General Interest Archives - Page 67 of 326

Parkes Painting Group Annual Art Exhibition Opening Night

April 18, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Three of the paintings that will be on display, from the following local artists from left to right Joan Ash, Carole Lowe and Kerry Davies.

Tonight, Friday April 19th, is the Opening of the Annual Art Exhibition from the Parkes Painting Group. The Parkes Painting Group have now been going for 22 years and the exhibition is a display of 23 artists from the group and also 12 potters from the Parkes Potters group.

This year there will be a special guest artist, Glenn Morton, who has brought along 14 paintings to display in his section of the exhibition. Parkes Painters have previously done a number of workshops with Glenn and Glenn also judged the art section of the last Parkes Show as well. Glenn is a professional artist and not only are we lucky to have him involved this year, but Glenn has kindly donated a piece of artwork which has been mounted and framed and it is the prize for the raffle that will run over the entire two weeks of the exhibition.

The exhibition kicks off with the opening tonight, from 6pm – 9pm, the cost is $20 (Pay at the door) and the cost includes wine and nibbles. For atmosphere we will have Steve Lyndsay on Piano and Mayor Niel Westcott will be delivering the Opening night speech. but then runs for another two weeks from Saturday 20th of April up until Sunday 5th of May. The exhibition is being held in the Coventry Room at the Parkes Library, open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday – Sunday 10am – 3pm. All are welcome to come along and entry is free after opening night.

Forbes Rotary Members Take Action To Save Their Rotary Club

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Club President Chris Finkel.

At their most recent meeting, the members of Forbes Rotary Club agreed to hold a special Rotary awareness meeting on Friday the 16th of April 2024 at 6pm for 6.15pm at the Forbes Services Club.

60 invitations have been sent out to potential new Rotarians in the 30 to 50 age group in an attempt to gain new membership to keep our club operating and solve the problem of the current lack of office bearers in the club who are willing to continue on as executive members to run the club.

A finger food menu for the meeting which will be provided at no charge for attending guests as this will be covered by donations from current members who are anxious to keep the Forbes Rotary Club continue its service work to the local, national and international communities.

The deadline for RSVPs for those wishing to attend this function is 6pm on Friday, 12 th April.

For those residents who would like to attend this evening and did not receive an invitation please phone, text or email our Forbes Rotary Secretary, Grahame Uphill on 0427 640 065 or email dorso@westserv.net.au. Current President, Chris Finkel also said he would like

RSVPs from all current members and Friends of Rotary to add to the total of attendees.

Chris then stated: “We can only hope that with the forthcoming Rotary Awareness evening we can gain enough new members to rejuvenate and reactivate our club to what it was when I first became a Rotarian at the age of 37. My request to our current members is to ask one or two of their younger associates or friends along to next week’s meeting and consider helping us out.”

Rotary International theme for 2023/24 is “Create Hope in the World”.

Final Week To Apply For $10,000 ‘Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship’

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy) one of the mentors involved in this year’s mentoring.

Time is running out for First Nations creatives to apply for the $10,000 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with applications closing next week.

The Façon Magazine initiative, which is sponsored by Greater Bank, will see nine NSW-based Indigenous storytellers receive guidance from some of their industry’s most successful First Nations artists with one overall recipient taking home $10,000.

In its second year, the scholarship supports a diverse range of mediums including writing, fashion design, accessory design, art painting, music, dance, digital art, film, and photography, with category finalists paired with a world-class industry mentor.

Façon Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Lara Lupish said “As the deadline approaches, we’re excited to start sifting through all of the incredible applications.

“It’s never an easy task, but we’re genuinely excited to see the level of talent this year,” Ms Lupish said.

Greater Bank Chief Retail Officer David Baker said that he was eager to see the artistry of the 2024 entrants.

“We know from last year that the quality of entries is going to be very high, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the final week brings,” Mr Baker said. “There’s still time to enter – you may just receive the opportunity of a lifetime!”

2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship mentors:

• Mitch Tambo (world musician)

• Samantha Harris (international supermodel)

• Sidney Saltner (Youth Program Director, Bangarra Dance)

• Professor Chelsea Watego (author of Another Day in the Colony)

• Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy)

• Stephen Page (Director of Spear)

• Nicole Chaffey (artist and Museum Gallery Director)

• Travis De Vries (digital artist and illustrator)

• Milly Hooper (photographer and exhibitor at Head On Photo Festival).

Applications for the 2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship close at midday on 18 April, with the recipient to be announced during NAIDOC Week on 11 July.

For information visit faconaustralia.com/scholarship or greater.com.au

Bjorn Again Are Coming To Canowindra In A One Night Only Even

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The internationally renowned act will perform at the Canowindra Sports Complex on April 26th.

In an energetic display of glitz and dance, Bjorn Again will bring the stage to life playing all the much loved ABBA hits, as part of the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Festival.

2024 marks fifty years since ABBA first burst onto the music scene with their Eurovision winning song, ‘Waterloo’. Their music and style changed the landscape of the music industry, and their impact still permeates today, with audiences young and old enjoying the vibe of the show.

Roundbox Events Director, Debra Clarke, said, “It is such a pleasure to be able to bring this renowned international performance to the Canowindra region. Bjorn Again’s show is spectacular, and for them to be here performing is a real coup. Whether you are an ABBA die hard fan or simply enjoy a great show, we truly believe this brings an additional layer of entertainment to the Balloon Festival we haven’t seen before and we hope the greater community gets behind it.”

Tickets are available at:

www.123tix.com.au,

Canowindra Services Club (cash only),

Balloon HQ at Canowindra Phoenix Office, 84 Gaskill Street, Canowindra

At the gate on the day (card only).

Aspiring Uni Students Explore Charles Sturt Wagga Wagga

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Country Education Foundation of Australia Manager of Partnerships, Hilary Matchett, second from the left, with CEF alumni, from left to right, Matthew Moorse, Kadee Gerhard-Scali and Laura Mannes, who are studying at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has made it possible for dozens of aspiring country university students to experience a university campus, with a fully subsidised trip to Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga as part of its Explore Day on Tuesday 19th March.

Twenty-five students, including four from Parkes High School, four from Forbes High School and four from Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes, took advantage of the opportunity given to them by the CEF, which covered their costs for transport, accommodation, and meals, thanks to funding from its partnership with Charles Sturt University.

Students were collected from Parkes, Forbes, Grenfell, Young and Cootamundra and transported to Wagga Wagga to learn about the university, the courses it offers, and the benefits of studying in a regional area.

CEF Manager of Partnerships Hilary Matchett, who organised the trip, said its aim was to build motivation and aspiration for students from targeted areas and to keep them engaged with exploring their tertiary study opportunities.

“It is important to deliver these sorts of opportunities for students in our regions, as with the rising cost of living, travelling to university events, such as an Explore Day, can have many barriers for a regional student,” she said.

“Students thoroughly enjoyed seeing learning facilities, learning about application processes, accommodation and scholarships, going on campus tours and hearing from current students about studying at a regional university.”

The university’s partnership with CEF demonstrated its commitment to improving access to university for rural and regional students.

Presenting Annie The Musical

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Photo of cast after rehearsing an orphan scene last Sunday. Photo credit Ruth Crowley.

Experience the beloved story of Little Orphan Annie as brought to life by the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society. Prepare to be enchanted by this timeless tale, offering a new generation the opportunity to embrace the essence of resilience and hope.

Annie presents a captivating musical journey, featuring an unforgettable score including classics like “It’s A Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.,” the poignant “Maybe,” and the ever-optimistic anthem “Tomorrow.”

In 2005, Annie was the first non-original musical Lyn Townsend directed. 19 years on, and she is once again directing this perennial favourite. Neil Westcott is Musical Director, promising a tight, entertaining music score, with choreography by the talented Gracie Townsend

The 2024 production of Annie has a cast of 45, including 16 orphans. Lexi Herden plays the irrepressible Annie with the perfect mix of poise and spunk. Joining her is Hannah Farrant Jayet as Grace, Andrew Francis as Oliver (Daddy) Warbucks, Ruth Barnes as Miss Hannigan, Aaron Kingham as Rooster and Kimberley Ryan as Lily.

The season of Annie runs from April 20th to May 11th, with performances every Friday and Saturday night, along with Sunday matinees. Thanks to Betta Electrical Parkes, Friday night attendees have the chance to win an exciting lucky door prize! All bookings over the season go into a draw to win a 56 inch television. Join us and discover why Annie remains one of the most cherished and awarded musicals of all time. Reserve your seats now for an unforgettable evening or afternoon of entertainment.

Labor’s Family Car Tax To Hurt Bush Families

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is the Hon David Littleproud MP. Leader of the Nationals Party.

As you head down any highway across regional Australia the landscapes may change drastically but certain things stay the same. Some of the most common sights you’ll pass during your travels are four-wheel drives, utes, and family cars. It doesn’t take much investigation to figure out why these types of vehicles are so popular in the bush.

They are designed to accommodate the whole family, carry your tools of the trade, and importantly are designed to travel long distances, which is the reality of living in regional Australia. However, regional Australians are set to pay significantly more for these types of vital vehicles under this Labor Government’s new ute and family car tax.

Under this policy, in February, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries predicted the price of Australians’ favourite vehicles is set to skyrocket. The cost of a Ford Ranger is predicted to rise by $17,950, while the price of a Toyota Hilux is forecast to soar by $14,490 and the Isuzu D-Max could increase by $13,830. This Labor Government has labelled it as an efficiency standard, but it simply is a tax.

We all want to see cleaner and cheaper cars and utes on our roads as we head towards net-zero by 2050, but Labor’s plan is not the answer.

There is proof of these types of plans having adverse impacts in other countries such as New Zealand where a similar tax drove up the cost of a car by about NZ$7,000.

There are also concerns that some manufacturers will withdraw from the Australian market altogether.

It’s not just a differing view of politics, industry leaders have warned that carmakers will have no choice but to pass on the costs associated with Labor’s efficiency standard.

In February, Australian Automotive Dealers Association CEO James Voortman said “this policy goes too far too fast and that consumers will be the big losers”.

This type of prediction is a worrying one for all Australians during a cost-of-living crisis, but especially for those of us who live in the bush where we rely on these vehicles to support our families and our communities.

Don’t Let The Flu Catch You

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is urging all eligible Australians to get their flu shot following an alarming number of flu cases across the country.

In the first quarter of 2024 there were 26,836 influenza cases reported by the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).

By February, case numbers were already double the number than what was reported the same time last year.

Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey says Australians should get ahead of the flu season and get their vaccination now.

“The flu season typically runs from May to October,” Professor Twomey said.

“However, flu vaccines for the 2024 season are available now in community pharmacies across Australia.

Professor Twomey said that getting vaccinated ahead of the flu season is important for protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu and its complications.

“Although the vaccine will last throughout the year, it is most effective in the first three to four months following its administration.”

According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), people who received an influenza vaccine in late 2023 are still recommended to get the flu vaccine in 2024.

ATAGI also advises that flu vaccines can be given on the same day as other vaccines, such as COVID.

The Australian Government funds influenza vaccines for eligible patients under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Further information will be available from the Department of Health and Aged Care when NIP-funded influenza vaccines become available.

Ask your community pharmacist about your flu vaccine or visit www.findapharmacy.com.au to book an appointment.

McDonald Claims Another First

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

WMX Results – Rd1. 1st Charli Cannon – 50. 2nd Tayla Thompson – 44. 3rd Danielle McDonald – 40 (Yamaha Racing).’

It was another weekend and another first for Parkes’ teenage dirt bike sensation, Danielle McDonald. With a junior career littered with national championships in off road and motocross, then a gold medal at the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) last year not long after her sixteenth birthday, McDonald is putting together a lengthy list of achievements for her resume. 2024 has started well with success at the opening round of the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), she won the Women’s division on day two. She also racked up another milestone, by landing on the podium at round one of the ProMX in the Women’s class.

McDonald was nervous prior to racing getting underway as she is new to the ProMX scene. Race one saw her make a couple of mistakes as she shook off the nerves, resulting in two small crashes, yet she was able to pick herself up and fight all the way to the finish and cross the finish line in third.

Race two and she was again in the thick of the action and was in a tight battle with seasoned campaigner, Emma Milesevic, who challenged her right until the end. The pair swapped positions several times in the later stages of the race, but McDonald was able to hang on for another third place and was sent straight to the podium for third on the day.

A pattern is forming here with Danielle: Her first ProMX, her first ProMX podium. Her first senior AORC, her first podium. Her first ISDE, her first ISDE podium. Keep an eye out for the talented and determined teenager as she continues to gain experience in both the motocross and off-road paddocks.

McDonald explained “I had a great time at the ProMX round and really enjoyed the racing. It’s much bigger than I thought with so many major teams and the media presence at the race. I still have a lot to learn and there are a lot of fast girls but I’m looking forward to doing this year’s series and thankful Yamaha Australia has given me support to race it”.

Upgrade Creates Accessible ‘Space’ at The Dish

March 28, 2024 by Roxane Manley

(Left to Right) – Vince Williamson, Darrin Souters, Peter Parkes, Dr John Reynolds, Matt Spittles, Mayor Neil Westcott, Phil Donato MP, Nick Marjason (CSIRO), Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet, Rhonda Towney, Cr Lousie O’Leary, Melissa Schrader, Kelly Hendry, Tricia Trim (CSIRO).

Visitor areas at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory has received a major upgrade thanks to $500,000 from the NSW Government. The investment supported the installation of wheelchair accessible paths, automatic doors at the Visitor Centre and accessible and renovated bathrooms to ensure the observatory remains a major drawcard that can be enjoyed by everyone. The funding also included the construction of an inclusive space-themed playground with accessible equipment, soft fall ground cover, and sun cover. Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the accessibility upgrades to the visitor areas at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory will bring great benefits to the Central West, this project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when various levels of Government work together.

“This is now a great accessible space to host young space fans, further cementing itself as a world- class tourism destination for budding astronomers who visit the region,” Minister Moriarty said. Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Neil Westcott said: “Increasing the accessibility to all indoor and outdoor visitor areas at the facility, and by making the Visitor Centre more mobility friendly, inclusive and family friendly, will improve the visitor experience.”

The icon of Australian science attracts over 100,000 visitors per year. The observatory is home to Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope, used by astronomers from around the world to explore the universe. CSIRO Director of ATNF Operations Dr John Reynolds said “These upgrades to our Visitors Centre help us share the wonders of the Universe with all our visitors.”

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