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Celebrate With Someone You Love

February 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The day of love hearts, red roses and romance is just around the corner… Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day, is a day that many Australians celebrate with someone they love. The day originated as a Western Christian liturgical feast day honoring one or more early saints named Valentinus, and is recognised as a significant cultural and commercial celebration in many regions around the world.

According to Wikipedia, the day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards.

These days typical Valentine’s Day activities include picnics in the park, buying gifts of chocolates, flowers, jewellery, or other items for loved ones, a romantic meal at a restaurant, a boat cruise with a special meal, sharing Valentine’s Day messages via social media and radio announcements. You can have your special Valentine’s message printed in the Parkes Phoenix too – see Love Notes at the end of this story.

Some people choose Valentine’s Day as the day to propose to their partners, while others set February 14 as their wedding day. Some charities and other organisations hold special events, such as a Valentine’s Day ball, to raise funds for various causes that help others in need. Although Valentine’s Day is not a designated nationwide public holiday in Australia, restaurants, theatres, coffee shops, and shops selling Valentine’s Day related products may be particularly busy on this day. It is wise to make a booking if you plan to treat your loved one with a dinner on Valentine’s Day.

The day is celebrated in many countries worldwide. The most common symbols of Valentine’s Day are heart shapes, which are used to decorate many things, including cards, trees, wrapping paper, cookies and gift boxes. Other symbols associated with Valentine’s Day are pairs of birds, cute teddy bears, Cupid and his arrows and couples kissing or embracing. The colors red and pink are often associated with Valentine’s Day.

Cool Water Saving Tips For Hot Weather

February 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire residents are being urged to conserve water, following an influx in water usage over summer. The scorching temperatures across the region have placed an increased pressure on the local water supply. Parkes Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis said in order to avoid tightening of restrictions, the community needed to limit water usage.

“To effectively manage water supply and security for residents, Council implements restrictions on water usage under the Local Government Regulation, to ensure water supply is preserved in times of drought or other water scarcity. “Currently, level 1 water restrictions apply in the Parkes Shire, which prohibits the use of watering systems from 10am to 5pm. Residents are permitted to use microsprays, sprinklers and drip systems before 10am and after 5pm daily, while commercial premises are limited to watering outside the hours of 10am and 3pm.”

Andrew reminded residents to take advantage of the old brick pit, which can be used to water gardens, top up swimming pools and other non-consumptive uses around the house.

Here are some water saving ideas:
Wait for a full load before running a dishwasher or washing machine; take shorter showers; turn off the tap while brushing teeth; leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing to prevent water loss through evaporation; reuse the water from your washing machine cycle to water your garden; and use a trigger hose nozzle to avoid wasted water

“Small every day actions around the home add up to big water savings overall, and go a long way to helping the environment,” Andrew said. For the full list of water saving tips, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Almost 30 Cyclists Ride On With Safety

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Twenty-six children took part in the Aboriginal Bicycle Safety Program at the PCYC in Parkes last Friday.Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Logan Dobel said he was very happy with the turnout considering it was raining on the day.

The participants were excited but had to concentrate hard during the free session facilitated by Jenny and Damien Enderby of Bike and Fitness. They are both qualified Cycling Australia and AustCycle coaches. The three-hour session gave participants a fun, interactive learning experience teaching them to ride safely. The session is based on the Let’s Ride Program.

Depending on age, the practical skills learned and reinforced included pedaling, gear changing, braking, hand signals and scanning (both forwards and behind). They also learned the importance of visibility while riding and safe places to ride.

A bike mechanic was also present to provide much needed maintenance on bicycles free of charge. Logan said this was really important. The maintenance included the replacement of brakes, tyres and pedals.

All participants received a new bike helmet. The helmet laws for cyclists of all ages in NSW help prevent head injuries from falls. The NSW Road Rules state that all cyclists, regardless of age, including children on bicycles with training wheels must wear a helmet.

The Parkes session was part of a series of ten held throughout the Central West. Over 60 sessions were held in the whole of NSW.

Snippets

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Digitising history: The Parkes Shire Library has started to digitise iconic images from the first ten years of the Parkes Elvis Festival. The Library team have been scanning and cataloguing photographs and memorabilia from Elvis Lennox’s per- sonal collection. “We have been planning to build a digital local history collection to share with the community and wider world. Starting this big project with our Shire’s major festival was an easy decision,” said Shellie Buckle, Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services.

Elvis Lennox, Parkes’ greatest Elvis fan, loaned his collection of photos and festival bits and pieces to commence the project. His photos capture the humble beginnings of the event, including the Elvis Wall of Fame first ceremony for Johnny O’Keefe, first street parade, first look-a-like competition and original concerts.

You are invited to contact the Library if you have photographs from the first ten years to add to the collection. Over the coming months the Library team will add to the collection, bringing online photographs from 2003 onwards.

The collection is available for viewing via the Library’s online catalogue, library. parkes.nsw.gov.au/libero/WebOpac.cls

Bogan Gate morning tea: Bogan Gate CWA will be holding a diabetes awareness morning tea on Wednesday, 8th February at 9.30am at the Bogan Gate Memorial Hall. Dr Madhu Velagala, Diabetes Educator, will be the guest speaker. Men and women are invited to learn more about diabetes. A representative from Diabetes NSW and two nurses will do blood checks at the event. Entry by gold coin donation. RSVP to Ros on 68641023 or 0415 665 925 by Monday, 6th February. Any enquir- ies to President Marion McIntyre on 0427 643 233.

Did you know? The record number of visitors at the 25th Elvis Festival meant the staff at the Royal Hotel pumped out more than 1,600 meals and countless beverages, in costume, over the five days!

Gospel Service: Thousands of people attended this year’s Elvis Gospel service. According to co-ordinator Neralle Cheney, the finale had people rushing to the front of stage and all over the dance floor in a cel- ebration of music and dance. “People were dancing in their chairs.”

She said the response from people afterwards was overwhelming saying it was the best ever, brilliant, wow, polished and pro- fessional and people wishing it was longer.

Rotary Members Open Their Hearts For A Sick Boy

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

In early January Parkes opened its heart to thousands of different versions of Elvis, but some local residents also opened their hearts and homes to a very special young boy.

Eleven year-old Lujio Dos Reis Da Silva from Timor Leste was a very sick child. He had suffered damage to his heart valve from rheumatic fever and required urgent specialist treatment. Fortunately, he was referred to the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children program (ROMAC).

ROMAC provides life-saving or dignity restoring surgery for children from developing countries which they otherwise would not be able to access. ROMAC flew Lujio and his mother Josefine to Australia so Lujio could undergo heart surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Parkes Rotary made a small contribution to Lujio’s medi- cal costs, and became his sponsors.

During his treatment Luijo and Josefina stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Randwick, however, once he had recovered enough the pair were invited to stay with their sponsors in Parkes.

Parkes Rotary formed a partnership with members of the Uniting Church to prepare for the visit. The Uniting Church has a strong connection with Timor Leste, and members from both Rotary and the Uniting Church generously provided practical assistance, helping with language barriers, and showing the family the very best of country hospitality.

Peter and Barbara Thompson drove to Sydney to collect Josefina and Lujio and hosted them for three nights. Lujio got to experience the simple pleasures of Australian farm life, which included catching yabbies in the dam.

Their next hosts Mel ten Cate and Beto da Silver speak Portuguese, which eased the language barriers for the remainder of their stay. Josefina and Lujio were treated to barbeques, had the pleasure of meeting Mayor Ken Keith OAM, and even got to experience the joy of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

By Raen Fraser

Parkes Snags Some Time With Phil Donato

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes residents were invited to a barbecue by the new Member for Orange, Phil Donato, for a ‘meat’ and greet last Friday. It was his second visit in a week as he also made an appearance at the Elvis Festival dressed in his best white jumpsuit.

Phil is the first member of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to represent a lower house seat, which he won in a shock result in the recent by-election.

While he might be new to politics, his professional background will no doubt put him in good stead for his new role. With over two decades in the police force, and 16 years as a police prosecutor, the Millthorpe local has first-hand experience with a lot of the unique social issues that Central West faces. He is hoping his advocacy and communication skills will be an asset in the highly adversarial political environment.

Phil said his foray into politics was largely opportunistic. “I thought I had a lot to offer, so when my party decided to run a candidate I put my hand up,” he said.

While ultimately his goals are to hold the Government to account, his immediate plans are to get to know his constituents.

“The Orange by-election really sent a message to the Government that their policies were out of touch with their constituents.

“I’m keen to get out and connect with the local people, and find out what their concerns are. They’re really different in each community. Parkes are concerned about logistical issues, and moving ahead with the proposed transport hub.”

Phil plans to be in Parkes on the following dates: 21st March, 27th April, 13th June, 22nd August, 5th September, 24th October and 12th December. Contact his office on 6362 5199 to arrange an appointment.

By Raen Fraser

Celebrate Poetry In Orange

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The annual Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival takes place from 16th to 26th February in Orange with a full schedule of events ahead. This will be the fourth festival in its current form since the celebration of his 150th birthday in 2014.

Banjo Paterson, who has become an Australian legend, is best known for his poem Waltzing Matilda, and what better way to celebrate his life than in the district he was born in.

Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson was born at Narrambla, Orange on 17th February 1864. He lived in Yeoval until he was about seven. The festival highlights not only Banjo Paterson but is an opportunity to celebrate all Australian poetry and poets in general.

The community will also have the opportunity to polish their poetry and musical entertainment skills.

This is a perfect opportunity to show that Australian poetry is alive and well. The festival will showcase the very best suitable for all age groups.

There will be bush poetry, school performances, professional en- tertainers, markets, golf, barbecues and camp oven cooking. There will also be activities, such as retro fruit preserving, farmers mar- kets, yabbing, poetry competitions, fashion, horse racing, historical tours and much more.

The event kicks off with breakfast in the mornings at different loca- tions everyday from 7.30 to 9.30am for only $5.

The iconic Night Market in Orange will be held on Friday, 17th February. There will be over 30 stalls creating an outdoor playground in beautiful Robertson Park for all the family. Orange’s renowned cool climate wines are matched at each stall with delicious food from local chefs, caterers and cooks. Kick back to the sounds of local music and poetry in the park! The market will be from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Robertson Park. Gold Coin donation for entry. To view the festival program or to get more information on the festival go to https://brandorange.com.au/orange-nsw/banjo-paterson-festival/

Prevent Bush Fire Arson

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Bush fire arson is a crime and it is dangerous. It can destroy lives, properties and have long term effects on the environment.

It is also costly with the loss of properties, cost of firefighting resources and the disruption to businesses.

If you see something that looks out of place, record the details of vehicles such as the make, model and registration of suspicious vehicles. Also take note of the appearance of anyone acting suspiciously. Report suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

To report a fire emergency call 000.

Mayoral Notes

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

This week our nation’s heritage was celebrated with a number of events held across the Parkes Shire for Australia Day. We welcomed media personality Susie Elelman as our Australia Day Ambassador for 2017. She presented the Australia Day Awards at the official ceremonies at Parkes and Peak Hill. Congratulations is extended to all the nominees and recipients of our Citizen, Sporting and Cultural Awards – all of whom make wonderful contributions to our community. Parkes celebrated Australia Day in style with an Australian-themed art show in the Coventry Room. The exhibition runs until tomorrow afternoon, and I encourage everyone to go along. Entry is a gold coin donation.

Construction on the new Water Treatment Plant achieved a major project milestone with the final concrete pour on the potable water reservoirs. The two 2.7 mega-litre reservoirs required 60 tonne of steel reinforcement and 300 cubic metres of concrete, all of which was procured locally from regional operators. The next phase will see the aluminium roof members installed, expected to be complete by 21st February.

Residents are encouraged to conserve water, following an increase in water us- age over summer. The high temperatures experienced in recent weeks resulted in an increased demand for water as locals attempted to stay cool. Currently, the Parkes Shire is on Level 1 water restrictions, which limit the use of garden watering systems to outside the hours of 10am and 5pm. In order to avoid tightening of restrictions, our community needs to make efforts to limit water usage. For some helpful tips on how to con- serve water and reduce your water bill, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Yours Faithfully,

Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

All Types of Windscreens Replaced At Tony’s

January 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Do you have your windscreen checked on a regular basis?

According to Tony Miller of Tony’s Windscreens most people do not realise how much sandblasting damage their windscreens have. “Living in the country where dust collects on the roads, sandblasting is a real problem.”

Tony said a sandblasted windscreen re-fracted the light especially early morning, late afternoon and at night. “This makes it very dangerous to drive.”

It is advisable to have your windscreen checked at least once a year. Tony said a chip needed to be treated immediately by keeping it dry with some sticky tape or a saver patch available at Tony’s Windscreens.

The business, started by Tony’s father in 1979, has been an agent for O’Brien for almost 40 years. Tony does all insurance work for any kind of vehicle, specialising in mining, agriculture, commercial and in- dustrial equipment. He replaces all windscreens including front, side and rear, and can do tinting if required. All his work has a lifetime guarantee.

Contact Tony for a free quote on 6862 5188 or see him at 339 Clarinda Street in Parkes.

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