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More than 1,000 people enjoyed the open day at Southern Cross Care last Saturday when its new world-class home was officially opened. “It was really terrific support from the community and great to see families and young people come along,” said Marketing Manager Sean Wilson.

A new 62-bed world-class residential aged care home, designed by Architects Johannsen & Associates from Sydney, has been developed at a cost of $22 million in Parkes. The new facility, accommodating over 200 seniors, has almost doubled its capacity from when it first started in 1992.

Setting a new benchmark for a regional aged care facility, it has been conceived as a rural village and was designed around landscaped courtyards and connected by walkways and verandas.

The complex also has a chapel, community hall and cafe to help generate a focus meeting place for residents and visitors. Chief Executive Paul McMahon said: “Our vision was to provide Parkes and the Central West with a residential care home akin to the best you’ll find in a major city. A further drawcard will be the new Home Care
office offering a range of activities and services aimed at customers who want to get involved within our community, while still living independently at home”.

At the open day a festive atmosphere prevailed as young and old enjoyed a variety of activities on offer throughout the day.

By Maggi Barnard

About 40 people attended the 20th anniversary of the Parkes Historical Society’s annual church service held in the small Coobang Church at the Henry Parkes Museum on Sunday. The service was led by Rev Son Spindler and Vivian Cunningham played the organ.

The Railway Hotel won Highly Commended for Best New Innovative Refurbishment ‘Hart Bar’ at the Australian Hotels Association NSW award ceremony this week. Congratulations to Kasie and Bianca!

A long-term dream came true for a Parkes local yesterday when she ran onto the field in Sydney as a debutant for the Jillaroos in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup against the Cook Islands. “I was so overcome with emotions getting that call up saying I had made the team,” said Talesha Quinn, who graduated from Parkes High School in 2007. “It meant all the sacrifices I made and my big move to Sydney was all worth it! It’s such an exciting time to be involved with the women’s game and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Talesha knew she wanted to be a Jillaroo when she first played for NSW in 2012 and has been working towards it ever since, taking a few detours. She joined the army and was sent to Townsville only to discover the local rugby league competition was discontinued.

“That absolutely shattered me, so I converted to rugby union.” It was when she saw the NSW girls win the interstate game last year beating Queensland for the first time in 17 years, she knew in her heart she could have been there. “At that moment I knew where my heart was, and I made a decision to move to Sydney.” The army helped her to get accepted into an elite athlete program and she was posted to the big smoke at end of last year.

“And here I am one year later playing at a World Cup still working fulltime with the Australian army!” Talesha said she would not have made it without the support of her parents and two brothers. “They are pushing me to chase my goals no matter the cost.” That was why she said earlier this week she could not wait for the first game wearing jersey number 17. “I am so excited and can’t wait to prove to everyone why I’m here.” She is most looking forward to playing the Kiwis.

Six countries are taking part in the World Cup. All games will be televised on Channel 7 or Channel 7 Mate.

By Maggi Barnard

You might have heard him on 2LVR community radio, or seen his reviews in The Parkes Phoenix – whichever way Monte and his famous hashtag have become a household name over the past two years. He got his big break in commercial radio recently and has moved on. The Parkes Phoenix caught up with him just before he left town.

1. When did you start at 2LVR and how did your show evolve over time? I started on 26th January 2015 doing a rock
request show called Monte Rocks Your Friday Night. A few months later I started to find all this great independent music by Australian artists that we just didn’t get to hear. A friend said I should make a show focusing on this music. I then had the idea of interviewing the artists and my new show, Montefamous Mondays, was born.

2. What was the highlight of your time at 2LVR? The biggest would be being invited to attend and present an award at the Music Oz Independent Music Awards last year. To actually meet so many of the artists I had interviewed was a big deal for me.

3. What did you learn that you will take with you? Always be yourself on air, be authentic as listeners can tell when you’re faking it. If you are excited to be interviewing someone, let it show.

4. How many interviews did you do during your time at 2LVR? After 90 episodes I have interviewed 270 independent Australian artists.

5. What are you going to do next? I am moving to Inverell to become the breakfast announcer on 2NZ. I have achieved a dream, to be a paid announcer on radio.

6. Is this a big challenge? It is going to be a huge, but fun challenge.

7. Where do you see yourself going as a presenter on radio? I want to keep my passion for Australian independent music alive, so I will be moving Montefamous Mondays to a podcast in the new year. I would love to turn it into a national show one day.

Monte also wanted to thank the people at 2LVR for believing in him, and The Parkes Phoenix for publishing his reviews weekly. “It has meant a lot to me and the artists.”

By Maggi Barnard