Three local music groups combined their musical talents last Wednesday for an unusual performance of Waltzing Matilda. Members of the Lachlan Regional Orchestra, Parkes Shire Concert Band and Forbes Town and District Band met at the AOG hall to put together a recording of the legendary song which will contribute towards a final video performance on the big screen at Federation Square in Melbourne on 12th September.

This final performance will be a compilation of recordings from individuals, schools and community groups from around Australia, all playing Waltzing Matilda. The idea is a new online initiative of the Australian Music Examination Board to create the AMEB Online Orchestra. The recording process was a lot of fun, and a rare chance to put together a really diverse range of instruments (and musicians) for a common cause.

Sincere thanks to Darren Mann for doing a superb job of sound recording, to James Whalan for conducting the orchestra, Jen Kelly for the video recording, and Robbie McFadyen and Jen Kelly for organising tea and vegemite sandwiches.

Members of the three groups are all keen to find other opportunities to combine together again soon.

By Pam Parkin

Last week I was part of the Parkes Phoenix while I carried out my work experience. During my time I gained a lot of knowledge, had fun and experienced lots of new things. I got to know what the Phoenix is all about as well as learning the processes in and behind it. I met lots of new people and clients through selling advertisements. It was
fun spending time with the clients and getting to know them and their business.

I really enjoyed the photography work I did taking photos for the Parkes Phoenix Instagram page. I also really loved being a part of the Be Seen column and the Question of the Week. While I was at the Phoenix, I saw the processes of printing, interviewing, creating feature ideas and selling advertisements, which I enjoyed the most.

I would like to thank Sylvie and all the other girls within the Phoenix group for giving me the opportunity to spend my work experience with them and for all the knowledge I gained in many different ways.

By Josie Thomson

With the temperature dropping well below zero this week and frost covering the ground, keeping warm has been a top priority for many of us. We all know some tips to stay on top of the cold. These include easy steps like wearing lots of thin layers to trap the air between the layers, having a hot drink, covering your head, neck, and lower back to keep the body warm, or using hot water bottles.

Cold feet is another symptom of winter and keeping them warm can be easy with Australia’s iconic Emu Ugg Boots made of 100% Australian sheepskin that is thick, lush and water resistant. The Merino wool in the boots is an entirely natural fibre, which is insulating, aids breathability and contributes to odour resistance.

Hay’s Gifts and Hardware in Parkes currently has a sale on these popular boots, so don’t miss out.

Another way to warm up the house is keeping a log fire going. It not only creates a lovely warm feeling, but also keeps the house cosy and toasty, and creates a great spot to read a book. You don’t have to search high and low should your run out of wood, as Parkes Brick and Pavers have firewood available.

There are several ways to insulate a home and make it more winter proof. One way is to install shutters on windows to help keep out the cold. Contact Parkes Blind, Awning and Tile Centre to get some expert advice on what to do and what to fit.

If you like the outdoors during winter, especially motorbiking, you would need some specialist gear to enjoy the ride. Drop in to Kinsela to look at their range.

If you are looking for a warm drink and company in a cosy environment, the Parkes Services Club offers a welcome
refuge from the cold. Don’t sit and freeze at home – drop in for a warm drink, warm conversation with the friendly staff and stay on to try out the new dinner menu if you wish.

The Parkes Shire Access Committee was re-established by Council and had its first meeting at the end of last month.
It is an advisory committee to Council regarding access issues for people with disabilities. The committee has wide representation including councillors, Neighbourhood Central, Currajong Disabilities, Ability Links, Lachlan Area Health and a number of individual community members. Committee Chair Cr Ken McGrath says access issues can relate to a wide range of lifestyle aspects, not just physical movement. “The Parkes Shire Access Committee
will address many issues including access to services, employment, events, communication, transport and building access.”

The committee’s core functions are to provide a forum for the discussion of matters pertaining to disability access; to assist in the implementation of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan; and to promote greater awareness, understanding, support and positive attitudes on disability issues.

The committee will act as a conduit for consultation on Council’s major infrastructure developments and events to highlight potential issues and better plan for access, develop awareness campaigns, lobby government and agencies for better services and create conversations around access issues in the shire.

Council has committed $10,000 to an Access Incentive Scheme to be administered by the committee every year.

The Parkes Shire Council’s ambitious and vast capital works project is being recognised for its excellence by successfully progressing to the final round of judging in two prestigious engineering award categories.

The council has two nominations in the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards and three nominations in the Institute of Public Engineering Australasia awards for its $100m Integrated Water Infrastructure Renewal Program that resulted in a complete overhaul of the town’s entire urban water management network.

The new Water Treatment Plant and the new Sewage Treatment Plant were open to the public in March this year after completion. The treatment plants provide a number of flow-on benefits to the community, including improved water and wastewater treatment, minimised operational costs, and enhanced environmental benefits.

The awards are currently being assessed and winners will be announced later in the year.