A collection of grand heritage listed houses in Parkes will be opened for the first time to the public on Sunday, April 30.
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Six heritage homes will be open as part of the event to be known as Sunrise to Sunset.
And organisers hope Sunrise to Sunset will become an annual event on the Parkes calendar.
“It is novel and it is new but there is a cost associated with it,” Parkes Shire Council’s technology and corporate services director Les Finn said.
The idea came after a collaboration between Parkes Shire Council Heritage Advisory Service and the Parkes Quota Club, and observing how well received open gardens and open houses across the Central West are.
Quota and the Parkes Garden Club present the Parkes Open Gardens annually, which attracts about 350 people per year.
There are plans to launch the unique event with "Sunset Drinks" at the restored Railway Hotel on the top floor verandah on April 20 from 5.30pm.
At its meeting this week, council agreed to be a major sponsor for the event to the tune of $3000.
Council's contribution will go toward hosting the launch, providing insurance and seed funding.
Council's drone operator will also capture footage of the open houses.
“I think it’s a great idea...we should support it,” Cr Neil Westcott said.
Cr Ken McGrath praised the great and professional work of the women of Quota, saying he couldn’t see why council couldn’t support it.
Councillors Barbara Newton and Alan Ward agreed.
“I fully support it, we do have a heritage adviser and I think it’s good to take advantage of what he’s had to say,” Cr Newton said.
“It’s another reason to come to Parkes,” Cr Ward added.
Tickets to the Sunrise to Sunset Parkes Heritage Houses will be available online from EventBrite and in person at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre for $15 per person.
A golden ticket will be available at $20 per person, which will enable ticket holders access to the homes as well as being chauffeured in vintage cars from the Parkes Visitor Information Centre to each house.
Funds raised from the event will support the Parkes Heritage Interpretation Strategy’s plaques program, where one plaque is hoped to be installed at each site (subject to owner’s consent and cost). Money will also go to a charity nominated by Quota