With bumper crops on the horizon for much of the state, landholders are urged to be on the lookout for locust activity this spring and report any sightings immediately.

Adult plague locusts usually lay eggs in harder loamy red soils, especially on compact roads next to crops, tree lines and farm buildings, especially those built on higher ground such as ridges.

NSW Plague Locust Commissioner Scott Charlton said while fewer reports of locusts had been received than in previous years, landholders west of the ranges should still be vigilant and expect sporadic outbreaks.

“We are still encouraging landowners in the upper Western and far Northwest to monitor for any activity, as this will help control teams with their response efforts and limit further spread of locusts.

“Locust hatching is still expected in the northwest of the state throughout September as temperatures increase, while outbreaks throughout the lower western Riv-erina may not occur until October.

“On-ground treatment by landholders is by far the most effective treatment option and will help limit new swarms.”

If you suspect Australian Plague Locusts, contact your nearest LLS office on 1300 795 299. To find out more visit NSW DPI and LLS websites.

This model of a mining village is part of the very informative mining exhibition.

Apart from the new exhibition on the Parkes Aquatic Centre, the Henry Parkes Museum has updates and additions to other displays too. If you want to brush up on your local knowledge of the gold mining history of Parkes, the mining exhibition has been changed and updated and includes some very interesting artefacts and maps of all the mines in and around our town. The Emmanuel Brothers display has been upgraded with a tribute to Phil, and the special Olympic display will be there until the end of the month when the Paralympics ends.

The Olympic Games display has some interesting items of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and other items.

The construction of a new grandstand at Spicer Oval was approved at the Parkes Shire Council meeting of last week.

The grandstand building will be used for a range of community-based activities, and to provide amenities for events such as the annual Parkes Elvis Festival. The development includes the construction of a 540m² building comprising a clubroom, canteen and bar, amenities, office and four change rooms. The building also provides five rows of tiered seating for spectating events covered by a skillion roof.

Helen Hall, with us not so long ago, writing her game notes, with Bev Laing, John Quin and Greig Ball.

Once again, we say a last farewell to a lovely lady from our bridge club. Helen Hall was a very gracious and well liked lady who travelled weekly from Ootha to add a sparkle to our games. She was always smiling and always had a kind word and a special touch of humour. She will certainly be missed by all of us. Vale Helen.

Bridge winners the past week were:
• Tuesday, 22nd June: Ingrid Stephenson and Bev Laing;
• Thursday, 24th June: Greig Ball with Gary Somers north/south and Margaret Hawken with Joan Reilly east/west.

Due to COVID regulations, there will be no bridge for the coming week. Hopefully bridge will resume on Monday, 12th July.

Call Greig Ball 0429 621 712 or Bev La-ing 0418 114 826 for more information.

By Beth Thomas

The ceremony to mark the return of the remains of an Aboriginal ancestor to country near Orange on Monday included a procession, smoking, burial and dance. (Photo: Heritage NSW/Paul Milazzo)

The remains of an Aboriginal ancestor were buried at a traditional ceremony in Garra near Orange on Monday following their repatriation to the local community.

The remains were buried after an emotional repatriation ceremony which included a procession, smoking, burial and dance. This ceremony was to mark the return of remains to country, under the Heritage NSW Repatriation Program with Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Central Tablelands Local Land Services.

Details about the remains are unknown, apart from the gender and origin: the Ancestor comes from the Orange-Molong area and is female.

Bringing these female remains home has been a heartfelt project for Orange Local Land Services Officer for Aboriginal Communities Greg Ingram.

“It was about 2014 when I first found out about the burial site – it’s on a Travelling Stock Reserve so it took a lot of research, mapping and then preserving and protecting to make sure we could rebury the remains,” Greg said.

“It’s important to bring those remains home so the ancestor can rest, but also for our elders to be able to recognise the occasion and to educate the Aboriginal community and wider community too, about the tough historical events our ancestors went through.”

Heritage NSW assisted the local community to bring the remains back to Garra through their repatriation program.

“It’s a challenging process to bring back ancestral remains and objects that have been removed from their communities and stored in collections across Australia and in other countries worldwide,” Heritage NSW Principal Heritage Program Officer John Duggan said.

“But it is an honour for Heritage NSW to support the local community in their efforts, as it is through the repatriation process that we can help return Aboriginal ancestors to their rightful resting places.”

More information about the Heritage NSW repatriation program is available at www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/

FRIDAY FLICKS

Our next movie will be today, 6th June at 6pm. Come along and enjoy a heart-warming Australian film based on a true story with a most unlikely hero. Tickets are free for library members but bookings are essential so call 6861 2309 to book your seat!

WASTE 2 ART 2021

Waste 2 Art Exhibition in the Coventry Room
This exhibition showcases 47 works of art created from reused & recycled waste materials. This free exhibition will be open until 26th June Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to midday.

WASTE 2 ART WORKSHOPS IN THE MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE STUDIO

Join environmental artist Ronda Sharpe in creating some wonderful artworks from recycled and ‘waste’ materials. These two-hour workshops are free but bookings are essential.
Basket Weaving using Data Cabling
5th June for adults (high school+) 10am -12pm and 1-3pm
Recycled Art from Found Objects
19th June for children (Years K-6) 10am – 12pm and 1 – 3pm
‘Breaking Down’ Sustainability with Michael Chambers, Hannah Farrant-Jayet and Netwaste’s Sue Clarke. An interactive game show style workshop and seminar outlining the ways we can be more sustainable in our living and gain an appreciation for the big picture of living in a more sustainable world. This is a free event for ages 15+ on 9th June @ 6pm in the Marramarra Makerspace.
Book your place for all Waste to Art events on 6861 2309.