Parkes Rotary Club: Rotary Club will once again be operating their BBQ at the Parkes Elvis Festival. The Club will be cooking steak and sausage sandwiches, chips and cold drinks. The Club’s site will be lo­cated opposite the Parkes Services Club in Cooke Park next to the War Memorial, they are looking forward to serving you.

Festival Street Closures: We’d like to re­mind Parkes locals and visitors that street closures will be taking place from Wednes­day 8 January 2025 to Sunday 12 Janu­ary 2025 to make way for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival.

Sean Luke Spiteri As Elvis: Sean is be­yond excited to kick off celebrations at the Parkes Elvis Festival in style to mark his 25th Anniversary as an Elvis Tribute Artist – performing one exclusive show only! On Saturday, 11 January from 9pm, Sean will take to the Main Stage at Cooke Park in the Feature Show of the night, performing in front of thousands of amazing Elvis fans. This will be his first performance of 2025 and he can’t wait to share his energy, pas­sion, and love for the King with you all. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars for this free event.

Utlimate Elvis Tribute Artists: We are su­per excited to announce the 20 contestants in the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest in alphabetical order are; Andrew Bithell, Anthony Fenech, Brendon Chase, Darren Armstrong, Dean Justice, Doug­las Charles, Elvis Roberts, Emilio Prince, Gerard Mascarenhas, Joe Ozzimo, Johnny Angel, Josuel Grech, Matthew Birse, Ricky Ford, Ross Mancini, Stuey V, Taurean K Mill, Terry Leonard, Toyokazu Toki, Tristan James. Congratulations to these perform­ers and thank you to those who were un­successful.

Parkes Harness Racing Club: Elvis at the Trots 2025 will be held on Wednesday 8 January featuring leading Elvis tribute artist Damian Mullin. Race 1 will be at 6.37pm, and gates open at 5.30pm, with free entry for all. Don’t miss the chance to win one of two, $1,000 fuel vouchers up for grabs on the night – ticket $10 each.

Gospel Show: Mike Hague, Kahlia Mar­tin, Phil Grove and John Coker have been busy charting and organising songs in time for The Parkes Elvis festival Gospel Show on Sunday 12 January with The C.C Band. Mike claims, “The band must have covered over 300 Elvis songs in the last 20 years but there are always more – over 700 of them I’ve been told.”

 

Northparkes Mines Street Parade: with Elvis-themed floats, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles the annual North­parkes Mine Street Parade is a spectacle like no other. Head along and join Elvis and Priscilla look-a-likes, and marching bands as they head from Bushman Street to Cooke Park down the length of Clarinda Street. The parade will be held on Satur­day, 11 January, beginning at 10am and will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Parkes Shire Libraries Photography Competition: Everyone is invited to visit the annual Elvis Photography Competition running from 8 – 31 January in the Coven­try Room of the Parkes Shire Library. The announcement of winners will take place on Friday 10 January at 4pm. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available.

Parkes Elvis Festival Eats: Fuel up fans, you’ll need plenty of beans to get you through the coming week. Find out where you can get your caffeine fix, a hearty pub meal, a snack or dine in a restaurant with our online directory of where to eat. Check out the restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes at bit.ly/PEFeat

2024 HSC Success For Red Bend Cath­olic College Student: RBCC want to congratulate Freya Hooper, who was an­nounced as being one of 4 students to top the state in Primary Industries in the 2024 HSC exam. Congratulations also to the three other country girls who came equal first in the course, which covers everything from fencing to driving a tractor and drench­ing sheep; Jorja Banett from St Paul’s Col­lege Walla Walla, Poppy Starr from Scots All Saints College and Josephine Galcsik from St Philip’s Christian Education Foun­dation.

R U OK? Not everyone has the same thoughts, feelings and experiences over the holiday period. Someone you know might find it a really tough time of year.

Keep an eye out for the signs a mate is struggling, and take the time to check in.

Double Demerits In Force From Today: Philip Donato MP is reminding everyone that double demerits are in place for 13 consecutive days in NSW over the festive season, from Friday, 20 December 2024 until the end of Wednesday, 1 January 2025 inclusive. “A timely reminder to be ex­tra safe out there on the roads this festive season – arrive alive!” Take care, Phil.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Everyone is in­vited to visit the annual Elvis Photography Competition running from 8 – 31 January in the Coventry Room, at the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre. The announcement of winners will take place on Friday 10 Janu­ary at 4pm. Everyone is welcome. Light re­freshments will be available.

Forbes Veterinary Clinic: Are you going Fishing over the Holidays? Fishing related litter and debris can have a big impact on wildlife that interact with it. Birds, turtles, platypus and other aquatic animals can be accidentally injured by discarded fish­ing tackle, including fishing line, hooks and sinkers, lures, traps and nets. At some pop­ular fishing sites, it can also impact visitors and their dogs.

Central West Police District: A reminder as we get into the holidays and people are travelling. Driving fatigued is one of the three biggest killers on NSW Roads. htt­ps://testyourtiredself.com.au/

Parkes Public School: We wish Mrs Whit­ty all the best in her retirement! Thank you Mrs Whitchurch for 31 years of service at Parkes Public School and over 40 years of service to the Department of Education.

You have made such a wonderful impact on the PPS school community

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council is thrilled to announce their suc­cess at the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards, where they took home: Division A (popu­lation < 30,000) and Overall Winner of the Natural Environment Protection & En­hancement: On-Ground Works Award for the Parkes Wetlands Development. These awards recognise the outstanding achieve­ments of councils across NSW in protect­ing and enhancing our environment.

Forbes Shire Council: Recycle your blister packs for free right here in Forbes. Forbes Shire Council has partnered with Life Pharmacy Forbes, Flannery’s Phar­macy and Pharmacycle to make it possi­ble for residents to recycle their medicinal blister packs. Blister packs are the pack­aging most medicinal tablets and capsules come in and they cannot be recycled in the yellow lid curbside bin, meaning they often end up in landfill. This is because the aluminum and plastic in them are bound together. Pharmacycle separates these two materials and recycles them to make a range of products such as fences, building and construction materials. Recycle your blister packs by using the blue Pharmacy­cle bins located at both pharmacies instead of placing them in your red lid bin.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Ready to roll? Ap­plications for the Northparkes Mines Street Parade are open! The Northparkes Mines Street Parade is a Festival-fan favourite. Kicking off 10am Saturday, 13 January along Festival Boulevard. Sign up to walk, ride, drive or float at: bit.ly/ElvisParade

1800RESPECT: Violence of any form is never okay. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, support services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Na­tional services include: 1800RESPECT and www.1800respect.org.au. You can also contact the Men’s Referral Service at https://ntv.org.au/mrs/. Always remember, that you are not alone and that there is sup­port available.

Forbes Little Athletics: In partnership with Coles, Little Athletics NSW gave away eight $500 vouchers during Coles Com­munity Round. To enter, you had to post a photo on either Facebook or Instagram in your best Coles Community Round outfit.

Well done to the Forbes Athletics club who pulled together, got dressed in their best in the Coles Community Round outfits and were one of the eight winners announced.

Thank you to Little Athletics NSW and Coles for allowing great opportunities for our communities.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange is proving to be one of the best centres to sell sheep with an incredible 721,473 sheep being herded through between July and October. This is a jump of 40% from last year, with more vendors from Victoria and Queensland making the trip to Forbes due to its central location and high prices per head. Cattle sales rose 32%, with 30,099 sold at CWLE in the same period. Read more at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Country Women’s Association of NSW: If you would like to donate to the CWA of NSW Disaster Relief Fund, go online at www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate. The CWA of NSW Disaster Relief Fund has been used for disasters such as floods, drought and bushfires, as well as other disasters such as the recent power outages in the Broken Hill region. As members help to cover our admin costs, all your donation will go to those in need.

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation: Are you ready to embrace the courage, col­lective spirit, and hope of changemaking? Join us for a two-day Changemaker Work­shop to create a positive, lasting impact on your community. Join a network of change­makers across rural, regional and remote Australia. This workshop is fully subsidised with thanks to the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, as part of the Helping Regional Communi­ties Prepare for Drought Initiative.

Please note that fully subsidised tickets are limited, highly valued and wait lists exist for most regions. Before registering, please ensure you can commit to attending the two days and should you unexpectedly be unable to attend, please notify us so your ticket can be transferred to another local changemaker. Registrations close either when fully booked or 7 days before the workshop. For more information and to register, visit rural-leaders.org.au.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Last Thursday, members of the monthly Thursday Book Club wrapped-up the year with delightful conversation about their latest read “The Tea Ladies”. Fittingly, participants celebrat­ed with a sophisticated cup of tea and a plate of sweet treats! Thursday Book Club meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month at 5:30pm in the Parkes Library. Head along and enjoy.

Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee: Communities from across the Central West region are being urged to get behind their local volunteer finalists for the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. The NSW Volunteer of the Year finalists were chosen from 25 regions across the state and an­nounced at local and regional celebrations over the past few months. Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee has been nominated for Central West Volunteer Team of the Year. The 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Gala ceremony will be held in Syd­ney on Tuesday, 10 December.

Parkes Shire Council: Don’t forget nomi­nations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards are still open! The three award catego­ries include: Community Awards, Cultural Awards and Sporting Awards. We encour­age everyone to nominate deserving in­dividuals and groups who have made a positive impact on our community. Nomi­nations close Friday 6 December 2024 at 5pm. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3T7IzPE

NSW Government: Abuse is never ok.

If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available. Call triple zero (000) – for emergencies; 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential advice and

support; the NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 656 463) for counselling and refer­rals; and 13 YARN (13 92 76) is a dedicat­ed support for First Nations peoples.

Meals on Wheels: Cabonne Home Sup­port are looking for volunteer drivers for Eugowra’s Meals on Wheels. If you can help out give Canowindra office a call on 6344 1199.

Forbes Shire Council: Calling all local musicians. We have an exciting opportuni­ty to busk and be part of the entertainment at our Australia Day event, which will also include food stalls and fireworks Sunday 26 January 2025, 6pm – 9pm at Lions Park, Forbes. Expressions of interest forms need to be completed and submitted by 5pm Monday 13 January 2025. Download the form at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/our-community/australia-day

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions: A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined to remember the lives of Colin Lloyd Jones, Stuart Osman, Ross Bodkin, and Michael House. As we marked 25 years since the airblast event at Northparkes, your support for the families and survivors of that day, and shared memories made the memorial service a meaningful tribute.

Thank you to everyone who travelled from near and far to attend the service.

Red Bend Catholic College: The creativity of young filmmakers was celebrated at the 2024 Parliament of NSW Parli-Flicks Short Film Award, and our Year 7 student Oscar Hendry won a medal for Best Regional En­try. This exciting competition challenged students from Year 5 to 12 across NSW to craft a one-minute short film exploring a thought-provoking question: If you were a Member of Parliament, what law would you pass and how would you implement it? Os­car’s video highlighted the doctor shortage in regional NSW and proposed incentives for doctors practicing in towns with a popu­lation of less than 20,000.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: Less than two weeks until auditions for Mamma Mia. A lot of people have told us they are auditioning, but not yet registered.

Registrations are essential for those wish­ing to audition. So far we have about 40 people registered, but we can still fit more in. We will particularly need men. Mature men and young men (18-30ish). Please check out the audition pack at the link pro­vided on their Facebook page, then get in touch with your favoured audition sessions.

NSW Government: Are you an essential worker who has moved to regional NSW (or thinking about it)? We’ve got a free ser­vice to help with all the life stuff—like find­ing housing, choosing childcare, job op­tions for your partner, and more. You can check out The Welcome Experience here nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

PCYC Parkes: Calling all passionate com­munity members! PCYC Parkes is in need of dedicated individuals to join our commit­tee and help shape the future of our club.

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who share our vision of providing positive programs and activities for the young peo­ple of Parkes. If you’re interested in making a difference and contributing your skills and time, please contact Kim via email ksher­rett@pcycnsw.org.au

Regional Business Supplies: Big con­gratulations to Marty, our amazing winner of the September Step Challenge. Not only did she crush her steps, but she also stepped up in the most heartwarming way.

Marty used her prize money to buy gro­ceries and generously donated them to Georgie’s Pantry, spreading kindness and making a real difference in our community.

Thank you to Marty for helping inspire us all to keep moving and to give back.

Parkes Shire Council: Congratulations to Marshall Munn on being awarded Young Volunteer of the Year at the RFS Youth Awards. This recognition highlights his ded­ication and outstanding contributions to our community through his work with the NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade and SES. Earlier this year, he was honoured as Parkes Young Citizen of the Year, and it’s clear that Marshall’s commitment to service and leadership is making a real difference.

We’re proud to have such an inspiring young leader among us

Forbes Library: The Forbes Library Survey is now open. Please share your thoughts to help shape the future of your local library.

Your feedback will directly influence the programs, resources, and collections of­fered at Forbes and ensure they reflect the needs and interests of the community. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to com­plete. Please go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/2T9KVPQ to participate and provide your thoughts and suggestions. Every re­sponse plays a vital role in enhancing the library experience and creating as welcom­ing space for all. Paper copies of the sur­veys are also available at Forbes Library.

Heart of the Nation: Heart of the Nation and The Heart Foundation are bringing lifesaving AEDs to our town. But knowing how to use them is just as important. Join a free training session to learn CPR, AED use, and how to respond in a cardiac emer­gency.

• 13th November: 2pm, Eugowra Show­ground Pavilion
• 13th November: 5pm, Forbes Sports and Recreation Centre
• 14th November: 10am and 12pm, Parkes Services Club.

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions: We’re hiring for multiple roles across the site. Ready to join the Northparkes team? Follow the link to see the opportuni­ties available now: https://bit.ly/48xHN4Q

R U OK? When you encourage people to come as they are, you create a safe space for them to talk about their good and bad days.

Roylances Tractor Replacements: After yet another successful RTR Golf Day, we are proud to be able to donate $5,075 from our day to Boys To The Bush in Forbes.

They are a terrific organisation doing amaz­ing things in the community. Check out all of the great things Boys To The Bush do https://boystothebush.org.au

Parkes Shire Council: Council were hon­oured to host a citizenship ceremony at the Parkes Shire Council Chambers where we welcomed Adan Salad Gonjobe, born in the upper eastern region of Kenya, Ann Tran, born in Vietnam, Leo Paul Pius, born in In­dia and Olamide Rhoda Kolawole, Olufemi Abefe Kolawole, Folakemi Adele Kolawole, and Damilola Louisa Kolawole, originally from Nigeria, the Kolawole family arrived in Parkes from Adelaide in 2023. Welcome to Australia and the Parkes community.

NSW Government: Encourage the wom­en in your life to get a breast screen with BreastScreen NSW. For women aged 5074, having a breast cancer screen every 2 years saves lives! Did you know – it’s free for women aged over 40, takes just 20 min­utes and no doctor’s referral needed. Learn more (the website is in 27 languages): bit.ly/BreastScreen_NSW

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions: We are pleased to share the 2024 Annual and Sustainability Report from Evo­lution Mining. This report highlights our op­erations, sustainability achievements, and overall business performance for FY24. To learn more about Northparkes and other Evolution Mining operations visit: https://evolutionmining.com.au/case-studies/

Kerin Health: Kerin Health have just opened up new clinic hours for Physiother­apy treatment before work every Thurs­day morning. The clinic will be open and available for appointments each Thursday from 7:30am in the old ANZ bank building at 74 Lachlan Street, Forbes. Don’t forget, Kerin Health are also located at Forbes Medicine and Mind, around the corner on Cross Street, every Tuesday between 9am and 1pm. To book an appointment at either location in Forbes, go to www.kerinhealth.com.au/book-an-appointment

Parkes Elvis Festival: Declare your love at the Parkes Elvis Festival with the popu­lar Renewal of Vows ceremony. Held under the ‘Love Me Tender’ arch, this is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to renew your vows before an Elvis wedding celebrant. For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/PEFvows

Forbes Shire Council: FSC are prepar­ing the dam for the busy summer season ahead by dredging to restore the water’s depth, so boat users can enjoy the dam.

The dam will be closed to boats from Thursday 24 October to Thursday 31 Oc­tober while the dredging takes place. It will remain open for fishing and exercise. For more information please contact Forbes Shire Council on (02) 6850 2300.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Applications for the Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions Street Parade are open. This crowd favorite event will take place on Saturday, 11th January 2025, at 10am along Festival Boulevard. Whether you want to walk, ride, drive, or float, it’s time to join in on the fun! Be part of one of the biggest highlights of the Parkes Elvis Festival. Sign up at: bit.ly/ElvisParade

NSW Department of Communities and Justice: How would you use $1,000 to support your studies? Think laptop, uni­forms, tutoring, stationery, study furniture or more. Scholarships valued at $1,000 are available for students in years 10, 11 and 12 in 2025, who live in social housing or in out-of-home care. To find out more go to: dcjnsw.info/scholarships

Women NSW: This week is NSW National Aboriginal Languages Week (20th – 27th October). Language is sacred and con­nected to Country and culture. It brings to­gether generations and ties spirituality and identity. NSW is home to approximately 35 Aboriginal Languages, many of which cross borders into other States. Of the top ten Aboriginal Languages being renewed (in terms of speaker numbers), six are lan­guages used in NSW. Interested to learn more? Head to the Aboriginal Languages Trust website: https://www.alt.nsw.gov.au

National BBQ Championships Forbes: It’s time to start prepping for the National BBQ Championships Forbes on 9th – 10th November. Fire up the barbie or the smok­er put on a BBQ Spotify playlist and get in the groove. Get your mates together and register your team now on the Forbes Shire Council website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Aruma: Imagine living with a disability and being labelled a ‘faker’ or ‘lazy’ simply be­cause it isn’t visible to others. From Oc­tober 20 to 26, Invisible Disabilities Week aims to raise awareness about invisible disabilities and challenge the stereotypes that often accompany them.

Forbes Shire Council: Thinking about a career change? Council has positions available in the following roles:

• Grants and Projects Control Officer

• Multi Skilled Civil Labourers

Applications for all positions close Sunday 10 November. Apply now on the Forbes Shire Council website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au. FSC strive to make sure everyone is treated fairly and supported at every stage of getting a job. If you need any sort of adjustments or support to do this please reach out.