Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce the five community groups successful in securing a Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grant. The recipients, awarded a total of $10,000, are the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group, Parkes Pottery Group, The Suburban Review, Trundle Bush Tucker Day, and Currajong Disability Services. The awards were announced at a ceremony on 9 July 2024, at the Parkes Shire Council Chambers.
Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, congratulated the recipients on their achievements.
“It’s inspiring to see the diversity of projects and the positive impact these grants have on our community. The creativity and passion of our local groups never ceases to amaze me,” Cr Applebee said.
“Council’s Annual Cultural Grants Program is designed to nurture local skills, talents and abilities across the Parkes Shire. Over the past seven years, through this program, Council has provided almost $80,000 to more than 30 local groups and organisations, supporting musical, cultural and artistic endeavours,” Cr Applebee added.
This year, the following five groups will benefit from a cultural grant:
Community Group | Grant Amount | Details |
Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group | $3,000 | To host a NAIDOC cultural day on Bushman’s Hill, open to the whole community. The day will include local Wiradjuri awards, language, dancing, music, coolamon cutting and weaving displays, face painting, information stalls, giveaways, and a BBQ. |
Parkes Pottery Group | $2,100 | To run a series of pottery workshops for school-aged children under the guidance of experienced local potters, teaching them basic skills to make and decorate their own pottery pieces. |
The Suburban Review | $2,000 | To bring the nationally acclaimed Cuplet Poetry Night to Parkes, enabling five acclaimed poets to present a reading night at the Hart Bar. |
Trundle Bush Tucker Day Inc | $1,500 | To bring celebrity bush cook Ranger Nick, also known as the guru of camp oven cooking, to the popular Trundle Bush Tucker Day in September. |
Currajong Disability Services | $1,400 | To facilitate a 10-week cultural exchange program connecting Elders and First Nations community members with Currajong Disability Services clients, featuring art, storytelling, dance, and cultural practices. |
The annual Cultural Grants Program aims to increase cultural activity in the community, encourage innovative creative events and workshops, help artists, crafters and musicians develop their skills, and provide funds to maintain or develop facilities. Organisations may apply for a grant of at least $2,000, with a total funding pool of $10,000 annually.
