Parkes locals' service to community through medicine, local government, sport, education and more have been honoured in NSW Parliament over the past year.
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On Friday, Member for Orange Philip Donato gathered these local champions with those from across the Orange electorate to bring that recognition home.
"Recognising people from our community and celebrating their work, effort and accomplishments is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work as an MP," he said.
"These award recipients are humble people who do not seek any recognition.
"They are people who possess attributes such as teamwork, community spirit, consideration for others, dedication and determination for their work, sport, interest, or charity.
"These people are the true essence of our country communities here in the Orange electorate."
Rhonda Brain OAM
Early literacy initiative Paint the Town REaD marked a quarter of a century in 2023.
The Australia-wide program has helped half a million children after starting in the Central West.
former Parkes school principal Rhonda Brain OAM, was one of a handful of principals from the district who acted after studies indicated children had a better opportunity to grasp reading and writing skills if they were read to from birth.
Rhonda was recognised for her work in founding the program with a 'Star of Parkes' award.
Fellow founder, former Parkes Christian School principal Judy Huda described Rhonda as 'the force behind Paint the Town REaD'.
Judy explained Rhonda organised events to spark interest including having the former Great Southern Rail dedicate a carriage for the book relay from Parkes to Broken Hill in 2005 and having the Reading Bug jump from an Airforce plane.
"The program is used by 80 communities Australia-wide. It targets communities where the statistics show over 20% of children struggle with literacy," Mr Donato said.
"Well done, Rhonda."
Dr Richard Draper
Dr Richard Draper was named the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' GP of the Year in 2023.
Richard has been working in the Central West for 29 years and around five years ago he and Forbes' Courtney Hodges set up their Medicine and Mind practice to address gaps in the health system in the district.
The partners found there was a strong mental health aspect to people's lives, through drought, COVID lockdowns and flood - and their clinic was not immune, having been inundated in the November flood event.
Richard and Courtney battled their own flood fatigue while providing support for the community through these floods. During that time the couple leaned heavily on the community, which rallied to ensure the practice continued in temporary, rent-free digs.
Part of Richard's vision, with Courtney's support, is providing mental health services to rural areas, working collaboratively with other providers to secure the wellbeing of his patients.
"I congratulate Richard on his recognition from the RACGP and thank Richard, Courtney and their staff on their commitment to their community," Mr Donato said.
Ken Keith OAM
Ken Keith OAM was acknowledged for his contribution of long - time mayor after deciding to step down after 17 years at the helm of Parkes Shire Council.
Cr Keith was elected to Parkes Shire Council in 1983 at age 28. Mr Keith has been a stalwart of the Parkes council, with Setember 2023 marking 40 years as a councillor.
Prior to serving as mayor, Cr Keith spent 17 years as deputy, working with friend and mentor the late Robert Wilson OAM.
"His wife Sue has been by his side through 12 council terms and the couple's three sons, James, Max and Douglas have also shared their father with his civic duties and I salute his family for their support," Mr Donato said.
Cr Keith is a man credited with creating council stability. Cr Keith expressed his gratitude for the support of his colleagues when he expressed his intention not to stand at the next mayoral election.
"Cr Keith is planning to spend more time with his grandchildren and I wish him well and thank him for his service to the Parkes community."
Richard Jefferay - Tractor Trek for Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Tractor Trek for Prostate Cancer Foundation saw a journey through 600km of Australia's challenging outback by a team of ten dedicated men and seven iconic Ferguson tractors in a heart-warming display of unity and purpose.
The six-day expedition began in Bourke, weaving through towns like Louth, Wanaaring, and Hungerford, concluding their route via Yantabulla and Fords Bridge.
These seven vintage tractors, with a top speed of 23km/h, demanded resilience and commitment from the crew.
The tractor trek was originally conceptualised by Richard Jefferay from Parkes Tyrepower as a spirited adventure, the trek took on a deeper meaning when aligned with the cause of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and was further fuelled by personal connections as Richard's father, Dick, is a prostate cancer survivor.
Impressively the group raised over $38,000 for the foundation, standing firm in its mission to aid those diagnosed and their families, with 66 Australian men receiving a diagnosis daily.
"This trek, marked by both adventure and generosity, beautifully showcases the community's spirit and determination. Congratulations to all involved," Mr donato said.
Gill Kinsela - Parkes Meals on Wheels
Parkes Meals on Wheels was acknowledged for their accomplishment, with the service last year celebrating its 60th anniversary with a move into bigger, better premises.
Parkes Meals on Wheels produces, on average, 150 nutritious and delicious fresh meals and 150 frozen meals from its new kitchen on Forbes Road, for clients across the Parkes shire each week. 180 volunteers then distribute the meals and while they're on the road, they take time to check in and chat with clients.
Manager Gill Kinsela and her team are responsible for the move to the new premises, which has enabled the production of meals which were previously outsourced.
"Meals on Wheels represents a wonderful sense of community with some of its volunteers having been involved in for decades," Mr Donato said.
"For example, Mary McIntyre has served for 38 years and Betty Sommers, has been involved for 35, both earning life membership.
"Adrienne Bradley, Sue Connors and Carolyn Rice OAM have also clocked up more than 30 years' service while there are also members with 20 years or more under their belts."
Liz Noakes
Liz Noakes regularly makes a 200km round trip from Parkes to Orange, where she volunteers at Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West.
Beginning her commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West as an overnight volunteer at the Orange house in 2021, Liz has contributed 479 hours supporting families from the central and far west in their time of need.
"After finishing her busy working day as a teaching professional, Liz gets in her car to make the 100 km trip to Orange, often in fading light and challenging road conditions which are found in rural areas in the Orange electorate," Mr Donato said in Parliament.
A 24hour NSW emergency helicopter is based out of Orange and it is often during the night that families find themselves in a situation where they require accommodation after their child has been rushed by air or road ambulance to Orange Hospital.
Liz is on hand to welcome families, settle them in and provide them with an emergency meal in a safe, comfortable and secure environment.
"This enables the family to focus on their seriously ill baby, child or adolescent who is receiving specialist or life-saving treatment in Orange Hospital. Thank you, Liz."
Marilyn Pizzaro
Marilyn Pizzaro was recognised for her 50 years of membership to the Parkes Day VIEW Club.
Mrs Pizzaro has made a wonderful contribution to the community of Parkes over several decades and through her commitment and dedication, Mrs Pizzaro and her fellow club members have made a difference in the lives of children and their families who have faced hardship.
"It is an enormous achievement dedicating yourself to a service club for so many years and Mrs Pizzaro was recently honoured by her peers with the presentation of her 50-year service badge," Mr Donato said.
"Now more than ever, the work of Mrs Pizzaro and her VIEW Club is helping to fill the gap in the lives of children whose families are struggling to provide the everyday basics to go to school and remain engaged in education."
Mrs Pizzaro has stepped in to fill a number of executive positions during her 50 years and through her work with the VIEW Club she has been part of the Learning For Life sponsorship program supporting three students during their educative years.
Andrew Thomas - Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club
The Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club held a Sportsman's Fundraising Dinner in conjunction with Royce Simmons' Big Walk for Dementia.
Mr Donato commended all the attendees and businesses that donated items as well as the organisers on their successful evening event which raised over $18,000 with a portion going to Royce's cause and the remaining funding being retained in the club.
The club's president reported that the event was at capacity with over 210 people attending and the event highlight was having Royce and fellow former footy legends sharing their entertaining stories with the crowd.
"Royce noted that the event was one of the most successful that he attended along his fundraising and awareness walk," Mr Donato said.
"I congratulate all involved, and I commend The Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club on their initiative and success with their fundraising event. Well done."
Sarah Townsend
Ms Townsend was named Parkes Show's Young Woman of the Year in 2022 and backed that up this year with recognition from the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW, who have dubbed Sarah an 'up-and-coming' star, awarding her a Next Gen ribbon.
Sarah was approached by Parkes Show Society president Cynara Jones to join the committee for the Parkes Show, Sarah didn't blink an eye when asked to nominate for the vice president's role, which she filled, along with publicity officer and she also happily administers its social media accounts.
The Agricultural Societies Council's Group 10 delegate Meg Austin, who awarded Sarah the next gen ribbon, described her as positive, friendly and willing.
The Next Generation is an extension of the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW, which is working to make sure agricultural shows continue to prosper through new blood and ensures show society committees of the future have the tools to keep an Australian tradition, the local show, thriving.
"Young people of Sarah's calibre bode well for that future," Mr Donato said in parliament.
Alessandro Vilella
Six-year-old Alessandro Villella is described as a young man with a bright future, Parkes' own 'Sleek Geek'.
Alessandro has earned a highly-commended honour with his entry into the Australian Museum's Eureka Prize, Australia's premier science awards.
The 'Sleek Geek's Eureka Prize is one of 18 categories in the competition and encourages primary and secondary students to discuss a scientific concept in an accessible and entertaining way and this year's theme of 'Green' produced hundreds of entries.
Alessandro, a student at Parkes' Holy Family School was the youngest entrant, but his film 'The Dirty Secret: Green Farming', earned him a top-10 place in the primary school division.
"Alessandro explores regenerative farming and the role dirt can play in carbon absorption in his film with his work worthy of recognition considering the family moved from a Sydney suburb to Parkes just two years ago and since then, he has developed a strong interest in agriculture," Mr Donato admired.
Greg Magill and Joel Jelbart, lent their farming expertise and Alessandro's mum Simran helped him put together his entry.
"I would like to congratulate Alessandro on his success and encourage him to continue along the scientific path," Mr Donato said.