The Parkes East Marimba group entertained the crowd at the Christmas Carnival in Cooke Park last Friday.
More Cash For Drought-Hit Farmers: Payments of up to $3,000 will continue to be available to drought-hit farming families throughout Christmas and the New Year. The Federal Government has topped up the existing round of the Drought Community Support Initiative with Minister for Drought, David Littleproud announcing a further investment of $33.2 million in the scheme. “This is about making sure families can have dignity this Christmas and into the New Year,” the Minister said. “Eligible people include farming families, farm workers, suppliers and contractors.” The program will be delivered through Vinnies and the Salvos. Applications to be made through the St Vincent de Paul Society on 1300 846 643 or at www.vinnies.org.au/droughthelp or through the Salvation Army on 1300 551 030 or at www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought
Elvis Turns 85: Everyone is invited to celebrate Elvis’s 85th birthday on Wednesday, 8th January 2020 with a cake and free entertainment in Cooke Park near the Elvis Statue at 10am. Music will be provided by Parkes’ one and only Elvis Tribute Artist, Barry Green. Bring a chair or rug to sit on. If you share a birthday with Elvis bring along proof to go in the draw to cut the official birthday cake. The event is organised by the Elvis Revival Incorporated Committee.
Christmas Cakes: Lions Christmas cakes available at Meals on Wheels in Parkes – small $13, large $17. Call 6862 6189 to place your order.
NSW Farmers Dinner: The Parkes/Forbes NSW Farmers held its annual Christmas dinner at the Ikon Restaurant last week with several guest speakers for the even- ing. Councillor Ken McGrath gave an update on all the happenings in the Parkes Shire, in particular the water infrastructure, Andrew Rawsthorne talked about the funding of country halls and sports grounds in the Forbes Shire, Rodger Kitson gave a drought funding update, and Wayne Dunford explained heavy vehicle regulation and access.
Anna and Tom Green from Forbes, and Bruce Watson from Parkes at the NSW Farmers Christmas dinner at Ikon.