Nationals Candidate Yvette Quinn: attended a Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) rehearsal recently. Yvette was a member of the band as a Parkes Public and Red Bend College student. She is a talented woodwind musician playing flute and saxophone. She is pictured with music director Duncan Clement.

NPM Recipients: A total of 15 applicants were successful in the latest round of the CMOC-Northparkes Mines Community Investment Program, which runs twice a year with $40,000 donated each round. The successful applicants were Australian Red Cross Parkes, Bedgerabong Show, Bedgerabong War Memorial Union Church,
Bogan Gate Branch of Country Women’s Association (CWA), CWA of NSW Central Western Group, Forbes Amateur Swimming Club, Forbes Country Music Club Inc, Forbes High School, Mitchell Conservatorium Inc, Northparkes Charity Golf Day, PAINT PARKES REaD, Parkes Boppers Dance Troupe, Parkes Christian School, Parkes Dragon Boat Club and the Peak Hill Show Society. The next funding round closes on 30th October. Visit www.northparkes.com or contact Ali Standen on 6861 3621.

The Henrys: Nominations for the Parkes Business Awards – The Henrys, is open and closes on 20th August. If you haven’t yet received the 2018 Awards Entry Info Pack, make contact on Facebook.

Author Festival: Kim Kelly, the author of seven novels that explore Australian history, including the bestselling The Blue Mile, the acclaimed Wild Chicory, and UK Pigeonhole favourite Paper Daisies, will be in Parkes on 26th July at 6pm with her new rollicking tale Lady Bird & the Fox. On 28th July at 10am academic and author Kim Hodges will talk about her latest book Girl Over the Edge. Kim has lived with mental illness for the past five years: bipolar 2 disorder, severe depression, generalised anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. This is a follow up memoir to her successful debut memoir Girl on the Edge. On 3rd August at 6pm Jenny Bull will share her story of surviving fires, floods, Cyclone Ted and the 1970s beef crash in her book Back of Beyond. RSVP 6861 2309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Take The Lead: Dogs are many people’s best friends, but not when they are attacking others on the streets. Parkes Shire Council has launched a Responsible Dog Ownership campaign Take The Lead to raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership. The aim is to reduce the number of roaming dogs and dog attacks. Councillor Bill Jayet, said: “There are many benefits to owning a dog – socially, physically and mentally, however it also comes with major responsibility.” Council developed a pocket guide, social media content and public signage with information for responsible pet ownership with the focus on: ensuring your dog is kept safely within your property; ensure your dog is effectively controlled in public places; microchipping, registration and identification; vaccination, worming and de-sexing; off-leash areas in Parkes; Council’s ranger services and the Companion Animals Act 1998 regulations. The Take The Lead pocket guide is available from Council’s Administration Centre or
Parkes Veterinary Clinic, or download the information from www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

With the AstroFest: happening this weekend, Council installed new astro public art in Church street in support of the annual event. The works of finalists from the David Malin Astrophotography Awards throughout the history of Astrofest are featured.

Funding For Wartime History: The Parkes Cenotaph and Vietnam War Memorial will be upgraded thanks to four grants. The total of $10,111 was approved under the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service commemorations program and will go towards updating honour roll plaques on the Cenotaph and the Vietnam War Memorial, erect a chain fence at the Cenotaph and install a flag pole and security lighting at the memorial.

Council’s Heritage Fund: Parkes Shire Council is inviting owners and lessees of significant land and buildings to apply for dollar for dollar matched funding under their Local Heritage Fund Program. More than $54,655 worth of heritage projects were completed in the last financial year with more than $33,655 contributed by applicants and $21,000 provided through local heritage funding. Work included the restoration to the church doors at the
Parkes Uniting Church, the continuing reinstatement and repainting of Balmoral House, and restoration to the external façade of the Railway Hotel, Parkes. Applications close on Tuesday, 31st July. Application forms, conditions and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Administration Centre.

Country Music News: The next muster is this Sunday at 1pm in the Starlight lounge at the Parkes Services Club. Cheryl Simpson, vocalist from Dubbo accompanied by Tony Dess on keyboard, is the featured performer. Walk-ups are welcome. The June Muster was a great success with Barry Green. He was joined by visiting artists from Dubbo – Gary Hollier, Barry Josephs, Craig Manderson and Mick Bruce; from Cowra – Ken Chalker, Bill Murray and Stephen Cheney; Dawn Brydon from Narromine and Ann Penman from Lyndhurst. The muster at Peak Hill on 1st July combined with Dubbo Orana CMA at the Services Club. The entertainment was excellent with artists Craig Manderson, Mick Bruce, Gary Hollier, Barry Dickenson, Greg Jankowski and birthday boy Barry Joseph from Dubbo; Jock and Lindy Charlton, Dale Cowell, Joy Rice and Stephen Cheney and new comer Annabelle van Wyk (10 years) who delighted with her performance as she sang and played guitar and saxophone.

NAIDOC Week Grants: Peak Hill Pre School Kindergarten Inc received a Federal Government grant of $900 for NAIDOC Week. They plan to invite Wiradjuri man Larry Brandy to present interactive traditional stories to the children, who will participate in the story telling. Local primary schools, their families and the wider communities are also invited.

Choose Aussie produce with CoOL: As Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) became law on Sunday all food produced or manufactured from 1st July 2018 and sold in retail stores in Australia must display these labels. This will help customers to choose Aussie produce and support farmers. Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources
David Littleproud said research showed nearly three quarters of Australians think it was important to know the country of origin of their food. The new label displays a  bar graph of how much of the product was grown by Aussie farmers, and a kangaroo telling us if the food was processed or manufactured in Australia.

Chat About Mental Health: The Tradies Brekky at Hay’s Hardware on 18th July at 7am is a good opportunity to hear about the work of Tradies In Sight. Come along for a free bacon and egg roll and a coffee. Tradies In Sight is a group-based life support group that focuses on helping other tradespeople to build personal and professional relationships.

Plan B – Footy Swag Winners: Footy fans were offered the chance to win a swag over the June long weekend at the Parkes Spaceman versus Forbes Magpies match, thanks to the Forbes/Parkes Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). The winners were Rod Maxwell and Glenn Clarke with Laylah Logan named the under 18’s winner
drawn from 100 adult entries and 70 under 18’s entries.

Volunteer/s needed for Parkrun startup: We would love to start a Parkrun in Forbes/Parkes but need a passionate community member or small team to make it happen. There is a lot of support and help offered from the head office, but the drive must come locally. If anyone is interested in leading the project please contact eventsupportau@parkrun.com. Parkrun is a simple concept and an international concept: turn up and walk or run 5km, or 2km if you’re a junior. It doesn’t matter how fast you go or what you’re wearing. Its all about inclusiveness and wellbeing.

New Fire Station In Budget: The NSW 2018-19 budget included continued funding for the new fire station in Parkes with $200,000 provided to establish the design and get started on the groundwork. The NSW Government’s 2017-18 budget included a further $150,000 towards the purchase of land for the new station following a $250,000 investment in the 2016-17 budget.

NAIDOC 2018: There are a number of activities on offer in Parkes during NAIDOC Week. The Galari Mawam-Bul (coming together) art exhibition is at the Coventry Room from 9th to 12th July from 11am to 4pm daily. Artworks from some of the Central West’s most inspiring and talented Indigenous artists will be on display. Other activities include an astronomy workshop on Monday, 9th July 2pm-3pm by Trevor Leaman; a basket weaving demonstration
on Tuesday, 10th July 2pm-3pm; free art class with local indigenous Artist Irene Ridgeway on Wednesday, 11th July 2pm-3pm; Aboriginal Story Teller Larry Brandy on Thursday, 12th July 11am-12.30pm; and screening of Servant or Salve on Thursday, 12th July 2pm-3pm featuring Aunty Violet West from Peak Hill.

Long Road From a Broken Heart: Join inspirational speaker and author Jeremy Scott at Parkes Shire Library as he shares the incredible story of his 51,916 kilometre solo bicycle ride from London to New Zealand. Jeremy wasn’t only born with a huge hole in his heart, but with an insatiable craving for adventure. He set off on 5th October 2011 for what turned out to be a 2 1/2 year solo bike ride around the globe. He will be at Parkes Library on Friday, 6th July at 6pm. Please RSVP 6861 2309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Successful Heavy Vehicle Breakfast: A record-breaking 100 delegates attended the sixth annual Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum in Forbes recently. Topics included Councils’ achievements in the heavy vehicle space over the past 12 months, the Chain of Responsibility Master Code, Performance Based Standard Vehicles, Safety Management Systems, engagement with NSW Police, the Farm Gate Access Project, the NSW Road Safety Plan 2021, Safety Communications and updates from Roads and Maritime Services Freight Branch and the Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association.

Local Artist Exhibits: Alice Stokes returned to Parkes in late 2017 after a number of years honing her creative skills in Berlin, and she is sharing some of her work with Parkes Library for an exhibition during July. Due to Alice’s love of film noir and the colour black she primarily draws with graphite on black paper or charcoal, creating stark, evocative images that are only revealed as the light catches the graphite. Australian Gothic Local will be on exhibit at
Parkes Library from 3rd to 28th July.

Bake Off at Neighbourhood Central: Staff at Neighbourhood Central organised their annual Bake Off for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to help raise money for cancer research. It was decided to make it a bake off, and staff members agreed on a fixed donation price to participate and brought along a home-made treat. There were lots of good treats with Lyn Townsend crowned queen of the kitchen for 2018 with her delicious cream and strawberry pancake sandwiches.

Mock Crash: Production is well underway for this year’s Mock Crash Demonstration on Friday, 17th August with the establishing scenes filmed recently. Celebrating its 10th year, the demonstration has seen over 5,000 local students learn about the responsibilities and risks associated with getting behind the wheel with around 500 Year 10 students from Parkes, Forbes and the Lachlan Shire taking part every year. “Since the program commenced, we have recorded a 27% reduction in local crashes involving young drivers,” said Melanie Suitor of the Parkes Shire Council. The demonstration will take place at Parkes High School’s multi-purpose centre, and the final dress rehearsal will be open to the public.

Supporting Parkes’ Children: The children’s charity Royal Far West will be holding a community meeting in Parkes on Thursday, 28th June at the Coventry Room at 5:30pm. Participants from Royal Far West, Charles Sturt University and Fairfax Media will join Parkes’ local government, health and education leaders and families to discuss the state of children’s developmental health in rural and remote NSW. Parents, teachers, health care workers, and the business community are invited to discuss trends, challenges and what is working locally in order to create a plan for change, lobby for more targeted funding, and work with the community to build its capacity to support impacted children and families. To attend, register at www.royalfarwest.org.au/town-hall/ or email community@royalfarwest.org.au or call 1800 961 001.

Only Two Weeks To New Child Care: Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is urging families to switch to the new child care and early learning system or risk missing out on the new subsidies. The new package will begin on 2nd July and provides the highest rate of subsidy to those on the lowest income levels and more hours of subsidy to those who work the most. The Government is increasing early childhood education and
care by $2.5 billion over the next four years so that almost one million Australian families benefit – low and middle-income families will be the greatest beneficiaries from the package. The safety net includes special funding for regional and Indigenous-focused centres, and 12 hours or around two sessions a week of guaranteed access to
care/learning for families earning less than around $66,958 even if they don’t meet the activity test. The change over is not automatic and needs to be done online.

 

Recycle For Sight: The Forbes and District Lions Club is running their Recycle For Sight program during June by collecting used eyeglasses and sunglasses to send to a recycling centre in Brisbane. This is a good opportunity to get rid of unused glasses lying around at home. Each year Lions collect about 30 million pairs of glasses to help out people who cannot afford glasses. Collection boxes are available at Parkes Optical Services and OPSM in Parkes.

Country Music Muster: Barry Green will be the featured performer at the muster on Sunday, 17th June at 1pm. Although he is probably better known for his Elvis performances these days, Barry has been a member and longtime supporter of the Parkes and District Country Music Association. Walk-up performers most welcome to join in on the day. The Mother’s Day Muster was well attended with a great range of songs from the featured artist Charmaine Pout and walkups by seven performers from all over the Central West. Arrangements are in place to travel to an Orana CMA monthly function at the Dubbo RSL on Sunday, 24th June. After Dubbo, the annual muster at the Peak Hill Services Club takes place on 1st July, and the July muster is back on the 15th at the Starlight Lounge at the Parkes Service Club.

No Roadside Firewood Collection: With the arrival of winter Parkes Shire residents are being reminded that the collection of firewood from all roadsides across the Shire is prohibited. Under a resolution made in April 1998, the collection or cutting of timber from the roadside will incur an on-the-spot infringement notice. Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Michael Chambers said: “These measures are in place to protect our unique environment, and prevent the further degradation of roadside vegetation and to preserve rare plant and animal species.” The following activities are prohibited in any roadside reserve area: Collection of firewood; collection of rock, sand, gravel, dirt or any vegetative material; burning, clearing, grading, ploughing or any disturbance to soil or vegetation; grazing, tethering or droving of stock or bee keeping activities; trimming or lopping of trees or other vegetation. Check with Council by calling 6861 2343 about planned roadside activities. The
same restrictions apply to crown reserve, travelling stock routes and state forests.

Free Breakfast Forum: Owners, operators and industry professionals are invited to attend the sixth Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum at the Forbes Inn on Wednesday, 20th June. One of the highlights will be the Chain of Responsibility Master Code workshop. Registration required – contact Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

20 Men Over 50 Tell It Like It Is: Author Julie Ankers started a company focusing on retaining mature age workers and building effective age-inclusive workforces. This year she launched “Call Me Frank, 20 Men over 50 Tell it Like it is” as a companion book to “Feisty, Fabulous & 50+”, a collection of 21 autobiographical stories of women navigating their way through their 50s and beyond. Join Julie for morning tea at the Parkes Library on Tuesday, 19th June at 10am. RSVP on 6861 2309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Australia’s Most Famous Babies: It’s 100 years since May Gibbs’ adorable characters of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie found their way into the homes and hearts of Australians. Parkes Library is celebrating with a free travelling display featuring her iconic artwork, from 16 to 28 June.

Global Livestream Concert: On Make Music Day, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will share a global broadcast of its performance of Verdi’s Requiem on 21st June live from the Sydney Opera House. In an unprecedented event for Make Music Day, the livestream will be broadcast in libraries across regional NSW including Parkes. The Parkes event will start at 6pm with a performance by the Lachlan Community Orchestra and Parkes Shire Concert band.
Please RSVP for catering purposes: 68612309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Australian Logistics Council will be holding the 2018 Inland Rail Conference in Parkes on 18th and 19th July. ARA General Manager for Freight and Contractors, Duncan
Sheppard met with Trudie Varcoe, Site Supervisor at the SCT Intermodal Terminal last week where a site visit will be conducted for delegates at the conference.

Communities Grant: Parkes Shire Council will upgrade its central business district security network thanks to a $226,306 Safer Communities Fund grant. It will allow Council to install 17 new closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and signs and upgrade 16 old analogue cameras. Council also plan to erect nine solar security lights and purchase a portable CCTV system with seven cameras and removable bollards to integrate with its existing security
system. The CCTV upgrade will be a deterrent to street crimes and anti-social behaviour and boost the ability of police to monitor and reduce this behaviour. President of the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, Geoff Rice, welcomed the grant. “Getting that amount of money will make it a terrific system.”

Double Demerits: Double demerit points will be in force over the June long weekend (Queen’s Birthday) for four days. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor said: “Friday, 8th June is a publicly notified school day, and double demerit points will apply to all relevant school zone offences.” Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree said: “Double demerit points apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences over the four day period. Officers will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink-driving and fatigue. “Highway Patrol will have a strong presence across
the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas this long weekend.”

Parkes Picnic Races Competition Winner: Congratulations to Jacinta Knowles who won the double pass to attend the Picnic Races this Saturday!

Orange Choir At Bogan Gate For Third Time: Bogan Gate CWA members were overwhelmed by the response from locals for the Orange Male Voice Choir concert on Sunday with 127 people from Parkes, Forbes, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham, Orange, Condobolin and Bogan Gate attending. The choir performed a varied program,
including some Beatles songs. The performance was fantastic with the very capable and entertaining Barry Patterson
as conductor and talented Heijin Kim from Orange Regional Conservatorium as accompanist. Visitors were able to catch up with friends and meet choir members afterwards while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea provided by CWA members.

About 50 NSW Ambulance: volunteers from across the state took part in exercise ‘Extreme’ at Northparkes Mines (NPM) on Sunday dealing with several mock accidents and casualties requiring treatment. Pictured above is Linda Snyman of NPM who volunteered as a casualty.

Budget Boosts Stronger Communities: The Federal Budget delivered funding for an additional round of the popular Stronger Communities Program, meaning local community organisations are set to share in $150,000 made available for the Riverinaelectorate. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, help sporting clubs, community groups and volunteer organisations continue their vital work. “If you have a group or a public facility which needs an upgrade, or which can help boost tourism, local volunteerism or build a stronger local community, please have a look at the criteria and share your idea,” said Riverina MP Michael McCormack.

Craft Corner News: At the recent AGM the following committee members were elected: President, Rosemary Mitchell; Vice-President, Shirley Michalk; Secretary, Margaret Tanner; Treasurer, Kerry Buerckner, Treasurer Assist., Bev Dawson; Public Officer, Rhonda Redenbach; Roster Leslie Fischer; Shop Secretary, Carol Lee; Publicity Officer, Ann Reginato.

Winners of the Mother’s Day draw are: 1st prize Angela Crowley and 2nd prize Ann Gehrig (she ceded her prize and May Woods’ name was drawn as the winner). Please note the Knit and Natter day has been changed to 26th July at 10:30am All are welcome. Please like us on Facebook. Any enquiries contact President Rosemary on 6862 2570 or Secretary Margaret on 686 23240. The next meeting is at 10am on 14th June – newcomers welcome. You can also visit the shop in Clarinda Street if you are looking for a special gift.

Can Assist Benefits From Aero Spectacular Profit: With over 2,000 people attending the Parkes Aero Spectacular in April, the Parkes Aero Club celebrated its 70th anniversary and was able to make a little  profit. The celebration included a thrilling display by the RAAF Roulettes with their aerobatic stunts and manoeuvres. Last Friday club members Warwick Tom and Greg Rout handed over a $2,000 cheque to Can Assist to help them with their vital work in the community. Can Assist Secretary, Pat Bailey said every contribution helped to reach their goal of $100,000 plus per year, which were all spent locally to help families affected by cancer. She said the local branch had about 40 volunteers who spent a lot of time on fundraising. The Parkes Aero Club has a fully serviced club house at the airport, which Warwick said was available to the community to hire.

Bogan Gate CWA: The Orange Male Voice Choir will be performing at the Bogan Gate Hall on 3rd June at 1:30pm. Sales are going well with tickets available until 28th May at Betta in Forbes, Parkes Real Property, Bogan Gate Hotel, GS Insurance in Trundle and Condobolin Library. Come and spend an enjoyable Sunday afternoon, relaxing and listening to the fantastic voices of the choir with Barry Patterson as the conductor and Heijin Kim from Orange Regional Conservatorium as the accompanist. The Choir celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2016, and have sung all over the world and around Australia. A delicious afternoon tea will be served afterwards. Other events hosted by the CWA included the Oxley Group Handicraft/Land Cookery Day on 6th March, and the Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin annual Bridge Day on 15th April for the 11th time. President Marion McIntyre laid a wreath on behalf of CWA at the local Anzac Day Dawn Service. The next meeting is on Thursday, 21st June at 1.30pm at the hall.
Any new visitors are most welcome.

Boars Day For Can Assist: The annual Boars Charity Day takes place tomorrow (Saturday, 26th May) in aid of the local Can Assist branch. It is an all-day event with members of the Can Assist branch taking donations and selling raffle tickets throughout the day. Parkes and Forbes Juniors will be playing at Northparkes Oval from 11:30am. The main event is the 1st grade game kicking off at 3:15pm that will see a top of the table clash between the Parkes Boars and the Narromine Gorillas. The Parkes 1st grade side will be playing in a special one-off edition jersey, and from 6:30pm the playing strip will be auctioned off with open bids at the Coachman Hotel function room in Parkes.

Red Shield Appeal: Rosedurnate in Parkes will accept donations for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal until Wednesday, 30th May. Money raised will assist with Salvation Army welfare work in areas such as domestic violence support, drug and alcohol support, homelessness and a huge range of other programs.

New Shed For SES: Member for Orange, Philip Donato was in Trundle last week handing out grants. He presented volunteers of the Trundle SES Unit with a $15,000 cheque for a new shed. Philip supported  the application for the Community Building Partnership grant submitted by the Trundle Village Progress Association.
The nine-strong Trundle SES Unit provides an essential rescue service to Trundle and surrounds.

New Police Car: The Central West Police District unveiled a new vehicle at the Coffee With A Cop event last week with Frank Spice Hyundai in Forbes donating a new Hyundai Kona Highlander. Dealer principal, Troy Hurford, said support for the local police was a continuation of community goodwill. The Kona will be used by several officers involved in crime prevention, youth liaison and domestic violence. This means operational police vehicles could be used for attending court, school meetings and community events.

Final Weeks Of Free Cuppa: There’s only a few weeks left of the 2018 ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ campaign ending on 31 May. The Free Cuppa team is encouraging drivers to take advantage of the scheme with more than 90 participating businesses across Western and South Western NSW. Drivers who have travelled more than 100
kilometres from the address on their driver’s licence are eligible to claim a free cuppa at participating businesses. Free Cuppa towns and businesses can be found at www.freecuppa.com.au or the Free Cuppa for the Driver Facebook page.

Funding For Trundle Showground Trust: Member for Orange Philip Donato also presented a $9,000 cheque following the Trust’s successful application for funding through the Community Building Partnership Grants Program. The proceeds of the grant will allow them to pay for water and power connections to redundant horse stables, which will be used for 12 camping sites during the Bush Tucker and ABBA festivals when the town attracts many visitors.