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Parkes Phoenix

SNIPPETS…

November 29, 2019 By editor

Natan Sadykov is the first student to ever represent Middleton Public School in the state finals of the Premier’s Spelling Bee.

Spelling Bee: Year 5 Middleton Public School student Natan Sadykov participated in the senior section of the Premier’s Spelling Bee state finals in Sydney recently. Na- tan survived through to Round 5, but was eliminated in round 6. This was an outstanding effort, especially considering the words were unseen and officials claimed it was the toughest field the Spelling Bee have ever had. Natan is the first student to have ever represented Middleton in the State finals. He received a trove of prizes including a certificate, a medallion, a novel, a big dictionary and a great set of headphones.

Roads To Recovery Boost For Parkes Shire: Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced further financial relief for Parkes Shire as part of a comprehensive drought relief pack- age. The funding is part of a $1 billion extension of the Government’s existing suite of drought relief measures. Michael said the money would help to stimulate the local economy and keep jobs in the community.

Assistance For Farmers: Drought-hit farmers in Parkes Shire may be able to access one-off payments of up to $3,000 in Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative. The Initiative is aimed at assisting farmers to help cover their day-to-day living costs such as groceries, car servicing, energy bills and medical expenses. Registrations are now open for drought-affected farmers, farm workers, contractors and suppliers. Applications can be done through St Vincent de Paul Society by visiting https://drought.svdp.org.au/apply or calling 1300 846 643.

Get Tested For HIV: If you’ve never been tested for HIV or haven’t had a test for more than a year, Western NSW Local Health District is encouraging you to get one done, especially as this is HIV Awareness Week (23 – 30 November) and World AIDS Day on 1st December. “You can get tested at your local GP or sexual health service. Or, if you want to test yourself at home, the Dried Blood Spot testing kit can be delivered to you and results are sent back by text, email or phone,” said Kim Grant, Clinical Nurse Consultant for Sexual Health. NSW has made significant progress towards the goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2020, with a 13% drop in the number of new diagnoses between January to September, compared to the previous five-year average.

 

Some of the 135 volunteers and clients who attended the Meals on Wheel Christmas lunch at the Parkes Services Club last week.

More Money To Help Drought Communities

November 22, 2019 By editor

At the announcement of the donation at Dubbo Turf Club last week were (L-R) Warrick McLean, Director of NSW Business Chamber, Dr Saranne Cook, Director of Racing NSW and Scott Barrett, GIVIT NSW Drought Relief Manager.

Farmers and families across drought-ravaged NSW will receive greater community support after Racing NSW and NSW Busi- ness Chamber donated $50,000 to national charity GIVIT.

Official drought charity partner of the NSW Government, GIVIT’s ‘Drought Relief Appeal’ has spent over $300,000 in drought affected areas since August last year, purchasing and coordinating more than 100,000 item donations for 170 frontline charities working with struggling residents.

The sizable donation was raised by over 400 business leaders at the recent NSW Business Chamber and Racing NSW’s ‘Business of Racing’ lunch.

This donation, along with donations from the Australian public, will be used to meet the genuine needs of communities, with a focus on purchasing items locally to also provide an economic benefit to struggling regional businesses.

GIVIT NSW Drought Relief Manager, Scott Barrett, said the generous donation would allow the charity to better meet the wide range of needs of vulnerable families, farmers and at-risk individuals.

“We’re here to help charities and frontline services get exactly what their regional and remote communities need, from a set of tyres for a ute and food for working dogs, to essential school items and uniforms,” said Scott.

GIVIT is free, private and easy to use, and currently supports over 2,800 charities across Australia. If you are a local charity or service, please register at givit.org.au/charity-registration.

Experts Visit Family Businesses

November 22, 2019 By editor

Family businesses in and around the Central West region will have the opportunity to receive valuable tools and advice on succession planning from a team of industry experts at a free, one-day workshop in Parkes on Thursday, 28th November.

The National Association for Loss and Grief’s (NALAG) ‘Our Shout’ program coordinator, Ms Brenda Baker, is hoping to improve the experiences of succession for a greater number of family businesses.

NALAG’s ‘Our Shout’ program promotes positive strategies to improve wellbeing and resilience in rural NSW communities. “Communication in family-run business is crucial not only for financial success but also the emotional and mental wellbeing of all family members that are involved in the partnership,” said Brenda Baker.

The workshop’s expert panel will include Family Succession Advisor, James Hamilton and Succession Law Specialist, Claire Booth.

The workshop will be at Parkes Services Club from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, 28th November. To register, visit www.nalag.org.au/familymatters or contact 6882 9222.

Parkes Talent Shines At National Busking Champs

November 22, 2019 By editor

Gemma Ellis performs on stage. (Photo: Snowy Mountains Magazine)

It was an unforgettable day for three young talented Parkes artists at the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC) national grand final in Cooma last weekend.

Anabelle van Wyk (12) came second over- all in the primary category with Gemma Ellis (12) in third place, and Hannah Dun (14) was runner-up in the secondary category. It is the first time participants from Parkes made it into the top three.

“It felt wonderful receiving second place, and I am so grateful to have been able to compete and represent our region,” said Annabelle, who was at the final for the second year. She said the competition was really good and she loved seeing all the talent.

Annabelle van Wyk with her second prize!

It was a life-changing event for Gemma, who took part in her first grand final. “I had so much fun singing and entertaining the street audience at various shop fronts. The competition was amazing, and I was so happy and overwhelmed to have won third place.”

Hannah said the competition became bigger and bigger every year, especially in the secondary category. “I see the competition in my category as a motivation and inspiration.”

Australian National Busking Championships founder Allan Spencer said spectators were treated to a wonderful range of performances. “Buskers from all over Australia were competing for cash prizes at the ninth annual event.

Gold Coast trio The Inadequates were crowned the nation’s best buskers. They won the Stanthorpe Busking Championships earlier this year. The eclectic group boasted an array of unique, homemade instruments, wowing audiences with their folk-inspired sound.

More than 52 musicians took part in the competition after competing at eight regional finals, of which Peak Hill was one. The winners of each category qualify for the final in Cooma. Annabelle and Hannah won their categories in Peak Hill, while Gemma won the primary category in Gundegai.

Hannah Dun at a busking hot spot.

They had to perform at busking hot spots around Cooma with unidentified judges watching them perform. In the afternoon they performed on the main stage and were judged again before the winners were announced.

The talented judging team included Oz Bayldon, who has a huge reputation in the music industry both in Australia and overseas. He is the music director and operations manager of several music festivals including the iconic Gympie Music Muster, Noosa Come Together Festival, as well as the highest music festival in the world held in Nepal to raise money for orphans in that country.

He also discovered Tones And I at the ANBC Noosa Busking Championships, and have since had a meteoric rise with an Australian and overseas tour and number one hits in seven countries.

The three Parkes competitors said they would love to compete again next year. “I really appreciate that they give these opportunities to kids in rural areas,” said Annabelle.

“This event has opened my eyes and given me insight as to where many paths can take me,” said Gemma.”

By Maggi Barnard

A Special Day For 8 New Citizens

November 22, 2019 By editor

CONGRATULATIONS!… Parkes became eight new Australian citizens richer on Tuesday when a citizenship ceremony was held at the Council chambers. At the back (L-R) are Mayor Ken Keith OAM, Mohannad Islam, Claudia Vejrazka, Leonardo Tiveron, Ludovico Tiveron and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton. In front are Kuiju Cai, Edi Sartori, Alma Marsh and Kate Anzia.

The Parkes Shire Council chamber filled with pride and joy on Tuesday as eight local residents became Australian citizens witnessed by their families and friends.

Mayor Ken Keith congratulated the candidates on their decision to become citizens and said: “I hope that you will embrace the values of freedom, peace, diversity and acceptance that we enjoy in Australia, particularly here in Parkes, and I hope that they are the values that you will pass on to your children.”

The eight new citizens, who came to Australia from five different countries, each received a citizenship certificate signed by the Mayor, a Parkes Shire Council pen in a presentation box, a Parkes booklet and a citizenship poster for the children.

Kate Tique Anzia came to Australia from the Philippines in 2014. She is a carer at the Southern Cross Care Village and enjoys cooking and reading.

Alma Marsh is from Manila in the Philippines and has been in Australia since 2012. She works as a kitchenhand and her interests are gardening, computers, reading and investing in properties.

Ludovico Tiveron moved from Italy to Parkes in 2014. He works as a delivery man at Dominos, and teaches martial arts to a junior class. In his free time he enjoys fishing and martial arts.

Edi Sartori, who enjoys gardening, cooking and crafting, moved to Parkes from Italy in 2014.

Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton congratulates Kuiju Cai on attaining her citizenship at the ceremony held on Tuesday.

Leonardo Tiveron who also came from Italy, has just graduated as a mechanical engineer at the University of Newcastle. His interests are cars and motorbikes.

Mohannad Islam is from Bangladesh and first arrived in Sydney in 2014. He moved to Parkes in 2018 and works as a mechanical engineer. He enjoys travelling, reading books and watching movies.

Claudia Vejrazka is from Germany and first came to Parkes in 2006 as a vacation student. She moved to Perth in 2009 and in 2011 to Parkes. She is a mining engineer and her interests are permaculture and horticulture. It was an extra special day for Claudia as it was also her daughter’s third birthday.

Kuiju Cai is from China and first arrived in Australia in 1999. She moved to Parkes in 2014 and currently works as a kitchen hand. She enjoys watching TV.

The candidates each took an oath or affirmation, and everyone sang the national anthem after the presentation of their citizenship certificates.

It is a long and often difficult journey to become a citizen making the ceremony a very special milestone day. The joy, pride and honour felt by the new citizens was evident on Tuesday with many of them saying they already felt part of the community.

“Parkes is a great community, and the people are lovely and friendly,” said Edi Sartori. “It is not only an honour to become a citizen, but also makes me feel that I am now a permanent member of the community,” said Mohanned Islam.

By Maggi Barnard

SNIPPETS…

November 22, 2019 By editor

Pat Nolan and Kym Weaver of Currajong Disability Services are getting ready to celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3rd December.

Celebrate People With Disability: Currajong Disability Services and Forbes Shire Council have teamed up with other NDIS providers to recognise International Day of People with Disability on 3rd December with a series of events at the Forbes Memorial Pool. It is the second time both groups have come together to stage this key event. The event will not just be a celebration of people with a disability but also a chance for other providers and organisations to connect and share experiences and ideas. The day is United Nations sanctioned and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

Spectacular Weekend For Drought-Affected Students: Students from Trundle Central School will be part of 150 students from 14 other schools this weekend in Sydney to watch the Schools Spectacular and enjoy the seaside. Far from the dusty, drought-ravaged paddocks of home, this weekend will be a wish come true for the students thanks to Wish Upon a Star, a joint initiative of the Department of Edu- cation, Office of Sport and Transport for NSW and supported by a sponsorship from RØDE Microphones. Three students are from one of the state’s most isolated and driest schools in the far north-western corner of the state, Tibooburra Outback Public School. Schools Spectacular Co-Executive Producer Rosemary Davis said everyone had enthusiastically supported the effort to give these young people a weekend they would never forget.

Small Business Helping Other Small Businesses: Greenparkes Garden Centre has taken the initiative to invite market stall holders to set up a temporary stand at Greenparkes Garden Centre every Saturday until Christmas from 10am to 3pm. Bookings are essential to maintain variety of offer. Please bring your own equipment required including cash float and EFT facilities. For more information contact Jenny on 0428 634 650 during business hours.

Parkes Man Wins Big: A Parkes man has kicked off the week with a win, scoring $100,000 in the latest Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw, the guaranteed first prize. He said he initially thought he was seeing things. “I had to get my wife to come over and make sure I wasn’t seeing things! I can’t believe it. We’re both so excited, but a little bit shell-shocked! The man said he’d use his prize to get some renovations done around his home.

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club went to Lake Cargelligo for a fun weekend and to celebrate member Jason Gosper’s 50th birthday. Member Linda Snyman made him a beauti- ful Obelix cake. With Jason are Bill Thomas, Harley Tom and Beth Thomas.

Bogan Gate Students Star In Schools Spectacular

November 22, 2019 By editor

A performance in last year’s School Spectacular.

Three members of the combined choir of Bogan Gate Public School will be performing in Schools Spectacular at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena this weekend.

The Schools Spectacular theme this year is ‘stars’ and the Bogan Gate choir will be joining a galaxy of 5,500 stars from all over the state for four performances.

Now in its 36th year, the Schools Spectacular has sealed itself at the pinnacle of the NSW performing arts calendar and has been ranked by Guinness World RecordsTM as the world’s largest amateur variety act.

It will star 40 featured performers, an incredible 100-piece symphony orchestra, stage band, 2,700 voice choir, 2,300 amazing dancers, the D’Arts Ensemble disability program, the Aboriginal Dance Company, puppets and an indispensable behind-the- scenes team.

In the true spirit of variety, the fast-paced show will transition through a colourful choreographed kaleidoscope of music from pop and hip hop to the classics, from a crescendo of massed voices to stunning solos, and a full spectrum of dance styles. Each segment will relate to the ‘stars’ theme.

The show will be recorded for later broad- cast across the Channel 7 network Australia-wide.

Legend Of Water

November 15, 2019 By editor

Parkes Shire Council raked in another award last week when Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis, was bestowed with legendary status. He was named one of three Legends of Water by the Australian Water Association (AWA). The award recognises the achievements of water industry leaders committed to creating a more sustainable water future dedicating their careers to promoting the importance of water in their respective fields.

Parkes Elvis Festival ‘The Best Of The Best’

November 15, 2019 By editor

Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure with the top gong adding to the festival’s vast collection of awards.

The fame of the Parkes Elvis Festival keeps on spreading as this major event was named the “Best of the Best” at the inaugural Grey Nomads Awards last week.

Announced at a gala dinner on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Festival took out the top prize after winning the “Best Grey Nomad Festival or Event” category earlier in the evening.

The Grey Nomad Awards recognise communities, tourism operators and events that provide exemplary products, services or experiences for travellers aged over 55.

The “Best of the Best” was granted to the category winner judged as the most outstanding.

“We have an extremely hard-working team of staff and volunteers who work around the clock to deliver a five-day festival with more than 200 unique events,” said Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

“Winning this award is wonderful validation for all the blood, sweat and tears that go into delivering this event to our audiences.”

Grey Nomad Awards Director Kim Morgan, said the win was a significant feather in Parkes’ cap. “Winning a Grey Nomad Award says to these travellers that you offer a superior experience where their needs and enjoyment have been taken into special consideration, providing them with verified information that will guide their decisions on where to travel and what to experience.”

Judging was conducted by mature-age tourism and event professionals from around Australia, some of whom had experienced the grey nomad lifestyle, lending weight to Parkes Elvis Festival’s success.

Parkes Elvis Festival and Parkes Shire Council were praised for the thorough research they had conducted to attract and satisfy grey nomads. The judges were impressed that this inland town in the heart of New South Wales has found such a unique way to attract tens of thousands of visitors when much of Australia is solely focussed on seaside holidays.

The Power Of Words

November 15, 2019 By editor

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Parkes East student Oscar Hendry.

Writing a letter can sometimes bring surprising results as a year 2 student at Parkes East Primary School found out this week.

Eight-year-old Oscar Hendry wrote a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister about his school and invited him to visit. He also said he wanted to be an astrophysicist one day.

The letter made a big impression and on Monday Michael McCormack came to visit Oscar at his school and spent time in his classroom.

He asked Oscar about his favourite subjects, and if the presence of the Parkes Radio Telescope has inspired Oscar to be an astrophysicist.

Michael told Oscar and the students they could be whatever they wanted to be as long as they applied themselves. “Who knows maybe one day you could be like Andy Thomas the Australian astronaut,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also answered questions from the students about his role, and he handed out certificates to students who participated in an ANZAC Day writing competition earlier in the year.

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Recent Articles

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