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Parkes Phoenix

Be Alert This Bushfire Season

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Farming communities across NSW are en­couraged to stay alert to fire risks as the state’s rural Bush Fire Danger Period be­gins today.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee member Garry Grant said the danger pe­riod is set to be in force until at least 31 March, with landholders urged to remain vigilant.

“If you’re planning on lighting an open fire anytime soon, it’s also critical that you seek a Fire Permit and notify your local fire authorities and neighbours well before you burn.

“Awareness, preparedness and commu­nication will be key to stopping bushfires in their tracks this summer, so we can all stay safe.”

Residents in rural communities across the state are encouraged to prepare them­selves for this year’s bushfire season, Mr Grant said, with a few simple measures critical to ensuring safety during a bushfire event.

“Downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app is an easy way to stay up to date with fires that are in your region or other regions if you’re travelling around the state this summer,” Mr Grant said.

“Bushfires always spread faster than we think they will, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Parkes Elvis Festival 2025 – Festival Program Announced

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured front and centre on Launch day at the Cooke Park Pavillion was Michael McCormack MP.

It’s time to get all shook up—Parkes Elvis Festival is back for 2025! Running from 8–12 January, the 32nd annual festival will pay tribute to Elvis with a groovy 1960’s Easy Come, Easy Go theme, offering fans a packed program of concerts, dancing, markets, and a few surprises along the way.

More than 25,000 Elvis lovers are ex­pected to shake, rattle, and roll into Parkes, NSW, making it the largest celebration of The King in the Southern Hemisphere.

Australia’s official Elvis hometown will once again come alive with festival favour­ites like the Evolution Mining Street Pa­rade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, bustling markets, and electrifying performances on the Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage.

A major highlight of 2025 will be the launch of the Gates of Graceland, a full-sized replica of the iconic Graceland gates, located at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. This beautiful new attraction will honour key contributors to the festival, with stars also commemorating the winners of the Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Festival founders Bob and Anne Steel will be the first to be officially recog­nised at the gates for their pivotal role in establishing the event.

Festival goers can look forward to stun­ning outdoor installations, including Under Our Umbrella, a vibrant 250-metre canopy of colourful umbrellas providing shade and a perfect photo op, and Vivid Elvis, a nightly lighting display illuminating the main drag.

Staying connected will be easier than ever with the new mobile app.

Joel Ulbricht, Festival Producer, said, “Each year we work to capture the essence of Elvis, and the 2025 Festival will be no different. This year’s program offers some­thing for everyone.”

Tickets went on sale Monday 23 Sep­tember for Parkes League Club shows and 2pm Tuesday 24 September for all other events, at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

F-ABBA-LOUS Lineup

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is excited to announce the F-ABBA-LOUS lineup for the 2024 Trun­dle ABBA Festival, set to return on Saturday 19 October 2024. As Australia’s only and original ABBA festival, this year’s event will feature a spectacular array of performances that will have fans dancing the afternoon and night away.

Headlining the festival is the world-re­nowned ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again.

These super troupers are back by popular demand after their sensational performance last year.

The festival will be hosted by Tristan Mac­Manus, best known for his five-season stint on Dancing with The Stars, a co-host of Stu­dio 10 and runner-up on this year’s “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”.

Joining the lineup are:

• Furnace and the Fundamentals. Pre­pare to dance like never before with Fur­nace and the Fundamentals, a six-piece band described as “humanity’s most exhilarating dance party,” these Sydney showmen will deliver an unforgettable party set filled with the greatest songs of all time.

• Disco Revolution. Step back into the glittering world of the 70s with Disco Rev­olution, a seven-piece show band that re­ignites the disco flame with passion and flair.

• Andante Andante Choir. For a touch of nostalgia and harmony, the Andante An­dante Choir will take the stage to perform ABBA’s most beloved hits.

• DJ Diggz. Adding a modern twist to the festival, DJ Diggz will keep the party go­ing with his infectious dance and pop beats.

This year’s festival marks the 10th anniver­sary of Trundle ABBA Festival and the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s historic Eurovision win with “Waterloo.” Join us for a day of mu­sic and magic of ABBA in the charming re­gional town of Trundle. For information visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au

Unicef Australia Seeking Young Ambassadors

September 26, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Applications are now open for all young people aged 16-24 who are interested in representing their state as a UNICEF Aus­tralia Young Ambassador.

The 2025 Young Ambassador program is an 18-month initiative for aspiring young advocates, where they will be trained in leadership and advocacy, while engag­ing in meaningful consultations with other young people on issues that impact them.

Current Young Ambassador, Luke McNa­mara said the program has been “an amaz­ing experience on all fronts”, especially the opportunities to advocate to the highest levels of government.

Along with his fellow Young Ambassa­dors, Luke presented the National Child and Youth Statement on Climate Change to MPs and Ministers in Canberra. But this advocacy also went beyond Australian bor­ders.

“Another key – and almost unbeliev­able – moment was officially launching that Statement at COP28 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Dubai at the Australian Pavilion,” Luke said.

UNICEF Australia will select at least one Young Ambassador from each state and territory to amplify the voices of their peers, with nine positions up for grabs across the nation.

Applications close on Sunday 6th Octo­ber 2024. To apply, go to https://www.unicef.org.au/our-people/young-ambassadors

Four Days Of Double Demerits

September 26, 2024 By Roxane Manley

People may think that it is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do every day.

Motorists are being reminded that dou­ble demerit points will be in place over this coming October long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 4th Octo­ber 2024 and ending on Monday 7th Octo­ber 2024 (inclusive).

Acting Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Joshua Tolley said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules. They occur on select holi­day periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent. Sta­tistics show that there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crashes when double demerit points are operational.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their li­cence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the con­ditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distrac­tions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Acting Sergeant Tolley said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cil’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

“During double demerit point periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are more severe. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Ms Suitor said.

Spring Walks For The NPA Lachlan Valley

September 26, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The National Parks Association of NSW Lachlan Valley Branch have released their walks calendar for spring 2024.

• Sunday 15th September: SWWNR Cookamidgera. Meet at gate on Coon­ambro Way at 9am. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586. Medium 6kms.

• Wednesday 9th October: Back Yamma SF. Meet at gate on Forest East Rd off Parkes-Eugowra Rd at 9.30am. Contact Liz MacRaild 0455 915 989. Easy 7kms.

• Wednesday 13th November: “Kokoda” Northparkes Mines Offset Block. Meet at Lions Park, Molong Road, Parkes at 9am. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586. Medium 6kms.

• Wednesday 4th December: Christmas Party Bumberry Dam. Meet at 5pm for walk then picnic. BYO everything includ­ing chair, food either to be shared or eat your own as people prefer.

Please contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come.

A $2 donation for each walker is appreci­ated. New walkers are always welcome.

Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post- walk cuppa is rec­ommended.

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Walks are mostly on tracks or fire trails and of moder­ate distance. Suitable for those with a mini­mum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. May involve some off track walking. Walk may involve shorter distance overall due to rougher con­ditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may in­volve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Parkes Que Club Open Gardens And Markets

September 19, 2024 By Roxane Manley

QUE members look forward to your company throughout the day at the Parkes Racecourse, and in the four open gardens, on Sun­day 29th September.

The Parkes Racecourse, Eugowra Road will be buzzing with activity from 9.30am, with over 25 stalls and live music from local artists. Don’t miss the fashion parade at 1pm presented by Parkes News and Gifts and of course the four beautiful open gardens.

Be sure to get a ticket in the fabulous raffle. First prize is a beau­tiful occasional table created and donated by local artist, Susan Maddison. Second prize is a garden trolley filled with goodies and third prize is a $50 gift voucher to Dirty Gloves Nursery.

Collect your wristband and directions from the Parkes Race­course from 9.30am on the day. Tickets prices are: wristbands and directions to the gardens (cash/card) $15, morning tea $5 and lunch $15.

The money raised from this event stays in our local community, with a focus on supporting hearing, speech, and wellbeing. This year Parkes Que Club have sponsored every eligible child to at­tend Life Education Van (Healthy Harold), as well as our usual donations to schools and pre-schools for hearing amplification systems; dignity and care packs for victims of domestic violence; books for newborn babies; Southern Cross art therapy program; trauma teddies for Ambulances; participation in Paint the Town REaD; school backpacks for children in need; and sponsoring the hearing and speech assessments for pre-school children who are ready to head off to ‘big school’. Donations are also given to Can Assist, Ronald McDonald House, Sprouts, Safe Haven and other charities to benefit our local communities.

Snippets…

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Trundle Bush Tucker Day is a family friendly festival. There is something for everyone! Come along on Satur­day the 7th September

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Trundle Rural Fire Brigade volunteers will have a BBQ Breakfast the morning after Bush Tucker Day on Sunday 8th September at the Trun­dle Showground. Bacon and eggs rolls, big breakfast and BBQ. They will have Eftpos available too. Come along and help us say a big thank you Trundle Rural Fire Brigade.

Forbes Town & District Tennis Club: On Sunday 22nd September bring the fam­ily along for a fun day, win some prizes, spread awareness for Leo Doyle and help raise some funds. To nominate for the pair’s competition or for further information about the day please contact Peter Clifton on 0403 335 205. If you would like to know a little bit more about Leo’s journey so far, visit https://rarevoices.org.au/personal-sto­ry/leos-story/ For more information on the the support Little Wings provide our com­munity go to https://www.littlewings.org.au/

Lifeline: If you have ever experienced thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. In fact, 1 in every 6 Australians has thought seriously about taking their own life on at least one occasion. No matter how hope­less you might feel, help is available. You

can learn about suicide and where to find support for you and the people you care about in our Support Toolkit: ll.org.au/sui­cide. If you are in crisis and want to speak with a Crisis Supporter, you can call 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat to Lifeline on­line at www.lifeline.org.au 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Exciting News Elvis Fans! We have lis­tened to your feedback, and we’re shaking things up. Tickets for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival will now go on sale:

• Monday, 23 September 2024, 10am: Parkes Leagues Club shows

• Tuesday, 24 September 2024, 10am: Parkes Services Club shows

• Tuesday, 24 September 2024, 2pm: Ex­ternal festival event tickets

Women’s Health Week: This week is Women’s Health Week, and it is more im­portant than ever to shine a light on the vital importance of prioritising women’s health and wellbeing. Did you know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable can­cers and having a Cervical Screening Test every five years is the best way to prevent it? Find the one that is right for you: https://bit.ly/4dV7gXk

The Cervical Screening Test is available through your regular doctor or nurse, but it can also be done at many other locations across NSW.

$3.3 Million For Local Flood Recovery Projects

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire is among the four Local Government Areas (LGAs) receiving support, with $3.3 million allocated for vital infrastructure projects damaged by the catastrophic flooding. The funded initiatives will focus on restoring essential community assets, ensuring they are better equipped to withstand future severe weather events.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, outlined the importance of the program. “The Community Assets Program is not just building back for now – we’re building back better for the future by improving the resilience of these essential assets.”

Parkes Shire projects include:

• New facility for NSW SES Parkes Unit: $1,310,530

• Berryman Oval Flood Repair (Trundle): $636,300

• Bushman’s Dam Flood Repair: $668,252

• PAC Park Flood Damage Repair: $701,545

General Manager of Parkes Shire Council, Kent Boyd, welcomed the support from theAustralian and NSW Governments.

“This significant investment is important for Parkes Shire, allowing us to not only restore flood damaged infrastructure but also build resilience against future floods.

“We will be particularly delighted to see our dedicated SES volunteers move into a new, purpose-built facility, which they so richly deserve”, Mr Boyd said.

For more information on the Community Assets Program 2024 and a list of funded projects, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/communi­tyassetsprogram2024

‘Use It Or Lose It’

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

My grandfather was the founder of a poultry farm. He loved chickens, the way they moved around, walking with a swagger, their jerky, almost nervous movements. I remember collecting the eggs with him as a child, watching his hands move quickly, with almost a flare of artistry, placing eggs gently but firmly into cartons as he pushed the trolley along through the sea of chickens.

In the last 10 years of his life, he battled Parkinson’s Disease. I once helped him from his car to the egg packing shed, a painstakingly slow process, every movement a neurological battle for his brain to connect with his muscles. His feet barely cleared the ground with short, shuffling motions, his hands shaking and his voice a whisper.

Twenty minutes into the 15 metre journey from car to shed door, I offered to get the wheelchair. He looked at me, smiled and said “My girl. If I don’t use it. I… lose .. it.” He was, of course, right.

A study about patients who are critically ill and find themselves in an ICU bed found that they lose nearly 2% of skeletal muscle per day during the first week of admission. A week in bed, motionless, well that’s almost 14% of your muscle lost. Yet we know on the flip side, it can take 6-8 weeks to build muscle up and build strength. Hardly seems fair does it?!

There are so many benefits to keeping active, across all stages of the life span, but especially as we age.

Interested in keeping strong & active? We have a new seniors exercise class at Kerin Health, run by our Physiotherapists. Find out more or secure your place in this program (places are limited) by calling us on 0437 749 746

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