After weeks without rain the venue for the re-dedication of the Rotary Peace Community Precinct had to be moved to the Little Theatre as drizzly showers fell during the morning.
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It was very disappointing for everyone involved in the project, which has taken almost ten months to come to fruition.
Parkes Shire Council’s Parks and Garden staff had spent days ensuring the Rotary Arboretum was a picture, especially around the Peace Precinct and the grove of trees adjacent to the dry creek bed.
However those hundreds of adults and children who packed out the little Theatre were certainly not disappointed in the proceedings.
After an introduction of special guests, Rotary President David Hughes gave a presentation about the history of the Peace Community Project and how it came to be the lovely Precinct that now graces the Rotary Arboretum.
Sculptures in timber by artists Scott “Sauce” Towney, Scott Turnbull and Sean James Cassidy set in a quiet and idyllic part of the park are the outstanding feature along with the creative dry creek bed built by Derrick Hoe Landscaping.
Each of the sculptures carry a plaque representing Rotary Peace principles.
Speeches by Rotary Past District Governors Michael Millston and Fred Loneragan, Wiradjuri man Lionel Lovett and Paul Thomas representing the RSL outlined the importance of the concept of a Peace Community and how it relates to Parkes being a place that encourages harmony and inclusiveness.
Some ninety children from Parkes East and Holy Family primary schools firstly sang the “Kookaburra” song in Wiradjuri.
The students graced stage again later in the proceedings with the M & D “Flash Mob” who appeared one by one from the audience singing the complete version of “I Am Australian” leaving the audience in raptures with many saying afterwards that is was just magnificent.
It was then over to Mayor Ken Keith to re-dedicate the Rotary Peace Precinct and he too emphasised the Council’s stated desire to encourage multiculturalism and also it’s engagement with the indigenous community.
President David said he wanted to thank the many people who have contributed to the project from beginning to end.
“A special thank you to the teachers and children from the two primary schools and Parkes High School and the members of the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society who helped make this day such a success,” he said.
A special thank you from the President of Parkes Rotary Club
- Ken Engsmyr Secretary of Parkes Rotary Club (Project hero)
- The Members of Parkes Rotary Club
- Rotary District 9700
- Past District Governors Michael Millston and Fred Loneragan
- Artists “Sauce” Towney, Scott Turnbull and Sean James Cassidy
- Lionel Lovett
- Arts out West
- Derrick Hoe Landscaping
- Steve McGrath Tree Service
- G. C. McCabe Constructions
- Protector Coatings
- MCA Engineering
- Parkes M & D Society
- Pupils and Staff of Parkes East Primary School
- Pupils and Staff Holy Family Primary School
- Parkes High School
- Parkes Shire Council
- Especially Elizabeth Briton, Emily Brotherton and all of the staff of the Parkes and Gardens Department and the Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith.
I want to sincerely thank each and everyone involved in the development, construction and dedication of the Rotary Peace Precinct in the Arboretum over the past year.
It is the culmination of a project that has been close to my heart for five years and it could not have been done without the enthusiasm and dedication of a great number of people.
My apologies for anyone overlooked.
Thank you.
David Hughes
President
Rotary Club of Parkes
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