Reverend Steve Cimarosti pictured with hi wife Louise and children at the Parkes Radio Telescope.

The Anglican Parish of Parkes and Peak Hill will formally commission the Reverend Steve Cimarosti as its new minister at a special service on Saturday 7 February at 10.00am, to be held at St George’s Angli­can Church, Parkes.

The commissioning marks the beginning of Steve’s ministry across the Parkes and Peak Hill communities. The service will be attended by parishioners, local clergy, and invited guests, and will include prayers, readings, and the formal commissioning by the Diocesan Bishop, Mark Calder.

Parish representatives have welcomed Mr Cimarosti’s appointment, noting his commitment to pastoral care, community engagement, and faith expressed through service.

Mr Cimarosti commented, “Louise and I are looking forward to meeting you and serving our Lord together with you!” Members of the public are warmly in­vited to attend the commissioning service and join in welcoming Steve, Lou and their family to the district.

Don’t miss the incredible spectacle of the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge Festival, running from 11 April – 19 April, 2026, as hot air balloons take to the sky in a stunning display of colour and excitement. This week-long balloon festi­val is not to be missed, offering a mix of breathtaking aerial views, vibrant events, and a community atmosphere like no other.

A Warm Welcome Awaits
The festivities kick off on 11 April with the Canowindra Welcome Street Party, a fan­tastic evening to meet locals, fellow visi­tors, and enjoy the market stalls and live entertainment. Participate in the much an­ticipated BBQ Masters Competition and pitch your BBQ skills among the region’s best BBQers.

As the balloons begin to rise in the early mornings and late afternoons, you’ll wit­ness one of the most visually captivating spectacles, as dozens of hot air balloons fill the skies, creating a kaleidoscope of col­ours against the rural landscape. It’s a sight to behold!

Festival Highlights – More Than Just BalloonsWhile the hot air balloons are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the Canowindra Bal­loon Festival offers so much more. Flicker Fest, a celebration of short films, will light up the screen at Rosnay Organic Winery, test your trivia knowledge with a fun trivia night, and enjoy the warm, friendly atmos­phere as the town comes alive throughout the week. Along with art shows, the bou­tique stores of Canowindra and the array of other events during the week – it is truly a festival not to be missed.

Thursday 16 April – come along to a star studded evening with NRL greats as they tell their stories from playing at the highest Rugby League level in Australia.

Friday, 17 April is set to be one of the festival’s standout nights with the Home Ground Sounds Live Music Concert. Fea­turing incredible live performances, this event promises to be a great way to enjoy the evening under the stars with friends and family. The music will have you danc­ing the night away.

On Saturday, 18 April, the festival will host a spectacular Street Parade that will wind its way through Canowindra’s vibrant historic main street – Gaskill Street. Be sure to grab a front-row seat for the parade, and then get ready for the highlight of the week­end – the Cabonne Community Glow on Saturday evening. Gates open at 3pm, so come early to secure your spot and enjoy the festivities.

The Glow will light up the night sky as over 100 stallholders set up shop with deli­cious food, handcrafted goods, and unique finds. Live music, entertainment for the kids along with an array of other activities will entertain throughout the afternoon and into the night. As dusk falls, the hot air balloons will take part in a glowing display, lighting up the evening sky – an absolute spectacle for all ages.

Convenient Camping and Caravan Areas
Festival fans travelling with caravans will love the Tilga Street camping area, con­veniently located close to the Main Street – Gaskill Street, offering a comfortable base for the entire festival. The area is available for 10-day bookings, so you can fully im­merse yourself in the festival’s offerings without missing a moment of the action.

Tickets – Don’t Miss Out!
With so much to see and do, tickets for the festival events are available through www.canowindrachallenge.org.au, where you can secure your spot at the most popular events. Whether you’re attending a con­cert, the Cabonne Community Glow, or any other event that is part of the festival, be sure to grab your tickets early to avoid dis­appointment.

“JAY DUPUIS is the most authentic tribute of Elvis’ concert years.” Image: ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES – GRACE­LAND – THE ESTATE OF ELVIS PRESLEY –

Jay Dupuis won Elvis Presley Enterprises Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, beat­ing out over 300 of the best Elvis Tributes from around the world.

Jay was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Growing up in a house where his father was a professional musician made it easy for Jay to follow in his Dads footsteps. It was no surprise that Jay had an ear for music.

At the early age of three, his mum played a record of Elvis Presley singing ‘Hound Dog’. As he listened, his eyes lit up, he smiled with excitement and his hips started to move. Begging his mum to play it over and over again, Jay soon became a huge fan of the King of Rock “n” Roll.

“Because of the love that I have for the king, I knew very early on in life that I want­ed to perform as Elvis. I would perform for guests that would come to our house and pretend to be Elvis. At the age of 3 or 4, I would perform for anyone, pretending to be Elvis at any given chance” Jay said.

Awarded the Most Authentic and Closest Thing To The King Award from Graceland, Jay Dupuis is the only Elvis Tribute Artist in the world hand picked to perform as Elvis with members of Elvis’ TCB Band.

2026 will be Jay’s first visit to the Parkes Elvis Festival, performing in eight main shows on the main stage at the Parkes Leagues Club “Pure Elvis”, “Down in The Jungle Room”, “If I Can Dream”, “Jukebox Heaven”, “That 70’s Show”, “Elvis After Dark”, “The Lost Performances” and “The Final Curtain”. Jay said “I’m extremely excited to be at the Parkes Elvis Festival, it is my first time being there. I’m excited to be performing for the Australian Elvis fans”.

Damian first performed at the Parkes Elvis Festival in 2010 and has come back every year since.

Often described as “a brilliant entertainer”, Damian Mullin is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most engaging live entertain­ers. With a natural stage presence and ex­ceptional musical ability, Damian connects with audiences of all ages wherever he performs.

Damian was just seven years old when he first heard Elvis sing on the radio. “My mum loved his music, and I was instantly capti­vated not only by his voice, but by the way people reacted to him. There was a sense of awe around Elvis: his looks, his sound, his presence.”

Standing 6’2” and delivering the unmis­takable voice, energy and humour of the King himself, Damian continues to tour ex­tensively with his acclaimed Elvis Forever Tribute Show, sharing his passion for Elvis and timeless music with audiences across Australia and beyond.

Performing for 16 years at the festival now, and every single one of those years Damian has been proudly performing at The Parkes Leagues Club where he is one of the main attractions. “That kind of loyalty comes easy when you’re treated as well as I have been. I absolutely love the au­diences, the electric atmosphere, and the chance to entertain Elvis fans who travel from all over the country. Seeing everyone singing along, smiling and having the time of their lives gives me enormous pleasure and that’s what keeps me coming back year after year”

“One thing that truly shines at the Parkes Elvis Festival is the incredible sense of community. It’s amazing to watch everyone come together to ensure the festival runs smoothly, especially the dedicated volun­teers who work tirelessly so every patron leaves with a positive and memorable ex­perience. I’ve had the privilege of watching the festival grow year after year, and it just keeps getting better. Well done, Parkes, you should be incredibly proud.” said Damian.

The Sydney Swing Katz either attend or perform at almost any and every “50s” nostalgia festival, but they said “Elvis has to be the biggest and most fun festival we attend.”

The Sydney Swing Katz are a professional dance troupe who dance and perform 40s and 50s style dances. At the ages of 17 and 18 respectively, in January 2020, the Sydney Swing Katz officially started their dance troupe with just four members.

Years later, the troupe has grown signifi­cantly and still enjoys performing together, always taking the opportunity to encourage the vintage style to bright young talent.

The Sydney Swing Katz love perform­ing at The Parkes Elvis Festival and have been coming back every year since 2019.

Justin Agustino Dipaola, one of the found­ing members of the troupe said that The Parkes Elvis Festival is “Easily one of the most fun, carefree, unique festivals running in NSW. Plus we have made good friends with the locals and the volunteers, they are always a highlight too.”

“The crowd plays a significant role in how we perform. The dancers will lift the energy and intensity as the crowd does, it’s this circular concept of the more they give the more we will too.”

There is an incredible amount of time and effort that goes into preparing such amazing and energetic dance routines.

“We usually train 3 days a week all year round, but for Parkes specifically we start creating ideas, costumes and routines in September, and the really serious training starts four to six weeks out when we try to fine tune everything and get fitter to per­form in the Parkes heat,” said Justin.

The Sydney Swing Kats will be perform­ing at the Amazing Forbes Street Break­fast again this year. Arrive early to see the troupe perform at 7.30am and in a more casual set around 9am. Otherwise you can catch them in Parkes on Friday, Memphis Stage 1.40pm and Main Stage 2pm. Then on Saturday, Memphis Stage 12.30pm and Main Stage 3pm.

Dancers entertain the crowd at the 2025 Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast.

Forbes is All Shook Up and ready to wel­come visitors for the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival! Elvis fans Love Me Tender, and we know you’ll fall head over heels for Forbes too.

Nestled on the banks of the Lachlan River in the heart of the Lachlan Valley, Forbes is a lively mix of fascinating history, natural beauty, and unmistakable country charac­ter. Take the time to explore a town shaped by its iconic gold-rush past, reflected in our magnificent heritage buildings and enriched by fabulous local businesses, and amazing attractions.

Kick off your Elvis weekend in true Forbes style at the Amazing Forbes Street Break­fast on Friday 9 January from 7am in Tem­plar Street. A chance to meet friendly locals, soak up the festive spirit and fuel up before heading to Parkes for the celebrations.

While you’re here, make sure you stop by the Forbes Visitor Information Centre. Pick up delicious local produce, quality merchan­dise and unique souvenirs, and chat with our knowledgeable tourism team who will enhance your stay with tailored recommen­dations, hidden local gems and tips to help you navigate your festival weekend.

To make the most of your stay in Forbes, check out www.amazingforbesnsw.com, call our friendly tourism team 02 6852 4155, or stop by the Forbes Visitor Information Centre at 46 Mary Street.”

We hope your stay is unforgettable, and that you’ll return to Viva Las Forbes again soon!