Alison Grady: My father Jack Scoble (Mayor of Parkes 1960 to 1979) met her in Orange in 1970 and had a conversation with her. He commented on how easy she was to talk to, saying that she thought the children would be happy with her visit as it gave them a day off school.

Graham Nash: I travelled to Orange to see her when she visited in 1970. It was all very flag-waving exciting for a small boy and the Queen came close enough that I could have reached out and touched her. I clearly remember she had a lovely green-yellow dress and hat, and that I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of a crown.

John Wakefield: I remember going on the train to Dubbo with the Parkes schools to see her during her first visit to Australia.

Joan Fletcher: I was on the train with school friends in early primary school. I remember standing in the hot sun for ages till a car drove through and we had a two-second glimpse of the Queen and Prince Phillip.

Fred Deeks: I travelled by train to Broken Hill with my school in 1954, and waved as her motorcade passed by.

Gael Adams-Wright: I saw the Queen in Canberra in 1961. We travelled from boarding school in Goulburn. I was only 11 and started crying.

Richard Miche: My mom Lila (Kingham) Miche met my dad (an American farm ex-change student) at the show in Dubbo as they were preparing competing club exhibits next to each other. She was from Parkes and he was staying with a family in Forbes. She was introduced to the Queen when she viewed the exhibition.

Christine Moldrich: I was born in Parkes but left when I was 18. I met the Queen just prior to the Sydney Olympics with some of my students who were in the Olympic Ambassador Program. Very moving as she looked exactly like my grandmother.

Lesley Crowe: My parents met the Queen on Friday, 24th March 1954 at Red Cliffs, Victoria. Proudly watched with family members to see them up the dias when dad’s cousin made a presentation to the Queen.

Globe Hotel Owner Michael Spice, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway have welcomed the free courses in hospitality.

Locals looking for a career change have an opportunity to learn the basics of hospitality through a suite of free short courses.

Kickstart Your Career in Hospitality, a new NSW Government program which aims to supercharge the hospitality sector and grow the economy, is now available for people looking to secure jobs or further their career in hospitality.

“We want more people to consider their future in the hospitality industry by offering free short courses that can help them secure jobs in local cafes, pubs, clubs or restaurants,” said Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway.

Owner of the Globe Hotel in Forbes Michael Spice said the initiative would help local businesses struggling to retain staff, professional workers looking to upskill and anyone seeking a career in hospitality.

“The past few years have been tough for local pubs and cafes to find and keep staff,” he said.

“Our local economy relies on tourists and locals getting out and supporting their local. This has been a challenge because without manpower, we cannot provide the best customer service that our patrons deserve.

“With a brand-new restaurant opened recently on Dowling Street, we have been struggling to find workers. 

“Finally, with this program running, we will attract locals looking to get their foot in the door of such a rewarding career path.”

More information about eligibility criteria and enrolments is available https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/hospitality-skills. 

At the CMA meeting were (L-R) Scott Ferguson, Mayor Blayney Shire Council; Kylie Thomas, Mayor of Kyogle Council; Doug Hawkins OAM, Mayor Liverpool Plains Council and Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire.

The Country Mayors Association (CMA) hosted a Skills Forum recently in response to the dire situation of attracting skilled staff to councils and communities. 

“Covid has highlighted Australia’s dependence on skilled migration and the need to refocus on training and education,” said Mayor of Parkes Cr Ken Keith OAM and Chair of the CMA. “We have seen a decline, particularly in regional towns, in the delivery of courses, particularly face-to-face, by TAFE and private providers. 

“Course enrolments have decreased significantly by 12.7% from 2016-2021 and more importantly, only 29% of people enrolled completed their courses in 2021. One of the main issues is the lack of apprenticeships and traineeships in rural towns,” said Mayor Keith. 

The forum was addressed by the National Commissioner for Rural Education Fiona Nash, as well as the director of policy for the McKell Institute, Edward Cavanagh, CEO of Parkes CUC Cr Jacob Cass, Cr Rick Firman OAM and CEO of Riverina Joint Organisation, and Julie Briggs, who outlined the Riverina’s skills shortage project. 

A round table discussion seeking suggestions for positive change was held. Ideas included: specifically isolating data from metro areas to compare to regional, rural and remote local government areas; to allow flexibility for reduced class sizes and course offerings and more support and incentives for businesses to train trainees within TAFE’s community service obligation; to encourage state government to train their own trainees and apprentices rather than taking from local government and the private sector; to advocate for the aged workforce to return to work and provide training and mentoring; that the CMA membership support the McKell Institute and its endeavours to increase skills and retain skills in country NSW; and to engage with Minister Henskens and his advisors to discuss problems facing regional and rural NSW.