Tag Archive for: Parkes

Colvin Community Award

This year marks a special milestone for Can Assist with the introduction of the Colvin Community Award, created in our 70th anniversary year to honour the long and proud association with the Colvin family. Inspired by Jean Colvin’s tireless work supporting people facing cancer, and strengthened through the ongoing commitment of Patron John Colvin, the award recognises quiet achievers whose sustained efforts keep local branches strong and country patients supported. 

Mudgee — Cudgegong Cruisers 

For nearly two decades, the Cudgegong Cruisers have turned their passion for motoring into a powerful force for good. Their annual Can Cruise – complete with BBQ, auction and a colourful convoy – has raised significant funds over the years, helping Mudgee residents access vital support during treatment. 

Parkes — Central West Car Club 

The Central West Car Club has also stood firmly beside its community for more than 15 years. Through ongoing shows and events, the club has contributed many tens of thousands of dollars, ensuring the Parkes Branch can assist locals with travel, accommodation, medication and other essentials during cancer treatment. 

Narrandera — Header Drivers Convention 

For over a decade, the Header Drivers Convention, driven by organiser Neil Seidel, has grown from a small local fundraiser to a major community event. Their efforts have resulted in substantial contributions that directly benefit Narrandera cancer patients. 

Manning Valley — Gary Bridge & Family 

Gary Bridge transformed personal heartbreak into community impact. In honour of his daughter, he created the Kristylea Bridge Charity Cup Football Day, later expanding his efforts to include a charity race day. Gary and his family have since raised an extraordinary total that has deeply strengthened the Manning Valley Branch. 

A Message of Thanks 

“Every one of these recipients reminds us what community truly means,” says Can Assist CEO, Nici Andronicus. “Their generosity may happen quietly, but its impact is loud and life‑changing. We are deeply grateful for the support they show to country people facing cancer.” 

 

Parkes Can Assist Shop Welcomes Elvis

Penny, Syvia, Deb, Julie (Elvis), Denise, Marg, Bernadette and Robyn

 

Our branch runs a shop selling cleaned donated goods to help people affected by cancer.

We opened the shop for 5 days during the Elvis Festival welcoming hundreds of visitors to Parkes who came in to chat and find bargains. Elvis has wrapped up for the year

 

16 January 2026

 

Grace’s drawings bring joy to festival and give to charity

 

Twelve-year-old Grace Bligh is turning this year’s festival-goer’s memories into beautiful souvenirs. PHOTO: Madeline Blackstock

 

Festival-goers at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival have the chance to take home a one of a kind souvenir thanks to local artist Grace Bligh.

Twelve-year-old Grace is spending the festival turning moments into memories with her pencil, paper and watercolours.

Grace is offering on the spot portraits, taking a quick photo of people in their Elvis-inspired outfits before transforming it into a hand-drawn keepsake.

“I wanted to do this so I can spread a little bit more joy,” Grace said.

“I want to give something customised back and also raise money for CanAssist with the tips.”

Drawing is something Grace has always loved doing and said it brings her a sense of fulfilment.

“I’ve pretty much always been drawing, it’s very calming and very satisfying.”

All tips Grace receives for her drawings will go directly to our Parkes CanAssist branch, a cause that is close to Grace.

“I’ve had a lot of people in my life who’ve been affected by cancer so I want to help people who have cancer.”

She said choosing CanAssist as the place she was going to donate to was an easy decision.

“I love their shop and I love what they’re doing and I just want to give a bit back to them,” Grace said.

Grace plans to be drawing throughout the rest of the festival.

You can catch her around Festival Boulevard on Saturday and possibly Sunday.

When it comes to what she loves drawing the most, she can’t go past the classic outfits that appear at the Parkes Elvis Festival.

“I love the old-fashioned dresses that people wear. Those are my favourite to draw.”

If you have worked on you’re Elvis outfit all year or you have dressed up and a photo isn’t enough to capture the sequins and colour be sure to stop by and get Grace to draw you a one of a kind keepsake at this year’s festival and support a worthy cause.

January 8, 2026

parkeschampionpost.com.au

Parkes Show ‘n Shine

Jeff McClurg (CWCC), Pat Bailey, Winifred and Neville Campisi (all from Can Assist Parkes),

and Rodney Barnes (President CWCC)

 

Each October the Central West Car Club hosts their annual Charity Show ‘n Shine in Parkes. The community event brings together car and bike enthusiasts to show off their vehicles while providing a fun day out for the general public and raising funds for charity.

“This year sadly the weather wasn’t on our side and the numbers were significantly down,” said CWCC spokesman Jeff McClurg.

“So despite an enjoyable day our profits were down. We did however come away with $4500 for our chosen charities which we decided to share three ways.”

At the recent monthly Friday night street meet in Parkes, club president Rodney Barnes made the presentations.

The Parkes branch of Can Assist received $2500. Can Assist support cancer sufferers and their families in various ways and president Pat Bailey was extremely grateful for the donation, reinforcing that all their funds remain local for those in need.

 

22 November 2024

parkeschampionpost.com.au

Outstanding display for Show ‘n’ Shine

Garry Rosser from Orange took out Top Ute and Vehicle of the Show

with his 1972 HQ One Tonner

 

The Central West Car Club hosted their annual Car Show on Saturday, October 19.

A damp and cloudy start to the day did not dampen the spirits of those who brought their cars along, or the attendees at the annual Show & Shine.

Entry was by gold coin donation, with all funds going to support Can Assist Parkes with their work supporting people with cancer in the Parkes district. Can Assist support all who ask, with no means test involved.

 

parkeschampionpost.com.au

1 November 2024

Parkes Can Assist thanks Two Young Trundle Girls

Matilda and Bailey all set up selling their bracelets.

Parkes Can Assist has received a donation of $379 from two young girls, Matilda and Bailey from Trundle. The girls had a twofold plan to honour their Pop and say “thank you” to Can Assist for the financial support their Pop received from Can Assist during his illness. The girls took the initiative to make and sell bracelets to raise the money.

Can Assist are very proud of Matilda and Bailey and thank them for their support of our organisation. We also thank the people of Trundle who supported the girls in purchasing the bracelets. Well done girls.

Fund raising is critical to the success of Can Assist to financially support local people with cancer. The Parkes Branch operates a shop at 33 Court Street that is entirely supported by community do­nations.

Our very generous and supportive communities keep us supplied with a vast array of items needed to run a household including fine china, collectables, jewellery, books, electrical and the best supplier of craft and haberdashery supplies. Household furniture is available at our shop at the showground. Purchasing second-hand items is sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

 

The Parkes Phoenix

August 1, 2024

Parkes: Garage sale

Some of the Can Assist volunteers helped out in the furniture pavilion. The widely popular Can Assist garage sales are looking for a new home as the difficult decision was made to demolish the main pavilion. Can Assist volunteers moved some items across to the feature pavilion next to where the furniture garage sale items are stored. The monthly event boosts Can Assist’s funds significantly. “We would not be able to help people in Parkes to the extent that we do without these funds,” said President of Can Assist Parkes, Sylvia Glendenning.

Parkes Shire cancer patients benefit from greenslips.com.au partnership

Parkes Shire cancer patients will benefit from the new partnership between greenslips.com.au and Can Assist Parkes.

Patients in the shire have to travel 100km to Orange, 120km to Dubbo, or 350kms to Sydney for treatment. Most patients use their own car or their family to take them, as it gives a sense of control at a time when they often feel out of control.

Can Assist is there to help with bills and any other tasks that people might need done. It can be a very expensive time and every little bit helps to take some of the pressure off.

greenslips.com.au has provided funding to Can Assist to help keep local cancer patients’ cars on the road when they need them most.

For more, see Vital partnership between Can Assist and greenslips.com.au helping Parkes Shire cancer patients. Condobolin Argus April 2021

Parkes: Christmas trivia contest

We were able to have a Christmas gathering for volunteers at a dinner at a small club in Parkes.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal, the trivia game and time to chat.
Some good elves made the trifles and did the tables. Another elf made a Christmas cake and all guests received a small gift.