Parkes Library and Cultural Centre is turn­ing up the volume these school holidays bycelebrating Youth Week with Rock Band Vibes, a high-energy, hands-on music ex­perience for young people aged 12–22, happening on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Whether you’ve never picked up an in­strument or already love to play, this begin­ner-friendly workshop is all about jumping in, trying new things, and making music to­gether.

Across the 2.5-hour session, participants will rotate through guitar, bass, drums, vo­cals and keys – before choosing a favourite and as a group, form an instant band.

Starting with the basics, you’ll have the chance to build confidence quickly and learn parts of a song that matches their skill level. Everyone will work as a group, piece together a popular song with a focus on timing, teamwork and performance skills – then wrap it up with a full run-through so the newly formed band is stage-ready.

“We’re excited to have Dave Cutler from Forbes Guitar Academy leading the ses­sions. He brings a wealth of experience and a real passion for making music accessible to young people,” said Creative Learning Coordinator Sharon Degeling.

Then it’s time to hit the stage at Jam Night! After the workshop, participants (and other young performers) will have the opportunity to perform in a fun, supportive live music setting. No pressure – just good vibes, crea­tivity, and celebrating local talent.

This event is part of NSW Youth Week from 16 – 26 April and is proudly supported by Parkes Community Arts and the Office for Youth (Department of Communities and Justice). For information contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or book your spot at https://events.humanitix.com/rock-band-vibes-youth-event

Trundle Bush Tucker Day began in 1987 as a friendly bet between two mates to see who could cook the best bush tucker in a camp oven behind the local pub. That spark of competition evolved into the Trun­dle Bush Tucker Day.

Since the very first Trundle Bush Tuck­er Day in 1987, the Trundle Bush Tucker Committee has put $249,000 back into the Trundle community! Now in its 38th year the Trundle Bush Tucker Day is organised and run by a dedicated volunteer commit­tee. This hardworking group is made up of locals who volunteer their time year-round to plan, fundraise, and deliver the event.

The committee’s role goes far beyond just putting on a festival, they manage everything from securing entertainment and sponsors, to overseeing logistics like market stalls, food vans, accessibility, and a fresh array of family-friendly activities.

Their aim is to preserve the original spirit of mateship and bush traditions, while grow­ing the event into one of the Central West’s most iconic celebrations.

If you’re planning to attend Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2026 on Saturday, 6 Septem­ber, here’s what’s on offer: National Bush Cook Championship, Camp oven cooking demonstrations and damper making class­es, featuring celebrity bush cook Ranger Nick, known for holding the Guinness World Record for the longest damper. Free bush tucker taste testing 11am-3pm and so many competitions to enter with prizes to be won!Live entertainment with special guests The Bushwackers and Headliner Casey

Barnes, local bands and music throughout the day and finishing off the evening with Local Band The Alternators.

Proceeds from the Trundle Bush Tucker Day benefit local groups, and any par­ticipation supports the region directly. To purchase Early Bird Tickets and to book Camping at Trundle Showground go to https://linktr.ee/trundlebushtuckerday

Fly’n For Fun is an biennial recreational aviation fly-in event hosted by RAAus at Parkes Airport, NSW. The Recreational Avi­ation Australia (RAaus) members are flying their aircraft to Parkes for a true celebra­tion of all forms of recreational aviation. The aircraft will fly in on Friday 27 March and fly out on Sunday 29 March with the main day being Saturday 28 March.

The weekend will follow an advised schedule, with Friday and Sunday focused on pilot arrivals and departures, allowing for smooth airspace coordination and relaxed travel.

Saturday will be filled with impressive static aircraft displays, powered parachutes, trikes and gyrocopters, flight activity, engag­ing seminars, interactive exhibits, commu­nity activities, and festive evening entertain­ment to keep the atmosphere buzzing into the night. There will be food and refresh­ments available on site and there is free en­try and parking on site.

The event is being held adjacent to the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum which will be open from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 March from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Visitors to the event are most welcome to tour the HARS Museum and go on board aircraft such as an AP3-C Orion, Caribou, Huey Cobra and Wessex helicopters and the recently arrived QantasLink Fokker 100 jet airliner.

Usual admission charges are family of 2 adults and 2 children $30, adults $15 and extra children $5.

With a refreshed schedule and expanded offerings, the 2026 edition promises to be the biggest and most dynamic yet.

Designed as a true celebration of all forms of recreational aviation Fly’n For Fun 2026 is not just an event—it’s an experience. It’s where connections are made, stories are shared, and the spirit of aviation comes to life. Haven’t registered yet to attend Fly’n For Fun 2026? What are you waiting for? Register your free attendance here: https://flynforfun.aero/attendance/

The team from Currajong Disability Servic­es are inviting organisations, schools and community groups to join them for a fun and inclusive day of sport and community.

A Super Tag Gala Day has been organ­ised for Tuesday 14 April, and will be all about bringing people together through footy in a way that includes everyone.

The idea started when Andrew Thomas, President of the Parkes Spacemen, sent a video to Douglas Pout from Currajong Dis­ability Services and said, “We need this.”

From there, the team from Currajong, alongside Andrew and working with Brooke Mallison from NSWRL, quickly decided to make it happen.

Douglas Pout said, “We kept coming back to the same thing, there just aren’t many opportunities locally for people with disability to get involved in proper, struc­tured sport without having to travel.

“So instead of waiting for something to come here, we thought we would build it ourselves. It’s about people having a crack, being part of something, and enjoying it.” said Doug.

The Super Tag Gala Day is primarily tar­geted towards people living with disability, but is open to people of all abilities, with providers, schools and community groups from across the region encouraged to come along.

Douglas Pout said the event has drawn interest from places like Orange, Cowra and further afield, with one group travelling from Newcastle.

Most participants will come through their service provider, but if someone wants to be involved, they can just reach out to Cur­rajong and they will be pointed in the right direction.

“Days like this give people a reason to get out, be involved, and connect with others.

It’s not just about the sport. It’s about hav­ing something to be part of, seeing familiar faces, and building a bit of confidence over time.” said Douglas.

Currajong are seeking donations and sponsorship and are also applying for grants to help support the day. A lot of the cost sits around food and running the event, so that’s where support makes a big difference.

In return for sponsorship businesses will be recognised across the event and on the day itself. But more than that, they’ll back­ing something that genuinely benefits the local community.

A strong turnout of over 100 participants plus staff and supporters is expected on Tuesday 14 April at Pioneer Oval, with sup­port from NSWRL on the day. Spectators and supporters are welcome and a commu­nity BBQ will be running.

For more information, please call Doug­las Pout on 0409 264 394 or email doug­las.pout@currajong.org.au.

Parkes Shire Council is delighted to bring The Best of the Bald Archy Prize exhibition to the local community for free, offering a unique opportunity to experience Austral­ia’s most loved satirical portrait award.

The exhibition opened 28 February and will continue to 18 April 2026, with free en­try at the Coventry Room at Parkes Library and Cultural Centre.

The Best of the Bald Archy Prize cel­ebrates Australia’s most popular and in­ternationally recognised satirical portrait award, The Bald Archy Prize. The exhibi­tion offers visitors a chance to enjoy art with a cheeky twist and is widely regarded as Australia’s premier satirical art prize.

Cultural, Education & Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones, said: “The Best of the Bald Archy Prize is a wonderful exam­ple of how art can be engaging, humorous and accessible for everyone. This exhibi­tion invites people of all ages to enjoy por­traiture in a completely different way. We’re thrilled to be able to share such a popular and entertaining exhibition with our com­munity.”

Celebrating the lighter side of art and the unmistakable Australian sense of humour, these works are guaranteed to make visi­tors think, talk – and most of all, laugh.

Members of Parkes QUE Club invite you to celebrate International Women’s Day at thier luncheon from 11.45 am on Sunday, 8 March 2026, at the Parkes Services Club.

Guest speakers at this year’s luncheon are Nenyasha (Asha) Munodawafa, who was just named Parkes Junior Citizen of the Year on Australia Day 2026, and Denise Barham. Denise has represented NSW and Australia in dragon boat paddling, one of her proudest moments being selected and getting to wear the green and gold uniform.

There will be lots of lucky door prizes, a fabulous raffle, and entertainment from the student actors from the Parkes Christian School, which will add to the fun.

Parkes Que Club are once again appeal­ing to local businesses to provide sponsor­ship for senior students to attend. Inviting two senior students from each of the three local high schools—Parkes High, Parkes Christian School, and Red Bend Catholic College—along with a teacher or support staff member, will ensure diverse repre­sentation and engagement from across the community.

Funding, of $500, would cover the costs for all six senior students to participate and supporting their involvement. This collabo­rative approach not only benefits the stu­dents but also strengthens ties between schools, businesses, and the wider com­munity. Please contact Wendy on 0418 469 294 if you can assist the Club with sponsor­ship.

Tickets, $45 each, are available at www.123tix.com.au/events. Tickets will not be available after the cut-off date, Monday 2 March. For more information follow the Fa­cebook page, Parkes Que Club Inc.