Snippets Archives - Page 45 of 51

Snippets…

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Tour de Parkes: Calling all riders – join a group of social cyclists on Saturdays. The informal group meets at Greenparkes Nursery at 10am on Saturdays and pedal out on a ride together. The group choose circuits of various distances, and ensures riders of all abilities are catered to. Bicycles of all kinds are welcome. Barbara and Peter Guppy will often be seen peddling out on their tandem bicycle. The group is more about making friends and having fun than being ultra-competitive. So, come on Parkes, get on your bike!

Visitor Economy Workshop: Parkes Shire Council is hosing a Visitor Economy Workshop on Monday, 7th August at the Astro Dish Motor Inn. The workshop is aimed at tourism operators and other related businesses to discuss the projects, campaigns and initiatives that Council will undertake to grow the visitor economy of the Parkes Shire.

The agenda includes a range of items from destination management planning to major festival and event opportunities, and will be a great opportunity to network with fellow tourism operators while also learning how to leverage the programs and initiatives that Council will deliver to drive the visitor economy. For workshop details
visit www.visitparkes.com.au or phone the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000.

Authors In Parkes: Two special authors will visit the Parkes Shire Library during August. On Saturday, 5th August at 10.30am Parkes author Erica Brazel is launching her recently published children’s picture book. I’m Special and it Shows from my Head Down to my Toes is a book to help children learn more about their different body parts. Erica was born in Lake Cargelligo, and moved to Parkes when she was 14. After living in Canberra, Sydney and Newcastle Erica married and moved with her husband back to Parkes to have their family.

The children’s book was inspired by Erica’s sons and their amazing, inquisitive minds. On Wednesday, 23rd August at 6pm Scott Whitaker will talk about the release of his new book Railway Hotels of Australia ~ Volume Two ~ New South Wales.

He will also talk about the coming of the railway, the social development of regional NSW, researching tips, genealogy, local and state history, and publishing. Please RSVP if you wish to attend on 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Snippets…

July 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

AstroFest reaches for the stars: It was another stellar turnout for the Central West Astronomical Society’s annual conference. CWAS President Christine Spears said that the event was extremely well attended, and attracted around 100 astronomers and enthusiasts from all over the country. She credits the ongoing success with the calibre of the speakers, many of whom are excited to participate in the event as it is connected to a world class facility.

Winners are grinners: Congratulations to Kerry Roach, the lucky winner of our Taronga Western Plains Zoo Package!

The Henry’s are back and better than ever: The Henry Business Awards have had a make-over. This week the Parkes Chamber of Commerce announced a new and improved award categories, which will be judged online by external judges – with the exception of the Ken Birch Memorial award. But perhaps the biggest news is that the awards are now annual, so there are more opportunities for local businesses to shine! Nominations for the 2017 awards will be opening soon. Hosted by the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, The Henrys Gala Presentation will be held in October. Go to parkeschamber.com.au/awards for more information.

Council welcomes new Rotary district governor to town: Parkes Shire Council has officially welcomed the newly elected Rotary District Governor to the Parkes Shire at a civic reception held on Monday. Parkes is the second town Mr George Weston and his wife Carol, from Leeton, has visited as part of his first tour of the Rotary District 9700, which comprises 40 clubs across regional New South Wales. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith said
“Rotary play an integral role in our community – making positive, lasting change not
only in Parkes but the wider region.”

Focus on Farm Safety 17 -23 July: National Farm Safety Week aims to raise awareness of farm safety issues in rural communities across Australia. This year’s theme for Farm Safety Week is “Creating a resilient, safe and healthy ag community”, and seeks to focus on the practical issues that farmers can take to improve safety for themselves, their workers, family members and farm visitors. This in turn leads to better productivity and improved returns for
the farm business – “Safety doesn’t cost, it pays”. For further information contact Farmsafe on 02 6269 5622 or via email info@farmsafe.org.au

Snippets…

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A Busy Weekend At The Showground: The Parkes Showground was a bustling hive of activity last weekend. The famous CanAssist Garage Sale – the biggest and best in the Central West – was held in the Pavilion over two days. It was another hugely popular event. Hundreds of savvy locals not only bagged a bargain while raising money for a worthy cause, but they also made a difference to the environment. Buying second hand goods helps keep quality items out of the landfill and lessens the burden on our planet. The box sale was very popular, and the furniture auction managed to move quite a few items. The volunteer’s efforts over the weekend raised $10,000 for CanAssist. Don’t worry if you didn’t make it, the next sale will be held in early August.

The National Limousin Junior Show was held at the Parkes Showground from Friday – Sunday. The event attracted 106 young competitors and their families from all around Australia. Livestock handlers aged between 6 years to 25 years compet- ed for ribbons and trophies at the annual competition, which gives the youngsters the chance to develop and showcase skills that will set them up for a future in the beef industry.

The Parkes Harness Racing Club race meeting was also held at the showground on Sunday. Dozens of racing enthusiasts enjoyed the trackside sunshine for some family friendly fun as part of the club’s winter racing program that started in June.

Kids’ Day Out TODAY: Kids across the Parkes Shire are invited to the Parkes Visitor Information Centre today between 11am – 3pm for a day full of school holi- day fun, with plenty of free and affordably priced entertainment.

Parkes Shire Council’s Tourism Leader, Jaimee Timmins said, “last school holidays, over 400 children took part in the first Kids Day Out. Given its success we wanted to bring the event back bigger and better, with new activities to keep the kids entertained.”

“And not to forget the big kids – adults can also join the fun! Browse the range of mar- ket stalls selling local produce and goods throughout the day.”

Patrons can look forward to free entry to the Kings Castle and motor museum, jumping castle, outdoor games and kids activities, performance by Parkes School of Dance at 11am, a Fidget Spinner Challenge at 1pm, Market Stalls, with many more exciting things on offer.

Snippets…

July 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

SES wants you to Stop Revive Survive: Don’t forget to take a break these holidays. Driver Reviver offer free tea, coffee and biscuits to help overcome driver fatigue. The Parkes Driver Reviver Station is run by the SES and other volunteers who staff the station in four-hour shifts, making up to 50 cups of tea or coffee for weary travellers. The free service is offered on public holidays and the beginning and end of school holidays.

The first Skywriters ‘Big Gig’ launches in Parkes this weekend: The Big Gig is on this weekend. Join writers, artists, and astronomers for an inspirational and in- formative weekend. Guest astronomers include Trevor Leaman, Donna Burton, Peter Starr, and Les Dalrymple. Literary themed panel discussions will be held at the Coventry Room from 1pm Saturday, and 9.30am Sunday with a dinner and discussion at The Dish Café at the Parkes Observatory on Saturday from 7pm.

The ‘Big Gig’ will also highlight Wiradjuri and Gomeroi (Gamilaraay) astronomy, with the opening of Wiradjuri Murriyang (Wiradjuri Skyworld), a weekend exhibition of Wiradjuri constellation art by Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney, for Trevor Leaman’s Wiradjuri Astronomy Project, and a feature documentary, Sky Stories of the Dreaming, by Ellie Gilbert.

Daytime events at this first ‘Big Gig’ are free for registered guests, or $5 for the public (registration is free). Dinner is $30 and must be paid in advance. Visit www. facebook.com/skywritersproject for more information, or visit www.bigskiescollaboration.wordpress.com/projects/skywriters/

Uniting Church monthly meals: Dozens of people enjoyed a warm meal on a cold night at the first of the Uniting Churches free monthly meal nights last Monday.

A dozen Uniting Church Volunteers worked in the kitchen, cooking up almost 50 meals for their local community. It was a friendly, family atmosphere, with tables full of people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

The attendees enjoyed home cooked sweet and sour mince with rice and veg- etables, followed by apple crumble and ice cream. While the food was delicious, for many the company was the most enjoyable part of the meal. Steven Kirby and Cherie Capewell have only been in Parkes for five weeks, and said it was wonderful to be able to meet new people. “It’s good to bring people out of their shells,” Cherie said. “It’s made me feel warm again.”

Snippets…

June 29, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Westpac boosts local groups: One lucky community group could be the recipient of $500 thanks to Westpac’s Local Boost program. Westpac celebrated 200 years at the beginning of April and as part of their celebrations want to give back to the communi- ties that support them. Local charities and non-profit groups are invited to nominate themselves for the prize by writing a short entry describing the group and what they plan to do with the money. Charities and groups don’t need to be Westpac custom- ers to enter. The winner will be announced on the 28th July.

Submissions can be sent to Bank Manager Dean Messiter at dmessiter@westpac. com.au. Entries close on Friday 14th July.

Community Building Partnership: Local councils and not-for-profit groups are encouraged to apply for funding requests through the 2017 Community Building Partnership (CBP) program. CBP grants are available annually for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes. Through the program, the NSW Government ensures funding is available to support organisations that think first- and-foremost about the needs of locals. The grants can pay for much-needed improvements to local facilities that promote participation in the local community.

For more information, visit: www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Monday 9th August.

Country Arts Support Program: Artists and organisations are invited to apply for the Country Arts Support Program (CASP). Small grants are available for short term, locally initiated projects that support one or more of the following groups; Aboriginal people, youth, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and residents of regional New South Wales.

Applicants must discuss their project with the Arts Outwest office before submitting an application. So, got an idea for an arts project? Don’t be shy, give Arts Outwest a call on 02 6338 4657. Applications for 2018 projects close Thursday 27th July.

Funding applications open for Veterans’ Health Week: Community groups and ex- service organisations could apply for fund- ing to support local events organised for Veterans’ Health Week 2017. The theme for this year is ‘physical activity’. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said “Veterans’ Health Week events will help connect veterans with their local communities and should be a lot of fun for everyone.”

The funding application form, and further information is available at https://www. dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/healthevents/veterans-health-week. Applications close Monday 31st July.

Snippets

June 22, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Free Dinner: A free evening meal is being offered to the community of Parkes on the first Monday of each month, commencing Monday, 3rd July from 5.30 to 6.30 pm in the Uniting Church Hall in Court Street. The doors will be open to anyone who would like to be part of this monthly gathering.

A guaranteed scrumptious home cooked nutritious meal will be prepared by the Uniting Church members and offered to residents of Parkes at no cost.

All are welcome, especially families, also folks looking for company and those who have stretched budgets.

Many thanks to Coles, St. George’s Pantry, Parkes Stationery and Christine’s Sign- writing who have all helped to make this venture possible!

Winter festival: The Bathurst Winter Festival runs from 1st to 16th July featuring an ice rink and a ferris wheel and two-storey carousel for the duration of the festival, and a Brew and Bite on Saturday 8th July with markets, entertainment, food, wine and beer and many more. Visit www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au for more information.

Peace Precinct: The Rotary Club of Parkes will host the re-dedication of Parkes as a Rotary Peace community by Mayor Ken Keith on Wednesday, 28th June.

Parkes was declared a Rotary International Peace Community in 2012. How- ever the site of the commemoration was deemed inappropriate, so the club has overseen the construction of a Peace Precinct that can be enjoyed by the whole community and is a worthwhile addition to the Rotary Arboretum.

Rotary invites the general public to the ceremony next week at 11am. The Peace Precinct is in the park on the East Street side near the corner of Bushman Street.

The club will provide tea and coffee and sausage sandwiches provided free to school children and a gold coin donation for adults.

Snippets…

June 15, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Get screened: The BreastScreen NSW mobile unit will be in Parkes from 20th June to 28th July offering free screening mammograms to all women aged 50-74 years at the Little Theatre carpark.

Local women are encouraged to make a booking by calling 13 20 50. It only takes 20 minutes and could save your life. One in eight women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. For women over 50, this is the best way of finding breast cancer early. Despite these figures, only around one in two women in NSW receive their regular mammogram through BreastScreen NSW. You can also pop into the van while it is in Parkes to make a booking.

Bridge options: The NSW Government has allocated $300,000 to develop options for the future of the Mandagery Creek bridge on Henry Parkes Way in Manildra. The bridge was built in 1930 and is in poor condition. The funding will be used to determine how best to provide a longer last- ing and safer bridge for all road users.

Sports grants: The Parkes Sports Coun- cil is calling for applications for funding in the Northparkes sports grants. There is $15,000 available this round for distribu- tion to projects that promote participation in sport or improve sporting facilities.

Northparkes Mine and the Parkes Sports Council joined forces to provide financial assistance grants to sporting groups in the Parkes Shire.

Parkes Shire Sports Council Chair, Al Gersbach said: “This round is the last in the five-year agreement with Northparkes Mines.”

Applications close on Friday, 30th June. Sporting clubs and organisations wanting to learn how to make a standout applica- tion, Council’s grants officers will be hosting a workshop, providing one-on-one as- sistance on Wednesday, 21st June from 12.30 to 1.30pm at the Parkes Library. To reserve a spot call 6861 2398. Lunch will be provided.

For more information about the Northparkes Sports Grants visit www.parkes. nsw.gov.au or contact the Council’s Grants Officers on 6861 2398.

Snippets…

June 8, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Music Is The Key: The Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) has welcomed three new members. Amy Burrows, Eliza Scarpellino and Jemima Siddall are from Sydney and came to Parkes for work. Amy and Eliza are at the RMS and Jemima at the Department of Education.

It has been a busy time for the band over the past few months with performances at Anzac Day, the Trundle ABBA Festival, the Sunrise to Sunset Heritage Day and the Southern Cross Village Fete.

Seven of the band members also played in the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. “We are keen to musically support the fantastic team who organise the shows at the M & D Society. It’s a wonderful opportunity to become part of a great group of people who all volunteer their time,” said Elly Tom.

Rehearsals for the band are on Tuesdays 7 to 9pm during school term, above the pool complex in Dalton Street. If you would like PSCB to perform at your community event, or if you would like to join contact Duncan Clement, Music Director on 0405 035 164 or email duncanclement@hotmail.com

Hats Off: The Anglican ladies in Parkes have been running an “All Things” day annually when the flower show was cancelled due to drought. There has been an All Things Flowers day, All Things Animals, and last year a display of All Things Dolls. This year on Saturday, 17th June it is All Things Handbags, with a display of personal stories accompanying treasured handbags. There will be a handbag fashion show at 11am and 3pm for the latest fashion in handbags. Men are welcome too as the morning tea will be simply delicious!

Free Art Workshops: A series of free art workshops for carers of people with mental health issues will start next week in Parkes. The workshops will run over 15 weeks run by local artists Maralyn Nash and Pol Cruz.

The weekly workshops will be on a Thursday from 10.30am-1pm at the Coventry Room at Parkes Shire Council, and participants can join at any time. Arts Out- West has set up the program on behalf of House with No Steps. Visual artist Marilyn will run eight weeks of the program, followed by ceramic artist Pol. To sign up call Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Snippets…

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Public Speaking: A total of 77 students from 18 schools participated in the Oxley Group CWA Public Speaking competition in Condobolin recently. Twelve students from Parkes and Trundle have progressed to the inter-group level and will compete against students from the Orange-Bathurst area and Narromine to Bourke area in June.

They are: Years 3-4: Highly Commend- ed (HC) Oliver Mayo (Parkes Christian School) and Samuel Rivett (Parkes East); Years 5-6 : 1st Genevieve Bland (Parkes Public) and HC Hannah Dun (Parkes Christian School); Years 7-8: 1st Eliza- beth Hoyle (Parkes High), HC Hamish Sanderson (Trundle Central), Alleyne Gaut (Parkes High), Nina Gaut (Parkes High); Years 9-10: 1st Ellie Hillier-Stanbrooke (Trundle Central), HC Robbie Stokes (Trundle Central), Jasmin Dalton (Parkes Christian School), Kiana Schembri (Parkes Christian School).

Free Breakfast: A free forum will be held at the Forbes Inn on 8th June to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

The Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum is part of the annual road safety calendar for Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils. This year includes a workshop about the new safety rules coming into effect next year with regards to chain of responsibility.

There will also be presentations about compliance and enforcement, a proposed low volume gate access scheme and the councils’ achievements in the past 12 months in improving access and education. For catering purposes registration is required – contact 6861 2364 or Melanie. Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au .

Arts Funding: Local groups with arts projects in mind can apply for the 2018 round of Country Arts Support Program funding.

The annual program of State Government provides small grants up to $3,000 to arts and community organisations in regional NSW to run their own local arts projects. Applications close Thursday, 27th July.

In 2018 it’s expected there will be around $18,000 to distribute in the Central West region. Priority areas are arts and health, Aboriginal arts, and cultural tourism and lifelong learning (education or training projects for any age). The funding is open to all incorporated associations, not just those focused on the arts. Groups wishing to ap- ply must discuss their project with Arts Out- West before submitting an online application. To apply, read the funding criteria at http://regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Snippets…

May 25, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

New CEO: Jeff Evans is the new CEO for Currajong Disability Services (CDS). With over 25 years experience in the not-for- profit sector, Jeff knows his next task of preparing CDS for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) roll-out will arguably be his biggest. “My main objective is to prepare CDS for the transition into the NDIS,” said Jeff.

With the massive changes occurring in the industry, Evans and his team are getting ready for the roll-out over the next few months while also trying to minimise dis- ruption to existing services, those that use them and their routines. Consistency and continuity with service operations will re- main top priority for the new CEO and his team despite the implementation of a new scheme.

Parkes Camera Club: Steve Ostini was elected President of the Parkes Camera Club last week. The rest of his committee are: Vice-President Keith Turk, Secretary Julie Brown, Assistant Secretary Frances Thornton, Treasurer Jackie Charlton, Assistant treasurer Lorraine Job, other members Maree Tanswell, Rebecca Chatman, Joanne Chatman and Debra Wren, public- ity officer Lorraine Job, patrons Neil Skin- ner and Hazel Barton, Social Media Editor Keith Turk, competition manager Rebecca Chatman. Two members received special thanks for their service: Jim Mackay held the Treasurer position for the past 24 years, and Frances Thornton was Secretary for eight years. Jim was also voted to become a Life Member of the club.

Let’s Take The Next Steps: Parkes residents are invited to be a part of and celebrate National Reconciliation Week. The Lachlan Reconciliation Group will celebrate tomorrow with a Sea of Hands display and free community barbecue at the park adjacent to the Parkes Visitor Information Centre from 10am. Members of the public are invited to plant a hand and celebrate and reflect on Australia’s indigenous history and culture.

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