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Be Seen

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

GOLDEN GIRLS… The Parkes Shire Council’s staff worked tirelessly and could be seen at every event making sure it runs smoothly, answering questions from fans and keeping people happy. They could not be missed in their golden outfits in the crowd welcoming the Elvis Express. They are l – r Anna Charlton, Emily Brotherton, Katrina Dwyer, Beth Link, Jodi McIntyre and Natalie Caldwell.

Children in Parkes love dressing up for Elvis. These brothers were at the station to welcome the Elvis Express. They are (L-R) Ahston, Campbell, Tomas and Xavier Scally.

Miss Priscilla, Jackie Batt managed to look cool and beau- tiful at the Dish when the heat wave struck last Friday. She is with the two international feature artists Pete Storm from the UK (left) and Jake Rowley from the US.

Our Gal

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Ann Steel

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like about living here?
I’ve been here for most of my life, except for a few years during my childhood when I was in Sydney, so I think I’m just about a local. I like the lifestyle and the people. It’s a great place to raise kids.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work?
I’m retired now, but before that I ran Gracelands for 25 years. I now belong to Quota. We do a lot of hard work, but have a lot of fun doing it. Elvis also keeps me busy.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends?
We’re very involved with vintage cars and bikes, and we spend a lot of time going to shows and rallies. I also like entertaining friends and family, and still love cooking. Mosaics was also something I did to unwind, I’d spend one night cutting, and another night gluing.

What are you really good at?
I’m not really good at anything, but I’ll have a go at most things.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
To learn how to sleep! When my first baby was three months old we didn’t sleep much because of a milk allergy. My doctor said you only need two good hours of sleep to survive and I’ve been working on that theory ever since!

Our Bloke – Bob Steel

January 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Bob Steel

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like about living here? I am born and bred, which means I pretty well know just about everyone and it is a good feeling to know who people are.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I am retired, but I help my son with plastering jobs, although the pay is not very good… I am still on the Elvis committee and my portfolio is the Wall of Fame.

What do you do to unwind in your spare time? I love antique motorcycles and cars. I own a 1926 MG, 1928 Model A Ford, a1951 Holden and several motorcycles. I organise the Parkes Antique Bike Rally.

What are you really good at? I fiddle with old vehicles and get them going.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To know then what I know now.

What is your pet hate? I don’t like political and event posters left around the countryside when events are over. I don’t like vandalism.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. We went to America for about three weeks when our kids were four and seven. Unfortunately we never got to Graceland, but did end up naming our business Gracelands… and that was where the idea for the Elvis Festival was born in 1993!

Question of the Week?

January 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What do you love about the Elvis Festival?

Colin McGillivray – Swan Hill, Victoria: It’s really in my era. He was our idol, like Lady Di, he left us with a memory we can’t forget. This is my 2nd Elvis Festival. I came for the first time on his 80th birthday which was two years ago.

Kay Avery – Gladstone, Queensland: This is just such a great place to be. I just love Elvis. He’ll never be gone. We came last year, and had to come back when we found out it was going to be the 25th festival!

Jeff Hancox – Kingaroy, Queensland: It’s all about Elvis, and everyone has a great time. This is my 3rd year at Elvis, I won the busking competition three years ago, and have been coming back ever since.

Our Gal – Cathy Treasure

January 5, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Cathy Treasure

How long have you lived in Parkes? We only moved here six months ago.

What do you like about Parkes? There’s a lot to like; seeing stars at night is lovely, it only takes five minutes to drive to work, the friendly people, and being closer to my family.

Where do you work? I’m the Parkes Elvis Festival Director.

What do you enjoy about your work? It’s a fun, quirky event. I like the variety that comes with the role. I get to meet a wide range of interesting people, plus I got to know most of Parkes in just six months.

What is your favourite hobby or activity? I love listening to live music, going back to the family farm, playing with my kids, and when I have more time, I like to try to play netball, basketball and squash.

How do you like your coffee? White and one.

What makes your day? My kids when they laugh. It’s corny, but true.

What is your idea of a dream holiday and where would you go? I like to get off the beaten track and explore. I really love Africa, but I desperately want to go to Malaysian Borneo to explore the different cultures and wildlife.

Question of the Week?

December 22, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?

Paula Shearer with Poppy: We have a family roast lunch on Christmas Day. It is special for me as I live more than five hours away from my family and getting together with everyone is the best part of Christmas.

Nessie Holley with grandson Romeo: I am originally from New Zealand and my father always got us a real Christmas tree and in those days we decorated it with crepe paper. I love the smell of the tree and hope to carry on this tradition.

Angela Lister with Levi and Rachel Ridley: Getting a real Christmas tree. We have always been doing it in my family and it is good fun. Rachel: I love the presents, cuddles and when the whole family gets together.

Our Bloke – Arne Murray

December 22, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Arne Murray

How long have you lived in Parkes? I have lived in Parkes for about two months, originally from Queensland.

What do you like about Parkes? Nice small town living, but not too small. Residents are also very friendly.

Where do you work? I work at PJL Irrigation in Parkes as Irrigation Manager.

What do you enjoy about your work? Not one day is the same. Interaction with my clients as well as the technical side of my job.

What do you do with your free time? I like reading about my profession as well as attending and spending time in my religion.

How do you like your coffee? Strong good quality coffee always with two sugars – sweet tooth.

What makes your day? Helping others and at least trying to do one good deed for the day.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday, where would it be? Somewhere in Italy- enjoying a good Italian meal with my family.

Question of the Week?

December 15, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

How do you feel now the HSC is over, and what is next for you?

Brydie Hilder Year 12 Red Bend Catholic College: It feels amazing to have finished. I’m not too nervous about getting the results, it is what it is. I’ve been accepted for early entry into Nursing at the University of Wollongong, but I’m
deferring so I can take a gap year. I’m planning on staying around town and working, I’d love to travel a bit too.

Lyndal Suffolk Year 12 Parkes Christian School: Mostly I feel relaxed – it’s a big weight off having it done. I moved from Queensland where it’s a completely different system, so the HSC was a shock and quite stressful. Next year is a little up in the air; I’m planning on doing RN, either in Brisbane, Bathurst or Dubbo. I already have a Cert II in Health Service Assistance, which I did through TVET as part of my studies.

Kaitlyn Strudwick Year 12 Parkes Christian School: I feel relieved! I’m the first one in my immediate family to have
done the HSC. There were moments when it was really hard, and then others when it felt a bit easier than it was meant to. Next year I’m going to do my Cert III in Early Childhood and see what happens from there.

Our Gal – Lisa Wright

December 15, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Lisa Wright

How long have you lived in Parkes?
25 plus years.

What do you like about Parkes?
I really enjoy the simplicity of country life.

Where do you work?
I work at Parkes Christian School.

What do you enjoy about your work?
I enjoy the challenge that each new day brings. Being part of making a difference in the children’s lives. Working with a great team.

What do you do with your free time?
Catching up with family and friends. Being able to help family and friends.

How do you like your coffee?
Soy latte.

What makes your day?
The little things, being amongst happy people and spending time with special loved ones.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday, where would it be?
Bora Bora or any where with white sandy beaches!

Our Bloke – Michael Chambers

December 8, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Michael Chambers

How long have you lived in Parkes?
I grew up here, spent ten fantastic years in Sydney, then moved back last year.

What do you like about Parkes? The bush; the pace of life.

Where do you work?
Parkes Shire Council

What do you enjoy about your work?
It’s wonderful and incredibly rewarding to work in a field you’re passionate about. And I get to work with some great people!

What do you do with your free time? Spend as much of it as I can outdoors – bushwalking and birdwatching; reading (all kinds of books) and cooking/baking.

How do you like your coffee?
I never got into coffee.

What makes your day?
A day punctuated with good friends and good food and wine.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday, where would it be? Anywhere with some wild national parks and remote, clear-water beaches.

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