The Parkes Phoenix Issue 164 by Phoenix Group of Newspapers

Kerryn Jones is the newly appointed Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services at the Parkes Shire Council.

The Green, Green Grass Of Home Kerryn Jones returned to Parkes after 38 years to be closer to family. Little did she know she would end up Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services. “I am thrilled to be in this role,” said Kerryn in her new office at the Parkes Library. “I am on a steep learning curve as I have a lot to learn in the library area, but I’m lucky to have a very strong team here and in the other libraries at Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.” Kerryn left Parkes to attend Sydney University where she completed a degree in education, and worked in Sydney for about 18 years before she moved to Adelaide where she lectured at the university and TAFE. She tasted small town living again moving to Roxby Downs for three years. She returned to Adelaide to work with the Education Department, and in December

last year she and her sister decided to move back to Parkes. Initially she thought her biggest challenge was to start a garden at her newly bought house, but her new position is going to stretch her even more. Apart from learning about library services, she will have to oversee the library expansion project, as well as moving the whole collection and all the library services to a new location during construction. “It is a really exciting project flowing from consultation with community groups. The library is a fabulous community service and has excellent programs, but space was a limitation. With the expansion project completed by the middle of next year, we will be able to grow and respond better to community needs.” Continued on page 2

CUNNINGHAM’S 362 Clarinda Street Parkes 6862 2522 Monday to Saturday 6.30am-7.30pm Sunday 7am-7pm

DOUG PARKINSON

AU S T R A L I A’ S Greatest S O U L VO I C E & HIS EIGHT PIECE BAND

Honours JOE COCKER

S AT 2 2 J U N E D U B B O R E G I O N A L T H E AT R E D R TCC .CO M . AU ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

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Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society PROUDLY PRESENTS

phone l (02) 6344 1846 web l www.parkesphoenix.com.au Postal Address PO Box 251 Canowindra NSW 2804

Publisher Sarah Maynard | Publisher | 0403 270 995 publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

OPENS 7th JUNE

for two weekends only Tickets $25 adults $20 for children/pensioners

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.parkesmandd.com.au OR FOR PURCHASE AT Parkes Stationery & Office Furniture Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig BROADWAY JUNIOR COLLECTION®

Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire Music by Jeanine Tesori

Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford. “I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.

Continued from page 1 Kerryn envisions the new space to become a hub for culture, education and library services offering lifelong learning to the community. She is looking forward to connecting with all the cultural groups in Parkes to use the new space to its full potential. One thing Kerryn does not need to work on is her love of reading. “I have a wide taste for fiction and non-fiction, and especially Australian literature, as well as Australian movies and music.” After a little bit of thought she did confess that the classic To Kill A Mockingbird was one of her favourite books of all time though. By Maggi Barnard

Editorial Maggi Barnard | Editor | 0403 080 085 editor@parkesphoenix.com.au Advertising Sylvie Maloney | Sales | 0490 517 590 sales@parkesphoenix.com.au Advertising Deadline Tuesday 4pm if you require design Wednesday 3pm for pre-designed ads Editorial Deadline | Wednesday 10am

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THUMBS UP... THUMBS DOWN

THUMBS UP To all the people doing the right thing in public when they have a cold, like covering your mouth when you cough.

THUMBS UP To the people who helped me to get up after I hit a pole in Parkes with my gopher and fell over.

THUMBS UP To the wit of McAlister’s Lemons comic strip.

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FROM the Editor... This will be my ninth winter in Parkes and I am still amazed by the extremes between the seasons in this part of the world. I really enjoy the contrast the different seasons bring, having lived for so long in places where it was not as distinct. My favourite is definitely autumn with its wind still, glorious days of golden sunshine when spending time outside rejuvenates every cell in your body. Fortunately, I love reading so winter brings the joy of sitting by the fire with a good book and a warm drink. The weather has been hogging much of the headlines lately with all the stories about climate change. Whether you believe in it or not, the most concerning aspect is the vast amounts of our natural world we are losing. I think we could all make an effort to reduce our footprint, like not using plastic straws, or refusing plastic bags. I would like to hear about what you do! Enjoy Issue 164! Maggi

Tougher penalties were introduced by the NSW Government last week to strengthen drink and drug driving penalties.

Tough Penalties For Drink And Drug Driving

Much tougher penalties for drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol were introduced last week. Drivers caught drink driving will receive a $561 fine and immediate three-month licence suspension, even if they are a first time or low-range offender. Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Belinda Coe said: “Driving with the presence of drugs or alcohol in your system is not only illegal, it’s extremely dangerous and puts your life and the lives of all other road users at risk. This reform will ensure offenders receive swift and certain penalties to help protect all road users.”

Western Region Traffic Tactician, Inspector Ben Macfarlane said alcohol was one of the major factors in crashes that kill or injure people on NSW roads. “The 0.05 blood alcohol limit has been in place for almost 38 years. If you are caught drink driving, there is no excuse,” he said. “If you have an illegal level of alcohol in your bloodstream or have used illegal drugs, you can expect to be caught and charged by police.” The latest change is one in a wave of drink and drug driving reforms introduced since July last year, aimed at reducing the number of crashes and fatalities. These include the extension of Mobile Drug Testing with the inclusion of testing for cocaine.

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SNIPPETS...

The Trundle Library Junior Book Club were all smiles after speaking with author Jackie French during a recent book club session. The children were all given the chance to ask Jackie a question. She was overwhelmed by some of the questions and how they were articulated.

Bogan Gate CWA News: Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin held their Annual Bridge Day at Bogan Gate on 7th April, with players from West Wyalong joining in. The CWA catered for everyone for the 12th time making it a thoroughly enjoyable day. President Marion McIntyre laid a wreath on behalf of the CWA at the local Anzac Day Dawn Service. Ten members attended the May meeting. International officer Heather Veal provided interesting information on the country of study this year, Papua New Guinea. Some members have started writing their life stories after attending a workshop at the Parkes Library. As this drought is still crippling the community, the CWA will be helping Bogan Gate and Gunningbland farmers and their families by hosting a free bbq night at the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate on 29th June at 6:30pm. “We hope many will come to this night as it is very important in these times to mix with friends and all help each other,” said the organisers. The next meeting is on Thursday, 20th June at 1:30pm at the hall. Visitors are always most welcome.

Friday 31 May 2019 Page 3

QUESTION of the week On Track For Better Rail: Member for Orange Phil Donato tabled a 10,000 signature petition in the NSW Parliament this week for improved rail services in the Orange electorate. The petition was originally created by the Orange Rail Action Group, who have been fighting with Phil for regional rail improvements. “The whole community has rallied behind improving our rail services in Orange and the broader Central West,” said Phil when tabling the petition. “I will be asking for an early morning express passenger train direct from Orange to Sydney and return. In addition, I am fighting for rail infrastructure upgrades of the Main Western Line to support fast passenger and freight rail services, as well as early commissioning of the Regional Rail Fleet on the Main Western Line.” Restrictions Reminder: Level two water restrictions are still in place across the Parkes Shire. Under level two restrictions, residents are only permitted to water outside the hours of 10am and 5pm with odd numbered households allowed to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and even numbered households on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. For more information about Level 2 water restrictions, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Last week was National Volunteer Week and many organisations, businesses and groups in Parkes acknowledged the generous contribution made by volunteers to keep our community vibrant and supportive. The time and effort put in by volunteers are vital to keep many services and events going, like the large group of volunteers (pictured above) for the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

What do you like to do when it gets really cold?

Mill’e Cornelissen: Drink hot Milo and just rug up at home watching movies with my son.

Greg Phillips: Stay inside by the warm heater and watch movies with my children.

Robert Male: Put extra blankets on the bed and watch NRL on TV.

100 CLARINDA ST, PARKES • 02 68622060 • E: sales.tsm@live.com.au

Friday evening will also include a presentation about finding and protecting the endangered Small Purple Pea, a native plant that is of significance in Central NSW.

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READERSCorner All The Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr A well written novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. This deeply moving novel illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. • • • •

OLDFashioned

1 teaspoon caster sugar 2-3 dashes Bitters 60ml Scotch whisky Orange peel to serve

Place sugar in a glass. Douse with bitters and add a few drops of water. Add whiskey and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add several large ice cubes and stir rapidly with a bar spoon to chill. Garnish with a slice of orange peel and serve.

HEARTYWinter Meals SLOW COOKER SPANISH CHICKEN • • • • •

2 tbsp olive oil 12 large chicken thighs (bone in) 150g pitted stuffed green olives 300ml dry white wine 300ml chicken stock

• 1 red onion, halved and sliced • 225g chorizo, thickly sliced • 3 mixed colour capsicums, cut into chunks • 1 tbsp tomato paste

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan then fry red onion for about 5 mins until golden. 2. Tip into the slow cooker pot then fry chicken thighs and chorizo in the same pan until starting to colour – you will need to do this in two batches. 3. Add to the slow cooker with capsicum, olives, wine, chicken stock and 1 tbsp tomato purée. 4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

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Paddles Up To One Year

Parkes and District Historical Society Museum volunteer Jim Hutton, Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure, and Darcy Emmanuel at the memorial for Phil Emmanuel.

Parkes Honours Legendary Guitarist

It’s been a year since the Parkes community was shocked by the sudden passing of one of Australia’s music legends. Last week a permanent memorial was installed in honour of Phil Emmanuel outside the Henry Parkes Centre on the first anniversary of his death. The memorial was organised by Phil’s brother and Parkes resident, Darcy Emmanuel, and kindly donated by Rod and Cheryl Fletcher from Rocks of Remembrance. It was officially unveiled at a special tribute show held in Phil’s honour at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival. The memorial is positioned outside the entrance to the Parkes and District Historical Society Museum where there is an exhibit honouring the Emmanuel family. Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure said: “It was an honour to meet Phil in 2018 when he was inducted into the Wall of Fame.” “He was both a great musician and a lovely man to work with. This memorial is an im-

portant installation to honour his memory,” Cathy said. Phil could well have been the greatest electric guitar player Australia had produced, according to rock historian Glenn A Baker. Baker presented the music TV show After Dark in the 1980s when The Emmanuel Brothers blew everyone away performing a trick that involved the two of them playing the one instrument. “Tommy would [go on to] be the greatest acoustic guitar player we’ve probably seen,” said Glenn. He started his music career at a young age as part of the Emmanuel Quartet. The Emmanuel family settled in Parkes in 1967, where Phil attended school prior to moving to Sydney. Phil and his brother Tommy were inducted into the Elvis Wall of Fame at last year’s Festival, with Phil performing a solo show to a sell-out crowd. He was planning to return to Parkes this year to perform.

The shore of Lake Endeavour was a scene of festivity when about 100 people helped to celebrate the first anniversary of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club (PDBC) on Sunday. As colourful flags fluttered in a slight breeze on the last beautiful day before the cold stepped in, Phil Donato MP praised the club for what it has brought to the community of Parkes. Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton thanked the club for looking after the lake and its environment. Once the dragon birthday cake was cut, it was time to get on the water. Club members came from Forbes, Bathurst, Orange Pinnacles, Orange Colour City and Mudgee to help celebrate the day. The two boats went out several times with mixed teams including first time paddlers. “What a splendid day it was,” said PDBC President Bill Thomas. “It was great to see so many members from other clubs joining us for a fun-filled day both on and off the water, and all the first-time paddlers who hopped in a boat. I can only say a big thank you to everyone for making it a great day!” The Pinnacle Dragons agreed it was a wonderful day. “Thank you Parkes Dragon Boat Club - it was a joy to help you celebrate your first birthday - you are a credit to the dragon boat world.” Some club members reflected on the first year with Michael Hutchison saying: “It’s been a wonderful experience. The people who established the club have done an absolutely magnificent job.” Chris Auld said it had changed his life, while Sue Griffey said: “Being on the water is so peaceful and relaxing, which is very good for the mind.”

The Ultimate Joe Cocker Tribute

If you are a Joe Cocker fan don’t miss Australia’s greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson in his ultimate tribute coming to Dubbo on 22nd June. It will be a night of soul and rock classics with electric current running high generated by a very talented eight piece band and of course the powerful and unique voice of Doug Parkinson. Joe Cocker was an irresistible force that combined a love of American soul music with standout interpretations and depth of feeling, terms often used to describe the soulful smoky voice of Australian singing

legend Doug Parkinson. Cocker is most famous for what he did with other people’s songs like Hitchcock Railway, Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On, She Came in through the Bathroom Window, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, Up Where We Belong and Cry Me A River. Just a few of the songs Doug Parkinson has included in his show and leaves the audience spellbound. Doug is not only an entertainer but an amazing vocalist. Doug is also a multi award winning artist of soul and rock and box office hit musicals. (See details of show on front page.)

Time to cut the birthday cake. From the left are Phil Donato, Bill and Beth Thomas, Deb Abela and Barbara Newton.

Page 6 Friday 31 May 2019

BE Seen

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WHAT’S On 30 May & 1 Jun 31 May Mid Jul 2 Jun 3 Jun 4 Jun

Chris Martin, and David and Diane Potts had a relaxing Sunday morning at the first anniversary of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club at Lake Endeavour.

6 Jun 7 Jun 8 Jun

8 Jun 12 Jun 15 Jun Parkes Dragon Boat Club members Virginia Rice and Harley Tom at the club’s first anniversary on Sunday.

17 Jun

22 Jun 22 Jun 28 Jun 29 Jun Parkes Dragon Boat Club member Linda Snyman made a beautiful dragon cake for the festive occasion.

29 Jun Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

Deb Abela and Ian Griffey looked after the bbq to keep the hungry paddlers happy at Lake Endeavour on Sunday.

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Ongoing

Les Miserables Auditions at The Little Theatre. Go to www.parkesmandd.com.au for more information. BreastScreen NSW in Parkes at The Little Theatre Carpark, cnr of Bogan & Dalton Streets. If you’re 50-74, book your free breast screen now on 13 20 50. It’s important, it’s free and it could save your life. New Harmonies – a concert by local choral and instrumental groups at the Parkes Services Club at 2pm. Tickets at the door: $10 adults; $5 secondary students. Monday Monthly Meal at the Uniting Church Hall doors opening at 5:15pm and meals served from 5:30pm. Enjoy a warm home style cooked meal. All welcome. The Next Stage Growth Program at the Forbes Town Hall from 12 – 1pm. Book for this free event at Eventbrite.com.au. Craft Corner morning tea to celebrate 45 years at 10:30am. All Welcome.

Shrek The Musical Jr opens at the Parkes Little Theatre for two weekends only! Suitable for the whole family. Buy tickets at www.parkesmandd.com.au or Parkes Stationery & Office Furniture. Parkes Picnic Races Don’t miss the social highlight of the year with fashions, fun and festivities, live music and the popular Fashions on the Field at the Parkes Racecourse, Eugowra Road. Gates open 11:30am. $20 per person, pay at the gates; under 16 free. Parkes Garden Club monthly meeting at Darren Gibson’s garden, 79 Tanks Rd Parkes at 2pm. All welcome. See you there! National Parks Association of NSW 5km bush walk graded easy at “Orana”, Eugowra Road, Parkes. Meet at the property gate number 2 on Ernie Hodges Road. Time TBA. Walk leader Andy Tom on 6862 2536. Autism friendly performance of Shrek The Musical JR at the Parkes Little Theatre at 2pm. Spirituality in the Pub, organised by Holy Family Parish at the Commercial Hotel at 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Share a drink and/or dinner and hear Rev Crystal Spindler and Sr Elizabeth Young speak on their experiences on our topic Women in Ministry. For more information contact Frances on 0412 103 597. Bat Out Of Hell - The Ultimate Meatloaf Tribute at Parkes Services Club from 9-11.30pm. Tickets at the club or online at : https://www.123tix.com.au/events/2704/ bat-out-of-hell-the-ultimate-meatloaf-tribute Contact 6862 1966 for more info. Joe Cocker Tribute by Australia’s greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson at the Regional Theatre in Dubbo. Call 6801 4378 to book. National Parks Association of NSW 8km bush walk graded medium at Conimbla National Park, Wallaby and Ironbark Trails. Meet at Gooloogong Park at 9:15am. Walk leader Peter Cannon on 6866 1225. All things Teapots and Tea Towels with soup and slices lunch at St George's Hall, Church St. If you wish to display your teapot and/or tea towel, come after 8:30am on 29th June. For more information contact Norma on 6862 2880 or 0409 622 888. Bogan Gate CWA branch is hosting a free barbeque night for farmers and their families from Bogan Gate and Gunningbland at the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate at 6:30pm. Parkes Day VIEW Club Luncheon meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Astro Dish Motor Inn. Call Pamela on 6863 4552 to book. Author-rised creative writing group for adults and teens meets first Tuesday of the month from 6pm to 8pm at Parkes Library. Parkes Camera Club meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday night of the month at 7pm at Neighbourhood Central on the corner of Bushman and Currajong Streets. All welcome. Contact email address cameraclubparkes@gmail.com Lachlan Area Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) meets at 6pm on the first Wednesday of the month at the Uniting Church, Court Street. The Peak Hill Library Book Club meets the first Wednesday of the month 6pm 7pm. St George’s Soul Café is open the first two Saturdays of the month from 2 – 5pm in the church hall. Enjoy home-made food at very reasonable prices and good conversation.

Parkes Rd, Forbes (next to Hozpots) PO Box 586, Forbes NSW 2871 Phone: 02 6852 4288 Fax: 02 6851 1151 Email: a97.9fm@outlook.com Website: www.valleyfm.org.au

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OUR Bloke Ian Chambers How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I’ve lived in Parkes all my life - a great family town. Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am basically semi-retired, but still working with my wife, son and daughterin-law. Loved the video shop when it was operating, now we run TSG Parkes and Forbes and Network Video Forbes. What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I enjoy the occasional round of golf, like reading and watching movies, and am satisfied with gardening when I do it, which isn’t often enough. What makes you proud? I’m proud when I finish a task successfully, I’m proud of our children and grandchildren and I’m proud of my wife. If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I’m not an animal person. What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite all time movie is Bad Day at Black Rock (Spencer Tracy), but a more recent one is Leap Year, a rom com. Tell us about your best holiday. I would say my best holiday was when our son was posted to Belgrade and we toured through some of the eastern European countries. What is on your bucket list? I’d like to travel and see more of Australia.

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Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

Mayors Demand Swift Climate Action Mayors from councils across the country have demanded swift action to tackle climate change from the Federal Government. Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith and 14 other mayors from the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest local government climate alliance, have joined forces to demand more Federal support for local work on climate change, commitment to a national 100% renewable energy target and rapid phase out of fossil fuel subsidies. Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said local governments around Australia and the world had been leading on climate action for decades, however their efforts were increasingly stifled by the shocking inaction of their state and federal governments. “By stoking fear and ignoring the science, our federal parliamentarians are distracting voters from the inarguable truth – that without urgent, coordinated, and global action to reduce emissions and shift to renewable energy, we will trigger runaway climate change.” Climate Councillor Professor Tim Flannery said the next Federal Government must act swiftly to avert a climate crisis - and that means supporting local solutions. “Mayors are making a stand to demand that Federal leaders commit to meaningful action on climate change - and that means switching to renewable energy and ending subsidies for the dirty coal and gas industries that are putting our communities at risk of serious climate damage.” The mayors demanded three major actions from Federal leaders: • Strong national climate policy aligned to the science and a national commitment to rapidly transitioning to 100% clean energy • Support the rapid phase out of fossil fuel subsidies which contribute to climate change • Provide long-term finance to support implementation of clean energy and sustainable transport, such as rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicle charging stations, public and active transport infrastructure in council and community areas.

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To The Moon And Back

In about 50 days on 21st July it will be 50 years since NASA’s Apollo 11 lunar module landed on the Moon and the human race took its first steps onto another world. Australia, and in particular Parkes, played a key role in communicating with the Apollo 11 spacecraft, tracking it, and sharing news of this ‘giant leap’ to 600 million people around the world via the technology and teams at NASA’s Honeysuckle Creek, and CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope and Tidbinbilla tracking stations near Canberra. CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has worked with NASA for almost 60 years as its official ‘cooperating agency’ in Australia. CSIRO is supporting many events in the lead-up to the anniversary. One highlight will be open days at the Parkes radio telescope, the world famous ‘Dish’, over the weekend of 20th and 21st July when thousands of visitors are expected with former staff that supported the Apollo 11 telecast. CSIRO has a 75-year history in the space sector that includes tracking spacecraft exploring our Solar System, Earth observation analytics, managing complex facilities, processing big data and supporting manufacturing supply chains. Art Workshops In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Parkes’ role in the Apollo 11 moon landing mission, Regional Arts NSW and Parkes Shire Library will host a weekend art workshop for 12 to 17-year-olds. Experienced local artist Leanne Wilson will lead the workshops and participants will produce a canvas artwork which will be displayed at a public exhibition during the anniversary celebrations. As places are strictly limited, make sure to book early to secure a place. Bookings and payment ($20 per student) to be made at Parkes Library. The workshop will run from midday to 4pm on 22nd and 23rd June.