There is nothing like music to put you in the right mood, and tomorrow summer will officially kick off in Parkes with some vibey Brazilian rhythms at the Cooke Park pavilion.

Latin Sounds at the Pavilion, presented by Parkes Shire Council, is the first of a series of musical performances this summer with something for everyone. Funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program, Sounds at the Pavilion will also run in Parkes and Tullamore in February next year. 

“As musical curator of this event, I am proud to be presenting such an extraordinary selection of musicians here in Parkes,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Community Events Officer Carmen Nieves.

“Born in South-America, I am passionate about connecting regional audiences with the very best of the Australian performing arts scene. I am confident that showcasing Latin Sounds at the Pavilion will impress and bring the community together in a celebration of this rhythmic genre, rarely performed in regional areas.”

The community is encouraged to sit back and be transported to Rio de Janeiro tomorrow, Saturday, 3rd December from 5pm, with the Carioca Project featuring Brazilian percussionist and vocalist Gustavo Cantor, saxophonist Gai Bryant, pianist/vibes Ed Goyer and bassist Harry Birch. 

In between sets, DJ Frank Madrid will entertain with a mix of the most popular Latin beats from around the world. The main dish is the nine-piece band and solo dancer, Caribé; a melding of musicians from Sydney’s Cuban, jazz and Latin communities, integrating traditional Cuban dance and music with a modern jazz aesthetic in an immersive performance experience.

This is a free community event for the whole family with food vendors onsite for the evening. Dancers of all abilities are encouraged to attend this interactive performance. 

Visit www.visitparkes.com.au for more information.

FESTIVE SEASON AT THE LIBRARY

As the festive season commences a reminder that Tuesday, 6th Dec will be our final Storytime for the year and final Rhyme Time on Thursday, 8th December. This year’s Summer Reading Club for children and youth will be Reading to the End of the Rainbow. Come in and collect your entry form from 15th December at the library.

BIODIVERSITY IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

The Parkes Library is currently exhibiting 36 of the entries into the Biodiversity in Focus Competition featuring images of native plants, animals & fungi, including the winners:Infants Division: Bluey the Blue Tongue by Flynn Davis; Primary Division: Hang in There by Peggy Swift; High School Division: A Curious Owl by Cooper Holloway

FRIDAY FLICKS

Friday, 16th December at 6pm we are screening a star-studded Christmas rom-com released in 2019. A Christmas romance story set in London. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

New Makerspace hours for Summer start on Monday, 5th December: Monday 3-7pm, Wednesday 3-5:30pm, Thursday 3- 5:30pm.

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): POSTPONED until 2023

Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Choice of Succulent Christmas tree or wreath, everything supplied. $50 deposit to secure your spot, remainder on the day. Book via Renelle’s facebook page – Pop-Up Succulent Shop. 

TRUNDLE: Friday, 2nd December 11am @ the Library

PARKES: Friday, 2nd December 6:30pm; Saturday, 3rd December 10am.

Indyreads Summer Book Club: Join in a state-wide indyreads book club through our online library page. 

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.

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

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. 

YOUTH VOICES

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 FLICKS

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.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

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 

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

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 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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/

The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous thoroughbred horse race held over a distance of 3,200 metres at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.

With a total prize money of almost $8 million, it is the richest “two-mile” handicap in the world and one of the richest turf races.

It is held on the first Tuesday of November each year, and known as the ‘race that stops a nation’.

This year the Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday, 1st November at 3pm. 

The Melbourne Cup has a long tradition, with the first race held in 1861 when the winner received a gold watch. The first Melbourne Cup trophy was awarded in 1865 and was an elaborate silver bowl on a stand that had been manufactured in England. This is currently owned by Australian wine personality Wolf Blass and is on display at the Wolf Blass Gallery & Museum/Adelaide Hills Wine Bar in Hahndorf, South Australia.

In 1876 Edward Fischer, an immigrant from Austria produced the first Australian-made trophy. In the Second World War years (1942, 1943 and 1944) the winning owner received war bonds valued at 200 pounds.

A new trophy is struck each year and becomes the property of the winning owner. In the event of a dead heat, a second cup is on hand. The present trophy is hand spun from 1.65 kg of 18-carat gold, and the gold for this year’s trophy came from Evolution’s Cowal Mine west of Forbes.

That is why Forbes was included in the annual Melbourne Cup Tour this year. Many residents lined up last month to get a photo of them holding the 18-carat trophy.

The festive season is fast approaching, and the good news for the Parkes community is that the Christmas Parade and Carnival will be back on Friday, 2nd December! 

It’s been a long two years without the Christmas Parade, which makes this year’s event extra exciting and special. The parade kicks off the festive cheer in the shire and sets the tone for the rest of the celebrations. 

Organised by the Action Club Parkes, the Parkes Shire Council has agreed to fund the cost of road closures and putting up the barricades to keep everyone safe. 

So, it is time to start planning your float for the parade or a stall for the carnival, and make a date with your friends and family to come and enjoy the school choirs and entertainment. 

There will be plenty of activities for everyone and lots of food and local gift stalls to start your local Christmas shopping. 

See you at Cooke Park on 2nd December!