General Interest Archives - Page 109 of 326

Movies & Memorabilia Collection To Feature Original Movie Props

January 4, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The very first street parade in 1993 with Tiffany Steel in front. At the back are Elvis Lennox, John Lovett and Fiona Lovett with Andrew behind the wheel of Bob Steel’s Model A Ford.

Parkes Elvis Festival is proud to launch the Movies & Memorabilia Collection which will have props from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie, and elements from the Elvis – Direct from Graceland exhibition in Bendigo plus history of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Take a nostalgic stroll down the 30-year historical path of the Parkes Elvis Festival. See memorabilia from the early days, photographs, newspaper clippings and some items from the Parkes Elvis Festival archives that have never been on display.

Thanks to the generosity of the Bendigo Art Gallery, Parkes is now home to an impressive recreation of the Graceland Mansion’s portico and giant ELVIS letters that were a part of the jumpsuit display.

You’ll also see the world’s largest hound dog and doghouse, mirrors from the Carnival scenes where Colonel Tom Parker pledged his commitment to supporting Elvis’ fledging career, a recreation of the Graceland ‘Jungle Room’, and posters and paraphernalia from the International Casino’s launch of Elvis’ residency from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film thanks to Warner Bros.

The Movies & Memorabilia collection is located at 375 Clarinda Street and is open 9am – 5pm daily throughout the Festival and free.

Proudly sponsored by Bogan Gate Pub. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Children Learn The True Spirit Of Christmas Is To Give

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

The preschool children from Central West Family Day Care in Parkes are pictured with their Christmas Giving Tree.

This year the Christmas tree at Central West Family Day Care (CWFD) was turned into a Giving Tree, with aim of teaching the children that Christmas time is not just about receiving gifts but also about giving to those who may be in need.

Each child from the center was asked to bring in a wrapped gift to place under the Giving Tree.

“The tree was set up before the recent flooding events, but when the children heard about all of the children in Eugowra who lost all of their toys, they decided themselves to donate their gifts to those children,” said Ann-Marie Winter who is Manager/Co-Ordinator of the Central West Family Day Care facility in Parkes.

The CWFD educators reached out to their connections in Eugowra to identify and contact a family that had been affected by the flooding to be the beneficiary of their giving tree.

The Fenton family lost everything when flood waters rose up to a meter and a half at their Eugowra property. Their house and all of their belongings were destroyed, and they are now tasked with having to rebuild their lives, literally from the ground up.

Laura Fenton went on to recount the terrifying moments when they had to flee for their lives.

“Isabella was asleep and Harry was outside playing. Our neighbour wandered over to just say hi and check on us because at that stage we had already had water coming up to our driveway, but that was before all the water came from the hills,” said Laura.

“It was lucky she came over when she did because we were just standing there chatting when we saw the water coming at us. We had about six minutes from when we first saw it coming, to when it his us.”

“I ran in and got Isabella out of bed, got Harry in the car and let the dogs out. By the time I drove up to the higher part of our property that didn’t flood, I was driving through water,” said Laura.

Eugowra was already experiencing flooding prior to the big surge and Kyle Fenton, who is a Helicopter Rescue Pilot, had been trying for hours to get home to his family but was unable to due to the bridge thatwas impassable at Cudal.

Laura remembered facetiming her husband Kyle and frantically saying “You need to pray for us, because we are about to die.”

The Fenton family were overwhelmed by the gesture of kindness from the children at CWFC and Laura said “The support has been incredible.”

The Fenton family pictured receiving gifts from the children at CWFD. Parents Laura and Kyle are holding their children Isabella and Harry.

Premier’s Back To School NSW Vouchers Ease Pressure On Parents

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

BACK TO SCHOOL…Parent are being encouraged to access their Back to School NSW vouchers on the Service NSW app.

Parents across the State can access $150 worth of vouchers through the Premier’s Back to School NSW program from Monday, giving a boost to household budgets through savings on textbooks, uniforms, stationery and other school essentials.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Summer holidays are a good time for families to start buying supplies for the new school year and the voucher program would help cover those costs.

“The NSW Government wants to make sure every child attending school has the opportunity to strive for their best when they are in the classroom and providing access to essential items for learning is our priority,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said people can start applying for the vouchers from Monday, until they expire on 30 June 2023, giving everyone plenty of time to take advantage of the savings.

“Applying for the vouchers is simple and can be done in a matter of minutes using the Service NSW app, on the phone or by visiting a Service Centre,” Mr Dominello said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Premier’s Back to School NSW program would ensure every school-aged child has a brighter future.

The Premier’s Back to School NSW program is one of more than 70 government rebates and vouchers available through the Savings Finder program.

For more information about the vouchers visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit your local Service NSW Service Centre.

Customers can search for registered businesses here: https://vouchers.service.nsw.gov.au/vouchers/providers-search/

Newell Highway Open For Christmas

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Pictured at Mondays major announcement is from left to right – Peter Stitt (Transport for NSW) -Alistair Lunn (Director of West for Transport) – Sam Farraway (Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) – Chris Roylance (Forbes Deputy Mayor) – Ray Graham (Bland Shire Council Director of Technical Services) – Steve Loane (Forbes Council General Manager).

The long anticipated announcement was made on Monday 19th, December that the Newell Highway had reopened between Forbes and West Wyalong after flood waters and extensive damage forced an excruciating 49-day closure.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said it was a credit to the Transport for NSW crews who worked around the clock to have the highway open before Christmas for families looking forward to spending the festive season with loved ones.

“The Newell Highway is a key regional route for residents, tourists and especially freight operators and we appreciate just how difficult this extended closure has been for many people,” Mr Farraway said.

“An enormous effort has gone into pothole patching and rebuilding entire sections of road to allow two lanes to reopen today for holiday traffic under a reduced speed of between 40 km/h and 60 km/h along about a 30 kilometre section of road.

“This is a short-term solution to open the road before Christmas. Extensive work will be required on this section of the corridor for a number of months, with crews also continuing work right up to Christmas.

Sam sent thanks “to all of our council partners who have maintained the detour routes during the closure, particularly thanks to Forbes, Weddin and Bland councils for their support on the state network.”

More than 10,500 tonnes of asphalt has been required to complete work between Forbes and West Wyalong so far. It is estimated some 10,000 kilometers of road network has been impacted by the flooding crisis.

Sam emphasised that the most important message for all motorists is to drive to the conditions and allow extra travel time – at least 20 minutes – between Forbes and West Wyalong.

For the latest road updates including closures visit www.livetraffic.com.au

Fifty Flood-Affected Farmers Receive Hay From Rural Aid

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

IMAGE CREDIT: https://buyabale.ruralaid.org.au/

Australia’s most trusted rural charity has distributed more than 700 bales of hay to Central West New South Wales farmers, helping to make Christmas a little brighter for flood-affected producers.

A hay drop was held at the Central West Livestock Exchange in Forbes on Friday, 16th December. Ten road trains delivered more than 480 tonnes of hay to the saleyards for Rural Aid’s registered primary producers.

Forbes cattle breeder Danielle Beard said her property is still covered in floodwaters and thick layers of mud, smothering any grass underneath. “Seventy-five percent of our property is under water and we’re going to have water on our place for another seven months,” said Danielle.

She said the bales of hay were exactly what her family needed to help them recover from the flooding event. “We’re just so grateful for this hay.”

There is still time to donate to help our farmers this Christmas. Every single dollar makes a difference to the lives of the farmers who put the Christmas food on our table and the clothes on our backs.

To support Rural Aid or make a donation go to: www.buyabale.com.au

Stay Safe On Country Roads This Christmas

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

NSW Farmers are urging motorists to take extra care on country roads this Christmas, with months of flooding causing widespread damage.

NSW Farmers Grains Committee Chair, Justin Everitt advises there is still a lot of heavy machinery on the move across the state after flooding delayed harvest efforts, and changed road conditions mean everyone had to exercise care.

“There’s still a lot of large agricultural vehicles moving on country roads at the moment, and we’d hate to see a joyous time of the year turn to tragedy for any family,” Mr Everitt said.

“The roads are pretty shocking in a lot of areas, and the delayed start to harvest means you may see more big vehicles.”

“We’re urging everyone to slow down and keep an eye out so we can all get home for a merry Christmas.”

Even though getting stuck behind a slow-moving truck or tractor can be frustrating, showing patience and keeping a safe distance is critical for everyone’s safety.

“Conditions may not be what you expect, so don’t take any risks because the results could be catastrophic,” said Mr Everitt.

“Remember, if the driver of a large vehicle can’t see you then they don’t know you’re there – so stay back at a safe distance and don’t be impatient.”

“It’s better to be a little late than not to arrive at all, let’s all work together to get to the finish line safely.”

Close To Half A Million Spent In Forbes

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Are you afraid Santa won’t bring you everything on your wishlist? Shop local in Forbes for everyone’s top picks for Christmas 2022.

Forbes has been bustling over the past few weeks with 3,051 sales in local businesses up until Thursday, 15th December. Local spending in the successful Find It In Forbes This Christmas promotion totalled a massive $433,415.39.

Ten prizes of $500, one of $1,500, two of $2,500 and one of $5,000 will be drawn on 24th December, concluding this years Christmas promotion,” said Aaron Acheson, President of the Forbes Business Chamber.

Participating businesses are: Acheson’s Mite 10, Allure On Main, Blue Sky Outdoors, Betta Home Living, Blush Organics, Bown’s Sports Power, Bron’s Hair Design, ChapterTwo, Forbes Automotive Services, Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Small Engines, HelloWorld, Hozpots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Place, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extra’s Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, Made Of Fridays, McMillian Industries, News On Rankin, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.

Major sponsors who are also participants are: Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Business Chamber. Gold Sponsor is Bernardis, Silver Sponsors are Terry Bros Carpet Court and the Forbes Phoenix. Bronze Sponsors are Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunn’s Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel, Steele Technology, Walkers Ag N Vet and WA Knights.

“Thank you everyone for shopping local and supporting our small businesses,” said Aaron.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller Breathes A Sigh Of Relief

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

After almost two months, and the biggest flooding this area has seen in seven decades, the highway linking Victoria and Queensland has finally reopened south of Forbes.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller has welcomed the reopening of the Newell Highway. “It is so important for the Newell Highway to be open, and never more timely as schools are breaking up and travellers are on the move for the Christmas and holiday season,” Cr Miller said.

“It will be a great benefit to our township. It will be wonderful to welcome back even more tourists, families, freight operators as our town itself recovers from the prolonged floods,” Mayor Miller said.

“There are sections with reduced speed limits and damaged surfaces so please be aware of these. Most importantly, drive to the road conditions and plan ahead,” Mayor Miller said.

She thanked all the road crews who have worked tirelessly, and will continue to do so, Weddin and Bland Shire and Deputy Premier the Hon Paul Toole MP.

“Paul Toole is always mindful of looking after our regional areas. Many thanks to him for his ongoing support during these difficult times,” she said.

27,114 Animals In Urgent Need Of Guardian Angels

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

The RSPCA is urgently seeking Guardian Angels to provide safety and care for the 27,114 animals spending the festive season in shelters nationally.

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for RSPCA shelters, with thousands of unwanted and neglected animals coming through our doors.

“To be a Guardian Angel is to give the gift of a better future to the dogs, cats, pocket pets, birds, and livestock who have a forever home on the top of their wish list,” said Phoebe Brasher, RSPCA NSW Senior Manager of Fundraising.

“One out of every three animals that turn to the RSPCA each year will be spending the festive season in our shelters. By becoming a Guardian Angel, you are making a positive impact on their life now and answering their wish for a brighter future.”

Guardian Angels receive a thank you from the animals they are supporting with their gift, as well as a link to their profile so you can learn more about them.

Visit the website or give RSPCA a call to discuss giving the gift of kindness this Christmas and become a Guardian Angel today.

Plenty Of Holiday Fun At The Parkes Radio Telescope

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

THE DISH…The Parkes Radio Telescope is located 20km north of Parkes on the Newell Highway.

The January School holidays are just around the corner, and the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, Murriyang will be hosting Astronomy Talks each weekday at 11am from Monday, 9th January through to Friday, 27th January 2023.

There will be three different CSIRO astronomers presenting talks, providing a rare opportunity to speak with a real astronomer and ask them your space questions.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be booked online at https://parkesdishshop.com/products/school-holiday-talks, by calling the Visitors Centre on 6861 1777 or in person at the Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor’s Centre.

All ages are welcome to attend. It is an out-of-this-world school holiday activity so be sure to head along!

Whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to check out the 3D Theatre (admission applies). The half-hour show is currently showing “Expedition Earth”, “Parkes – Beyond the Barrier” and “Bigger than Big.”

While there, enjoy lunch or refreshments at the famous Dish Café. The kids can have some fun and explore the newly opened space playground just across from the café. There are also many hands-on displays to provide endless fun for all ages.

If you are visiting during the 2023 Elvis Festival, don’t miss the daily science fun shows at 1:30pm.

These free, one-hour shows un by Fizzics Education are sure to blow your mind. This outdoor event, right in front of the Dish, will be perfect for families or anyone with an enquiring mind.

The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre will be open daily throughout the school holidays from from 8:30am – 5pm, except for Christmas day and Boxing day.

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