Articles Archives - Page 379 of 436

Residents To Check Water Meter Reading

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

There has been a significant increase in residential water consumption across the Parkes Shire this past summer.

Parkes Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis said: “Due to the very high temperatures, many residents increased their usage by watering their gardens, using evaporative air conditioners and for general household usage”.

“Residents who feel there is a disparity in their water meter reading are encouraged to carry out some simple checks to ensure their reading is correct.”

Check for leaks on the property, such as dripping taps, a running toilet or green patches in the garden.

To check for leaks using the water meter, turn off all water taps and water using appliances. Check the low flow dial in the centre of water metre. If it is ticking, you may have a leak. Note the reading on the water meter. Wait for at least 10 minutes, overnight or during the day when people are away. Check the reading again. If there has been a change to the numbers, there may be a leak on the property and a plumber may be required.

For more information about your water notice, or to report any possible meter misreads, residents are encouraged to contact Council on 6861 2356.

You can find simple water saving tips at http://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/living-here/ your-property/water/water-saving-tips/E

Bullying No Way Display

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Library is hosting a display from Parkes High School students highlighting the issue of bullying until 24th April. The school ran a number of activities for Bullying No Way Day on 17th March, including the Post Bully Project. High School Librarian Tracy Dawson said Post Bully was inspired by Post Secret, a community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. Year 7 to 12 students created postcards over three weeks with messages from both sides.

Electronic Conveyancing in NSW

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Electronic conveyancing of land (or E-con- veyancing) has now started in NSW.

E-conveyancing through the internet has two stages. Firstly it may involve the elec- tronic exchange of contracts for sale of land, title searching and all the other searches that solicitors perform. This stage is not compulsory but should, once fully up and running, speed up the exchange of contracts – when contracts for sale of land become binding.

The second stage is the settlement of land, farm, house and commercial sales. This stage will become compulsory. As from 1st August 2018 all transfers of land will have to be done via E-conveyancing. All banks (in- cluding credit unions), solicitors and convey- ancers will need to be registered with PEXA – the internet engine that facilitates settlement of land sales. Once settlement figures and searches have been completed and settle- ment of a transfer is agreed and authorised with PEXA by banks, credit unions and so- licitors, then PEXA registers the transfer, mortgage (or other documents) and pays out settlement funds almost immediately after settlement.

In a couple of years’ time, there will be no cheques and no paper title deeds. Monies will be sent electronically and title deeds will be a thing of the past. Title deeds to land will be held electronically by the Land, Property and Information Service on their comput- ers. None of these make conveyancing any simpler – just a different method. It is also designed to get rid of paper, but they said that about fax machines and emails… and it didn’t!

Matthews Williams is registered with PEXA and we have been performing E-conveyanc- ing for a couple of months. We are available to help you with buying or selling your land.

Ground-breaking Ceremony For A Ground-Breaking Project

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The turning of a sod marked the start of work on the Advanced Water Recycling Fa- cility (AWRF) in Parkes.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack joined Mayor Ken Keith, Parkes Shire Councillors and representatives from John Holland and the Parkes Shire Council for the ceremony on Wednesday.

The new facility will supply recycled water to irrigate the golf course and racecourse, and will later provide water to sporting fields and parks around town. It is expected to be completed by November 2017.

The AWRF is jointly funded by the Federal Government and Parkes Shire Council, who have each contributed $8.725 million towards the project.

“This is a great investment that builds com- munity capacity and provides water security in the dry times,” Michael McCormack said.

“Projects like this show that Parkes really is a can do community. It’s a progressive town that gets things done.”

The Mayor was full of praise for the project. “We’re absolutely delighted that the federal government partnered with Parkes Shire Council to enable this water recycling system to be built,” he said. “The scheme complements the new water treatment plant and sewage treatment plant beautifully and will position Parkes Shire well into the future.”

The sod-turning wasn’t the only symbolic gesture of the day. Michael McCormack selected a blue and brown striped tie for the occasion, telling the attendees that it was the most appropriate attire. “It represents the project; turning brown water into blue,” he joked.

By Raen Fraser

How Australians Celebrate Easter

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Easter, celebrated between Good Friday and Easter Monday, is just around the cor- ner. Here are the top five ways that Australians celebrate Easter.

1. The Resurrection of Christ

Christian Australians celebrate the resurrec- tion of Jesus on Easter Sunday. The prior- ity of Christians on Good Friday is to attend church before tucking into delicious hot cross buns, and enjoying time with family.

2. Chocolate

The happiness food is in abundance in the form of Easter eggs in shops everywhere. For some, this time of year is all about heal- ing, rest, and quality time with family with some chocolate involved, and of course the

Easter bunny!

3. Easter shows

Many capital cities in Australia put on an annual Easter show with the Sydney Roy- al Easter Show the most famous one.

4. Holidays and camping

In Australia, Easter and family holidays go hand in hand. Many Australians take advan- tage of the four-day long weekend, and get out of town to go camping.

5. Home Renovation Projects

Ah yes, those home renovation and im- provement projects you’ve been putting off… Easter is a perfect time to get stuck into them and make some progress. Whether you need to paint your house, remove some grout from your bathroom tiles – many peo- ple choose Easter to catch up on projects around the house. You can also use the time to de-clutter your wardrobe in prepara- tion for the colder weather ahead.

If you are just staying put at home, you won’t go hungry for hot cross buns or chocolate in Parkes, as well as entertainment.

Whatever you get up to over Easter, do it safely and remember to just relax and have some more chocolate!

Swim Season Ends With A Splash

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes pool was the place to be on Sunday as it hosted a flotilla of events to celebrate the very last day of the swimming season.

The day began with a swim-a-thon relay, raising approximately $4,000 for the Life Education Van. Various organisations assembled teams, swimming continuous laps of the pool. Even Healthy Harold showed his support from the sidelines. They swam an estimated 850 laps over the day, with Mayor Ken Keith contributing an impressive 64 laps to the tally.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the many swimmers who participated and to the sponsors that supported them,” the Mayor said. “I would also like to thank Quota for their $1,000 donation, and for providing fruit platters on the day.”

The Learn to Swim program also held their end of season celebration. This was the first season that the Learn to Swim pro- gram was run at Parkes Aquatic Centre, and it proved very popular, with 390 students enrolling this term.

Sharon Ross from the Aquatic Centre said the classes were very well received. “I got some very positive feedback from a lot of parents, which was great,” she said.

The fun kept going well into the evening, with a free splash party for Youth Week, which was a joint initiative of Parkes Shire Council and CDAT (Community Drug Action Team). Dozens of kids made good use of the inflatable pontoon and enjoyed the free barbeque.

The Parkes Sharks Swim Team held their end of season presentations in the evening, with 90 of their members attending. While the presentation night signals the end of the Parkes swim season, club secretary Barbara Weaver said training is a year-round commitment for many of their swimmers who travel to Orange to train over winter.

By Raen Fraser

Snippets…

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Loaded Dog: On Thursday, 20th April at 6pm the Splash Theatre Company will perform Henry Lawson’s The Loaded Dog at Parkes Library.

This is in celebration of Henry Lawson’s 150th anniversary. He is one of Australia’s best short story writers and was born on 17th June 1867. The Splash Theatre Com- pany is travelling NSW, Victoria and the ACT performing his most popular comic story, The Loaded Dog.

The explosive yarn about three gold miners and their overgrown pup, Tommy, will entertain. “The Loaded Dog has plenty of action and humour to engage and enter- tain audiences aged 5 to 95,” said Shellie Buckle, Manager Cultural, Education & Li- brary Services.

Please book your chair for the performance with Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au. The event is free and families are welcome.

Here’s your chance to fly: Plummeting towards the ground at 180km an hour from 14,000 feet above. The Phoenix is sending a reporter to see what all the fuss is about. Skydiving is a popular bucket list item and there is a good reason why – the adrena- line rush of free falling is but one. Adrena- line junkie or not, skydiving is a chance to overcome your fears and feel free. Places still available this weekend to Skydive in Dubbo with Skydive Oz. www.skydiveoz. com.au/skydive-dubbo/

MP celebrates Parkes Elvis Festival founders: Member for Orange Philip Do- nato last week celebrated the contribution of Bob Steele OAM and Anne Steele OAM in the NSW Parliament’s Hansard as the founders of the Parkes Elvis Festival in 1993.

“Ensuring that the efforts of locals in my electorate are recognised for years to come through the NSW Parliament, is im- portant,” Philip said.

In his Private Member’s Statement, Philip recounted the history of the festival from its small beginnings in 1993 and paid tribute to the couple saying: “Bob and Anne Steele might not have envisioned such growth nor the widespread interest it would generate around the globe, but that’s exactly what they’ve achieved.

I wish for Bob and Anne to be recognised for their vision, enthusiasm and all of the many hours expended growing this iconic fixture, for without their zeal, we’d not have the blossoming event it is today.” Anybody with a story of an unsung hero in the Orange electorate should contact Philip’s office with details for consideration.

Smoke, Rust And Noise Attract Record Crowd

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes & District Historical Society made enough smoke and noise last Sunday to attract the biggest crowd ever in 20 years to its annual open day.

More than 200 people of all generations looked on in amazement at the old ma- chines being started with blow lamps and all kinds of other trickeries, while small children had a great time climbing all over machines, opening doors and turning steering wheels.

“It is a terrific day out,” said one man who brought his whole family. Yvonne Hutton, President of the society agreed saying it was absolutely magnificent. “It is the most successful day we’ve ever had.”

She gave a big thumbs up to all the local members and members of the Central West Antique Machinery and Collectors Club from Molong who worked so hard on the machines all day “without a single swear word uttered”.

Yvonne was also very happy with the support they had received from Member for Orange Philip Donato who was there for four hours. “He is an engine fellow himself and promised to bring back his father and other family,” said Yvonne.

By Maggi Barnard

Sister City Cars In Parkes

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It is fitting that the Armstrong Siddeley Club visit Parkes on Sunday as part of its 50th anniversary rally.

The original company was formed in 1919 in Coventry England, and Coventry is a sister city of Parkes.

The company was very quick off the mark after World War II, announcing new models (Hurricane, Lancaster and Typhoon) just three days after the end of the war. The 3.4 litre Sapphire was introduced in 1952, and replaced by the Star Sapphire in 1958. A mid-sized Sapphire 236 was produced between 1956 and 1958.

Although all vehicles were excellently engineered with above average performance, they were priced much above comparably sized Jaguars. Sales were moderate, and production ceased in 1960.

Redecorate This Easter With Parkes Décor Shoppe

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

If you are planning to do some home decorating or other jobs around the house over Easter, Parkes Décor Shoppe is the place to go.

You can find anything there from lights and fans to curtains, blinds and awnings to linen and even gifts.

Parkes Décor is part of the Lighting Network, the largest group of independent retial lighting stores in Australia, offering many dif- ferent types of lights to choose from. These include DIY lights needing no electrician to fit them.

With the weather turning colder, the store has beautiful bedspreads, quilts, linen and cushions to choose from. With new stock arriving weekly, you will never run out of new ideas or might just find that special design you want.

Parkes Décor has a free measuring service to give you a professional quote and advice for blinds, curtains and lighting. The curtains on offer range from classic to contemporary, country style to urban living in a large selection of fabrics to choose from. You can browse through a wide range of fabric samples in store. Curtains are custom made professionally with many different finishes.

With 42 years of experience in the industry, Parkes Décor Shoppe has the answers to all your decorating questions. Phone 6862 2677 or call in at 202 – 204 Clarinda Street.

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