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.

At PECC’s 65th birthday on Wednesday were (L-R) Lindy Farrant, Colette Genet-Marks, Craig Smith, Sam Bennett (accountant), Rosemary Morris (patron), Cr Bill Jayet and Mayor Ken Keith.

It’s always exciting when a school day turns into a celebration when you can dress up in party hats and superhero costumes and eat lots of cake.

This is what happened at the Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC) on Wednesday for the centre’s 65th birthday.

A bright and colourful scene greeted the special guests as the children sang a welcome song in their party gear in the sun.

President of the management committee Craig Smith said it was a great occasion for the centre still going strong after 65 years.

Parkes Mayor and patron of PECC, Ken Keith told the children he attended 60 years ago when it was the Parkes Preschool. “The legacy left by Lindy Farrant (Director) is astonishing. We aimed to make it the best childhood centre in the state and succeeded!” He praised Lindy’s significant contribution over the years.

Lindy, who has been Director since 1994, announced her retirement last week. “I warmly and sincerely thank all the staff, committee members, families and children for everything you’ve contributed over the years,” she said.

“We have a special surprise for Miss Lindy,” said Acting Director Colette Genet-Marks as she handed Lindy balloons shaped in the number 33 to represent the years she has been involved with the centre.

Then it was time to cut the special birthday cake with the centre’s new logo much to the delight of the children.

By Maggi Barnard

Drought-affected students from rural NSW can go on a trip to see the School Spectacular in Sydney.

School students from across drought-affected NSW have the opportunity to take a break and spend a night with the stars.

The first ‘Wish Upon a Star’ initiative will bring 150 students from drought affected schools to see the Schools Spectacular and enjoy a fun weekend away.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell encouraged principals to nominate students for this trip which will be a no-cost treat to families battling the unrelenting drought.

“We want to give 150 kids a fun weekend to take their minds off the challenges of the drought for a few days,” said Sarah.

The students will travel from hubs at Dubbo, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga on Friday, 22nd November to stay at Sport and Recreation Centres at Narrabeen, Broken Bay and Berry, and attend the Schools Spectacular matinee on Saturday, 23rd November. They will also visit the beach for a swim and try water sports and other activities.

Nominations close today through the Department of Education. Schools can nominate up to four drought-affected students.

Over 80 members attended the Parkes Evening View Club’s annual Spring Fashion Parade at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club recently. Fashions from Rockmans, Rockmans BeMe and The Red Chandelier were shown raising almost $2,000 to support three Learning for Life Children through the Smith Family. Pictured are the volunteers who were the models.

Wiradjuri elder Robert Clegg (left) tried out the recycled water by washing his face with it at the official opening of the new facility last Friday, with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack enjoying the moment.

Parkes has a brand-new water source producing up to two megalitres of water per day which is equal to two Olympic size swimming pools of water.

The new water recycling scheme, designed to conserve water, was officially opened last Friday

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the scheme would create an entirely new water source and relieve stress on Parkes’ water supply.

“By replacing potable water used to maintain the town’s public spaces with recycled water, Parkes will be able to handle the extra demand placed on its water supply.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Council Ken Keith said water security was one of the key issues facing rural communities, and the new, local water source would help service the needs of the community.

“Not only does the scheme reuse water that would otherwise be wasted, it’s supported by solar power to offset the energy costs of treating and transporting water, which reduces our greenhouse gas emissions,” the Mayor said.

“The recycled water scheme strengthens the town’s water security at a time when Parkes is on the cusp of significant economic development and ensures Council’s green spaces are climate resilient.”

The project was jointly funded with the Federal Government investing $8,725,000 million, and Parkes Shire Council contributing $12,175,000.

By Maggi Barnard

The devastating impact of the drought in rural Australia has prompted several initiatives to see the light over the last month in support of country town businesses and entrepreneurs.

Go Country for Christmas was launched last week to encourage fellow Australians to support rural and regional communities by purchasing their Christmas presents from a business based in the country.

A new social media campaign called #buyfromthebush also started that markets to people in the city encouraging them to buy remotely in the lead up to Christmas.

Liberal Senator for NSW, Hollie Hughes, encouraged Australians to think outside the box when buying presents this Christmas at the launch of Go Country for Christmas. “We don’t need to buy from the usual suspects, just go to gocountryforchristmas com.au and get the same thing you had in mind but buy it from a small regional business,” she said.

The website gives consumers an easy and accessible directory enabling them to buy Christmas presents from a registered country business.

Businesses that have an online presence and haven’t yet registered on the website, can go to www.gocountryforchristmas.com.au. Consumers and retailers taking part in Go Country for Christmas, can use the #gocountryforchristmas on your social media accounts to spread the word.

The town of Trundle had a streak of good news last week receiving two sets of funding.

The War Memorial Hall received $10,475 from the Federal Government for air conditioning to ensure the longevity of this much loved venue.

A further grant was announced by the Member for Orange Phil Donato MP of $3,050 for the Trundle Multi-Purpose Service for the purchase of one mobile transport chair and one bariatric wheelchair.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was in Trundle last Friday announcing the grant for the hall.

“From its original purpose as a memorial to the town’s First World War servicemen to the site of the annual ABBA Festival each May, this hall, which hosts 3,000 people every year, is the heart of the Trundle community,” said Mr McCormack.

Spokesman for Trundle War Memorial Hall Committee Andrew Rawsthorne said the upgrade would make a big difference, with the installation of air-conditioning and heating the hall committee’s number one priority.

“We notice hall bookings crash during the summer months because of the heat and this will allow a lot more use of the hall, which is good for the hall and good for the community,” he said.