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School Scoop

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Changing of Guard At Parkes Christian School

The Board of Parkes Christian School has accepted the resignation of the Principal for the past seven years, Graham Hope.

According to a message from the board, Graham plans on remaining in the role for term two before taking leave for the re- mainder of the year and officially finishing at the end of 2017.

In the second half of the year Graham will be taking some study time, but will as- sist the board in the transition to the next Principal.

In Graham’s tenure as Principal, Parkes Christian School has made significant pro- gress and the school saw the introduction of Stage 6, including the completion of the first two years of HSC graduates and enrol- ments doubled.

“It would be remiss if we did not thank Graham’s wife Lynne, acknowledging the steadfast support of Graham but also a highly capable and diligent member of the school executive who has contributed significantly to many achievements during this period,” the board said in its message.

A Place For Creativity And Innovation

Holy Family School is very proud of the new Makerspace Centre. The Makerspace Centre is an exciting place for children to be creative and innovative. There are gadgets and tools that cater for the interests of all children. The Makerspace area has the lat- est Mbots, BeeBots, circuit boards and robots, which the students have assembled themselves.

Fun For Everyone At The Andy Jones Show

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Dozens of kids brought their parents to the Parkes Library on Tuesday to enjoy the Andy Jones Show.

The raucous show provided plenty of laughs as Andy shared his unique blend of jokes, music and more jokes. Participants were treated to an impromptu comedy master-class as Andy explained some of the tools of the trade before inviting the audience to join the show.

The 45 people – of all ages – enjoyed the interactive performance, with some finding themselves in the spotlight with physical comedy, others trying their hand at a bit of stand-up and everyone getting up to dance.

Andy Jones is a best-selling children’s author, musician, song writer and come- dian. He has released five CDs, written 12 books, and performed thousands of shows around the country. His titles include The Ripper Razzle Dazzle Big Book of Fun, Hot Jokes for Cool Kids and The Burptionary.

Kath’s Prestigious Win Is Icing On Cake

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Local legend Kath Swansbra has once again taken out top honours in the Arts & Craft awards at this years’ Sydney Royal Easter Show. Kath’s delicate delectables are so impressive that she has won three awards despite only submitting two entries this year.

Kath’s Christmas cake claimed first place in the special occasion cake decorating cat- egory. It is a divinely crafted nativity scene that depicts the first Christmas. Its intricate features include a stable, angels playing a violin and a harp, three wise men, a shepherd with his sheep and desert dunes around the edge.

She joked that she had to watch Lawrence of Arabia several times to get the dunes right. Kath really enjoys doing major jobs that involve a bit of research and a lot of patience. “Sometimes it might take me ten attempts just to get a hand right,” she said. “Icing cracks and you have to start again.It’s a matter of learning your medium.”

Her second entry earned another first place – this time in the sugar art deco- rated egg category. Kath’s hand-moulded sugar egg is an ornate creation that opens to reveal a ballerina. The 11 cm egg took nearly four weeks to create, and it seems the judges appreciated her effort and skill. Her exquisite egg was also the winner of the prestigious Dorothy Evans Perpetual trophy for the best exhibit in cake decorat- ing and sugar art. Kath has won the tro- phy more times than she can remember, but this doesn’t make the victory any less sweet.
“I miss out on it every couple of years,”

Kath said. “But it’s still such a relief to win. I’ve only got one way to go, and that’s down,” she joked. “It’s great to know I’m still good enough with all the younger people who are entering.”

By Raen Fraser

Mayoral Notes

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

This week we welcomed Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Hon Rick Colless MLC to the Parkes Region to announce two lots of roads funding. The NSW Government will provide $900,000 in funding for the upgrade of The Bogan Way and a further $790,000 for Middle Trundle Road. This funding will allow for the widening and sealing of two sections along The Bogan Way, and 4.5 kilometres of sealing for the Middle Trundle Road. I thank the NSW Government for these significant contributions.

This Easter long weekend the Shire will celebrate all things Irish at the Tullamore Irish Music Festival. I would like to welcome all those who have travelled for the event to join in all the fun, music, food, games and fashion. For more information visit www.tullamore.org.au.

Council has observed a significant increase in residential water consumption across the Shire ahead of the quarterly progressive water consumption notices being issued this week.The overall increase is likely to be attributable to the extreme warmer temperatures over summer and the absence of rain. Residents who feel there is a disparity in their water meter reading are encouraged to carry out simple checks to ensure their reading is correct. More information is available at www.parkes.nsw. gov.au/residents-encouraged-to-check- their-water-meter-reading/

A reminder to those residents travelling over the long weekend to drive safely and be mindful of the increased traffic on the roads during the holiday period.
Have an enjoyable

Easter long weekend.
Yours Faithfully,

Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

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

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