Zachary (Zac) Gordon and Richard (Rick) Mill are now the proud owners of Littlewoods Smash Repairs.

When David Littlewood decided it was time to move on from the business he had built, Littlewoods Smash Repairs, long term employees Zachary Gordon and Richard Mill jumped at the opportunity. 

Sunday, 1st January 2023, was Zach and Ricks first official day as owners of the business. 

Rick recalls his path to owning the business, explaining, “In year 10 at school I worked here one day a week, I used to sweep the floors every afternoon with the hope of getting an apprenticeship. I worked for nine months everyday sweeping, but didn’t get the apprenticeship. 

“I went and worked at Scotty Page’s for a year and a half then at another place for a bit, before coming back to Littlewoods. I have been back here for eight years.” 

If you have met Zac and Rick, you will know they are great mates and love a good laugh. Rick originally helped Zac get the job at Littlewoods, joking, “I thought he (Zac) was a bit of a pest for a while.” 

Seven years ago when Zac first started working for Littlewoods Smash Repairs he recalls the previous owner, David Littlewood telling him at the time he would “never amount to being a tradie”. 

The fact that he is now a part-owner in the business is testament to his strong work ethic and passion for the job. 

Busy times lay ahead for Rick and Zac with the business already booked out for the next six weeks. 

Rick and Zac’s advice for the residents of Parkes is, “Forget the rest, see the best!”

Calling all young performers aged 8 – 21 years. Register now for the UpStage Musical Theatre Workshops being held on 16th and 17th April.

Are you a fan of Hamilton? Six the musical or even Frozen? UpStage Musical Theatre Workshop, a flagship musical theatre workshop direct from Sydney, is coming to Dubbo and Orange on 16th and 17th April, right in the middle of the school holidays! 

Program Director, Jessica Westcott said, “We’ve designed our workshop to benefit everyone, no matter how long you’ve been performing, no matter your age – we’ll make sure you’ll come out of the day rejuvenated and upskilled. 

“Our UpStagers have the best time. Not only do they spend the day singing, acting and dancing, they get to make friends, dream big and be silly for a whole day! And for the older participants, they receive specialised training and smaller group sizes, so it really is a hugely beneficial day for them too.” 

UpStage are thrilled to be bringing out some big names in the industry. Former Head of Music at Brent Street, Ben Kiehne will be taking singing. Star performer Ryan Ophel, who has just finished his run in Frozen the Musical Australian/Asian Tour, will be taking dance, and ABC’s Utopia star Hester Van der Vyver will be the fabulous acting instructor. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the young performers in the region,” says Jessica. “we have held similar events all over the Central West over the past few years, and we’ve been genuinely astonished at the talent that is thrown at us!” 

Parents and the general public are invited to a performance from 4 – 5pm following the workshop. 

The UpStage Musical Theatre Workshop will be held in Dubbo on 16th April at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre from 10am-5pm. The Orange workshop will be on 17th April at the Orange Regional Conservatorium from 10am -5pm. Registrations now open at www.upstageaustralia.com.au/workshop. 

A proud mum moment for Jenny Parfitt when 14 year old daughter Lilly decided to follow in her footsteps and take on a role at Parkes McDonalds.

New licensee of Parkes and Forbes McDonalds, Jenny Parfitt, spoke proudly of her daughter Lilly who has decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps by applying for her first job at Maccas. “She has really thrown herself into her job, doing four to five shifts per week,” said Jenny. 

Jenny employs over 150 staff across the two stores, including 13 managers and one supervisor, but they still need more employees. Maccas is without doubt a huge employer of youth, but there are opportunities available for older staff during the day, in the Cafe and as delivery drivers. The age of the staff at Maccas Parkes and Forbes ranges from 14 to 62 years. 

You would be perfect for a job at Maccas if you are high energy, fast paced and able to change tasks when needed. 

“One minute you might be working in the drive-thru, then you might have to swing over to help the Cafe, the mornings are all about coffee, at lunchtime the kitchens are pumping, Friday night is dinner box after dinner box, so you just have to be ready to go where you’re needed,” said Jenny. 

Wiradjuri artist, Lakkari Pitt, has installed a stunning representation of the journey from Link Up to Year 6 and beyond titled ‘Forbes North Journey’ which is painted on the wall looking toward the Facey and Thomson Street intersection. This artwork represents the first stage of a large-scale program embedding First Nation’s cultural presence within the school grounds at an unprecedented level.

Term one at Forbes North Public School started with significant improvement projects initiated to commence a major revitalisation of the school infrastructure, appearance, and image. This included painting and decorating of classrooms, multiple accessibility ramps and landscaping.

New resources were applied to Wiradjuri language programs and the renowned Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is now operating three days every week.

Forbes North commenced the 2023 school year with 240 students in 13 classrooms and is fully staffed with high quality teaching and learning occurring from Link Up to high school transition and beyond to Forbes High School.

During term one, the local community were welcomed into the school to attend a community breakfast and barbecue, as well as an opportunity to attend ‘Connect Meet’ parent teacher interviews. This evening attracted over 150 students and their families.

The school also hosted a Harmony Day barbecue and welcomed Uncle Larry Brandy to retell significant Dreaming and cultural stories.

Forbes North plays host to the Launching Rocket Learners Workshops for parents and brings together young mothers and their children to a variety of events such as the monthly Australian Breastfeeding Association meetings, weekly Baby Sensory Group meetings, Thump Jump Rhyme focusing on music for early childhood with the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Forbes Community Playgroup for babies and young children and Rhyme Time in conjunction with Forbes Library.

Students enjoyed a successful Easter Hat Parade this week and have additionally, proudly participated in Clean Up Australia Day, International Day of People with Disabilities, Premiers Reading Challenge, Eco Sustainability Day and the Indigenous Insights performance at Forbes Town Hall.

The school is leading the Forbes Junior AECG, has attended multiple sporting carnivals at school and zone level and all the while settled into the academic rigour of a school year which is full of possibilities and exciting challenges. 

See you all in term two!

Jenny Parfitt from Parkes McDonalds recently announced their sponsorship of the Parkes Spacemen for the upcoming season. 

Last weekend the Spacies travelled to Wellington to take on the Cowboys in their last trial game of the season. The Parkes Spacemen came away with an exciting win, with just four points in it, taking the game 32 – 28. 

The boys have a break now and will focus on training and preparing for a successful season ahead. The first game, for Round 1, of the Peter McDonald Premiership, will see Parkes Spacmen take on Orange Hawks in a home game at Pioneer Oval on Sunday, 16th April. It is set to be a great match, following the home teams win over Orange Hawks in a recent trial game. 

Lock 16th April into your calendar and head along to Pioneer Oval with your family and friends to cheers the Spacemen on.