Videographer Andrew Barnes films Jim O’Donoghue, one of two Parkes locals, for the We Want You Back tourism campaign.

COVID-19 Testing at Parkes: All residents in the Parkes Shire are encouraged to book a COVID-19 test if they currently have, or have recently had any of the following symptoms: fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, and cough. To book an appointment time contact the Parkes COVID-19 testing clinic by calling 6861 2455 between 7:30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. For any concerns outside these hours please call Healthdirect 1800 022 222, Western Public Health Helpline 1300 066 055 or Emergencies 000

Grants For Parkes Volunteers: Two Parkes district community groups have received grants delivered through the 2019-20 Volunteer Grants. Parkes Neighbourhood Central will receive $5,000 to purchase furniture and equipment, such as tables, a hot water urn and a blower vacuum to support their efforts, improve morale and ensure safety, while the Bogan Gate Community Hall Association will receive $1,200 for air conditioning.

Millions Turn To Libraries: Over 20,000 new members signed up online to the State Library of NSW since the lockdown, while the State Library had 703,611 website visits (20% increase) and 1,500 ebooks have been downloaded (200% increase). NSW public libraries have collectively processed over 800,000 eloans (300% increase) and had over one million website visits (100% increase). NSW State Librarian John Vallance said the NSW Premier’s green light to libraries reopening on Monday, 1st June could not have come at a better time.

New Peak Hill Depot Now Occupied: The Parkes Shire Council crew at Peak Hill have moved into their new home following the purchase of the redundant Essential Energy Building on Ingalba Street. Parkes Shire Director Works and Services, Ben Howard said the move was primarily to do with safety, security and information technology to allow the operational staff to maintain current operating procedures and to allow satellite staff to effectively work remotely from Peak Hill.

$6 Million Upgrade: Parkes Shire residents travelling to Orange will benefit from one of ten projects being rolled out across the Orange electorate through round three of the NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program. The project on the Escort Way and Henry Parkes Way from Orange to Parkes will see the widening of shoulders, installation of roadside barriers and clear-zone and delineation improvements to the value of $6 million, making it the biggest project of the ten.

At the announcement of the $16 million ten road projects in Orange this week were (L-R) Transport for NSW representative Alistair Lunn, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole, Orange Shire Council Mayor Reg Kidd and Sam Farraway MLC.

Zahli Gillingham (8) was very excited to be one of the winners in our Autumn Colouring In Competition. Here she is with her prize, a milkshake gift voucher from Ella the Coffee Van.

COVID Milestone: There are no more active cases in the Western NSW Local Health District, after a total of 45 cases were confirmed, and one death. There was only one confirmed case in the Parkes Shire. It is critical that everyone continue to practice social distancing to minimise the risk of the transmission of COVID-19.

New History Blog: The latest entry on Parkes Library’s history blog https://historyparkes.org/2020/04/30/wongalea/ is about Wongalea, the village that once had a population of 67, and had a one teacher school which closed in 1970. The school was then bought buy a British film production company and moved to Nelungaloo to make a movie about a Welsh school choirmaster who comes Down Under! Sunstruck, the last feature film of Harry Secombe, included many Parkes residents in the film and assisting the crew in various ways. The producers were so moved by the hospitality of the locals that they held the world premiere in Parkes!

Parkes Shire Cultural Grants: The grants program encourages and supports the development of local community organisations, services and strategies, and 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. Cultural Grants application forms are available on Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Applications close Friday, 5th June. For advice and support, contact Council’s Grant Officer, Jenny Short on 0447 831 413.

Heavy Fines For Firewood Collection: The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves. This includes dead wood and fallen trees. Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts.

New Work at Landfill sites: Works are underway to upgrade security at Alectown, Gunningbland, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore landfill sites to provide improved environmental outcomes and prolong the life of the small landfill sites by minimising unauthorised disposal. New fencing, a security lock system, and 24-hour CCTV cameras are being installed. Residents who can justify a need to access the landfill sites can contact Council to apply for an access key on 6861 2341.

Staff at the Parkes Hospital received some delicious baked goods made by Chris and Jason Spicer from Currajong Disability Services. The staff members are (L-R) nurses Chelsea, Tania, Dr Lo, Sue, Jeremy and Alex. Read the article HERE

Ring Them Bells: The Parkes Ministers Association under the leadership of Pas- tor Andrew Taggart from the AOG church is inviting all churches to take part in a united prayer time. Michael Lynch from the Catholic Church suggested to use Thursday evenings from 6 to 7pm as community prayer time and invited churches to ring their bells during this time. People are also encouraged to light a candle in their window during this time to let the community of Parkes know about the prayer time. Everyone is invited to pray for our community during this hour every week.

Dangers of Sanitiser: NSW Health is reminding parents that alcohol-based hand sanitiser is dangerous if ingested, particularly for children. NSW Poisons Information Centre said while hand sanitiser was an important tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, it has seen a spike in the number of calls due to hand sanitiser exposure incidents, mostly by babies and young children ingesting it at home. “Hand sanitiser products should be stored safely and out of reach of children,” said Genevieve Adamo of the NSW Poisons Information Centre. “When they are used by young children it should be under the supervision of an adult.” Most minor ingestions can be safely managed at home but telephone assessment is still important. “Calling the Poisons Information Centre first to see if you or your child needs to go to hospital may prevent unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department.” Contact the 24-hour Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Blood Donations ‘Essential’: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is calling on people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. “We need donors now more than ever,” said WNSWLHD Haemovigilance Clinical Nurse Consultant, Karen Beattie. “The government has actually made blood donation one of the 16 reasons you can leave your home. There are 800 blood donation cancellations per day nationally and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality.” The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood need 29,000 blood donors every week. They have introduced procedures to meet social distancing requirements and keep their donors safe. “The need for blood never stops. Blood is needed every day by Australian patients.” The WNSWLHD is calling on eligible Australians to become blood donors and for existing donors to make and hon- our their appointments to prevent a potential shortage of blood supplies. Make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Parkes Ambulance staff with treats made by Currajong Disability Services participants. Read the article HERE

Reuben Kelly loves playing his cello during COVID-19 isolation because nobody bothers him.

Stay At Home This Easter: All Australians are asked to observe the health directives and stay at home this Easter. The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud said getting away at Easter needed to be put on hold this year because the risk of spreading COVID-19 to remote and regional Australia is too great. “Our regions don’t have the medical resources that people enjoy in metropolitan Australia. This is the time when we can all do our bit to look after our fellow Australians, our communities and our families.”

Streaming Antenatal Services: An innovative model will enable women and their partners to access education from the comfort of their own home, while complying with social distancing rules. The classes rotate on a four-week cycle and each week covers a different topic: pregnancy; labour and birth; breastfeeding; and early days of being a parent. Classes will run Wednesday nights from 6pm starting on 8th April to 26th August. All women need is to have access to a phone or computer. To book in for the free interactive classes contact Lucy Sissian on 6809 8607.

Lower Prices At The Bowser: While world oil prices fell to just over $20 per barrel, every motorist in regional Australia deserves price relief during the pandemic. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said regional, rural and remote Australians must receive the benefits of lower prices at the bowser. “I am pleased the ACCC has said fuel prices above 130 cents per litre are inappropriate and they are closely monitoring the situation. The Federal Government will continue to watch the actions of fuel retailers in regional areas very closely and we encourage the community to name and shame retailers doing the wrong thing.” He said motorists should follow pricing apps and take advice from motoring bodies including the RACQ and NRMA for advice on when and where to fill up most cheaply.

Join COVID-19 Social Media Project: The National Museum of Australia in Canberra has launched a digital initiative to record shared experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Australians who wish to share their experiences, stories, reflections and images from the pandemic are invited to join the Facebook group Bridging the Distance – Sharing Our COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences, and take part in a national conversation around this unprecedented event.

Luka Parkin says the benefits of practising in isolation are: the seats are comfier and you get premium wheelbarrows.

MEMORIES… Relive the fun of the Parkes Elvis Festival while sorting through your photos and enter the Elvis Photography Competition.

Call For Elvis Photo Entries: While you have more time on your hands during this period of self isolation, why not sort through your Elvis photos and pick some to enter for the Elvis Photography Competition? The competition has become a popular event at the Parkes Elvis Festival and showcases work from amateur and established photographers. The competition will close on 1st July. You can find the categories, competition T&Cs and entry form at http://bit.ly/2ozJE7p If you have any questions, please email elvis@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Uber Postpones: Following an announcement earlier this year that Uber planned to launch across the state, including in Parkes, a lot has changed in the weeks since then. In an effort to help limit the spread of COVID-19, Uber has temporarily paused its plans to launch the Uber app across all of regional NSW.

Elections Only Next Year: The local government elections due to be held on 12th September this year will be postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The decision to postpone the elections was necessary to ensure the health and safety of voters, NSW Electoral Commission staff and candidates. The NSW Government now intends to hold the elections in September 2021. The Parkes Shire is one of 126 councils that will now hold their elections next year. Parkes Shire councillors will continue to hold their civic offices until the rescheduled local government elections are held. The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be conducted at the September 2020 Council meeting. Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd welcomed the decision. “The health and safety of our community is paramount. This decision mitigates the risk to our community, as well as provides a level of stability and continuity during this time of uncertainty. Our current elected representatives, as well as our entire workforce, are working hard to ensure good governance continues during this crisis and beyond.” For more information, visit the NSW Office of Local Government website.

Astro Dish Take Away: Many Parkes businesses, including cafés and restaurants, are offering online options, such as ordering take away meals, as well as delivery. The Astro Dish Motor Inn has a take away menu on offer. Visit www.astrodishrestaurant.com.au/menu/ and call 6862 3000 to order.

Christine Ford, a Parkes Phoenix reader from Melbourne, sent us this photo of Charlie and Mia’s mock wedding. The 12-year-old brother and sister Jack Russells are the only life she sees daily, unless she goes beyond the confines of her gate. “I love doing life with them and making special memories with my doggies.”