Children, teenagers, families – and the young at heart – can im­merse themselves in a world of science when Fascinating Science, a free interactive exhibition from Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, arrives at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre. Running from 1 September to 31 October 2025, the exhibition explores key scientific principles in a fun, hands-on way, with varying levels of complexity to engage all ages.

Parkes Shire Council’s Cultural, Education & Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones, said the community is in for a treat.

“We are excited that Questacon’s Fascinating Science exhibition is visiting the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre for the first time. It will run for 2 months, giving the community the opportunity to visit numerous times. Children and families, as well as com­munity groups and schools, can interact with fun scientific exhibits from Questacon without travelling too far,” Ms Jones said.

While exploring Fascinating Science, visitors will discover a va­riety of Scientific topics which they will encounter throughout their life. Fascinating Science encourages exploration, excites inves­tigation and provides science-based challenges in an enjoyable environment. There will be 32 experiences to explore amongst 26 exhibits in three zones:

• Puzzlequest Zone – logic and spatial puzzles

• Eyes On and Perception Zone – visual illusions and human per­ception

• Forces Zone – magnetism, friction, gravity and spinningOpen seven days a week for two months, this is an amazing and unique opportunity for the Parkes Shire and surrounding towns.

Be sure to check out opening and closing times. School and com­munity groups can book in by calling Sharon Degeling, 6861 2309.

You are all invited to join Mr Phil Donato MP, Patron of the Henry Parkes Museum, for the official opening of the newly restored Black­smith Shop. Come along on Wednesday he 13 August from 10:30am to 11:30am at he Henry Parkes Museum, 66-78 Peak Hill Road. Entry is just a gold coin donation.

Step back into Parkes’ early foundry days as you explore some of the historical signifi­cance, such as, Earl Symonds, who estab­ished the original blacksmith shop on this very site, Richard Venables, of Venables & Co, a pioneering blacksmith engineer, Iron ounder John Westcott, Carriage & Coach­building Factory contributions to regional transport and many other local blacksmiths, foundries and carriage builders, including Arthur Cheney, Robert Turnbull and Charles Smart to name a few.

Our exhibit features authentic tools, pe­riod-correct machinery and the fascinating stories behind each artifact and the oppor­tunity to participate in an interactive ropemaking display.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the vol­unteers whose tireless efforts have brought the Blacksmith Shop back to life. Their dedication has made this project possible.

Please confirm your attendance by Friday, 8 August by email: shpm15@outlook.com

Kath Koschel, a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy to inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things, will be the guest speaker at the Mental Health Expo 2025 at Parkes on 19 August.

NSW Australian of the Year and Kindness Factory founder Kath Ko­schel will share her extraordinary and uplifting story at a free event at Parkes this month. CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is thrilled to invite the whole community to hear from Kath at its Mental Health Expo 2025, a powerful day of connection, education and inspiration.

The event will be held on Tuesday August 19, from 12pm to 1pm at the Cooke Park Pavilion. CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Better Health and Wellbeing portfolio manager Kate Shambrook is encour­aging the community to come to the expo.

A resilience and gratitude advocate, Kath’s story of overcoming immense personal challenges has touched hearts across the world – more than 8.4 million acts of kindness have been logged with her Kindness Factory.

Ms Shambrook says Kath’s message is one of hope, courage, and the strength of the human spirit – a talk not to be missed.

“I truly believe this event is an opportunity for our community to come together, break down stigma, and have real conversations about mental health,” Ms Shambrook said.

“We’re incredibly honoured to have Kath Koschel join us — her journey will inspire and uplift anyone who hears it.”

In addition, there will also be free refreshments, giveaways and local mental health organisations to chat to.

“Whether you’re looking for tools to support your own journey, re­sources to help others, or simply a moment to be inspired, this expo is for you,” Ms Shambrook said.

“Come be part of the movement toward a more open, supportive, and mentally healthy community.”

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is delivering this free community event through its Family and Carer Mental Health Program. To find out more, contact CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes on 1800 067 067.

A de Havilland Vampire dual seat version on display at the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum.

The Forbes Vampire, ‘the aircraft on a pole by the lake’ is a much loved icon for Forbes and attracts aviation enthusiasts travelling the Newell Highway, to see the aircraft.

The aircraft has recently been refurbished and restored to its former glory by Forbes Council and volunteers from the town.

Now, there is a de Havilland Vampire dual seat version on display at the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum, that you can get up close to and learn about the history and development of this unique aircraft.

The Vampire flew at the end of WW2 and adopted the design influence of the de Hav­illand Mosquito the ‘Wooden Wonder’ that the fuselage pod is constructed of timber.

This design was enormously strong but it was not destined to survive for so long outside. This feature was the subject of the restoration of the Forbes Vampire.

The Museum has over 15 aircraft on display that range from a 4 engine Orion surveillance aircraft that took part in the search for MH370 to a replica of the Red Baron WW1 German fighter and aircraft engines from early jet trainers to a Boeing 747.

Should you have an interest in aviation, preserving history, hands on restorations or tour guiding and would like to volunteer, you can call the museum or speak to any one of our volunteers on duty about the op­portunity.

The HARS Parkes Aviation Museum is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Thursdays and Sundays. Admission is only $30 for a family of 4, adults $15, children under 16 $5. Eftpos is also available. For more infor­mation call Mike on 0418 473 175.

Parkes Shire Council is progressing with plans to transform Parkes’ former waste­water treatment ponds into a biodiverse, naturalistic landscape that will provide recreational, environmental, and cultural value to our community.

Jointly funded by Council and the Com­monwealth Government, this exciting pro­ject will result in an aquatic boardwalk, two purpose-built bird hides, public art in­stallations, interpretive signage, extensive revegetation, and engineered habitats to promote ecological diversity.

These upgrades will build on significant earlier works, which included reshaping the former ponds into a hydrologically diverse wetland system and creating a 2.5-kilome­tre walking track around the site. Subject to further funding, Council plans to connect this track with Parkes’ existing walkway network, eventually linking it to the track that terminates at Billabong Creek on Eu­gowra Road.

While the site remains closed to the pub­lic until the completion, residents can visit the wetlands on National Tree Day, Sunday 27 July. This annual event, jointly hosted by Parkes Shire Council and Central West Lachlan Landcare, has been held at the wetlands site and surrounding land since 2018.

People interested in participating in Na­tional Tree Day are asked to register at www.treeday.planetark.org/