The Parkes Phoenix Issue 155 by Sare Maynard

‘Miner For A Heart Of Gold’ OPENING HOURS

Monday - Friday 7am to 5pm Saturday 8am to 2pm Sunday Closed

Phone: 6862 6600

12-14 Saleyards Rd, Parkes

CUNNINGHAM’S 362 Clarinda Street Parkes 6862 2522

FINDING TREASURE… Dan Fredericks in his office at the Parkes Shire Library working on his latest blog on the heroics of RAAF pilot Rawdon Middleton.

While gold was discovered in Parkes more than 150 years ago, one resident is on a serious search to discover the new gold of our Shire. “Gold is our history, it is precious once you find it, but it is not a matter of just scratching the surface. You have to dig deeper,” says Local and Family History Officer of the Parkes Shire Library, Dan Fredericks. “My job is to do the digging, to do the research, and try and find the stories and truth behind stories and to make them presentable and accessible.” Dan started the library’s history blog (https://historyparkes.org/) in April 2015 after discovering some very rich story veins. “I have an incredibly interesting job, it is fascinating,” says Dan, who is also a passionate writer who loves turning his discoveries into interactive and well researched stories. Dan’s mining efforts are causing a new gold rush with views on the blog increasing from just over 3,000 in 2015 to almost 10,000 last year. “The blog highlights another part of our Shire, and while Parkes Elvis Festival is our most international event, the blog draws readers from all over the world. We have amazing stories, and unless we preserve and promote them, people will forget.” The history blog first started with war stories as it was the centenary of Anzac and Gallipoli, but he soon found many more veins of stories and credits the Facebook page ‘Parkes in photos of years gone past’ as a good source of inspiration. He says sometimes urban myths surface, such as the origin of the name Rosedurnate. There were various theories, and while researching it, Warwick Tom came in one day to do his own research and Dan discovered the true story resulting in another blog post. Continued on page 2

Monday to Saturday 6.30am-7.30pm Sunday 7am-7pm

Page 2 Friday 29 March 2019

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THUMBS...

Presented by the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society SHOW DATES:

April 5th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 24th, 26th and 28th. Afternoon and Evening Shows. TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW www.parkesmandd.com.au or Parkes Stationery & Office Furniture

Continued from page 1 An international event like the Olympics was the instigator of another exciting story discovery for Dan. When Scott Westcott was still waiting for his qualification for the marathon in the 2016 Olympic Games, someone mentioned that Scott would be the third one from his class to go to the Olympics. That was the spark to get Dan’s interest and the digging started resulting in an exciting project with a deadline on the eight Olympians to have come from the Parkes Shire. “Each one of them was an amazing story in itself – some very happy and some quite sad.” With over 50 blogs already written, Dan feels he has not even scratched the surface. “I’m in the job for life – there is so much more to research, dig up and discover.” With a steady stream of locals and visitors using the library for research, he is never short on new ideas. “It’s like finding treasure.” And every story seems to blow him away, as the one he is currently working on about the RAAF pilot Rawdon Middleton. Dan aims to post a new blog per month, and tries to promote new blogs as much as possible. “The more people know about it, the more ideas come through.” “My history teacher said if we don’t learn from our mistakes in the past, we will just make them again. Apart from the historical stories, there are also some fascinating tales, while others are just joyful things, like Parkes getting snow about every ten years.” With so much passion and dedication, Dan will remain ‘a miner for a heart of gold’, as Neil Young sings, to keep on digging up all the fascinating stories of our shire. By Maggi Barnard

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

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

THUMBS UP To Parkes Shire Council for the new picket fence at the cricket fields looks awesome. Thanks for listening.

THUMBS UP To online businesses using no plastic and only recyclables to package items sent by mail.

THUMBS UP To the beautiful, perfect autumn days at the moment, and the lovely rain on Sunday and Monday.

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A scene from Anne of Green Gables with Diana (Emily McHugh-Douglas), Anne (Krystal McMurray), Gilbert (Hamish Sanderson) and Josie (Danielle Goodrich) when Gilbert teases Anne about her red “carrot” hair in the schoolroom.

New Director New Show

It is a tense week ahead for first time director Lisa Ramsay until the premier night next Friday of the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society’s production of Anne of Green Gables The Musical. Although it’s been a very popular story for many people growing up, the musical has rarely been done in Australia. Lisa wanted to do something different and said she had found her first directing experience very fulfilling. “It’s been an amazing learning process to take what I’ve learned at university, the experience from watching Lyn Townsend as director and adapting it into my own process.” With a cast of 31 amateur actors with half of them teens and children, a lot of energy

went into the production and managing everyone. Lisa said 17-year-old Krystal-Lee McMurray from Forbes, who plays Anne, had really stepped up in her role, as did the rest of the cast. Lisa is also grateful for musical director James Whalan for putting together a great band, for Jenny Kingham taking on the costumes and Ray Brown for the set construction. The heart-warming tale of Anne is suitable for all ages and told with lots of humour and tongue-in-cheek lines about small country towns. Lisa would love to see the whole community supporting local talent for the shows running until the end of April. By Maggi Barnard

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Friday 29 March 2019 Page 3

SNIPPETS... recently and is available to people over 16 years feeling stressed, anxious, isolated or struggling to deal with difficult work or personal life challenges. The program is available in person, by phone and via Skype and Facetime, making it easier for people living in rural areas to access quality support without long delays.

Quotarians in Parkes have regular workshops to make washable feminine hygiene kits for girls and women in countries like Timor Leste, Zambia and Uganda. Miriam Luyt (left) and Barb Thompson (right) were handing a supply of kits to Evelyn and Bill Shallvey (middle) at the recent Arts and Crafts showcase event in Parkes. Bill will be taking the kits to Timor Leste later this month.

Author Talk: Adam Courtenay, the son of Australia’s best-loved storyteller Bryce Courtenay, will be at the Parkes Shire Library on Thursday, 11th April at 6pm with his new book The Ship That Never Was – an entertaining and rollicking account of the greatest escape in Australia’s colonial history. In 1828, James Porter was on a ship bound for Van Diemen’s Land. After several escape attempts, he found himself on Sarah Island, known as Hell on Earth. Few had escaped from Sarah Island but Porter pulled off an audacious escape. Adam is a Sydney-based writer and journalist who has had a long career in the UK and Australia. Come and enjoy an exciting new voice in the popular history genre. RSVP: 6861 2309, library@parkes.nsw. gov.au or in person by 9th April. Free Mental Health Support: Drought affected communities in rural and regional Western NSW can now access free mental health coaching support developed by Beyond Blue and delivered by Marathon Health. With many farmers, small business owners, workers and parents feeling the pressure, it is vital that people receive mental health support as early as possible. The NewAccess program was launched

Call for board members: The Central West regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest seeks applications from people with a range of skills and backgrounds interested in becoming members of their board. They’re looking to both the regional arts community and beyond the arts sector to fill three positions. Applicants must be based in the Arts OutWest region. Applications for board membership must be received by Friday, 3rd May. Details can be found on the artsoutwest.org.au website or call Tracey Callinan on 6338 4657. Free Bus to Breast Cancer event: The Breast Cancer Network of Australia Forum takes place in the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre on 4th of April from 10am until 3pm and includes free morning tea and lunch. Catch the free bus from Forbes, Parkes, Alectown or Peak Hill. For pick up times contact Dianne Green 0428 535 843.

The Southern Cross Vocal Band from Sydney performed at Carole’s Creations fashion parade at St George’s Anglican Church on Saturday. They are Gordon, Bruce G and David and first came to Parkes for the Elvis Festival this year.

Rotarians Deb Horder, Jenny Jewell and Paul Hocking at Cooke Park on Sunday for the End Polio Now campaign to raise money to help eradicate polio.

Rotary Creates Polio Awareness Thanks to Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign a lot more locals are now better informed about the virus. Seven cyclists and two escorts left Parkes on Sunday for Condobolin as part of a District Bike Ride organised by Rotary to raise awareness and funds for the campaign. “It was a very rewarding day,” said Parkes Rotary President Jenny Jewell. “We were able to do a lot of publicity and create awareness around polio, and managed to raise about $500.” Jenny said the best part of the day was the number of locals who came with personal stories about polio. “Some people remember a family member who had polio, while others have never heard of it.” Jenny said five years after WWII polio reached epidemic proportions in Australia, but since the vaccination of all children under five years new cases of polio are rare. Jenny said though that as it is a virus, it could be imported on the next plane as there are still countries like Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan where it is common. Accompanying the riders on Sunday was the last remaining iron lung in Australia to show people what it was all about.

HUMBLEMORE

3544 Henry Parkes Way, Parkes 333 Ac - 134.6 Ha • TOWN WATER is connected + 280,000 Litre new Rainwater Tank • New steel Hayshed – 60m x 16m x 7m • New steel Sheepyards with a draft, race & loading ramp • 1km to Township – represents prime Land • Vendors have made up to 810 tons of Oaten Hay (1500 -8x3x4’s) • Charming 4 B/R Country Home features high ceilings & leadlight windows • New ensuite, second bathroom & modern kitchen + detached studio AUCTION: 11am Thu 18th April 2019 at Forbes Services Club (if not sold prior) Contact - AINSLIE TOOLE Landmark Harcourts Parkes & Forbes 0407 946 838 8 Parkes Road, Forbes NSW 2871 www.landmarkharcourts.com.au

Page 4 Friday 22 March 2019

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OUR Gal Jenny Jewell

Jay Crouch, a client of Currajong Disability Services with Support Worker and Walk for Autism entrant Doug Pout.

10,000 Steps For 8 Days

Doug Pout has not been at Currajong Disability Services (CDS) for long, but he is already making a huge difference in the lives of many. The CDS support worker is about to embark on a new mission to raise awareness for autism. “My partner Courtney and I thought we could make a difference so we registered as “Dougney” for the Autism Walk,” said Doug. It did not take long for Matt Medlyn and Neil Hamilton to also get on board. “We are hoping to get more people involved, so we can enter a CDS team,” he said. Matt is excited to be involved. “We have a number of clients at CDS who have autism and with Autism Awareness Month in April, this is an important mission.” The Walk for Autism is a free virtual walking event, which means you can do it at your own pace, in your own time. Challenge yourself to walk 10,000 steps a day for eight days from Sunday, 31st March to Sunday, 7th April to raise much-needed funds to support people on the autism spectrum. More information available at https:// www.walkforautism.org.au/home or if you would like to support Doug or join him go to https://www.walkforautism.org.au/fundraisers/Team-CDS.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I am privileged to say I was born in Parkes. My formative years were spent at “Olieview”, Coobang. My schooling at Parkes Public and Parkes High, with Years 11 and 12 boarding at St Catherine’s in Waverley. Then to MCAE at Bathurst for teacher training where I met Don. Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I spend most of my days at our business, Greenparkes Garden Centre. I enjoy working with plants and the wonderful customers we have. What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Spending time with my adult children and their wonderful children. I am very proud of all of them. What makes you proud? The thing that makes me most proud apart from my wonderful family, is my membership and current Presidency of the Rotary Club of Parkes. The community work we do for the betterment of local families is ongoing and very rewarding. I am also proud to be associated with major causes world-wide. If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Dogs are my favourite animal since they have the ability to sense people’s moods and needs and are very loyal.

locally first!

Savings On A Plate The Inland Rail project could reduce transport costs for the agricultural industry by an estimated $70 million per year according to CSIRO research. Australia’s national science agency conducted a pilot study last year using their successful computer logistics tool TraNSIT (Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool), along with extensive industry engagement, to focus on Parkes to Narromine. They considered horticulture, and processed agriculture, such as meat, rice and dairy products. The analysis showed if existing agricultural road trips were shifted to Inland Rail, the agricultural industry could save between $64 to $94 per tonne (depending on backloading). This equates to about $70 million in reduced transport costs per year based on the shift of 923,000 tonnes of horticultural and processed agriculture to the lower cost transport option that Inland Rail provides. Additional analysis revealed that if existing coastal rail trips shifted to inland rail, this would result in an estimated saving of $28 to $35 per tonne. Parkes to Narromine was chosen for the case study as it is the first section of track to undergo construction. There’s also a large number of supply chains in this pilot area involving hundreds of stakeholders.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movies relate back to my childhood - The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins have a special place in my heart. Tell us about your best holiday. Our best holiday was the last full-family holiday in Tasmania – too many years ago. Or maybe it was the wonderful cruise Don and I were able to take a year or so ago. What is on your bucket list? Everything or anything that makes our lives more complete – mostly with family.

WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO PHIL & CHRIS COAD’S CONDOBOLIN COUNTRY MUSTER 9th-14th April 2019

Complete the below entry form and return it to PO Box 251 Canowindra 2804, or enter online via our website www.parkesphoenix.com.au for your chance to win. Entries close 2pm, Wednesday 3rd April 2019 Name: Address: Email: Phone:

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Friday 22 March 2019 Page 5

New Roof For Bogan Gate Hall

Carole Corbett (right) thanked her helpers with the fashion show with a small gift. The models were (L-R) Narelle Pizarro, Jennifer Calvert and Lindy Tanswell, while Leanne Field and Lorraine Chambers helped to dress the models. Helen Mortimer from Tullamore was the MC.

Fashion, Song And High Tea

Saturday afternoon is not usually a time to go to church, but the St George’s Anglican Church filled up with over 100 women last weekend for a fashion parade. Narelle Pizarro, Jennifer Calvert and Lindy Tanswell became models for the afternoon to showcase 17 creations of Carole Corbett, which were all for sale afterwards. “It was a lot of fun,” said Lindy Tanswell, who ended up buying the can can skirt she modelled with some flair. It was the men’s turn next when the Southern Cross Vocal Band from Sydney took to the stage for a performance of old gospel songs, much to the delight of the audience.

The group first performed in Parkes at the Elvis Festival earlier this year, and they were invited back by Rev Ron Spindler for performances at the St George’s Church last weekend. Leader of the group, Bruce, said they would definitely be back for the festival next year. “Elvis preferred singing gospel songs, and that is what we love doing too.” The silver wear and polished tea pots came out next for a delectable high tea to end the afternoon on a social note. The event was organised by the Anglican Women’s Association of Australia, Parkes branch.

The Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall has historically been the focal point of many important community activities, and last week received a welcome grant for its upgrade. “The funding of $13,536 would benefit the entire community,” said President of the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall, Ron Umbers. Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP announced the grant through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program. The money will be used for a partial roof refurbishment. The local CWA, the Community Consultative Committee and other organisations use the hall on a regular basis, and many important community events are also held in the hall.

At the announcement of the funding were (L-R) Carol Doulman, Ian McCue, Ros Edwards, Phil Donato, Shelley Nutley and Ron Umbers.

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. It's also the start of Autism Awareness Month

Under The Blue Dish

A not for profit organisation

We support people with disabilities to sustain and enhance independence and their quality of life

30 Welcome St Parkes Phone 6863 4713

WE DELIVER: • Community involvement • Personal development • Work Skills • Access to further education • Social and recreational activities • Supported independent living • Management of self-managed Disability Programs • NDIS transition and supports

April is Autism Awareness month and Parkes is once again joining other famous landmarks around the world with the iconic Dish lit up in blue. In addition, a cocktail fundraising evening, Under the Blue Dish, will be held for the Central West Autism & Special Needs Awareness Group (CWASNAG) on Saturday, 6th April at the CSIRO Parkes Telescope. Bookings are essential and limited to 250. The night will be an adult only event with a blue theme cocktail dress code. The cost is $55pp and includes canapes, curry buffet, glass of bubbly/beer on arrival. There will also be a bus from Parkes (extra $10) with locations for pick up and drop off to be determined closer to the event.

Local NDIS Provider Currajong Disability Services (CDS) is a registered NDIS provider based in Parkes, and provides specialist disability services in Parkes, Forbes, Peak Hill, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and surrounding areas. Currajong is governed by a passionate and committed membership of community volunteers who form its Board of Directors. Their work force has increased from a handful of dedicated staff to over 50 professionally trained and skilled employees committed to maintaining a local identity, building on its community ‘roots’ and delivering outstanding services to local communities. CDS is located at 30 Welcome Street and can be reached on 6863 4713, on Facebook or at www.currajong.org.au

Page 6 Friday 22 March 2019

BE Seen

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WHAT’S On

29-30 Mar

Karen Willis, Jeanette Lovett and Jamie Nelson enjoyed the performance of the Southern Cross Vocal Band in St George’s Church on Saturday.

The Carole’s Creations fashion show was followed by a delectable high tea on Saturday. Enjoying the afternoon were (L-R) Dorothy McDonald, Rhonda Pearson, Rev Chrystal Spindler and Gabrielle Pearson.

Also at the St George’s high tea were Kay Peller, Judy Belley, Joy Stanford and Mavis Moon.

CLASSIFIEDS Garage Sale 30th March 2019 11 Ellison Bridge Lane Forbes 7am- 4pm

QUALIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Phone Elaine to book your lesson

JPY & Allstar Band at Bathurst Panthers and Dubbo Regional Theatre respectively. Bookings online. 31 Mar Stephen Cheney at Parkes Services Club in the Downstairs Lounge from 4pm. 1 Apr Free Evening Meal at the Uniting Church Hall from 5:30 – 6:30pm. All welcome. 4 Apr Breast Cancer Network of Australia Forum at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre from 10am - 3pm. Morning tea and lunch provided. Free bus to event picking up in Forbes, Parkes, Alectown and Peak Hill. For pick up times contact Dianne Green 0428535843 and she will also register you for the day. 4-26 Apr Sims Metal Waste to Art & Design community art exhibition at the Parkes Library. 5 Apr Holy Family School Easter Fair at Holy Family School, 37A High Street from 4 – 8pm. There will be show rides, a huge variety of food options, a chocolate wheel, cake stall, market stalls selling clothing, homewares, home decor, giftware, food and artisan products. 5, 7, 12, 13, Anne of Green Gables The Musical presented by Parkes Music & Dra14, 24, 26 & matic Society at The Little Theatre. Tickets at parkesmandd.com.au or 28 Apr Parkes Stationery & Office Furniture. 6 Apr Under The Blue Dish cocktail fundraising evening for the Central West Autism & Special Needs Awareness Group (CWASNAG) at the CSIRO Parkes Telescope from 5:30 – 9pm. Bookings essential, contact 6863 4713. Cost $55pp including canapes, curry buffet, glass of bubbly/beer on arrival. 10 Apr Bush walking with National Parks Association of NSW at Coradgery Nature Reserve. Meet at Bushman’s Dam, Parkes at 9am. The 8km walk is graded medium. Walk leader Martin Bell contact him on 0429 346 586. 11 Apr Author Adam Courtenay at the Parkes Shire Library at 6pm. The Ship That Never Was is Adam Courtenay's entertaining and rollicking account of the greatest escape in Australia's colonial history. Adam is the son of Australia’s best-loved storyteller, Bryce Courtenay. RSVP 6861 2309, library@ parkes.nsw.gov.au or in person by 9th April. 27 Apr Launch of local author Margaret Dwyer’s second book of fiction and sequel to A Chain of Dreams at the Coachman Motor Inn at 2pm with afternoon tea, entertainment and cutting of Margaret’s 90th birthday cake. Everyone welcome! 27 Apr Bush walking with National Parks Association of NSW at Black Ridge. Meet at Bushman’s Dam, Parkes at 9am. This 8km walk is graded medium. Walk leader Peter Cannon contacted him on 6866 1225. Ongoing Author-rised Creative Writing Group for adults and teens meets first Tuesday of the month from 6pm to 8pm at Parkes Library. Ongoing 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. Ongoing Lachlan Area Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) meets at 6pm on the first Wednesday of the month at the Uniting Church, Court Street. Ongoing The Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - Cowra Support Group meets on the first Friday of each month at 12:30. Open to all survivors. Contact Pascale on 6342 1612. Members come from Canberra, Temora, Forbes, Eugowra, Parkes. More details at http://recover.itmatters.com.au Ongoing Parkes Painting Group meet at Northparkes Oval at 10am every Wednesday. Ongoing The Parkes Branch of the Red Cross offers a plate of homemade slices and cakes, sandwiches and tea or coffee for $6 every Friday from 10am to 3pm.

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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Friday 22 March 2019 Page 7

PARKES SPORT

THE WESTLIME AND ROTARY CHARITY GOLF DAY SUNDAY 7TH APRIL 2019 PARKES GOLF CLUB 10AM SHOTGUN START

Club President Mark Kelly with Phil Donato MP at the Parkes Golf Club.

Funding Keeps Golf Club Cool Parkes Golf Club was successful in its application for funding through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program.Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP, recently announced the club received $15,285 to enable them to replace the existing air conditioning and heating. Club President Mark Kelly said the new system had already been installed and was working fantastically. “The previous system was more than 30 years old,” said Mark. “It was well past the end of its useful life and couldn’t be repaired. The members are loving it. I’m very pleased with the effort made by Phil to get the application through.” Phil said he was happy to support the application for funding and commended the club in taking the initiative to apply for the funds. The Parkes Golf Club is rated as one of the finest clubs in the region with the next big event the Westlime and Rotary Charity Golf Day on Sunday, 7th April. It is a 10am shotgun start. See details in advertisement on this page.