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History And Music Trigger Celebrations

October 5, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The long weekend was one extended celebration for the Parkes community. Heritage Day at the Henry Parkes Museum celebrated impressive milestones: 80 years since the establishment of 2PK, 78 years of the Sunshine Club, 50 years of the Henry Parkes Museum and 50 years of the Emmanuel family living in Parkes. The Central West Country Music Awards also celebrated its golden jubilee with three days of concerts, busking and a talent quest.

Mayor Ken Keith congratulated the Parkes Historical Society on its anniversary and the wonderful display of the Emmanuel family “a very special product of our community” at the official cutting of the cake on Saturday.

“It was a wonderful day with about 200 people coming to the museum,” said committee member Rose Jones. Vice-president of the Parkes & District Country Music Association, Lindy Charlton was just as excited about a successful weekend of country music. The 220 entries received for the talent quest was the biggest in years.

“Our competition has a big reputation and entrants came from all over the state and even Mildura in Victoria,” said Lindy. Despite tough competition some talented locals picked up awards. Parkes High School student Gracey Denham-Jones won three third places in junior gospel, junior Australian and senior duo she sang with Gail Smith.

Gail also came second in senior open. Peak Hill’s Sarah Charlton (11) came third in a very competitive sub junior open category, while her younger sister Hayley (8) received the encouragement award.

By Maggi Barnard

Canowindra Offers Weekend Of Baroque

October 5, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Canowindra is the place to be next weekend if you are a lover of baroque music. There is a global revival in this fabulous genre of European music from 17th and 18th century Europe and England, and five superb musician groups and songsters will be filling the cafes, Wallington and Rosnay wineries and All Saints Church of Canowindra with music by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Telemann, Monteverdi, Purcell, Byrd, Tavener, Mendelessohn, Pachelbel, Corelli and others.

The official opening by Baroquefest’s patron, former ABC Classic FM radio presenter Marian Arnold, coincides with the Canowindra Arts exhibition opening at Montrose House at 5pm on Friday 13th October. The opening concert at 7:30pm at All Saints will be by the Song Company from Sydney, Australia’s leading acapella group.

Saturday afternoon will see the Blue Mountains-based Academy Singers directed by Dr Paul Terracini with pianist Jane Andino playing All Saints’ historic concert grand piano.

On Saturday evening virtuoso baroque violinist Rachael Beesley will play Inspirations of JS Bach interspersed with solo works by Australian composers.

Sunday lunch at Wallington Winery will have the Canberra-based Limestone Consort. Sunday evening dinner at Rosnay has Sydney’s Muffat Collective. Baroquefest’s artistic director violinist Andrew Baker from Orange will play with both ensembles on Sunday.

Ticket packages with various inclusions and individual concert tickets can be purchased on-line at www.baroquefest.org.au. Email baroquefest@gmail.com or ring 0429 443 215 for further information.

Mayoral Notes…

October 5, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to the Peak Hill community on successfully hosting three major events in recent weeks. The regional final of the National Busking Championships, the Annual Landscape Art Awards and Campervan Trailer National Meet have drawn hundreds of visitors to town, a huge boost to the local economy.

This week, Council staff lent a hand to pack donated furniture, fittings and building materials from the relocated Southern Cross Care unit into three shipping containers, to be donated to villages in Timor Leste, including Weberek Village. Two thirds of the equipment and materials will be delivered to 19 different health clinics in remote parts of Timor, with the remainder donated to orphanages, women’s refuges and schools.

Council signed a friendship agreement with the village of Weberek in 2010, and have assisted in the delivery of vital projects to improve socio-economic outcomes for remote communities.

The popular Kids Day Out returns to the Parkes Visitor Information Centre today, from 11am until 3pm. Once again, there is an action-packed day planned with Old Kentucky Animal Farm, Jumpin Beanz Jumping Castles, Jesspresso Coffee Van, Big Daddy Woodfired Pizzas and Dippin Dots on site throughout the day, as well as hands-on science activities with the CSIRO Dish team, live music and a snake handler show to keep the whole family entertained.

After a four year hiatus, the popular GP Cup will make a return to Parkes on Saturday, 28th October focussing its attention to addressing the growing need for GP proceduralists within the Parkes Shire. Teams of 10 will compete in soccer, netball, touch football and a mystery event over the course of one action packed day at McGlynn Park.

Download a team nomination pack via Council’s website.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Seven Reasons To Celebrate the 2017 Heritage Event

September 28, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The number seven is significant for a number of big anniversaries celebrated by the 2017 Heritage Event of the Parkes Historical Society.

It is 80 years since the establishment of 2PK “The Voice of the Golden West” in 1937; 78 years of the Sunshine Club; 50 years of the Henry Parkes Museum; 50 years of the Parkes Country Muster and 50 years of the Emmanuel family living in Parkes.

It is only fitting that 2PK ROK/FM will be broadcasting from the Henry Parkes Museum from 9am to 12pm tomorrow. The station was officially opened by the minister delivering his speech via telephone from Temora.

Two years later the station started the Sunshine Club and Koala Club to raise funds for the Royal Far West Health Scheme, and a special railway carriage for rural NSW. While the carriage is in the museum in Cobar, 2PK continues to support the Sunshine Club today. Many people will fondly remember the theme song “Painting the clouds with sunshine” that played at 11am every day.

A Singer sewing machine could be won at the Sunshine Club’s annual handicraft day for the best apron. Some of these aprons are on display at the museum. The Sunshine Club’s popular recipe book will also be on sale.

2PK also sponsored country music and international country entertainer Wayne Harsburgh will be here for the 50th
anniversary weekend.

Continuing on the musical theme, the Emmanuel exhibition at the Henry Parkes Museum focuses on the family and includes Tommy’s Corgi collection among other interesting items.

Everyone is invited to the Heritage Day from 9am and the cutting of the cake at 11:30am at the Henry Parkes Museum. Entry fee $5.

By Yvonne Hutton

Chamber Chatter

September 28, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Chamber Meeting on Wednesday, 13th September noted lots of positive feedback from past and upcoming events.

The Love Your Locals campaign went complete gangbusters with a massive reach on social media gaining great exposure for all those involved.

A successful free workshop hosted by CenWest in the Hart Bar on 6th September was a great event to gain the skills of successful businesses on how to price products.

Another great upcoming free seminar on 18th October at the Parkes Services Club will help business owners stay protected against some of the most costly mistakes in the business world.

The Henrys has been a huge success so far with 18 new members joining the Chamber from the nomination process and over half of the 30 businesses to enter where first time nominees!

The finalists were announced on Monday and will be featured on the Henrys Facebook page and the paper over the coming weeks leading up to the gala presentation.

The gala event will be held at the Parkes Services Club on Friday, 20th October. The dress code is black tie and Amitie will help everyone dance the night away. Tickets are $85 and on sale from the Services Club office between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or on their website www.parkesservicesclub.com.au/events

By Kasie Ferguson

Mayoral Notes

September 28, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

As Chair of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance (MBIRA), I welcomed the news of Federal Government’s determination of the preferred Queensland section of the Inland Rail.

The preferred section, which runs via Pittsworth, Brookstead and the Wellcamp-Charlton industrial precinct, will inject billions of dollars into these regional economies.

The announcement adds certainty to the project. ARTC recently called for contractors for the Parkes to Narromine section of the line. For more information visit www.inlandrail.com.au

Parkes Shire residents are encouraged to preserve the rich history of the region by taking up the opportunity to gain free advice from Parkes Shire Council’s Heritage Advisor who can give free professional advice on renovating or redeveloping private homes or commercial buildings. For more information contact Council’s Planning & Environment Department on 6861 2373.

The ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme are inviting local businesses to register for phase eight to run from 1st March to 31st May 2018. The closing date is Friday, 6th October. If your business would like to participate, contact Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au

As we welcome in the October Long Weekend, I encourage the community and visitors to enjoy all the Parkes Region has to offer including the 50th year of the 2PK Country Music Awards and the annual Parkes Antique Motorcycle Rally.

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Out Of This World Petition To Save The Planet

September 28, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

When you are 11 the world can be an infinite and even daunting place. Not for a young boy from Forbes who dreams of travelling into space one day, while at the moment he has his feet firmly planted in the soil of Mother Earth.

Year 5 Forbes North Public School student Angus Webb’s long-term quest is to go to Mars one day, but for the time being he has embarked on another inspiring mission: he is reaching out to explorer, inventor, engineer and businessman Elon Musk with a petition to get him to the Central West and help put carbon in soil.

Angus is very concerned about global warming and climate change. “It is real and affects everyone on our planet. My dad is part of a soil carbon research institute, Soil C Quest, where they are trying to find a way to remove carbon from the atmosphere. They are researching ways soil can ‘soak up’ excess carbon. I reckon Elon Musk is an amazing man, and I reckon he would want to help, don’t you?”

For Angus it would be a double whammy if he could get the co-founder of Tesla and SpaceX to Forbes: meeting his idol, who also wants to go to Mars, and getting Elon to support his dad, Guy Webb’s research in order to double carbon levels in the soil by 2031.

Angus is asking everyone’s help by signing his petition at https://www.change.org/p/angus-s-amazing-climate-challenge-for-elon-musk

By Maggi Barnard

Snippets

September 28, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

CONGRATULATIONS… We have a winner. Kim from Mitre 10 is the owner of a brand new television after winning The Parkes Phoenix Footy Tipping competition.

Life saving apparatus: Parkes Shire Council has invested in five Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines to increase the chance of survival of a staff member or member of the public who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. The units are installed at Council’s Administrative Building, Works Depot, Library and the new Water and Sewage Treatment Plants. Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Barbara Newton said: “Council’s First Aid staff have been trained to use the devices.”

Go bold: The regional biennial Rural Arts & Culture Symposium will be held in Forbes tomorrow. This year’s symposium has a specific focus on ‘being bold’ – people, ideas and approaches that step outside the traditional or take big leaps in regional arts making. The symposium is co-hosted by regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest as the final event of the Kalari Lachlan River Arts Festival. A free event open to the whole community from 10:15am to 1pm at Forbes Services Club.Special guest speaker is Alex Wisser, director of the Cementa contemporary arts festival in Kandos. Bookings essential via www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rural-arts-and-culture-symposium-tickets-37376292497, call 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Spring Photo Competition: The Parkes Phoenix has teamed up Chemical Creations Photography to launch a spring photo competition. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a family photography session including 20 high resolution images with Chemical Creations Photography!
The competition will run for the rest of September and October, with entries to be submitted to The Parkes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@parkesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

#Montefamousreview: Anna O – Reckoning: Reckoning, Anna O’s latest release, is a brilliant blend of electronic, pop and RnB. Each track is filled with emotive audio imaging that is brought to life magnificently by Anna O’s powerful voice. The music has a deep pulsating beat and ingeniously crafted melodies that complements the lyrics being delivered so purely. While some of the tracks have a darker pop feel about them, Anna O still delivers a positive message. Reckoning is an EP that you can put on any time day or night and feel good about what you’re hearing, it’s the perfect EP to relax to. Let Anna O’s superb vocals tell you a musical story.

Open Gardens Await

September 28, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

If you want to celebrate spring and all its natural wonders, the 2017 Open Gardens event hosted by Quota International in Parkes is the perfect way to appreciate and indulge this amazing season.

On Sunday, 8th October from 10am to 4pm you will be able to experience six lovely gardens for just $15. You can also enjoy a delicious morning tea from 10 to 11:30am for $5 and/or lunch from 12 noon for $15 in a beautiful country garden.

Entry to the gardens will be via a wristband, which is available at Greenparkes Garden Centre, the Parkes Visitors Information Centre or at the morning tea venue.

On the day local art, pottery and garden art will be on display and for sale, as well as several pop-up shops. Some of the items include Ploughman’s Olives, Metal Madness, Ann Olsen hats and bags, Sharon Preisig jewellery and Quota pre-loved clothing.

Battle Of The Buskers

September 28, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A war of sound burbled down the Peak Hill main street last Saturday when buskers battled it out at the regional finals of the Australian National Busking Championship.

The event saw a wide array of talented street performers strumming and singing their hearts out, each in the hope of earning busker dollars and tips from onlookers. Buskers were also competing for their share of the $4,000 in cash prizes and a place at the national championships in November.

Roaming judges assessed performances throughout the day and invited the best buskers to the day’s final concert.

Buskers from Peak Hill and Parkes were not in short supply with some of them doing very well. Local Peak Hill band Almost A Dozen won the best band category and came third in the people’s choice category.

Twelve-year-old Hanna Dunn from the Christian School won the primary age section, with another Christian school student Annabel van Wyk in second place. Hanna teamed up with Loic Monfret from Parkes and they won second prize in the open group section.

Other winners were Josh Maynard from Cowra in the open age category and Shelby Grace from the Wollongong area in the secondary age category.

Busking event coordinator Patrick Norris said: “The Australian National Busking Championship association is happy for Peak Hill to host the event again next year. It was a great success. It will only grow from here.”

The event was an initiative of the Peak Hill Business and Tourism association with the support of the Parkes Shire Council and Peak Hill Council Consultative Committee. The Peak Hill Men’s Shed served as volunteers on the day.

By Gizell van Wyk

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