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Parkes Elvis Festival Celebrates ‘Speedway’ With Unique Car Exhibition

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

There is a lot to get revved up about over the return of the Parkes Elvis Festival, but an exclusive and unique exhibition to celebrate this year’s theme will be a chequered flag experience for many.

The Speedway Car Exhibition will run for five days only and will feature vehicles on display for the first time.

So, get your motor running and head to the corner of Clarinda and Mitchell where you will be greeted by a special Holden Dealer Team (HDT) showroom with a collection of modern and period cars, and road and race cars.

The collection of cars had the full HDT treatment, including the 2015 VF ‘Blue Meanie’ collection in sedan, wagon and ute configuration. It is the first time that the anniversary edition Commodores will be on display together. The VE-VC, VF-VK group A and VF-VL Group A that will excite Holden lovers and motor heads alike.

A crowd favourite is sure to be the 1980 Marlboro Holden Dealer Team 05 VC Commodore built by Peter Brock, which brings the King of the Mountain to the King of Rock and Roll in Parkes.

Also included will be a VK Group A, VE Interceptor and VF Champion Series Commodore. The Holden theme continues with a Walkinshaw Commodore and a HK Bathurst Monaro. Fans of the blue oval will also be pleased with the inclusion of such cars as a Moffatt Tribute Mustang along with a 1965 Shelby Cobra and MK 1 GT40 that appeared in Matt Damon’s Ford vs Ferrari movie. (Read more about this amazing exhibition on page 8.)

Entry is free and the display is open from 9am to 5pm from today to Sunday. The official opening is at 11am today and Peter Champion from HDT Special Vehicles will be sharing his wealth of experience, as well as his friendship with Peter Brock.

Rare Racing Memorabilia On Display At Speedway Car Exhibition

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Holden Driving Team Special Vehicles owner Peter Champion with the VE-VC 30th anniversary Holden that will be on
show. “I am honoured to showcase my dreams of keeping the iconic HDT brand, that started in the 1980s with Peter
Brock, alive in the Retro Series at the Parkes Elvis Festival with the 30th Anniversary Blue Meanies and VL Group A,”
Peter said.

The once-in-a-lifetime Speedway Car Exhibition is sure to get all car lovers and enthusiasts heart rate racing.

“We are absolutely thrilled to share this collection of racing and prestigious cars along with racing memorabilia and virtual reality simulators in this free exhibition,” said Parkes Elvis Festival Director, Tiffany Steel.

The free exhibition at 375 Clarinda Street, Parkes is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and if European cars get your engine going, the exhibition features a beautiful racing Porsche GT3RS, 500 hp that does 0-100 in 3.2 seconds.

There is also Peter O’Donnell’s BMW313i which has completed more laps of the famous Bathurst circuit than any other car and was last year’s Bathurst 6-hour winner.

As the name suggests, there will also be a collection of speedway cars including Sprint cars, modified sedans and even a 37 Ford Coupe Hot-rod Beach Racer. Parkes local John Pizzaro, Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame inductee, World and Australian Title winner will have three of his karts on display.

There will be a display of racing suits worn by racing legends including Peter Brock, Allan Jones, Jim Richards and Stephen Richards along with rare racing memorabilia.

Who can clock the fastest lap?

World class Seattime car racing simulators as used by racing drivers, especially during last year’s lockdowns, will also be a drawcard of the exhibition. Anyone over the age of 12 can book a timeslot via the Parkes Elvis Festival website where you can choose to challenge for the fastest lap of the Elvis Festival or test yourself on a wide range of other tracks available.

The Elvis shuttle bus service will have a stop in Mitchell Street right outside the entrance making getting to and from the exhibit very easy.

Note from the Editor

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Sydney Central Station January 2020 with Maggi Barnard (right) snapping away! (Photo: The Guardian)

“Never wait for tomorrow, what if tomorrow never comes?” – Elvis Presley

It pretty much feels like the last Parkes Elvis Festival took place in another world. In many respects it was a very different world in January 2020. We were still battling the grip of the terrible drought when the bushfires broke our hearts causing unfathomable devastation. At the time we could not have imagined anything worse…

While there are still lots to keep us awake at night, we owe it to ourselves to celebrate some wins: our countryside is looking spectacular again, we’ve come through several lockdowns and we can travel and attend events again!

The Parkes Elvis Festival has always been known for its uplifting vibe and friendliness, and this year more than ever we all need an infinite dose of that special feel-good vibe to fill up our souls with hope, enjoyment, fun and kindness that will put that zest for life back in our step.

We hope your time here will inspire you to make the most of every day and that you will go back to your respective communities feeling inspired to spread some kindness and good will. May the 29th festival be an unforgettable one, not just because of its change of date, but also for the experience.

A huge thank you to our sales managers Roxane Manley and Jordana Freney for all their hard work to make this Elvis issue the biggest one yet!

Let’s rock ‘n roll!

Maggi Barnard

Precious Collection Of Festival’s First ETA At Henry Parkes Museum

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

One of the photos of Eddie Youngblood that was donated to the museum; The drum skin and sticks signed by DJ Fontana, who was a drummer for Elvis, on display at the Henry Parkes Museum; Michelle Youngblood with the first eagle suit that was made for an Australian by Gene Doucette of B & K Enterprises Costume Co.

The Henry Parkes Museum received a very special donation recently that will be its feature display this Parkes Elvis Festival in memory of the first tribute artist to perform at the inaugural Parkes Elvis Festival.

Eddie Youngblood, who suddenly passed away on 1st March 2021, returned for two more festivals and his dying wish was that his Elvis costume collection and items be donated to Parkes.

Last month Eddie’s partner of 34 years, singer and dancer Michelle Youngblood, arrived in Parkes with a car load of precious items. The collection includes the famous eagle suit. “Eddie was the very first Australian to have the eagle suit made for him by Gene Doucette of B & K Enterprises Costume Co,” said Michelle. She also donated his blue owl suit, which was specifically made for Eddie.

Another very precious item is a drum skin and drum sticks signed by DJ Fontana, who played the drums for Elvis for 14 years. DJ toured with Eddie for six weeks in Australia.

The donation also includes his ’68 Comeback Special leather outfit, two jackets, a 50s microphone, three LP records, his MO Awards, photos and some of his sheet music.

Eddie was born in the Victorian coastal town of Apollo Bay in 1956. After his family moved around Victoria for several years, they went to Townsville in Queensland. He got his first taste of showbiz when he entered a high school talent quest and won the audience prize of $10.

He served his apprenticeship in talent quests and went on to create a tribute show around the music of his idol, Elvis Presley. ‘The Golden Years of Elvis’ and ‘Idolz in Concert’ became massive hits in clubs and casinos around the country. Eddie was revered by his peers as one of the first and most successful tribute acts, long before the phenomena it became decades later.

Eddie was awarded ‘Best Variety Production Show’ for two consecutive years in the 1984 and 1985 MO Awards.

In 1983/4 he starred in the original Australian production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ in the role of Pharaoh with Angela Ayers and Daryl Cotton.

He became a regular performer on most Australian variety entertainment television show in the 80s and 90s. In 1991 he starred in the pre-game entertainment at the NRL Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium with a television audience of 45,000.

In 2003 Eddie took on the role of marketing and entertainment manager at Club Forster where he worked until his death. The auditorium at the club was renamed in honour of Eddie last year.

When asked about the secret of being a successful ETA, Eddie said: “I’ve always said it’s the passion, dedication, hard work and understanding that you are yourself not anyone else. It’s your heart, soul and respect of the music and the man that makes you sincere and genuine in the eyes of your audience.”

Find Yourself… In Amazing Forbes This Elvis™ Season!

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Start your engines, put on your blue suede shoes and come party with us in Amazing Forbes! Forbes is proud to partner with the Parkes Elvis Festival to expand the offering of events over the course of the week. Amazing Forbes loves a party and this is no exception!

The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast has become a favourite for Elvis-goers and local Elvis fans alike to attend during the festival. Come and start your day the right way and get your boogie on – with a good feed, funky entertainment and maybe even a bit of a jive!

It all happens in Templar Street, right in the heart of the CBD from 7-10am Friday, 22nd April; with plenty of yummy brekky options to choose from – and of course, good coffee to get you in the groove for the rest of the day! Cafés are located in Templar, Lachlan and Rankin Streets. Entry is free – just buy your own brekky. Spot the red Mustang and stop for a selfie – just like Elvis!

And why not also have a browse at our gorgeous boutique stores before you head off to more Elvis-infused activities and events? Buses leave from Club Forbes to Parkes up the other end of Templar Street at 9.10am, 11.10am and 1.10pm.

Other exciting events that are happening in Amazing Forbes over the course of the Festival include:

The Presley Gala at Club Forbes: Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-11pm featuring Nigel Stanley, Ricky Ford, Rick Charles, Terry Leonard, Gabe Phoenix and Mark Caligiuri.

Elvis Entertainment at the “Golfie” (Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel): Performances from Bernie Peri on Friday night 7.30-10.30pm, Locked and Loaded (Rockabilly) on Saturday night 7-11pm, and Barockers on Sunday afternoon 1-5pm.

Contact the venues directly for more information on these fun events!

Buses will operate between Forbes and Parkes during the festival, and bus stop locations are at Big 4 Forbes Holiday Park (Flint Street), Forbes Showground (Show Street), Club Forbes (Templar Street/Newell Highway) and Sam Street/Newell Highway (opposite the Forbes Golf Club). Bus timetables are available at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.

Time To Rev Up Your Engines And Let Down Your Hair!

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

READY, SET, GO… There’s no other way but the ‘Speedway’ at the return of the Parkes Elvis Festival this year with a fantastic line-up of all the old favourites and a host of new and unique events. Making it all happen are Parkes Shire Council’s Cathy Treasure, Visitor Economy & Major Events Specialist and Tiffany Steel, Parkes Elvis Festival Director.

After two years of slow living and ‘tracky dacs dress ups’ at home, the green flag is up and it is time to speed up the fun, friendly feel-good vibe that draws thousands to the Parkes Elvis Festival.

The King is back and from today Parkes will transform into a red, white and blue melting pot of go-go dancing girls, racing overalls and suits, spectacular racing cars, and of course the ubiquitous Elvis jumpsuit for this year’s Speedway theme.

The next five days are jam-packed with more than 400 Elvis and speedway inspired events. Apart from all the much-loved festival favourites like the Street Parade, Renewal of Vows, Gospel Service, Miss Priscilla Dinner, and free Cooke Park Main Stage Entertainment, a host of new and unique events will make the comeback festival an unforgettable one.

There is the Speedway Exhibit of rare and classic race cars and virtual reality simulators, a Pin-Up Pageant for rockabilly and vintage fashion lovers, a wild rock and roll play about Sun Records, Mark Anthony’s one-off special Speedway Show, a virtual Q&A appearance by Speedway child star Victoria Paige Meyerink, and Charles Stone, tour producer for the Elvis Presley Tours in the 1970s.

Taylor Rodriguez, the USA’s 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, will make his Australian debut at the Feature Concert Series, and the list goes on and on for a festival where you can forget about the troubles and hardships of the past two years to rock ‘n roll to your heart’s content.

By Maggi Barnard

Sons Of Sun – ‘A Show That Sent Shivers Through Me’

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Frontman of Sons of Sun, John Kennedy.

The famous Sun Record label was founded by producer Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee in February 1952. Sun was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Sydney musician John Kennedy answered questions about the show:

Is the show a musical or cabaret?

Sons of Sun is neither a traditional musical or a cabaret. Told through the character of Sun Records’ founder Sam Phillips, his assistant Marion Keisker, and the famous musicians that Sam recorded, the show features a three-piece live band and three actors performing a scripted play. The focus constantly shifts from the story to the songs and back.

Whose music is featured in the show?

Fronted by Sydney musician John Kennedy, the Sons of Sun band performs excerpts of 35 songs from the artists who were discovered by Sam Philips ranging from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. But it also shows how Sam had originally set up his recording service to champion the music of black rhythm and blues musicians in the Memphis area. Howlin’ Wolf, BB King, Ike Turner, Rufus Thomas and many more artists recording at Sam’s studio before the discovery of Elvis.

Will Elvis fans get to hear some of their favourite songs?

Fans will hear a lot of Elvis and a whole lot more. The show outlines Sam Phillips’ musical influences from his early life and his struggle in setting up Sun Records until his discovery of Elvis. Elvis’ Sun Record recordings are featured along with some of his early RCA hits.

Who performs in the show?

The tenacious Sam Phillips is played by Sydney actor, Matt Charleston, with co-stars Victoria Beck and Ben Maclaine taking on multiple roles from Sam’s assistant Marion Keisker to Howlin’ Wolf. Alongside John Kennedy in the Sons of Sun band are original Red Wiggle, Murray Cook on lead guitar and Phil Hall on bass.

Sons of Sun is on at The Little Theatre at 1pm today, 20th April and 1pm on Thursday, 21st April.

Four Generations At Royal Easter Show

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Janeen Coles and her daughter Libby with the photo of Janeen’s mother (crouching) that is part of the Western District Exhibit at the Royal Easter Show.

The Royal Easter Show has inspired a very special tradition for a local family and this year they reached the milestone of four generations’ involvement.

Janeen Coles from Forbes was joined by her daughter Libby last week to work on the Western District Exhibit at the show. The western district is one of five districts that make up the exhibit in the big dome and this year they’ve all combined in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS).

It all started with Janeen’s grandparents Charlie and Cis Frecklington from Peak Hill when they got involved in the 1940s, and then Janeen’s mother Elaine carried on with the tradition.

Janeen and Libby were also helping out with the judging of jams, pickles and preserves and this year the Western District won the perpetual trophy, the Dreves Memorial Shield.

“The people the trophy is named after worked with my grandparents on the exhibit, and lots of their family members are still involved,” said Janeen.

“I enjoy going back every year as we are like one big family and it is great catching up with everyone and working as a team.”

As Libby stepped in this year to keep the family tradition going, Janeen’s mother was also there to keep an eye on everything. “My mother’s photo is part of the RAS archive and this year they used it to print some bunting used at the exhibit.”

By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Molly Wright from Peak Hill was named the winner of The Land Sydney Royal Ag Shows Young Woman of 2022 at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney from 15 state finalists. (Photo: ABC Rural)

Five Days Of Double Demerits: Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from today, 14th April until Monday, 18th April (inclusive) for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Police will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the four Ds- drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said with COVID restrictions all but gone and state borders re-opened Police were expecting people to take full advantage of being able to holiday across NSW and interstate this year. “We want everyone to arrive at their destination, to enjoy Easter with loved ones, and return home safely. That’s why all available Highway Patrol Officers will be working. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix drinking with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts.”

Grant For Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre: The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Indigenous Corporation has received a helping hand in the form of a grant from the Federal Government Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) to restore and enhance a water-damaged courtyard. The community organisation received a $11,654 grant to enhance the centre’s outdoor space for the community to gather, reflect, celebrate and learn about Wiradjuri culture. Centre manager Aunty Aileen Allen said the grant was needed badly.

CSIRO To End Plastic Waste: CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will tackle Australia’s plastic pollution challenges, pledging to help Australia reduce its plastic waste by 80% over this decade. Australians consume one million tonnes of single use plastic each year – with just 12% recycled. Three-quarters of the plastic found along Australia’s coastline is single-use plastics. CSIRO’s Chief Executive Larry Marshall said the challenge was far bigger than any one institution and needed a Team Australia approach. “By turning plastic waste into a renewable resource, the Mission will deliver collaborative scientific and manufacturing capabilities to drive new technologies across the entire plastics supply chain and grow Australia’s circular economy.”

Bush Photography: Rural Aid’s hugely popular Spirit of the Bush photography competition has returned with more than 250 entries already received in the first week of the competition. A set of 12 photographs will be picked for Rural Aid’s 2023 calendar. Entries can be made here: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush or by tagging #SOTB2022 in your Instagram or Facebook posts. The closing date is 30th May.

The Obstacool obstacle course for kids in Lions Park on Sunday was a big hit and great way to start the school holidays. It was part of the Youth Week program. (Photo: Forbes Shire Council facebook page)

The Perfect Challenge

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

ICONIC TRANSFORMATION… View of the new Forbes Cultural Centre and Art Gallery in the making from the rear courtyard. The development is part of the $7.2 million Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project, funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program. For more information visit www.forbesartssociet.com.

The former Forbes Ambulance Station is undergoing a transformation and the company responsible for the work considers the Forbes Cultural and Art Centre project “the perfect challenge”.

“This project offers us a blend of old and new. An opportunity to restore a building with a lot of history, that has substantial damage, was too good to turn down,” said RWC Construction Manager Christian Gladdish.

“As a regional company, a project like this doesn’t come around too often. RWC are excited to give this building everything it needs for it to be around for the next 100 years.”

The Bathurst-based construction company has experience in working on heritage projects and where possible back that up with trades that understand the nature of the work.

With the preliminary works now complete, the next phase of the build is to install the new framing, structural walls and floors in line with the new centre’s dynamic layout.

A key milestone of the build will be the delivery and installation of the feature spiral staircase which will be craned into the foyer via an opening in the roof.

“This is an exciting time, not only for the Forbes Arts Society but the whole community, to witness one of the town’s most iconic buildings being transformed,” said Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick.

“What has been an eyesore for over two decades, will soon become a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors to gather, connect and create.”

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