• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Special Interests
    • Snippets
    • Council Comments
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
  • Special Interests
    • Women In Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Health & Wellbeing
    • Loving Local Living
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Parkes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix

Political Presence In Parkes

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

National Party faithfuls from all over the Central West flocked to Parkes last Friday for the official opening of an
electorate office of the Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack. “This is a really important day for me and the Central West,” said Michael. “We are here to help, whether you vote for the Nationals or not. Please tell others to pop in.”

The MP said he was in the process of appointing a full-time staff member for the office as he would not be able to be in Parkes all the time. “I will pop in as often as I can.”

Parkes Mayor Ken Keith said it was really important for the community to have access to politicians. “We are really pleased to see you have chosen Parkes for your second office.”

Snippets…

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Australian Logistics Council will be holding the 2018 Inland Rail Conference in Parkes on 18th and 19th July. ARA General Manager for Freight and Contractors, Duncan
Sheppard met with Trudie Varcoe, Site Supervisor at the SCT Intermodal Terminal last week where a site visit will be conducted for delegates at the conference.

Communities Grant: Parkes Shire Council will upgrade its central business district security network thanks to a $226,306 Safer Communities Fund grant. It will allow Council to install 17 new closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and signs and upgrade 16 old analogue cameras. Council also plan to erect nine solar security lights and purchase a portable CCTV system with seven cameras and removable bollards to integrate with its existing security
system. The CCTV upgrade will be a deterrent to street crimes and anti-social behaviour and boost the ability of police to monitor and reduce this behaviour. President of the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, Geoff Rice, welcomed the grant. “Getting that amount of money will make it a terrific system.”

Double Demerits: Double demerit points will be in force over the June long weekend (Queen’s Birthday) for four days. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor said: “Friday, 8th June is a publicly notified school day, and double demerit points will apply to all relevant school zone offences.” Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree said: “Double demerit points apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences over the four day period. Officers will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink-driving and fatigue. “Highway Patrol will have a strong presence across
the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas this long weekend.”

Parkes Picnic Races Competition Winner: Congratulations to Jacinta Knowles who won the double pass to attend the Picnic Races this Saturday!

Orange Choir At Bogan Gate For Third Time: Bogan Gate CWA members were overwhelmed by the response from locals for the Orange Male Voice Choir concert on Sunday with 127 people from Parkes, Forbes, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham, Orange, Condobolin and Bogan Gate attending. The choir performed a varied program,
including some Beatles songs. The performance was fantastic with the very capable and entertaining Barry Patterson
as conductor and talented Heijin Kim from Orange Regional Conservatorium as accompanist. Visitors were able to catch up with friends and meet choir members afterwards while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea provided by CWA members.

Mayoral Notes…

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

We are delighted by the announcement of funding under the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund to enable Council to upgrade the lighting throughout the Parkes CBD, in an effort to improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour.

This week Council facilitated the delivery of defibrillators and Red Cross training to five local sporting groups free of charge thanks to a NSW Government Office of Sport’s Local Sports Defibrillator Grant Program, which was matched by Council. The program aims to ensure our local sporting facilities are equipped with the life-saving apparatus.

A reminder from our Road Safety & Injury Prevention Officer that double demerits are in force for the long weekend ending on Monday. Double demerit points apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmets offences. Officers will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink-driving and fatigue.

In an effort to stop drink driving, our local Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT) will be running a ‘Win a Swag’ competition at the local derby this Sunday from 1:30pm at Pioneer Oval, encouraging punters to think about alternatives to driving home after a night out. To enter simply fill in an entry form with details of your Plan B to get home.

Have a safe and enjoyable June long weekend,

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Does Golf Make Your Back Hurt?

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Injuries to the lower back are one of the most common golf related problems. The incidence of lower back pain in the male golfer is between 25% to 36% and between 22% to 27 % in females. It has been reported to account for up to 52% of all injuries in recreational golfers and 24% of injuries in professional golfers. The injury mechanism of nearly half of all lower back injuries in golf is due to the swing.

The modern golf swing has been shown to produce large forces on the lower back, which change directions rapidly during the swing. Because golf is played in a slightly forward flexed position, along with the asymmetrical, rotational nature of the swing, the forces the joints in the lower back are subject to are quite high. The compression force on the spine during the swing has been shown to be up to eight times body weight.

How to prevent getting back pain. Maintenance of good mobility in the hips and thoracic and lumbar spine is important. This may require a regular exercise programme at home along with a good warm up before you play, whilst using proper technique when lifting your bag and bending through the knees when retrieving the ball.

If you already have lower back pain consider slowing your back swing down. Make sure your weight properly shifts to your back foot and your hips rotate during the back swing. Also, avoid placing your feet too far apart during the address phase as this limits hip rotation later in the swing and increases stresses on the lower back.

For the fitness of you
Linda Reilly

Famous Psychic Medium Comes To Parkes!

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

One of Australia’s most famed and accurate psychic mediums will be in Parkes next Friday. Deb Webber, Woman’s Day columnist and TV star, is bringing her acclaimed live show to the Parkes Leagues Club on Friday, 15th June.

Deb is one of Australia’s most famed and accurate psychic mediums. She features on Australia and New Zealand’s channel 10 and Gem’s award-winning series Sensing Murder. She is also a decade long columnist for the Woman’s Day magazine in both countries. Originally from Melbourne, single mother of two, Deb Webber has been relaying messages from spirits since she was a young child.

Deb will bring her insight and gift to Parkes to showcase her incredible accuracy and connection to the spirit world.
She will walk through the audience giving spontaneous readings and connecting the lucky chosen people to their loved ones in spirit. Sometimes they are cheeky, sometimes sad, sometimes humorous but they are always inspiring and insightful for those receiving the reading and for those who get to witness the extraordinary detail that Deb can bring.

Following the live show, Deb will host a Q & A session, and a Tibetan crystal bowl meditation at the end to send everyone home calm, safe and with the right spirits. Doors at the Parkes Leagues Club open at 7pm for the show at 7:30pm. Tickets are from $48.00 on sale at www.debwebber.com.au or phone 0427 799 611. Also see our competition to win two tickets to the show in Parkes on this page.

Central West Weddings

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

How To Get Your Dream Honeymoon
Wouldn’t you rather go on a perfect honeymoon than receive a 4-slice toaster or a rubber-backed tartan travel rug? With the Helloworld Travel Bridal Registry, your family and friends can contribute towards the cost of your honeymoon, as their wedding gift to you. Helloworld Travel will help you choose your dream location and take care of all your travel needs. Your wedding guests then make contributions in your honour towards your honeymoon. We even supply cards to go out with your wedding invitations. It is this easy to turn your honeymoon dream into a reality.

Wedding Away is another great service that Helloworld Travel Forbes offers. The friendly staff at Helloworld Travel Forbes can organise your wedding in a special location and take care of all the travel and accommodation for your entire wedding party and guests. Talk to one of the professional consultants and start planning today.

A Special Day With A Civil Celebrant
Why not use a civil marriage celebrant to make your day special? Narelle Page Civil Celebrant is based in Parkes. Narelle specialises in all weddings, commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows and baby naming ceremonies. Narelle brings a strong sense of individualism to your special day to create a comfortable, interpersonal and memorable occasion for yourself and your guests. Why not choose to start your perfect day with a special ceremony by Narelle Page, Authorised Celebrant. For Bookings or any enquiries, contact Narelle on 0429 177 747 or email narellepagecelebrant@gmail.com

Unique And Contemporary Reception
The Parkes Services Club is proud to offer a unique and contemporary wedding reception venue for couples in the Central West of NSW. The club’s wedding packages are designed to make each wedding a memorable one and can be tailored to suit the bride and groom. A dedicated team is on hand to ensure everything runs to plan, not only on the day but in the lead up to the event. It is incredibly important for the bride and groom to feel confident knowing their wedding reception is in excellent hands. Call the club today to discuss your options.

Flowers Tailored To Your Taste
Organising your wedding flowers should be a wonderful and exciting experience. The flowers chosen show your style and personality. This could be anything from a classic floral design of round crisp roses, to a natural loose organic design of natives. Or why not make a statement and choose something outside the box with bright colourful flowers. At Ivy Lane, owner Jade will sit down and discuss all your wedding flower requirements with you and work with you
every step of the way to ensure your flowers are exactly what you want. Options available are bouquets, buttonholes/boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, ceremony arrangements, reception arrangements
and table centres.

For The Love Of Flowers
Are you looking for the perfect Florist? Alice and her team at the Pink Orchid in Parkes happily service the entire Central West of NSW. The Pink Orchid team loves creating original and personalised arrangements for every occasion, including weddings!

Choose Hart Bar
“It brings us so much joy to be able to hold special functions like weddings in such a special space,” says Kasie of the Hart Bar. “We enjoy working closely with the bride and groom to ensure that we tailor the perfect celebration for them and their family and friends to remember forever.” Hart Bar offers the perfect mix of seating and standing for a canapé function of up to 180 guests with the use of the stunning veranda. For a more intimate reception there is the option of up to 70 guests for a two or three course meal seated style reception. If you have a special function coming up get in contact so Kasie can help plan your perfect celebration!

Vintage Inspired Mobile Bar
Vintage and rustic are definitely on trend for weddings and events and what better addition to your event could there be than Joan, the 1950’s inspired vintage mobile bar! AuRevoir Vintage Van adds an extra special element to your wedding or event. For the ultimate bar service, visit www.aurevoirvintagevan.com.au.

Orange Nats Choose Yvette Quinn

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

A young Parkes woman was endorsed as the Nationals candidate for the 2019 election. A meeting of local party members in the Orange Electorate endorsed Yvette Quinn on Sunday.

“I look forward to working hard to win the trust of the Orange Electorate,” the mental health support worker said.
Yvette has been an advisor to the Multicultural NSW Regional Advisory Council, and was previously on the NSW Youth Advisory Council. She has been heavily involved with the Orange Headspace Group, providing mental health support to young people.

Leader of The Nationals and Deputy Premier, John Barilaro said Yvette was a fresh face and would inject energy into the campaign to take back the Central West.

Sudden Loss Of Revered Guitarist

May 31, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The community of Parkes was plunged into shock last week with the sudden death of one of its most famous ‘sons’ best known for his legendary guitar skills. Phil Emmanuel suddenly died in Parkes last Thursday at age 65 after an asthma attack. He was visiting his brother Darcy at the time and planning to do some shows. Phil and his brother Tommy were inducted into the Wall of Fame at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival, and Phil gave a sold-out concert
at the festival.

Michael McCormack Opens Parkes Office

May 31, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, will open an electorate office in Parkes on Monday, 4th June. “The northern part of the Riverina electorate, which includes Parkes, Forbes, Peak
Hill, Trundle, Tullamore and Cowra, is a vibrant region and deserves an accessible office to provide the best representation possible,” Michael said.

“I am in this part of the electorate frequently and the office will allow me to meet constituents in a private and comfortable environment.”

“Having an office with a full-time staff member in the region will also provide a face-to-face service for constituents.”
The Parkes office will be located at 207A Clarinda Street and will have one full-time staff member. The office telephone number will be 6862 4560. “I am really delighted to have created a full-time job in Parkes and to have supported local trades in the outfitting of the building,” Michael said.

An official opening of the office will be held today at 5pm.

“From about 4.30pm I will take a walk through the central business district and would love to catch up with as many people as possible for a quick hello.”

Parkes Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith, welcomed the decision to open the new office. “We are delighted the Federal Member has decided to locate his office in Parkes in the northern part of the electorate to make it easier and more convenient for his constituents to meet with him and to discuss their issues,” the Mayor said.

A Day Of Style And Elegance

May 31, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Next weekend is not only a long weekend, but also time for the social highlight on the Parkes calendar. On Saturday, 9th June the gates will open at 11:30am at the Parkes Racecourse for the annual Parkes Picnic Races. The first race of the five-race program will start at 12:30pm.

One of the Central West’s most prestigious Fashions on the Field competitions will take place once again with fantastic cash and prizes on offer. The guest judge this year is Julie Herbert of Julie Herbert Millinery Creations from Orange. The categories this year are Contemporary, Elegant Lady, Stylish Man and Millinery.

The Contemporary category is your chance to show your unique style with that race-day look for those who dare to be different. It’s a category for both men and women! The Elegant Lady category is the most prestigious of the day for those who showcase pure style and elegance.

The Stylish Man category is for gents who consider extra detail and stand out in the crowd. The Millinery category is  for ladies who turn heads with their headwear. Go the Parkes Picnic Races website or Facebook page for more details and requirements to be competing in the different categories.

The judging of Fashion on the Field will start at 3pm at the Picnic Stage. There will be loads of entertainment including live music provided by local band Gerholm Jonson. The racecourse provides full bar and betting facilities along with a range of catering services available on course throughout the day. A range of catered marquees will be on site offering packaged food and beverage tickets with seating available.

You are welcome to bring along your own food hampers and picnic on the grass, however the racecourse is a licensed venue so no alcohol is to be brought onto the grounds. “We are expecting a good crowd,” said Stafford Orange of the organising committee.

He said entry tickets were still available at the Cambridge, Parkes and Railway Hotels, as well as the Tourism Office, or at the gate on the day. Start planning your outfit, gather your group together for a great day out and possibly catching up with long lost friends.

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 345
  • 346
  • 347
  • 348
  • 349
  • …
  • 460
  • Next Page »

Click here to download the recent issue (213) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (1.7MB PDF) – 30th October 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Parkes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Phoenix Office
7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor
0432 337 278
editor@parkesphoenix.com.au

Sales
0432 337 278
sales@parkesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy.
View our Conflict Resolution Process.
View our Ethics and Complaints Policy.
Want to advertise with us?
Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

nsw government logo

The Parkes Phoenix's Digital Diversification of Free Regional Media project is proudly funded by the NSW Government Regional Media Fund