The team at Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society have been busy in rehearsals for the upcoming production, Freaky Friday. This family-friendly musical is an hilarious, contemporary update of the classic story, in which a mother and daughter see what it means to be a family while experiencing each other’s lives first-hand, if only for a day. This body-swapping show brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘walk a mile in another’s shoes’ with highly entertaining results. 

Set in the present day, Freaky Friday features a tuneful pop-rock score, befitting a work that has effortlessly updated throughout its several iterations. Warm-hearted, humorous and touching, this fresh take on the classic story is perfect for family audiences of all ages. 

The cast and crew of 35 feature both newcomers and regulars to the Society. Coming from Parkes, Forbes and Cowra, the cast and crew have been putting in long hours since rehearsals began in July. 

Freaky Friday will be performed at the Parkes Little Theatre on the following dates: Friday 20th October 7.30pm, Saturday 21st October 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd October 2pm, Saturday 28th October 7.30pm, Sunday 29th October 2pm, Friday 3rd November 7.30pm, Saturday 4th November 2pm, Saturday 4th November 7.30pm, Sunday 5th November 2pm. 

Monday 11th September saw the official launch of the 2024 Elvis Festival Program with the theme Jailhouse Rock. 

Festival Producer, Julien Poulson said “Our 31st edition shows how Elvis: the 20th century cultural phenomena, the Prince from another plane, the hunk-a-hunka burning love, returns stronger and brighter than ever!”

“The incredible legacy of Elvis Presley delivers the magical kind of power people no longer see in rock ‘n’ roll singers, and we’re proud to present a great line-up.

“This is a great program. Many of the best Elvis tribute artists will be here in Parkes alongside a great program of local talent and a real spotlight on our creative community and homegrown Elvis events, from jailbird doggies in Jailhouse Rock outfits through to the ever popular Poet’s Breakfast and Miss Priscilla competition.

“It’s going to be big, hot and totally amazing with not one but two of the worlds best Ultimate Elvis winners, Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez, returning to Parkes, backed by the sensational TIC band, it’s an Elvis dream come true!”

Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith said, “I have mixed emotions today, being the last time that I will launch the festival as Mayor of the town, but I will still be there getting dressed up, it’s in my DNA now.” 

Ken went on to say, “I have a group of students, that I taught 40 odd years ago, who are coming back as a group to enjoy the Elvis Festival with me in 2024.”

To start planning your schedule ahead of ticket sales next Tuesday 19th September, from midday, check out the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival Program. Follow the link www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au/events

It’s one of the most exciting times of the year, the Forbes Show. Come along and enjoy the fireworks, sideshow alley, pavilions, dog high jump, ring events, shearing, young woman, rural ambassadors, dog trials and so much more. 

The CMOC Northparkes Mines firework display will be at 8pm on Friday 8th September. Head to the Forbes Show to get the best view in town. A big thank you to Northparkes Mines for their continued support of the Forbes Show. 

Remember pre-purchase your tickets and save yourself time at the gate. https://www.123tix.com.au/events/39629/forbes-show 

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day to be held on Saturday, 16th September, at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre on Bushman Hill is a fantastic event that celebrates the Wiradjuri people’s rich Indigenous culture and heritage. 

This year’s theme, “For Our Elders,” is a beautiful way to acknowledge and show gratitude for the older generation’s wisdom, guidance, and resilience in preserving and passing on the cultural heritage to future generations.

There will be local performances, a smoking ceremony and Wiradjuri artifacts on display, providing insight into the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Wiradjuri people. This display is aimed at educating attendees and to serve as a reminder of the rich history that continues to shape the local community. In addition to the cultural performances, there will be service information stalls, a free sausage sizzle, and children’s activities.

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day is an excellent opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the vibrant Indigenous culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. It promises to be a joyful and inclusive event for anyone interested in learning more about Indigenous traditions, supporting the community, and having a great time with family and friends.

Get ready to savour the essence of the finest wines of the season as the 2023 Orange Wine Festival returns to the Orange region with a month-long program, from 29th September to 29th October. This year’s highly anticipated event promises an extraordinary celebration of our region’s cool-climate wine and wine culture, attracting connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and travellers from near and far.

An opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Orange, where lush vineyards meet rolling hills, and the art of winemaking comes alive. The 2023 Orange Wine Festival showcases the diverse array of vineyards, each boasting their own unique terroir and distinctive varietals. From seasoned wine aficionados to those discovering their palate, there’s something to delight every taste bud.

Ned Sweetapple, Orange360 General Manager added; “Wines of the Orange region get noticed and Spring is such a beautiful and colourful time to visit. This year’s Orange Wine Festival is all about colour and taste and we’re thrilled to offer such a diverse program to entice visitors to the region. There are so many good things to enjoy in spring, our region’s latest wine offerings, paired together with fresh local produce and great dining, art, culture, and music.”

Events include: 

• Orange Wine Show Tasting: 14th October

• Food & Wine @ Altitude: 28th October

• Boree Lane Ramble: 7th October

• NRL Grand Final at Mortimers: 7th October

However, if these big-ticket items aren’t for you, there are plenty of low-cost events that allow everyone to get involved in celebrating the 2023 Orange Wine Festival, including the popular Night Markets on Friday, September 29th. Further low-cost events include:

• Orange Wine Festival Night Market: 29th September

• Wine and Cheese, Yes Please!: 12th and 26th October

• Yoga in the Vines: 15th October

For information and tickets, visit orange360.com.au/Events/Orange-Wine-Festival

On 6th–8th of September 2023 we will celebrate our 9th National Conference, on Wiradjuri Country at Parkes, NSW, the birthplace of Paint The Town Red (PTTR). Rhonda Brain, the then principal of Parkes Public School started PTTR with six other local school principals and it’s in over 100 communities across Australia.

Our theme is Storytelling and Told Stories. We have been liaising with local elders in planning and preparation.

It is fitting that it will fall in National Child Protection Week and on Indigenous Literacy Day. Told Stories give every child everywhere a fair go at learning who they are, and where they have come from. The Conference will begin with Indigenous storytelling the very best and right place to start. We’re an early literacy movement. Encouraging people to read with children from birth, so they start school ready to learn.

Our brains do most of their critical development in the first three years of life. A baby’s brain doubles in weight in the first year, tripling by age three.

Every time we read, talk, sing and rhyme with children brain connections grow, and build the foundations for learning. Children with good foundational early literacy skills arrive at school:

• able to communicate their needs.

• understanding conversations

• able to take direction, and

• ready to learn to read and write, with a healthy brain.

PTTR have been helping children since 1997. From humble beginnings, PTTR has grown into a thriving community of over 100 local groups, helping over 500,000 pre-school aged children get ready to learn at school.

The movement is making a difference. If children start school without early literacy skills, no matter how good the teaching, these initial cognitive gaps increase as children go through school. Head along and help Paint The Town Red.