I believe we punch well above our weight in so many ways.

There is no doubt that the people we have  in key local roles play a huge part in this success.

But there are two things uniquely Parkes which are responsible for our high profile and publicity all over the world.

Of course I am referring to The Dish and the Elvis Festival.

Towns would give their right arm to have just one of them - we are extremely fortunate to have both.

In the past week, they have again showered us in glory.

First of all came the news that The Dish will be playing a key role in the search for extra terrestrials in our solar system.

The search for ET is a $135 million project and the Parkes telescope has received a commitment for funding for the next five years.

This guarantees the sustainabity of the scope and eases the concern of its future.

What happens if we find ET is another matter!

I hope the fact that if we find him, her, it...whatever, doesn’t mean they will come and visit!

And yet more attention on The Dish yesterday with the TV morning program, Sunrise broadcasting its weather from here.

It was great to see such a big crowd of locals out there to send out such a happy message.

Then there is the Elvis Festival.

What an amazing success story it has been.

20 million visitors last year, millions of dollars into the local economy, not to mention neighbouring towns, and everyone having a great time.

The Police Commissioner said during his visit to Parkes last week that he is well aware of just how many visitors we receive in January for the festival - and how few anti-social arrests are made.

He said it is staggering that so many people can be so well behaved!

(I’m not sure if we talked him into coming up next year though).

The festival has generated enormous media attention for our town all over the world.

It is common now for people everywhere to immediately associate  Parkes with the Elvis Festival.

Over the weekend, the festival won yet another major award - Best Inland Festival.

Everything about it is so positive.

And of course, we have Northparkes Mines which has contributed so much.

Things can get tough from time to time, but there is always something positive to pick us up.

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I love the job I have, although there are quite a few occasions when I have to admit things get a bit testy.

Without doubt, the part I enjoy the most is telling the stories of local residents.

Interviewing them about their successes, hardships, proud moments, kids etc.

After all, that’s what we are all about....relating local stories about local people and issues.

One of the most pleasing is talking about wedding anniversaries.

There are so many couples locally who have achieved major milestones.

We had one couple last week who have been married longer than I have been alive!

There are countless others who have got to 50 or 60 years.

It’s something of which they are immensely proud - as they should be.

It’s such an important matter although definitely losing its appeal in this ever-changing modern world.

Certainly marriage as we have always known it is different - same sex couples, no formal ceremony...

I’m not sure how many nowadays will attain such a major milestone.

I love telling the couple’s stories, how they met and what they have done during their lifetimes.

But most of all, I always enquire about the secret to wedded bliss.

What keeps them together and so happy for such a long time.

Some of the answers I have received have been most enlightening, some right out of left field, some amusing and others quite forthright.

Almost to a couple however, they say it takes some work, hard work, on occasions.

“Marriage is something you have to work on, it’s not something you should give up easily,” is a general feeling.

“You will have differences, that is healthy, but don’t dwell on them.  

“Never go to sleep with matters unresolved.”

There is no doubt a sense of humour is vital.

Of course, respect for each other always comes up, as well as patience.

And then, depending on which partner you speak to...’never say no, always agree with whatever she says, she is always right!’

I am definitely not one to be giving advice, although we have racked up more than 40 years marriage (Yes, I agree, Chris deserves a medal!).

I just hope it never changes too much and that our kids’ kids get to enjoy and experience what a wonderful institution marriage is.

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

‘The nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.’