PARKESCrossroads of the Nation
A History of Parkes ...... 3
Things you need to know ...... 5
All that Parkes & Peak Hill have to Offer ...... 6 Cultural Services...... 6
Communications...... 8 Migrant Support ...... 8
Transport ...... 9
Main Industry of the Parkes Region ...... 10
Accommodation...... 11
Real Estate...... 13
Childcare ...... 14
Education ...... 15
Higher Education ...... 16
Employment Agencies ...... 17
Attractions/ Things to Do ...... 18
Sporting Clubs/Associations...... 19
Community Groups/Associations ...... 22
Churches/Religious Services...... 24
Financial Institutions ...... 25 Services and Trades ...... 25
Retail Services ...... 28
Cafes/Restaurants ...... 29
Clubs/Hotels...... 31
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The Country Careers Program...... 32
Medical Services ...... 33
Health Service Details ...... 34
GWAHS Learning & Development Division...... 35
The Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching (IRCST)36
Appendix A...... 37 Town Map ...... 37
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements ...... 38
Created by: Catherine Deverell Country Careers Coordinator May 2008
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A History of ParkesParkesParkes
A rural service centre with a strong commercial and industrial base, Parkes possesses an expanding economy and population, thanks in part to a wool combing plant and the North Parkes copper and gold mine, the largest metal mine in NSW, which opened in 1994. It is a major wheat-storage centre in a rural district that also produces other crops, wool and livestock.
The first Europeans in the district were the exploratory party of John Oxley who passed by in 1817 on one of the first inland expeditions. The area was occupied by the Wiradjuri people who were encountered in 1835 when Thomas Mitchell's expedition camped just to the north of town. Mitchell wrote of their sincerity, intelligence, resourcefulness and unaffected nature. Squatters may have been in the area by this time but the first official license for the Parkes area was issued in 1839.
Reef gold was located a little to the north of the present townsite in 1862, after a major find at Forbes the previous year had sparked the Lachlan goldrush. A tent city of 10 000 emerged almost overnight. It was known as 'Currajong' after the large number of currajong trees in the vicinity. That field was worked for about 5 years then rapidly declined.
However, other major finds was made in the area in 1871 and a second rush was soon under way. One of the most substantial was made at Bushmans Hill, named after a Mr Bush who was one of the owners. A settlement, also known as Bushmans, developed around the mine which soon had 30 stamper batteries working 24 hours a day. From 1871 to 1873 about 1400 kg of gold was turned up. A hotel was quickly established (on the site now occupied by the Cambridge Hotel), followed by a court of petty sessions, another hotel, the first bank, a Methodist Church and a public school.
Then governor of NSW, Henry Parkes, visited what had become one of NSW's most profitable goldfields in 1873 and, at the end of the year, Bushmans was renamed Parkes (in 1887 the main street became known as Clarinda St in honour of his wife).
By the time Parkes was declared a municipality in 1883 the initial wave of gold fever had passed and free selectors had begun to take advantage of the Robertson Land Act, taking up smaller allotments of land and establishing the agriculture which has since become a mainstay of the town and area.
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Wheat was first grown 3 km north of Parkes in 1865 and a local flour mill opened in 1871. Agricultural production expanded when the railway arrived in 1893 to the great economic benefit of the town - an effect enhanced when the line to Broken Hill was opened in 1927. When the standard-gauge rail system was completed in 1969 Parkes became the marshalling and dispersal terminal for eastern Australia.
In 1899 Bushmans reached its maximum depth of 370 m but mining ceased in 1914. An attempt to revive operations in the 1930s failed due to flooding.
In 1921 the first wheat silos were built at the railhead and the Mungincobie wheat terminal, covering 2 ha and holding 4 million bushels, was erected in 1952.
From 1959-1961 the CSIRO built the first big-dish antenna radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere to the north of Parkes. One of the world's most powerful it has played a vital role in the detection of quasars and pulsars.
Of some historic interest is the fact poet Harry Morant, made famous by the 1980 film, Breaker Morant, worked as a stockman in the area shortly before enlisting for the Boer War, during which he was executed by the British authorities.
Parkes Festival of Sport is held at Easter. The Jazz Tridium is a weekend festival held in June with a street parade, picnic races and music in the streets. The annual agricultural show is held in August and the Country Music Jamboree in October.
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Things you need to know (Facts and Figures)
The Climate of Parkes ranges from a summer climate of 17 - 32 degrees to 4 - 13 degrees in the winter months.
Parkes is only 360 kilometres or 5 hours from Sydney. Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane are comfortably accessed by road thanks to Parkes strategic location on the Newell Highway, the nation's inland motoring corridor.
Other major towns near Parkes include Dubbo, which is 119.65 kilometres or 1.25 hours and also Orange which is 99.85 kilometres or 1.23 hours. So you are never isolated when you live in Parkes.
The Population of Parkes consists of 10500 people.
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All that Parkes & Peak Hill have to Offer
Cultural Services
Parkes' magnificent performance theatre complex is centrally located in Bogan Street, across from the Parkes Shire Library & Exhibition Centre and Council's Administration Centre.
Parkes' multi-functional "Little Theatre" was opened after major renovations on 25 March 2000. The long-awaited ceremony was the culmination of four years of planning by Shire Council and Musical & Drama members alike.
The premises which have served the Musical & Drama Society since the 1950s in Bogan Street underwent a $700,000 redevelopment converting the "Little Theatre" into a major arts facility.
The enlarged hall space increased the seating capacity to 199 theatre-style and seating arrangements can be modified to comfortably seat 130 for theatre restaurant format.
The large foyer is suitable for functions and exhibitions. The Theatre also boasts a refreshments bar and fully functional kitchen facilities.
The revamped facility now offers residents of the Parkes Shire a modern, state of the art theatre. Performances are primarily provided by the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society, and also visiting performers and playwrights.
The "Little Theatre" development was completed on time and within budget, meeting Council's expectations as a high quality facility within stringent budgetary constraints.
Council also oversees the Little Theatre Management Committee which involves Councillors, Society members and members of the public for budgeting and long-term financial plans for the operation of the "Little Theatre"
M&D "Little Theatre"
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society Meetings are held every 2nd Thursday at 7.30pm at the Theatre every Month. President : Belinda McGrath Membership: $5 student $10 Single and $20 Family A Membership Application form is at the back of this booklet.
Contact Details: Bogan Street, PO Box 376 Other, Parkes NSW 2870 Parkes NSW 2870 Ph: (02) 62624363 [email protected]
Contact person: Sue Mittelstadt Belinda McGrath Secretary Bookings Officer Ph: (02) 68635156 Ph: (02) 68635156 [email protected]
This year’s productions are:
The Wedding Singer
17th to 31st May 2008
Suessical (September 2008)
Auditions May
Arts OutWest
Arts OutWest promotes, facilitates and advocates for arts and cultural development for the communities of the Central West of NSW, Australia covering the local government areas of Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Evans, Forbes, Greater Lithgow, Lachlan, Oberon, Orange, Rylstone, Parkes and Wellington.
Arts OutWest is supported by the NSW Ministry for the Arts, the above local councils and Charles Sturt University. To find out more about Arts OutWest go to their Website http://www.artsoutwest.org.au .
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Communications
The local paper for the Parkes region is the “Parkes Champion Post” and is published by Rural Press. It is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The local paper for Peak Hill is now called “Peak Hill & District Times”. This is a free publication that is delivered to households in the Peak Hill area every Wednesday fortnight. The local paper for Trundle is the “Trundle Star” and is a free independent community newspaper serving the Trundle district. The publication is produced by the Trundle Village Progress Association Inc and can be obtained from the Trundle newsagency.
Both Digital and 3G mobile phone networks work in Parkes, with the 3G network being the most reliable, particularly if you need to travel further west. For some reason, Telstra’s Next G network seems to have better cover than other providers the further west you head. This may change as the network grows. Parkes is currently serviced by a number of providers.
Parkes television services offer 5 channels, including the ABC, Seven (Prime), Nine (WIN), Ten and SBS. Pay TV is also available in the area.
RADIO STATIONS AM Band Radio 2PK (Parkes) ...... 1404 AM 2CR ABC Radio (Orange)...... 549AM
FM Band Tourist Information …...... 88.00 ROK FM (Parkes) ...... 95.5 FM 2LVR Lachlan Valley Community Radio...... 97.9 FM
Broadband and Dial up internet services are available in Parkes. There are many providers servicing the Parkes area. You can check on the internet for the provider that most suits your needs.
Migrant Support
Support for employees from a non-Australian background is available through the Regional Migrant Support Services. In Parkes the contact person is Anni Gallagher, who can be contacted on (02) 6393 8625 or by email at [email protected]
The services provided by Migrant support include a mentoring program to put you in touch with other people in the community from the same background; provides information and help for visa applications; help finding employment, education and training; as well as putting you in touch with multicultural groups in the area.
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Transport
The Parkes airport has three flights per day to Sydney by Regional Express Airlines (REX), with connections to domestic and international flights. The flight is around 60 minutes in length.
The Countrylink train service, the Outback Explorer leaves Sydney at 6.20am each Monday morning and stops in Parkes at 12.55pm and then continues on to Broken Hill. The Outback Explorer returns the next day to Sydney and stops in Parkes at 2.43pm, arriving in Sydney at 7.48pm.
Both Frasers Coaches and Selwoods Coaches have daily coaches connecting Parkes to Dubbo, Orange and Lithgow. Frasers have a bus that leaves Parkes at 4.55pm, travelling through Peak Hill to Dubbo, arriving at 6.25pm each day except Sundays. The same bus returns to Parkes each day (except Saturday) leaving Dubbo at 8.10am and arriving in Parkes at 9.40am.
Selwoods have a bus that leaves Parkes at 1.40pm each day and arrives in Orange at 3.47pm. This bus returns to Parkes each day, leaving Orange at 12.05pm and arriving back in Parkes at 2.12pm.
Selwoods also has a bus that travels from Parkes to Lithgow each day (except Sundays), leaving Parkes at 6.45am and arriving in Lithgow at 11.05am. the return bus leaves Lithgow at 5.15pm, arriving back in Parkes at 9.30pm.
Selwoods can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] or via telephone on 02 6362 7963.
Fraser Coaches can be contacted on 6884 3101.
Ambassador Taxi Service operates in Parkes and they can be contacted on 6862 2222.
Parkes has a town bus service run by Western Road Liners. They can be contacted on 6862 1022. A service timetable is attached to the back of this booklet.
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Main Industry of the Parkes Region
The Parkes region is a thriving community situated close to the geographical centre of New South Wales. The district boasts some of the richest and most productive agricultural and grazing land in the State and like many western communities, Parkes' and Peak Hills history is intimately linked with the discovery of gold.
While the gold rush and then the railway and agriculture provided the early impetus, the Parkes region has evolved dramatically over the past two decades thanks to mining and the development of a transport hub which has positioned Parkes to become a national freight distribution centre.
Opened in 1994 the Rio Tinto Northparkes mining operation continues to flourish, with State Government approval recently announced for the E48 venture which will expand the longevity of the mine to at least 2017.
Three key transport operators, ( FCL, Transtank & SCT Logistics ) have established in Parkes in the past decade, to capitalise on the unique ability to deliver to 82 per cent of Australia's population within 12 hours. Parkes rail culture is strengthened by the presence of Pacific International, Silverton and ARTC. Terminals Australia, has received Government approval for the $135 million first stage of its project in the Parkes hub which will ultimately provide for up to 600 additional employment positions.
The Parkes region is in need of skilled employees in transport, logistics, metal fabrication and mining to effectively service these major companies.
Specialist staff are also required for the $100 million Parkes Garden Estate for which development approval has been provided. A start to work is imminent for this exciting aged care facility which ultimately will accommodate up to 900 new residents of the town. This project will provide opportunity for general practitioners and specialised health care personnel.
Tourism is worth $40 million annually, thanks to the annual Elvis Festival in January; the equally renowned "Dish" (CSIRO Telescope) which attracts 130,000 visitors each year; and a diverse range of sporting and community events and festivals.
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Accommodation There is an extensive variety of temporary accommodation available in Parkes, including motels, Boutique hotels, B&B’s, Guesthouses, self contained, and hotels.
The following is a fairly comprehensive list of the different accommodation in the town.
Town Accommodation Address Phone Accommodation Name Type Parkes Country Comfort 54 Newell Highway 6863 4333 Motel Peak Hill Peak Hill Caravan 2 Ween Street 6869 1422 Caravan Park Park Parkes Bushmans Motor Inn Currajong Road 6862 2199 Motel Parkes All Settlers Motor 20 Welcome Street 6862 2022 Motel Inn Parkes Court Street Motel Court Street 1800 622 193 Motel Parkes El Mexicali 10 Station Street 6862 2555 Motel Parkes Moonraker Motor Inn 444 Clarinda Street 1800 606 016 Motel Parkes Spanish Lantern 62 Peak Hill Road 6862 3388 Motel Motor Inn Parkes Parkes International 18 Newell Highway 6862 5222 Motel Comfort Inn Parkes Parkes Highway 17 Forbes Road 6862 1108 Caravan Park Caravan Park Parkes Spicer Park Caravan Cnr Albert & Victoria Sts 6862 6162 Caravan Park Park Parkes Parkes Overnighter 48 Bushman Street 6862 1707 Caravan Park Caravan Park Parkes Currajong Tourist Newell Highway 6862 3400 Caravan Park Caravan Park Parkes Broadway Hotel 277 Clarinda Street 6862 2400 Hotel Parkes Cambridge Hotel 153 Clarinda Street 6862 2098 Hotel Parkes Commercial Hotel 161 Clarinda Street 6862 1526 Hotel Parkes Parkes Hotel 1 Welcome Street 6862 2498 Hotel Parkes Royal Hotel Parkes 217 Clarinda Street 6862 2039 Hotel Parkes Grand Hotel Cnr Currajong & 6862 1003 Hotel Clarinda Sts Parkes Star Hotel Currajong Street 6862 2254 Hotel Parkes Coachman Hotel Cnr Welcome & Dalton 6862 2622 Hotel Motel Sts Parkes Parkview Motor Inn 34 Forbes Road 6862 2888 Motel Parkes Clarinda Motel 72 Clarinda Street 6862 1655 Motel Parkes Station Hotel Parkes 82 Peakhill Road 6862 8444 Hotel
Parkes Kadina Bed & 22 Mengarvie Road 6862 3995 B&B Breakfast
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Town Accommodation Address Phone Accommodation Name Type Parkes The Old Parkes 33 Currajong Street 6862 5385 B&B Convent Parkes Hamiltons Henry 25 Welcome Street 6862 4644 Motel Parkes Motor Inn Peak Hill Club House Hotel 91 Caswell Street 6862 1713 Hotel Peak Hill Double D Caravan 42 Bogan Street 6869 1797 Caravan Park Park Peak Hill Country Roads Motor 34 Caswell Street 6869 1688 Motel Inn Peak Hill Oasis Motel 152 Caswell Street 6869 1383 Motel Peak Hill Golden Peak Budget 25 Caswell Street 6869 1429 Motel Motel Trundle Burrawang West "Ootha" 6897 5277 Farm Station Stay/Resort/Motel
Burrawang West Station, Trundle
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Real Estate
The Parkes region provides for all types of lifestyles at an affordable price. The region has land available in urban and rural settings, with blocks and properties of various sizes. Housing options range from 2 bedroom units, heritage homesteads, suburban brick homes in new and established estates, or sprawling country mansions.
Rural properties include everything from productive farms to smaller properties of varying sizes that provide the opportunity to reside in a peaceful and beautiful environment, maintain a few horses or stock, or just have plenty of room for the children to play and explore.
Whether your preference is for the convenience of living in a modern, well – serviced regional city, in a quiet country village, or tucked away in a hidden valley somewhere, you will find it in town.
Below is a list of Real Estate Agents in Parkes that can help you find the dream home you desire.
Town Real Estate Name Address Phone Parkes G Hunter & Co 201 Clarinda Street 6862 5832 Parkes Richardson & Wrench 247 Clarinda Street 6863 8888 Parkes Anderson First National 25 Court Street 6862 6400 Parkes Ray White Parkes 203 Clarinda Street 6862 1900
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Childcare
There is an extensive range of children’s services provided throughout Parkes. Childcare centres and caregivers licensed by Family Day Care provide occasional childcare, long day-care, overnight, out-of-school-hours and weekend care in Parkes.
Town Education/Childcare Services Name Address Phone Service Type Provided Parkes Long Day Care Centre 0 - 5 years ABC Cheeky 1 High Street 6863 4441 Cherubs Child Care Centre Parkes Long Day Care Centre 0 - 5 years Parkes Early Armstrong Street 6862 3500 Childhood Centre Inc Parkes Home based child care newborn Parkes-Forbes 31 Dalton Street 6862 3111 to 12 Family Day Care years Scheme Parkes Long Day Care Centre 0 - 5 years ABC Parkes 97 - 105 Victoria 6863 5511 Street
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Education
There are a number of primary schools in the Parkes region. These are comprised of public, catholic and independent schools. There are also high schools and private schools in the area.
Town School Name School Year Address Phone Type Level Parkes Middleton Public School Public K - 6 Medlyn Street 02 6862 1864 Parkes Peak Hill St Josephs Primary School Catholic K - 6 165 Caswell Street 02 6869 1452 Peak Hill Parkes Parkes East Public School Public K - 6 1 - 3 Thornbury Street 02 6862 2021 Parkes Parkes High School Public 7 - 12 Albert Street 02 6862 1844 Parkes Parkes Public School Public K - 6 77 - 85 Currajong 02 6862 1702 Street Parkes Parkes Christian School Baptist K - 10 Back Trundle Road 02 6862 4164 Parkes Holy Family Primary School Catholic K - 6 37a High Street 02 6862 1610 Parkes
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Higher Education
The Parkes region has a number of higher education facilities on offer.
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s largest regional university and has a campus at Orange located on a 500 hectare property about six kilometres north of the city. The academic programs at CSU Orange include Bachelor awards in Agricultural Commerce, Equine Business, Science, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Farm, Horticultural and Land Management.
Charles Sturt University can be contacted via their website – www.csu.edu.au/campus/orange or by calling the number in the list below.
TAFE, Western Institute, Orange campus offers access and foundation courses plus business, community services, hospitality and information technology programs, with many at diploma level. The campus also offers a wide range of trade courses and specialises in children’s services, conservation earthworks, fine arts, design, HSC, hairdressing, horticulture, music, plumbing, painting and decorating, shop fitting, sign writing, travel, turf management, viticulture and welfare.
TAFE, Orange campus can be contacted via their website – www.wit.tafensw.edu.au or by calling 6391 5777.
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Employment Agencies
There are several employment agencies in the region providing services to both job seekers and employers. Services include job matching, training and the provision and management of a number of government assistance schemes.
Town Company Name Phone Address Parkes Central West Group Apprentices 6862 5935 1/364 Clarinda Street Parkes GWS Personnel 6862 6061 16 Welcome Street Parkes Inland Employment Services 68625485 206 Clarinda Street Parkes Mission Employment 6862 5573 344 Clarinda Street
The largest occupation groups in Parkes are transport, logistics, metal fabrication and mining. This is due to Parkes being the geographical centre of the state, so is well placed for transport companies to use as a base. The Parkes region is rich in gold and agricultural land and is home to North Parkes Mine, as well as other mining companies. The Parkes region is in need of skilled employees in to effectively service these major companies.
Tourism is worth $40 million annually, thanks to the many festivals held each year in the district and is a booming industry in the region.
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Attractions/ Things to Do
Parkes and the surrounding areas have many things to see and do including visiting the CSIRO Radio Telescope.
Parkes and surrounds has so much to offer its visitors.
Below is a listing of all that Parkes, Peak Hill and Trundle have to offer.
Town Activity/ Facility Name Address Phone Facility Parkes Art Gallery Parkes Art Gallery Welcome Street 6862 6572 Peak Community Community Technology The Carrington, 62 Caswell 6869 1016 Hill Centre Centre Street Trundle Library Trundle Library & Cnr Forbes & East Sts 6892 1569 Community Technology Centre Parkes Museum Pioneer Park Machinery 70 Peak Hill Road 6862 3509 Museum Parkes National Park Goobang National Park 6851 4429 Parkes Tourist Tyndalls Lavender Corner Cnr Tanks & Wellington 6862 3632 Attraction Roads Peak Tourist Peak Hill Tourist Caswell Street 6869 1891 Hill Attraction Information Centre Parkes Tourist Henry Parkes Museum Pioneer Park, Newell Highway 6862 3509 Attraction Parkes Tourist Parkes Visitor Information Cnr Newell Hwy & Thomas St 1800 624 Attraction Centre 365 Parkes Tourist Alpaca Country Shop & Velley Crest, Newell Hwy, 6863 1133 Attraction Café Tichborne Parkes Tourist Bushmans Hill Wentworth Street 1800 624 Attraction 365 Parkes Tourist CSIRO Parkes Radio Newell Highway 6861 1777 Attraction Telescope Peak Tourist Peak Hill Open Cut 6869 1888 Hill Attraction Experience Peak Tourist Peak Hill Country Crafts Caswell Street 6869 1981 Hill Attraction Peak Tourist Sugar & Spice Porcelain 32 Caswell Street 6869 1168 Hill Attraction Craft Gallery
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Sporting Clubs/Associations
Sport is a popular pastime in Parkes. There is competition available for the beginner right up to A grade level and is a great way for the community to interact socially. The region has exceptional sporting facilities to support this community focus.
Facilities include sports grounds, golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools as well as many others.
There is such a variety of different sporting groups and organisations in the region. These are listed below.
Town Activity/ Facility Name Contact Name Address Phone Facility Parkes PA & H Association PO Box 126 6862 2580 Parkes AFL Parkes AFL Club Ron PO Box 692 6862 2788 Hetherington Parkes Airplanes Aero Club Bill Barber Parkes Airport, 6862 5644 Orange Road Parkes Archery Bushmans Bowmen Henry Baigent PO Box 5 6862 3322 Archery Club Parkes Art Gallery Parkes Art Gallery Welcome Street 6862 6572 Parkes Athletics Parkes Little Athletics Lyndon Harris PO Box 158 6862 5860 Club Peak Hill Athletics Little Athletics Louise O'Leary 6869 1227 Parkes Basketball Basketball Association Sharon Henry Moor Street 6862 4007 Parkes Baton Parkes Baton Twirlers Pat Harbidge 26 Pearce Street 6862 4663 Twirlers Peak Hill Bowls Bowling Club 6869 1508 Parkes Cricket Parkes Cricket Nicole Rosser PO Box 93 6862 3798 Association Parkes Cricket Parkes Junior Cricket Greg Morrissey 1 bowditch 6862 3406 Association Crescent Peak Hill Cricket Peak Hill Cricket Club John van der 6869 1293 Reyden Trundle Cricket Trundle Junior Cricket Len Hills 6892 1386 Club Parkes Dance Dance School Nixson Eduard 6 Gapp Street 0409 291 006 Parkes Diving Amateur Diving Club Tom Snow 105 Clarinda Street Parkes Fishing Parkes Fishing Club 6862 3798 Parkes Golf Parkes Golf Club PO Box 241 6862 2044
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Town Activity/ Facility Name Contact Name Address Phone Facility Peak Hill Golf Golf Club Alex 6869 1877 Newbigging Trundle Golf Trundle Golf Club Austral Street 6892 1301 Parkes Hockey Parkes Mens Hockey Scott Rauchle PO Box 469 6862 2409 Inc Parkes Hockey Parkes Womens Denise PO box 469 6863 4357 Hockey Inc Gersback Parkes Horse/Pony Parkes Horse & Pony Heather Wythes Tanks Road 6863 4230 Club Parkes Horses Central West Horse Norma Garment Tanks Road 6862 3578 Driving Society Inc Parkes Horses Parkes Jockey Club Gordon PO Box 185 6862 2310 Pritchard Parkes Motor Motor Cycle Riders Martin Bell 8 Howard Street 6862 3771 Cycles Association Parkes Netball Parkes Netball Sam Dunlop PO Box 479 6862 2946 Association Parkes PCYC Police Youth Club Pearce Street 6862 3825 Parkes Physical Parkes Physical Culture Diane Ehsman 39 Webb Street 6862 4137 Culture Parkes Pigeon Parkes Pigeon Racing Terry Condobolin 6862 4776 Racing Club Townsend Road Parkes Pistol Clay Target John Tomlinson Pistol Club, PO 6864 2424 Shooting Association Box 514 Parkes Pistols Parkes Pistol Club Glen Pollock 6862 4153 Peak Hill Ponies Peak Hill Pony Club Brian Napthali 6869 1738 Parkes Poultry Parkes Poultry Club Peter Charlton 47 Close Street 6862 3909 Parkes Rugby Parkes Senior Rugby Kevin McGuie PO Box 455 0417 211 League League Football Club 725 Parkes Rugby Parkes Marist Junior Shona Henry "Weona" 6862 5366 League Rugby League Football Forbes Road Club Trundle Rugby Junior Rugby League Lee Coster 6892 1301 League Trundle Rugby Senior Rugby League Bernie O'Brien 6892 1390 League Parkes Rugby Parkes Rugby Union Geoff Rice 0429 629 Union Club 966 Parkes Soccer Parkes Soccer David Parker PO Box 494 6862 4593 Association Peak Hill Squash Peak Hill Squash Club Judith Woods 6869 1674 Parkes Swimming Parkes Learn to Swim Yvonne Hutton 6 Kookaburra 6862 3509 Street Parkes Swimming Parkes Swimming Club Liz Thornhill PO Box 247 6862 4937 ah Peak Hill Swimming Peak Hill Swimming Tanya Wright 6869 7676 Club
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Town Activity/ Facility Name Contact Name Address Phone Facility Trundle Swimming Trundle Swimming Parkes Street 6892 1207 Pool Parkes Tennis Parkes Tennis Club Helen Magill PO Box 153 6862 5262 Peak Hill Tennis Peak Hill Tennis Club Maureen 6869 1265 Attenborough Parkes Touch Parkes Puma's Touch Chris Martin 6862 5420 Football Association Trundle Touch Trundle Touch Football S Wright 6892 1207 Football Parkes Triathlon Parkes Triathlon Group Terry & 0409 454 Annette 696 Robinson
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Community Groups/Associations
Town Community Group Name Group Contact Name Address Phone Type Parkes Apex Club Volunteer Wayne Scott PO box 142 6862 5100 Trundle Community Consultative Community Tom Capell 6892 1245 Committee Parkes Arts Council Volunteer Gary Somers PO Box 6 6863 3124 Parkes Central West Astronomical Volunteer Parkes Observatory PO Box 819 6861 1777 Society Parkes Clarinda Lions Club Volunteer Lyn Rowley PO box 716 6862 5522 Parkes Combined Crafts Group Volunteer Margaret Tanner 20 Dalton Street 6862 3240 Parkes Cubs Volunteer Barry Reid Waratah Street 6862 4017 Parkes CWA Volunteer Mr J Knight PO Box 214 6862 3361 Parkes Embroiderers' Guild of Volunteer Stephanie Brown 6862 6063 NSW Parkes Girl Guides Association Volunteer Cathie Gardiner Parkes Historical Society Volunteer Yvonne Hutton 6862 3509 Parkes Inner Wheel Club Volunteer Judy Palmer Cnr Jubilee & 6862 5392 Thomas Street Parkes Knights of the Southern Volunteer Michael Lynch Brolgan Road 6862 5607 Cross Parkes Lions Club Volunteer Kath McCormack PO Box 505 6862 6076 Parkes Music & Drama Society Volunteer Andrew Hunt PO Box 376 6861 1700 Parkes Parkes College for Seniors Volunteer Margaret Wilde 13 Pearce Street 6862 3398 Parkes Parkes Painting Group Volunteer Helen Huntly c/- 39 6862 1857 Coronation Street Parkes Parkes Shire Concert Band Volunteer Rhonda & Phil PO Box 400 6862 2944 Redenbach Parkes Parkes Symphony Volunteer Lindsay Morehouse PO Box 453 6862 6667 Orchestra Parkes Parkes Town Band Volunteer Rhonda Redenbach 6862 2944 Parkes Probus Ladies Club Volunteer Bill Watson 2 Currajong 6862 1153 Street Parkes Probus Mens Club Volunteer Juergen Schulz 54 Woodward 6862 1945 Street Parkes Quota Club Volunteer Miriam Luyt PO Box 268 6862 1367 Parkes Red Cross Volunteer Gloria Dietrich 57 Woodward 6862 1945 Street Parkes Returned Services League Volunteer Keith Mullhall PO Box 293 6862 3963 Parkes Rotary Club Volunteer PO Box 145 Parkes RSL Sub Branch Volunteer Terry Knowles PO Boc 293 6862 2639 Parkes STAR Quilters Volunteer Janet O'Donoghue 6862 2297 Parkes Scouts (3rd) Volunteer Barry Read PO Box 519 6862 4017 Parkes View Club Volunteer PO Box 736 Parkes Wires Volunteer Karen Ritchie 6862 8100
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Town Community Group Name Group Contact Name Address Phone Type Parkes Parkes Neighbourhood Community 80 Currajong 6862 3757 Centre Street Trundle CWA Volunteer Gobondery 6892 1212 Street Trundle Parents & Citizens Volunteer Pauline Mills 6869 9251 Association Trundle Red Cross Volunteer Janette Williams 6892 1342 Trundle Welfare Community Volunteer Helen Gault 6892 1244
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Churches/Religious Services
Parkes is home to many religious denominations.
Town Religion Type Contact Address Phone Timetables Name Parkes Anglican Church Diocese 12 Hill Street 6862 2083 of Bathurst Parkes Anglican Church Diocese 43 Currajong St 6862 1868 of Bathurst Parkes Assemblies of God 7 Rees Avenue 6862 6294 Church Parkes Catholic Church 22 High Street 6862 2469 Parkes Harry Westcott's Vision Mamre Farm, 6865 3377 Ministries Inc Alectown Parkes Jehovah's Witnesses Cons Lane 6862 4553 Parkes Parkes Chuch 1 Talbot Street 6863 5173 Parkes Parkes Community Baptist Lot 881 Back 6862 5788 Church Trundle Road Parkes Presbyterian Church 40 Gap Street 6862 2730 Parkes The Salvation Army 42 Molong Road 6862 2548 Parkes The Salvation Army Clarinda Street 6863 4509 Parkes The Salvation Army Rosedurnate 6862 2300 Parkes The Uniting Church 14 Bushman St 6862 5392 Parkes The Uniting Church Court Street 6862 2169 Peak Grace Baptist Fellowship Pastor Ross 6863 5376 2nd & 4th Sunday of Hill Trumble the month at 2.30pm Peak St James Catholic Church 6889 1021 Sunday 9am Hill Peak Assemblies of God Bill 6869 1684 Sunday 2.30pm; Hill Stevenson prayer and bible studies Wednesday 7.30pm Peak Uniting Church 6865 3281 Sunday School 9am; Hill service Sunday 10am Peak St Stephen's Anglican Reverend 6862 1868 Sunday 9am, 1st Hill John Saturday 6pm Williams Peak St Andrew's Presbyterian Reverend 6862 2730 2nd & 4th Sundays at Hill Craig Bland 9am Peak Vision Ministries Inc Bishop 6865 3264 Sunday at 10am Hill Mamre Christian Harry Fellowship Westcott Trundle Anglican Church Father Peter 6892 1074 1st w/end Sunday King 8.30am; 2nd Sunday 10am; 4th Sunday 8.30am
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Financial Institutions
Town Facility Name Description Address Phone Parkes ANZ Branch 211 Clarinda Street 6862 2155 Parkes Central West Credit Union Branch 269 Clarinda Street 6862 2788 Parkes Commonwealth Bank Branch 203 Clarinda Street 6862 2299 Parkes National Australia Bank Branch 230 Clarinda Street 6862 4120 Parkes Parkes District Credit Union Branch 189 Clarinda Street 6862 3033 Parkes Reliance Credit Union Branch 298 Clarinda Street 13 24 40 Parkes Westpac Branch 270 Clarinda Street 6862 2077
Services and Trades
Town Industry Company Name Phone Address Type Parkes Accountant AR Williams & Co 6862 6196 19a Church Street Parkes Accountant David Bicket Certified 6863 5142 1/1 Bogan Street Practising Accountant Parkes Accountant McGlynn & McGlynn 6862 2644 31 Bogan Street Parkes Accountant Peter Woods & Associates 6862 1366 86 Currajong Street Parkes Builder Andrew Thomas Building 0427 626 787 PO Box 842 Contractor Parkes Builder R E Barnes 0418 639 924 2 Church Street Parkes Builder Bernie Cusack 6863 4138 7 Friendship Place Parkes Builder Bob Skinners Painting 0412 193 509 32 May Street Services Parkes Builder Craig Condon 0419 971 195 Brich Road Parkes Builder Brett Cowling 6862 4875 12 Reid Street Parkes Builder Paul & Bernard Cusack 6862 1144 Parkes Builder Darren Lydford Builder 0418 661 342 57 Farrer Street Parkes Builder DC & RL Knights Pty 6862 3850 9 East Street Parkes Builder I Duchnaj 6862 2162 Mendos Place Parkes Builder K B Dunn 0407 624 446 Parkes Builder Excess Contracting 6862 6668 Lot 15/ 181 Deep Lead Road Parkes Builder G C McCabe & Co 6862 1355 16 Caledonia Street Parkes Builder I & SB Homes 6862 2162 Mendos Place Parkes Builder RN Johnson 6862 4278 Parkes Builder Kitchen's Plus 6862 6612 6 Bogan Street Parkes Builder Potts Homes 6862 5512 23 Billabong Crescent Parkes Builder Shaw Building 0418 269 575 P O Box 1014 Parkes Builder MJ Stone 6862 2747 48 Kelly Road
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Town Industry Company Name Phone Address Type Parkes Builder PJ Thomas Building 6862 1954 26 Billabong Contractors Crescent Parkes Car Hire Avis 6862 6677 Parkes Car Hire Hertz 6862 4122 358 Clarinda Street Parkes Car Hire Parkes Mini Bus Hire 6863 1158 19 Webb Street Parkes Car Hire Thrifty 6862 4899 Forbes Road Parkes Dentist Tim Baker 6862 1391 Cnr Church & Hill Sts Parkes Dentist H B Kroone 6862 1771 97 Currajong Street Parkes Dentist P G Murray 6862 1391 Cnr Church & Hill Sts Parkes Dentist M B Richardson 6862 1261 21 Church Street Parkes Electrician White's Electrical Data & 6862 1341 PO Box 322 Telephones Parkes Electrician B & K Nutley 6862 4697 21 May Street Parkes Electrician Barry Allen Electrical 6862 3710 Orange Road Parkes Electrician Chris Paul 6862 1119 46 Deep Lead Road Parkes Electrician David McGirr Electrical 6862 4797 Lot 2 Molong Road Parkes Electrician Downes Electrical 0428 238 044 P O Box 606 Contractor Parkes Electrician Glow Electrical 0439 168 879 Parkes Electrician Joby's Repairs 0402 470 802 Parkes Electrician L&S Henry Electrical 6862 1928 27 Church Street Contractors Parkes Electrician Matthew Jones Electrical 0428 643 217 63 Dalton Street Parkes Electrician Phil Smede Electrical 0439 168 879 Services Parkes Electrician Wilson's Service Centre 6862 6261 75 Molong Road Parkes Fitness Curves Parkes 6862 2270 141 Clarinda Street Parkes Fitness Club Chizen Health and Fitness 6862 4311 Pearce Street Centre Parkes Fitness Club Sweat Success Fitness 6862 6161 Level 2, 195/199 Clarinda Street Peak Hill Hairdresser Lyn's Hair at the Peak 6869 1469 64 Caswell Street Trundle Hairdresser Adele's Salon & Skin 6892 1230 23 Forbes Street Clinic Parkes Hairdresser Absolutely Hair 6862 2269 Shop 8 Metro Plaza Parkes Hairdresser Adele's Salon & Skin 6862 1616 21 Church Street Clinic Parkes Hairdresser Casablanca Hair Studio 6862 3376 180 Clarinda Street Parkes Hairdresser Janice Cassidy Hair Salon 6862 3353 220 Clarinda Street Parkes Hairdresser Charisma Hair Design 6862 3798 253 Clarinda Street Parkes Hairdresser Classic Touch 6862 1333 12 Browne Street Parkes Hairdresser Kathy's Salon 6862 2373 36 Court Street Parkes Hairdresser Parkes Barber 6862 3262 302 Clarinda Street Parkes Hairdresser Sassy Hair 6862 2090 45 Currajong Street Parkes Hairdresser THD Studio 6862 3301 2/364 Clarinda Street
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ParkesCrossroads of the Nation Town Industry Company Name Phone Address Type Parkes Hairdresser Trendy 'Chelle Hair Salon 6862 2259 28 Court Street Parkes Handyman Chris Sheargold Pty 6862 4772 7 Bowditch Crescent Parkes Handyman Martin's Home 6862 5348 2 Melbourne Street Maintenance Parkes Handyman Need A Man Handy 6862 5021 7 Faull Street Service Parkes Pet Kennel Rocky Ridge Boarding 6866 1226 Cookamidgera Kennels Parkes Plumber ADH Plumbing Pty Ltd 6862 2696 24 Woodward Street Parkes Plumber Bob Hansford Plumbing 0427 633 144 Burnley Services Parkes Plumber Michael Davies 6862 4332 20 Elizabeth Street Parkes Plumber Garry Wilkie Plumbing 6863 4347 6 Currajong Road Service Parkes Plumber Don Kirwan Plumbing 0427 819 658 Parkes Plumber Mick Simpson Plumbing 6862 3449 Welcome Road Parkes Plumber D R Miller 0419 995 466 37 Clarinda Street Parkes Plumber Parkes Gasfitting Services 6862 4294 64 Mitchell Street Parkes Plumber B & D Payne 6862 1159 Home Lea Parkes Plumber Phil Leigo Plumbing 0427 438 995 PO Box 773 Parkes Podiatrist I C B Gait & Posture Clinic 1300 767 422 3a Court Street Parkes Podiatrist Sreenathudu Arshanapalli 6863 4171 21 Court Street Podiatrist Parkes Solicitor Victoria Baker 6862 2011 61 Welcome Street Parkes Solicitor W M R Burke 6862 1959 Mandalay Eugowra Road Parkes Solicitor Callachor & Helby 6862 1700 19 Court Street Parkes Solicitor Maguire Solicitors 6862 1266 24 Court Street Parkes Solicitor Matthews Williams 6862 1766 5 Court Street Parkes Solicitor McIntosh Emerton & 6862 2011 61 Welcome Street Thomas Parkes Vet Parkes Veterinary Clinic 6862 2527 312 Clarinda Street
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Retail Services
The Parkes region has a vibrant central business district with shopping centres, as well as many speciality stores.
There is main street parking in all of the towns and numerous free car parks to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
Town Facility Name Description Address Phone Parkes Body Express Beauty Salon Beauty Shop 10, Village Square 6863 4981 Trundle Adele's Salon & Skin Clinic Beauty 23 Forbes Street 6892 1230 Parkes Adele's Salon & Skin Clinic Beauty 21 Church Street 6862 1616 Parkes Body Express Beauty Shop 10, Village Square 6863 4981 Parkes Essence of Beauty Clinic Beauty 78 Clarinda Street 6862 5060 Parkes Essence of Massage Beauty 243 Clarinda Street 6862 5382 Aromatherapy Peak Hill True Colours Hair & Beauty Beauty 76 Caswell Street 6869 1445 Parkes Pat Kinsela Cycles Bikes 41 Welcome Street 6862 1800 Parkes Clarinda Meats Butcher 69 Clarinda Street 6862 1073 Parkes Parkes CentralButchery Butcher 241 Clarinda Street 6862 2328 Parkes Parkes Village Meats Butcher Shop 13 Village Square 6862 3264 Parkes Ron Dunford Chemist Chemist 280 Clarinda Street 6862 1099 Parkes Parkes Pharmacy Chemist Shop 6 Metro Plaza 6862 2411 Parkes Parkes Pharmacy Chemist Metro Plaza 6862 2010 Parkes Parkes Dry Cleaners & Laundry Dry Cleaner 17 May Street 6862 1973 Parkes Pink Orchid Café De Flowers Florist 16 Bushman Street 6862 3522 Parkes Parkes Sunflower Florist Florist 294 Clarinda Street 6863 4287 Peak Hill TJ Titheradge Ladieswear 65 Caswell Street 6869 1695 Parkes Lavinia Exclusive Frock Salon Ladieswear 300a Clarinda Street 6862 2103 Parkes Rockmans Stores Ladieswear 235 Clarinda Street 6862 5625 Parkes Suzanne Grae Ladieswear Shop 9, Clarinda Court 6862 3572 Parkes Byrne Clothing & Embroidery Menswear 233 Clarinda Street 6862 1408 Parkes Mensland Menswear 246 Clarinda Street 6862 2304 Parkes Pearsons Newsagency Newsagent 284 Clarinda Street 6862 2296 Parkes PA & AT Tierney Newsagent 238 Clarinda Street 6862 2045 Trundle Newsagency Newsagent Forbes Street 6892 1064 Parkes OPSM Optometrist Metro Plaza 6862 1576 Parkes Central West Optics Optometrist 267a Clarinda Stret 6863 5577 Parkes John Pearce Optometrist 30 Currajong Street 6862 2232 Parkes Target Speciality Store cnr Church & Bogan Sts 6863 6100 Parkes Big W Speciality Store 2 Browne Street 6863 5476 Parkes Cunningham's IGA Food Market Supermarket 362 Clarinda Street 6862 2522 Parkes Woolworths Supermarket 299 Clarinda Street 6862 1722 Parkes Coles Supermarket Cnr Church & Bogan Sts 6863 6200 Peak Hill Redenbach Foodstore Supermarket 73 Caswell Street 6869 1461 Trundle 4 Square Food Store Supermarket Forbes Street 6892 1239 Trundle Thompson's Food Store Supermarket Forbes Street 6892 1025
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Cafes/Restaurants
There is a great variety of specialty coffee shops in Parkes, all competing to make the best coffee in town.
CAFÉS
Town Facility Name Address Phone Parkes Bella's Café Espresso 245 Clarinda Street 6862 4212 Parkes Café Clarinda 249 Clarinda Street 6862 2177 Parkes Cooke Park Café & Takeaway 26 Welcome Street 6862 2418 Parkes French Taste Bakery Clarinda Street 6862 4503 Parkes Johnson's Bakery 29 Welcome Street 6862 2291 Parkes Michel's Patissery Shop 7, Metro Plaza 6862 6585 Parkes Paragon Café 278 Clarinda Street 6862 2343 Parkes Pink Orchid Café De Flowers 16 - 18 Bushman Street 6862 3522 Parkes Rascals Indoor Play Café 33 Court Street 6862 3032 Parkes Silver Bream Café 315 Clarinda Street 6862 5277 Parkes Smeaton's Bakery 184 Clarinda Street 6862 2515 Parkes Swan Café 317 Clarinda Street 6862 6473 Parkes The Coffee Pot 209B Clarinda Street 6862 1877 Parkes The Dish Café Parkes Radio Telescope 6862 1566 Discovery Centre Trundle Trundle Café 61 Forbes Street 6892 1599
TAKEAWAYS
Town Facility Name Address Phone Parkes McDonalds Bogan Street 6862 5544 Parkes Pizza Hut Clarinda Street 6863 5288 Parkes KFC Hartigan Avenue Parkes Subways Clarinda Street 6862 3444 Parkes Ispa Kebabs Clarinda Street 6863 5766 Parkes Windmills on Welcome 33 Welcome Street 6863 5255
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RESTAURANTS
Town Facility Name Address Phone Parkes Broadway Restaurant 277 Clarinda Street 6862 2400 Parkes Bryson's Restaurant 444 Clarinda Street 6862 2355 Parkes Chong Hing Chinese 178 Clarinda Street 6862 2586 Restaurant Parkes Country Comfort 54 Newell Highway 6863 4333 Parkes Dock Restaurant 10 Court Street 6862 3844 Parkes Hong Loch Chinese 210 Clarinda Street 6862 4233 Restaurant Parkes JD's Piano Bar & Restaurant 34 Forbes Road 6862 2888 Parkes Lee Yuen Restaurant 342 Clarinda Street 6862 2478 Parkes Miners Right Restaurant 11 Currajong Road 6862 2199 Parkes Comfort Inn Parkes Newell Highway 6862 5222 International Parkes Piazza Restaurant Welcome Street 6862 2622 Parkes Rice Thai Restaurant & 224 Welcome Street 6863 5666 Takeaway Parkes Windmills on Welcome 33 Welcome Street 6863 5255
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Clubs/Hotels
Australia is famous for its Pubs and town is no exception. Below you will find a comprehensive list of Parkes’s Pubs and Clubs.
Town Facility Name Address Phone Parkes Parkes Leagues Club 192 Clarinda Street 6862 1499 Parkes Parkes Golf Club London Road 6862 2044 Parkes Parkes Railway Bowling Hooley Street 6862 2772 Club Parkes Parkes Services Club Short Street 6862 1966 Parkes Parkes Bowling & 6 Cecile Street 6862 1446 Sports Club Parkes Commercial Hotel 161 Clarinda Street 6862 1526 Parkes Grand Hotel Cnr Currajong & Clarinda Sts 6862 1003 Parkes Railway Restaurant May Street 6862 2622 Parkes Parkes Hotel 1 Welcome Street 6862 2498 Parkes Station Hotel 82 Peak Hill Road 6862 8444 Parkes Broadway Hotel 277 Clarinda Street 6862 2400 Parkes Cambridge Hotel 153 Clarinda Street 6862 2098 Parkes Railway Hotel May Street 6862 1553 Parkes Royal Hotel 217 Clarinda Street 6862 2039 Parkes Star Hotel Clarinda Street 6862 2254 Trundle Trundle Hotel Forbes Street 6892 1009 Trundle Trundle Services & 99 Forbes Street 6892 1075 Citizens Club
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The Country Careers Program
Help for New Staff
The Country Careers Program is a new program that has been funded by NSW Health for the next four years to help with the retention of new staff moving into each Area Health Service.
Catherine Deverell is the Country Careers Coordinator for the Greater Western Area Health Service. The role of the program is to contact new Doctors, Allied Health Professionals and Nurses in difficult to recruit to locations as soon as they have been chosen as the preferred applicant for a position and to assist these new staff, who are moving to a new town, to find rental accommodation; schools for their children; help in networking with local businesses to find work for partners or spouses; finding a sporting or community group they might like to join; etc.
Country Careers is about helping the new staff enter into the community they are moving to and to help them feel welcome and valued as a community member.
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Medical Services
There are a number of medical practices operating in the Parkes area. These include General Practitioners, as well as Specialist services.
Town Facility Name Description Address Phone Parkes Alpinglow 344 Clarinda Street 6862 6622 Australia Pty Parkes Clarinda Street Medical Centre 335 Clarinda Street 6862 2511 Services Parkes Currajong House Medical Centre Currajong Street 6862 1699 Health Centre (previously Court Street Health Centre) Parkes Mayne Laverty Pathology 39 Currajong Street 6862 5038 Pathology Collection Centres
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Health Service Details
History on Parkes hospital
Parkes Health Service provides a wide range of acute care, allied health a community health service. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency care with on-call medical services, has a community health centre located on the same campus and is located close to town.
The Parkes Health Service is a training hospital for student midwives in conjunction with Charles Sturt University at Wagga Wagga and enrolled nurses in conjunction with the Western institute of TFAE – Dubbo Campus.
Parkes Health Service provides 38 inpatient beds distributed across: Bushman’s Ward: – 23 bed general medical / surgical / children ward Gibbon’s Ward: – 5 bed maternity unit – 2 bed delivery suite 6 general female medical overflow beds for ambulant patients High Dependency Unit: - 3 bed which co-exist with the Emergency Department
Other services include: Medical and Palliative Care; Surgical; Operating Theatre; Paediatrics; Rehabilitation; Aged Care; Oncology; Radiology and Pathology; and a wide range of allied health services and generalist Community Health Services. A number of outreach services are provided to smaller centres.
Hospital Accommodation An older style two story building, single room, share bathroom; kitchen; lounge room nurses home accommodation is available.
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GWAHS Learning & Development Division
The GWAHS Learning & Development team provides and supports professional development opportunities for Area Health Service staff.
Learning & Development in partnership with external training providers and GWAHS staff have secured funding from a variety of sources to meet the challenge of growing our own to better meet the needs of our community. This has included participation in the Commonwealth Workplace English Language and Literacy Program.
As part of this Learning and Development and partners are: • Using recognition, assessment and learning pathways to enable staff to gain nationally recognised qualifications. • Developing our staff and expanding their career options. • Benchmarking across facilities to increase consistency and quality of service provision. • Increasing the uptake of Apprenticeships and Traineeships GWAHS and L&D both through partnerships with other RTOs and as a part of the NSW Health RTO offers an increased range of VET programs.
L&D is currently expanding its scope of practice and exploring additional partnerships to increase capapcity in line with workforce planning and organisational needs.
Preliminary evaluation of the overall strategy has shown that staff appreciate the skills recognition and workplace support and are open to career development opportunities. Some taking up roles in supervision and assessment and alternate career pathways within GWAHS. This strategy aims to improve staff retention and skills and contribute to the building of a positive workplace culture within GWAHS.
The Learning & Development Calendar can be accessed via http://gwahs/index.php?select=Learning_and_Development&option=program
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The Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching (IRCST)
The Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching (IRCST) was formed in 2003 following recommendations from the NSW Health Plan (2002). It aims to support rural clinicians across all stages of their careers and promote good practice in rural health service delivery.
It is a "virtual institute" with staff working across NSW. The current Executive Director, Ms Linda Cutler, is based in Dubbo.
IRCST provides a range of opportunities to rural and remote health staff:
• NSW Rural Research Capacity Building Program – each year IRCST accepts up to 30 candidates from rural and remote area health services to undertake a research project. Successful candidates participate in a research methods short course, conducted in Sydney by the NSW Primary Health Care Collaboration; are provided with a paid backfill day each week for a two year period; and are linked with mentors who have an interest or experience in the topic or methods required for the project. Applications are usually called in May each year. • NSW Health Awards Sponsorship – each year IRCST sponsors up to 40 rural and remote health staff to attend the Health Expo which exposes them to a range of continuous quality improvement projects from across the state.
IRCST also conducts a major conference, in a rural location, each year: • NSW Rural Allied Health Conference – held in Dubbo during October 2007, this conference attracts allied health professionals from rural and remote NSW to share valuable experiences and raise issues facing allied health practitioners. This conference is held biennially. • NSW Rural and Remote Health Conference – held in Coffs Harbour during November 2008, this conference attracts health professionals from a range of disciplines, with a view to working together to improve rural and remote health and health services. This conference is held biennially.
Some of IRCST’s other projects include:
• NSW Rural Stroke Project • NSW Rural Rehabilitation Clinician Network Project • NSW Rural Allied Health Project • Biostatistician Trainee • Chair in Rural Pharmacy
From time to time IRCST calls for submissions for research or service improvement projects which meet the objectives of the IRCST business plan.
The IRCST website provides additional information on all of the above, as well as any emerging projects. You can also sign up to the IRCST webgroup, and you’ll be notified of upcoming events, funding opportunities, sponsorships and new initiatives. Log onto: www.ircst.health.nsw.gov.au
or for additional information contact the Office of the Executive Director on (02) 6841 2271.
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Appendix A
Town Map
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Acknowledgements
The following people/organisations or groups contributed to the development of these booklets and their input is acknowledged with thanks.
Tourism NSW Parkes Shire Council Walkabout Australian Travel Guide Parkes Tourist Information Centre Staff and Management from the Southern Cluster Arts Out West
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