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Parkes Regional Airport Flies High

October 13, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The expansion of the Parkes Regional Airport Business Park will become a reality thanks to a $1.56 million investment from Round 3 of the National Stronger Regions Fund. Minister for Regional Development, Fiona Nash, said in Parkes last week the project would bring new jobs and business investment to the region.

“I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and quality regional airports are a big part of that,” she said. Small Business Minister and Riverina MP, Michael McCormack, said the project would improve access to health services and leisure travel.

“It will also generate new business activity within the local aviation sector, creating additional income and employment opportunities. The project includes a new helipad and fuelling/maintenance facility to support future disaster response operations, including medical emergencies.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM, said the contribution by the Federal Government would ensure this important piece of infrastructure continues to deliver economic and social benefits to the entire region. “This next stage of the redevelopment project will encourage economic development, stimulate regional industry, enable businesses and industries to operate more efficiently and sustainably, and provide greater prosperity and opportunities for the region”, the Mayor said.

According to Chairman of the Parkes Airport Committee, Councillor Alan Ward, stage 2 of construction consists of an extension of the airport apron and taxiway, developing a new hangar precinct and planning infrastructure for a helipad complex. “Construction activities are expected to generate 42 full time jobs and inject $5.3 million into the region’s catchment,” Cr Ward said.

Two further projects in the Riverina received funding from the National Stronger Regions Fund with support going to the Central West Livestock Exchange in Forbes and a multipurpose community facility in Wagga Wagga.

Stepping Out With Pride

October 13, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Dubbo was a sea of colour as hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the Central West Pride March in Dubbo last Saturday. The parade was full of vibrant flags and extravagant costumes as participants played up to the event’s Carnivàle theme. A rainbow float led the march through Dubbo’s main streets to the delight of onlookers, with many shops and businesses showing enthusiastic support for the event. The parade ended with a community fun day at the
park, where entertainment included a jumping castle, photo booths, sausage sizzle, face painting, and information stalls.

The crowd was also treated to performances by Talbragar Wiradjuri Dancers, The Stepping Out Dance Factory, live music, and of course a fashion parade. The region’s second Pride March demonstrated a resounding show of support for the diversity that exists within the Central West. A range of individuals and organisations took part in the parade; groups from Wellington Council, Australia Post, Uniting and Barnardos joined the celebrations.

The march was led by headspace Dubbo and Connected Communities Project Rainbow Alliance as part of Mental Health Month to raise awareness around the mental health issues facing the LGBTQI community. Next year’s parade promises to build on this success, bringing plenty more colour and sparkle to the Central West.

Countdown To Parkes & Districts Relay For Life Festival

October 13, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Almost 300 participants from 27 teams have entered so far for the Parkes & Districts Relay For Life with less than two weeks to go. The 2016 Relay will be held at Northparkes Oval on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October. “More than 39 teams and 508 participants registered in 2014 and we hope to increase the number of teams for this year’s Relay to make it even bigger and better, however, we still have a long way to go to get there,” said Ricky Puata, Community Engagement Manager for Cancer Council NSW, Western Region.

Relay For Life is an overnight, team fundraising event that brings local communities together in the fight against cancer and to honour cancer survivors and their carers. Relay For Life is like a festival, with games and activities, delicious food, and entertainment throughout the night. It is only held in Parkes every two years so now is the time
to get involved or you will have to wait until 2018!

The final team information night will be on Thursday, 20th October at 6.00pm at the Parkes Services Club.
“The information night is a great way to learn more about Relay, register yourself or your team, and promote your fundraising activities! It is also a great opportunity to meet other relayers and hear about all the exciting things that are planned for the Relay,” said Ricky.

To register in the Relay For Life go to www.relayforlife.org.au and search for ‘Parkes 2016’. Registration costs $20 and includes a Relay For Life t-shirt and free breakfast at the event on Sunday.

Cheers To The Orange Wine Festival

October 13, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Orange Wine Region has a lot to celebrate: 20 years of being a certified wine region, fantastic vintages, high ratings in the Halliday Wine Companion and a number of wines winning ten trophies at wine shows around NSW recently. The Festival has over 90 events. The tasting event at the Showground Pavilion on Friday, 14th October has a record of 328 entries. The wines will be matched with delicious food prepared by The Agrestic Grocer.

Don’t forget Wine Central, Monday to Thursday at the Union Bank from 5.30pm for a free tasting of a range of varieties. A new event is the Mixed Dozen Portraits of the Winemakers of Orange, at The Barracks Galleries & Studios on Peisley Street. There is the inaugural Vino Velo – cycle two of the region’s wine trails, finishing with lunch at a winery. Joins thousands at the Orange Wine Festival Wine and Food Night Market on Friday, 21st October at
Robertson Park. Visit the website www.orangwinefestival.com.au for more information or download the full program.

Party To New M & D Production In Rocktober!

October 7, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Rock of Ages, the latest Parkes M & D production, is set to be one of the most fun and high energy shows so far! It’s got a great cast, a brilliant 80s soundtrack and a really funny script, and it opens tomorrow night. If you liked Footloose, Hairspray or The Wedding Singer, this will be right down your alley. Director, Greg Ballantyne, is thrilled with the way the show has come together. “I started out directing at the M&D ten years ago with an 80s show that I wrote myself called Groovy Moves, and then followed that up with The Wedding Singer. “Rock of Ages definitely has the same vibe as those shows,” Greg said.

It features a mix of new, young talent and familiar faces. Greg is appearing as the offbeat narrator and guitarist Lonny, while the lead roles are filled by teenagers Matt Prow and Shannon Green. “Matt and Shannon are just unbelievable in this show”, said Greg. “At times you forget that they’re just kids, they are so professional.” Dooley Thomson stars as legendary singer Stacee Jaxx, while Harrison Baker returns as washed-up rocker Dennis Dupree.

Georgia Goodrick, Piper Hennock, Erin O’Leary and Kiira Christensen turn in great performances along with Christie Green, Andrew Francis and Hannah Tanswell. The original musical inspired the hit film Rock of Ages starring Tom Cruise, Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin. Show season runs until 23rd October. Get tickets at www.parkesmandd.com.au.

Wet Weather Machine

October 7, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Landboss 800 UTV 4×4 is a very appropriate machine for the wet weather. Light enough to skip across the wet ground yet built to carry 450kg with a 700kg tow capacity. Other features include big tow-points provided front and rear and selectable diff locks front and rear – you select two or fourwheel- drive for the most challenging conditions.

The Perkins diesel engine, built in Japan, gives great economy with high torque and plenty of road speed. Transmission is a Canadian CVT with hi and lo ranges. You can crawl along slowly behind stock and accelerate
away to round up stragglers without changing gears.

Tyres are 6-ply heavy duty 14” in diameter with a 5-stud pattern. A bench seat with three seat belts provides accommodation for passengers. A tilt steering column gives the driver some extra room. The electric power steering helps prevent kick back from rough paddocks. The suspension is independent with adjustable load carrying springs. Available at SincockLVM Parkes and Condobolin for an amazing $17, 990 incl GST. Phone Bruce Cobb on 0447 560 342.

Peak Hill Strikes Gold On 50 Best Small Towns List

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Peak Hill has been named one of Australia’s 50 Top Best Small Towns. The town with a heart of gold, 49km north of Parkes, made it to the list after a monthlong contest run by the online travel agency, Discount My Flights, to find the most irresistible, exotic, historic and postcard-worthy small towns in the country. “It’s a great honour to have Peak Hill recognised as one of the best small towns in the nation,” said Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith.

“Peak Hill is a hidden gem, founded upon a rich history of gold mining. Now that the secret is out, we are proud to share Peak Hill with the rest of Australia,” said the Mayor. “It is not a surprise Peak Hill was selected.” With gold first discovered in 1889, it still attracts visitors to the town with the Gold Mine Open Cut Experience topping the list
of must see attractions.

Residents were very excited about the inclusion on the list saying it would give their town positive publicity. The town, with a population of around 1,400, also offers many other tourist attractions such as a unique nature walk, the
Bogan Weir, Australia’s first upright wheat silo, heritage listed hospital, arts and crafts, the Big Fish Fossil hut, and a unique street facade which takes you back in time.

The first public wheat silo built in Australia was constructed at Peak Hill in 1918 after government surveys found the district had great potential as a wheat producing region. The winning towns gain promotion through various media channels and a coveted badge for their website. Central NSW was well represented in the top 50, with Orange, Lithgow, Blayney, Dubbo and Narromine also making the list.

Mayoral Notes…

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

I am elated to announce that Council has been selected as a finalist in the Destination Marketing category of the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards for the development and implementation of the ‘Parkes it all adds up’ brand and associated campaigns. I am dually excited that the Parkes Elvis Festival has also received finalist status in the
Festivals and Events category. The NSW Tourism Awards are held annually to celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence across the State. The winners will be announced at a Gala Celebration at Luna Park in Sydney on 24th November.

Parkes is moving into the digital future with the construction of the National Broadband Network (nbn™) getting underway this week. More than 5,700 homes and businesses in Parkes will soon have access to a world of new opportunities, with crews in town to check pits and pipes, lay fibre backbone to the network and install node cabinets.

This week Council welcomed NSW Roads Minister, The Hon Duncan Gay to Parkes to inspect the damage to the Shire’s roads caused by recent flood events and wet weather. Parts of the Shire’s road network has suffered extensive damage and motorists need to be aware that there may be pot holes and defects that pose a major risk to road users.
Locals are encouraged to grab yourself some handmade and homegrown produce at the UpMarkets in Cooke Park on Sunday.

While the school holidays are drawing to a close, residents and visitors still have plenty of time to access the special deals on offer at our local attractions, shopping outlets and cafes by downloading your ‘Colour Pass’ from www.visitparkes.com.au.

Enjoy your weekend.
Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

40th Anniversary For Antique Bike Rally

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Antique Bike Rally, first started in 1977, celebrated its 40th anniversary over the long weekend. A special commemorative medallion was made featuring Brian Coote’s 1914 Douglas, as he was one of the instigators of the rally. Only one entrant, Don Liddle, a former president of the Veteran & Vintage Motorcycle Club based in the Sydney region, has been to all the rallies. According to Bob Steel, organiser and founder of the event, most of the original entrants have either passed on or are unable to ride. The number of entrants was also reduced to 31 this
year because of the closure of the Newell Highway. Parkes locals who took part were John Frogley, Rex Veal, Brian Gray, Scott Mill, Ray Johnston and Bob Steel. Ray Johnson on his 1960 BSA came first in the Post war 1945 – 60 category.

The Saturday run took them to The Dish, and on Sunday they went to Eugowra, Cudal and then Molong.

Snippets…

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Construction on NBN begins: More than 5,700 homes and businesses in Parkes will soon have access to the National Broadband Network (nbn™). Crews have arrived in town to start work on the nbn™. Parkes Shire Mayor Councillor Ken Keith OAM said this was an exciting time for the region. “Parkes will soon transition into the digital future, bringing greater opportunities for residents and businesses to maximise their potential.” More than 650 residents and businesses in the southern area of Parkes are already able to connect to the nbn™ through the
fixed wireless technology.

Council finalist in NSW Tourism Awards: Parkes Shire Council has been selected as a finalist in the Destination Marketing category of the 2016 NSW Tourism Awards for the development and implementation of the ‘Parkes it all adds up’ brand and associated campaigns. Now in its 27th year, the Awards celebrate over 100 finalists across 26 categories. Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM said he was delighted with the news. “Marketing
the Parkes Shire as an attractive tourist destination and growing our visitor economy provides tangible economic benefits to our region, and it’s great to see Council’s investment is being recognised. “We are dually excited that the Parkes Elvis Festival has also received finalist status in the Festivals and Events category,” said Cr Keith. The winners will be announced at a Gala Celebration at Luna Park in Sydney on 24th November.

Red Cross Tea Rooms: The Parkes Red Cross tea rooms reopened last Friday for its traditional morning and afternoon teas. The Red Cross Emergency Services teams are working in Forbes and Condobolin at the evacuation centres, and money taken at the tea rooms assists to finance this service – your support is most gratefully received. The tea room will be open every Friday from 11am to 3pm until the Christmas recess. Under new leadership the Parkes branch meeting date has been changed to the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 2pm. The next meeting is on Tuesday, 18th October in the Parkes Red Cross rooms in Church Street. Red Cross is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation.

Canowindra Baroquefest 14th – 16th October: Four concerts celebrating the music of the great composers brought to
Canowindra by internationally renowned performers. The schools program starts on Friday, 14th October and will present an introduction to string instruments and concert performance to 170 children over three sessions. The official opening is at 5:30pm and at 7.30 pm Camerata Antica presents a concert of English baroque on old instruments. Entertainment continues over the remainder of the weekend. Full program details and bookings are available at www.canowindrabaroquefest.com.au or contact 0429 443 215.

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