STUDENT LEADERS IN PARLIAMENT… Phil Donato met with year 12 leaders from Parkes High School and
six other schools in the Orange electorate at the NSW Parliament last week as part of the Student Leadership Program. Students had the opportunity to ask attending MPs about leadership, making decisions and representation.

Winners: Congratulations to the winners of the two recent competitions in The Parkes Phoenix! Emily McQuie won a double pass to the Parkes Picnic Races, and Candace Smith won a family pass to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Moonwalk Into Parkes: Be out there in the Parkes Region this winter season and be amazed by all things space and science, when Parkes and the world celebrate the 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon. In July 1969, the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope played an important role in history, when it received and broadcast the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon for the first time. The Dish received television signals that allowed six hundred million people,
one fifth of humanity at the time, to watch the broadcast. In celebration of this 50 year milestone, CSIRO will be hosting an open day weekend at The Dish on the 20-21st July. Parkes Shire Council has launched a ‘Be out there’ winter campaign featuring Apollo 11 Deals to encourage visitors to explore more of our region during their stay. The campaign launched on 1st June and will run until the end of July. Visitors can view all the special offers and open
day event details at www.visitparkes.com. au/apollo11

History Blog: Is it possible to go from life in the country to the highest level of government in NSW? James McGirr went from a dairy farm in Parkes to the Department of Premier and Cabinet. His political career coincided with the 1930s – a decade that commenced with the Great Depression and ended with the world in the throes of a second world war! McGirr then helped the state deal with post-War issues, such as a severe housing shortage. Read about “Big Jim” on Parkes Library’s history blog https://historyparkes.org/2019/05/31/james-mcgirr-from-parkes-to-premier/

Scholarships For Rural Students: Students are invited to apply for scholarships under the expanded third round of the $58.1 million Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program. Eligible students could benefit from up to $18,000 which could go towards the cost of their university or vocational education. The scholarships cover courses including certificate IV through to a PhD. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.education.gov.au/rural-and-regional-enterprisescholarships. Applications close on 14th June. Regional
and rural students can access more assistance through the $53.9 million injection to Youth Allowance.

The Trundle Library Junior Book Club were all smiles after speaking with author Jackie French during a recent book club session. The children were all given the chance to ask Jackie a question. She was overwhelmed by some of the questions and how they were articulated.

Bogan Gate CWA News: Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin held their Annual Bridge Day at Bogan Gate on 7th April, with players from West Wyalong joining in. The CWA catered for everyone for the 12th time making it a thoroughly enjoyable day. President Marion McIntyre laid a wreath on behalf of the CWA at the local Anzac Day Dawn Service. Ten members attended the May meeting. International officer Heather Veal provided interesting information on the country of study this year, Papua New Guinea. Some members have started writing their life stories after attending a workshop at the Parkes Library. As this drought is still crippling the community, the CWA will be helping Bogan Gate and Gunningbland farmers and their families by hosting a free bbq night at the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate on 29th June at 6:30pm. “We hope many will come to this night as it is very important in these times to mix with friends and all help each other,” said the organisers. The next meeting is on Thursday, 20th June at 1:30pm at the hall. Visitors are always most welcome.

On Track For Better Rail: Member for Orange Phil Donato tabled a 10,000 signature petition in the NSW Parliament this week for improved rail services in the Orange electorate. The petition was originally created by the Orange Rail Action Group, who have been fighting with Phil for regional rail improvements. “The whole community has rallied behind improving our rail services in Orange and the broader Central West,” said Phil when tabling the petition. “I will be asking for an early morning express passenger train direct from Orange to Sydney and return. In addition, I am fighting for rail infrastructure upgrades of the Main Western Line to support fast passenger and freight rail services, as well as early commissioning of the Regional Rail Fleet on the Main Western Line.”

Restrictions Reminder: Level two water restrictions are still in place across the Parkes Shire. Under level two restrictions, residents are only permitted to water outside the hours of 10am and 5pm with odd numbered households allowed to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and even numbered households on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. For more information about Level 2 water restrictions, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

 

Last week was National Volunteer Week and many organisations, businesses and groups in Parkes acknowledged the generous contribution made by volunteers to keep our community vibrant and supportive. The time and effort put in by volunteers are vital to keep many services and events going, like the large group of volunteers (pictured above) for the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McCormack Re-elected: Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has expressed his gratitude to voters for putting their trust in him for a fourth term in the Federal Parliament.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it had always been an honour to serve the Riverina and Central West. “I am privileged and humbled to be able to be the voice in Canberra for all of you throughout the Riverina and Central West,” said Michael. “I am also honoured to be the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. This enables me to be around the Cabinet table when decisions are being made which really affect regional communities. Michael praised those who supported him through volunteering their time on polling booths and helping with the organisation of the local campaign effort.

Competition: Enter our Western Plains Taronga Zoo competition on page 6 to win a family pass. Closing date for the competition is 30th May.

Cultural Grants: Local groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for a Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grant. The aim of the Parkes Shire Council’s cultural grant program is to encourage and support the development of local community organisations, services and strategies which make a positive contribution to the community and cultural life of the Shire.
“The grants can be utilised in a variety of ways, including to develop a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment, or minor capital works,” said newly appointed Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones. Application forms are available at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au, or at any Parkes Shire Library (Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore). Applications close 21st June.

Grow Your Business: The Next Stage Growth Program is a six-month program for existing businesses wanting to accelerate and grow in sales, revenue, people, skills, knowledge, capacity, markets and more. Led by experienced leaders in entrepreneurship, marketing and managing the growth process, business owners will assess their business strategies and growth expectations, conduct competitive analysis with real data, develop market strategies to target growth opportunities, and learn how to exploit digital and social media. Register for the event on Tuesday, 4th June at the Forbes Town Hall from 12 to 1pm. Open to businesses in Parkes and Forbes. Go to eventbrite.com.au/e/61411619808.

More than 80 motorcyclists took part in the annual Ironbark Dice Run held by the Midstate Motorcycle Club last Saturday. Participants came from all over the Central West and helped to raise $1,730 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Pictured are riders at the first stop at the Cross Roads Hotel, Tomingley.

The Parkes Painting Group donated $1,000 to Parkes Legacy this week following its successful exhibition with an Anzac theme at the end of last month. The group chooses a different charity each year to support. Parkes Legacy President Bob Brooke accepted the cheque from Parkes Painting Group representative Kim Chambers (left) with Parkes Leagues Treasurer Geoff Boland (right).

New Law: Harsher penalties for NSW drink and drug drivers come into force on 20th May, with drivers facing instant licence loss for even ‘low-range’ offences. Under the new laws, low-range offences will be met with a $561 fine and instant, roadside three-month license loss. The same penalties will also apply to first-time ‘drug presence’ offenders. Beyond low-level offences (0.05-0.07 BAC), mid-range offenders (0.08-0.149 BAC) will be forced to fit an alcohol interlock in their cars. High-risk, repeat offenders face vehicle impoundment or licence plate confiscation.

Selling or re-homing a cat or dog? The NSW Department of Primary Industries is introducing new rules. From 1st July people selling or giving away kittens, cats, puppies or dogs, will need to include an identification number in any advertisements. The identification number can be either: a microchip number, a breeder identification number, or a rehoming organisation number. For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/companion-animals

Election Profile – Michael McCormack: I am proud of what has been achieved since becoming your Member for Riverina and representing local communities with a strong voice in Canberra. Some of the projects I have delivered in the Parkes Shire include $1 million in Drought Communities Programme funding, $4.2 million to upgrade Clarinda Street and for a Cooke Park multipurpose centre, $8.725 million for Parkes Wastewater Treatment Plant and Recycled Water Scheme, $860,000 to widen The Bogan Way, $6,200 for a Remembrance Wall and garden at Bogan Gate cemetery, $8,890 for Trundle SES shed, $7,000 to renovate Tullamore Hall, $226,306 for CCTV for Parkes CBD, $1.55 million to upgrade Parkes Airport, $4,000 for 3rd Parkes Scout Group Hall toilets and $25,000 for Parkes Tennis Club.

Cash – Nelson – Denver: Direct from the USA, The Kings of Country tour returns to bring back the music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and John Denver. Phillip Bauer as Johnny Cash has been recreating the sound and the look since 1985. His uncanny natural resemblance and stage presence leaves his audiences spellbound. Michael Moore is the world’s leading Willie Nelson Tribute artist. Identifying with his music and style from an early age, Michael developed an affinity with Willie that has led to a life-long career. Ted Vigil as John Denver has just been awarded the Rising Legend award by the American Country Music Association. An accomplished drummer and singer, he has made a career performing as John Denver. (See ad below for show details.)

Competition: Enter our Taronga Western Plains Zoo competition on page 4 to win a family pass. Closing date for the competition is 30th May.

 

 

 

The wombat came to Parkes on Tuesday. Nationals leader Michael McCormack’s Wombat Trail rolled into the Central West with the wooden wombat mascot, a tradition started in 1977.

Selling or re-homing a cat or dog?: The NSW Department of Primary Industries are introducing new rules. From 1st July people selling or giving away kittens, cats, puppies or dogs, will need to include an identification number in any advertisements. The identification number can be either: a microchip number, a breeder identification number, OR a rehoming organisation number. For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/companion-animals

Memory Lane: Do you have any interesting old photos of Parkes you can share with us? The Parkes Phoenix would like to start a regular column. Please send photos with a description to the editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.

Mother’s Day Muster: The Parkes & District Country Music Association’s Mother’s Day Muster is on Sunday, 12th May at 1pm in the Starlight Lounge of the Parkes Services Club. Charmaine Pout has once again set aside this special day to be the featured guest. The March Muster, with visitors from the South Coast CMA, was a resounding success. Performances included Stephen R Cheney, Barry Green, a quartet of Orana Country Music Association, Craig Manderson, Chris Gorton and Tony Dess, Ann Penman, Bill Murray, Ken Chalker from Cowra doubled up as vocalist and drummer for the backing band, Jock Charlton, Lindy Charlton and up and coming artist Gracey Jones from Parkes. Vocalists from the South Coast were Al McKendrick, Sylvia Jones, Maura Nankivel, Trish Fletcher, Roy Matthews, Garry Whalley, John Fisher and Phill Di Cesare. Dawn De Ramirez returned with her original and quirky poetry and Bill Yates showed his prowess on the keyboard. Thank you to Joy Rice from Cowra who looks after the sound at every muster, John D takes on stage hand duties and Dale for the MC job. The next muster is at Peak Hill on Sunday, 7th July at the RSL club.

Federal Election: A total of 1,514 candidates will contest the 18 May federal election. The national figures include 458 candidates for 40 Senate vacancies and 1,056 candidates for the 151 House of Representatives divisions. The declarations represent a milestone in the huge logistical operation with over 50 million ballot papers printed and distributed, and early voting starting on 29th April. A record 16.4 million Australians are enrolled and able to cast their votes at more than 8,000 polling locations including offshore locations such as Norfolk Island and Antarctica.

Parkes Shire Council pledged to make the roads safer for everyone as part of Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week. Tim Gillogly from Parkes Shire Council joined in by wearing a lapel yellow ribbon.

Parkes Shire Library is offering a new form of digital access to customers. The Hublet is ready-to-use selfservice unit with tablets for use in the library. Hublet keeps the tablets organised, charged and up to date. Library member Christopher Nielsen was happy to try out a tablet.

Charity Motorcycle Ride: On Saturday, 18th May the Midstate Motorcycle Club will be holding the annual Ironbark Dice Run charity ride again. Club President, Mick Littlewood of Parkes said: “In its 15th year, the Dice Run is a social day out for owners of road registered motorcycles and is aimed at raising money for a local charity.”

This year’s ride will support Cystic Fibrosis Community Care at Westmead Hospital, after Mick saw an article about two local boys, Harry and Callum Rowbotham, suffering from cystic fibrosis. The ride, covering approximately 250km, attracts motorcyclists from Bathurst, Orange, Cowra and Dubbo. Participants will ride from Parkes to Yeoval via Tomingley then on to lunch at the Molong RSL before finishing in Canowindra. At stops along the way each motorcyclist rolls the dice and, at the end of the day, the highest combined score is declared the winner. Registration starts at Kelly Reserve at 9am. Cost is $20 per rider and $10 per pillion. For more information contact Martin Bell on 0429 346 586.

Money, Money, Money: The time has come ‘to take a chance on’ the Trundle ABBA Festival tomorrow, 4th May with market stalls, dancing, best costume competitions and lots of fun activities for all ages, as well as Bjorn Again, the world-famous ABBA tribute band, renowned artists including Ben Ransom, Ingrid Mae, Amitie, MRQ and The Natalie Prevedello Duo. Tickets on sale at www.123tix.com

Bogan Gate Market Weekend: The annual market weekend is taking place again at the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall on Saturday, 4th May from 9am to 3pm and Sunday, 5th May from 8am to 12 noon to raise funds for renovations to the hall. Go for a drive or drop in on your way to ABBA in Trundle.

Free Child Restraint Checks: Ensure the safety of your children and make use of the free checks by RMS Authorised Child Restraint Fitters on Monday, 6th May at Lions Park from 10am to 2pm. Two out of three child restraints are not used properly putting children at risk in the event of a crash.

Bookings are essential, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place. Free coffee while you wait and free advice on national child restraint laws.

Parkes has an electric vehicle fast charger, situated on the car park at The Little Theatre on Bogan Road.

The NRMA charger forms part of a network that would cover 95% of members’ road trips with more than 40 chargers all across Australia. The charger is free to use at the moment, and will be free for NRMA members in future.

 

New History Blog: With Anzac Day fresh in our minds, the Parkes Library’s history blog has a new entry. Most towns have a war memorial, but do they have one on the intersection of two main streets? Read about the Bogan Gate War Memorial Clock Tower here: https://historyparkes.org/2019/04/17/bogan-gate-war-memorial/

ABBA Winner: Congratulations to Fiona Ferguson on winning a double pass to the Trundle ABBA Festival!

Bogan Gate Market Weekend: The annual market weekend is taking place again at the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall on Saturday, 4th May from 9am to 3pm and Sunday, 5th May from 8am to 12 noon to raise funds for renovations to the hall. Devonshire Teas, soup and rolls and sausage sandwiches will be available for purchase on Saturday, and egg and bacon rolls and Devonshire Teas on Sunday. Also taking part are Tumbling Downs Olive Grove (who press extra virgin olive oil on their farm in Bogan Gate), Bogan Gate School P&C, Uniting Church, Botanic Bounty, Bogan Gate Craft Shop, Dorothy’s Dolls and Janelle’s knitted jumpers to name a few. Come out for a drive or if you are going to ABBA in Trundle, drop in on your way there or on your way back. Cheney Park

Remediation Project: Investigative work into the salinity issues affecting Cheney Park is continuing with
consultants currently undertaking detailed data gathering and analysis. Parkes Shire Council received a $550,000 grant under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund to rehabilitate the site, which has been significantly affected by dry land salinity in recent years. Investigations undertaken last year also highlighted an issue with the water table. Consultants have commenced extensive monitoring of the site. During the analysis period, the affected area will be fenced off to prevent further damage to the playing surface and ensure the safety of park users.

Business Scam: A Parkes business was recently affected by a scam when it purchased an item from a business outside of Parkes using email and phone. The seller’s email appears to have been hacked and the buyer paid the money to the scammer thinking it was the seller. Scamwatch, run by the ACCC, is calling on businesses to urgently review how they verify and pay accounts and invoices as scams have grown by a third this year. For more information go to:https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/news/hackers-targeting-businesses-emails-insophisticated-
scam.

Marshall Beaton and Tianna Simpson: performed as My Sweet Melancholy for the very first time at the Parkes
Visitors Information Centre last Thursday when Greg Page launched his book on Elvis.

Winner: Congratulations to Cynara Jones who won tickets to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Thank you to all the readers who took part in the competition.

Double Demerits: Double demerits will be in place for eight days during the Easter and Anzac Day holiday in NSW and the ACT. It starts today, 18th April; to Monday, 22nd April with a one day break before starting again on Wednesday, 24th April to Sunday, 28th April (inclusive). Double demerit points apply for speeding, seatbelt,
motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Drivers caught using their phones during this period can expect to be hit with the fine as well as up to 10 demerits.

Magical Balloons: Over the next 10 days Canowindra will awake each morning to hot air balloons filling the skies for the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge. The official competition kicks off with the Key Grab on Sunday, 21st April. Balloons launch from a site of their choosing, with the aim to fly in and pluck a large key from the top of a flagpole for this spectacular event with a safety exclusion zone around the flagpole for spectators to watch the fleet approach and cheer the pilots on. The balloons will compete each morning and afternoon from 22nd April. The famous Cabonne Country Balloon Glow is on Saturday, 27th April at Canowindra Showground from 3pm lighting up the night sky.

Recycled Water: The final concrete pour for the new recycled water reservoir on Nash Street for the Recycled Water Scheme was completed recently. The project also includes the construction of three pump stations and a 12km purple pipeline. Several local contractors have been engaged in the four-week build. Magill Concrete Pumping, Hanson Concrete, and Parkes Concrete poured 400 cubic metres of concrete for the reservoir, while Westlime
and Agri West supplied materials and K&H provided geo technical expertise. The project is on schedule to finish in July, and the pipeline construction will be completed by Easter. Apart from delivering recycled water to sports fields and parks, Council is planning beautification works too. Potential projects include using topsoil from construction for a bush tucker garden on the corner of Eugowra Road and Henry Parkes Way. The $20.9m Recycled Water Scheme is jointly funded through the Australian Government and Parkes Shire Council.

Billabong Creek Makeover: Billabong Creek is getting a $150,000 makeover at Lake Endeavour. The restoration work follows the 2016 Lake Endeavour Dam safety upgrades in which the dam wall was reinforced to both strengthen the dam and increase its capacity. Waterways downstream were affected, and while environmental remediation was undertaken, extreme weather events have caused additional damage to the creek. Remediation works include excavation to correct slopes, installation of rock erosion barriers, redressing and seeding disturbed soil with appropriate seed and tubestock, as well as restoring the access track.

Trundle Artists: Artists from the Trundle area are invited to exhibit works in the first art exhibition at Trundle Multipurpose Health Service (MPS). The ‘Totally Trundle’ exhibition will feature artworks at Trundle MPS from 29th May to 12th August. Artworks may be original photographs, drawings, paintings or weaving, preferably framed behind glass. Works may be listed for sale. Artworks and entry to be delivered to Trundle Hospital reception on Monday, 27th May. Details can be found at http://artsoutwest.org.au/totally-trundle/ or call Christine McMillan at Arts OutWest on 0447 832 043, christine.mcmillan@health.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Royal Easter Show: Australia’s largest ticketed event brings the country to the city for 12 days (12-23 April) offering a wide range of attractions from the Greatest Show Spectacular to the Heritage Pavilion. Some of this year’s new attractions include the World’s Largest Sphere of Fear featuring six motorbike riders; Jurassic World 2
– The Fallen Kingdom. Buy your tickets at www.eastershow.com.au

Winner: Congratulations to June Bush who is the winner of the double pass to Phil & Chris Coad’s Condobolin Country Muster. Thank you to everyone for entering!

Anne of Green Gables the Musical: The Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society’s first show of the year is currently at the Little Theatre. You can still catch a show of the musical based on the much- loved novel of the same title written by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The musical has been performed every summer in Canada since 1965. See the cast of 31 bring Anne’s journey to life as she adapts to her new family and community with 17-year-old Krystal-Lee McMurray playing Anne. The heart-warming tale is suitable for all ages and is told with lots of humour. Don’t miss one of the six shows left. Tickets at www.parkesmandd.com.au or Regional Business Supplies.

The Parkes Ministers’ Association (PMA): donated $7,000 raised at the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival Gospel Service to two charities. The East Timor Mission received half for a shipping container full of supplies. At the handover were (L-R) Cr Neil Westcott, President of the PMA Pastor Andrew Taggart, Mayor Ken Keith OAM, Director of ParaMarcia Geoff Steventon and Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

Daylight Saving Change: On Sunday, 7th April Daylight Saving Time ends. This means at 3am clocks are turned backward one hour to 2am local standard time. Sunrise and sunset will be about one hour earlier on Sunday than the day before giving us more more light in the morning.

Parkes History Blog: If you’re in need of a good hero story, the latest blog on historyparkes.org is about Pilot Officer Rawdon Middleton, VC. That’s right, an Australian was awarded the Victoria Cross in WW2 – with a link to Parkes! A truly remarkable gentleman and a hero in the truest sense of the word. Many of you will know the name Rawdon Hume Middleton, but do you know the full story? Go to https://historyparkes.org/2019/04/02/rawdon-middleton-vc/

Anzac 360: Leading up to Anzac Day the library will have Virtual Reality 360-degree drone footage of the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front including eight key sites and battles. The library has a Virtual Reality headset to bring this to life for you.

Blue Dish: Parkes is joining the rest of the world in lighting up our iconic landmark in blue for the third year in celebration of World Autism Awareness Month. Central West Autism and Special Needs Awareness Group (CWASNAG) started the initiative in conjunction with Parkes Shire Council and the CSIRO. In addition a cocktail
fundraiser evening will be held tomorrow (6th April) under the Blue Dish with a panel discussion, live entertainment, telescope viewing and a lucky door prize. CWASNAG president, Angela Wilson said: “By lighting our Dish up blue during the month of April, we are creating an awareness of Autism and in turn, prompting conversations about it. Through awareness comes understanding, which ultimately brings acceptance.” For more information and to book tickets visit www.visitparkes.com.

School Holiday Fun: Parkes Shire Library will again be hosting family friendly events in the April school holidays including minibeast interactive workshop and Aqualife Explorers. The workshop on 24th April is based on the importance of mini-beasts and their life cycles within food webs, ecosystems, agriculture, forestry, medicine. There will be stick insects, millipedes, centipedes, crickets, scorpions, spiders, beetles and more. Aqualife Explorers on
16th April will transform the library into an underwater ecosphere allowing interaction with live sea creatures. (See page 2 for more detail on these activities.)