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Snippets…

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Sunshine Clubs: The Parkes and District Historical Society is celebrating Heritage Week this year celebrating 80 years of 2PK and 2PK/ROK FM. As part of the topic Speaking Voices, the successful 2PK Sunshine Clubs will be included, which formed part of the radio station and raised so much money for the Royal Far West Health Scheme. The Historical Society would like to make contact with the Sun- shine Clubs at Forbes and Trundle. Please call Yvonne Hutton on 0418674 261.

Debutante Ball: The theme of the Anglican Debutante Ball on Friday, 5th May is Glitz and Glamor to be held at the Robert Wilson Auditorium of the Parkes League’s Club. The 20 Debutantes and their part- ners invite the community to St. George’s Anglican Church at 15 Church Street, for the viewing at 6pm. The Debutantes will support the Starlight Foundation this year. Gold coin donation entry to the viewing will assist this charity.

From the church they will be driven to the League’s Club in vintage cars provided by the Parkes Antique Motor Club. The debutantes will make their time-honoured and traditional entrance into society at the ball. The debutantes and their partners will be presented to Reverend Ron Spindler, Anglican Rector of St. George’s Parkes. The Matron for the ball is Norma Garment, while the duties of flower girls will be carried out by Lilly Phillips and Daisy Rice

Step Inside Six Heritage Homes On Sunday

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes residents and visitors will have a rare opportunity to enter some of the Parkes region’s most majestic heritage homes as part of the 2017 Australian Heritage Festival.

The Sunrise to Sunset – Parkes Heritage Houses open day will see the doors of six grand homes open on Sunday for people to discover the beauty and hear the stories of these stately properties.

Parkes Shire Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Cr Alan Ward said: “This is a rare opportunity for locals and visitors to ignite their curiosity and gain some inspiration by taking a wander through some of the town’s most spectacular heritage homes.

“Participants will gain insight into Parkes’ history with a program providing facts about the properties, including the era of construction and special features within each of the homes.”

Volunteers from the Lachlan branch of the National Trust and Parkes Quota will be at each of the homes to greet visitors and guide them through the three Sunrise Houses in the morning and three Sunset Houses in the afternoon.

If you would like to make it a full day out, morning tea and lunch will be available at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre provided by Quota.

For the ultimate experience, a gold ticket will grant participants access to all six homes, morning tea and lunch at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. Ten lucky gold ticket holders will be chauffeured to the open houses in an antique car, courtesy of the Parkes Antique Motor Club.

Contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000 or www.visitparkes. com.au. Buy tickets via Eventbrite.

PCYC News

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Safer Drivers Course For Learner Drivers

The Parkes PCYC will present a Safer Drivers Course on Monday, 22 May. The course has two modules:

Module one is a three-hour facilitated group discussion on how to manage risks on the road. This will involve a maximum of 12 participants and will be delivered by a facilitator.

Module two is a two-hour, in-vehicle coaching session to develop low-risk driv- ing strategies. This will involve two participants and a coach.

The course cost is $140. Participants must have completed 50 hours of actual on-road driving experience to be eligible for the course. Credits gained under the 3-for-1 scheme cannot be included.

Learner drivers who complete the course will receive 20 hours off their log book.

All participants must:

• hold a valid NSW learner licence
• be under 25 years of age
• havecompleted50logbookhours(ofactual on-road experience)

Contact Parkes PCYC on 6862 3825 for more information or to book a place.

War Correspondent Commemorated On Stamp

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Australia Post has issued a new World War I commemorative stamp issue honouring war correspondent Charles Edwin Woodrow Bean.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said: “This year’s issue is the fourth in a five-year program commemorating the centenary of WWI. Correspondent Charles Bean was a key non-combat figure, who recorded Australia’s part in the war and initiated our national military heritage collection. We hope his place in this stamp issue reminds all Australians of his significant legacy.”

The photograph in the stamp design was taken by Herbert Baldwin on 26th February 1917. It shows Bean as the keen observer he was, watching the Australian advance through a telescope near Martinpuich, France.

Bean won the Australian Associated Press ballot in 1914 to become Australia’s official war correspondent. He departed for the war in November of that year with the first contingent of the AIF, which disembarked in Egypt. The war would come to dominate his career and life: as well as writing dispatches from the front, he wrote the multi-volume official history of Australia’s part in WWI, commenced the Australia’s WWI collection, and conceived of the Australian War Memo- rial as a place to house our national military heritage.

The stamps also represent four other thematic strands: the Australian Flying Corps, which entered the skies above the Western Front in late 1917; the Third Battle of Ypres, which cost so many Australian lives; the Sinai–Palestine campaign, which waged in the East; and the crucial home-front support for the troops by an army of mainly women.

The five domestic base-rate ($1) stamps are designed by Phil Ellet of Castlemaine- based Creative Ethos.

Mayoral Notes

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Thank you to everyone who supported this week’s Anzac commemorations across the Parkes Shire. It was wonderful to see such a big turnout, a reflection of community spirit.

Guided by the feedback received during the Parkes 2030 Community Consultation Workshops, Council has prepared the draft suite of strategic plans. These documents outline the programs and projects Parkes Shire Council will undertake over the next four years, and how these will be funded. Residents can view the draft plans at www. parkes.nsw.gov.au. Council welcomes and encourages your feedback.

Last week we welcomed Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester MP who announced a $1.3 million dollar invest- ment towards the construction of two new rail bridges along the Melbourne to Bris- bane rail route.

On Sunday, residents and visitors have a rare opportunity to go inside some of Parkes’ majestic heritage homes as part of the 2017 Australian Heritage Festival. The Sunrise to Sunset – Parkes Heritage Houses open day will see the doors of six grand homes open. Contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000 or www.visitparkes.com. au to purchase your tickets.

Parents and supervisors of local learner drivers are encouraged to attend a free two- hour workshop at Trundle Central School on Wednesday, 3rd May at 6pm. Bookings are essential, call 6861 2364.

It’s time to dust off those platform heels for the 2017 Trundle ABBA Festival. Be sure to purchase your tickets for next weekend’s festivities via www.trundleabbafestival.com. Have a fantastic week.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

Two New Rail Bridges Between Parkes and Narromine

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Two new railway bridges will be build between Parkes and Narromine to support the delivery of the Inland Rail project.

Two timber bridges at Tomingley West and Narwonah on the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) national rail network will be replaced by reinforced concrete culvert structures at a cost of $1.3 million.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester made the an- nouncement in Parkes last week. He said the upgrades were particularly significant as the new structures would meet the In- land Rail standard to future proof the bridg- es for longer, heavier and more efficient trains.

“The Inland Rail project will provide a rail freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane, connecting regional Australia with global markets. The region will play a major role in the delivery of Inland Rail, with the Central West region of NSW set to see $480 million in economic benefits,” the minister said.

“One Inland Rail train will support the movement of approximately 2,500 tonnes of freight in a single trip, equivalent to tak- ing 110 B-double trucks off the roads.”

The Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project involves upgrad- ing the existing 107km of track. Overall, the Inland Rail project takes advantage of 1,200km of existing rail corridor and will involve the construction of around 600km of new track. For more information visit www. inlandrail.artc.com.au

Come And Commemorate Anzac Day

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire residents are invited to attend the Anzac Day Commemorative Services to be held across the region on Tuesday, 25th April.

The Parkes Shire RSL sub-branches, in combination with Parkes Shire Council, have planned special services in each of the townships to pay tribute to veterans and current defence personnel.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said: “Historically, 25th April is a day for the Parkes Shire to come together to acknowledge our history, honour the Anzac legacy and show our strength as a community.

“The day will begin with Dawn Services in Parkes, Alectown, Tullamore, Peak Hill and Bogan Gate and will be followed by the Anzac Day march, wreath laying and commemorative services mid-morning.”

A number of guest speakers have been invited, including Captain Anthony Klen- this from the Royal Australian Navy. He will acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the 1942 World War II campaigns, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and share an insight into his time in the Navy at the 9am com- memorative service in Cooke Park.

Council’s roads and footpath crew have constructed a new footpath at Memorial Hill connecting with the existing granite walkway further down the hill to significantly improve pedestrian access.

The full Anzac Day program is available at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or can be collected from Council’s Administrative Building on Monday.

Poppies

Shire residents are also invited to commemorate the sacrifice and service of Anzac veterans by personalising a poppy to go on display at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre (VIC).

Free handmade paper poppies are available with space to write a message of commemoration on the back.

Parkes Shire Council’s Tourism Leader, Jaimee Timmins said: “The idea stems from the Australian War Memorial’s roll of honour, where thousands of red poppies adorn the tribute walls, each commemorating a fallen soldier.”

“The Flanders red poppies have long been part of Anzac Day observances and are considered an emblem of remembrance.”

During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium.

In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red poppy symbolises the sacrifice of shed blood, and has since become a symbol of remembrance.

The poppies have been on display at the VIC since Wednesday and will be there until Anzac Day.

Parkes East Students Write Winning Tributes

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Two Parkes East Public School students have made their own Anzac history in the annual Riverina Anzac Writing Awards.

Year 5 student Brienna Brown was the Northern district winner with her lyrical poem about the soldier’s experience, utilizing the recurring motif of a field of poppies to create a sense of futility and loss.

“We have to remember them because they died for our country,” Brienna said.

The Northern district’s Highly Commend- ed award went to Year 6 student Madeline Blackstock for her short story that tackles a different aspect of war-time sacrifice. Made- line tells the story of a nurse stationed over- seas to tend the wounded, seen through the eyes of a child left behind on the farm.

“It’s important to remember the Anzac’s because there’s no war in Australia anymore,” Madeline said.

The Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack received almost 800 entries for the annual competition, with students across the electorate exploring the theme Anzac Day in the Riverina and Central West.

Michael said judging this year’s competition was tough. “I was not only impressed with the quantity of entries, but also extremely proud of their quality.”

Parkes East Public School teacher Leanne Matthews coordinated the school’s entries for the competition. “We’re all extremely proud of the girls,” she said.

“The information pack that the Minister sent out was very stimulating and managed to spark their interest, ” she said. “All the students really responded to the resources.”

By Raen Fraser

We Will Remember Them

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Arthur Parker – Royal Australian Air Force

Arthur Parker joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1955. He served as a supply supervisor and loadmaster, and was posted to many and varied locations across Australia and overseas during his 21 years of service.

Perhaps the most dramatic was his 1966 posting to Malaysia to support the Vietnam War. He and his family found themselves in the midst of civil unrest. Penang was in total lockdown, and at one point a machine-gun was set up in their garden.

In 1974 Arthur was instrumental in providing support to the Cyclone Tracey recovery effort, which earned him a Certificate of Out- standing Service.

Paul Thomas – Australian Army

Paul Thomas joined the Australian Army in 1967 and served for six years. In 1970 he was deployed to Vietnam for 12 months, and served with 24 other soldiers from Parkes. He said overall the Vietnamese people were good to Australians. “They didn’t want to be in the war as much as we didn’t want to be there,” he said.

“It made me realise how lucky we are in Australia. Their living standards were so much lower.”

Paul said that despite the hardships of the war, being there was less challenging than coming home. Many soldiers returned at a time when Vietnam veterans were widely despised.

Karl Martin – Royal Australian Navy

Karl Martin spent 15 years in the Navy, serving in the first Gulf War. Karl served on three ships; the HMAS Success – a replen- ishment ship, the HMAS Sydney- a guided missile frigate, and the HMAS Swan- a de- stroyer escort.

Karl was deployed to the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, which he described as a very tense time.

They were fortunate enough to not come under live fire during the deployments, although at one point his ship sailed into a minefield.

“We didn’t know what we were heading into. We were all just hoping nothing would happen,” he said.

Photographer Puts Farmers Into Focus

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What does a farmer look like? Kim Storey and Cassie Gates are on a mission to answer that question. The Eugowra-based photographer and graphic designer are collaborating on a coffee-table book that will showcase a range of 21st century farmers.

The pair is travelling across the country to photograph primary producers for their project. “We’ve got about 25 so far, but we’ll have 100 by the time we’re finished,” photographer Kim Storey said.

They visit farms to capture beautiful por- traits of farmers and their produce, and will complement the images with their stories. “We give the farmers the opportunity to show what they do, why they do it, who they are, and where they are,” she said. “We’re opening the gate into their world and letting people in.”

“Anytime farming hits the media it’s for a negative reason. All of the newsworthy events, like floods or fires or droughts, only show the negatives. I wanted to show the positives.”

Kim said that the idea for the project sprouted from a twitter conversation dis- cussing the perception of women in agri- culture.

“When I googled what does a farmer look like all the images were old men in overalls holding pitchforks, and not rep- resentative of what farmers are and what they do.”

“I wanted to challenge the perception that people have of farming and show the real diversity in the industry; the range of backgrounds, industries, and technolo- gies.”

“I’d really wanted to do a photo book for a while, so we put the two together.”

The project has already received a lot of media attention, and they are currently working on the publishing strategy. They are tentatively hoping it will hit the shelves for Mothers’ Day next year.

For more information visit their facebook page: What Does A Farmer Look Like?

By Raen Fraser

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