The Return and Earn: reverse vending machine, situated at the Woolworths carpark, is now fully operational in
Parkes. More than 15,000 containers have already been collected in Parkes. You can join the Clean Up Australia Day effort on Sunday and pick up drink containers to earn some extra money with!

Sunday Is Clean Up Australia Day: Parkes Shire residents are invited to join the nation-wide effort to help conserve the environment on Sunday, 4th March. Registration will take place at Lions Park in Parkes from 8am where participants will be given a clean-up kit and allocated a site. Participants in Peak Hill can register from 7.30am at the Commercial Gardens. After the clean-up, there will be a sausage sizzle in Lions Park. Remember to slip, slop, slap, wear sturdy shoes and bring some gloves. To register online, visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/?BBQ+Area+Lions+Park.

PopUp Op Shop With A Purpose: Go and shop at the Parkes Christian School hall tomorrow (Saturday) from 3 to 5.30pm to help women in developing countries through Compassion Australia. Get your friends, daughters, grans and aunts together for a fun afternoon of shopping of pre-loved fashion, and learn about Compassion Australia and how they assist mums and babies in the developing world. There will be a short information session about Compassion at 3.30pm, plus a parade and auction of some donated items. Contact Katrina Harris on 0408 601 774
or k.harris@parkescs.nsw.edu.au or visit https://www.compassion.com.au

2018 Churchill Fellowship: This prestigious award offers Australian citizens the opportunity to travel overseas to investigate a topic or an issue they are passionate about. It is for anyone who would like to see what other countries are doing in a similar field to inspire new ideas and innovation. No prescribed qualifications are required to apply and the subject of the proposed project is limitless provided a benefit to Australia is evident and a willingness to share the knowledge gained is demonstrated. Register to attend a session to gain helpful advice on how to apply and discuss your project ideas at www.churchilltrust.com.au/events. Find out more by visiting www.churchillfellowships.com.au Applications close Friday, 27th April.

Tourism Directory: Parkes will join forces with other Central NSW tourism stakeholders over the next six months to develop a regional tourism directory. The directory will bundle tourism products together, like Food and Wine, Adventure Tourism, or Culture and Heritage. Visitors will be able to search the information hub for key experiences in their chosen destination and neighbouring destinations thanks to an inbuilt geospatial feature. Local operators are encouraged to get involved in the development of the directory by listing their business with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).

Bogan Gate CWA: Eight members were present at the February meeting after the long break over the festive period. President Marion McIntyre welcomed Maria Buchanan. Heather Veal, International Officer presented very interesting facts on Poland, which is CWA’s country of study this year. Events for the year: The Bogan Gate Branch will host the Oxley Group Handicraft/Land Cookery Day on Tuesday, 6th March. The branch will host the annual
Bridge Day between Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin on Sunday, 15th April. Planning is well underway for the Orange Male Voice Choir to be back in Bogan Gate on Sunday, 3rd June at 1.30pm. The next meeting is on Thursday, 15th March at 1.30pm at the hall. Any new visitors are most welcome.

It’s On Again: For over 35 years Healthy Harold and the Life Education Van have been providing an invaluable service to our community through education around healthy living and positive lifestyle choices. A new committee for the Parkes Life Action Group was elected recently with Glen Westcott from Parkes Christian School chairing the committee that includes representatives from the schools, Parkes Quota Club, and sponsors Northparkes Mines and the Parkes Shire Council. To ensure the Life Education Van continues its valuable work, the committee is once again organising its annual fundraiser in the form of the Healthy Harold Swim Relay 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. If you cannot do your laps on the day, you can do them at any time up 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.

Become a Charger in March: Cancer Council NSW is encouraging everyone to set themselves a walking or running challenge for the month of March. Funds raised from The March Charge will help support Cancer Council’s research for all cancers, provide practical and emotional support and information for anyone affected by cancer, and run prevention programs to reduce cancer in the community. Charge as an individual or join other Chargers and compete as a team. Sign up at www.themarchcharge.com.au

AGM: The Parkes Day VIEW Club’s 48th AGM was held at the Astro Dish Restaurant recently with 30 members enjoying a lunch before the meeting. The installation was chaired by Zone Councillor Therese Welsh from Forbes. The committee members are president Vicki Archer; vice-president Zelma Fisher; secretary Pamela Ward; assistant secretary Marilyn Pizarro; treasurer Pam Patrick; assistant treasurer Wendy Stoker; delegate Clare Dunne; program officers Shirley Barklimore, Colleen Carter, Elvie Collins, Margaret Newham, Krys Szabo; and publicity officer Sue McLennan. VIEW Clubs welcome all women, and offer various activities, such as a Trivia Night on 13th March at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club at 7pm. Money raised help support four Smith Family “Learning for Life” schoolchildren.

Country Music News: The second muster of the year takes place this Sunday at 1pm at the Parkes Services & Citizens Club with guest artists Ernie Burgers from Cowra and Garry Hollier from Dubbo. Normal walk-ups
of all genres are welcome. The Christmas Charity Muster door proceeds resulted in a $300 donation to CanAssist. A highlight of the event was the presentation of long service and dedication awards to John and Chris De Dobbelaar. The first 2018 muster took place on 20th January with Vicki Walsh from Young and Alex Winnell from Cootamundra. An updated calendar of events is available at musters. Another exciting event this weekend is a function at Yeoval tomorrow featuring Anne Kirkpatrick (Slim Dusty’s daughter).

Drug Action Team Funding: Regional health providers are encouraged to apply for funding under the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) program to help combat the scourge of the drug ice, other illicit substances and alcohol abuse. Applications are open for the third round of the program. “Any organisation with an interest in tackling drug and alcohol issues in their community is encouraged to apply,” said Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack. For
more information visit www.adf.org.au/ldat

International Women’s Day: Quota International of Parkes will celebrate the achievement of women on Sunday, 4th March at 12 noon. For just $30 per person a two-course luncheon will be served at the Parkes Services Club with entertainment by Barbara Newton and Amitie. Doctor Kerrie Stewart and Yasmin Potts are the guest speakers with their inspiring stories. Tickets available at Absolutely Hair, 207 Clarinda Street, Parkes.

New Members Welcome: The Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) is open to school students, community members, old hands or anyone new to music. Dust off your instrument or hire one. The band plays at the Elvis Parade, Anzac March, Abba Festival, Australia Day, musicals, church fetes, ceremonial occasions, Christmas Carols and concerts for the community. Rehearsals are on Tuesday nights during school term from 7pm – 9pm at the PSCB music room above the pool complex in Dalton Street. Enquiries to Musical Director Duncan Clement 0405 035 164 or President Rhonda Redenbach 0459 373 624.

Calling all Mini Scientists: Parkes Library’s new program Little Bang Discovery Club will help little ones discover the world of science. This four-week STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) program will develop ideas and skills that inspire further scientific exploration, discovery and learning in children aged 3 to 5. The child and parent/carer need to attend each of the four sessions with the first session starting on Tuesday, 13th February at 10.30am and the final session on 6th March. Bookings are required in person at Parkes Library before the first session commences. There are places for eight children. Little Bang Discovery will continue throughout the year: 8 – 29 May, 12 June – 3 July, 31 July – 21 August, 23 October – 13 November and 27 November – 18 December.

Become a Charger in March: Cancer Council NSW is encouraging everyone to set themselves a walking or running challenge for the month of March. Funds raised from The March Charge will help support Cancer Council’s ground-breaking cancer research for all cancers, provide practical and emotional support and information for anyone affected by cancer, and run prevention programs to reduce cancer in the community. Charge as an individual or join other Chargers and compete as a team. Sign up at www.themarchcharge.com.au

Get Kids Active: Kids across the Parkes Shire are encouraged to make use of a NSW Government initiative to get more students involved in sport. The Active Kids program provides a $100 voucher for registration and participation costs. From 31st January, parents, guardians and carers can apply for the voucher per calendar year for each child enrolled in school. It can be used any time during the calendar year, with a registered activity provider. To apply or to find out more, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids

A space man came travelling… all the way to Parkes! The kite flying event on Australia Day last Friday was a huge success with the most important visitor for the day, the wind, arriving right on time!

Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle: Sims Metal Waste To Art & Design is a community art exhibition and competition showcasing works made from reused and recyclable waste materials. Organised and hosted by Parkes Library,
schools, community groups and individuals are invited to create a new life for materials that would have been thrown away. Entry is free and closes on 28th March at 5pm. The exhibition will run from 4 to 27th April, and the winners will be announced on 12th April at 6pm. There are three competition categories: two-dimensional; three-dimensional and functional with cash prizes in each section/category. This year is the Year of Polystyrene. Artworks
do not have to use the theme waste, but an additional prize will be given to an artwork featuring this material.
Entry forms are available at any Parkes Shire Library, from the website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or email parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

World Wetlands Day Today: This year’s theme is Wetlands for a sustainable urban future. “Thanks to the PAC Park rejuvenation project, we are able to celebrate our own urban wetland,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers. PAC Park, a multi-award winning wetland system, is exceptional as it is an artificial wetland that transformed a degraded urban stormwater channel into a vibrant ecosystem. The wetland is now home to turtles, numerous frog species and yabbies. It’s also a great spot for bird watching; native ducks, kingfishers, reed warblers, herons, and ibises can be found there. Much of the restoration work was undertaken by volunteers who planted some 6,000 seedlings. Upgrades including new shelters, tables, a barbeque and additional lighting is expected to be completed later this year.

Day On The Green: The Railway Bowling Club in Parkes is holding a special fundraiser for Currajong Disability Services (CDS) tomorrow. The day will showcase the best musicians in Parkes including Twiggy and Jordan Dwyer, Chris Orr, Birdie and Georgie Sideris as well as Tommy and Holly Orr. Donations and support have been pouring in from Fitness4All, Andrew Kraft, Discount Daves, D’Quinos, 141 Boutique, Rockmans, Cooke Park Takeaway, Railway Bowling Club, and Ivy Lane Giftware and Flowers. “We couldn’t ask for anymore from the Parkes community,” said organiser Lilian Thomson. The event also includes a barbeque, raffles and lucky door prizes. Gold coin donations upon arrival. Children welcome between 4 to 8pm. Bring a blanket!

Mr Chicken Returns: An exhibition of works created by legendary Australian author and illustrator Leigh Hobbs will be on exhibit at Parkes Library from 5th February to 2nd March. Leigh Hobbs: Characters from the Drawing Board takes a close look at some of Leigh’s characters, in particular, Old Tom, Horrible Harriet and Mr Chicken. Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Shellie Buckle said: “It is very exciting to follow up Leigh Hobbs’ visit last year with an exhibit of his works, including illustrations of his famous book characters and original sketches and sketch books.”

Visit By Veterans Pensions Officer: An officer from the Veterans Outreach Program will be visiting Parkes on Monday, 5th and Tuesday, 6th February to offer a free service to any veteran, service or exservice personnel seeking assistance with service pension, disability pension, war widow and/or an MCRS claim from any confrontation. All appointments will be for one hour at the Parkes Services & Citizens Club. Contact the Parkes Sub Branch Secretary Paul Thomas on 0427 624 683 to make an appointment. Paul stressed that the Outreach Program is not only for ex-Vietnam personnel. The co-ordinator Dennis Hanmer OAM said: “We are here to help, assist and represent former as well as current members of the defence forces in their battles with Veterans Affairs (DVA).” Dennis will also be available to assist widows and families of departed comrades and members irrespective of whether they are members or not of the local Sub Branch. People from surrounding towns can also make appointments.

Double Demerits: A reminder that double demerit points will be in force for four days over the long weekend from today to Sunday for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. “Please drive safely and take extra care on the roads this long weekend,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. Lachlan Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree is encouraging all road users to pay attention to road conditions and allow plenty of travel time. “Drivers should be warned that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this four-day period. There will be more Police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught,” said Dearne.

 

Rotary Cubby Winner: Christmas came early for three-year-old Tilly Watts when the Rotary Christmas cubby was delivered at her house. The winning ticket in the name of Jan Watts of Young was drawn at the Parkes Services Club on 22nd December. Tilly is Jan’s granddaughter. Book buyer prizes were won by Olivia Hetherington, David Marks and John Pizarro. They received vouchers from Comfort Inn Bushman’s Parkes, the Astro Dish Motor Inn and the Parkes Coffee Pot.

Over 500 Books Gifted: The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation is very grateful for the books received from the Parkes community. In December the community supported the Parke Shire Library “Gift a Book” campaign by placing 521 books under the Christmas trees in libraries. “We believe every child should have books to read,” said Parkes Branch Librarian Andrea Lovell.

Art From All Over: The second Australia Day art exhibition will be opened on 25th January by the Parkes Australia Day Ambassador Ann Snell, a noted artist herself, at 7pm at the Coventry Room at the library. Most of the 100 framed art works, from West Wyalong, Orange, Parkes, Narromine and other central west towns, will be for sale. Entrance is $15 for the opening and a gold coin donation on Australia Day and the following two days. All proceeds will go to Can Assist.

Come Fly Your Kite: What better way to start your Australia Day celebrations than by letting all your worries and stress flow up the string of your kite. It is all happening at Northparkes Oval from 8 to 11 am. Egg and bacon sandwiches and coffee will be available, and a big display of kites for sale. Don’t miss the floating whale!

Day On The Green: If you want to keep good music vibes flowing early in the year, note down Saturday, 3rd February for A Day On the Green at the Railway Bowling Club. It will showcase the best musicians in Parkes for a special fundraising day for Currajong Disability Services (CDS). Performing will be Twiggy and Jordan Dwyer, Chris Orr, Birdie and Georgie Sideris, as well as Tommy and Holly Orr. The event includes a barbeque, raffles and lucky door prizes! Children are welcome between 4-8pm. Bring a picnic blanket.

Hunger Pains?: Where would Elvis eat? The Railway Hotel that’s where, because they have The Elvis Burger: peanut coated fried chicken, bacon, lettuce, deep fried pickle, cheese, aioli and peanut sauce served with deep fried banana chips and peanut dipping sauce! Plus all of the other menu favourites every day from 12 to 2pm and 6 to 9pm; Saturday food from 12 to 9pm.

Morse Code Demonstration: Members of the Sydney Morsecodians Fraternity will be providing a Morse Code demonstration during the Parkes Elvis Festival near the Westpac Bank in Clarinda Street on Friday and Saturday.
Festival goers will be able to send actual telegrams on souvenir stationery to anywhere, using the same equipment that was used in the 1850s. The telegrams will be sent from Parkes to Beechworth and posted from there to their destination using Australia Post. The public will also be able to send a message by themselves which will be printed in morse code on a monitor in front of them, or they can have their names sent by morse code on a local basis and receive it instantaneously on souvenir stationery. The display will be manned by volunteers Keith MacRae and Eddie Parrott from Parkes, Brian Mullins and Cec Mann from the Telstra Museum at Bankstown and Peter Hack from Temora.

Parkes Elvis Festival Photography Competition and Exhibit: Winners of the 2018 Photography Competition will be announced at the Parkes Arbour in Clarinda Street on Friday at 4pm. The exhibition is open for viewing during the day. Categories include best smartphone image (all ages), best digital camera image (all ages), overall champion and overall highly commended.

Disability Service: Currajong Disability Services in Parkes will be open this weekend for the Elvis Festival. Access to the disability centre and facilities is available via the Cecile Street side gate opposite the car wash and next to Parkes Shire Council. Hours of operation on Saturday are 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 1pm. All people with disabilities are welcome.

Wedding Vows: Ever dreamed of renewing your vows in Las Vegas with Elvis officiating? Declare your love at the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival at the popular Renewal of Vows ceremony on Sunday at 11:30am. Held under the ‘Love Me Tender’ arch at the ARTC Cooke Park Main Stage, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to renew your vows before wedding celebrant Andrew ‘Elvis’ Appleby. More than 500 couples have renewed their vows over the years at the Elvis Festival in Parkes. This year there will be a couple who have been married for 50 years. Surprise your partner this Sunday.

Free Entertainment: Apart from hosting the headline shows, The Parkes Services Club and the Parkes Leagues Club both offer extensive programs of free entertainment for the duration of the festival. See page 2 for more detail on the program on offer at the Parkes Leagues Club, and page 6 for the Parkes Services Club’s program.

Festive Hairdo: Charisma Hair has the talented Pixie Roberts from Boogie Bop Dames as a special guest barber to create your ‘68 comeback hair memories this festival. Call 6862 3798 to make an appointment.

Got the G.I. Blues?: Check out the Parkes Aviation Museum while you’re in town. The museum is situated at the Parkes Airport and is open today and tomorrow from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Devonshire Teas: The Parkes Branch of the Red Cross is open for Devonshire Teas today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) between 9am and 2pm. The Red Cross is situated in Church Street.

Parkes True Blue Line Dancers: Are now in holiday mode after another great year of boot scooting, vines, weaves, pivots and strutting their way through numerous dances that have been taught through the last 11 months. Our friendly group ranges from young to oldish, able and disabled, but all there for the love of a good toe tapping tune. The group are looking forward to the new year, when they start again every Monday morning from 5th February 2018. Everyone is welcome to come along, join in and enjoy the dances, music, exercise and company. A big thankyou to the Parkes Services Club for the use of the great dancefloor upstairs. Two left footed people are also welcome.

Double Demerit Points: Will be in force for 11 days over the Christmas and New Year period from Friday 22 December 2017 to Monday 1 January 2018 (inclusive) for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

And the Winner Of the Best Dressed Shop Window Is: Parkes News and Gifts! Congratulations to Greg, Christine and the team for putting together such a dazzling Christmas window display! Parkes News and Gifts will receive a $500 marketing package to promote their business as part of next year’s Christmas Campaign coordinated by Council and the Parkes Chamber of Commerce.

Inland Rail Update: The Parkes to Narromine section of the $8.4 billion inland rail project will be the first to receive Australian produced steel rail, the Nationals’ Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has announced. “Liberty OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks will soon start rolling out approximately 14,000 tonnes of steel required for the Parkes to Narromine section of this nation-building project,” Mr McCormack said. “There will be many opportunities for local businesses and job seekers in the Riverina and Central West as progress continues, with inland rail supporting thousands of jobs at the peak of construction.”

Jonty Ralph: Has been a regular at Currajong Disability Services for nearly 9 years. In that time, Jonty has worked as a Carer as well as Programs Team Leader. He has also spent time in Parkes and Condobolin and if you ask any client, he is arguably one of the most well-liked and respected employers at CDS. December 18 was his last day at Currajong as he pursues a new career in the mining industry. “If I don’t get around to saying bye to everyone I will take the opportunity now to say thank you to all and sundry for their support, effort and assistance which has allowed me to be a better person and carer,” said Jonty.

The Parkes Leagues Club: was filled almost to capacity for Cinderella – A Night to Remember, as the students of
Twinkle Toes Dance Studio presented the story of Cinderella through dance on Sunday. Pictured are Cinderella (Gracey Denham-Jones) with her dog (Alana Finnegan) and mice Chelsea Hall, Charlotte Francis, Peggy Swift,
Calantha Knott, Mila Ballantyne and Eliza Davis.

Nine Lessons and Carols: In what has become an institution in Parkes, a service of Nine Lessons and carols will again take place at St George’s Anglican Church this Sunday at 7:30pm. Music from across the ages will accompany nine readings from the Bible. The congregation will join in with the singing of traditional carols, while the a capella
group Tapestry will perform a series of medieval carols and rearrangements of popular carols. Former Parkes resident, Richard Morgan, will delight with his playing of the organ. The evening will conclude with supper, and a retiring collection for the annual Christmas Bowl Appeal.

Gift a Book: The Parkes Shire community is invited to gift a book under the libraries Christmas trees. “Parkes Shire Library has partnered with the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation for this project because we believe every child should have books to read,” said Parkes Branch Librarian Andrea Lovell.

The process is simple: Purchase a book for a child between birth and 12 years, wrap the book in Christmas paper, put a tag on with the child’s age the book is suitable for, and take it to the library and put it under the Christmas tree.
Books will be accepted until Friday, 22nd December after which the library team will pack them up to send them to the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation. The books will be distributed to 200 schools in remote areas of northern Australia. “The books will go to parents and educators who are passionate about educating  young people in their communities. An example is a one-teacher school that only has 16 books in the classroom. The aim is to provide 300 books to this classroom and to follow it up with a grant so a library can be developed,” said Andrea.

Random Acts Of Christmas Kindness (RACK): Have you joined our challenge on Facebook? We are posting a RACK every day for you to do. It is great fun and a real feel good activity. Go on give it a try, all you need is kindness. And please let us know of any results – if you’ve been on the receiving end of a RACK, or have performed a RACK!

Phil Donato: Attended presentation night at St Joseph’s Primary School in Peak Hill this week. “It was a privilege to meet current principal Dean Colmer (left), who is retiring next week after more than 40 years of teaching. Regina Goodridge (right) will be taking over in 2018 as principal.” Phil said he was impressed with the school, teachers and the students who put on a fantastic evening of awards, fun and entertainment.