Excitement about Christmas is starting to build all around us, but this year it will be a tough time for many.

The Ladies of the Land initiative is dedicated to the women on the land who often put themselves last. “Help us to lift the spirits of our ladies of the land doing it tough this Christmas by putting together a small shoe box hamper of lovely pamper items,” said the organisers of Ladies of the Land.

“We encourage you to wrap your boxes in newspaper because it’s better for the environment, it will let the recipient know where your parcel comes from and you can invest that little bit more in the contents of the box. “We are using the NSW Department of Primary Industries Combined Drought Indicator Map to help guide us in distributing pamper boxes. We’ve partnered with the CWA who will build lists of recipients in their areas and help get the parcels where they are needed the most. The target is to receive 1,000 boxes per week until 10th December. A volunteer has come forward to accept boxes in Parkes, and the drop off point is The Coffee Pot in Clarinda Street.

Some tips of what to include in the box: Card or note with a special message, small arts & crafts project, pampering toiletries including face masks, nail polish kits, hair products, foot spas, a candle, special coffee or tea, chocolates, coffee mug filled with sweets, scarf, vouchers and gift cards, magazines, crosswords or Sudoku.

Get creative, make it look like Christmas in your box. Please make sure to wrap it in newspaper.

“Thank you for helping us to make Christmas a little better for drought affected communities in NSW.”

Jimmy Barnes and 5,000 plus fans in Tullamore on Saturday. (Photo: Jimmy Barnes Official Facebook page)

A severe duststorm on Saturday nearly led to the cancellation of the much-awaited Jimmy Barnes show at Tullamore, but more than 5,000 fans were very happy it went ahead.

Jimmy said on his official Facebook page “a dusty sandstorm couldn’t spoil a great time. They call me the rainmaker and Troy Cassar-Daley is known as ‘Stormboy’ and together with a rockin’ crowd the rains came down. So happy for the farmers who have struggled through years of drought.”

The fans could not agree more with lots of praise and compliments handed out for the event.

Parkes resident Janine Hando said the whole weekend was a credit to the Tullamore and surrounding communities. “The whole show was fantastic. The dust storms gave the many out of town visitors a taste (literally) of what it is like living in a drought.”

Another fan on the Jimmy Barnes page said: “Wind, dust, then a short shower on 5,000 plus people – truly amazing, enjoyed every minute of it.”

Another said it was an amazing concert. “The dust didn’t worry me, incredible atmosphere.”

Seems like Tullamore was rocked like it had never been before.

By Maggi Barnard

Glen Harbidge is the winner of our very popular Spring Photo Competition this year with his entry called Yesterday’s Hero. Glen wins a $150 gift voucher from Greenparkes Garden Centre. The quality was astounding in this year’s competition with almost 110 entries received. Thank you to everyone who took the time to photograph the beauty surrounding us every day despite the drought.

Holding a collection of awards are (L-R) Julian Fyfe (Parkes Shire Council, Technical Infrastructure Manager), Raen Fraser (Parkes Shire Council, Project Communications Officer), Cr Neil Westcott and Alison Westcott.

Parkes made a clean sweep at the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards in Cessnock last weekend coming home with six awards.

Parkes not only won the overall award for population 12,001-20,000, but also claimed awards for Waste Management, Response to Climate Change, Environmental Education, and Community Spirit and Inclusion.

However, it was the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society who stole the show winning the Community Spirit and Inclusion Award for the musical Shrek – Junior. The production not only included a record number of junior members on stage, but also offered an autism friendly relaxed performance – a first for a regional theatre company and junior cast.

The show was attended by many who had not previously had the opportunity to see live theatre before, such as those living with autism, epilepsy, a sensory disorder, or a disability.

Parkes Shire Council was recognised with the Waste Minimisation Award for the Waste Management Strategy Implementation, which saw new waste facility up- grades in Parkes and Peak Hill, including a new weighbridge, gatehouse, and drop-off facilities at Parkes. The new Waste Transfer Station at Peak Hill included undercover waste drop-off areas, new sealed roads and staff amenities. Environmental improvements were also undertaken at land-fills at Bogan Gate, Gunningbland, Trundle and Tullamore.

The Parkes Recycled Water Scheme was recognised with a Response to Drought Award. The Scheme represents Council’s long-term vision to secure Parkes’ water supply and increase our drought resilience in a changing climate.

Banjo the Frog received a Highly Commended Environmental Education Award for sharing the message on recycled water and water resource issues with our community.

Trundle School was recognised with a Highly Commended Community Spirit and Inclusion Award for their Country Kids Reaching Out project.