Parkes student Hannah Dun: was absolutely thrilled last weekend walking off with several prizes at the 2018 Forbes Talent Quest. She won first prize in the Junior category (9-12 years), first prize for Australian Song (up to 17 years), second prize for gospel (up to 17 years), as well as Overall Junior Champion! She also won a professional guitar. Well done Hannah!

Mother’s Day Muster: In a special tribute to all mothers the Parkes and District Country Music Association will once again host its Mother’s Day Muster on Sunday from 1 to 5pm. The idea is to take mum to lunch at the Services Club and pop upstairs for the Muster or come to the Muster and take Mum for dinner and the club’s Sunday night draw. Guest artist is the very popular Charmaine Pout. Walk-up artists are also welcome. The April Muster was well attended with guest artist Rhonda Tomlinson from Dubbo. Peak Hill Muster plans are well in hand for Sunday, 1st July at the Peak Hill Services Club.

Kindred Beauty Lounge: Pamper packs and vouchers are still available for Mother’s Day. Pop in and grab one for Sunday.

Inland Rail Community Consultative Committees: The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is calling for nominations for four Inland Rail Community Consultative Committees in NSW. There will be three committees for the 307km greenfield Narromine to Narrabri section of the project; and a committee for the 37km greenfield North Star to NSW/Queensland border section. People can nominate to join any of the committees in Narromine, Gilgandra, Narrabri and the North Star to Border section. The committees will consist of up to 15 people and each will have an independent chair. Committee meeting dates and locations will be advertised and will be open to the public and the media. More information is available at Inlandrail.com.au or by calling 1800 732 761 or emailing inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.

April 2018 Hottest On Record: Australia’s warmest April on record (for mean maximum temperature) has just been confirmed, with multiple records broken across the nation, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data. The BOM’s summary also shows that the mean monthly temperature was the second hottest for April, climbing 2.38°C above average, with daytime temperatures reaching exceptionally high levels in each state. Alongside this record-breaking heat, Australia also experienced below average rainfall with last month going down as the driest April in almost a decade. April 9 was named the hottest Australian April day on record, with a national average temperature of 34.97 °C.

Yellow Ribbon: The Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils have been celebrating Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week from Monday to honour those killed in road crashes, and pledge to make the roads safer for everyone. Staff have been wearing yellow lapel ribbons and displaying yellow ribbons on fleet vehicles. This was the second time the Councils have supported this initiative. Last year more than 1,200 lives were lost in road crashes across Australia and more than 35,000 people were seriously injured. The pledge asks you to drive as if your loved ones are on the road ahead, remove distractions, never use your mobile phone while at the wheel, slow down and take care of vulnerable road users. You can take the pledge by visiting www.sarahgroup.org

Salvos Red Shield Appeal: The Salvation Army is urging the Australian public to get involved in its annual Red Shield Appeal doorknock to help raise $7.5 million over the weekend of 26th to 27th May. The money will go towards The Salvation Army’s vast network of social services those in need. In a typical week, the Salvos provide over 17,000 beds to the homeless, 40,000 meals for the hungry, over 1,400 financial counselling sessions and refuge for over 100 women affected by domestic violence. The Salvos are aiming to mobilise 70,000 volunteers for the doorknock. To volunteer, call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or register online at salvos.org.au. You can donate by calling 13 SALVOS (13
72 58), online at salvos.org.au, in person at any Westpac branch or Salvos Stores or by posting your cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.

Coffee With A Cop: Parkes Police are hosting Coffee with a Cop on Tuesday, 8th May to give the public the opportunity to meet local officers, and discuss community issues. All community members are invited to attend at Wholesome Blend on the corner of Clarinda and Bushman Streets between 10:30 and 11:30am. Please contact Parkes Police on 6862 9999 with any questions. “We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Superintendent Chris Taylor. Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across NSW.

Planting Trees for Earth Day: Last Saturday members of the Parkes community were invited to the Advanced Water Recycling Facility (AWRF) Community Open Day and Tree Planting, organised by the Parkes Shire Council as part of their Earth Day celebrations. Small groups of visitors were provided interactive tours around the new Sewage Treatment Plant and the AWRF. Some volunteers stayed on to help council staff plant a variety of local fuzzy box woodland tree species to help provide future shade on the premises.

Questacon Competition Winner: Congratulations to Rhiannon White for winning the family pass to Questacon, the National Science & Technology Centre. Have a great time Rhiannon!

Hansen + Healy Style Show! Hansen’s Eye Care Plus Optometrists in Orange have teamed up with Healy Optical from Sydney to bring you the Hansen + Healy Mid-Year Style Show on Wednesday 9th May from 9am to 6pm. On show will be new season and full collections of eyewear from some of the most beautiful designer frames in the world including, Tom Ford, Guess, Esprit, Lafont and Line Art. On the day there will be expert frame stylists and consultants from both Healy Optical Services and Hansen Optometrists. There will be giveaways and lucky door prizes through out the day with a Seiko watch, sunglasses and optical frames all up for grabs. All frames will boast 20% off on the day and are claimable on your health fund.

Parkes Services Club donates to Currajong: If ever there was an example of the generosity of the Parkes business community it was on full display this week when the Parkes Services Club donated $5,000 to Currajong Disability Services to assist with transport needs. The cheque was donated by General Manager Denis Lane. The donation, which is part of Parkes Services Club’s commitment to contributing to the community and community organisations, will aide clients of Currajong who rely heavily on timely and adequate transport. Transport has become a big issue since the implementation of the NDIS in the Central West since July 1 last year. The donation will also allow clients to attend specialist appointments, workshops and other activities factored into their NDIS plans that previously they may not have been able to attend without huge costs and significant planning. “This donation will directly help our clients who need to seek out individual or group consultations, meetings or care,” said Jeff Evans.

New Job Helps Charles Live Like A Prince: Charles Hamer is a great example of dedication and resilience. From having no job, living in shared accommodation and no licence, the Currajong Disability Services (CDS) client is now ticking all the boxes, not only because of his drive, but also due to the tremendous support from his carers.

“I am now in my first month at McDonalds, living independently and have a full licence,” he said. “It has been a real boost to my confidence and I can say I have never been happier!”

“I am actually contemplating doing some TAFE courses and study to further my hospitality skills and add to my existing skill set.”

“I just take one day at a time and keep doing the best that I can,” he said.

Celebrating 25 years of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea: For 25 years, Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has brought together millions of Australians over a cup of tea in support of those affected by cancer.

This May, Cancer Council is once again encouraging people across Australia to gather their friends, family or workmates for a cup of tea and a bite to eat whilst raising money to support Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and to help those affected by cancer.

In 2018, the official day to host a morning tea is Thursday 24 May, but anyone can host at any time in May or June. Those who want to host can register at biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to receive a free morning tea host kit.

Parkes Open Gardens: Sunday proved to be a good day for the Parkes Garden Club’s Open Gardens event. “It’s a good day if you wake up in the morning and have the wind in your hair and the sun in your face,” claimed Frank Guise, one of the garden hosts.

There was plenty to inspire in all seven of the gardens, with a variety of garden sizes, styles, and decorations. Joining the locals were visitors from surrounding regions, including a bus group from Narromine.

Can Assist’s Morning Tea and BBQ Lunch proved to be popular for those visiting the gardens. Ellie Hetherington hosted the BBQ lunch, as well as stalls selling craft goods and her own plant nursery offered a range of plants for sale. A guest speaker, Jenny Roberts from Dementia Australia, also provided an interesting and informative talk.

 

Birdman Boost for Currajong Disability Services: Parkes Christian School (PCS) recently took time out of their busy schedule to discuss their recent effort at the Moomba Birdman Rally. “While we didn’t defend our title this time it was an incredible performance. “The distance was short of what the students were hoping for, but it is the experience that really mattered,” said Design and Technology teacher, Jason Wynstra, one of the driving forces behind the PCS effort. “Along the way we raised $1,400 for Currajong Disability Services (CDS), with the support of our school and the Birdman community.”

“It is really important for our students to have a range of experiences and to understand that there is more to life than the little bubble that can be created at school,” Mr Wynstra said. “Students working on the project have
already evaluated our flight and are developing concepts for the Parkes Flyer 3.”

Parkes Aero Spectacular: Come along this Saturday to the Aero Spectacular to celebrate Parkes Aero Club’s 70th anniversary. Apart from the amazing air displays, there will be on ground displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, as well as a jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12pm to 3pm. Entry fees: $60 (2 adults, 2 children), adults $25, children to 18 years $10. Congratulations to the winner of The Phoenix competition, Oscar Ross.

Questacon: Do you need somewhere to take the kids these school holidays? Questacon in Canberra strives to promote greater understanding and awareness of science and technology and are committed to making that experience fun, interactive, and relevant. Enter our competition to win a free Family Pass for Questacon.

New Care Chair for Currajong: Currajong Disability Services has recently received the first of two Care Chairs that have been purchased thanks to recent fundraising events and donations from key contributors. “It’s fantastic for Currajong,” said Jeff Evans, CEO of Currajong Disability Services. “There has been a tremendous collective effort and fundraising drive and we are ecstatic. It has exceeded our expectations and we can’t thank everyone enough!” The first care chair has arrived with the second on its way, but plans are underway to get it here sooner rather than later which is great news for CDS clients in need. “It has been a great start to 2018 for us and we hope to continue our magical 25-year anniversary,” said Jeff.

Tourism Easter Colouring-In Competition: The Parkes Visitor Information Centre received a huge amount of entries into their Easter Colouring-In Competition this year. The winners, runners up and highly commended and their families gathered at the centre last Thursday to receive their prize. Well done to all who entered the competition.

Parkes Aero Spectacular: Just a reminder to come along to the Parkes Aero Club’s 70th anniversary Aero Spectacular on 14th April. There will be a spectacular air display, including the famous Air Force Roulettes as well as Paul Bennett’s aircraft performing their amazing routine. Apart from the air displays, there will be on ground static
displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, as well as a jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12pm to 3pm. Entry fees: $60 (2 adults, 2 children), adults $25, children to 18 years $10. Purchase your tickets through 123 Tix.

Tullamore Memories: Carol and Ian Jenkins were on a journey around NSW, visiting Warren, when they saw an advertisement for the Tullamore Irish Music Festival. Carol decided it was a great opportunity to pop in to see the old town. “It’s been 60 years since I was last here,” said Carol. Carol’s father, Owen Hubbard was the Tullamore Railway Station Master from 1956-1958. While Carol only lived in Tullamore for those few years before moving to another town, and eventually ending up in Wollongong, she has strong memories of the town, and particularly about the shops along the street, not surprising considering they are right opposite the station.

Craft Corner: If you’re after a unique gift, or something from a local artist, visit Craft Corner at 257 Clarinda Street. To keep up with modern times, the shop has had Eftpos facilities available since early March. “It’s been going well,” said Rhonda Redenbach.

Trilbie’s Great Shave: Trilbie Bermingham participated in the World’s Greatest Shave at the Parkes Hotel on Friday 16th March to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation for vital cancer research. As of 22 March, Trilbie has raised $2,606 for the event. Well done to Trilbie, and all who participated and donated.

Sydney Royal Easter Show: Congratulations  to Kathleen Mann for winning the family pass to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Have fun!

Essential Advocacy: Essential Energy is seeking people to represent customers and key consumer groups on electricity network issues as part of its Customer Advocacy Group. Regional Manager Northern, Mark Summers, said the group provided Essential Energy with a valuable insight into customers’ views on energy issues. The Customer Advocacy Group meets regularly and represents consumer groups, low-income households, Indigenous and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, residential and business customers, those in rural and remote areas, and primary producers. To download a copy of the Customer Advocacy Group charter and member role description, visit essentialenergy.com.au/cag. Applications are open until 5pm Thursday, 12 April 2018 and can be completed via the
online form.

Daylight Savings: Just a reminder that daylight savings ends this Sunday, 1st April, and to turn your clocks back an hour (if you still have watches and clocks that don’t automatically do it for you, that is).

Parkes Aero Club History: The Parkes Aero Club (PAC) was formed in 1948 shortly after the RAAF Station was decommissioned and is a not-for-profit community sporting organisation, operating out of the recently upgraded Parkes Regional Airport. The club represents one of the oldest continuously operated aero clubs in Australia, supporting primary and advanced recreational (AR) and general aviation (GA) training in the Central West of NSW.
Over the years, PAC Inc has organised and hosted numerous fly-ins, competitions and national events, such as the Australian Aerobatic Championships and major PAC airshows in ’85 & ’95 featuring the Air Force Roulettes. Come and see the Roulettes and several multi engine planes from HARS, such as the Caribou, Convair, DC3, Neptune and Catalina, as well as Paul Bennett’s aircraft performing their amazing routine, at the club’s 70th anniversary on
14th April.

More than 60 people: took on the Day VIEW Club Trivia night at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club last week.
The aim was to raise money for the four school children in the Smith Family “Learning for Life” program the club supports. Congratulations to the Mere Mortals team who did the best with Charlie Pecenka’s challenging questions and old photos. The victors are (L-R) Jude Melville, Michael Henry, Robyn Sheridan (captain), Dot Sharpe,
Phillip Sheridan, Darryl Elphick, Fiona Quinney, and Ashlyn Kelly.

Winner: Winner of the Tullamore Irish Festival double pass is Rhonda Milgate. Congratulations!

Upgrade At Craft Corner: EFTPOS is now available for customers at the Craft Corner making it much easier for everyone. It is a step up from taking only cash, and members are doing well using the ipad-like machine. Don’t worry, they will still take cash too!

Autism Month Raffle: Support Autism Month in April and buy a raffle ticket for only $2. Prizes to be drawn on 6th April at the Dinner under the Blue Dish event. Tickets available at Pink Orchid, D’Aquinos, Charisma and the Dish Cafe. Buy online at http://cwautism.bigcartel.com/product/dinner-under-the-blue-dish-raffle First prize: large acrylic painting by local artist Joseph Bondareff; one night’s accommodation at Kadina B&B including Devonshire tea and breakfast; plus one family pass to the 3D theatre at the Parkes Observatory. Second prize: large acrylic/ watercolour painting by local teenage artist Ella Richards, a Dish Cafe lunch voucher and products, and one family pass to the 3D theatre. Third prize: Pink Orchid Cafe/ Florist Cafe voucher; and two family pass-es to the 3D Theatre. Fourth prize: The Dish Book and DVD package, and one family pass to the 3D theatre.

Open Day: Council’s long-awaited Community Day takes place tomorrow from 10am to 2pm with guided tours at the new Water Treatment Plant and a shuttle bus to the new Sewage Treatment Plant. Wear fully enclosed, flat shoes. Further details at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Aero Spectacular: The Parkes Aero Club was formed in 1948 shortly after the RAAF Station was decommissioned. The club represents one of the oldest continuously operated aero clubs in Australia, supporting primary and advanced recreational (AR) and general aviation (GA) training in the Central West of NSW. It is a not-for-profit community sporting organisation, operating out of the recently upgraded Parkes Regional Airport. Don’t miss out
on the club’s 70th anniversary on 14th April with a spectacular air display, including the famous Air Force Roulettes. Apart from the air display, there will be on ground static displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12 to 3pm. Entry fees $60 (2 adults 2 children), adults $25, to 18 years $10. Win a free flight in the prize draw for all online purchases through 123 Tix.

Country Music: The March Muster of the Parkes & District Country Music Association falls on St Patrick’s Day, tomorrow, at 7:30pm at the Parkes Services Club with guest artist Jayson Patrick O’Brien. Interested performers of any genre are invited to perform. The February Muster was a great success with Ernie Burgers from Cowra and Garry Hollier from Dubbo filling feature spots, regulars, and three new performers from Parkes. Hannah Dunn and duo Birdee and Georgia Siders called Envyll.

Open Day: Council’s newest infrastructure sites will be open to the public on Saturday, 24th March for a long-awaited Community Day, coinciding with World Water Day celebrations. There will be guided tours at the new Water Treatment Plant, refreshments, entertainment and giveaways. A free shuttle bus will take groups to the new Sewage Treatment Plant as well. The Water Treatment Plant will be open from 10am to 2pm. Parking available off Webb Street. Visitors must wear fully enclosed, flat shoes. Further details available at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Netwaste BYO Coffee Cup Winners: Congratulations to: Elise Toohey-Jackson, Jannette Powter, Stephen Cossor, Paul Lewin, Eileen Newport, Donna Stone, David Acheson, Rhianon Platt, Charles Pacenka, Liz Ward, Dan Fredericks, Cindy Harrison, Nigel McKeown, Di Shearing, Katrian Allen, Wendy Hall, Karin Murray, Fiona McKenzie, Claire Cassell, Fiona McGonigal and Joy Wright. Please collect your prize filled with a free coffee from the Pink Orchid Café and Florist at 18 Bushman Street.

Healthy Harold Relay: Join the annual Healthy Harold Swim Relay fundraiser on Sunday at the Parkes Aquatic Centre between 10am and 4pm. It will be a free pool day with free inflatable hire for an hour and ice blocks to participants of the winning school. Entry forms at the Champion Post, Absolutely Hair (207 Clarinda St) and the Parkes Shire Council Office or contact  Wendy on 0418 469 294 or email parkesdragon@hotmail.com.

Aero Spectacular: The Parkes Aero Club is celebrating its 70th anniversary on 14th April with a spectacular air display. Apart from the air display, there will be on ground static displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12 – 3pm. Entry fees $60 (2 adults 2 children), adults $25, to 18 years $10. Win a free flight in the prize draw for all online purchases through 123 Tix

Healthy Harold Relay: To ensure the Life Education Van continues its valuable work, the annual Healthy Harold Swim Relay fundraiser will take place on Sunday, 18th March at the Parkes Aquatic Centre between 10am and 4pm. All schools, business houses, community and sporting groups, and anyone else wishing to participate are welcome. Laps can be done on any day until 18th March. Entry forms available from the Champion Post, Absolutely Hair (207 Clarinda St) and the Parkes Shire Council Office. For enquiries ring Wendy on 0418 469 294 or email parkesdragon@hotmail.com.

Winner: Tamara Beddowes is the lucky winner of the double pass to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Congratulations!

Norman Lindsay Exhibit: Locals of Parkes and the wider community are invited to experience a wonderful and intimate exhibition of the renowned Australian artist and writer, Norman Lindsay. Passionate about the creative arts since he was a boy, Parkes local Peter Tom has been collecting sketches, posters, etchings, block printing and limited-edition copies of Norman Lindsay’s work, as well as many early editions of his numerous books. Parkes Library is working with skilled consultant, Margot Jolly, to arrange and install the exhibition in a way that shares Peter’s love of Norman Lindsay with the community. The exhibition opened last night and
runs to 27th March just before Easter.

Road Safety Message: Parkes Shire Council has recently revamped a series of radio advertisements as part of the ‘Help Keep Parkes Kids Safe’ campaign to address road safety issues around Parkes primary schools. The advertisements outline the 40km/h school speed zone times, what ‘No Parking’ and ‘No Stopping’ signs mean, as well as the correct use of Children’s Crossings. “Each of the four primary schools selected four students to record the radio advertisements. At 2PK/ROK-FM, announcer Elliot Kinsella gave the students a tour of the 2PK-ROK FM radio station, before putting them through their paces and recording their ads. They all did a great job,” said Council’s Road Safety Officer, Melanie Suitor. Middleton Public School Principal, David Simes, said the students really enjoyed the experience. The radio advertisements commenced in early February and will run for the remainder of the first term.