The federal member breaking into song, a Parkes shire councillor sporting a musical bowtie and a brilliant pianist tickling the ivories - you couldn't have asked for more from a very special opening on Monday morning.
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The Cooke Park Pavilion, a multi-purpose facility, was officially opened on November 8 by local Federal member, the Honourable Michael McCormack MP, alongside Parkes Shire councillors, staff and community members.
The pavilion forms part of the $8.5 million Main Street Revitalisation Project, which also included the upgrade of Lower Clarinda Street - which was completed late last year.
The project was jointly funded by the Parkes Shire Council and the Federal Government.
This new facility includes and outdoor event stage, a multipurpose/conference room (80 seat capacity), kitchen facilities, a separate meeting/flexi-room, a large storeroom, and accessible toilet facilities.
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP said, who spontaneously burst into a rendition of Bright Lights, Big City, complete with custom lyrics for the appreciative crowd, said the new facility would be crucial for Parkes and the wider region.
"The visitor economy is a key driver for economic growth in Parkes," he said.
"Hosting successful large and small-scale events is something that the Parkes community have been very successful at delivering, and this new centre will enable them to leverage this success.
"This facility will attract visitors to a greater number of events and boost job opportunities for event personnel, accommodation workers, hospitality workers and local retail," said Mr McCormack.
Parkes shire mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM, said it was part of a wider strategy.
"The project is part of the Parkes CBD Vibrancy Strategy, forming part of Council's planned improvements for the CBD," he said.
In November 2015, Council conducted extensive community engagement through the public exhibition of the CBD Issues Paper, followed by Inquiry-by-Design Workshops in February 2016 and the public exhibition of the Parkes CBD Main Street Vibrancy Strategy in May 2016.
The strategy identified short, medium, and long-term projects that would improve the vibrancy and prosperity of the Parkes main street.
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The projects included simple improvements such as a fresh coat of paint, to designing and installing dining platforms to encourage outdoor dining, as well as long term projects such the upgrade of lower Clarinda Street and the new Cooke Park Pavilion which are now complete - which Cr Keith says will bring great events to the shire.
"This new facility will enable Parkes to host new events that would not otherwise have come to the Parkes Shire, such as large regional theatre and concert events, business events and weddings," he said.
The addition of this brand-new facility, will drive growth in the local and regional economy, delivering social benefits through increased community pride, cohesion and well-being.
Following the opening of the Cooke Park Pavilion, this new facility is set to become the main stage for the town's events in the park, including the Parkes Elvis Festival and the recently announced Overture musical event, which are both scheduled for April 2022.
It was the events MC, the effervescent Cr Neil Westcott (who also provided the sensational cover photo for the Parkes Champion Post) who summed up the situation perfectly for all in attendance.
He even did his best Banjo Patterson impersonation for the occasion.
"I may not be Edgar Allan Poe or Wordsworth, and it may not be as gushing as Sir Robert Menzies was to Queen Elizabeth II, but I think it captures the moment," he said with a wry smile.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, Mr McCormack, we sure thank you."
The Parkes shire community all thank you, Mr McCormack, and to Neil and the other wonderful councillors who helped turn this dream into a reality - we are so thankful for you too.
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