Parkes is gearing up to celebrate Australia Day this Sunday and all the people, stories and achievements that make this shire what it is today.
A full day of community activities across the town have been planned, with several events also taking place in our shire villages.
As usual the day will begin with the community walk at 7am at Cooke Park followed by a free breakfast.
At the same time, until 11am, kites of all sizes and shapes will be flying 'Over the Hill' at Northparkes Oval.
All Australian cars will be on display at Cooke Park from 10am, ahead of the official ceremony and annual Australia Day Awards presentation.
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Live entertainment by the Parkes Shire Band will begin at 10.30am at the Cooke Park Pavilion and the official ceremony will begin at 11am at the same location.
The awards presentation features the Parkes Shire Sport Awards (see back page for this year's nominees), the Community and Cultural Awards and of course the much anticipated Citizen of the Year Award.
With temperatures expected to reach as high as 38 degrees on Sunday, residents may opt to spend the rest of their day at the Parkes Aquatic Centre. It's free entry from 2pm and the popular inflatable will be ready.
Then end your evening at the Parkes Showground from 6pm until 9pm to enjoy the setting sun and some harness racing.
The return of the infamous Golden Yabby Races takes place at 7.30pm (registration from 6pm-7pm).
As revealed last week Parkes Shire is excited to welcome Tasman Cassim as the official Australia Day Ambassador for 2025.
Tasman is the Head of Partnerships at the Black Dog Institute and the founder of the annual Superhero Walk, an initiative where he dresses as a superhero and walks long distances to raise funds for small charities.
Since 2015, he has walked over 1000km and raised more than $100,000 for Australians in need. His passion lies in bridging the gap between the for-purpose and for-profit sectors to solve society’s biggest challenges.
“We are delighted to have Tasman Cassim as our Australia Day Ambassador for 2025. His story of purpose, kindness, and community-driven action aligns perfectly with the spirit of Australia Day," Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said.
“His Superhero Walk is a brilliant example of how individual passion can create a powerful impact, and we are excited to have him share his message across our shire."
Tasman will attend Australia Day celebrations across the shire, inspiring local residents with his journey of making a difference through community engagement and philanthropy.
There are also other events happening on Australia Day or prior residents might be interested in: From 12pm on Saturday there's races at the Parkes Racecourse, Parkes Golf Club is hosting an Australia Day Golf Stableford 9.30am-4pm and the bowling clubs are holding Australia Day bowls events from 9.30am/10am.
BOGAN GATE
4pm - Community event at Bogan Gate Tennis Court which features various sporting challenges, sausage sizzle and
icypoles. And a movie night to end the evening.
TRUNDLE
8am - Main street opening and gym tour, ending with a community breakfast at Berryman Oval.
9am - Award presentation and speeches.
2pm-9pm - Pool inflatable, music and Mr Whippy van (2pm-4pm) at Trundle Swimming Pool.
TULLAMORE
11am-6pm - Make a splash with free entry to Tullamore Pool with the kiosk and inflatable in action.
2pm - Free Australia Day sausage sizzle and kids activities at the pool.
4pm - Tullamore Hotel open, live music.
6pm - Barefoot bowls at the Bowling Club.
8pm - Karaoke at Tullamore Hotel.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join in the celebrations across the Parkes Shire.
For more information about the 2025 Australia Day events, visit the Parkes Shire Council website: https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events-and-Festivals/Australia-Day-2025?transfer=3aa5bd77-1268-4a8e-980f-245280d3c649
