Skywriters: Writers and aspiring writers in the Parkes Shire are invited to join the Big Skies Collaboration Skywriters project to author stories, in any genre, about their own or other people’s relationships with celestial phenomena in our southern sky. The project is supported by the Regional Arts Fund and hosted by Arts OutWest. Big Skies Collaborator Dr. Merrill Findlay, is working with local libraries on establish- ing a constellation of Skywriters’ hubs, where she will offer Skywriters a series of free writing workshops, support from pro- fessional editors to author new works to publication quality. Finished works of up to 3,000 words – fiction, nonfiction, prose or poetry – will be published on the Big Skies Collaboration website, and may also be included in a Skywriters’ anthology to be published in 2019, the 50th anniversary of humanity’s first steps on the moon.
The launch of Parkes Skywriters is on Wednesday, 22nd March at 12pm at the library. Join Merrill and the Parkes Library team for lunch and an information session. Please RSVP on 6861 2309. If you are in- terested in becoming a Skywriter and are unable to make the launch register your interest with Shellie at shellie.buckle@ parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Biggest and best in the Central West: Last weekend’s CanAssist Garage Sale transformed the Parkes Showground pavil- ion into a bustling flea market. With nearly 300 people queuing to get in on Friday afternoon, the volunteer staff joked that it was like a Myer Boxing Day Sale – only all proceeds go towards locals with cancer. If you missed out on bagging a bargain this time, CanAssist will be holding another one on 18th March.

Free concert: The theme for the term one free concert on Wednesday, 5th April at 7:30pm at the Parkes Presbyterian Church is courage. Performers are encouraged to choose a piece that is not a cinch to play, but requires hard work. A small part of the concert will also be devoted to discussing strategies to overcome nerves when performing out of the comfort zone.

Anyone is welcome to participate; let Pam Parkin of Flourish Music Studio know by 29th March. Contact her on 0418 166 580

Colour run: Parkes NF Colour for a Cure is a group of locals organising Parkes’ first family friendly fun run with a splash of colour over 5km to run or walk on 19th March to raise awareness and funds for The Children’s Tumour Foundation. Any support will be welcome: taking part, donating money or gifts for prizes.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of three genetic conditions which gives rise to the potential for benign tumours to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. NF1, which affects one in 2,500, is a lifelong condition with a wide range of severity and has no cure. This cause is very close to the Parkes community as it directly affects two locals.

Hamish (13) was diagnosed with NF1 at the age of six months. He has hundreds of benign tumours growing on all his nerve endings throughout his body. He suffers from muscle weakness, learning difficul- ties and great deal of pain. He has been visiting Westmead Children Hospital every three months since he was five years old.

Emma (28), an Early Childhood Educa- tor, was diagnosed with NF1 at the age of three. NF1 causes benign, often painful masses to grow on her nerves. She is af- fected by low muscle tone, poor coordina- tion, early developmental delay and some low level learning difficulties. She has a long-term relationship with the Neurogenetics clinic at Westmead since the age of four, where she is part of continuing stud- ies into the long term effects of NF1.

Helping hand: Parkes Elvis Festival and John Holland have teamed up to raise money for the Central West Autism and Special Needs Awareness Group (CWAS- NAG). During the 2017 Festival a total of $783.95 was raised through the John Hol- land-sponsored Elvis Photographic Com- petition and Exhibition.

Seniors Festival: Neighbourhood Central is hosting the 2017 Seniors Festival with a busy program: 6th March local concert at the Parkes Bowling Club with sing-a- long with morning tea and lunch – $10; 8th March Bollywood comes to Parkes with a movie morning at Neighbourhood Central – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – $5; 9th March Central West Elders Olympics in Or- ange – $5. Tickets and bookings at Neigh- bourhood Central, 80-82 Currajong Street Parkes. For more information call 6862 3757 or 1300 810 771.

Footy Tipping Competition: With NRL season almost upon us, The Parkes Phoe- nix has some spots left in our Footy Tip- ping Competition. Whether you are one of our readers or an advertiser, you can join in the fun and be in the running to win a major prize. Entry is $100 for the whole 26 weeks and you will receive ad space in the Phoenix to the value of $150 to promote yourself, your charity or your business. Contact sales@parkesphoenix.com.au to secure your spot.

You Get Shaving, Australia!: Are you shaving your head, or do you know of someone doing it this March, 16 – 19th to help beat blood cancer for the World’s Greatest Shave? We would love to hear from you! Contact us on editor@parkes- phoenix.com.au

Contemporary Art: Parkes Library is hosting an exhibition from western NSW artist Gavin Coote from 1st to 24th March. Gavin is also a journalist in a country town, but has always integrated some form of creativity into his life. He spent his early years drawing tractors, harvesters and windmills that dotted the landscape of the farm where he grew up the first half of his childhood. “The Australian landscape is something that has incredible power over my creative work, as is the case with any artist who has the utmost privilege of liv- ing in this beautiful country!” said Gavin. Please RSVP on 6861 2309 if you would like to attend the official opening at 6pm on 3rd March. Gavin will be in attendance to have a beer and talk art.

Record entries: The Shop Parkes + Win campaign has been the most successful one yet, with more than 7,000 entries received from the 106 local participating re- tail outlets. This year the campaign was extended to January to coincide with the Parkes Elvis Festival. This enabled local retailers to capitalise from the 25,000 visitors at the festival.

Congratulations to the lucky winner, Pauline van der Merwe from Parkes who shopped at Byrne Clothing and Embroidery. She won a trip to Las Vegas valued at $4,000 – the prize tied in with Elvis Festival theme, Viva Las Vegas. Pauline has 12 months to redeem her prize.

Phoenix spreads its wings: From today The Parkes Phoenix will be available in Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate every Friday. You can pick up your free copy at the Trundle Newsagency, Casho’s Café in Tullamore, Foodworks and the Post Office in Tottenham, and the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate.

Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate News: As we are spreading our wings to your region, please send us your news, photos and snippets to editor@ parkesphoenix.com.au.

Coffee with a Cop: Everybody is invited to join the officers from Lachlan Local Area Command on Thursday, 23rd Febru- ary at 10am at Café ‘n’ Ate, 249 Clarinda Street for a coffee. “Community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee,” said Superintendent Chris Taylor. “We hope commu- nity members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers.” He explained the ma- jority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. These are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community. Contact Sen- ior Constable Daniel Greef with questions on 6862 9999.

Year of Plastic Bags: Parkes Library is again hosting the Parkes Local Waste to Art exhibition and competition. The community art exhibition and competition showcases imaginative works made from reused and recyclable waste materials. The aim is to challenge peoples’ perceptions about rubbish and to celebrate the reuse and recycling of waste through arts and crafts.

Entry is free and closes on Monday, 10th April at 1pm. The categories are: 2 Dimen- sional (poster/painting/collage/drawing); 3 Dimensional (sculpture/installation/video/ soundscape) and Functional (furniture, craftworks and wearable items). Within these categories there are sections for pri- mary school, secondary school, communi- ty, open (professional artists) and building or element of building/large sculpture. The most inspiring artwork in each section/cat- egory will receive a cash prize. An award will also be given to the work that best uses the Annual Waste Theme; Plastic bags and soft plastic packaging. Entry forms are available at any Parkes Shire Library, or from the website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

  
Digitising history: The Parkes Shire Library has started to digitise iconic images from the first ten years of the Parkes Elvis Festival. The Library team have been scanning and cataloguing photographs and memorabilia from Elvis Lennox’s per- sonal collection. “We have been planning to build a digital local history collection to share with the community and wider world. Starting this big project with our Shire’s major festival was an easy decision,” said Shellie Buckle, Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services.

Elvis Lennox, Parkes’ greatest Elvis fan, loaned his collection of photos and festival bits and pieces to commence the project. His photos capture the humble beginnings of the event, including the Elvis Wall of Fame first ceremony for Johnny O’Keefe, first street parade, first look-a-like competition and original concerts.

You are invited to contact the Library if you have photographs from the first ten years to add to the collection. Over the coming months the Library team will add to the collection, bringing online photographs from 2003 onwards.

The collection is available for viewing via the Library’s online catalogue, library. parkes.nsw.gov.au/libero/WebOpac.cls

Bogan Gate morning tea: Bogan Gate CWA will be holding a diabetes awareness morning tea on Wednesday, 8th February at 9.30am at the Bogan Gate Memorial Hall. Dr Madhu Velagala, Diabetes Educator, will be the guest speaker. Men and women are invited to learn more about diabetes. A representative from Diabetes NSW and two nurses will do blood checks at the event. Entry by gold coin donation. RSVP to Ros on 68641023 or 0415 665 925 by Monday, 6th February. Any enquir- ies to President Marion McIntyre on 0427 643 233.

Did you know? The record number of visitors at the 25th Elvis Festival meant the staff at the Royal Hotel pumped out more than 1,600 meals and countless beverages, in costume, over the five days!

Gospel Service: Thousands of people attended this year’s Elvis Gospel service. According to co-ordinator Neralle Cheney, the finale had people rushing to the front of stage and all over the dance floor in a cel- ebration of music and dance. “People were dancing in their chairs.”

She said the response from people afterwards was overwhelming saying it was the best ever, brilliant, wow, polished and pro- fessional and people wishing it was longer.