Arts And Crafts Talent: Excitement is building for a new event at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club on 16th and 17th March. With 25 exhibitors Showcasing Parkes Arts and Crafts Talents promises to be an event not to be missed. The Tapestry singers will pop in for some entertainment. A raffle has been organised with four prizes: two quilts by Vanessa Ford, a mosaic from Sue Maddison, and a pottery water bowl by Elsie Mahon. Doors open at 10am and entry is just $5 per person, children free; $5 morning tea with catering by Quota.
Mega Jackpot Draw: The Parkes Leagues Club’s Community Mega Jackpot Draw takes place every Saturday night. The starting pool prize is $10,000, and Jackpots by $1,000 each week until won. It is currently standing at $18,000 for this Saturday. Don’t miss out!
Paint Australia REaD: The Aussie Book Relay from Perth To Pacific will start on 20th March at Parliament House in Perth with a small team of volunteers and travel across Australia for six weeks to Wollongong’s Paint The Gong REaD Office. They will stop at communities en route to celebrate the importance of reading with children from birth. “It is incredible to think that a project founded in Parkes has grown to a nationwide movement,” said Rhonda Brain. “It is now in over 80 communities in four states, and growing.” Community members and groups are invited to make a tax-deductible donation to help cover fuel, accommodation and food for the relay: $250 for half a day, $400 for a full, or any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Contact Rhonda at rbrain1@bigpond.com or 0432 164 320.
Friends of Parkes Hospital: Formed in 2013, the group has purchased equipment including a bariatric mattress, uterine manipulator for the theatre, iPod docs for the maternity ward, physio equipment, air mattresses, camera monitors, baby weighing scales, and a television for the ADL patient lounge. Support has also been provided to the McGrath Breast Care Nurse, home visiting midwives and community nurses. The group is working on establishing a palliative care room at Parkes Hospital. Fundraising includes raffles and cake stalls and regularly submits grant applications. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month upstairs at the Parkes Hospital and new members are always welcome.