Articles Archives - Page 321 of 448

‘Big Hunk O’ Love’ For ‘I Will Survive’

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Two icons met in Parkes last week when the Silver City Stiletto train made a stopover on its way to the Broken Heel Festival. It was a case of Elvis meets Priscilla – Queen of the Desert! With 120 passengers on board, Parkes Shire Council grabbed the opportunity to promote the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival.

John ‘Elvis’ Collins entertained passengers as they stepped off the train to give them a feel of the vibe of the Parkes Elvis Festival. Passengers were very keen to get selfies with Elvis (John Collins) and Priscilla (Maude Boate).

Maude is known as the Queen of Lismore’s drag queens, and one of the celebrity queens of the Broken Heel Festival.

Snippets…

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

2019 Free Cuppa: Organisers of the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme are inviting local businesses to register for phase nine of the successful driver fatigue awareness campaign which will operate from 1st March to 31st May 2019. The scheme encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free cup of tea or coffee to take a break from driving long distances. Participating businesses have reported an almost 30% increase in sales in previous years, with 17 participating businesses across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils last year. The closing date for registration is Sunday, 16th September. If your business would like to participate contact Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364 or email Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Morse Code Demo: The Morse Code Fraternity will again be adding to the fun and entertainment of the Community Reading Day in Parkes today. Students will be able to send morse code telegrams by carrier pigeon to all the schools in Parkes. Telegrams will be accepted and transmitted to a morse code operator in Glenelg, South Australia who will receive them on souvenir stationery and post them to their destination. The demonstration will be situated near the Westpac Bank on the corner of Court and Clarinda Streets throughout the day, and manned by Eddie Parrot from Peak Hill, Pauline Gosper, and Keith MacRae from Parkes and Peter Hack from Temora.

Send Us Your Spring Pics: As the weather is warming up and the colours of spring appear around us, start snapping away for The Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition – you can win a family shoot with Chemical Creations! Closing date 31st October.

CDS Drought Drive: The recent drought appeal run by Currajong Disability Services (CDS) has once again demonstrated how the Parkes community stand together when it matters most. Often the beneficiary of goodwill, CDS Direct Care Team Leader Indigo Kriedemann decided it would be a great idea to help those in the agricultural
sector we rely on for the basics. Yet it wasn’t just about giving back it was about making a difference. “I saw many farmers and their families struggling without the necessities,” said Indigo. “A few of us banded together, and staff and clients chipped in with a range of goods from canned food to toiletries and some luxury items,” said Indigo. The items were dropped off at the Salvation Army in Parkes for distribution.

Time To Take Your Business To Regional NSW

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The rosy future predicted for Parkes was given a major lift on Monday when Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro announced a landmark Investment Attraction Package for Regional NSW. The package includes financial incentives targeted towards offsetting government levies and duties, such as payroll tax, and
relocation assistance to drive new jobs and investment in regional NSW.

The Deputy Premier said the package would transform regional NSW’s attractiveness to interstate and global businesses and make regions across the state even more competitive. “This is a massive boost for businesses and job seekers in regional NSW.”

The Investment Attraction Package includes a $20 million Regional Investment Attraction Fund for grants and interest free loans to offset government levies and duties to eligible businesses that want to invest and grow in regional NSW, which will lead to new jobs; Skills Relocation Assistance – $10 million in grants of up to $10,000 per eligible skilled worker to help meet the cost of moving from the city to the country; Investment concierge – supporting businesses investing in or moving to regional NSW, working with an appointed Regional Investment Coordinator to provide easy access to incentives, smooth the planning process, help lodge applications and liaise with government departments.

Premier’s Sporting Challenge Reward For Parkes East

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

It was a fun and rewarding start to the week for students at Parkes East Public School when they received a visit from a NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge Ambassador on Monday.

Ash Williams, goalkeeper for the Australian Under 21 hockey team from 2014 to 2016, spent time at the school following a 10-week physical activity period when students had to participate and record their levels of physical activity.

In his talk to the whole school he focused on healthy eating and why it was important, as well as the lessons he has learned during his hockey career. He said determination and resilience were very important qualities for him in order to achieve his goals of playing for Australia at the Olympics and World Cup one day.

“Determination to keep on practising up to seven hours per day, every day, and resilience to carry on through lots of challenges. When we lost the semi-final of the 2016 Junior World Cup in front of 12,000 people with a shootout against India, I knew we had lost because I let in some goals. It was really hard, but with resilience and a good support network, you carry on and pursue your next goal.”

Ash said it was also important to love what you do. He started playing hockey at age 12. He first played soccer, but when he saw a hockey goalkeeper in action one day, he knew that was what he wanted to do.

The Parkes East students did not hold back when it came to shooting questions at Ash and asked anything from how long it took him to tie his shoes, what was the best part of hockey and whether he knew Parkes hockey stars Mariah Williams and Kurt Lovett.

Ash said Parkes East had been the best school he had visited so far. “I can’t believe how popular hockey is in Parkes. It is just everywhere.” Students who showed commitment during the Premier’s Sporting Challenge were called out to receive a certificate as an encouragement award from Ash. (See photos of students with their awards on our Facebook page.)

By Maggi Barnard

Drought Forum For Shire

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Council invites farmers, residents and business operators to attend the Parkes Shire Drought Forum on Tuesday, 11th September at Parkes Services Club at 5:30pm. The Australian Government recently announced
an additional drought assistance package, which includes an allocation of $1 million to 60 Councils across Australia
of which 36 are in NSW, including Parkes Shire.

Council will host a drought forum to gain input from the community on how the money can be applied for best effect across the Parkes Shire, in line with the funding guidelines.

“We will be looking for community insight as to where the Federal Government funding may be best utilised across the Shire, as well as develop a meaningful short, medium and long-term action plan for the drought affecting our community,” said Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith OAM.

“The forum will also ensure Council is well informed of the administrative obstacles and barriers that farmers and affected businesses are experiencing with regard to drought-based support initiatives.”

The forum will also provide an opportunity to communicate what other relief programs and support are on offer.
Register your attendance for the Parkes Shire Drought Forum via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parkes-shire-droughtforum-tickets-49460556857

For further enquiries contact Parkes Shire Council on 6861 2333.

Parkes Slips On Slow Clothing Revolution

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The global slow food movement has been making inroads since 1989, but have you heard of slow clothing? Last weekend the Parkes Library’s Curiosity + Wonder 2018 started with a community talk on rethinking our clothing culture.

Australian social entrepreneur and author Jane Milburn presented a compelling case for why we need to change the way we dress through everyday practice. “Slow Clothing is a holistic approach – it starts with: think, natural, quality, local, few and moves through to: care, make, revive, adapt and salvage for those who have time and energy for these more engaged actions” said Jane.

Jane challenged those who attended the talk to pay more for quality local natural garments and have fewer of them.

Woolerina, a local business based in Forbes, provided a wonderful example of slow clothing – their garments are simple styles made from local wool that will last for years or until they literally wear out.

The two workshops held by Jane over the weekend continued with the themes of reviving, adapting and salvaging.
Participants spent Saturday exploring the art and creativity of using everyday items to dye natural fibre materials and clothing.

Rusty tools, horseshoes, strawberries, gum leaves, passionfruit skins and tea were used to transform old items ready for a new life. Many of the participants enjoyed the unrestrained nature of eco dyeing – trying something and seeing how it turned out.

Many participants returned on Sunday for the snip, stitch and upcycling workshop turning their dyed items into new wearable pieces of clothing. They also created a new piece of clothing from something old, including pinnies, t-shirts, jackets and skirts, while some made a functional piece such as a phone bag.

The aim was to revive and adapt wardrobe and op shop surpluses to suit themselves, while exploring their unique style.

Participant Mirella found the workshop great. “It gave me lots of ideas to use and inspired me to have greater confidence and just try things,” said Mirella.

Parkes Library’s Curiosity + Wonder opening weekend encouraged the community to be part of the change to consciously live lightly, buying less (or nothing) and making more.

By Shellie Buckle

Snippets…

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

CanTeen Fundraiser: Parkes High School Captains Emeline Lavaka and Gordon Richter are holding a fundraising event for CanTeen. They will be dying their hair if they reach a $1,000 benchmark. The campaign will promote awareness in the community about the importance of strong support systems for families, especially teenagers, impacted by cancer. Their aim is to get sponsorship from local businesses. “Once we have reached $1,000, anyone who makes a donation of $15 or more will be eligible to vote towards what colour we dye our hair,” they said. The reveal will take place 26th September at Parkes High School LP Johnson Hall at 6pm.

New 40km/h Speed Zones: A 12-month trial has started for 40 km/h speed zones imposed on NSW roads where emergency services are performing vital functions. “Too many of our professional and volunteer emergency services workers have experienced close calls with speeding vehicles, when trying to do their job,” said Member for Orange Phil Donato, who campaigned for the legislation. “The safety of emergency services staff far outweighs the inconvenience of having to slow down to 40 km/h as we pass them. Let’s do our bit to protect them while they’re trying to protect all of us.”

Heavy Vehicle Safety: Government has contributed $860,000 to a $1.87 million project to widen and seal a 6.2 kilometre section of the Bogan Way. The upgrade will cater for the growing number of heavy vehicles on the road, and address a number of bottlenecks along the route.

Hello! From Australia: Indigenous children’s books and illustrations feature at a travelling exhibition hosted by Parkes Library until 22nd September. This exhibition from Books Illustrated in Melbourne showcases the contemporary publishing of indigenous books in Australia, and features 20 picture book illustration prints including
two large illustrations on canvas from Steve goes to Carnival by Joshua Button and Robyn Wells and Lisa Kennedy Welcome to Country.

Be REaDiculous! PAINT Parkes REaD is on Friday, 14th September from 9:30am at Cooke Park. This community project encourages families to read, talk, sing and rhyme to their babies from birth. It is a morning filled with action packed fun including dancing and singing in the main street, performances by community members, reading in stores, games and much more! Don’t forget to dress to the REaDiculous theme, and keep your eyes open for REaDiculous things around town.

Mayoral Notes…

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire residents and affected business operators are invited to attend the Parkes Shire Drought Forum on Tuesday, 11th September at Parkes Services Club at 5:30pm. Council wants to gain input from the community on how the Federal Government’s allocation of $1 million of drought funding can be applied for best effect. The forum is also an opportunity to communicate what other relief programs and support are on offer. Register your attendance
via www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

The Parkes Ministers Association are inviting residents to attend the Parkes Prays for our Farming Community on Sunday, 9th September at St George’s Church lawn.

We are delighted at the Federal Government’s announcement of $860,000 funding towards the widening and seal of the final 6.2 kilometre section of the Bogan Way (MR350) to address a number of bottlenecks, and complement the new two-lane Kadina Bridge near Bogan Gate delivered earlier this year.

Tickets for the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival will go on sale next week after the official program launch on Monday. For the first time ever, over 40 events will go on sale via the Festival website www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

Residents are encouraged to do a spring clean ahead of the 2018 Bulky Waste Clean-up between Monday, 17th September and Friday, 21st September. Residents can place waste neatly next to the edge of the kerb. For more information visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Hockey Players Bring Back World Cup Bling

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes was well represented at the recent Hockey Masters World Cup in Spain with two local players running out for Australia. Maureen Massey and Graeme Tanswell played in Barcelona last month where 23 nations competed in men’s and women’s teams from over 35 to over 60 years.

Graeme played for the Australian Over 50s Men’s team who came home undefeated with the gold medal. Maureen Massey was goalkeeper of the Australian Over 60s women’s team and they won bronze. “It was a brilliant experience and to come home with some bling was an extra bonus,” said Maureen, who played in her third World Cup event, and represented Australia for the sixth time in her age division. It was Graeme’s first time in the Australian jersey.

Despite extremely hot conditions in Barcelona with the temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius on some days, the Australian teams performed very well. “We played six games and finished up playing off for third and fourth position
against a Wattles Australian team,” said Maureen. This game finished with a one all draw so the bronze medal was decided upon by a penalty shootout won by our team 2 goals to 1.”

According to Maureen the best part of the experience was wearing the green and gold. “To represent your country is a huge honour at any age, although it does not come easily. There is a lot of time put into training, on fitness and skills. The levels of fitness of the women in this team is absolutely remarkable considering our ages.”

After a short break, Maureen will be flying to Perth at the end of September to participate in the Australian Women’s Masters Championships at Bunbury as goalkeeper for the NSW over 65 years women’s team.

By Maggi Barnard

What’s On @ The Library

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

SATURDAY STORYTIME!
8 and 15 September from 11am – 12pm
For families with school aged kids. Families are invited to find the hidden library treasures! Fun, Play, Games, Stories, Make, Discover

PARKES FUN PALACE
Saturday, 22nd September, 9am – 3pm, Parkes Library ALL DAY!
Join the Parkes Library team for a family day of science, play, art and games! Activities include: fingerprinting, dancing ballerinas, stortyime with pets, community art collage, sausage sizzle and more…

ADVENTURE QUEST
9:30 – 10:30am AND 11am – 12pm Free. Book please.
All you need is a little imagination! Families are invited to join this interactive show based on the ideals in the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. Music, storytelling, drama and dance in one all-inclusive show!

TRASH PERCUSSION
1pm – 3pm Free. Bookings required.
This workshop is a whole lot of LOUD fun! Anything and everything can be used as a musical instrument and everyone can play music. Kids aged 8 and older can join this music workshop hosted by Ian from Fun Day Out.

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