Parkes Phoenix Editor

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has announced the winner of its inaugural Aboriginal Art Competition as Raymond Thorpe, an artist from Forbes.

“There was considerable interest in the competition and Mr Thorpe’s outstanding work was selected from some exceptional pieces,” CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes CEO, Anne-Marie Mioche said.

As CatholicCare’s first Aboriginal Art competition, artists from throughout the diocese were invited to submit a contemporary or traditional entry on any subject.

“The calibre of entries was impressive and we hope will only continue, along with the  of entries, each year we continue to host this Aboriginal Art Competition.”

“We know there is a lot of talent in our diocese and this competition is just one way we can showcase our exceptionally talented artists,” she added.

Mr Thorpe’s work is a colourful and detailed image featuring two platypus (biladurangs) synonymous with the waterways running through the diocese. Traditional and intricate dot painting techniques were used to depict the communities, land and water. The artwork is entitled Platypus Waterholes and depicts a male and female coming together to make their family and to bring them up in safe waterholes. Mr Thorpe’s work is on display at the CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Corporate Services office in Lachlan Street, Forbes.

Second place was a painting by Stephen Moore from Dubbo, entitled Two Bruthas and tells a story of the bond of these brothers and although life has taken them on their own journeys they always come back to the bush where they belong.

Third place was by Cheree Stokes of Trundle and symbolises a tree of life with its many branches depicting the different services CatholicCare offers to people in need.

She also painted the river, spears and families using traditional dot painting techniques to show life journeys through time.

The winning artwork will now feature commercially in CatholicCare branding and promotional material.

Every fisherman’s dream… Cod caught on the Lachlan River in Forbes by 9 year old Archie and 7 year old Ollie Keane. (1.05m long)

Delightful autumn weather encouraged over 80 motorcyclists to participate in this year’s annual Ironbark Dice Run held by the Midstate Motorcycle Club on Saturday 18th May 2019.

The ride, which this year benefited the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, attracted riders from all over the Central West of NSW including Parkes, Bathurst, Orange, Molong, Forbes, Goulburn and Canowindra.

Such was the success of the day that the club will be donating $1,730 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Midstate Motorcycle Club would like to thank all those who attended for their and also the Parkes SES for supplying tea and coffee at the start of the ride.

Australia’s greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson presents the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker on Saturday 22nd June at the Dubbo Regional Theatre.

A night of soul and rock classics, the electric current runs high, generated from the very talented 8 piece band and of course the powerful and unique voice of Doug Parkinson.

Joe Cocker was an irresistible force that combined a love of American soul music with standout interpretations and depth of feeling, terms often used to describe the soulful smoky voice of

Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson. Cocker is most famous for what he did  other people’s songs Hitchcock Railway, Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On, She Came in through the Bathroom Window, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, Up Where We Belong and Cry Me A River.

Just a few of the songs Doug Parkinson has included in this new show that rolls along and leaves the audience spellbound.

Cocker chose well. He had hit records with songs from the Beatles, Ray Charles, Billy Preston, the Animals and Traffic among others – and then he magically reworked them.

Add in his famous gritty vocals and Cocker’s interpretations often surpassed the celebrated originals.

There couldn’t be a more appropriate singer in Australia to showcase the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker than the gravelly soulful voice of Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson, often described as exciting and impassioned and also a master of interpreting others’ songs.

Parkinson is not only an entertainer but an amazing vocalist. One example that brings the house down night after night is the huge hit for Doug, and probably the best version to date; the Beatles’ Dear Prudence.