History Parkes

Two images from 1932. On the left, a postage stamp commemorating the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was officially opened on March 19, 1932. On the right is an Australian penny made in 1932. Source: Postage stamp from Wikimedia Commons and One penny from TDK Australian Pre-Decimal Coins website

A look back… at the winter of 1932

This post will continue to highlight a particular time in the vast history of the Parkes Shire, focusing on the winter of 1932. A comparison of newspapers – then and … Continue reading →

June 27, 2017 · Leave a comment

Cropped photograph of the front page of Parkes Champion Post featuring visiting Max (11) and Casey (9) who were travelling with their parents to Noosa and stopped over in Parkes the very day that it snowed! Source: Parkes Champion Post Friday June 24, 2005 page 1

Snow in Parkes Shire

Mentioning the weather of the Parkes Shire, to residents or those further afield, and most people will immediately think of the summer heat! The summer heat can be memorable, but … Continue reading →

June 16, 2017 · Leave a comment

This week is National Reconciliation Week (NRW), Let’s Take the Next Steps (17 May – 3 June 2017). NRW runs annually and marks two milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: The … Continue reading →

May 29, 2017 · 1 Comment

The “Alectown Ace” posing next to his home town’s sign. [Digital image]. (2016, April 28). Retrieved July 08, 2016, from http://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/3875674/scott-poised-for-dream-run/

Alectown – a town of gold and stars!

Nestled between Parkes and Peak Hill lies the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village of Alectown. The last time Alectown featured in Australian Bureau of Statistics figures was in 2006, when the population was … Continue reading →

May 22, 2017 · Leave a comment

A look back at…. the summer of 1945

This post will look at something different in comparison to previous HistoryParkes entries. Newspapers from the past provide a valuable insight into the attitudes, priorities and challenges from yesteryear. Spanish-born American … Continue reading →

March 31, 2017 · Leave a comment

Town sign welcoming all to Bogan Gate. Photograph taken by ksuyin and found on http://www.flickriver.com/places/Australia/New+South+Wales/Bogan+Gate/recent/

Bogan Gate: Australian history merges in unique moment!

The Boer War. Bush poetry. The sport of polo. All three have links to Australian history. All three also merge together uniquely in one point of time in the country … Continue reading →

March 10, 2017 · 4 Comments

Brett Finch, former NRL star, playing for Peak Hill Roosters. Source: Parkes Champion Post Friday April 22, 2016 page 25

1970 The Peak Hill Roosters fly high!

History is amazing, and yet incredible stories and achievements can become so quickly forgotten. Our aim at Parkes Library is to continue to bring the amazing history of the Parkes … Continue reading →

February 17, 2017 · Leave a comment

Portrait of Dr Dagmar Berne from the Univeristy of Sydney archives. Source: Neve, Marjorie Hutton (1980) 'This Mad Folly!' The History of Australia's Pioneer Women Doctors Library of Australian History: North Sydney page 81

Dr Dagmar Berne – pioneer of Australian women doctors

There are many people in the history of Australia who deserve greater recognition than they receive. And HistoryParkes would like to redress this injustice, primarily of those people who were one time … Continue reading →

February 3, 2017 · 4 Comments

This photograph was taken from the first floor of Parkes Leagues Club looking onto the attempt at the record for most people hitting a tennis ball on a racquet at one time. Parkes now holds the record with 772 people taking part, many coming from all over the Parkes Shire. The building in white and blue is the clock tower building, and everyone assembled is on Clarinda Street. The cross street is Browne Street. This photograph was taken by Hank Paul on Saturday November 16, 2013. Source: Parkes Champion Post http://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/1914815/gallery-ao-blitz-roadshow/#slide=8

The Rise, Fall and Rise of the Population of Parkes Shire Part 3 The ABS years: 1976 – present

In August 2016 the latest census was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and HistoryParkes thought it would be interesting to look at how the population of the Parkes … Continue reading →

January 11, 2017 · Leave a comment

Welcome to Wiradjuri Country sign at Cowra. The Parkes Shire is part of the wide-ranging Wiradjuri nation. Source: Luke Wong, ABC Open website

The Rise, Fall and Rise of the Population of the Parkes Shire Part 2 1947 – 1971

In August 2016 the latest census was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and HistoryParkes thought it would be interesting to look at how the population of the Parkes Shire … Continue reading →

November 28, 2016 · Leave a comment