Book a date with a friend that could save both your lives: BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women to get together with a friend to book a mammogram during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to boost screening rates and save lives. More than one in eight women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but almost half of women aged 50-74 are not getting their recommended two-yearly mammograms. “We know there are many reasons why women might be missing their recommended mammogram – they put it off because they are too busy, they are nervous about going, or nervous about the results,” said Western NSW Lo-cal Health District Breastscreen Manager, Meg O’Brien. “By encouraging a friend to go with them, women can ensure that making the appointment becomes a priority. It also means that they will have someone to support them on the day, and as they get the results. We have come a long way with cancer treatment but the reality is still that the more extensive the cancer is, the more it can diminish quality of life.” An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free and takes about 20 minutes. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, phone 13 20 50, or book online by visiting book. breastscreen.nsw.gov.au

Competition: Enter the Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition to win a $150 gift certificate at Greenparkes Garden Centre! Send your photos on our Facebook page or email to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au by 31st October.

 

Bishop Harry Westcott’s Autobiography: Harry has put pen to paper, and with support from, and lots of reminiscing with Doreen his wife of 62 years, has published In His Grip… An Aussie Who Had A Go. It is a book “full of adventure and courage, honesty and reality” that will make you laugh and cry, and challenge you as you read about his amazing journey. Harry, the second of four sons born to Seddon and Florence Westcott, grew up on his parents 2,000 acre wheat and sheep farm at Alec-town. In 1959, at the age of 27, he was ordained as a Methodist minister. The book will be launched on Tuesday, 22nd October at the Coachman Hotel Reception Room at 5:30pm. Everyone is invited.

Spelling Success For Middleton: Middleton Public School students enjoyed outstanding success at the Premier’s Spelling Bee Regional Finals recently competing against 19 other schools. A huge congratulations to Natan Sadykov who was the outright winner of the senior section and will compete in Sydney at the state finals in November. Harry Kennedy came third in the senior section, which is also an amazing outcome. Meg Skinner and Logan Roberts were placed equal fifth in the junior section.

Holiday Fun At Library: Parkes Shire Library staff have prepared a fun-filled program for school kids at their new home at 2/250 Clarinda Street. There is something for every interest including: Feed the Birds – make a bird feeder to take home; Cartooning Workshop – Join the team from Toonworld designing your own cartoon heroes; Fanciful Flower Crowns – Join local florist Alice making your own fresh flower crown; Action Reaction Family Shows – An acrobatic show for families with a Superhero Training Component; Film and Fighting Workshop – see a demonstration and participate in film and stage fighting techniques; You Can be an Author! – Write crazy stories using word games and activities. Places are limited and bookings are essential in person at the Parkes Shire Library. Cost $2.

Parkes Country Music: No Country Music Muster for October.

Competition: Enter the Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition to win a $150 gift certificate! Send your photos on our Facebook page or email to editor@parkesphoenix. com.au by 31st October.

Congratulations! Rebecca Fernando is the winner of our Questacon competition!

Bogan Gate Village Fair: Over 30 stalls, vintage machinery, classic cars and more will make for a great family day out at the inaugural Bogan Gate Village Fair on Sunday, 29th September from 9.30am until 3pm. The event aims to bring the community together and raise much needed funds for local groups and organisations, such as the Bogan Gate Railway Arts and
Crafts Shop doing it tough as a result of the drought. The aim is to raise enough funds to cover the shop’s rent for the next year. Other activities include a Tupperware cooking demonstration at 11am, a fashion parade at 12pm, lots of kids entertianment and the art and craft shop’s famous Devonshire Tea. Budding musicians are welcome to try their hand at busking.

 

Congratulations to Hansen Optometrists on winning The Parkes Phoenix Footy Tipping Competition! Here is Jason Gould receiving the hamper sponsored by D’Aquinos on behalf of the Hansen Optometrists team.

Lower Clarinda Still Open For Business: Despite three major construction projects currently underway in the Parkes CBD, itis still business as usual for the shops and companies in lower Clarinda Street. The first sod has been turned on the Parkes Library Expansion project, the foundations for the new multipurpose centre in Cooke Park have been set, and the Main Street Revitalisation project is progressing along Clarinda Street. “These projects will ultimately improve the amenity of our Central Business District, and transform Lower Clarinda Street into a vibrant and pleasant public space,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM. “I encourage residents to continue to support these businesses while these projects are taking shape.” Work began on the Main Street Revitalisation Project in August where a new stormwater line is being installed. This will be followed by footpath, kerb and gutter refurbishment. Additional parking is now available along Dalton and Browne Streets to offset the restricted parking in the main street. Pedestrian detours will be in place to allow access to shopfronts as the construction works progress.

Winner: Congratulations to Michael Coates on winning a family pass to AirVenture Australia!

Competitions: Keep on entering the popular Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition to win a $150 gift certificate! Send your photos on our Facebook page or email to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au by 31st October. With the school holidays around the corner, you can win a family pass to Questacon Canberra. Enter on The Parkes Phoenix website www.parkesphoenix.com.au by 25th September at 2pm.

Currajong Best In Show Again: The Currajong Disability Services Sewing Group once again scooped the pool at the 2019 Parkes Show. “We have some amazing people in our sewing group,” said founder of the group and CDS support worker Deitre Jackson. Dearnne Callaghan again claimed overall honours for the second successive year, while Karen Willis was a bolt from the blue taking second. Shannon Miller and Cherie Lovett grabbed Highly Commended certificates for their wonderful pieces to complete a domination of the section for Currajong. “I am very proud of all of them and I know everyone at Currajong feels the same,” said Deitre. The CDS Sewing Group relies largely on community donations to operate. “So many groups in the community have supported us and we are eternally grateful,” said Deitre.

Sowing Cyber Seeds: Free computer skills workshops are being offered across the Parkes Shire during September and October to help farmers access vital online services. “This course offers them the chance to expand their skillset and tap into opportunities that exist in the digital world,” said Parkes Shire Drought Response Officer Roger Kitson. Access to the technology also helps farming families to stay connected with family and socially. All participants will receive a course manual to take home, and eligible farmers will be given a free tablet. All sessions run from 10am to 4pm. Numbers are limited to 20 per session. Farmers must register by calling Roger Kitson on 0428 868 200. Workshop days are: Trundle Library 23rd September; Tullamore Library 24th September; Peak Hill Neighbourhood Central Hub 28th October and Parkes Neighbourhood Central 29 & 30 October.

Sports Grants Open: The Parkes Sports Council is calling for applications for the CMOC Northparkes / Parkes Shire Council Sports Grant Program. A total of $57,000 is available. Funding is split between two project types: participation projects that deliver a sport or physical activity participation experience to an identified group of people, and facility development projects building new or upgrading sport and recreation facilities to support increased participation. Applications close on 30th September. Grant Writing Workshops: Two workshops will be held for community and sporting groups wanting to learn more about applying for grants on Thursday, 19th September at the Parkes Shire Council Chambers. A lunchtime session from 12 to 2pm and an evening session from 6 to 7pm. Visit Parkes Council’s website or contact the Grants Officers on 6861 2398 for more details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Grants Officer: Parkes Shire Council’s Grants Team has undergone a number of changes recently relocating to Council’s Administration Building, and welcoming a new member to the team. Jenny Short has previously worked in tourism at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre, and the RMS for 20 years. The grants team has been extremely successful over the past 12 months helping to secure more than $20 million in grant funding for projects, events and initiatives. Jenny and Sally are available to meet individuals and groups from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm to provide assistance. Please book to ensure they are available by email grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au or calling 6861 2395. For the latest funding opportunities, register your interest at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au to receive the monthly grants newsletter.

Harrison Kennedy (Year 6) and Indianna Kennedy (Year 4) represented Middleton Public School at the Parkes Action Club Public Speaking Competition. Indianna took out first place in her division with her speech “It Wasn’t My Idea!” receiving a perpetual trophy and $100 for the school.

Pink Hill: The Peak Hill Community Health Team at the Peak Hill Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is urging the community to turn Pink for the month of October to raise awareness about Women’s Health and in particular breast cancer awareness. “We encourage our community to also participate and to ‘Pink’ up your venue, host a ‘Pink’ morning tea, decorate shop fronts, dye your hair, wear pink clothing or whatever takes your fancy,” said Primary and Community Health nurse Louise O’Leary. All money raised will go to the McGrath Foundation and the support of breast care nurses. If you have an idea or want to get involved, call 6861 7100 and ask to speak to Pam, Rae, Michelle or Louise.

Nominate Your Town For A Makeover: As the drought continues to take its toll, Rural Aid is launching a campaign to give 10 country towns impacted by drought a makeover. The 10 towns will receive a minimum of $100,000 each over five years. Working with town leaders, the money will be spent developing plans, workshops, and to support the long-term sustainability of the town and local community. Rural Aid’s Farm Army of volunteers (usually between 50 – 100) will also spend a week in the town undertaking a range of infrastructure projects. Applications close 30 September. To nominate a town go to: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/nominate/.

Spring Photo Comp: The Parkes Phoenix is once again running its Spring Photo Competition with a great prize to be won! Send us your Spring photos on our Facebook page or email your photos to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au Entries close on Thursday, 31st October.

Take the Road Safety Pledge: Locals are encouraged to take the pledge to help reduce road related incidents as part of Rural Road Safety Month during September. Last year over 700 people were killed on rural roads, while one in two rural drivers admitted to speeding, using their mobile phone or driving distracted with their children in the car. Statistics show that rural drivers are more likely to drive under the influence and drive whilst tired compared to their city counterparts.  Rural Road Safety Month calls on road users to make the pledge to: Always be fit to drive; Scan the road ahead; Know their limits and plan their trip; Stay sharp and take regular breaks; Not drive through flooded waters; Be alert for wildlife and livestock; and Drive to suit the conditions. Take the pledge today by visiting www.arsf.com.au/take-the-pledgefor-rrs/

Natika Smith with her six-month-old blue and gold macaw called Bindi. She has run the Birds pavilion for the past six years and this year received a record of 85 entries.

Market Day: The congregation of St. Georges have been praying for rain to assist our district. If it rains on our Market Day on Saturday, 7th of September still come as we have huge halls to keep you dry, but wouldn’t it be great to be dancing in the rain? The famous plant and cake stalls will be abundant, there will be a delicious Devonshire tea, games for the kids, white elephant stalls and BBQ with dessert. Tour the beautiful interiors of the heritage building and come and have a great day out.

Recycled Water For Green Parks: Construction on the Recycled Water Rising Main is complete, with the 12km purple pipeline connecting selected public greenspaces around Parkes. The project also included the construction of a reservoir on Nash Street and pump stations at Nash Street, Renshaw McGirr Way and the Recycling Facility. Commissioning and testing started at Armstrong Park last week. Other parks and sporting fields will be switching to recycled water in the coming months. Parkes Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure,

Andrew Francis said: “We are on track to turn on the purple taps as we move into summer, so our parks and ovals will be irrigated with recycled water during peak water demand. The scheme ensures our sporting amenities are maintained through dry times, and will ease pressure on our drinking water supplies.” Irrigation will be scheduled at night, although testing may
take place during business hours during commissioning. While recycled water is safe for irrigation, it is not suitable for human consumption and direct contact with sprinkler sprays should be avoided.

Grants To Protect Local Environment: Local communities in the Central West and Riverina can share in $150,000 of funding in the Communities Environment Program. Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with the minimum grant being $2,500 and the maximum grant set at $20,000. Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open and should be returned before 27th September. To be eligible you must be a community organisation, which is a legal entity and able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. Community clubs, scouts and guides groups, sports clubs, not-for-profit organisations, schools, councils and other community and conservation groups can apply. An EOI form can be obtained by calling 6921 4600, online at https://www.michaelmccormack.com.au/s/ SCP-expression-of-interest-form-withfactsheet-and-FAQ.pdf or emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au.

Benjamin Doughty (2) could not wait to get a taste of this huge lolly at the Parkes Show on Tuesday.

Congratulations: to Valmai Westport on celebrating her 80th birthday this week!

National Police Remembrance Day: Central West Police District Commander, Superintendent Chris Taylor is inviting the community to join police in paying tribute on National Police Remembrance Day. A service will be held at 10am on Friday, 27th September at Holy Family Catholic Church in Parkes. National Police Remembrance Day, traditionally held on 29th September each year, holds a special significance to police throughout Australia and the Pacific region, and is one of the most important events on the NSW Police Force calendar. On this day members of the NSW Police Force and the community remember those officers who have given their lives in the course of their duties.

Choose Tap Water: Parkes residents are urged to replace plastic bottled water with tap water during Keep Australia Beautiful Week in a bid to shift our obsession with bottled water. Every year Australians spend more than $736 million on bottled water, with almost 375 million bottles ending up in landfill and waterways, impacting the environment and marine life. At 2,000 times the cost of tap water, plastic bottled water is an expensive convenience, which is also much pricier than basic expenses like milk and petrol. Facts about bottled: It takes more than three litres of water to produce one litre of bottled water; a plastic water bottle takes around 450 years to break down; Australia’s annual use of bottled water generates more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions; In Australia alone, we manufacture almost three million tonnes of plastic every year.

New Medicines On PBS: The Federal Government’s listing of four new medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will help patients to fight aggressive forms of cancer and inflammatory conditions. The $56 million investment will slash the costs of Avastin, Sprycel, Actemra and Somatuline Autogel – saving patients thousands
of dollars. Without the subsidy, patients would be paying $31,200 for Avastin, $51,900 for Sprycel and $10,200 for
Actemra. Under the PBS, the medicines drugs will be available for $40.30 per script, or $6.50 with a concession card.

Forbes news in Parkes: Are you interested in what’s happening in Forbes? You can pick up a free copy of the Forbes Phoenix at the Parkes Newsagency every Friday.

Successful Campaign: Parkes Shire Council received a Highly Commended for Excellence in Communications at the RH Dougherty Awards in Sydney last week for the delivery of the Parkes National Logistics Hub Business Attraction Campaign. Business Development Manager, Anna Wyllie said the success of the Hub campaign exceeded all expectations. Some of the key opportunities generated for Parkes as a result of the campaign included the inaugural Inland Rail Conference, the international trade mission led by the NSW Deputy Premier, the establishment of the State’s first Special Activation Precinct (SAP), as well as an investment of nearly $8 million by the NSW Government under the Growing Local Economies Fund (GLEF) to deliver crucial service infrastructure extensions to the Parkes Hub precinct.

Reconciliation and Remembrance: Australians will share in the pride rightly felt by Vietnam Veterans this Sunday at 10:50am when they celebrate their annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day. It is not a memorial about issues, about glorification of war, or the justification of political decisions. Rather it recognises sacrifice and suffering, the honour and sense of duty carried out by 50,000 young men and women in the biggest conflict Australia has been engaged in over the past two generations. Those who returned from the war did not find a nation taking them to its bosom as heroes. Today’s dedication of the Vietnam Forces Memorial should and will continue the healing process.

Road Safety In Regional NSW: Motorists are more likely to crash on country roads. This is the sobering message of this month’s Rural Road Safety Month. Of the 223 people killed in road crashes in NSW so far this year, 147 were on country roads – which is five more than the same time last year. NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said at the launch in Bathurst: “Too often, people think it’s okay for them to quickly check a text, to drive faster than the speed limit because they know the road or they get behind the wheel when they’re tired. It’s not.”

Daffodil Day Appeal: Cancer Council NSW is urging Parkes residents to support the Daffodil Day Appeal this month. Daffodil Day is on 23rd August, and for the first time ever, EFTPOS devices will be available to make it easier for people to donate. Visit www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 for more information.

Parkes residents streamed to Orange last weekend to have fun in the snow as a result of the town’s two coldest days on record.

See this very special certificate from NASA signed by the Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on exhibit at the Henry Parkes Museum. (Read full story on front page.)

Forbes News: Are you interested in what’s happening in Forbes? You can pick up a free copy of the Forbes Phoenix at the Parkes Newsagency every Friday.

Coffee With A Cop: Parkes Police are hosting Coffee with a Cop on Monday, 19th August at the Roasted Kombi from 10:30am. It is a golden opportunity to meet local officers and discuss community issues with them over a coffee. It is an informal event at a neutral space to help build relationships. All community members are invited to attend and use this unique opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the Police work in Parkes and the Central West Police District. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Flu Still Prevalent: There have been 1,521 cases of influenza in the Western NSW Local Health District so far this year, compared to only 85 last year. People are urged to remember simple hygiene precautions to avoid spreading the flu. It is not too late to get a flu shot. Flu shots are free for pregnant women, people over 65 years, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

Helping Women In Need: The August Dignity Drive of Share the Dignity has begun and for the first time Woolworths Supermarkets across the country will be collection points for all sanitary product donations. Over three million Australians are currently living under the poverty line, more than half are women and young girls who are unable to afford sanitary products. Share the Dignity is asking Australians for every sanitary product bought, to also buy one for a woman or girl in need. Donations can be dropped off at any Woolworths supermarket.

$100 Kids Vouchers: Arts OutWest is encouraging parents of school aged kids to make use of the Creative Kids vouchers. The program provides $100 for each school-aged child in NSW to get involved in creative and cultural activities. Vouchers can be used for registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities. Across the Central West 70 providers have registered to accept the vouchers. Parents apply for the vouchers using their MyServiceNSW account and need to provide their child’s Medicare card details. The vouchers can be used any time during the calendar year.

Enter our Parkes Show competition on page 8 to win a show ride pass.

Students In Parkes: Some of the country’s brightest young engineers are doing student placements with Parkes Shire Council for the fourth year. They are participants in the University of Sydney’s Engineering Sydney Industry Placement Scheme (ESIPS). During the six-month placement students undertake high-level investigative research. The two students are Hassi Al Kabanchi and Anjana Hariharan. Hassi is studying a combined Bachelor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Bachelor of Science and was placed at the Parkes Water Treatment Plant to develop tools for water resource management. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering student Anjana’s research project characterised the chlorine decay in the Parkes Recycled Water Distribution Network to identify the chlorine residual at end user sites.

Tidy Towns Finalist: Parkes is one of 11 NSW towns to be named as a finalist for the 2019 Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Award. An assessor will be visiting Parkes to inspect our sustainable infrastructure and assess the overall presentation of the town. The results will be announced at the much-anticipated Tidy Towns Awards Weekend in Cessnock, from 1 – 3 November. CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Val Southam said: “The submissions received continue to show that many towns are developing innovative and resourceful ways of being sustainable in the face of a host of financial, environmental and social issues.”

Grants For Schools: Schools in the Central West are encouraged to apply for a share in up to $200,000 in funding under the Local Schools Community Fund. Schools will be eligible for funding from $1,000 to $20,000 that includes anything from a small-scale refurbishment or extension to a classroom, playground equipment and sports facilities to mental health and counselling services, new computer facilities and library resources. Applications opened on 25th July, and are to be submitted through the Department of Education’s SchoolsHUB portal at https://schools.education.gov.au by 5pm on 30th September.

Cash Prize For Best Float: CMOC-Northparkes Mines will continue to sponsor the Elvis Street Parade for a further three years, and once again offer a $1,000 cash prize for the Best Float in the 2020 parade, to help schools, sporting and community groups. The 2020 Festival theme is from the 1966 movie Frankie and Johnny where Elvis stars as a riverboat gambler and performer with his girlfriend Frankie. The Street Parade will take place on Saturday, 11th January with registrations opening in September.

Tiffany Steel, Elvis Festival Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator with Parkes Mayor Ken Keith and Northparkes Managing Director Hubert Lehman.