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Question of the Week?

June 6, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

What exciting things do you have lined up for this long weekend?

Helen and Callum Rowbotham: We’re off to Broken Hill for a family reunion on Corey, my husband’s side. About 46 adults and 12 kids will be coming from everywhere and all meeting together for a great catch-up.

Dooley Thomson: I’ll kick back around the fire on Friday evening, have a few beers and a bit of a dance no doubt. Probably head to the races on Saturday, get my 1970s Woodstock on and head to the footy to watch the Spacies smash the Swampies.

Alex and Marty Sammut-Paul: We’ll be running around with Alex to all the shows at the Parkes M&D for Shrek Junior. We are so excited!

What’s On @ The Library

June 6, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

PARKES LIBRARY IS ON THE MOVE!
The big news is that during June/July Parkes Library is going to pack up and move to a temporary location in Clarinda Street for one year. The present library space is about to undergo extensive renovations and expansion. Stay tuned for further details.

TO THE MOON AND BACK ART WORKSHOPS
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 June
Midday – 4pm
Cost: $20 per student
Regional Arts NSW and Parkes Shire Library invite 12 to 17-year-old students to a weekend art workshop in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Parkes’ role in the Apollo 11 moon landing mission. Experienced local artist Leanne Wilson will lead the workshops and participants will produce a canvas artwork which will be displayed at a public exhibition during the anniversary celebrations. Places are strictly limited, book early to secure a place. Bookings and payment at Parkes Library.

AUTHOR TALK AND AUTHOR WORKSHOP – AMANDA HAMPSON
Wednesday 19 June
Author Workshop: 10am – Midday
Author Talk: 6 – 7pm
Amanda Hampson grew up in rural New Zealand. She spent her early twenties travelling, finally settling in Australia in 1979 where she now lives in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. In researching her upcoming novel, Sixty Summers, Amanda embarked on a European trip retracing her own youthful journey from the 1970s. She is the author of two non-fiction books, numerous articles and novels The Olive Sisters, Two for the Road, The French Perfumer and The Yellow Villa. Bookings required due to limited places at Parkes Library, library@parkes.nsw.gov.au or call 6861 2309.

BOOK CLUB
Peak Hill – First Wednesday of every month @ 6pm
Parkes – Last Wednesday of every month @ 3pm or Last Thursday of every month @ 6pm

What’s Cooking

June 6, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The BEST Carrot Cake
An easy to make cake using carrots on special at Cunningham’s IGA this week!

For the cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 1½ cups light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots

For the icing:
• 227g cream cheese at room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

To make the carrot cake:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Spray two 22cm round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the grated carrots and mix until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk or rubber spatula until just combined, making sure not to over mix.
5. Pour the batter evenly between both cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and cool in the pans for about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the pans and return to the wire rack.

To make the cream cheese icing:
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter and mix for about 30 seconds-1 minute until well combined and smooth. Add the icing sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined.

To assemble the cake:
Place one of the cakes on a cake stand, top with a little over 1/2 cup of the frosting, and smooth it out into one even layer. Place the other cake on top and use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Top with pecans or other toppings of choice if desired.

(Source: www.livewellbakeoften.com)

Tough Penalties For Drink And Drug Driving

May 30, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Much tougher penalties for drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol were introduced last week.

Drivers caught drink driving will receive a $561 fine and immediate three-month licence suspension, even if they are a first time or low-range offender.

Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Belinda Coe said: “Driving with the presence of drugs or alcohol in your system is not only illegal, it’s extremely dangerous and puts your life and the lives of all other road users at risk. This reform will ensure offenders receive swift and certain penalties to help protect all road users.”

Western Region Traffic Tactician, Inspector Ben Macfarlane said alcohol was one of the major factors in crashes that kill or injure people on NSW roads. “The 0.05 blood alcohol limit has been in place for almost 38 years. If you are caught drink driving, there is no excuse,” he said. “If you have an illegal level of alcohol in your bloodstream or have used illegal drugs, you can expect to be caught and charged by police.”

The latest change is one in a wave of drink and drug driving reforms introduced since July last year, aimed at reducing the number of crashes and fatalities. These include the extension of Mobile Drug Testing with the inclusion of testing for cocaine.

To The Moon And Back

May 30, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

In about 50 days on 21st July it will be 50 years since NASA’s Apollo 11 lunar module landed on the Moon and the human race took its first steps onto another world.

Australia, and in particular Parkes, played a key role in communicating with the Apollo 11 spacecraft, tracking it, and sharing news of this ‘giant leap’ to 600 million people around the world via the technology and teams at NASA’s Honeysuckle Creek, and CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope and Tidbinbilla tracking stations near Canberra. CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has worked with NASA for almost 60 years as its official ‘cooperating agency’ in Australia.

CSIRO is supporting many events in the lead-up to the anniversary.

One highlight will be open days at the Parkes radio telescope, the world famous ‘Dish’, over the weekend of 20th and 21st July when thousands of visitors are expected with former staff that supported the Apollo 11 telecast.

CSIRO has a 75-year history in the space sector that includes tracking spacecraft exploring our Solar System, Earth observation analytics, managing complex facilities, processing big data and supporting manufacturing supply chains.

Art Workshops
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Parkes’ role in the Apollo 11 moon landing mission, Regional Arts NSW and Parkes Shire Library will host a weekend art workshop for 12 to 17-year-olds.

Experienced local artist Leanne Wilson will lead the workshops and participants will produce a canvas artwork which will be displayed at a public exhibition during the anniversary celebrations.

As places are strictly limited, make sure to book early to secure a place. Bookings and payment ($20 per student) to be made at Parkes Library. The workshop will run from midday to 4pm on 22nd and 23rd June.

The Green, Green Grass Of Home

May 30, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Kerryn Jones returned to Parkes after 38 years to be closer to family. Little did she know she would end up Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services.

“I am thrilled to be in this role,” said Kerrynin her new office at the Parkes Library.

“I am on a steep learning curve as I have alot to learn in the library area, but I’m lucky to have a very strong team here and in the other libraries at Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.”

Kerryn left Parkes to attend Sydney University where she completed a degree in education, and worked in Sydney for about 18 years before she moved to Adelaide where she lectured at the university and TAFE. She tasted small town living again moving to Roxby Downs for three years. She returned to Adelaide to work with the Education Department, and in December last year she and her sister decided to move back to Parkes.

Initially she thought her biggest challenge was to start a garden at her newly bought house, but her new position is going to stretch her even more.

Apart from learning about library services, she will have to oversee the library expansion project, as well as moving the whole collection and all the library services to a new location during construction.

“It is a really exciting project flowing from consultation with community groups. The library is a fabulous community service and has excellent programs, but space was a limitation. With the expansion project completed by the middle of next year, we will be able to grow and respond better to community needs.”

Kerryn envisions the new space to become a hub for culture, education and library services offering lifelong learning to the community.

She is looking forward to connecting with all the cultural groups in Parkes to use the new space to its full potential.One thing Kerryn does not need to work on is her love of reading. “I have a wide taste for fiction and non-fiction, and especially Australian literature, as well as Australian movies and music.”

After a little bit of thought she did confess that the classic To Kill A Mockingbird was one of her favourite books of all time though.

By Maggi Barnard

The Ultimate Joe Cocker Tribute

May 30, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

If you are a Joe Cocker fan don’t miss Australia’s greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson in his ultimate tribute coming to Dubbo on 22nd June.

It will be a night of soul and rock classics with electric current running high generated by a very talented eight piece band and of course the powerful and unique voice of Doug Parkinson.

Joe Cocker was an irresistible force that combined a love of American soul music with standout interpretations and depth of feeling, terms often used to describe the soulful smoky voice of Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson.

Cocker is most famous for what he did with other people’s songs like Hitchcock Railway, Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On, She Came in through the Bathroom Window, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful,Up Where We Belong and Cry Me A River.

Just a few of the songs Doug Parkinson has included in his show and leaves the audience spellbound. Doug is not only an entertainer but an amazing vocalist.

Doug is also a multi award winning artist of soul and rock and box office hit musicals. (See details of show on front page.)

SNIPPETS…

May 30, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The Trundle Library Junior Book Club were all smiles after speaking with author Jackie French during a recent book club session. The children were all given the chance to ask Jackie a question. She was overwhelmed by some of the questions and how they were articulated.

Bogan Gate CWA News: Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin held their Annual Bridge Day at Bogan Gate on 7th April, with players from West Wyalong joining in. The CWA catered for everyone for the 12th time making it a thoroughly enjoyable day. President Marion McIntyre laid a wreath on behalf of the CWA at the local Anzac Day Dawn Service. Ten members attended the May meeting. International officer Heather Veal provided interesting information on the country of study this year, Papua New Guinea. Some members have started writing their life stories after attending a workshop at the Parkes Library. As this drought is still crippling the community, the CWA will be helping Bogan Gate and Gunningbland farmers and their families by hosting a free bbq night at the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate on 29th June at 6:30pm. “We hope many will come to this night as it is very important in these times to mix with friends and all help each other,” said the organisers. The next meeting is on Thursday, 20th June at 1:30pm at the hall. Visitors are always most welcome.

On Track For Better Rail: Member for Orange Phil Donato tabled a 10,000 signature petition in the NSW Parliament this week for improved rail services in the Orange electorate. The petition was originally created by the Orange Rail Action Group, who have been fighting with Phil for regional rail improvements. “The whole community has rallied behind improving our rail services in Orange and the broader Central West,” said Phil when tabling the petition. “I will be asking for an early morning express passenger train direct from Orange to Sydney and return. In addition, I am fighting for rail infrastructure upgrades of the Main Western Line to support fast passenger and freight rail services, as well as early commissioning of the Regional Rail Fleet on the Main Western Line.”

Restrictions Reminder: Level two water restrictions are still in place across the Parkes Shire. Under level two restrictions, residents are only permitted to water outside the hours of 10am and 5pm with odd numbered households allowed to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and even numbered households on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. For more information about Level 2 water restrictions, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Last week was National Volunteer Week and many organisations, businesses and groups in Parkes acknowledged the generous contribution made by volunteers to keep our community vibrant and supportive. The time and effort put in by volunteers are vital to keep many services and events going, like the large group of volunteers (pictured above) for the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

From the Editor

May 30, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

This will be my ninth winter in Parkes and I am still amazed by the extremes between the seasons in this part of the world. I really enjoy the contrast the different seasons bring, having lived for so long in places where it was not as distinct.

My favourite is definitely autumn with its wind still, glorious days of golden sunshine when spending time outside rejuvenates every cell in your body. Fortunately, I love reading so winter brings the joy of sitting by the fire with a good book and a warm drink.

The weather has been hogging much of the headlines lately with all the stories about climate change. Whether you believe in it or not, the most concerning aspect is the vast amounts of our natural world we are losing. I think we could all make an effort to reduce our footprint, like not using plastic straws, or refusing plastic bags. I would like to hear about what you do!

Enjoy Issue 164!

Maggi

Paddles Up To One Year

May 30, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The shore of Lake Endeavour was a scene of festivity when about 100 people helped to celebrate the first anniversary of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club (PDBC) on Sunday.

As colourful flags fluttered in a slight breeze on the last beautiful day before the cold stepped in, Phil Donato MP praised the club for what it has brought to the community of Parkes.

Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton thanked the club for looking after the lake and its environment.

Once the dragon birthday cake was cut, it was time to get on the water. Club members came from Forbes, Bathurst, Orange Pinnacles, Orange Colour City and Mudgee to help celebrate the day.

The two boats went out several times with mixed teams including first time paddlers.

“What a splendid day it was,” said PDBC President Bill Thomas. “It was great to see so many members from other clubs joining us for a fun-filled day both on and off the water, and all the first-time paddlers who hopped in a boat. I can only say a big thank you to everyone for making it a great day!”

The Pinnacle Dragons agreed it was a wonderful day. “Thank you Parkes Dragon Boat Club – it was a joy to help you celebrate your first birthday – you are a credit to the dragon boat world.”

Some club members reflected on the first year with Michael Hutchison saying: “It’s been a wonderful experience. The people who established the club have done an absolutely magnificent job.”

Chris Auld said it had changed his life, while Sue Griffey said: “Being on the water is so peaceful and relaxing, which is very good for the mind.”

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