with 15 children of school age.

Approval for the establishment of the school was granted on 17th June 1912, and the Department of Education contributed 85 pounds towards the cost and provided requisite furniture from Sydney.

The school opened in January 1913 with Eva Squire appointed as the first teacher. By 1918 there were 36 pupils and the existing building was lengthened by ten feet. In 1927 the teacher’s residence was built, as well as a tennis court.

The Group Captain of the Mid Lachlan Valley Rural Fire Service for 18 years was recognised for his many years of dedicated service with an Australian Fire Service Medal.

“It is a great feeling and very nice to be recognised for my work over the years,” said Terry Job, who was awarded the medal for his 54 years of service in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Terry decided to retire as captain when he returned from the Kempsey fires in November last year. He is still active as an ordinary fire fighter, and said he would keep going for as long as he was fit and able. “There is still a tanker stationed at my farm.”

Terry joined the Deep Lead Copper Ridge bush fire brigade in 1966, which later became the Rural Fire Service. During his long career he held the positions of deputy captain, captain and group captain.

In his role as group captain he was heavily involved in several major incidents in the local area. He also travelled across NSW leading strike teams to places in the Blue Mountains, Nowra, Tamworth, Canberra and to Victoria.

He remembers the Nowra and Victoria fires in earlier years as particularly dangerous for fire crews. “We are getting better and better at what we do.”

Terry was also instrumental in starting the NSWRFS cadet program at Parkes High School in 2015. The successful program sees a high percentage of students progress to become full time members of the RFS.

The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.

Parkes Christian School has been operating for 38 years and has over 235 students. This year will see its sixth HSC cohort and with excellent facilities, an extensive curriculum and well-trained, enthusiastic teaching staff. PCS helps to create an exciting journey of learning throughout all aspects of school life from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Enrolments are now open for 2021, with limited spaces available. If you would like to enrol your child, book a school tour, trial day or have an enrolment pack sent to you, please contact the school office on 6862 4164.

Three Parkes students are the recipients of the Sumitomo Metal Mining Oceania (SMMO) supported Scholarship offered by CMOC-Northparkes Mines.

Carleton Magill, Evie Martin and Isaac Westcott were selected as this year’s recipients.

The aim of the scholarship program is to promote and encourage careers in the mining industry, with each student receiving $3,000.

Carleton is in his second year at the University of Newcastle studying a Bachelor of Education. “After graduation, I hope to gain employment in a primary school setting. The financial support from Northparkes will assist with purchasing the many textbooks I will need throughout my degree.”

Evie is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) and Advanced Studies in Film at the University of Sydney. “I started my degree this year, and have really enjoyed being able to illustrate rural and regional stories in my assignments so far.”

Isaac is studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Environmental Science at Macquarie University. “I actually completed work experience with the Exploration team at Northparkes in 2018 and 2019. It was fantastic – I am really looking forward to the next opportunity to undertake work placement at Northparkes. I would like to work in the environmental management space within the mining industry,” said Isaac.

Life returned to the Parkes CBD coffee shops and restaurants after the relaxation of COVID-19 regulations with patrons flocking to their favourite spots despite freezing winter weather showing up on the first of June.

“The last two Saturdays have been hectic,” said Kelvin Rowe, co-owner of the Roasted Kombi. “We’ve been absolutely smashed with so many people coming for breakfast.”

He said it was just brilliant to see people leaving their homes and coming out to enjoy themselves. “It is so good to see especially the older generation coming out and enjoying their daily coffee. We missed seeing them every day, and it’s great having them back.”

Kevin said they had pretty much gone back to what it was like before the isolation regulations. “It is really good. We are still a little bit down on lunch times.”

Kelvin added that they were very happy to have achieved their goal of not having to let off any staff members during the lockdown period. “We did have to cut their hours, but with the delivery service we brought in, we managed to keep them all.”

He said the one positive of slowing down during the lockdown was having time to add new items to the menu like kebabs, waffles and loaded chips. “You become complacent when you are so busy. The new items have been very popular.”

Kelvin also wanted to thank all their patrons for their support during COVID-19.

From Monday, 1st June, pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants can have up to 50 customers.

Other restrictions eased include travel to regional NSW for a holiday, visits to museums, galleries and libraries, beauty and nail salon operators can begin treatments, and up to 20 people can attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship.

By Maggi Barnard