Last Friday, April 6, St Patrick’s Parish School was host to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Michael McCormack.

Mr McCormack is a great example of a person who uses his own skills and talents to support the wider community.

Since becoming a member of parliament he has conducted a writing competition for young people living in his electorate based around the selfless sacrifices of the ANZAC tradition.

Each year we encourage our students to enter this competition to honour the ANZAC tradition and support Mr McCormack’s work.

We congratulate Maggie Anderson this year, who received a Highly Commended Award from Mr McCormack.

He is a very sincere man, dedicated to his role and the responsibilities of that role.

His speech to the students was inspiring, urging them to pursue their education, take all the opportunities life offers and maintain their faith and commitment to God.

He spoke of how blessed we are to live in Australia and his visit was evidence of that.

There would be few countries in the world where the deputy leader would travel independently, with only one other person.

Again I congratulate Maggie Anderson on her success in the ANZAC Writing Competition, which brought Mr McCormack to our school.

Pictured: North Riverina Primary School: Division highly commended winner, St Patrick’s Parish School, Trundle Year 6 student Maggie Anderson, 11 (third from left), twin brother Charles Anderson (fifth from left) with their family and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and Principal Trish Cleal (right).

The Maher Family invite you to Marg’s Golf Day At Trundle Golf Course. It will be held on Saturday, April 28.

Two Person Ambrose, no golf skills required.

Play 18 holes or just do nine holes if you prefer. $10 per player. Eighteen hole players hit off at 11am.        

BBQ lunch from 12pm. Nine hole players hit off at 1pm. 

No trophies, just a game of golf to remember Marg and have a bit of fun together. All Welcome!

Congratulations to the Tullamore CWA ladies who had good wins at Bogan Gate. Land cooking

All of these women now go to state.

Shirley Edwards won two shields, which was also a great effort.

Handicraft

Congratulations to all as this is only a small branch.

Trundle Pony club will next meet on Thursday, April 26.

Trundle Men’s Shed meet at Young Anglican Hall, Parkes Street each Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Held in the rural township of Trundle, in Central Western NSW, the Trundle ABBA Festival is Australia’s only and original ABBA festival. Held on the first Saturday in May each year.

Trundle ABBA Festival provides a day packed full of family friendly entertainment - highlighting Bjorn Again, the World's Number one ABBA Tribute Band and Fashions of the Festival - there will never be a dull moment! From May 4-5.

For more information visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au.

Local creative groups and artists have until Friday 4 May to apply for a 2018 Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grant.

The aim of Council's cultural grant program is to encourage and support the development of the art and craft community, services and strategies which make a positive contribution to the community and cultural life of the Shire.

Applications must request a grant of at least $2,000 with the total funding pool at $10,000.

"Four local organisations received grants in 2017", said Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Shellie Buckle.

"Peak Hill Leisure Art and Craft Council Inc for art tutoring, Parkes Action Club to hold the St Elmo Shearing Shed art exhibition, Trundle Film Society for Being on High Ground video production project and Parkes/Forbes Branch cake Decorators Guild of NSW Inc for a cake decorating and sugar art seminar.”

The objectives of the Program are to stimulate community cultural activity, encourage creative and innovative cultural activity, assist in the development of skills and abilities and enhance cultural facilities and community awareness of the importance of culture.

Cultural Grants application forms are available on Council's website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au, or at any Parkes Shire Library (Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore).

Contact Council's Grant Officer Kimberley Harris, 6861 2398 for advice and support in completing the application.

Successful applications will be announced in June 2018.