In 2017, one of Parkes’ local treasures celebrated a very special milestone. Baroness Gardner of Parkes marked her 90th birthday in July.

Born in “Sunrise” Parkes in 1927, Rachel “Trixie” Anne Gardner (nee McGirr) was one of nine children to former leader of the NSW Labor Party, the late Hon Gregory McGirr and Rachel McGirr OBE.

The McGirr’s were a strong political family, with Gregory’s younger brother, James McGirr, elected NSW Premier in 1947. In 1981 she was created a life peeress of the United Kingdom as Baroness Gardner of Parkes, and in the State of New South Wales and Commonwealth of Australia – to date, the only Australian woman to be elevated to the peerage.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said “Parkes continues to celebrate its rich political history, with Rensaw McGirr Way named in honour of two former Premiers of New South Wales.”

The 3rd Parkes Scout Group celebrated a big year of adventure and learning last Tuesday evening at their Christmas Party which was well attended by Scout and Cub families. Member for Orange, Mr Philip Donato joined the group for a pizza dinner and took the opportunity to congratulate the group on their achievements and encouraged them and their leaders, Barry Read and Raiechell Giles.

As part of the evening’s festivities, a Cub, Thomas Barker, was accepted into Scouts. This involved the Scouts building a temporary bridge structure from Stringybark and Thomas skilfully walking the bridge to be welcomed by Scouts.

This year Thomas achieved his Grey Wolfe Award, which is the highest achievement that a Cub can obtain. This is the second year in a row that a Cub from the 3rd Parkes Scouts has received this Award, with Charlie Zannes receiving his when he graduated to the Scout Troop in 2016.

Mr Donato congratulated Thomas and presented him with his Grey Wolfe Certificate and badge. He then distributed Subway encouragement certificates to the group. Mr Donato said “It is great to see such a keen group of Cubs and Scouts getting out and having a go, learning new skills and contributing back to their community”.

By Marg Applebee

Northparkes Mines staff had an experience with a difference last Thursday when organiser Stacey Kelly arranged a dragon boat paddle for seventeen of her staff. Club President, Bill Thomas, was happy to skipper the boat as sweep, while Bev Williams took on the important role of stroke, the pace-setter and Beth Thomas drummed and coached the team of novices.

They paddled amazingly well for firstmtimers and had a huge amount of fun. “It’s such a fabulous idea for staff bonding,” stated President, Bill Thomas.

The crew realised, with some surprise, what a true workout a dragon-boat paddle can be, and some even stated they’d be interested in having another go. And of course the Lachlan Dragons would warmly welcome them. “We all really enjoyed the experience, it was great fun,” said Stacey Kelly.

If you’re looking for a unique experience for your workplace, why not give dragonboat paddling a go! Just call Bill on 0418 616 500 or Chris on 0414 762 775.

Determined to do their bit to reduce drink driving in Parkes, pubs, clubs and bottle shops have joined forces to promote the Plan B campaign.

Plan B is a statewide initiative encouraging punters to think about an alternative to driving home after a night out. Drink driving is one of the biggest causes of death and injury on NSW roads. Country people are at particular risk given the lack of public transport or other options for getting home.

In the Western Region over the last five years, 2012 to 2016, there were 362 casualty crashes where alcohol was a contributing factor. This resulted in 34 people being killed, 209 seriously injured and 222 with moderate or minor injuries.

During December, patrons at participating pubs, clubs and bottle shops will be invited to enter a competition to nominate a Plan B for getting home.

“Catch a cab, walk home or throw a swag out on a mate’s floor – We don’t mind what your Plan B is, so long as it’s not driving home” said A Liquor Accord Spokesperson. “Every entry puts patrons in the running to win a Swag valued at over $250”.

The promotion coincides with an increase in Police RBTs across the state making it even more likely that anyone drink driving will get caught. Local punters are being asked to not ignore the message to leave their car at home.

In NSW, drink-driving is a criminal offence, which can result in hefty fines, licence disqualification and/or custodial sentences.