Thirsty Work: Soaring temperatures coupled with dry and hot weather throughout the summer has resulted in a significant increase in water consumption across Parkes. Due to this, residents are warned to expect higher than average water bills. Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd says; “Water demand in the Parkes Shire tends to rise with the temperature, and this summer has been no exception with town consumption averaging just over 10 megalitres per day, equivalent to four Olympic sized swimming pools.”

Consumption peaked at 13.1 megalitres on the 25th of February when the mercury hit 41 degrees in one of the driest months since 1979. You can check your usage by contacting Parkes Shire Council to obtain your current reading information.

Photo Correction: Last week’s Rally Car article photo was actually of the lovely ladies from Parkes Décor who were posing at their stall at the Parkes Field Day. The correct photo of Kerin Hanna and Mark Louez of Just4Kids, who visited Parkes Public last Friday is above. Apologies for the confusion!

C3 Cycle Stop: The Pink Orchid was the venue for a well earned break for the C3 Cyclists this week. Staff at the café made a mascot for the cylists, who raise money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

St Paddy’s Day Fun: Last Thursday the afternoon began with a St Patrick’s Day treasure hunt for children at KidzCare Parkes, who discovered a rainbow and a pot of gold treat after solving the final clue!

Help Fijian Cyclone Victims: Parkes Fijians Association are raising funds, school supplies and other goods to help a Fijian school which was devastated by Cyclone Winston in February. The friends and members of the Parkes Fijians Association would like to make a difference to Nasautoka Village. It is said to be one of the most affected village in the Wainibuka area, losing 30 houses including the school which was their evacuation centre. There is a Parkes connection with the Nasautoka District School, through the Parkes Christian School. Last year some students, teachers and parents from Parkes Christian School visited this school on a missionary trip. A cake stall will be held on Saturday 2nd April from 9am until 12pm outside Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture. All
monies raised from the stall will be going directly to the school to assist with replenishing school supplies for the children and teachers. Also on this day, Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture will be a drop off donation point for goods such as books, toys and clothes. School supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, notebooks and the like would be greatly appreciated. Monetary donations can also be made.

A Happy Group Of Cyclists: It was smiles all round at PAC Park as Parkes first ‘bikes out of sheds’ bike ride took place. Enthusiastic riders rode around the park before the heat of the day arrived, going around a safe, circular route with experienced riders helping when needed. Congratulations to all those who rode for the first time and those game enough to hop back on the saddle after years of absence. The next ‘bikes out of the sheds’ day will be on Saturday 10th April and will once again start at the East Street end of PAC Park at 8am. For more information ring Peter on 0448166016 or visit www.bicyclenetwork.com.au

Congratulations Holy Family Primary! Holy Family School has recently been named on a national list for schools who have been identified with a substantially above-average gain in last year’s NAPLAN results for numeracy. The list, which was put together by ACARA (the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) represents a major achievement for the school and is a result of the commitment of staff to professional development, catering for individual learning styles and a focus on problem solving and mental computation in the classrooms. The school’s Catholic Education Office has also provided much professional development in the area of numeracy. Last week the school also celebrated Catholic School’s Week
with a whole school Mass, open class-rooms and a family movie night. Well done Holy Family Primary School!

Motor Meets Air: On Sunday the Parkes Antique Motor Club assembled at the Parkes Air Museum hangar for a guided tour for one of their regular outings. The collection the club viewed is only part of what the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society intends to bring to Parkes over the coming years.

Mock Crash Actors Chosen: The cast for this years mock crash demonstration has been announced. Jack McGrath, Samantha Mudiman, Krystle-Lee McMurray and the returning Ashleigh Cottam are the youth actors chosen to perform in the NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Programme, which has been running since 2009. “I’m really excited about this year’s mock crash demonstration” Melanie Suitor, Parkes Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, said; “The project aims to show young drivers what can and does happen far too often on the roads. It challenges them to think about their attitude and behaviour as not only the driver but also as passengers.” The demonstration will be held on 18th August in front of over 500 year 10 students.

Networking Evening Sees Good Turnout:
Over 70 local business people attended a networking and information evening last Monday. The event, hosted by Parkes Shire, provided information and opportunities for businesses to be involved in the development of the new Water and Sewage Treatment plants to be built in Parkes by John Holland Group Pty Ltd. Parkes Council
organised the night to ensure that local suppliers will be able to supply materials, labour and support services to this major project. Mayor Ken Keith was pleased with the attendance on the night; “It is fabulous to see such a strong turnout of businesses. Parkes Shire Council is a member of the Small Business Friendly Council program,
Council is very committed to this program and hosting nights like tonight ensure that Council is working proactively to utilise the skills and knowledge of local businesses and ensure that money stays local.”

Parkes Public Pave The Way For Rugby:
A big congratulations to the Parkes Public School 10s and 12s rugby sides who played in the NSW Waratahs Primary
7’s last Thursday. Both teams are now progressing to the Western Region finals to be held in Orange in May. Well done to all the boys involved!

Save The Date! For this year’s Cabonne Country Balloon Glow on Saturday, 9th April. Get ready for a day of flames and fun as gates open at 3.30pm at the Canowindra Sports Oval. One of the highlights of the night, the rugby union game, will kick off at 4pm in what’s sure to be a blazing battle between Canowindra and Yeoval. New entertainment for this year includes a wine, food and craft market and fire dancers, so things might get heated! If you’d like
a stall please email lisa@canowindrachallenge.org.au for an application form.

Say Hello To Our New Reporter! Meet Maggi Barnard who will be our reporter on the ground in Parkes. Maggi lives in Parkes with her husband and 8-year-old son. They moved here from Darwin and have enjoyed the tranquillity, community spirit and the change of seasons of the rural lifestyle for the past 5 and a half years. Maggi will be the go-to person to speak to if you have a great story or event you’d like us to cover, you can contact her by emailing reporter@parkesphoenix.com.au

 

Iluvlocal Launches In Forbes: On Tuesday the Forbes Phoenix gave a presentation on a brand new app due to launch across the Central West. Cheryl Newsom, publisher of the Phoenix, delivered the presentation and spoke of understanding change and the opportunity it presents, “changes are impacting on our businesses, the world has gone online. With this app you can instantly share deals, competitions or coupons to your client base, or as a consumer you can know what your favourite restaurant or shop has on special that day.” iluvlocal representative, Roselea
Buttigieg said; “This is a new and improved way for businesses to reach their customers and we’re looking forward to helping them expand their customer base through app technology.”

Got A Bike In Your Shed? Sunday, 13th March is the day to dust off the cobwebs from your bikes and join a group of cyclists at the East Street end of the Pak Park cycle path. Whether you’re riding a trike, a flash mountain bike or a penny farthing, enjoy the 2km route with experienced riders who can help with your seat height and tyres. The event begins at 8am and will even include a mechanic to fix any minor repairs! For more information ring Peter on
0448 166 016.

Field Day Fun: Next Friday, 11th March, local businesses will exhibit their products and services at a field day held at Parkes Racecourse from 10am onwards. Ideal for those with agricultural or gardening interests, come and view tractors, sprayers, seed and super bins, motorcycles and more! Entry to the day is free and you could win some great prizes.

Students Help Clean Up School! Students at Parkes Public School are participating in a tidy up of the school ground today as part of the ‘Clean up Australia Day Schools’ initiative. The school has been given packs which include gloves and rubbish bags and will present a great opportunity to teach students why it’s so important to look out for rubbish and clean up after themselves.

Circus Location Change: Australia’s largest animal circus has arrived in Parkes but has moved location! The new location of the circus, which will run until Sunday 6th March, is at Pioneer Oval, Alexandra Street. This family run circus is a must for lovers of our furry friends and includes mischievous monkeys, African lions and miniature trick ponies!