Parkes Shire Council has announced the completion of the Gates of Graceland, a unique year-round tourist attraction and the perfect accompaniment to the shire’s annual Elvis festival.
Council says the project, funded through the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, is set to become a major drawcard for visitors and Elvis fans alike, further cementing Parkes’ reputation as the Elvis capital of Australia.
Located at the Henry Parkes Centre, the Gates of Graceland, featuring intricate steelwork and brick gateposts, are a replica of the iconic gates of Elvis Presley’s US home. The gates will become the newly revitalised Wall of Fame, displaying honorary plaques of Australian music greats accompanied by the Parkes Elvis Festival Walk of Fame, where winners of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest are celebrated with Hollywood-style stars along the pathway.
Tourism and Visitor Services Coordinator at Parkes Shire Council, Lisa Moon, highlighted the significance of the attraction for visitors to the region.
“The Gates of Graceland will be a standout feature for tourists, providing a unique and immersive experience that perfectly complements the story and spirit of the Parkes Elvis Festival,” Ms Moon said.
The project features a stunning mural of Graceland, created by travelling artist, Anton Pulvirenti, who shared details into his creative process.
“I researched different pictures of Graceland online and made up the composition from these influences. I’ve always liked Elvis and listened to Lisa Marie’s autobiography while painting this,” Mr Pulvirenti said.
The Gates of Graceland project was a collaborative effort between local businesses, and fabricator Bob Moon from G & B Welding, who worked from a photograph of the original gates to carefully replicate every detail.
Mr Moon described the project as a standout opportunity.
“It was a project that was not your normal ‘run of the mill’ metal fabrication. I enjoyed the quirky features of the gates, it was a nice change,” he said.
Local bricklayer, Michael Davies also showcased his skillset in the delivery of the brickwork while listening to a few Elvis hits.
“It was a high seeing the gates take shape, completion of the finer details in the brickwork and the positive feedback we received from the Parkes community,” said Mr Davies.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the State Government was pleased to have supported the attraction, which will not only be a drawcard for the iconic festival, but for year-round visitors to Parkes.
“We know the Parkes Elvis festival celebrates The King like no other event in the world, now these iconic gates have brought a little taste of his famous Memphis mansion right here to regional NSW,” Minister Moriarty said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing visitors grab their cameras and snap a selfie or two as they shake rattle and roll to the sounds of the festival.”
