The water line growing higher and higher around Forbes Smash and the popular Sylo cafe on Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Craig Dwyer)
Flood water in Farrand Street on Wednesday morning.
The CBD was turned into an island by late Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Craig Dwyer)
The ADF has been helping out since the first flood about two weeks ago and were busy filling sandbags earlier this week.
Parkes Public and Parkes Christian School attended a Kindy Enviro morning at Kelly Reserve in Parkes on Tuesday.
Nate Teague, Hannah Farrell, Mariana Garcia-Castano and Kyan Johnston from Parkes Christian School.
Oscar Brown, May Steventon and Lillian Honnor from Parkes Christian School.
Myles Tonkin and his classmates from Parkes Public School.
Averie Smith and Archie Curtis from Parkes Public School.
Elly Tom
Where were you born? Carlton, Victoria.
Were you named after anyone? Yes, my great grandmother Ellen Mary Morris.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My adult daughter, and son, to see their achievements and little families.
What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The moon landing, the whole school watched it on one tv in the hall.
What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Trust yourself that you can do it.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Parkes, leaving behind family, friends, and where I grew up.
What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My husband, a radio and books.
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Share it around my family.
When are you happiest? When with family and playing music.
Alice and Michele Clifton at Lachlan Laundry Services:
Michele: It is the third time in 12 months that we’ve taken out all the machines and we are very happy we did. The water came in the front at about 700mm and higher at the back. We had to rip out all the carpets today, and paint is coming off the wall in the back. It looks like the sandbags stopped most of the mud and debris from coming in. We consider ourselves lucky, as there are people who’ve had a lot more damage. We are not sure yet when we can reopen as we’d have to check all the electricity.
The community has been so supportive and people just walking past are asking us if they can help. We would also like to give a huge thumbs up to Lee and staff members from Ray White who came in to help rip up the carpets and get all the dry cleaning out.
Alice: I was eight years old in the 1952 flood and we were evacuated to Parkes. In 1974 I was in hospital having a baby. I’d say this flood was on par with the 1990 flood.
Marie Walker, Sister Anette, Pam MacRae and Beryl Searl: The connection with people and being able to help a lot of people. Everyone was happy and smiling, and it felt like we were doing our bit to help others. We had some wonderful days at Vinnies chatting away while working at the back. The atmosphere was just wonderful.
A Family of Volunteers: It has become a bit of a family tradition and together they have volunteered over 100 years at Vinnies in Parkes. Mum Francis Charlton (second left) with cousin Elaine Charlton on her right and her two daughters Christine Cox (left) and Maree Mulligan (right). Christine is the current Retail Team Leader in Parkes, and also filled the role from 2011 to 2016.
David Brennan
Where were you born? At Shoalhaven Hospital in Nowra.
Were you named after anyone? Not that I am aware of.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Progressing my career in hospitality to club management roles in a relatively short amount of time in the industry.
What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The 2019 bush fires in NSW. I remember walking outside of work at the time, on a Saturday night with virtually no customers inside, and the sky was an eerie black colour, and oddly quiet.
What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be disheartened by trying to change the world overnight, and not being able to. Make positive, small steps and you will look back in the future and see the success.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving my previous club, and moving to Parkes, to be the General Manager of the Leagues Club.
What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A fishing rod, matches and a (full) water bottle!
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book flights to see my best friend who moved to the USA two years ago.
When are you happiest? Relaxing on the outdoor lounge with a cold beer in hand.
Jan Martin on the catwalk with a dress for her 40th wedding anniversary.
Bridie O’Malley in a wedding dress.
Ann Reade, life member of the Oxley Group, with one of the fashion garments on display.
Irene Ridgeway
Where were you born? I was born at Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Waratah in Newcastle.
Were you named after anyone? I was named after my Aunty Irene.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My six sons are my proudest accomplishment.
What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Marching down George Street in 1983 protesting John Pat’s death in custody. This protest became a symbol of injustice and oppression for Aboriginal people.
What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Just be you.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m not much of a risk taker, I think life is one big risk, it’s what we achieve daily that counts.
What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? I’d take an umbrella, some water and a satellite phone.
If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book a cruise somewhere.
When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m around the people I love and when I create art
Jacinta Passmore, Luka Parkin and Reuben Kelly.
Ben McKay and Esther Bruce.
Ellen Tom, Phil Redenbach, Lila Gascoigne and Eliza Noakes. (Photos: Caroline Chapman)
Rachel Pace: Tasmania for its bush walks, wineries and just road tripping around. Cradle Mountain is just amazing. I’ve been there once and would love to go again.
Sophie Huckel: I visited a friend in Wellington, New Zealand and found it to be very beautiful.
Mel Hoey: I just love Italy – the buildings, landscapes, food – all of it. I would go there again and again.