What's On Archives - Page 28 of 36

Family Walks In Memory Of Isaac

September 30, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Tulloch family team called the Cackling Kookas will be out walking every day of October in the OneFootForward# challenge in memory of their son and brother Isaac Tulloch (right) and to raise funds and awareness of mental health. They are (L-R) Matt Ward with Oscar, Kayla Ward with Huxley, Mandy Tulloch, Laura Tulloch with Finley Ward and Simon Tulloch.

The Tulloch family from Parkes have formed the Cackling Kookas team to take on the Black Dog Institute’s OneFootForward# challenge in October.

“We have each pledged to walk a distance in memory of our son and brother,” said Mandy Tulloch. “We lost Isaac to mental health in September 2019 when he was 18 years old.”

Mandy and her two daughters, Kayla and Laura, have each set a target of 100km, and her husband Simon will be doing 50km.

October is mental health month and the OneFootForward# challenge encourages people to walk, run or roll in solidarity with the one in five Australians experiencing symptoms of mental illness every year to show them they are not alone.

Mandy said her family would attempt to do some of their daily walks together in Parkes. “We will start the challenge in Mudgee where we will be spending the long weekend.”

Mandy, Kayla and Laura did the challenge for the first time last year and managed to raise $4,000. “We hope to do better this year,” said Mandy.

Their aim is not only to raise much needed funds for the Black Dog Institute, but to also raise awareness. “It is so important that people will feel comfortable to ask for help. If we can save one family from the devastation of losing their loved one that we endure every day, we would have achieved a great deal,” said Mandy.

The Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan. The institute also work on addressing new challenges and opportunities in mental health – suicide prevention, digital innovation, lived experience, youth and workplace mental health.

If you would like to support the family with a donation you can follow any of the links below:

• www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/SimonTulloch115483
• www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/LauraTulloch50732
• www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/KaylaWard50731
• www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/MandyTulloch

Community Events Reconnect Parkes

September 23, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

At the funding announcement were (L-R) Cr Bill Jayet, Cr Kenny McGrath, Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway, Cr Pat Smith, Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM, Cr George Pratt and Deputy Mayor Cr Neil Westcott.

The Parkes community will enjoy a number of free family-fun activities and events thanks to $240,000 provided by the state government.

The free events include the Spring Fling Arts Festival from 8th to 23rd October with a variety of shows and workshops, the annual Car Swap Meet on 15th October at Pioneer Oval, a rugby 7’s tournament presented by Parkes Rugby and an anniversary celebration for Bogan Gate’s 125th year on Sunday, 9th October at the Bogan Gate Memorial Hall.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the funding delivered under the government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Program was supporting the economic and social recovery of regional NSW through local events.

“Our government is rolling out a number of initiatives to help families with the rising cost of living and keep them connected to their community,” Sam said.

By Maggi Barnard

Open Gardens And Art To Celebrate Spring

September 23, 2022 By Lynn Rogers

Have you found this winter to be extra cold and wet? The Parkes Que Club is thrilled to be able to host open gardens again after the past two years of cancellations. As a part of the inaugural ‘Parkes Spring Fling Festival’ we have a fabulous day lined up.

Our theme is “Open Gardens ‘n Galleries” with our very generous local artists opening their private studios and our very generous garden owners opening their gardens to share with the public.

Lots of stalls, a raffle, displays of artwork at the racecourse and in gardens, and music over lunch are lined up in what promises to be a great day out on Sunday, 9th October from 9:30am.

As usual, our amazing Que cooks will be catering for morning tea and lunch at the Parkes Racecourse. We have kept our entry fee at $15, morning tea $5 and lunch $15. There is no entry fee for children under 16 years of age. Entry tickets available online from Humanitix.com.au, or Regional Business Supplies (cash only), or Visitors Centre (cash only) and the Racecourse (cash/card) on the day. Stay up to date with information on our two Facebook pages: Parkes Que Club Inc and Parkes Open Gardens.

The money we raise goes to our local communities supporting women, children, the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired. Our members create personal hygiene bags for police stations in the Lachlan Area Command for domestic violence victims (women and children); books for new-born babies; backpacks (packed with essentials) for primary schools and the women’s refuge; assessment of hearing/speech at PECC; sound-field systems for schools throughout our Shire – these are just some of the ways we support our community.

By Lynn Rogers

30th Anniversary Fever Starts For Elvis

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The 30th anniversary Feature Concert Series has Dean Z and Victor Trevino Jr. (inset) performing combined and separate shows at the Parkes Elvis Festival next year.

The build-up to celebrate 30 years of rockin’ and rollin’ at the Parkes Elvis Festival started this week with ticket sales going crazy from the very first day.

The official launch of the program planned for Monday had to be postponed because of the official mourning period for the Queen, but Festival Director Tiffany Steel said locals could look forward to a program sprinkled with things from the past 30 years, plus some new events.

She did not want to give away too much until the launch early next month but said: “We are bringing back the original minister who did the very first gospel service, as well as the Elvis Tribute Artist.”

Tiffany said with the special anniversary they wanted locals to think about having their holiday at home. “Invite your friends and family to come and stay with you, or consider doing home hosting. We have a great program lined up and we really want the community to get out and experience the festival and show off our town.”

As the festival will be back to its summer spot from 4th to 8th January, the Blue Hawaii theme lends itself to some great dressing up ideas. The 2023 program features plenty of Blue Hawaii-themed events, plus some new and adventurous ones. The Parkes PCYC will be offering Climb Me a Mountain Rock Climbing, while the thrill-seeking fans of The King can skydive over Parkes decked out in their finest Elvis costume. The Feature Concert Series has two artists with Dean Z returning for his fourth time and newly crowned world’s best Elvis Tribute Artists Victor Trevino Jr.

Fans of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock will rejoice to hear that Ross Wilson will be inducted to the Wall of Fame and perform a special concert on the opening day of the festival.

Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows are available online at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

‘Stellarphant’ Is Funny And Witty

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The performance of Stellarphant by Meerkat Productions in Parkes last week with students from the Parkes Christian School.

Parkes students were treated to a wonderful show last week when Meerkat Productions was in town with a dramatisation of one of the shortlisted Book Week books.

Parkes Shire Library hosted Meerkat Productions for the eighth time for their performance of Stellarphant by James Foley. The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted book is a powerful story about following your dreams despite overwhelming obstacles.

Students and staff from Parkes Christian School were invited to join in the interactive show at the Cooke Park Pavilion with Meerkat Productions performers, Debbie and Abby.

Students commented after the show saying: “I liked how well they acted and how inclusive they were.” Another one said: “It was funny and witty and I loved the audience’s involvement.”

Meerkat Productions, an Australian theatre company, is owned and operated by qualified teachers who specialise in adapting children’s literature for the stage.

Books And Information Always Available At Parkes Library

September 9, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Shire Library staff are usually easy to find unless they are all dressed up in their Where’s Wally costumes as they did recently for Book Week. They are (L-R) Kerryn Jones, Debbie Gould, Benson O’Connell, Georgie Price, Emma Brown, Jenny Short and Roxanne Gallacher.

The Parkes Shire Library is moving with the times and continuously improve its range of services to give members many different opportunities to access books, information and activities. “When we close the doors, we are still there!”

Here is an update of what is on offer:

Online books: The library has changed to a new service called BorrowBox that is very user friendly with access to audio and ebooks, and emagazines to be added soon. Readers can personalise their profile, change the font size to give you more control of how you would like to read, plus books will be recommended. Download the app on your device, select Parkes Library, enter your member number and password.

Storytime on Tuesday from 10:30 – 11:30am, and Rhyme Time on Thursday from 10:30 – 11:15am during school terms. Book at the library.

Marramarra Makerspace is open to the public (children and adults) on Monday and Wednesday from 2 – 5:30pm. A creative outlet with lots on offer: 3-D printer and scanner, laser cutter, sewing machines, overlocker, arts and crafts. If you would like to learn how to use any of the equipment, let Roxanne know at the library.

The Local and Family History Group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 3 – 4pm at the library. Ancestry.com is available at all the libraries in the Parkes Shire for research on family history.

Databases: World Book Online has lots of educational activities for kids, teacher resources and ideas; Gale has resources for learning and research and is particularly good for medical research; Beamafilm for movies and TV series, Indyreads has a large collection of ebook and audio book titles.

If you need help to access any of these resources online, feel free to ask a library staff member. The services are available to library members for free, and joining the library is also free.

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

THE DROVER’S WIFE

The eAudiobook of The Drover’s Wife, read by Leah Purcell, is available for loan on BorrowBox. Download the BorrowBox app on your mobile device or computer, find Parkes Library, enter your member number and password (your birthdate DDMMYYYY. If you need help drop into the library or give us a call. https://parkes.borrowbox.com/

CALLING ALL BUDDING AUTHORS

The Parkes Shire Library writing group meets every first Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm Next meeting is 6th September.

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

Marramarra Makerspace is open from 2-5:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays. Expressions of interest are being taken for information sessions in 3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, cricut and sewing. Call theMakerspace on 6862 9101.

Lego Club on Tuesday afternoons 4-5pm for young people aged 10-15. Book your spot – call 6861 2309.

POL CRUZ ART EXHIBITION

Apolinario (Pol) Cruz is a local artist and his public exhibition of paintings, sculptures and assemblage will be in the Coventry Room from 10th to 24th September. The opening event is on Friday, 9th September at 6pm. Tickets are $15 and available at Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/from-here-exhibition-opening. Call Parkes Library on 6861 2309 to RSVP for catering purposes if you prefer to pay on the night.

BEST IN SHOW ART EXHIBITION

Is your pet the best pet ever? Well, ruffle your feathers and get your paints out; snap away to get the perfect shot; build your own sprit animal or dress as your favourite animal and take a selfie! Best in Show is calling for artwork for this community art exhibition focussing on animals and pets. Entry forms available at Parkes Shire Libraries. Closing date: Monday, 19th September and works to be delivered by Friday, 30th September.

Lining Up For Rhyming Day

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Christian School Kindergarten class dressed up for a day of ‘rhymingly’ good fun in the park.

As soon as Wolf began to feel
That he would like a decent meal,
He went and knocked on Grandma’s door.
When Grandma opened it, she saw
The sharp white teeth, the horrid grin,
And Wolfie said, “May I come in?”

The pantomime of Roald Dahl’s ‘Revolting Rhymes’ version of Little Red Riding Hood by the Morley family was a big hit at last Friday’s PAINT PARKES REaD Day.

Cooke Park and the CBD was transformed into a world of rhymes and ditties with more than 600 day care, pre-school and primary kids in dress ups adding to the magical makeover.

The theme for the annual event was Rhymingly with plenty of community members and groups playing a role to bring nursery rhymes, contemporary rhymes, ditties and made-up rhymes to life.

“It was really exciting and rewarding to see hundreds of children, in great costumes, participating with such enjoyment and enthusiasm,” said founder of PAINT PARKES REaD, Rhonda Brain.

With 10 shows and 13 rhyme stations there were plenty of fun to be had. The shows included Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott and Cr Bill Jayet at the Henry Parkes statue making up rhyming songs, QUE club at Roasted Kombi, the Parkes Shire Concert Band, Project Sprouts, Marg Applebee from Landcare, Christian School, Parkes and Peak Hill libraries, Parkes School of Dance and more.

“We could not have asked for a better day to spread the importance of REaD, Talk, Sing and Rhyme with our children from birth,” said coordinator Shonel Redfern. “We’ve had great feedback, the weather was perfect and the smiles on the children’s faces was great to see.”

Rhonda said the support and contributions of so many of the Parkes community demonstrated once again the generosity and teamwork which had become so much a part of our culture.

New Look For Henry Parkes Exhibition At Museum

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Museum volunteers Rosemary Prior and Suzy Cotterell at the Henry Parkes exhibition holding the book signed by him in 1887.

It’s heritage month and a good time to brush up on your local knowledge of Parkes.

Research officers Rosemary Prior and Rose Jones at the Henry Parkes Museum have updated and revamped the exhibition on the famous figure the town has been named after.

The Henry Parkes – Father of the Federation exhibition is looking fantastic with new photos and new and updated information. It also includes a very precious item.

A great discovery was made when a book of speeches by Henry Parkes with an inscription and signature by him was found in the museum’s archives. The inscription reads: “Presented to the free library of Parkes with the compliments of Henry Parkes – July 30th 1887”

The five-time premier visited Parkes on four occasions, and he donated this book during his second visit when he stayed for a week.

His first visit was in August 1873, and it was after this visit that the Progress Committee petitioned to have the town’s name changed from Bushman’s to Parkes. The name change happened on 1st December 1873.

Henry Parkes migrated to NSW in 1839 and he started a business as an ivory and bone turner in Sydney, and later added toy making. At the end of 1850 he started a newspaper called The Empire as he was always interested in political matters. He also wrote poetry. He was elected to parliament in 1854 and became premier in 1878.

The exhibition has some personal items of Henry including some of his carvings, his wallet, and a Bible given to him by his sister Maria. There are also photos of his three wives, Clarinda who died in 1888, Eleanor who died in 1895 and Julia. Henry married Julia on 24th October 1895 and died six months later on 27th April 1896. Julia was left to look after his children from his previous marriage and died in 1919.

Training Boost For Local Emergency Services

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

One of the scenarios volunteers worked on at the Careflight trauma care workshop in Parkes on Sunday. (Photo: CareFlight)

Emergency services in Parkes and Forbes received a boost on Sunday when CareFlight hosted a unique community education workshop for 14 SES and RFS volunteers.

CareFlight’s trauma care workshops are one of a kind and are provided at no cost to participants. Lifelike medical manikins, simulated accident scenarios and specially-designed simulation equipment aid in the recreation of a high-pressure, hands-on environment, ensuring the training is realistic, applicable and improves participants’ ability to connect learning to real-world situations.

In addition to lifesaving skills, personnel are armed with essential leadership, teamwork, situational awareness and communication skills that will help them respond to traumas.

Head of education and training at CareFlight, Colin Brown said it was the third time in 11 years that CareFlight had hosted the workshop in Parkes. “It is one of our favourite workshops and we love doing it in country towns like Parkes.”

He said the feedback from the participants was fantastic. “Talking to them afterwards they said it was really helpful, especially as they were often the first people to arrive at the scene of an accident or emergency.”

“Some of the practical aspects they learned were how to manage patients in a particular situation, how to triage patients and what to do when they have more patients than resources.”

CareFlight was able to bring the training to Parkes thanks to government grants, and is part of CareFlight’s grassroots initiative to create a resilient and healthier community. In collaboration with local groups and their members, CareFlight is building confidence in the emergency response abilities of locals in the community.

CareFlight’s Community Education workshops are coordinated by experienced doctors, paramedics and nurses who train first responders.