• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Special Interests
    • Snippets
    • Mayoral Notes
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
  • Special Interests
    • Women In Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Health & Wellbeing
    • Loving Local Living
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Parkes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix

Just a Short Drive to Cowra

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard


Enjoy A Meal In The Only English Manorial Village In Australia


CIRCA 1935 is located in the former Bank of NSW building in Greenethorpe, a pur- pose-built village. It was established in 1908 to house share farmers who worked on Iandra, the nearby pastoral estate owned by George Henry Greene. The vil- lage was based on the English manorial system, and is the only known settlement of its kind in Australia.

CIRCA 1935 is listed in the National In- stitute of Architects’ register of significant buildings in Australia. It was purchased by the present owner in late 2015 and has been lovingly restored to its former glory. It features high ceilings, cedar doors, archi- traves and picture rails, original fireplaces and mantels, and mostly original light fittings.

It now houses the local post office, an up-market café and a small guest house with three rooms plus shared bathroom, sitting/ TV room, tea and coffee making facilities and a bar fridge.

The café seats up to 24 people inside and a further 24 in the attached courtyard. The menu is seasonal and contains old favourites, mediterranean and Asian influ- ences. Larger groups can be catered for in the nearby Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, by prior arrangement. History talks and walks in the village can also be arranged, as well as group bookings to visit nearby Iandra Castle. At CIRCA 1935 stepping back in time never tasted so good.

All You Need In A Hop, Skip And Jump

Hippity Hop Kids is a family owned kids and women’s boutique and online store in Cow- ra. It was first created by Christine Hamer in 1997 as a small shop in Macquarie Street. It quickly outgrew the quaint setting and moved to the top of Kendal Street where business thrived.

After 14 years the shop was sold in June 2011 to Skye Muddle. She moved Hippity Hop Kids to the fresh and funky location she created at 7 Kendal Street. With the com- mitments of a growing family Skye sold Hip- pity Hop Kids to Sam Edwards in December 2013.

Thanks to the inspiration and hard work of these women Cowra has a unique store that attracts many people from near and far offering special children’s items – not only for them to wear and look absolutely divine in, but also to offer a range of accessories, toys and fabulous decor items for their rooms. The shop also stocks the very popular Eb & Ive range (one size fits all) of clothing and accessories for women. With the introduction of the new webstore, all Facebook ‘likers’ have access to readily available INSTOCK products as well.

Sam says she takes pride in personally selected products and friendly service, and hopes to make it easier for clients where they can shop for all their favourite brands in the one spot. “So grab a coffee, put your feet up and enjoy a leisurely tour of our store.”

Art Program A Big Plus for Young Artists

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A beautiful thing is never perfect, at least that’s one message from the latest exhibition on the Community Cultural Wall.

A raging duck, tranquil sea creatures, and an elaborate space-scape are juxtaposed in the installation on the corner of Clarinda and Church Streets. The vibrant and engaging artworks represent the political and lyrical perspectives of a new generation of artists.

Twelve local youths participated in the art program, Journey into Mystery – Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Art, which was hosted by Parkes Shire Library.

Parkes Shire Council’s Manager of Cul- tural Education and Library Services, Shellie Buckle said the artworks captured what young people were thinking and worrying about.

The participants’ inspiration was wide- ranging; from international politics, the

Parkes Radio Telescope, to the concept of inner-beauty as portrayed in popular culture.

Art teacher and art therapist, Maralyn Nash said one of the objectives of the art classes was to connect with young people. “We had many discussions about their vision for the future and these ideas were used to create the art,” she said. “They’re very talented artists. They were a super intelligent group, and they were all very skilled drawers.”

Dozens of art lovers of all ages attended the unveiling on Wednesday, which was officially opened by Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

The Community Art Wall is a temporary exhibition space, which features community artists, and is part of Council’s Public Art Program, bringing vibrancy to our main street.

Question of the week

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What did you love about the Parkes Elvis Festival?


Ian Thomas: Sydney: It is my first time at the festival and it is really good. The big group of Priscillas in the parade were something. I want to come back next year with my big Harley Davidson and take part in the parade.


Rupert King: New Zealand: It is my first time here and I took part in the busking competition as well as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The parade was just wonderful– so very, very awe- some. It is hard to pick a favourite. I will definitely be back next year. I love the nostalgia.


Dawn Dunning, Gail Pickles and Ailsa Grant: sisters from Newcastle and Kiama: This has been fantastic, but we’re all absolutely exhausted. The Gospel Service was the stand-out event. It’s so hard to do that well, and it was just superb. We came two years ago, and if we’re still alive next year we’ll definitely come again. We’ll have to start planning our outfits.


Garry and Trisha Packham: Ballina NSW: This is our first year. We love the music, obviously. The festival is just so well organised – there’s so much good food, and the atmosphere is great. We’ve been married 46 years. We’ve always wanted to go to Las Vegas to renew our vows there for our 40th anniversary but life just got in the way, so it was wonderful to do it in Parkes.


Alfred Vas: Denistone NSW (aka The Raja or Bollywood Elvis): I had a blast, it was extraordi- nary, just so full of love and peace. Parkes was so welcoming. It’s great to see everyone just getting out and having fun. This is not just the best Elvis festival in the world, it’s the best in the Universe! I’ve been to the festival six times, but this is my first time dressing up. I’m definitely coming back next year – it’s become a part of me now.


Andy Swinfield: Gold Coast QLD:This was our first time at the festival. It exceeded our expecta- tions. The train was a bonus, it really made the trip. The Ultimate Elvis was a highlight – those guys were fantastic, and I’ve also loved seeing the Mayor getting into it. I’m not a very big Elvis fan, but have become a bit of a convert. we’ve already booked in for next year!

Elvis Snippets

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard


Winners:

• 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest was won by Brendon Chase from New Zealand, followed by Sean Spiteri from Sydney and Matt Birse from Adelaide in third. Brendon will travel to Memphis, USA, to represent Parkes at the Contest Semi -Final during Elvis Week in August.

• The 2017 Miss Priscilla, Face of the Festival, was awarded to Jackie Batt of Parkes.

Star of Parkes Shire: The Parkes Shire Council presented Bob and Ann Steel with the Star of Parkes Shire in recognition of their dedication and the sacrifices they made to initiate and grow the Parkes Elvis Festival. A Binary star in the Orion Belt will be known as the Bob Steel and Anne Steel Star.

Providing high quality education and care for children from birth
to 6 years!

Poets’ Breakfast: The Poets’ Breakfast has become a legend of its own. More than 200 poetry lovers shared breakfast and some laughs at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club. The MC was Barry “Elvis” Green, who entertained the rather crowded crowd with Elvis songs,. The competition was fierce – and funny. Parkes’ Amy But- ler won the Best Novice Poet for her poem ‘The Elvis Train’ – a jaunty verse about the Elvis Express featuring Mayor Ken Keith. Jane Ferrari’s hilarious poem ‘Hooked Up In Parkes’ took out both the Open Contend- er and People’s Choice awards.

Outback Elvis: Around 60 people rocked up to the Parkes Shire Library for the launch of the Outback Elvis book. Authors, John Connell and Chris Gibson – both aca- demics and well-seasoned festival fans – compiled a collection of anecdotes and personal stories that detail the evolution of the festival from its humble beginnings to the event that has quite literally put Parkes on the international map. Parkes Shire Li- brarian Shelly Buckle said it had been her dream to launch a book during the Elvis Festival.

Miniature Elvis Express: A group of repeat festival-goers from Sydney loved the Elvis Express so much that they made their own. Vivian Cronin, Graham Gardiner, Elizabeth

Bromhead and Mort Hansen kept the party going when they disembarked for the Elvis Festival. The novice train engineers scav- enged an old box from a stall holder, and decorated it to recreate the Elvis Express, which they drove in the street parade. They eventually departed the train in Cooke Park, but various other Elvis revellers caught the cardboard train over the weekend, with one group riding it up and down Clarinda Street, before it was finally derailed.

Ikonic Panellists Inspire Parkes Women

September 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

img_1940

An audience of 65 gathered for the Women in Industry panel discussion at the Ikon on Monday night. It was the second such event organised by Northparkes Mines, which brought together three professional women who share a passion for inspiring others to succeed.

Parkes-own Helen Magill spoke about her role as a professional coach for Tennis Australia. In 2012, she became the first female to receive the Excellence in Coaching award.

Chandra Clements, the Managing Director of consultancy service One Legacy, joined Helen on the panel. In 2014 Chandra was awarded the Gold Stevie for Woman of the Year.

Also on the panel was lawyer Samantha Daly, a part-time partner for law firm Mc– Cullough Robertson, and recipient of the NSW Women in Mining Award.

The riveting discussion delved into topics such as the importance of mentoring in professional and personal relationships, risk taking and resilience, and maximising talent through workplace flexibility.

Helen shared insights into how sport participation fosters resilience. She noted that the pressures of living in a small town were different to those in a city. In a small town both victories and failures become more public, and she sees that it is vital that kids learn it is okay to fail. Helen says it is more important to help people reach their full potential than to aim for perfection.

Chandra discussed the importance of risk taking. She explained how fear underpins risk aversion, and that it is important to unpack that fear in order to discover what is really holding us back.

Samantha, a mother of twins, explained how vital flexible work arrangements are to advancing workplace equality. She stressed that although it is seen as a chick’s issue, men need to be given the same opportunities because mothers aren’t the only workers juggling life.

By Raen Fraser

 

Bookworm Wonderland!

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

IMG_5239

Book lovers were lining up outside the Parkes Shire Library on Tuesday morning to get a bargain at the annual book sale. With about 1000 books up for grabs and prices starting at 50 cents, there was a bit of competition in the air to get in first. Andrea Lovell, Branch Librarian said books that have deteriorated in condition or were not borrowed a lot were put up for sale every year. Books that do not get sold are recycled. The sale runs until Saturday, 25th June.

Our Gal…Bianca Sheridan

May 27, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

 

053 (1) (882x1024)How long have you lived in Parkes?

I was born in Parkes and left after finishing high school. I returned in 2010 when we bought The Railway Hotel.

 

What do you enjoy most about your work?

There is always something new or different going on – no two days are the same. I enjoy meeting people and having a chat.

 

What do you do in your free time?

I spend time with Kasie, Hart and our dog Chuck.

 

How do you like your coffee?

Soy flat white and one sweetener.

 

What makes your day?

My coffee… and my job! I love challenging myself to grow and do better.

 

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday where would it be?

I love the US, especially New York. We try to go every two years and always end up in New York. I just love the food, the people, the shows, great sport – what’s not to love about it.

 

What is your worst habit?

I manage to flick toothpaste on the mirror whenever I brush my teeth.

 

Mayor’s Column…13th May

May 12, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

What lovely soaking rain our region has been enjoying, a much appreciated change from the dry conditions just over a few weeks ago.

Congratulations to the organisers and volunteers of the ABBA festival. What a great weekend jammed packed with entertainment. This year boasted more than 4,500 attendees with over 1,400 camping at the showground. The festival was an absolute credit to you all. Well done Trundle!

NSW Trainlink has confirmed this week that the Parkes Railway Station services will remain unchanged. Following initial concern, the local station was flagged to see services reduced to part time or unattended. The news to preserve the Parkes Railway Station is a positive win for our community and Council would like to thank the local Member for Orange Andrew Gee and NSW Translink for ensuring Parkes Railway station continues to provide services to our community.

Several public art installations will be installed in the Parkes Central Business District (CBD) this week as part of Parkes Shire Council’s Public Art Program which is focused on adding vibrancy to the main street.

The public art installations will be officially opened this evening (Friday May 13) in the Coventry Room. The opening will feature images of the works and a stroll through the CBD to view the works (weather permitting). All community members are invited to attend the official opening.

Have a great weekend.

Yours Faithfully,

Cr Ken Keith OAM

 

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9

Click here to download the recent issue (185) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (2.2MB PDF) – 17th April 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Parkes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Phoenix Office
7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor
0432 337 278
editor@parkesphoenix.com.au

Sales
0432 337 278
sales@parkesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy.
View our Conflict Resolution Process.
View our Ethics and Complaints Policy.
Want to advertise with us?
Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in