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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.

Mayoral Notes

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

This week we welcomed, Michael McCormack MP to Parkes to carry out an official sod turning on construction of the new Ad- vanced Water Recycling Facility (AWRF). The $6 million facility, jointly funded by the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund and Parkes Shire Council, will underpin a new recycled water scheme for Parkes to strengthen water security and bring our water recycling activities up to cur- rent regulatory and industry standards.

We are delighted that the Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, Pär Ahlberger, will join us at the 2017 Trundle ABBA Festival on 6th May to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic pop group’s first visit to Australia. This will be the Ambassador’s first trip to regional NSW. We look forward to celebrating Trun- dle’s unique connection with Sweden and developing a positive and collaborative rela- tionship with the Swedish Embassy.

The streets of Tullamore will soon turn green for the annual Tullamore Irish Music Festival. With the Easter Long Weekend just around the corner, it is time to start planning your outfit and join us for family fun, music, food, games and fashion over three days. For more information visit www.tullamore.org.au.

These school holidays the Parkes Visitors Information Centre is hosting its first Kids Days Out next Wednesday, 12th April for kids 0 -12 years. There’ll be a free animal farm, classic cars, face painting, an Indigenous dance performance, colouring competition, story time and a visit by the Easter Bunny! Contact 6862 6000 or visitparkes. com.au

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

Kinesio Tape: Help Or Hype?

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

In 2008 Kinesio tape (K tape) was donated to 58 countries for use during the Olympic Games. By the 2016 Olympic Games it was hard to miss; brightly coloured strips of tape decorating the arms, legs and torsos of many high profile athletes. With this exposure, the use of K tape has become increasingly popular amongst the general population. The question must be asked – does it really work?

In a nutshell, K tape is brightly coloured, stretchy tape that is designed to stick to the skin. Proponents of K tape claim the adhe- sive backing on the tape lifts the skin, creating channels of less pressure. They claim it increases blood flow and lymphatic drain- age and reduces pressure on nerves, muscles, tendons, stimulates mechano-recep- tors, improves sporting performance and decreases swelling and pain after injury.

The inconvenient truth for any K tape believer is that for every research paper that shows a positive effect there is another one that shows little or no effect. Numer- ous systematic reviews have analysed the research data and none have reached any firm conclusions.

Many therapists will argue; if the athlete thinks it helps with pain and performance why not use it? I do not agree. If pain is helped by the use of K tape then it is unlikely there was significant tissue damage in the first place. In this case, tape isn’t needed and shouldn’t be used as a crutch.

Sure, an athlete may feel better after putting some tape on but I prefer the athlete to get better and back to sport by moving without fear.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly

Rotary Surprises Lionel With Award

March 30, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A well known Parkes teacher was a surprised recipient of a Rotary Award at the Rotary District Conference held in Orange recently. Parkes Rotary Public Relations officer David Hughes presented Lionel Lovett with a Certificate of Commendation for Vocational Excellence.

Lionel said the award was a bit of a shock. “Rotary invited me to the dinner, but I had no idea that I was up for an award,” he said. “I thought I was going to be a guest at the dinner because I had made a small contribution to the Rotary project at the arboretum. It was one of those things that I like to be a part of, I wasn’t expecting anything for
it,” he said. Lionel is best known for his work with schools in Parkes, where he has been teaching school students Wiradjuri language, customs and history for more than a decade. He has previously been honoured with a Nanga Mai Award, and was named the 2014 Parkes Shire Indigenous Person of the year.

Lionel’s skills are many and varied. Alongside teaching Wiradjuri, he coaches the Little Goannas dance group, works as an artist, performs Welcome to Country for official events, and is heavily involved in the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. “I really love to be involved in projects, particularly when there’s a cultural aspect to it, and aboriginal inclusion,” he said. “But it’s not just me, there’s a lot of other people I work with who are also doing great work.”

Lionel is currently planning the next project with collaborator Sean Cassidy. They envisage creating an indigenous art installation around the water tower on Bushman’s Hill, which would incorporate the Aboriginal history and serve as an extension to the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre.

By Raen Fraser

Clang, Clank And Clatter To Keep History Alive

March 30, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It is going to clamour and clatter with lots of smoke coming from rusty old machines at the Henry Parkes Museum on Sunday when history will be brought back to life. The annual Smoke, Rust and Noise Day of the museum and 50th anniversary celebration, promises to be a ruckus of an event that will make any machine lovers’ hair stand on end with pleasure.

The museum’s collection includes some of the most valuable antique machinery in Australia including tractors, harvesters and agricultural equipment and other engines and trucks. “All the old machines need to be crank
started that requires a lot of energy and fitness, but it is half of the fun for the machine lovers,” said President of the Parkes & District Historical Society, Yvonne Hutton.

She said the Sunshine Harvester, which gained a reputation as the first successful combine harvester in Australia, would be one to look out for, while the great, big Petter engine is a good smoke producer. Members of the Mumbil Machinery Group will be bringing some small engines and assist with the start up.

Inside the museum a much cleaner and quieter display of four generations of wedding gowns will be on show ranging from 1919 to 2005. The picnic train will run for the kids, the Armstrong Siddeley Car Club will have 20 cars on display and the 50th birthday cake will be cut at 1:30pm after a barbeque lunch at 12:15pm that can be purchased
as part of the fundraising efforts of the day.

For $5 entry, you can enrich your life with the wonders of history from 9:30am.

Find A Friend On A Buddy Bench

March 30, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Simple ideas are often the best, even when it comes to making a tough school playground friendlier. The buddy bench is one such idea to promote inclusion and friendship. Thanks to the Buddy Bench Initiative of the Currajong Autism & Special Needs Group primary schools in the Parkes Shire have received a buddy bench each last week with
the help of the John Holland Group.

Peak Hill Central School was the first to install their bench, donated by Forefront Services. “It is a fantastic idea and the kids enjoy using it,” said Assistant Principal, Sarah Browning. According to Deb Collier and Angela Wilson, facilitators of Currajong Autism & Special Needs Group, the initiative started early last year as a dream to provide a buddy bench for every primary school in and around Parkes.

“When Warren Monks of John Holland heard about our dream, he gave his employee Jodie Goonrey the huge task of
finding local businesses and suppliers to donate benches.” It was a huge team effort with Whitney’s Welding & Bobcat Hire building 10 originally-designed, double-sided benches; members of the group hand-painting the
benches TTT Signs providing the signs and donation plaques.

The buddy bench is a place for kids to sit, and send out a visual signal to other kids that they would like friendship, or somebody to play with. This visual signal makes children conscious of this, and is usually enough to prompt them to extend a hand.

By Maggi Barnard

Local Writers Aim For The Stars

March 30, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Ten local writers attended the launch of the Parkes chapter of Skywriters at the Library last Wednesday. Many more scribes are interested in the project but were unable to attend. They will each seek celestial inspiration to pen a work of up to 3,000 words, and many had already found their muse.

The Skywriters Project aims to connect communities of regional writers across inland NSW, and is just one of a dozen groups scattered in the 700km array from Canberra to Narrabri. The groups support writers to create a short piece of any genre that is inspired by our southern sky. The project will run for two years, providing feedback and editorial support to the writers, who will see their finished stories published online or in an anthology.

Mayor Ken Keith joined Dr Merrill Findlay and the Library’s Shelley Buckle and Dan Fredericks at the launch. While Merrill was delighted with the interest – which has been strong across the groups – she was not surprised by the regional talent. “Inland NSW used to be the heart of literary culture in Australia,” she said, “but now that hub has moved to the coast and the cities. Skywriters is a chance to challenge those urban stereotypes of inland Australia.”

The Skywriters’ cluster is part of a galaxy of projects called the Big Skies Collaboration. It is a collaboration between regional writers, artists, and astronomers with the shared objectives to explore the intersection of art and science. The various creative works produced will be inspired by the big skies of inland rural Australia. The project will also feature Wiradjuri cultural astronomy. The project will conclude in 2019, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Mission – an event that is just one of Parkes’ own sky stories.

By Raen Fraser

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