Snippets Archives - Page 44 of 49

Snippets…

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Sunshine Clubs: The Parkes and District Historical Society is celebrating Heritage Week this year celebrating 80 years of 2PK and 2PK/ROK FM. As part of the topic Speaking Voices, the successful 2PK Sunshine Clubs will be included, which formed part of the radio station and raised so much money for the Royal Far West Health Scheme. The Historical Society would like to make contact with the Sun- shine Clubs at Forbes and Trundle. Please call Yvonne Hutton on 0418674 261.

Debutante Ball: The theme of the Anglican Debutante Ball on Friday, 5th May is Glitz and Glamor to be held at the Robert Wilson Auditorium of the Parkes League’s Club. The 20 Debutantes and their part- ners invite the community to St. George’s Anglican Church at 15 Church Street, for the viewing at 6pm. The Debutantes will support the Starlight Foundation this year. Gold coin donation entry to the viewing will assist this charity.

From the church they will be driven to the League’s Club in vintage cars provided by the Parkes Antique Motor Club. The debutantes will make their time-honoured and traditional entrance into society at the ball. The debutantes and their partners will be presented to Reverend Ron Spindler, Anglican Rector of St. George’s Parkes. The Matron for the ball is Norma Garment, while the duties of flower girls will be carried out by Lilly Phillips and Daisy Rice

Snippets…

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Visual arts program: A series of eight small workshops will run in the Central West, in- cluding Parkes from April to June. Arts Out- West has set up the workshops, in close consultation with mental health and disabil- ity support services, on behalf of House with No Steps, who provided the funding.

Each of the programs specifically targets particular groups. Some of the programs are for existing groups, while others are open to the public. The program in Parkes will be a visual arts workshop running over 10 weeks from May to June. Sign-ups for the Parkes program will be announced soon.

Telstra Business Women’s Awards: Member for Orange, Philip Donato is en- couraging people in his electorate to cele- brate the achievements of exceptional busi- ness women by nominating them for the 2017 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. Donato said the awards, now in its 23rd- year, seeked to raise the profile of women in business by recognising and rewarding their courage, leadership and creativity.

Entries open on 26th April until 15th June across five award categories. State and Territory winners will be announced later this year, with the national awards in Syd- ney on 1st December. To nominate or enter go to https://www.telstrabusinesswomen- sawards.com/nominate/ or call Telstra on 1800 817 536.

St George’s Day: This Sunday St George’s Anglican Church is celebrating the Pa- tronal Festival, St George’s Day. This festi- val is to honour Saint George, after whom the church was named. The service will be at 9:00am, followed by morning tea in the hall. Reverand Dr Ian Coutts will be speak- ing at the service.

According to legend, St George was a Roman soldier born in what is now mod- ern-day Turkey around 280AD and died around 303. Emperor Diocletian, as part of a crackdown on the growing influence of the Christian community, ordered that all Christian soldiers in the army should be expelled and all Roman soldiers be forced to make the traditional pagan sacrifice. St George refused and denounced the edict in front of his fellow soldiers, declaring he was a Christian. Diocletian initially tried to convert him with offers of wealth and land, but he refused and was beheaded on 23 April 303.

Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate News: Send us your news, photos and snippets to editor@parkespho- enix.com.au.

Snippets…

April 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Double demerits for Easter: Double demerit points will be in force for five days over the Easter holiday across the state starting today until Monday, 17th April. Double de- merit points will apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences. NSW Police will also be target- ing dangerous driving behaviours such as drink driving and driver fatigue.

“Drivers should be warned they are at greatest risk of losing their licence dur- ing this period. There will be more Police on the roads and therefore more chance of getting caught and losing points,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun- cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Of- ficer, Melanie Suitor.

“I ask all drivers to remain vigilant over the Easter holiday period. We all have a part to play in reducing the amount of crashes and risks.”

Cultural grants: Applications for the 2017 Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grants are open to local groups and organisations un- til Thursday, 4th May.

The aim of the grant program is to encourage and support the development of local community organisations, services and strategies which make a positive contribution to the community and cultural life of the Shire. Applications must request a grant of at least $2,000 with the total funding pool at $9,800.

Funding categories include subsidy for a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment or minor capital works.

Application forms are available on Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au, or at any Parkes Shire Library (Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore). Contact Council’s Grant Officer Sally Chap- man, 6861 2398 for advice and support in completing the application. Successful ap- plications will be announced in June 2017.

Fashions on the green: Lights, camera, fashion! The Tullamore Irish Music Fes- tival invites guests to put their greenest foot and fashion forward to rock the green runway. There are categories for the Lady, Leprechaun and the Wee Ones under 13, each with a lush little prize. Fashions on the Green will be judged early Satur- day afternoon. Each year on the Easter Long Weekend, Tullamore turns green with visitors from across the country, cel- ebrating all things Irish. Across the three days, there’ll be plenty of music, dancing, games, food, fun and fashion (of course) to keep everyone entertained. For more information visit www.tullamore.org.au.

Snippets…

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Loaded Dog: On Thursday, 20th April at 6pm the Splash Theatre Company will perform Henry Lawson’s The Loaded Dog at Parkes Library.

This is in celebration of Henry Lawson’s 150th anniversary. He is one of Australia’s best short story writers and was born on 17th June 1867. The Splash Theatre Com- pany is travelling NSW, Victoria and the ACT performing his most popular comic story, The Loaded Dog.

The explosive yarn about three gold miners and their overgrown pup, Tommy, will entertain. “The Loaded Dog has plenty of action and humour to engage and enter- tain audiences aged 5 to 95,” said Shellie Buckle, Manager Cultural, Education & Li- brary Services.

Please book your chair for the performance with Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au. The event is free and families are welcome.

Here’s your chance to fly: Plummeting towards the ground at 180km an hour from 14,000 feet above. The Phoenix is sending a reporter to see what all the fuss is about. Skydiving is a popular bucket list item and there is a good reason why – the adrena- line rush of free falling is but one. Adrena- line junkie or not, skydiving is a chance to overcome your fears and feel free. Places still available this weekend to Skydive in Dubbo with Skydive Oz. www.skydiveoz. com.au/skydive-dubbo/

MP celebrates Parkes Elvis Festival founders: Member for Orange Philip Do- nato last week celebrated the contribution of Bob Steele OAM and Anne Steele OAM in the NSW Parliament’s Hansard as the founders of the Parkes Elvis Festival in 1993.

“Ensuring that the efforts of locals in my electorate are recognised for years to come through the NSW Parliament, is im- portant,” Philip said.

In his Private Member’s Statement, Philip recounted the history of the festival from its small beginnings in 1993 and paid tribute to the couple saying: “Bob and Anne Steele might not have envisioned such growth nor the widespread interest it would generate around the globe, but that’s exactly what they’ve achieved.

I wish for Bob and Anne to be recognised for their vision, enthusiasm and all of the many hours expended growing this iconic fixture, for without their zeal, we’d not have the blossoming event it is today.” Anybody with a story of an unsung hero in the Orange electorate should contact Philip’s office with details for consideration.

Snippets…

March 30, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

End of swimming season: Parkes residents are invited to make a splash at the pool on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The Parkes Shire Council is hosting a swimathon fundraiser for the Life Education Van. Relay teams will take turns swimming laps over the course of six hours. Each year over 300,000 students participate in the Life Education programs, teaching kids the importance of a good diet, exercise and overall health and wellbeing. Entry to the town pool will be free.

Youth week: Get Involved, Be Heard, Make a Difference. Parkes Shire Council, combined with the Community Drug Action Team (CDAT), will host a youth Sunday Session at Parkes Aquatic Centre this Sunday as part of the 2017 Youth Week celebrations. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said: “Youth Week celebrations across the
Parkes Shire will take advantage of the last day of the pool season, with the inflatable slide making an appearance along with music, games and giveaways.” This year’s Youth Week from today to 9th April, will be the single largest event across Australia for youth aged between 12 and 25. “Youth Week is a chance for our local young people to share their ideas, have their voices heard on issues that concern them and take part in some fun, free events.” For more details about Youth Week events in the Parkes Shire, visit parkes.nsw.gov.au

Bizkeys: The Police respond to crimes at all times. Sometimes businesses are subjected to crimes when they are closed, and it can be challenging for police to locate a key holder at these times. The NSW Police Force maintains a confidential and secure database, called Bizkeys, where business owners supply a list of key holders with contact details. It is an important and very useful tool if say for example, a window of a business premises is broken at night, the police can ring so the business can be secured again. Business owners are encouraged to contact the Crime Prevention Officer for the Lachlan Local Area Command, Senior Constable Daniel Greef, on 6862
9936 or gree1dan@police.nsw.gov.au for a business keyholder form.

Snippets

March 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Wool charity auction: A new record was set at the annual charity wool auction held by Quality Wool in Melbourne last week raising more than $75,000 for Ronald Mc- Donald House Westmead in Sydney. Wool donations for the auction reached 14,000 kg, or 93 bales. The Quality Wool char- ity auctions have now raised more than $225,000 to support families with seri- ously ill children. The company thanked all growers who donated wool towards the auction with donations from Parkes and other towns in the Central West. Quality Wool will thank growers for their donations and support at a special celebratory event in Parkes at the Parkes Services Club on Thursday.

Massive achievement: Holy Family School in Parkes was named as a NAPLAN high gain school for the second year in a row in the area of numeracy. The Austral- ian Curriculum, Assessment and Report- ing Authority (ACARA) identifies schools across the country that may not have the top NAPLAN marks, but have made the biggest gains.

“This is a massive achievement for our school and we are very excited,” said Principal, Denise Gersbach. Holy Family was the only school in the Central west to be named last year. This year Lithgow Public School was also on the list.

According to ACARA’s methodology, the schools on the list had large overall improvement, as well improvement compared with schools with similar students and students with similar NAPLAN start points.

Win a double pass: Charlie Siem, one of today’s foremost young violinists, is in Australia for the first time. He is giving a concert with the Omega Ensemble on 1st April at Borrodell Vineyard in Orange. Book tickets for the show at borrodell.com.au/ events or call 6365 3425. You can win a double pass in our competition today on page 12.

Working on the Wallaby: Barry Brebner spoke about his latest book Working on the Wallaby at the Tourist Information Centre last week. Barry is somewhat of an expert on seizing opportunities. He is the force behind Workabout Australia; a compendi- um of employment opportunities for travellers. The first edition was published in 1996 and has since grown to be a go-to guide for roustabouts. His latest book is a collection of yarns about working holidays, featuring the travel stories of people he encountered and during his Workabout years.

Snippets…

March 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Free Cuppa: The seventh phase of the multi-award winning Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme was recently launched in Dubbo and will run until Wednesday, 31st May. Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on NSW roads – contributing to 72 fatal crashes over the last 12 months. The Free Cuppa scheme allows drivers, who have travelled more than 100km from the address on their driver’s licence, to qualify for a free cup of tea or coffee. More than
5,700 free cuppas have been given away from 185 participating businesses in 161 cities, towns and villages since its inception in 2010. The scheme is expanding to include seven more council areas. Drivers can use the Free Cuppa for the Driver app to find participating businesses.

Bush Telegraph: Keep the wheels rolling – free community information night on Tuesday, 21st March at the Tullamore Bolwing Club and Wednesday, 22nd March at Tottenham Bowling Club with barbeque dinner at 6:30pm followed by two speakers: Fran Rowe, rural financial counselor – funding following disasters; and Steve Matthews from Riverina Bluebells – taking care of yourself and what to look out for with family and friends. RSVP Helen or Sally on 6892 5003 (Tullamore) and Heather Jones on 6892 403 (Tottenham).

Phoenix distribution: The Parkes Phoenix is available in Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate every Friday. Pick up a free copy at the Trundle Newsagency, Casho’s Café in Tullamore, Foodworks and the Post Office in Tottenham, and the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate.

Australia’s first celebrities: Before they became celebrated Australian icons, the koala and waratah left early colonists almost star struck by their unique appearance! A new travelling display will be opening at Parkes Library from 27th March to 7th April telling the story of how the koala and the waratah were first depicted over 200 years ago, and how they have evolved over time to become national icons. According to curator Sarah Morley, early colonists found it difficult to draw the koala. It evolved over time and in 1933 Dorothy Wall brought the koala to life with her cheeky little character called Blinky Bill. By the 1960s it was used by Qantas to promote Australian tourism. The waratah has had a similarly fascinating journey that helped establish an Australian national identity and give NSW its state flower.

Snippets

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Alice in Cambodia: Alice Maier, Year 11 Parkes High School student, was the guest speaker at the last Parkes Action Club din- ner meeting. She is raising funds to partici- pate in a Projects Abroad program in Cam- bodia for two weeks in July. She will be working with preschool to primary school students with an emphasis on hygiene, art and English, and will learn basic Cambo- dian before she goes. Alice is looking to raise $3,000 to cover flights and accommodation in Phnom Penh. The Action Club gave Alice a donation and is challenging other clubs to support her too. Alice has agreed to address the Action Club on her return.

Queen’s Baton in Parkes: Do you want to be a baton bearer? Parkes will be one of eight overnight stops in NSW in the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Queen’s Baton will travel through Australia for 100 days from 25th December, visiting Parkes on Monday 29th January next year. “Our community can expect an exciting line up of events to celebrate this monumental occasion,” said Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith. The Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) sets off from London next week on an extraordi- nary journey through the entire Commonwealth. Nominations are now open for Australians to take part in this historic journey. Australia needs 3,800 baton bearers and Parkes Shire residents are encouraged to nominate locals that inspire them with their passion and commitment to sport and community. You can nominate until 15th May at gc2018.com/qbr

Phoenix takes off: Remember The Parkes Phoenix is available for free in Trundle, Tul- lamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate every Friday. You are also welcome to send us your news, photos and snippets to editor@ parkesphoenix.com.au.

Book review: Remember Oradour – Sou- viens Toi by Parkes author, Beth Thomas: At the onset of World War ll, the villagers of Oradour believe they are immune from the surrounding conflict. Sadly however, it transpires that no one is safe from the rav- ages of war. This beautifully crafted story captures through clever characterisation, the rich tapestry of daily life in rural France in the 1940’s. A commendable first novel for Elizabeth Therese Thomas. Review by Jenny on Angus & Robertson website. Beth will be launching her book tomorrow at The Little Theatre at 4pm.

Snippets

March 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Skywriters: Writers and aspiring writers in the Parkes Shire are invited to join the Big Skies Collaboration Skywriters project to author stories, in any genre, about their own or other people’s relationships with celestial phenomena in our southern sky. The project is supported by the Regional Arts Fund and hosted by Arts OutWest. Big Skies Collaborator Dr. Merrill Findlay, is working with local libraries on establish- ing a constellation of Skywriters’ hubs, where she will offer Skywriters a series of free writing workshops, support from pro- fessional editors to author new works to publication quality. Finished works of up to 3,000 words – fiction, nonfiction, prose or poetry – will be published on the Big Skies Collaboration website, and may also be included in a Skywriters’ anthology to be published in 2019, the 50th anniversary of humanity’s first steps on the moon.
The launch of Parkes Skywriters is on Wednesday, 22nd March at 12pm at the library. Join Merrill and the Parkes Library team for lunch and an information session. Please RSVP on 6861 2309. If you are in- terested in becoming a Skywriter and are unable to make the launch register your interest with Shellie at shellie.buckle@ parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Biggest and best in the Central West: Last weekend’s CanAssist Garage Sale transformed the Parkes Showground pavil- ion into a bustling flea market. With nearly 300 people queuing to get in on Friday afternoon, the volunteer staff joked that it was like a Myer Boxing Day Sale – only all proceeds go towards locals with cancer. If you missed out on bagging a bargain this time, CanAssist will be holding another one on 18th March.

Free concert: The theme for the term one free concert on Wednesday, 5th April at 7:30pm at the Parkes Presbyterian Church is courage. Performers are encouraged to choose a piece that is not a cinch to play, but requires hard work. A small part of the concert will also be devoted to discussing strategies to overcome nerves when performing out of the comfort zone.

Anyone is welcome to participate; let Pam Parkin of Flourish Music Studio know by 29th March. Contact her on 0418 166 580

Colour run: Parkes NF Colour for a Cure is a group of locals organising Parkes’ first family friendly fun run with a splash of colour over 5km to run or walk on 19th March to raise awareness and funds for The Children’s Tumour Foundation. Any support will be welcome: taking part, donating money or gifts for prizes.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of three genetic conditions which gives rise to the potential for benign tumours to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. NF1, which affects one in 2,500, is a lifelong condition with a wide range of severity and has no cure. This cause is very close to the Parkes community as it directly affects two locals.

Hamish (13) was diagnosed with NF1 at the age of six months. He has hundreds of benign tumours growing on all his nerve endings throughout his body. He suffers from muscle weakness, learning difficul- ties and great deal of pain. He has been visiting Westmead Children Hospital every three months since he was five years old.

Emma (28), an Early Childhood Educa- tor, was diagnosed with NF1 at the age of three. NF1 causes benign, often painful masses to grow on her nerves. She is af- fected by low muscle tone, poor coordina- tion, early developmental delay and some low level learning difficulties. She has a long-term relationship with the Neurogenetics clinic at Westmead since the age of four, where she is part of continuing stud- ies into the long term effects of NF1.

Snippets

February 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Helping hand: Parkes Elvis Festival and John Holland have teamed up to raise money for the Central West Autism and Special Needs Awareness Group (CWAS- NAG). During the 2017 Festival a total of $783.95 was raised through the John Hol- land-sponsored Elvis Photographic Com- petition and Exhibition.

Seniors Festival: Neighbourhood Central is hosting the 2017 Seniors Festival with a busy program: 6th March local concert at the Parkes Bowling Club with sing-a- long with morning tea and lunch – $10; 8th March Bollywood comes to Parkes with a movie morning at Neighbourhood Central – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – $5; 9th March Central West Elders Olympics in Or- ange – $5. Tickets and bookings at Neigh- bourhood Central, 80-82 Currajong Street Parkes. For more information call 6862 3757 or 1300 810 771.

Footy Tipping Competition: With NRL season almost upon us, The Parkes Phoe- nix has some spots left in our Footy Tip- ping Competition. Whether you are one of our readers or an advertiser, you can join in the fun and be in the running to win a major prize. Entry is $100 for the whole 26 weeks and you will receive ad space in the Phoenix to the value of $150 to promote yourself, your charity or your business. Contact sales@parkesphoenix.com.au to secure your spot.

You Get Shaving, Australia!: Are you shaving your head, or do you know of someone doing it this March, 16 – 19th to help beat blood cancer for the World’s Greatest Shave? We would love to hear from you! Contact us on editor@parkes- phoenix.com.au

Contemporary Art: Parkes Library is hosting an exhibition from western NSW artist Gavin Coote from 1st to 24th March. Gavin is also a journalist in a country town, but has always integrated some form of creativity into his life. He spent his early years drawing tractors, harvesters and windmills that dotted the landscape of the farm where he grew up the first half of his childhood. “The Australian landscape is something that has incredible power over my creative work, as is the case with any artist who has the utmost privilege of liv- ing in this beautiful country!” said Gavin. Please RSVP on 6861 2309 if you would like to attend the official opening at 6pm on 3rd March. Gavin will be in attendance to have a beer and talk art.

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