Message from the Phoenix Publisher – Cheryl Newsom: I would like to extend a very big thank you to all of our readers, contributors, advertisers, contractors and the team at the Phoenix Group of Newspapers for making 2016 such a successful one for us. Despite the changes in the media landscape, we decided to launch two new free local newspapers in Parkes and Hilltops (Young) in March of 2016. With this came the normal challenges and without the support of all those mentioned we would not have been able to accomplish what we did. 2017 will be even bigger and better with the launch of some new features, an app, and new projects being planned. We would ask that you continue to support us, as we strive for excellence and being involved at a local level in these communities. Remember that we are your local voice in the communities we serve. We wish everybody a very Merry Christmas
and best wishes for a successful 2017.

New website and social media pages: Parkes Shire Council has launched its new user-friendly website and social media pages just in time for Christmas. After six months of consultation, planning, tendering and user testing, the new look website went live on Wednesday. Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd said the new website was set to become a hub of information for our community. “The aim was to create a platform for the community to easily navigate and find the information they need, whether they are on a mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer.” Council engaged the expertise of branding and digital agency, Crackler to create the fresh, user-friendly site. Council is also expanding its digital communications to Facebook and Twitter. The community is invited to connect with Parkes Shire Council via www.parkes.nsw.gov.au and on Facebook and Twitter. Residents
can also keep up-to-date with all the latest Council news and events delivered straight to their inbox, by signing up to the e-newsletter. #ParkesShire #ItAllAddsUp #Community

Grant money for farmers: Additional disaster assistance was announced this week. “Recovery grants of up to $15,000 are available to help flood affected primary producers with recovery needs,” said Michael McCormack, Federal Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business. Eligible councils in the Riverina electorate are Bland, Forbes, Parkes, Bogan, Lachlan, Narromine and Warren.

 

Christmas Storytime: Parkes Library has invited a very special visitor who wears a red suit to celebrate Christmas with Parkes families on Wednesday, 21st December at 10:30am. Library team members Andrea Lovell, Claire Cassell and Debbie Gould have a morning of Christmas stories, song and dance planned. “The Library team will have on their best Christmas clothes and invite children to dress up too to add to the festivities,” said Andrea.

Career opportunities at Council: The Parkes Shire Council has exciting career opportunities on offer for young people in the region. There are a number of positions available in various fields including traineeships in town planning and ranger services, cadetships in civil engineering, school based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT) in business and information technology for students entering Year 11 next year. Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd said these opportunities were a fantastic stepping stone for students wondering what’s next after they finish school. “These positions provide professional mentoring, applied learning, real life experience and an opportunity for our young people to gain training and practical skills without having to leave the region. “Parkes Shire Council is full of people who have chosen to work in local government because they want to help others, make a difference to the community, and improve the environment in which we live.” Kent said. Trainee Financial Services, Madelyn Swindle said working at Council had offered her an exciting range of opportunities. “I am enjoying constantly learning new things. There are some wonderful opportunities that come up, such as taking part in new initiatives and projects.” School leavers are encouraged to apply for the positions available through Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Good turnout: The Carols in the Park on Sunday night saw one of the largest attendances ever with about 1,500 people turning up for a beautiful night of Christmas celebrations. The Parkes Shire Band was on stage all night accompanying performers and carols sung by the crowd. Other performers included school choirs, Tapestry, and solo performances by Rebecca Evans, Michelle Allan, Bob Gould, Paul Brown, Liz Naveau, Elle McCutcheon, Belinda Boland and others. The Parkes School of Dance also performed for the first time this year. “It was a great community night out,” said Liz Naveau of the Ministers Association.

Outback Elvis: Where do thousands of people in wigs, jumpsuits and fake Priscilla eyelashes go each January to swelter in 42-degree heat as they celebrate The King? Parkes, of course, for the annual Parkes Elvis Festival. But how, and why, did this sleepy town get all shook up by Elvis? A new book about Parkes’ famous festival has just been published: Outback Elvis – The story of a festival, its fans and a town called Parkes.

Written by two long-time fans of the festival, the book introduces the local characters, the lookalikes, the impersonators and the tribute artists – and the town that made this big hunk o’ Elvis love possible. Authors John Connell and Chris Gibson have been enthusiastically following and participating in the Parkes Elvis Festival since 2002, and have published a large body of work on music festivals in Australia. Both are geographers: John is a professor of geography at the University of Sydney; Chris is a professor of human geography at the University of Wollongong and a musician. Their co-authored books include Music Festivals and Regional Development in Australia (2014), Festival Places (2011), Music and Tourism: On the Road Again (2005) and Sound Tracks: Popular Music, Identity and Place (2003). If you are keen to read the book or buy it as a Christmas present for someone, there is a special 20% discount offer when preordering from www.newsouthbooks.com.au Use the discount code ELVIS20 at the checkout to receive 20% off.

Parkes Women Are Losing Their Curves: As the many loyal clients will probably already know, Curves Parkes will close its doors for good on Saturday, 17th December. The final Saturday morning Zumba class will commence at 9am, and will be followed by a morning tea at 10am. Past and present clients are invited to come and share a cuppa with Barb, the wonderful staff, and other club members as a farewell to Curves Parkes.

Central West arts projects: The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund has awarded $57,250 to three Central West organisations for new arts projects in 2017. Arts OutWest secured $24,500 over two years for the Skywriters and the Art of Wiradjuri Constellations component of Big Skies Collaboration on behalf of a consortium
of partners including artists, arts organisations, Wiradjuri leaders and groups, astronomers, universities, the CSIRO
Parkes Observatory and others. Celebrating millennia of astronomies on the inland plains, Big Skies Collaboration
will share stories about people’s relationships with the cosmos, as experienced from Wiradjuri country in central western NSW. The Skywriters and the Art of Wiradjuri Constellations part of the project uses writing and visual arts in partnership with major observatories, universities and local Wiradjuri leaders.

The Parkes Phoenix in Peak Hill: The weekly issue of The Parkes Phoenix is available for free at the Peak Hill Newsagency each week.

Light a candle: The Parkes Chapter of The Compassionate Friends (TCF) will hold its candle lighting at 6.30pm on Sunday, 11th December in Lions Park. The evening will begin at 5.30pm. Candles will be supplied or you can bring your own. Everyone is welcome to bring a rug or chairs, drinks and nibbles and stay on following the candle lighting. If the weather is inclement, the evening will take place in the Middleton School Hall.

Parkes Phoenix Competition: Go to page 15 for our Christmas Competition to go in the draw to win a $100 gift voucher from La Bella Medispa and a $100 gift voucher from 141 On Main. The winners will be drawn on Tuesday, 20th December and announced in our last edition of the year on Friday, 23rd December. Complete the form and return it to La Bella or 141 On Main, or enter online at www.parkesphoenix.com.au.

Bikers Bring Bears To Bushman’s Dam: The Motorcycle Toy Run is in Parkes tomorrow at 11:30am at Bushman’s Dam. All registered motorcyclists are invited to participate. There will be plenty of fun for non-riders too with prizes for the best-dressed Christmas characters and the best-decorated bike. Contact Kerry Smith on 0449 744 679.

Christmas activities: Remember the Christmas Parade is on tonight at 6pm followed by more festive events in Cooke Park: Upmarkets and outdoor family movie.

The Parkes Phoenix in Peak Hill: The weekly issue of The Parkes Phoenix is available for free at the Peak Hill Newsagency each week.

NPM Cookbook: The employees at Northparkes Mines have gathered 40 of their favourite sweet and savoury recipes to create the first Northparkes Cookbook. The cookbooks are on sale for $20 within the local community and are a great Christmas gift idea. 100% of money raised from the sale of the books will go towards supporting local communities that have been affected by weather events in 2016. The book will be on sale at the UpMarkets in
Cooke Park tonight; the Parkes Leagues Club on Thursday, 8th December from 5 to 8pm; in front of Westpac Bank on Friday, 16th December from 4 to 6pm and again on Saturday, 17th December from 9am to 1pm. Or you can order a book from Haylee on 6861 3003 or haylee.pottage@northparkes.com

Special needs golf day a huge success: Children with special needs were on the receiving end on Sunday when the Parkes community shared their generosity to help raise funds at a golf day hosted by John Holland. “We are totally blown away by today’s John Holland golf day,” said Angela Wilson of the Central West Autism and Special Needs Awareness Group. The auction alone raised over $7,000.

The Parkes Phoenix in Peak Hill: The weekly issue of The Parkes Phoenix is available for free at the Peak Hill Newsagency each week.

Parkes White Ribbon Day March today: Join special guests Peter Gibbs and Nova Peris and take a stand to stop violence against women. Members of the community are invited to march against domestic violence. Meet at the new Parkes Arbor at 12:45 for 1pm start followed by free sausage sizzle in Cooke Park. For more information call 6862 1872.

Go Mariah! Parkes’ hockey star Mariah Williams is leading the Australian Junior World Cup squad at the Junior World Cup in Chile this week. At 21 and with 56 Hockeyroos caps, Mariah is the side’s most experienced player at international level. Mariah’s grandmother, Atholene Alting was very excited in Parkes this week about her granddaughter’s achievements.

Bikers Bring Bears To Bushman’s Dam: The Mid State Motorcycle Club is bringing a Motorcycle Toy Run to Parkes at 11:30am on Saturday, 3rd December at Bushman’s Dam. All registered motorcyclists are invited to participate. There will be plenty of fun for non-riders too with prizes for the best-dressed Christmas characters and
the best-decorated bike. Donations of toys and non-perishables can be left at KicXstart Motorcycles. Contact Kerry Smith on 0449 744 679.

Christmas Parade next Friday: The Christmas Parade returns next Friday with more than 30 entries already received. The Parade will start at 6pm.Today is the closing date for entries. Call 0448 166 016 to get a last minute entry in.

Ballet Memories: Many Parkes families travelled to Orange during the recent school holidays to see The Australian Ballet Regional Tour perform Giselle. What most people don’t know is that members of the touring company were also travelling from Parkes to Orange for their performances. As the Bathurst 1000 was held on the
same weekend and there was hardly any accommodation available in Orange, Parkes hosted 30 dancers, as well as The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David McAllister. In addition the dancing troupe had to keep up with their practicing schedule and rented the Parkes School of Dance (PSD) studios for a day. PSD received a Giselle poster signed by the cast, as well as a signed pair of pointe shoes worn by Dana Stephensen. She danced the role of Giselle during the Orange performances. Once framed, these special pieces will be on display in the School’s foyer inspiring Parkes dancers of all ages!

Face lift: The Bogan Gate War Memorial has received a grant of $6,332 from the NSW Government to carry out important maintenance work. This grant will allow for the removal of lichen growing on the roof, which is damaging the sandstone. It will also go towards the replacement of the hall’s guttering and downpipes, repairs to its windows, and improvements to its amenities.

A night at the movies: This is a rare opportunity in Parkes, but tomorrow night you can see Eddie the Eagle at the Parkes M & D Theatre at 7pm. It is the true story of Eddie Edwards, a ski jumper, who charmed the world at the Winter Olympics. Tickets are $15 per adult, $10 per child or $40 for a family, and available at the door. Supper is provided by the Quota Club. The funds raised go towards a range of charities the Quota Club supports.

Free concert: Music lovers will enjoy a free concert on 29th November at the Parkes Presbyterian Church on the corner of Gap St and Hill St at 7pm. The aim of the concert is to provide an opportunity for music students to share pieces they have been working on with others and to grow in their confidence in performing. The theme is Playing Together and will be focusing on the joy of ensemble music, choral music, duets, trios and the like. Solo pieces are also welcome. If you would like to join the fun night time concert, contact 0418 166 580 by Friday, 25th of November.

NPM Cookbook: The employees at Northparkes Mines have gathered 40 of their favourite sweet and savoury recipes to create the first Northparkes Cookbook. The cookbooks are on sale for $20 within the local community and are a great Christmas gift idea. 100% of money raised from the sale of the books will go towards supporting local communities that have been affected by weather events in 2016. To order a book contact Haylee 02 6861 3003 or
haylee.pottage@northparkes.com

Where to vote tomorrow: All registered voters in the Parkes Shire need to vote in the Orange by-election tomorrow. Polling stations will be open from 8am to 6pm at the following venues: Tullamore Central School, Trundle Central School, Peak Hill Central School, Parkes East Public School (Wheelchair Accessible), Parkes Assemblies of God Hall (Rees Ave), Coventry Room, Parkes Shire Library (Wheelchair Accessible), Bogan Gate Public School and Alectown Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Country Arts Support Program 2017: The development of a peace precinct in Parkes is one of six projects in the Central West that will share $17,141 in funding for small arts projects. Arts OutWest has announced the six successful projects in the 2017 round of the Country Arts Support Program (CASP). The Rotary Club of Parkes Inc has received $3,000 for the construction of a new peace precinct and art installation at the Arboretum precinct of Memorial Hill. The installation will consist of a carved sculpture by Aboriginal artists Scott Towney and Scott Turnbull. Local artist Sean Cassidy will coordinate the installation. The other projects to receive funding include: a commission of a history song in Forbes; support for ‘Fun Theatre for the Very Young’ in Bathurst; community art
workshops in Millthorpe; workshops celebrating the 150th birthday of Henry Lawson in Grenfell and Aboriginal art based workshops for children in Bathurst.

Art of Australia Day: Artists are invited to enter work for the Parkes Art of Australia Day exhibition. The theme is Australiana to celebrate Australia Day. The exhibition will be open from Wednesday, 25th January 2017 to Friday, 27th January. The event is organised by the Parkes Australia Day Committee in conjunction with the Parkes Men’s Shed. Entry will be with a gold coin donation and money raised will go towards the Men’s Shed purchasing signage for outdoor fitness stations being erected in Parkes.

Win A Double Pass: The world premiere of The Legend of Ben Hall will be shown on 12th November at the Forbes Showgrounds. In attendance will be the Director Matthew Holmes (Twin Rivers) and actors Jack Martin (feature film debut), Jamie Coffa (TV’s Gallipoli, The Lucifer King) and William Lee (feature film debut). You can win a general admission double pass for the premiere. Enter online at www.parkesphoenix.com.au and go to What’s Hot.
Make sure to be in the draw by entering by 3pm on Thursday, 10th November.

Long lunch by the lake: Come and enjoy a two course lunch to help raise funds for a mobile Physio Touch machine for Forbes and Parkes Hospitals on Sunday, 13th November in Lions Park, Forbes at 12:30pm. The guest speaker is Dianne Green, McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse. Plenty of tickets still available at $80 per person including a gourmet BBQ and dessert provided by Peter Ashcroft, beer, wine and soft drinks, as well as entertainment by Adam Enslow. Bookings close on 9th November. Contact debbie@roylances.com.au.

Canowindra Christmas shopping evening: Are you stuck for ideas for Christmas presents and can’t bear the thought of crowded shopping centres? Visit Canowindra on 26th November from 3 – 7pm and enjoy a friendly, relaxed shopping atmosphere with live music, while the kids can get their faces painted and take a photo with Santa. Canowindra business owner Liz Mitchell said the aim of the event was to remind people how much variety is available in Canowindra, and to challenge shoppers to think about shopping locally before going online or out of town.

Exercise equipment: Parkes Shire residents will soon be able to access state-of the-art exercise equipment for free with the construction of a new outdoor multi-station gym underway at Kelly Reserve and walking paths at Bushmans Hill. Mayor Ken Keith said: “Bushmans Hill and Kelly Reserve were identified by the community as popular recreation locations. This project will enable residents to better utilise these spaces for health and fitness pursuits.” Parkes Shire Council successfully secured $50,000 for the project from the Department of Family and Community
Services. The project will further enhance and support the existing facilities at the two locations. Construction started last week, with work on the new pathways set to begin in the coming months.

Parkes Elvis Festival Photography Competition: The competition is back next year after the resounding success of the inaugural event. Why not dig up old photos and help to celebrate the history of 25 festivals. It is open to all ages and each person can submit six images. There are four categories: smartphone, digital portrait, digital
black and white and digital colour. Great prizes are to be won, so go to www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au or phone 6862 6000 to get your form and submit your entry by 5pm on Monday, 14th November.

Glorious gardens: This Sunday is forecast to be a fine day, the perfect weather for getting out and enjoying some time in a garden… or two. Six beautiful private gardens will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm for the Parkes Open Gardens; a charity event run by Quota to raise funds for projects supporting women, girls, and the hearing impaired. Entry is $15. Pre-sale wrist bands and maps are available at Greenparkes Garden Centre. Enjoy
these splendid gardens in their spring glory, and indulge in a delicious Devonshire tea for just $5 at one of the gardens. For more information visit the Parkes Open Gardens Facebook page or contact Lynn on 68634667 or parkesquota@gmail.com

In Sickness, in Health … and in Jail: Australian author Mel Jacob will be at the Parkes Library on 4th November at 6pm to share what happened when her husband went to prison for two years. Mel is a journalist and scriptwriter and recently published her book: In Sickness, in Health … and in Jail. It is a funny, insightful and moving account of what happens to a close, loving middle-class family when the father is unexpectedly thrown in jail. Please RSVP on 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

A helping hand: Parkes Shire Council is urging primary producers in the Parkes Shire affected by the recent floods to access assistance. The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), in conjunction with Local Land Services (LLS), have developed an assistance guide. It is available at http://www.rdacentralwest.org.au/initiatives/
telecommunications/ Parkes Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ken Keith said there were various assistance measures in place. Contact the Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 or access the full list of services and assistance at
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.