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Get Your Tickets Now For The Parkes M&D’s Upcoming Production “Freaky Friday”

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The team at Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society have been busy in rehearsals for the upcoming production, Freaky Friday. This family-friendly musical is an hilarious, contemporary update of the classic story, in which a mother and daughter see what it means to be a family while experiencing each other’s lives first-hand, if only for a day. This body-swapping show brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘walk a mile in another’s shoes’ with highly entertaining results.

Set in the present day, Freaky Friday features a tuneful pop-rock score, befitting a work that has effortlessly updated throughout its several iterations. Warm-hearted, humorous and touching, this fresh take on the classic story is perfect for family audiences of all ages.

The cast and crew of 35 feature both newcomers and regulars to the Society. Coming from Parkes, Forbes and Cowra, the cast and crew have been putting in long hours since rehearsals began in July.

Freaky Friday will be performed at the Parkes Little Theatre on the following dates: Friday 20th October 7.30pm, Saturday 21st October 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd October 2pm, Saturday 28th October 7.30pm, Sunday 29th October 2pm, Friday 3rd November 7.30pm, Saturday 4th November 2pm, Saturday 4th November 7.30pm, Sunday 5th November 2pm.

Millions More For Councils To Fund Local Road Repair Blitz

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison.

Roads across the Parkes and Forbes Shires are set to benefit from more than $10 million in new funding from the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF) announced in the 2023-24 NSW Budget.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the Minns Labor Government’s new cash injection will enable local councils to press ahead with urgent road and pothole repairs.

“Whether it’s fixing potholes, sealing roads, resurfacing or rehabilitating sections of road — this new fund will help councils undertake much needed work to repair their road networks,” Minister Aitchison said.

“I am pleased to see councils will be able to prioritise what roads to spend this money on and allocate it where they believe the need is greatest.”

Budget figures show Forbes Shire Council will receive $4,761,653 from the RERRF while Parkes Shire Council is set to collect $5,546,317.

Minister Aitchison said the funding amount allocated to each council was based on the total kilometres of regional and local roads each council was responsible for managing.

“The Minns Labor Government’s RERRF will deliver $390 million to 95 eligible councils across NSW, including Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils, to upgrade their roads,” Minister Aitchison said.

“That new investment will be in the bank accounts of councils later this year and they’ll now be able to start work planning and preparing for road improvements that will make a big difference to the lives of their residents.

Successful Be Road Ready For Harvest Satellite Events

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Trundle’s recent Be Road Ready for Harvest Satellite Event.

Approximately 100 farmers and contract harvesters attended the recent Be Road Ready for Harvest Satellite Events in Bedgerabong, Parkes, Derriwong and Trundle.

The events were supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network (GTSN), SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers, the Australian Custom Harvesters Association, and the Parkes Show Society.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said anecdotal feedback from attendees was very positive, “Regulations are constantly changing, so events like these are important to ensure we provide information about how to safely and legally move agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road network in the lead up to the busy harvest period.”

“We had presentations about Chain of Responsibility, conditional registration and primary producer concessions, GTSN’s updated resources, fire safety, SafeWork NSW safety reminders and resources, an overview of how heavy vehicle access operates and relevant compliance information.”

“The highlight of the morning was the interactive activity, where we showed participants how to read the relevant notice (National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice) to work out what the travel requirements would be for a header with a front, various sized tractors towing implements and an auger.

“Participants could take home some windscreen stickers that they can attach to their machinery that acts as a quick reference guide for travel requirements such as pilots, lights and signage – these were extremely popular.”

“Harvest USBs and windscreen stickers will be distributed to local agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in October. Thanks to everyone involved in running the events and to everyone who attended,” Ms Suitor said.

Australia To Germany – What I Have Been Up To!

September 29, 2023 By Marnie Noakes

Parkes Christian School student Marnie Noakes making a furry friend in Germany whilst on a student exchange program.

Hey everyone it’s Marnie, with another update all the way from Germany.

All I can say is wow! Time is going incredibly quickly. I guess it’s because I am enjoying my exchange so much that I lose track of the days, which before I know it have rolled into weeks. It is like a fantasy, to think I’m here living in Germany, I feel so lucky to have this experience.

During May and June I met up with multiple friends. On one of these occasions I met up with my friends and we went to what is called the city beach. It is an area beside the lake that has been filled with sand and deck chairs to give it a ‘beachy’ feel. It was very cool I haven’t seen anything like this in Australia.

I went to Forchheim, Germany for a weeklong Rotary camp with other exchange students. We did many things during the weekincluding a tour around Bamberg, Germany as well as visiting the rose garden. During the week we also went kayaking in Franconian, Switzerland. It is an area in Bavaria Germany that is a very famous tourist spot. Wow, what a great time we had!

The town I live in held its yearly Africa festival. At the festival I got my hair braided, and a special drawing on my hand, it was super cool experience.

I did so many things but that’s just a short summary for the month.

Bye for now Parkes,

Marnie Noakes

’Tis The Season -Tips For Your Itchy, Watery, Red Eyes This Spring

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Spring is not always a time for celebration, it can sometimes be a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes. Visit the team at Hansen’s Optometrist in Parkes to discuss how they can assist you.

20% of Australians suffer with hayfever. Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer so what is the best way to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. If you know the types of plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your allergy symptoms then do everything within your power to avoid them. This might mean taking your daily walks in the evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly washing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little allergen particles that accumulate over time.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. There are a host of over the counter antihistamine eye drops to provide relief for the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Try several to find the one that works best for you. Avoid using the “red eye” drops as these do little more than temporarily hide the redness of your eyes without addressing the underlying cause. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabiliser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

If you suffer from itchy eyes, then book an appointment at Hansens Optometrists where we can formulate a plan specific to you. We can prescribe more effective eye drops then what is available over the counter and treat any dry eye or other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy or making your itchy eyes worse.

Do You Want To Be Featured In Our Special Elvis Edition?

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Each year to commemorate and celebrate everything Parkes Elvis Festival, we print and distribute a Special Elvis Edition of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix. This year is the 31st Parkes Elvis Festival and it kicks of January 2024 January 10-14.

The Special Elvis Edition is our biggest edition of the year, and the only paper we print in full color from front to back. If you have an Elvis/Festival related story idea or submission then you are encouraged to email Roxane editor@parkesphoenix.com.au

Alternatively if you would like to advertise in our Special Edition the bookings have now opened and you can contact Roxane for all your advertising needs sales@parkesphoenix.com.au

With over 25,000 visitors expected to make their way to Parkes to enjoy the Parkes Elvis Festival in January 2024, do not miss your chance to be featured in our Special Elvis Edition which has become somewhat of a collectors item for festival goers

Let’s rock, Everybody, let’s rock, Everybody in the whole of Parkes, will be dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock

Snippets…

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Sharon Bevill of Currajong Disability Services.

Currajong Disability Services: Congratulations to Currajong’s Sharon Bevill on being nominated for the 2023 Condobolin Business Awards for outstanding employee. Sharon was a finalist for this award, with the event being held last Friday night.
Well done Sharon on this wonderful achievement, your care, support and dedication to participants does not go unnoticed, thank you.

Lifeline: In 2022, a total of 3,249 Australian lives were lost to suicide. Behind every statistic there is a person. We remember those who died by suicide in 2022, and those who attempted suicide. We acknowledge the many people left behind who are learning to live a life without their loved ones. Every life lost is a tragedy which beyond the individual person affects families, workplaces and communities. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and needs support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days). We’re here to listen.

TAFE NSW Forbes: Enrol now 900-81908 Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Welding at Forbes Campus 3rd to 6th October 2023, 8.00am – 4.30pm each day. Fully subsidised course. Participants must be: 16 years or older, no longer be at school and live or work in NSW. Places are limited so get in quick. Enrol at: https://online-enrolments.oneebs.tafensw.edu.au/

If you are under 18 please contact 0438 565 918 during office hours for details of how to enrol. RTO 90003

Central West Farming Systems: Field walk with Wendy Gill from Achieve Ag Consultancy on Thursday, 5th October from 3-5pm at the producer demonstration site: “North Condobolin,” Boona Road, Condobolin (meet at the shearing shed)Book now at: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1124035. For information, contact Diana Fear, CWFS CEO 0427 897 530.

Fire and Rescue NSW: With the weather warming up, it’s not uncommon for us to be called out to help with some reptilian guests. Just another day on the job for our firefighters, who regularly train to keep up their snake retrieval sssskills fresh to protect them and the community.

National BBQ Championships Forbes: We are excited to have Master Chef contestant and Taste of Australia foodie Hayden Quinn judging the 2023 National BBQ Championships on 28th October at Grinsted Oval. Come down and watch the cooking demonstration and get your team together and register today on the Fobes Council website.

Popular TV Chef Hayden Quinn will be Judging the 2023 National BBQ Championships.

Vote Now For Coachman Hotel Motel

September 21, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Hotel owners Tony Todd and Terrie Clark and Coachie staff Maddi Ward, Abi Jones and Jimmy Clyburn.

Locals and visitors to Parkes alike, know that The Coachman Hotel Motel provides top tier service, entertainment and atmosphere. The Coachie, as it is fondly known, is also a massive supporter of community sporting groups and fundraising efforts.

The Coachie has recently been announced as a finalist for the AHA NSW People’s Choice award. Show your appreciation and vote now. The voting period finishes 29th September and you can place a vote everyday. That’s right, once a day you can vote for the Coachie to win! To vote simply go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/XFQV2QN. You can also vote for The Bogan Gate Pub who is a finalist.

Bumpy Path Ahead To Fix Regional Roads

September 21, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Regional NSW needs their road funding now, not next year or the year after.

NSW Shadow Minister for Regional Roads Sam Farraway has demanded NSW Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison come clean and admit she’s only delivering $30 million – not $670 million – to councils this financial year to fix potholes on the state’s regional roads.

Mr Farraway said while he’s pleased that after six months in government the Minister is finally delivering some money to regional roads, she needs to do more like reinstating the Road Reclassification Program and the $193 million that was allocated to it immediately.

“The Coalition delivered a $19.4 billion regional road and transport infrastructure pipeline, we were building legacy road infrastructure to transform travel in the regions and repairing roads after the devastating floods,” Mr Farraway said.

“The only way councils can fix potholes is by having the funding which is why we fast tracked $280 million into their bank accounts early this year on top of the very first dedicated $50 million Pothole repair program in 2022.

“But Minister Aitchison seems to be under some impression roads can wait. Of the $670 million of supposedly new money, she’s announced today only $30 million will be delivered to councils this financial year. This is shocking and not good enough.

“Today’s announcement marks the end of the former Governments hugely successful Fixing Local Roads, Fixing Country Bridges and Fixing Country Roads programs. Programs that gave councils and their communities the ability to stay on top of and enhance their local road network following drought, fires and floods.

“It is time for real action, real commitment and a genuine investment from the NSW Labor government in our regional road infrastructure. The people of regional NSW deserve better,” said Mr Farraway.

Snippets…

September 21, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Library: Check out the Marramarra Makerspace school holiday program and come join us for some building fun as we make marble runs and build paper towers. Open to 6-12 year olds. Bookings essential on 6861 2309 or at the library.

Hearing Australia: Are excited to launch their new range of hearing devices which include options that are discreet, rechargeable, and feature auto adjust. For over 75 years, Hearing Australia has provided expert hearing care for all Australians, so whatever your lifestyle or budget, you can trust our audiologists to find the right hearing aid for you. Book an appointment at www.hearing.com.au

Parkes Elvis Festival: Book your tickets now for the 50’s Greatest Hits Concert with Aaron W Mansfield and Anthony Fenech with special guest Elvis tribute artists. The talented Aaron will have you singing laughing and dancing as he wears the hats of the most famous entertainers of our generation. Bushmans Motor Inn, Thursday 11th January at 7pm. Purchase tickets at 123tix.

If you need assistance call 123TIX on 02 6881 8632.

Trundle ABBA Festival: WiFi services will be stretched with the amount of attendees expected at this year’s Trundle ABBA Festival. Make sure to be prepared with cash before arriving in Trundle to avoid disappointment. Please do not expect to withdraw cash when you arrive in Trundle. We can’t wait to see you all there!

NSW Government Budget Update: Here’s how NSW is managing the 2023-24 State Budget. This budget aims to:

• Build more homes amidst the housing crisis

• Fund more essential workers for our public services

• Revitalise our schools, hospitals, transport and roads

• Find out what all this means for you https://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/my-budget

Grazing Down The Lachlan: And that’s a wrap! Thank you so much for coming on the Grazing journey with us for 2023. This event couldn’t happen without the dedicated and passionate committee behind it – thank you so much to Kath Garland, Olivia Turner, Kylie Brockmann, Kim Muffet and (not pictured but equally as important!) Emily Wilson, Emma Ridley and Jill Morgan.

Grazing Down The Lachlan Committee members. Photo credit to Monique Lovick Photography.

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