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Parkes Phoenix

Excitement Builds For Arts Revival Festival

December 4, 2020 By editor

Emily Webb, Hamish Sanderson and Jess Morgan during a rehearsal of The Proposal.

The Arts Revival Festival from 14th to 19th December aims to end a year of no creative stimulation and revive, celebrate and foster artistic activity in the Parkes Shire community.

The festival, organised by the Parkes Shire Arts Advisory Council and Parkes M&D Society, has a full program of a variety of workshops, three one-act plays, an art exhibition, a craft market and various musical performances.

“As there was hardly any creative stimulation during this year of the pandemic, the festival aims to help people have something to work towards,” said spokesperson Lisa Ramsay.

“We hope to make it an annual event and introduce new facets of artistic endeavours into our community. That is why we have included the improvisation workshops for instance for kids and adults.”

Improvisation, a collaborative method of creating live spontaneous theatre that is funny, often touching and frequently poignant, would broaden participants’ skills in how they react and be more authentic on stage, according to Lisa.

“It opens up a different avenue on stage, as musicals might not be for everyone.”

If there is enough interest after the workshops, Lisa is keen to start an improvisation group meeting on a monthly basis to inspire continuous engagement in new artistic endeavours. The workshops will run on 18th and 19th December.

Lisa is also very excited about the three one-act plays to be performed at the festival. “The M&D have not done a play for more than seven years, and we should attract a different audience.” The plays are The Proposal and The Wedding, adapted from Chekhov’s original plays to a farming landscape in 80s Australia, and a junior play Mother Duck and the Golden Goose.

The Arts Revival Festival is a wonderful way to end this tough year on a cheerful note. See the full program of events on the Parkes Shire Council’s website. Tickets for the shows are available online.

Check On Charities’ Credentials

December 4, 2020 By editor

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is urging the public to do a quick online check on a charity’s credentials before donating this festive season.

“It takes a minute to check the ACNC online Charity Register to see if an organisation you would like to support is a legitimate charity,” said ACNC Commissioner Dr Gary Johns

“Unfortunately, fraudsters masquerade as charities, exploiting goodwill — scams are on the rise. It is crucial to do at least a quick online check before giving to be confident your donation is going to an organisation that genuinely does good work.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be from a charity, ask to call them back. Search the Charity Register and call back using the phone number published there.

Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails and social media posts. It is safer to visit a charity’s website, to avoid clicking a link to an imitation website.

Don’t give out your credit card and bank account details on social media and be cautious when doing so online.

Always ask for identification from door-to-door and street fundraising collectors.

Helium Balloons A Threat To Wildlife

December 4, 2020 By editor

Helium balloons can travel long distances creating litter hundreds of kilometres from the release site and pose a potential threat to wildlife.

Council resolved at its monthly meeting to educate the community about the environmental risks and controls associated with releasing helium filled balloons outside.

“It is in fact an offence to release 20 or more gas-filled balloons in the open air under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act (200,” said Council’s Director Planning & Environment Brendan Hayes.

“It is important that the community is aware of the environmental impact caused by balloons and the legislation regarding their release,” Brendan said.

Chair of Council’s Waste Committee, Councillor Alan Ward said releases often happened at times of difficulty or celebration. “Council is aiming to encourage residents to consider alternate ways to better commemorate these events.”

“There are more environmentally friendly options such as bubbles, lighting candles, scattering flower petals or planting native trees for those wishing to commemorate the passing of a loved one or celebrating an occasion or event.”

For more information about the impact and controls around releasing helium filled balloons visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/release-helium-balloons

Free Online Driver Workshop

December 4, 2020 By editor

Leaner driver Jordan Moody

Parents and other supervisors of local learner drivers can dial into a free online workshop next week full of practical advice and information about completing the 120 hours of supervised driving.

The ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop is scheduled for Thursday, 10th December from 6pm running for about 75 minutes.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said while the usual face to face workshops were not possible due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the online delivery would hopefully make it more easily accessible for participants to attend.

“Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why we have teamed up with Transport for NSW.”

The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Logbook including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver and more.

Bookings are essential and can be made online via Eventbrite, through the Councils’ Facebook pages or by calling Melanie on 6861 2364.

New Art Gallery In Trundle

October 9, 2020 By editor

A display of Cheree Stokes’s art work in her new Ngurambang Birrang Gallery in Trundle’s main street.

The Parkes Shire art scene was boosted immensely with the opening of an Aboriginal art gallery in Trundle last Thursday.

The Ngurambang Birrang Gallery in the main street was opened by full-time artist Cheree Stokes.

Cheree, who lived in Trundle some years ago, returned home as her gallery name translates to ‘travelling to country or home’.

The idea of opening a gallery was born after she was a resident artist at Uluru for a month last year. “So many people asked if they could visit my gallery to see my work.”

She said the Trundle community had been very welcoming and supportive of her idea. “I’ve been unofficially open for about a month and have been very happy with the sales so far. People are coming to Trundle specifically to visit the gallery.”

Cheree gave the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open her gallery to 93-year- old Janette Williams. “She has helped me a lot to get this place.”

Cheree plans to open up her gallery to other artists for special occasions, like the ABBA Festival and Bush Tucker Day.

She has also started art lessons for children and adults, and will display their work at the end of each unit.

“At the moment the gallery is filled with my art – aboriginal art pieces, which is my passion. I also have some works done by my grandchildren.”

By Maggi Barnard

Work Starts On $2 Million Childcare Facility

October 2, 2020 By editor

Sam Farraway MLC and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM turned the first sod at the old community health centre in Coleman Road on Monday.

Seven years of work came to fruition on Monday when the first sod was turned to redevelop the old community health building into a purpose-build facility for Central West Family Day Care.

“This is just fantastic,” said Ann-Marie Winter, service coordinator of Central West Family Day Care. “We are going to have so much more space and will be able to provide additional services to our community by adding a pre-school, as well as before and after school care and vacation care.”

The $3 million project, expected to be completed by June next year, has been funded to the value of $1.3 million under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program with Parkes Shire Council contributing  $668,000.

“This project is really important as Parkes and the Central West have a bright future ahead,” said Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway. “It will make Parkes a better place to live.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said: “The demand for childcare services has already seen Central West Childcare Services outgrow its current facility with 47 educators and over 400 children enrolled.

“With major developments happening in Parkes, the delivery of a quality childcare facility will ensure Parkes can meet the needs of new families and businesses relocating to the region.”

By Maggi Barnard

Wake Up And Smell The Coffee Van!

August 21, 2020 By editor

Buying a coffee in Parkes has just become a lot easier! Tim is back with a new coffee van and you can place a set order for your favourite coffee and many other favourites.

All you need to do is call Tim on 0488 254 494 with your regular weekly or daily time slot from Monday to Friday from 6am to 2pm. “We have a full range of coffees, chai, tea, milkshakes, soft drink, muffins, caramel slice, bacon and egg rolls, pies and sausage rolls,” said Tim, who previously managed Ella the Coffee Van.

Try out the new menu by making a pre-booking, which he prefers. Or you can watch while your coffee is freshly made, or have your coffee delivered.

So, if you can only start working when your coffee does, make sure to place your set order with the Coffee Van.

Learn To Play Bridge For Free

August 21, 2020 By editor

Free online bridge lessons by Paul Marston starts next week.

The Parkes Bridge Club has been in recess for months during these difficult times. Some members have been playing privately to hone their skills, but no beginner classes could be offered.

The Australian Bridge Federation has come to the rescue and initiated free online lessons for all prospective bridge players. The first of the four lessons will start at 2pm on Tuesday, 25th August and continue every Tuesday on 1st, 8th and 15th September.

The course is conducted by Paul Marston, who has taught more than 10,000 people to play bridge and his books have sold over 500,000 copies.

The course will run over four lessons:
• Each lesson will be a little over an hour.
• Each lesson will include a play component on BBO so you actually play hands.
• The lessons will be held on Zoom which is really simple and you do not have to join.
• Information will be provided in advance on how to use BBO and Zoom.
• Everyone who joins the online course will have their own webpage.
• Five short tutorials to help understand taking tricks being fundamental to bridge.
• Every player will receive copies of the lessons and the notes.
• Videos from the teacher will be available.

If anyone has an interest in cards whether you played canasta as a child, watched your parents play euchre, played 500 in your teens or solo in later years, you would love bridge.

The link to register is https://bridgelounge.online/learn-bridge-registration/abf/

I’m Movin’ On: Elvis

August 21, 2020 By editor

The Parkes Elvis Festival date for next year is moving from January to 10 – 14 March!

The final decision to proceed or to cancel will still be made by 28th September with the festival team continuing to monitor the situation with the safety and well-being of the community, artists, fans, staff and businesses first and foremost.

In the announcement made on Wednesday, Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said: “The date change will give us seven months until the start of the festival. We are hopeful that it will be able to proceed however the health and safety of the community will come first in the final decision of the festival proceeding.”

Festival Director Cathy Treasure said: “We chose to announce the date change now to allow our stakeholders to make alternate plans for January, to allow us time to reschedule artists and all the support services. We would love the festival to proceed but are being cautiously optimistic.”

The festival team have contacted the accommodation providers in the Parkes Shire and Forbes and have been assured that all January 2021 bookings will be carried over to the new dates in March or alternatively to the 2022 festival.

“There is no need to make contact now. The accommodation providers have reserved the March dates for existing bookings and will be in contact once the final decision on the festival proceeding has been made at the end of September,” Cathy said.

Chamber of Commerce President Geoff Rice said the chamber and business community supported the change of date. “Many businesses rely on the festival to get them through the off-peak summer period and this is especially relevant for 2021 after the challenges in business due to bushfires and drought.”

The ticket launch date will be moved to 16 November in line with the new festival dates.

Sowing The Seeds Of Creativity

July 3, 2020 By editor

Scott Turnbull with the clay impression made by Lope Bosaing in The Philippines of his wood carving.

Young people in the Parkes Shire have less than a month left to enter ‘The Art of Resilience’ competition using music, poetry, photography and art to express their emotions.

The competition is open for students aged 6 to 18 to create works using the theme resilience in the face of drought, and also the bushfires and COVID-19.

Ub Ubbo Exchange is one of the three organising partners of the competition together with Parkes Shire Council and Neighbourhood Central. Parkes artist Scott Turnbull is a founding member of Ub Ubbo Exchange and is very excited about this opportunity for all young artists to show their skills and talent. “They will not only be supported by experienced artists, but it will give them great exposure.”

Fellow founding member and competition organiser, Sean James Cassidy said the competition tied in beautifully with the Ub Ubbo Exchange philosophy of coming together and sharing, and passing it on to the next generation.

“We are delighted that we were approached by Parkes Shire Drought Officer Roger Kitson. This competition will be sowing the seeds of creativity, growing the next crop of artistic talent and harvesting the works of a youthful endeavour.”

Ub Ubbo Exchange was founded in 2007 as a cultural exchange program between Australia and The Philippines to help artists travel between the two countries to share stories and art.

As inspiration for the young artists in the Parkes Shire, Sean wanted to highlight a re- cent collaboration between Scott and Lope Bosaing from The Philippines on a work called Growing with the Grain. Scott made wood carvings of Wiradjuri iconography and sent it to Lope who pressed the carvings into clay he had prepared from his farm.

While Ub Ubbo Exchange aims to draw on the immediate and natural environment in the production of art, Sean said the Shire’s young artists could use any inspiration to create works for the competition.

The competition categories include photography, song writing, poetry, drawing and painting. Entry forms can be found on the Art of Resilience Facebook group or downloaded from Council’s website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions close Friday, 31st July, and the winners will be announced on Friday, 14th August. Winners will be selected from Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore, and will be showcased as part of The Art of Resilience exhibition to take place on Friday, 16th October (subject to the latest COVID-19 restrictions and advice).

Winners of the song writing and poetry categories will have their work professionally produced into a collaborative CD, while winners of the painting/drawing and photography categories will have their work professionally published in a digital style format.

By Maggi Barnard

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