EVENT + CONFERENCE PLANNING GUIDE
WHY PARKES time to think, space to breathe
central location at the crossroads of the nation’
opportunity to check out and reset your headspace.
Parkes has plenty of space to inspire the most
Our unique central location at the crossroads of
creative, and calm the busy minds of your
the nation's Newell Highway which runs north/south
delegates. Parkes is the perfect place to meet,
between Brisbane and Melbourne, and clear links
think big and collaborate. Add dark skies incentive
connecting Parkes to Sydney and Canberra, choosing
for the best night's sleep, your guests will be
space in Parkes makes for the perfect road trip. Or if
thanking you for the break away from the hustle
flying is more your thing, Rex flies three times daily
and bustle.
from Sydney to Parkes Regional Airport.
When in Parkes, you'll have time to think, space
Parkes plays in the space of agriculture, mining,
to breathe and the ability to think big. In Parkes,
business, Parkes Chamber of Commerce, transport
we don't judge for being 'out there', nor do we
and logistics featuring the Parkes Hub, science,
take ourselves seriously. But we take what we do
tourism, retail, public sector, and sports. With our
seriously. With a proven track record in successfully
finger on the pulse, we can connect you with our
hosting major events attracting visitors both
contacts within these industries affording synergies
nationally and internationally, take the 27,000
and connections to enhance the overall experience
guests who flock to the annual Parkes Elvis Festival
of your event. Our open spaces, in a paddock under
with over 150 individual events, we know what
the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope 'The Dish', or a
experiences your guests will love.
sporting field, will give you the opportunity to check out and reset your headspace.
IT ALL ADDS UP
GETTING HERE
By Road:
km
time
From Sydney
360
5hours
Our unique central location at the crossroads of the nation’s Newell Highway which runs north/south between Brisbane and Melbourne, and roads leading to Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra, makes for the perfect road trip. Or if flying is more your thing, Rex flies three times daily to Parkes Regional Airport from Sydney.
From Canberra
306
3.5 hours
From Newcastle
490
5.5 hours
From Wollongong 460
5 hours
From Melbourne
708
7.5 hours
From Brisbane
995
10.75 hours
From Adelaide
1,067 11 hours
From Perth
3,813 38 hours
Sydney to Parkes 5hrs by road
Sydney to Parkes 45min by plane
Coach available from major centres
WINS + SUCCESSES Parkes is experienced in welcoming your delegates in our space, hosting a variety of industry conferences and events. The region and Ground Control crew are dedicated to connecting conference organisers with local providers and experiences, ensuring each delegate experiences the full benefit of spending time in our space.
1800 bed spaces
2019
380 bed spaces 4 stars+
Located within 2.2km from Parkes CBD
Inland Astro Trail Symposium / 100 pax
2018 Inland Rail Sod Turning / 250 pax 2018 Cricket Blast launch by Cricket Australia / 80 pax 2018
ARA/ALC Inland Rail Conference / 400 pax
2018 Men’s Masters Hockey Tournament / 650 pax 2018 LG NSW Tourism Conference / 200 pax 2018 Royal Far West Town Meeting / 50 pax 2018 Agribusiness Today Forum / 100 pax 2018
CenWest Innovate Workshops / 30 pax
2018 Annual Conference of Oxley Group Country Women’s Association / 50 pax 2017
Leaders in Industry / 50 pax
2017
PSSA AFL Carnival / 1500 pax
2017
LG Inclusive Networking / 50 pax
2017
Teaching Strategies and Behaviour Support Workshop with Sue Larkey / 100 pax
2017
Women’s Conference & Careers Expo / 200 pax
2016
The Land Showgirl Zone 6 Finals / 300 pax
Annual Parkes Elvis Festival / 25,000+ pax Annual AstroFest & Conference / 100 pax Annual The Henrys Business Awards / 210 pax Annual Trundle ABBA Festival / 5,000+ Annual Parkes Picnic Races / 3,000+
CONTENTS GROUND CONTROL / WE’RE HERE TO HELP OUR SPACES / SPACE TO MEET/VENUES OUTDOOR SPACE SPACE TO STAY / MOVE ABOUT TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL SPACE TO BE OUT THERE / THINGS TO DO AND SEE VISITOR INFORMATION / WHAT’S ON IN 2019 / CONTACT US
GROUND CONTROL WE’RE HERE TO HELP We know that when you’re playing in our space, you’ll be looking for on the ground local knowledge. The Parkes Shire Council Economic Development Team are here to help keep you grounded. The team assist over 150 events, festivals, business events and celebrations of all sizes each year. You can be assured of specialist advice to facilitate and develop your event.
WE CAN ASSIST WITH • Event planning: Working with relevant council departments to roll out the red carpet, and reduce the red tape • Guide event organisers through the appropriate event permits for the region • Access to grants applications • Event promotion support • Digital promotion and support • Media support and opportunities • Accommodation support • Familiarisation tours
• Selection of event and function venues assistance • Pre and post tour options across the region • Social and accompanying partner activity programs and personalised itineraries • Provide local contacts for suppliers and services including AV, photographers, videographers, caterers, coffee carts, equipment hire, venues, local produce, print, design • Accessibility options for specific venues • Provision of promotional material and welcome bags
PARKES SHIRE COUNCIL NATALIE
Events Officer
P 02 6861 2333 M 0407 956 754 E events@parkes.nsw.gov.au W parkes.nsw.gov.au
OUR SPACES VARIETY / VERSATILITY / COMFORT With venues catering for 5 to 550, our variety of spaces can be modified for your bespoke event. Looking for something outside of the box? Chat to our Ground Control team who are in the know and can recommend some innovative spaces to host your next event.
Aastro Dish Motor Inn /Galaxy Restaurant space
30+ VENUE SPACES
Bushman’s Conference Centre space Coachman Hotel Motel space Country Comfort Parkes International space Coventry Room space CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope (The Dish) x 3 spaces Hart Bar at the Railway Hotel space Ikon at Hotel Gracelands space Mamre Farm space Parkes Golf Club x 3 spaces Parkes International Comfort Inn x 2 spaces Parkes Leagues Club x 6 spaces Cooke Park Pavilion* x 2 spaces Parkes Racecourse x 2 spaces Parkes Services Club x 5 spaces The Little Theatre x 2 spaces Capacity numbers are approximates.
SPACE TO MEET
Aastro Dish Motor Inn
Bushman’s Comfort Inn
Coachman Hotel Motel
Parkes Shire Council
A 10-16 Bogan Street, Parkes
A 9-13 Peak Hill Road P 02 6862 2199
A 48-54 Welcome Street, Parkes
A 25 Bogan Street, Parkes
P 02 6862 3000 www.astrodish.com.au
www.bushmansmotorinn.com.au
P 02 6862 2622
www.parkes.nsw.gov.au
Modern motel and meeting space, including Galaxy licensed restaurant, bar and conference facilities located in the centre of town.
Established conference centre located in a prominent position on the Newell Highway offering first class facilities.
www.coachman.com.au
ROOMS
36?
STARS VENUE THEATRE BANQUET
ROOMS
36?
STARS Galaxy Restaurant 100 100
VENUE THEATRE BANQUET
Nestled in the heart of the CBD boasting a refurbished lounge, bar area, function room and a secure outdoor kids play area catering for all types of functions for all ages. ROOMS
Conference Centre
36?
STARS
100
VENUE
100
THEATRE
200
BANQUET
100
Function Room
P 02 6861 2333 Located alongside the Parkes Shire Council Administration Complex and Parkes Library, this space offers a modern facility with hearing loop, wireless capabilities, kitchen and gallery picture hanging system. VENUE
Coventry Room
THEATRE
100
BANQUET
30
SPACE TO MEET
CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope (The Dish)
Hart Bar / Railway Hotel
IKON at Hotel Gracelands
Mamre Farm
A 1-3 Caledonia Street, Parkes
A 7-9 Bushman Street, Parkes
A 580 Mamre Road, Alectown
A 20kms North of Parkes on the Newell Highway
P 02 6862 1553
P 02 6862 3459
P 02 6865 3264
www.therailwayhotelparkes. com.au/functions/
www.gracelandsparkes.com.au
visionministries.org.au
If these walls could talk. Ikon is the birthplace of the Parkes Elvis Festival. IKON’s licensed restaurant, bar and function spaces give a nod to the king and other legends.
The Bush Cathedral is a large lined shed that can seat up to 1,000 delegates for large-scale, low key events seeking a unique location in an agricultural heartland.
P 02 6862 1777 www.parkes-vdc@csiro.au or www.dishcafe.com.au/ Add the wow factor to your event with this unique setting suitable for a range of meetings and functions with The Bowen Room and 3D Theatre. Add award winning Dish Café and on-site catering, Dish Catering.
VENUE THEATRE
VENUE THEATRE VENUE
The Bowen Room 30
3D Theatre 60 Dish Café
BANQUET
30
COCKTAIL
200
Perched above the Railway Hotel, this multipurpose space is the only hotel veranda in Parkes, and overlooks the Silos, making it the perfect spot for dinner and drinks, corporate functions, live entertainment or an intimate dinner.
VENUE
Hart Bar
THEATRE
80
BANQUET
70
COCKTAIL
180
VENUE
IKON
VENUE
THEATRE
100
BANQUET
80
COCKTAIL
130
THE BUSH CATHEDRAL
THEATRE
1000
BANQUET
700
SPACE TO MEET
Parkes Golf Club
Parkes Leagues Club
A London Road, Parkes
A 194-196 Clarinda Street, Parkes
P 02 6862 2044
P 02 6862 1499
www.parkesgolfclub.com.au
www.parkesleagues.com.au
Situated overlooking a picturesque course with watered fairways, the Parkes Golf Club is a blank canvas with great facilities, awaiting your event masterpiece.
Located in the heart of the CBD within walking distance to retail outlets and motels, offers a range of function rooms and an experienced function team.* VENUE
VENUE
Auditorium
Robert Wilson OAM Auditorium
THEATRE
200
THEATRE
500
BANQUET
150
BANQUET
550
VENUE THEATRE
VENUE
Bar 100
BANQUET COCKTAIL
VENUE VARIOUS
Pioneer Room
Parkes Racecourse
A Cooke Park, Welcome Street, Parkes
P 02 6862 2310
P 02 6861 2333 www.parkes.nsw.gov.au Anticipated to be the next big thing in Parkes, the Pavilion is a canvas open to interpretation and limited only by your imagination. Construction commences mid 2019, and is expected to be open by XXX 2020. VENUE
70 Federation Room
THEATRE
70
BANQUET
100
COCKTAIL
90
VENUE
Pioneer/ Federation
BANQUET
100
COCKTAIL
100
VENUE
Pavilion
Heritage Room
THEATRE
100
BANQUET
100
* also available is a boardroom seats 15.
parkesjockeyclubinc@gmail.com The Racecourse offers a rustic alternative to the traditional meeting spaces. The beauty of the outdoors complimented with a newly restored and renovated Grandstand boasting fully equipped kitchen, bar and two rooms on ground level.
VENUE
Pritchard Pavilion
THEATRE
60
THEATRE
100
BANQUET
30
BANQUET
70
COCKTAIL
120
VENUE VARIOUS
VENUE
A 7126 Eugowra Road, Parkes
50
Outdoors Unlimited
Parkes Pavilion in Cooke Park
Outdoor Unlimited
VENUE VARIOUS
Outdoor Unlimited
SPACE TO MEET
Parkes Services Club
Parkes Showground
A 9-17 Short Street, Parkes
A Mitchell Street, Parkes
P 02 6862 1966
P 02 6862 2580
A 18-32 Peak Hill Road, Parkes
www.parkesmandd.com.au
www.parkesservicesclub.com.au
parkesshow.com/ parkesshowsociety
P 02 6862 5222
The Parkes Showground is home to 29 separate building ranging in size and character, including exhibition pavilions and the Show Ring.
Located within walking distance to several motels and the Visitor Centre, the International offers a pleasant cocktail bar alongside its modern function rooms, ideal for meetings, team development days and small conferences.
Newly renovated theatre with tiered floor and seating, in addition to a fresh foyer and fully functional kitchen.
Parkes Services Club is situated within the CBD, with views of picturesque Cooke Park and features a fantastic multi room function facility. VENUE
Starlight Room
THEATRE
300
BANQUET
250
VENUE VARIOUS
Quality Inn Parkes International
www.parkesinternational.com.au
Outdoor Unlimited
ROOMS
36?
STARS VENUE
Sunset Room
THEATRE
55
BANQUET
30
VENUE
Boulevard Room
THEATRE
55
BANQUET
130
VENUE
Sunset + Boulevard
THEATRE
120
BANQUET
100
VENUE BANQUET
Restaurant 100
The Little Theatre A Cnr of Dalton & Bogan Streets
VENUE
Auditorium
THEATRE
VENUE COCKTAIL
300
Foyer 156 cocktail
OUTDOOR SPACE VARIETY GREEN / OUTDOOR AND VERSATILITY / ACTIVE / SPORTING SPACE Be playful With venues / Be catering active for in 5 to beautifully our 550, our variety manicured of spaces and maintained can be modified sporting for your bespoke spaces. Whether event. it’s for Looking a for something competitive game outside of cricket of the box? or AFL, Chat hit to of our tennis Ground with Control the team, team round whoofare golf in or the know and sunrise yoga, can there’s recommend a green some innovative space just for you spaces in Parkes. to host your next event.
26+ OUTDOOR SPACES
Aero Club Archery Armstrong Park Basketball courts, indoor and outdoor Bowling greens Cheney Park Cricket pitches and training nets Futsal courts Harness Trotting Track Harrison Park Hockey Complex with two synthetic turfs Keast Park Little Athletics oval McGlynn Park Netball complex, outdoor Northparkes Oval Paintball fields Parkes Aquatic Centre with 50m Olympic swimming pool and kids pool Parkes Golf Course with 18 hole grass green Parkes Racecourse Pioneer Oval Soccer fields Spicer Oval Squash Centre Tennis courts with 15 synthetic courts Woodward Oval (cricket nets and oval)
SPACE TO STAY + MOVE ABOUT VARIETY STAY / EXPLORE AND VERSATILITY / TRAVEL Whether With venues you’re catering here for for a 5 to or day 550, a week, our variety Parkes of region spaces has much cantobeexplore modified andfor your bespoke quality accommodation event. Looking to for something rest and re-recharge outsidefor of the the box?ahead. day Chat to our Ground Control team who are in the know and can recommend some innovative spaces to host your next event.
SPACE TO STAY
SPACE TO REST YOUR HEAD / ACCOMMODATION Visitors to Parkes can easily stay, pitch and unhitch with over 1,500 bed spaces available.
MOVING ABOUT
Parkes offers quality accommodation options with 15 motels, 4 bed and breakfasts, 7 hotels and 5 caravan parks. From affordable 3 star motels to brand new modern 4.5 star establishments, along with disabled rooms and pet friendly options, there is something to suit all needs, tastes and requirements. Of the accommodation available, a selection is rich in heritage and history. The Rosegarden on Church B&B is a federation style home and the gardens have been on display in previous Open Gardens. The Old Parkes Convent B&B was first built in 1910 as a Presbytery, was soon given to the Sisters of St. Joseph replacing their old Convent and in the hands of private owners, it has slowly been restored to its former glory. A further 300 bed spaces are available in historic pubs, quality motels and convenient caravan parks in the smaller Shire towns of Peak Hill, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore.
MOVE THROUGH OUR SPACE / TRAVEL / TRANSPORT Hire cars Avis 13 63 33 Hertz Car Rental 02 6862 4122 Thrifty 02 6862 1088 Taxi Parkes Taxi’s 02 6862 2222 www.131008.com Bus Western Road Liners 02 6862 1022 admin@westernroadliners.com.au
SPACE TO BE OUT THERE VARIETY RELAX / DREAM AND VERSATILITY / CREATE Take venues With a step away catering fromfor 5 to everyday the 550, our hustle varietyand of spaces and bustle can enjoy be modified our space. for your bespoke Playful events,event. colourful Looking for something landscapes, fun outside and friendly of the box? Chat locals and dreamy to our Ground dark Control night skies team allwho add are up to in the a know and great experience. can recommend During some innovative spring, the countryside spaces is toa host your next kaleidoscope of event. colour with flowering canola and wheat crops creating a visual patchwork across the region that will amaze you as you arrive in Parkes.
We invite you to engage with our Ground Control
Looking for some time out? What about
team who can connect you with and curate
Yoga in the Park?
personalised, local and bespoke experiences. From tours across the Parkes cultural spaces including the Henry Parkes Centre which is home to four museums to country style home made scones and jam for morning tea, our Ground Control crew will listen to your vision and assist in making that vision come to life.
Seeking the great outdoors? Early morning bootcamp to get your blood pumping. Or a farm tour complete with paddock to plate lunch. Reaching for the stars? How about footpath astronomy or daytime astronomy? An astrophysicist to speak at your event? Just ask. Want to meet a sheep? Farm tours will do that and more! Local produce dished up at your event? We’ve got some fantastic chefs, caterers and dessert buffs up our sleeves. Make a splash? Try Aqua Aerobics at our Parkes Aquatic Centre. Team bonding? Paintball, barefoot bowls, trivia nights, cardio tennis, dance, dragon boating, art classes, astrophotography workshops…
Be inspired by our historic attractions + cultural experiences. GAWAYMBANHA WIRADJURIGU NGURAMBANGGU WELCOME TO WIRADJURI COUNTRY Learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Wiradjuri people at the amphitheatre at Bushman’s Hill. Beautiful Wiradjuri artworks adorn the rocks and totem poles adding to the serenity. Experience history and culture at the Henry Parkes Centre which is home to four museums and the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. Rock back in time in the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit featuring genuine artefacts owned by Elvis Presley. Enjoy the impressive range of antique motor vehicles in the Motor Museum featuring displays from all heritage motoring eras. Wander yesteryear in the Henry Parkes Museum showcasing traditional family history and antique machinery and farm equipment. Sample some local produce in the Parkes Visitor Information Centre and grab a souvenir to commemorate your visit. Stroll the Parkes Art Trail across the Parkes CBD. Spot a statue of Elvis and Sir Henry, and many icons of Parkes’ past, present and future. Feeling adventurous, head to Bogan Gate, Peak Hill, Tullamore and Trundle to see the public art reach beyond Parkes. Tour the Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine featuring spectacular open cut pits and recent mine workings. Located just 400 metres from the Caswell Street, the main street of Peak Hill, the open cut gold mine provides a great example of mining techniques used historically and today. The historic gold mine has five spectacular open cuts, walking trails and viewing platform. Guided tours can be arranged for groups via the Parkes Visitor Information Centre 02 6862 6000. Whilst in Peak Hill, browse their antique and craft stores and local art gallery. Sample some old school confectionary treats at Temple Lions Antique Store & Lolly Shop. The Big Fish Fossil Hut collection includes a wide range of specimens that have lived across Eastern Australia over the past 700 million years. Take the time to explore the green spaces with Memorial Hill with a 33m Shrine of Remembrance shining over Parkes and Rotary Peace Park, the site of one of Parkes’ first gold mine at Bushman’s Hill and Kelly Reserve home to the Wall of Fame and a 3075 ‘S’ Class steam locomotive.
MAKE OUR SPACE YOUR SPACE
BE INSPIRED BY OUR SPACE AND SCIENCE. Tune into the universe at the famous CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope more affectionately known as ‘The Dish’. Enjoy interactive exhibits and 3-D theatre before unwinding with a coffee and a hearty beef and red wine pie from the award winning Dish Café. The Discovery Centre features interactive displays and exhibits, and two theatres with awe inspiring audio visual presentations about the telescope, and 3D adventures across the solar system. Look to the history of our skies at Parkes Aviation Museum at Parkes Regional Airport with a hangar of planes to be explore.
BE ADVENTUROUS IN OUR NATURAL SPACES Explore the natural spaces in the Parkes region including Goobang National Park, one of the state’s newest parks, Bumberry Dam and Lake Endeavour recently home to Dragon Boating! With plenty of recreational green space, we can relax and inspire busy minds, allowing your guests to leave your event rejuvenated. SPACE FOR RETAIL THERAPY The Parkes town centre is always bustling with activity, as visitors and locals alike enjoy Parkes shopping. Browse through Clarinda Street and its side streets to explore the boutique, gift and variety stores. Parkes is home to the major retailers including Woolworths, Coles, Big W, Aldi, Target and homemaker outlets including Harvey Norman, Betta, Furniture One and Mitre 10
VISIT OUR SPACE VARIETY TALK TO AND US /VERSATILITY VISIT US We love With venues sharing catering our space for 5 to in the550, Parkes our Region. variety Our of spaces can be professional and modified friendlyfor your bespoke team at the Parkes event.Visitor Looking for something Information Centre outside are of well the box? Chatto equipped tohelp our you Ground or Control host a bespoke team who experience are in the know in theand Visitor can Information recommend some innovative Centre surrounds.spaces to host your next event. PARKES VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE 02 6862 6000 / 1800 624 365 66-78 Peak Hill Road (Newell Highway), North Parkes OPEN 7 DAYS Weekdays 9am - 4pm Weekends & Public Holidays 10am - 3pm (closed Christmas Day) www.visitparkes.com.au
WHAT’S ON ON 2019 2019 WHAT’S JAN
FEB
2 Parkes Rodeo Stampede 13-19 Wings Out West Paragliding Trundle 16-17 Showcasing Parkes Talent 23 LG Touch Football Carnival 23 Ooh La La Dance Extravaganza 23 Parkes & District Relay for Life 30-31 Trundle Back in Time Vintage
9-13 Parkes Elvis Festival 26 Australia Day Celebrations 26 Australia Day Harness Race 31
Meeting Parkes Jockey Club TAB Race Meeting
MAR
Rally & Tractor Pull
6 Inland Astro Trail Symposium 13-24 Seniors Festival
APR
MAY
JUN
5 -6 Dinner Under the Blue Dish 7 Westlime/Rotary Charity Golf Day 10-18 Youth Week 25 ANZAC Day 26 Parkes Painters Group Exhibition 27-28 Kookaburra 8s Hockey 29 Parkes Open Houses
4 4-5 12
Trundle ABBA Festival Bogan Gate Markets Parkes Jockey Club Gold Cup Race Meeting 27-3 Reconciliation Week
7-9 8 9 9 9-10
JUL
AUG
SEP 7 Trundle Bush Tucker Day 7-9 Junior Tennis Open 13-15 SCT Logistics Parkes Open
7 -14 NAIDOC Week 20-21 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 20-21 AstroFest & Conference 28 National Tree Day
14 9-28 Parkes Shire Annual Shows
OCT 1-30 5-7 13 19 19 25 25
NOV
Small Business Month Parkes Antique Motorcycle Rally Parkes Open Gardens Central West Car Club Charity Show ‘n’ Shine Parkes Antique Motor Club Swap Meet The Henrys Business Awards Australian Indoor Marbles Championships
Peak Hill Arts & Crafts Exhibition Parkes Picnic Races Pow Wow Scale Aerobatics Group XI Parkes v Forbes Parkes & District Kennel Club Show
11
visitparkes.com.au
Remembrance Day
Golf Tournament Busking Championship - Peak Hill Regional Final
DEC
1-25 Christmas Festivities 8 Carols in Cooke Park 13 Christmas Street Parade & Party
Parkes Visitor Information Centre