Parkes Phoenix Editor

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is reminding schools to apply for a share in up to $200,000 in funding before applications close on 30th September 2019.

“There has already been a number of applications received from some of the more than 130 schools throughout the Riverina and Central West but, I wanted to again urge those schools which have not already applied to submit an application before the closing date,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to receive funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to put towards projects which they deem as important to making such a difference for students and their education.

Schools can use the funding for infrastructure projects such as classroom refurbishments, sports facilities or playground equipment.

The money can also be put towards other projects including mental health and counselling services, library resources and new computer facilities,” said Mr McCormack.

The funding is available through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $30.2 million Local Schools Community Fund, with $200,000 available for each electorate.

Applications are to be submitted through the Department of Education’s SchoolsHUB portal at https://schools.education.gov.au by 5pm on 30 September

Why Not Make A Weekend Of It?

Friday, 20th September Meet Your Makers Q&A: Now held at SYLO Bar kicking off at 6pm, it’s a true Q&A where you get to ask the burning questions. Creative Director O Tama will be on the couch with a few of the growers, movers and shakers of the region. Tickets are $35 each and include dinner. Kicking off at off at 6pm with a 10pm finish, drinks will be available for purchase from the bar. The one hour Q&A session begins at 7.45pm followed by dinner which is included in the price. Send in your questions ahead of time to hello@grazingdownthelachlan.com.

Saturday, 21st September Grazing Down the Lachlan: (Sold out) Jump on your ticketed event bus and head out of town for an epic moveable feast of seven courses with matching drinks as you wander along the tranquil Lachlan River within a stock route that is synonymous with song lines and drovers.

Sunday, 22nd September Amazing Grazing Community Breakfast: Breakfast will be available for purchase in the pop up plaza in Templar Street from 8am to 11am.

Then head on down to the free workshops (weaving, storytelling and painting) at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from 10am – 12noon. Everyone is welcome to the breakfast and workshops. No tickets required!

Rebecca, Shane and Kailey Moxey caught some Taylor Fish at Merimbula recently.

The Voice of a Survivor is a unique project that grew out of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Sexual Abuse.

After four years of harrowing investigation and testimony, the Commission delivered its final report in December of 2017, and in so doing discovered ‘Another Australia’ – one that many struggle to recognise or acknowledge, even today.

What the Commission found was that the sexual and physical abuse of children, prisoners, patients, churchgoers and many other vulnerable people, was endemic across Australian society. Crossing boundaries of colour, sex, age and type, the Commission found nothing less than abuse, and the covering up of abuse, on a breathtaking scale.

As a response to the Commission, The Voice of a Survivor began its work to find justice for the many survivors of abuse in institutions, in the form of letters of apology and financial reparations. Working with some of the finest law firms in Australia, the firm has found such justice for many who felt their voice would never be heard.

The Voice of a Survivor believes passionately in justice for all Australians who have been abused and dispossessed, including members of the Stolen Generation.

If you identify as a survivor of abuse or as a member of the Stolen Generation, then now is the time to act. Do not let your abuser go. Hand back the burden of shame and guilt that you have been carrying, so unfairly, for so long.

Claim back what is yours and move on to a brighter, better day. Contact The Voice of a Survivor today. Call 02 80910978 or email admin@thevoiceofasurvivor.com

Last Thursday night the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Inc hosted a thank you nibbles and drinks evening at the Forbes Services Memorial Club for the 2019 sponsors and committee. The Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Inc feel that there is a need to give a little back to the sponsors to show how much they are appreciated.

The evening was attended by representatives from Western Tree Care, Wallace Bulk Haulage, Forbes Jockey Club, Forbes Small Engines, Earney’s Earthmoving and Forbes Shire Council and 15 of the ever reliable hardworking committee. Without sponsors and volunteers the race day just would not happen.

The Race Club were also able to announce the 2020 Western Tree Care Bedgerabong Cup! Western Tree Care have decided to once again support the race day and become the Major Sponsor for 2020. This is very exciting news, with the current climate conditions hitting businesses very hard in the region. Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club hope to see everyone at the race meeting again in 2020 as it is a great family day out!

The 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival is on course to be the biggest yet with some shows already sold out just days after ticket sales opened on Monday when the 28th celebration of the King of Rock ‘n Roll was launched at the Parkes Motor Museum.

The festival promises to be the biggest and best yet as the almost 30,000 visitors expected over the five days from 8th to 12th January 2020 have started booking out most available accommodation in Parkes, Forbes and around the Central West.

With the theme the 1966 riverboat gambler movie Frankie and Johnny, a wave of people in colourful and fun costumes will flood the streets of Parkes.

“We have the best line-up ever with a huge combination of 65 ticketed and 200 free events,” said Festival Director Cathy Treasure. “With the drought continuing its grip in the region, we want people to come out and just enjoy good entertainment without any worries.”

The stage in Cooke Park is the focus of the free entertainment program and festival goers can look forward to seeing Mark Andrews performing his first ever free concert, Greg Page and the John Field Band with Brendan Chase among others.

True blue Elvis fans can look forward to Dean Z, next year’s feature artist and winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2013. He has dedicated his life to honouring the legacy of Elvis and has been described as an amazing performer.

Next year’s Wall of Fame inductee is Joe Camillero of the Black Sorrows, while Adam Harvey will do a tribute to Elvis’s country albums.

According to Cathy they have taken festival goers’ feedback on board and added more activity areas, more shuttles from Forbes and Peak Hill, introduced sleeper trains for the first time and revitalised Rock ‘n Roll dancing with special guests to be announced later.

By Maggi Barnard