Parkes Show Society Vice President Michael Hocking pictured with Steve Chester at this year’s Parkes Show. Proceeds from the screening of ‘Just a farmer” will help support the Parkes Show Society.

Parkes Show Society extends an invitation to the community to attend its rescheduled screening of Just A Farmer. Taking place this Friday night, 19 September, at the Parkes Christian School Hall.

A moving and powerful movie that shines a light on the real stories behind life on the land, this film transcends traditional cinema and authentically portrays the challenges and triumphs of a resilient farmer in rural Australia.

In a time when the voices of rural and regional communities can often be over­looked, Just A Farmer gives farmers the spotlight, not just as food producers but as innovators, parents, caretakers of the land and deeply connected members of local communities. This film captures the raw emotion, mental toll and challenges of ruralisolation and the resilience that defines life beyond city limits.

Whether you come from a farming back­ground, or you live and work in a regional area and care about the future of rural Aus­tralia, this special event offers a chance to come together with your community and reflect on what binds us together.

The committee is proud to have organ­ised this event for the community to enjoy.

September is National Suicide Prevention month and this is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends as well as create new connections while sparking meaningful conversations.

Kindly sponsored by Black Dog Institute, tickets are $10 each, with a full range of all your favourite movie snacks and refresh­ments available to purchase.

Tickets are available through 123tix or can be purchased at the door on the night, subject to availability. Bring your friends and family and be a part of this fantastic night of entertainment. Book your ticket now https://www.123tix.com.au/events/49914/parkes-show-just-a-farmer-screening

What do you have planned for the upcom­ing Spring School Holidays? The Parkes Library and Culture Centre has organised some amazing activities, including:

• Scientists in training (years K-2): Learn how to be a scientist and visit Questacon exhibition.

• Scientists in training (years 3-6): Learn how to be a scientist and visit Questacon exhibition

• After hours for Youth: Solve puzzles, eat pizza and visit Questacon exhibition after hours.

• Robotics (years 2-6): Work in pairs using our LEGO robotics kit.

• Robo Battles (years 5-10): Build LEGO robots and battle it out

• Senior Study Lock-in (HSC students): Study after hours with pizza and snacks plus a few extra surprises• Holiday Flicks (years K-6): Watch a movie in the Makerspace. Popcorn and juice provided

• Upstage Workshops (years 3-6): Super fun sessions on acting, singing and danc­ing lead by industry professionals.

• Upstage Workshops (years 7-12): Su­per fun sessions on acting, singing and dancing lead by industry professionals.

Most activities are free, just check the infor­mation when booking at https://collections.humanitix.com/school-holiday-activities-8e8676

Pictured L-R is Leanne Miles, Harper Miles, Craig Miles, Finn Miles, Casey Miles, Noah Miles, Mitch Miles.

When Casey and Mitch Miles opened Dirty Gloves Nursery in 2022, they were deter­mined to fill a gap left behind when the local plants-for-charity nursery closed its doors. In just two short years, their passion for gardening and commitment to the com­munity has seen their nursery blossom – today, Dirty Gloves receives truckloads of fresh plants nearly every week.

From ornamental and fruiting trees to tubestock and advanced varieties, Dirty Gloves offers something for every level of gardener. Whether you’re planting your first veggie patch or managing an estab­lished garden, the team is always on hand with friendly advice. Their range continues to grow too, now expanding into pots, gar­den mixes, and mulches.

But what the Miles family value most is the feedback they hear from customers.

“We love when people come back and tell us how well their plants are thriving,” Mitch says. “That’s what makes it worthwhile.”

This passion for plants and people will be on full display at the Dirty Gloves Nursery Open Day, the nursery’s flagship annual event. Held this year on Sunday the 14th, from 10am to 3pm, the day promises to be a celebration of local gardening and com­munity spirit. More than eight local stall­holders will join the fun, showcasing fresh produce and handmade goods. Families can enjoy activities for the kids, while a fun­draiser BBQ in support of the Wingz4Kidz will be sizzling throughout the day.

The Open Day is the perfect chance to explore Dirty Gloves, connect with local growers, and take home something spe­cial for your garden. So, whether you are an experienced green thumb or just start­ing out, grab some friends and come along to 54 Corcoran Road, Parkes, or you can contact admin@dirtyglovesnursery.com.au and discover why Dirty Gloves Nursery has quickly become a much-loved part of our town.

Will you spot the ever popular Reading Bug at the Parkes Community Reading Day?

Parkes Community Reading Day is on Fri­day, 22 August. Aligned with Book Week, the theme is “Book An Adventure”. This year we are varying our usual format. Instead of the activity stations along Clarinda Street, the stations will be part of the Cooke Park celebrations. So come on down to Cooke Parkes from 9.30am-12pm.

Being a community reading day event we are still encouraging shops to show their support by decorating Parkes CBD.

One of the highlights of the day will be a play, “The Adventure of finding Reading Bug” and heading a star-studded cast will be two of the greatest explorers, Sir William Schweitzer Jayet and Dr Neil Livingstone Westcott.

Paint The Town REaD’s primary aim is to spread the vital message of growing a baby’s brain right from birth, so every baby is better prepared to start learning to read in kindergarten. It is a fact that poor literacy is highly likely to cause low self-esteem which in turn is highly likely to cause anti-social behaviour. Teachers are not a baby’s first educator, parents are. Parents, please start on day one to: read, sing, talk and rhyme to your baby all the time.

Reading day is a fun way to celebrate early literacy encouraging people to read with children from birth, so they are ready to start school.

Anyone can come down to Cooke Park to­day and join in with the shows and activities.

Schools and daycare centres have been in­vited to attend.

“The Adventure of finding Reading Bug” play will be a highlight on the pavilion, showcasing local talent, book reading, craft, dancing, nursery rhyme activities and more.