The flood in Parkes on Monday seen from the air when the Billabong Creek came down a torrent and spread all over town. (Photo: Parkes Shire Council Facebook page)
Flood debris and damage at the Amelia Field bridge on Back Yamma Road in Parkes.
The extent of the flooding in Forbes at 5:30pm on Wednesday with the level at the Iron Bridge at 10.676m. The Camp Street bridge in the foreground is completely submerged with only the light poles sticking out. (Photo: Craig Dwyer)
The trees aren’t out yet, but Find It In AMAMZING Forbes begins on 14th November. Each participating business will have a timber Christmas tree at the front of their front door when the flood water recedes.
Aaron Acheson of the Forbes Business Chamber said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year.”
The draws will begin on Thursday, 17th November with the first $500 being electronically drawn. All you need to do is scan the QR Code and fill in the details. There are 7 x $500 prizes until Christmas Eve and then 10 X $500, 1 x $1,500, 2 x $2,500 and 1 x $5000 will be drawn on 24th December.
Major sponsors and participants: Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Business Chamber; Gold Sponsor – Bernardis, Silver Sponsors – Terry Bros Carpet Court and the Forbes Phoenix; Bronze Sponsors – Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunn’s Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel, Steele Technology, Walkers Ag N Vet and WA Knights.
“All the sponsor businesses will have a QR code for you to scan when you shop in their business. For those who don’t have a phone there will be a sign-on-sheet.”
Participating businesses: All of the above plus Acheson’s Mitre 10, Allure On Main, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organics, Bowns Sports Power, Bron’s Hair Design, ChapterTwo, Forbes Automotive Services, Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Small Engines, HelloWorld, Hozpots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Place, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extra’s Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, Made Of Fridays, McMillian Industries, News On Rankin, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.
Supporting businesses have again come forward and continue to promote and support the Find It In Forbes Promotion and Christmas Carnival. “A huge thanks to Chudleigh and Dobell, Forbes Livestock, MBC, Michael Robinson & Co., Central West Diesel and Woolerina.
with many events cancelled and excess water everywhere causing huge stress to businesses and the community. We hope that the Find It In Forbes Christmas Promotion and Christmas Carnival will bring some fun and happiness to all,” said Aaron Acheson.
The Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on 9th December from 5 – 9pm.
Fashionistas Dina White, Judy Chambers Pat McCallum and Gai Baker were thrilled with their prizes.
At the October meeting for Parkes Que, every table was given a sheet of paper with a drawing of an urn on it and about five old coloured pencils or textas. We had to create a beautiful picture with a prize for the best one.
At my table only a blue and a green texta actually worked, making it quite difficult. We didn’t expect to see any masterpieces as displayed in the National Art Gallery.
Fast forward to Melbourne Cup Day when we gathered at Wendy Neville’s home to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by some of our talented members, to laugh and chat and, of course, to buy some sweep tickets. With three hours between our arrival and the start of the big race, we also held a Fashions on the Field event and played pin the tail on the horse.
Dina White was the best dressed in a soft, beautifully flowing frock, while Judy Chambers won a prize for the latest new trend. Judy had broken the heel off a shoe on her way and attended the party barefooted, while Pat McCallum was awarded a prize for her beautiful shoes and Gai Baker had the best hat.
The prizes for the winners of the five pin the tail competitions were presented, and Lisa Flowers, Robin Morrissey, Judy Chambers, Marg Klein and Kerrie Churchill each received a laminated urn picture from our previous meeting.
We welcome new members and appreciate their fresh ideas and their friendship, so if you would like to know more about Que, please call me on 0407 894498 any afternoon or evening.
Come and join Parkes Que where we help others while having lots of fun!
By Pam Nankivell
Lisa Flowers, Robin Morrissey, Judy Chambers, Marg Klein and Kerrie Churchill couldn’t stop laughing when they received the laminated urn pictures as their prizes.
Woolworths customers are encouraged to make a dry food donation to its Local Community Food Drive campaign that will help out local families in need.
The Local Community Food Drive organised by Woolworths in Forbes and Parkes will help deliver food relief to those experiencing hardship in the lead-up to Christmas.
The initiative started on Wednesday, and Forbes and Parkes Shire customers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items. A specially marked Local Community Food Drive trolley has been placed in each store, and donated items can include: breakfast cereals, pasta, rice and instant noodles, canned fish or meat, spreads (peanut butter, honey, jam); and baked beans and spaghetti.
Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many Australians with more than half a million households struggling to meet food needs, and more than two million households having gone hungry in the last 12 months, according to the 2022 FoodBank Hunger Report.
Within these households, the number of children affected has increased by 100,000, resulting in 1.3 million children grappling without having food on their plate.
Woolworths stores are working closely with local food charities to ensure Forbes and Parkes Shire residents in need will receive the donated items, along with fresh food to the value of $250 in time for the upcoming festive season.
The Food Drive is a frontline community effort to help provide a solution for hunger relief, which has been exacerbated by the rising cost of living and changes in household living arrangements.
“We’re asking Forbes and Parkes Shire customers who are in a position to do so, to join us in donating to the Woolworths Local Community Food Drive on their next grocery shop, by simply adding non-perishable items to our trolleys. By making a small donation, you will be helping the wellbeing of our local community, providing them with the essentials they need,” said the managers of the two stores.
Customers can donate in-store until 15th November.
Cutting the special Vinnies cake were Lesley Crowe (centre president from 2006 to 2010), Barbara Scott (centre president from 2016 to 2022) and Christine Cox (centre president from 2011 to 2016 and current retail team leader).
More than 50 former and current volunteers did not miss the golden opportunity in Parkes last Thursday to celebrate 100 years of Vinnies shops in NSW.
The tables were decorated in gold and filled with delicious cakes and treats for the special occasion. Vinnies NSW Regional Retail Manager Tanya Godden thanked all the volunteers for their service saying they played an extremely important role. She handed over a framed certificate of appreciation.
Tanya said the Vinnies shop first opened in Parkes in 1947, while the first Vinnies shop in NSW opened in Newtown in 1922 and was selling horse manure! The shop is still in the same location.
Barbara Scott, who was centre president from 2016 to August 2022, said she loved the people and the one-on-one interaction she had with customers.
Youth aged 12-18 are invited to attend our next Youth Lock-In Games and Pizza Night on Wednesday, 23rd November from 5:30pm-8pm. Four-player games on the Nintendo Switch, or BYO a 4G-enabled device to join the fun of our Jackbox party games, plus outdoor games and free pizza, thanks to Domino’s Parkes. Places are strictly limited, book via humanitix.com.au.
Parkes Shire Youth Voices is in recess for Term 4. In the meantime, Parkes Shire Libraries are asking the youth to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on youth programs and events at https://forms.office.com/r/ciK8MkTaCB
Friday, 25th November at 6pm we are screening a legendary Australian story which has been adapted to film. This award-winning film is set in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1800s tackling issues of feminism and anti-racism. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.
Composting & Worm Farming (FREE): Tuesday, 8th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Book via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3NkLbVX
Weaving with Ronda Sharpe ($25 per workshop): Monday 14th, 21st & 28th Nov
from 6-8pm. Book via Humanitix https://bit.ly/3FAKYwh
Multicultural Art Group (FREE): Tuesday, 15th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Contact Soniatilley@outlook.com.au
Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101
Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): Saturday, 26th Nov from 9am or 1pm. Book through the Orange Cricut Group Facebook Page.
Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Friday, 2nd Dec from 6:30pm and Saturday, 3rd Dec from 10am. Bookings via email popupsucculentshop@outlook.com
Cletis Carr outside The Blind Pig in Orange. (Photo: Zenio Lapka).
If you love live music, Parkes is the place to be this November on a Sunday with special sessions at the Broadway Hotel to celebrate Ausmusic month.
Following some changes made at the ‘Broady’ over the past two years it has become the home of live music in Parkes. In conjunction with Arts OutWest the Broadway will be hosting free live music at its Sunday Live & Kicking Lunchtime Sessions for the whole month.
The first session this Sunday (6th November) kicks off with Americana Blues served up by Cletis Carr and his trio from 12noon.
Cletis is an accomplished songwriter and has toured the world sharing stages with Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Elvis Costello, Joan Jett, Nick Lowe and Huey Lewis. He has also performed with members of AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, the Easybeats and the Saints. Cletis, a consummate storyteller who entertains his audience with tales of backstage life, will be performing his new full-length blues album ‘Trouble & Me’.
On Sunday, 13th November it is the turn of Raptor County, a four-piece band who know how to rock with a touch of country blues, singing their songs about life from a regional perspective. They’ll have Parkes local Twiggy opening for them with his acoustic pop tunes from his ‘Now & Then’ release plus some crisp new tunes.
Sunday, 20th November Central West duo Smith & Jones will perform their finely crafted songs with their gorgeous harmonies. Opening their show will be Parkes local Gracey Denham-Jones like you’ve never heard her before.
Finishing off the month with their good time funk ‘n soul vibe is the dynamic duo Jaffer. Featuring the big bass sound of Luke Ferguson, who has toured nationally and appeared at major festivals including Blues Fest, Woodford folk festival and Splendour in the Grass. Twiggy will be opening the session.
Find out more at www.artsoutwest.org.au
CLASS OF ’22… The Parkes Christian School is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend with a spring fair and celebration service. The 2022 Year 12 class graduates.
Parkes Christian School is celebrating 40 years of Christian education in the Central West with a spring fair and celebration service this weekend (29th and 30th October).
Past principals, staff, students and families that have been involved with the school over the past 40 years are all invited to attend.
The spring fair is also open to the general public, and will go from 9am to 2pm with market stalls run by students, vendors, lots of food options and coffee, Devonshire tea, an art exhibition, live entertainment and fun games and competitions.
The school procured a framed and signed Nathan Cleary jersey, and everyone who makes a small donation on the day stand a chance to win this piece of sporting memorabilia. There will also be a display of photos, uniforms and video footage of the school over the past 40 years to show just how far the school has progressed.
The fair is also a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and parents to come and have a look at what the school has to offer.
On Sunday, 30th October from 10am former staff, students and families of the school are invited to attend a celebration service in the school hall. Staff, students and members of the Parkes Community Church will perform worship songs, and reminisce about the beginning and development of the school.
Principal Glen Westcott is delighted to be hosting the 40-year celebrations. “Parkes Christian School was the first Christian school to be built in NSW west of the Blue Mountains.”
Glen said from humble beginnings, the school was now well and truly thriving. “With a growing population of 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and more than 40 staff, the school has impressive facilities.”
For more information follow the school on Facebook, or contact the school office on 6862 4164.
Parkes Christian School Celebrates 40 Years
2009 Parkes Christian School staff.
1993 Parkes Christian School staff.
1989 class photo of Year 7 & 8.
Parkes Christian School students in 1982.
Kelvin Smith, Principal Judy Huda and Ameeka Hodges.
Parkes Christian School as seen from above.
Students take part in the annual Anzac parade.
In 1986 the second school building was constructed. John Magill, founding member of the school and chairman of the board for many years, is in the trench.
Member for Orange Philip Donato MP
Member for Orange Philip Donato MP officially announced his intent to contest the NSW State election for the seat of Orange on 25th March next year.
“I continue to be 100% committed to serving the people of our communities here in the Orange electorate, and greater regional NSW,” he said.
Phil was first elected in the 2016 by-election, triggered by the resignation of former sitting member Andrew Gee, when he was voted in by a margin of just 55 votes taking the seat from the National Party after 69 years.
“Since I’ve been elected, the Orange electorate has seen record funding and investment from the NSW Government for services and infrastructure, proving that a non-government representative has helped our community get the attention it deserves.
“Not having to toe a government or big party line, I’ve been able to strenuously advocate for the community, without fear or favour – which can only be achieved by not being a member of the government,” Phil said.
Arts OutWest will run a free arts funding workshop in Parkes next Wednesday, 2nd November from 10:30am to 12.30pm at the Parkes Library.
The workshop will help people prepare applications for the annual Country Arts Support Program and brush up on their grant writing skills.
The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is a small annual funding round supporting arts activities in the NSW Central West. Applications for the 2023 round are now open.
CASP funds the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake or manage arts activities that offer exciting creative outcomes. Grants of up to $3,000 are available.
“The free workshop will explain the CASP funding, help people plan an application, chat through their project ideas and take a look at the application process,” Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead said.
CASP applications for 2023 close at 5pm on Monday, 5th December.
Projects funded by CASP could include (but are not limited to) arts or heritage-based workshops, classes, performances, installations, exhibitions, tours, screen/film making, writing or composition, development of new work, tours or talks, artist-in-residence programs, recordings or podcasts, and new arts activities attached to festivals or events – as long as they have some element of public outcome.
The funding is open to individuals, groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts businesses and councils.
If you can’t make the Parkes workshop, there will be an online information session on Wednesday, 16th November.
Book for the Parkes workshop at either Parkes Library, Arts OutWest or find it on Eventbrite.
Read the full CASP criteria at www.artsoutwest.org.au/pf/casp/