From next Wednesday Parkes will be all gold and glitter for the silver jubilee of the Elvis Festival. Businesses were hard at work this week to stake their gold claim for the biggest influx of visitors to town with more than 25,000 people expected to attend the Viva Las Vegas-themed festival boosting the local economy by as much as $15 million.
“We are just about ready,” said Kirsty Berry of Colouby Creations on Tuesday. “We have been selling costumes, wigs, glasses, handbags and anything else with Elvis’ face on it for the past six years. We are usually flat out for about ten days, but it is brilliant.”

Rosemary Mitchell, President of the Craft Corner, said they were much better prepared this year. “As we are so centrally located we get thousands of people looking for Elvis items. This year we will have plenty of stock including Elvis cushions, bracelets, watches and skirts to name a few.” She said all items were handmade by Craft Corner members. Owner of The Red Chandelier, Janine Simpson said: “I can’t wait for Elvis. It is so exciting and there is such a buzz and good mood in town during the festival that it makes us all feel alive. I had people dancing in my shop last year!” Janine, who experienced the festival for the first time last year as a business owner said it was excellent. She was looking forward to another good period of business.

By Maggi Barnard

With most of the Christmas lights and decorations packed away for another year, one business owner in town is still glowing with the result of her effort. Local boutique, The Red Chandelier won the Best Dressed Window Competition that was run as part of Parkes Shire Council’s Shop + Win promotion and main street illumination project.

Janine Simpson’s winter wonderland display sparkled enough to catch the judges’ eye as they looked for the best initiative to fit the ‘sparkly after dark’ criteria to help ignite the Parkes main street shopping precinct. “I was really gobsmacked to win,” said Janine. “It was really lovely to receive this kind of recognition 12 months after opening my business.” She received a $500 advertising prize package as part of next year’s Christmas shopping campaign.

Janine said her window displays often lead to lots of conversations with her customers. Council’s Economic and Business Development Manager, Anna Wyllie said the effort that local businesses had put into dressing their window displays had contributed to the overall atmosphere in the main street. “We are so pleased with how the main street has come alive with the illuminations and lights sparkling on buildings and the local business owners in the main street have certainly added their own element of sparkle to provide a great spectacle for locals and visitors to our town,” said Anna.

The Shop + Win promotion is still running with the chance of winning a trip to Las Vegas valued at $4,000. This campaign runs until  the final day of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Poetry might not be the first image that springs to mind when you think of Elvis, but the Poet’s Breakfast is becoming increasingly popular at the Parkes Festival. Draw inspiration from the Viva Las Vegas theme this year, or from one of Elvis’ many hit songs, or even from the festival itself. The Poet’s Breakfast is said to be the perfect way to get into the spirit of the festival. There will be prizes for the Best Novice Poet and Open Contender, as well as a People’s Choice Award and a performance from local star Barry Green.

The 2016 Poets Breakfast winner, Peter Robinson said: “Parkes Elvis Festival is an incredible event and the Poet’s Breakfast is one of the many highlights for me. This year my daughter and I will once again compete.” So find your inner poet and share your love of The King on Thursday, 12th January at 7:30am at the Parkes Bolwing & Sports Club.

For more information contact 6862 6000.

The demolition of the 110-year-old Parkes hospital was completed just before Christmas. It took four months to complete the project that was delivered on time and within budget. Parkes Shire Council’s Director Engineering Services, Ben Howard was pleased the project had been completed in a cost efficient and timely manner. “The second
phase of the demolition process saw the contractors transport the building material off site for crushing. This allowed the demolition phase to be finished ahead of the nominated completion date.”

Ben said with the main demolition phase complete, final site works would pave the way for a new residential redevelopment and repurposing of the two remaining buildings. The fence erected around the site will remain as final site works are carried out to remove all the footings and underground utilities, top dressing, and seeding all affected areas.

“The removal of all hazardous building materials has been done in compliance with the hazardous materials guidelines and furthermore, no incidents or safety issues arose throughout the entire project”, Ben said. The old hospital was demolished following the NSW Government’s $72.8 million investment towards building the new hospital just off the Forbes Road, which was officially opened in 2015.

Health District welcomes new Chairperson:
The Board for Western NSW Local Health District has a new chairperson and four new members. Following the end of his six-year tenure as Chair, Dr Robin Williams stepped down at the end of last year. Health Minister Jillian Skinner appointed Scott Griffiths PSM in the role. He has been a member of the Board for the past six years, and chair of the finance and performance sub-committee for the same period.

Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Scott McLachlan said Dr Williams and the Board had been instrumental in leading the organisation towards a clearer vision and pioneering the introduction of key health strategies, including the very successful Integrated Care initiative.

Helen Rowbotham, Miss Priscilla 2016, is ready to hand her crown over on Thursday, 12th January at theGoodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner at the Parkes Services Club. Bookings at 6862 1966. Doors open at 6:30pm. (Photo: Parkes Elvis Festival)