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International Champion Headlines Elvis Festival

April 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Taylor Rodriguez

For the first time in the 29 years of the Parkes Elvis Festival’s history, the reigning International Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion will be performing as the feature artist.

The organisers announced Taylor Rodriguez as the 2021 feature artist for next year’s festival to be held from 6th to 10th January.

“I am beyond excited to attend Parkes Elvis Festival! This will be my first time to Australia and I can’t wait to celebrate the life, legacy, and music of Elvis Presley. Let’s get ready to Rock ‘n Roll Australia!” Taylor said.

Taylor will perform four high-energy concerts backed by a dynamic eight-piece Elvis band at the Parkes Leagues Club.

Parkes Elvis Festival Director, Cathy Treasure, said: “We are so excited to be able to host Taylor’s first ever shows on Australian soil. His incredible showmanship and youthful energy will create a dynamic feature concert series that is not to be missed.”

Taylor became the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion in Memphis in August last year. This competition is held worldwide to look for the best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley.

The 21-year-old hails from Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. Taylor fell in love with Elvis’s music at the age of six listening to Blue Suede Shoes and started performing at nine. He was one of the top five tribute artists at the age of 19, and then went on to be crowned the 2019 Tupelo Elvis Festival Champion, before taking out number one in Memphis!

Taylor has starred in many musical productions including the Million Dollar Quartet where he played Elvis Presley.

At the Parkes Elvis Festival Taylor will also appear in the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Gospel Service and Renewal of Vows Ceremony.

The Kindness Pandemic

April 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

SOUL NOURISHING… Pam Parkin enjoys having more time to play the violin in her favourite spot in the garden.

In the midst of a global pandemic that has disrupted our daily routines and confines us to our homes, there is a surge in something that gives us hope: kindness.

We see it all over the world, and in our local community. From the friendly shop assistants offering us hand sanitiser, the caring way in which the doctors conduct phone appointments, the free pizza delivered to old age homes, parents delivering treats to teachers and happy chalk drawings made on public walkways, to name but a few.

Research shows that we lean into kindness when tragedy strikes. Many people make use of Facebook posts to acknowledge and encourage others, like this one: “Thumbs up Parkes, Forbes and surrounding communities for all coming together during this insane time. We’ve never experienced anything like this before – and it’s bringing out all kinds of emotions.”

Many other trends are going viral too, like decorating walkways with chalk art, and Parkes is in on this one too with Kristy Berry and her daughter Pascal bringing some joy to residents. “We really enjoy doing it and love seeing people getting enjoyment and a smile out of it,” said Kristy.

More time at home also brings new challenges and opportunities. For music teacher Pam Parkin it means less rushing around. “There is more time to rest and enjoy my instruments.”

Music student Carmel Kelly says: “I get to take time practicing as we don’t have to go anywhere!”

It is going to be a very different Easter for all of us, so stay in touch with your loved ones making video calls or ringing them and remember: “We are all in this together.

By Maggi Barnard

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

One positive outcome of the Corona pandemic is that it is bringing people from all around the world closer together in fun and creative ways.

One of these initiatives has seen Parkes residents joining in by putting teddy bears and other stuffed animals in their windows for families to take their kids on a bear hunt. Inspired by the popular children’s book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen, the real-life bear hunt has spread all over the world, with even the New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern placing a teddy in the front window of Premier House in Wellington, where she is in lockdown with her family.

The Parkes Christian School called on families last week to join in and in no time teddy bears started appearing in windows.

Other families are encouraging their kids to draw rainbows or Easter eggs to be placed in windows to create a rainbow and Easter egg trail.

Let’s all join in – get those teddies out, or create rainbows and Easter eggs!

We All Need To Stay Positive

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 crisis is devastating to our community. As President of the Business Chamber, I am proud to see how many of our local businesses have displayed such resilience and pivoted their operations so quickly to adapt to government regulations to ensure that they can still trade in some way, in an effort to keep their operation forging ahead to better times.

We as a community can’t control the situation, however we do have the power to shop local and support our local businesses through this challenge, and to look after each other. The more we support our businesses now, the quicker they will be able to get moving back to full strength again when this situation improves.

We all need to stay as positive as possible, something that Parkes is renowned for, and be ready to be able to move very quickly again when the tide changes. Let’s all make a pledge to keep supporting small local businesses throughout this period.

By Geoff Rice
President Parkes Chamber of Commerce

Have You Thought About The 20 Year Picture? – Dealing with emotions in a time of turmoil

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Emma Brown

I’ve been grieving for our broken world. I’m sad for the freedoms we’re rapidly losing, and sad for all the people who are losing livelihood. I’m overwhelmed with feelings of unpreparedness and not-good-enough- ness at the imminent reality of school at home when mere weeks ago I laughed at the idea of home schooling. I feel overwhelming grief for my beautiful and very dear Grandad, who is alone. Safe but alone. So close to us yet unreachable.

But then I wash my tear-stained face, have a cup of tea and think about 2040. What will the world look like for my 25 and 23-year-old grown children?

I wonder if the protocols and safety measures being implemented now mean we are raising a generation who will have a better understanding of wellness and proper isolation during illness. Maybe we’re raising a generation of surgeons! If you can learn to scrub in for surgery at age three, you’re on the fast track, right?

I wonder will this be the beginning of the end of communicable respiratory diseases like influenza, which so many of my generation ignore the symptoms of and just ‘soldier on’?

I wonder if we’ll see a revolution in social togetherness when we come out the other side. Texting and social media will become passé. Getting together in person will be where it’s at!

I wonder if the church will finally learn what it means to be as one, as Jesus wanted and will take this pause in life as the most sacred opportunity.

I wonder how our kids will remember this. Will it be the way we remember the big events of our childhood that shaped the world? Or will they just remember having more time at home with mum and dad, or will they tell their kids to be grateful for an abundance of toilet paper?

In the meantime, I’m so grateful for all we have today. Snuggle time with my kids is top of the list. Stay safe, be kind to yourselves and each other.

By Emma Brown

Snippets…

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

MEMORIES… Relive the fun of the Parkes Elvis Festival while sorting through your photos and enter the Elvis Photography Competition.

Call For Elvis Photo Entries: While you have more time on your hands during this period of self isolation, why not sort through your Elvis photos and pick some to enter for the Elvis Photography Competition? The competition has become a popular event at the Parkes Elvis Festival and showcases work from amateur and established photographers. The competition will close on 1st July. You can find the categories, competition T&Cs and entry form at http://bit.ly/2ozJE7p If you have any questions, please email elvis@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Uber Postpones: Following an announcement earlier this year that Uber planned to launch across the state, including in Parkes, a lot has changed in the weeks since then. In an effort to help limit the spread of COVID-19, Uber has temporarily paused its plans to launch the Uber app across all of regional NSW.

Elections Only Next Year: The local government elections due to be held on 12th September this year will be postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The decision to postpone the elections was necessary to ensure the health and safety of voters, NSW Electoral Commission staff and candidates. The NSW Government now intends to hold the elections in September 2021. The Parkes Shire is one of 126 councils that will now hold their elections next year. Parkes Shire councillors will continue to hold their civic offices until the rescheduled local government elections are held. The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be conducted at the September 2020 Council meeting. Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd welcomed the decision. “The health and safety of our community is paramount. This decision mitigates the risk to our community, as well as provides a level of stability and continuity during this time of uncertainty. Our current elected representatives, as well as our entire workforce, are working hard to ensure good governance continues during this crisis and beyond.” For more information, visit the NSW Office of Local Government website.

Astro Dish Take Away: Many Parkes businesses, including cafés and restaurants, are offering online options, such as ordering take away meals, as well as delivery. The Astro Dish Motor Inn has a take away menu on offer. Visit www.astrodishrestaurant.com.au/menu/ and call 6862 3000 to order.

Christine Ford, a Parkes Phoenix reader from Melbourne, sent us this photo of Charlie and Mia’s mock wedding. The 12-year-old brother and sister Jack Russells are the only life she sees daily, unless she goes beyond the confines of her gate. “I love doing life with them and making special memories with my doggies.”

Phoenix Team Welcomes Rochelle

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Last week The Parkes Phoenix said farewell to our Sales Executive Sylvie Everingham-Potts who is starting to get ready for a totally new chapter in her life: motherhood. We are very lucky to have found an enthusiastic and lively team member in the person of Rochelle Frame who joined our ranks this week.

“I am the mother of two of the best kids, wife of one very lucky husband and owner of a big old dog who still thinks that he is a puppy. My family and I recently moved to Parkes from North Queensland as my husband joined the team at the Northparkes Mine as a geologist in late 2019.”

“I am originally from NSW, having grown up on the Central Coast before moving to Queensland. I have spent the majority of the past ten years following my passion: portrait photography. I absolutely adore capturing real life moments, be it lively family gatherings or quiet, delicate newborn shoots.”

“Other than photography, I am a bit of a hot chocolate fanatic and appreciate the occasional glass (or two) of white wine.”

“I have been lucky enough to join the Phoenix team where I hope to meet and work with many members of the community of Parkes and get to know everyone and explore this beautiful area.”

Currajong Spirit Still Strong

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Scott Salter, one of Currajong’s most experienced support workers, with Karen Willis and Jay Crouch reinforcing proper hygiene.

COVID-19 may have changed how we do things but it hasn’t changed the quality service and care offered at Currajong Disability Services (CDS).

“With disruptions to everyday life show- ing no signs of abating anytime soon, Currajong will continue to offer top quality care for all of our participants and ensuring all precautions and duty of care are taken to protect the rights, health and safety of our participants, staff and families,” said Dane Millerd of CDS.

He said steps had already been taken to adhere to government requests including a greater emphasis on hygiene, social distancing via smaller groups and minimising activities, education of staff to fast track their COVID-19 knowledge base as well as having staff available to answer any questions about Currajong and its new processes.

“Vigilance and strict application of the recommended precautions are our only weapons against this virus and while it appears we are in an area that is currently virus free, we cannot afford to slacken off if we hope to come through this period of upheaval with minimal disruption,” said Currajong Disability Services CEO Jeff Evans.

“My priorities continue to remain the health and well-being of our participants, our employees and our families.

“I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the way that staff have responded to the significant disruption to our normal routine. I would also like to commend everyone on how they have embraced the more rigorous hygiene, cleaning requirements and social distancing particularly in light of the high risk and vulnerable individuals we support in the community,” said Jeff.

“At the moment, I believe we are well placed if we remain vigilant and continue implementing the recommendations as we currently are,” said Jeff.

“Again, thank you for your efforts and commitment.”

Agriculture Agree On COVID-19 Protocols

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Agricultural ministers around the country discussed a range of issues facing the sector during this COVID-19 crisis last week.

The Federal Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said: “The Federal Government sought agreement from the states to adopt the strict protocols for infection of staff found to have COVID-19 and for food processing under the standards set by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand or FSANZ.”

“State ministers were asked to agree to the livestock saleyards and wool auctions protocols so that they can continue. This is an important link in the supply chain and the confirmation will reduce anxiety among the sector and producers. The saleyards and auctions standards are both practical in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and allowing those who need to attend to do so. The standards include limiting attendance to essential saleyard staff, accredited livestock agents and genuine buyers.”

What’s on @ The Library

April 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Our doors might be closed but the library is still here for you!

In response to the COVID-19 virus the Parkes Shire Libraries closed their doors last Wednesday, including access to the 24-hour library service in Trundle and Tullamore. Returns can be placed in the returns chutes at each branch, but we will automatically extend all loans until we re-open. All programs, activities and face to face borrowing will be suspended until further notice, but the fantastic range of online resources will remain available for members and can be accessed from the Library section on the Council website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Here are five FREE things you could do from home:

1. eMagazines – read your favourite magazines for free such as Delicious, Country Style, Women’s Weekly, Better Homes & Gardens, New Scientist, Marie Claire, and many more.

2. eBooks and eAudioBooks – browse and download popular books for reading or listening.

3. Online/Electronic Resources – do research using online databases and encyclopedias.

4. Online Computer Training program – learn more about most commonly used computer and technology-based programs by accessing The Computer School program with free lessons and tutorials.

5. GoDigi Digital Learning – learn more about the internet and all the different things you can do online such as how to shop and find health info.

To access the library’s online catalogue, go to the Parkes Shire Council home page and select the Libraries icon. Select My Online Library with a list of the collections available. Instructions are available on how to access the collections or programs. All you need is your library membership number located on the back of your library card below the barcode. Give us a call if you have any difficulties! Visit our Facebook page for more ideas of things to do at home and on line.

Our doors might be closed but the library is still here for you!

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