The Western Sydney Solar Team will be pulling their solar car into HARs Parkes at approximately 9:30am to 12pm on Tuesday, 10th September.

The Western Sydney Solar Team is a stu­dent-led project from Western Sydney Uni­versity. Comprised of 25 students hailing from diverse areas of study, the team col­laborates over an intensive 18-month period to design, engineer, and manufacture an in­novative and cutting-edge solar-powered race car.

This remarkable vehicle is then put to the ultimate test in the Bridgestone World So­lar Challenge – a gruelling 3,022km journey from Darwin to Adelaide. The global event attracts over 40 teams from around the world, all competing for the top spot in solar car technology and endurance.

In 2023, the Western Sydney Solar Team achieved significant success with their lat­est creation, Unlimited 5.0. The team se­cured an impressive 9th place overall on the international stage and proudly took 1st place among Australian teams. This achievement was a testament to the relent­less hard work, ingenuity, and dedication of every team member and supporter involved in the project.

As the team gears up for the next Bridge­stone World Solar Challenge, scheduled for next year, they are also embarking on an exciting outreach initiative. This September, the team will be touring regional New South Wales as part of a Roadshow aimed at en­gaging with communities and showcasing their cutting-edge solar vehicle.

One of the highlights of the Roadshow will be the team’s visit to the HARs Aviation Mu­seum in Parkes on 10th September. From 9:30am to 12pm, the team will be on-hand to engage with visitors, discuss their jour­ney, and provide an up-close look at the re­markable Unlimited 5.0.

The visit will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the future of sustainable transport and to meet the talented students driving innovation in solar technology. The team warmly invites everyone to join them for a chat and a close-up view of this incred­ible solar-powered machine.

Miss Peg will be donating her hair to make a wig for someone in need.

Peg Lynch, affectionately known as ‘Miss Peg’, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. While she prepares herself spiritu­ally for her final journey, she wants to do one last act of charity. Peg wants to donate her hair, so that it may benefit another and at the same time raise some funds to assist Parkes CanAssist.

Peg, who has been a teacher all her life, earned the name ‘Miss Peg’ during her time at Parkes Early Childhood Centre and as director at Peak Hill, with the little ones she loved dearly.

She has been known for her many acts of charity as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at local, regional, central and state levels. During the drought pe­riod, she travelled, with her husband, ‘Mr Peg’, throughout the Diocese of Wilcannia Forbes, offering support and assistance.

Peg is also a foundation member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group.

On Saturday, 31st August, Peg, with the assistance of Janice, from Janice Hair Sa­lon, and Adele from Adele’s Hair Salon, will have her hair cut and donated for the pur­pose making a wig for someone in need.

Please support Peg in her final act of kindness by donating at: https://www.my­cause.com.au/p/351308/pegs-fundraiserfor-can-assist

Veterans and community members celebrating the 50th anniversary of Long Tan at the Vietnam War Memorial in Parkes in 2016.

Each year on 18th August we commemo­rate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and remember the service of some 60,000 Australians across Army, Navy and Air Force. It is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War and their loved ones.

Commemorated every year on the anni­versary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the largest engagements by Australian forces during the war. An ‘encounter’ battle where 18 Australians were killed and a further 24 wounded.

Vietnam Veterans Day provides the space to remember all those who fought and reflect on the impact of their service.

Originating as Long Tan Day, following the raising of a cross by the men of 6RAR on August 18th, 1969, at the site of the bat­tle, this day now marks not only the com­mitment of D Company, 6RAR, in their de­fence of the Task Force Base at Nui Dat in 1966, but for the service and support of all Vietnam veterans.

With the official keeper of Australia’s war record, the Australian War Memorial, making the dates for the war as 1962 to 1975, the length of the war and the impact on those who served and their families is profoundly felt, both emotionally and physi­cally.

We are proud to thank veterans and their families for their service, this years service will take place this Sunday 18th August and the President and Members of the Parkes RSL Sub Branch wish to extend an invita­tion to all serving and ex-service men and women and to all the people of Parkes to participate in and support Vietnam Veter­ans Day which will be held at the Vietnam Memorial, Anzac Drive, Parkes to the com­memorative Service commencing at 11am.

The event is being co-sponsored by the Parkes Shire Council.

A rare opportunity has presented itself to hear John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister, speak in Parkes. John will be speaking on the topic “Does the West Need a Spiritual Reawakening?” on Friday, 16th August from 6pm – 7.15pm at the Parkes Services Club.

Since leaving politics John is internation­ally known for his conversations with lead­ers, public figures, and thinkers around the world. With over 203 million views on You­Tube, and over 600,000 subscribers, John discusses the social, cultural and political landscape we live in today.

Are you concerned about the state of the world? Do you wonder what the future holds for your children in our western so­ciety? This event will clarify your thinking with John’s common sense, reasoning and incisive spiritual and social wisdom for the future.

These events are held in pubs/clubs as they are casual get-togethers where people buy a drink, hear an inspirational speaker, stay on for conversation and some even stay for dinner. All are welcome to this free event hosted by Holy Family Parish, Parkes.

RSVP to Lynn at 0439 934 667 lynnand­wayne@bigpond.com.