Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard has been with the Parkes Phoenix since it was established in March 2016 and loves writing about her community.

Croquet News

December 9, 2022 By Pegging Out

A wonderful day was had by all 28 players who attended Aussie Croquet on Saturday, 3rd December. Everyone agreed it was a warm and pleasant morning.

On this occasion, five players won three games and they were John Browne, Elvy Quirk, John Farah, Lyn Simmonds and guess who? Robin Pols. A big congratulations to these players.

Big winners for the day were 14-8 Sandy Hepburn and Tony Thomson, Robin Pols and Lyn Simmonds; 14-9 Lorraine Todd and Barry White, John Browne and Lyne Simmonds, John Browne and Robin Pols. Well done to these players.

The weather remained for another nice warm morning for Golf Croquet, with 29 players enjoying the day’s play.

On this occasion only two players managed three games, and they were May Jones and Sandy Hepburn.

Big winners for the day were: 11-2 Ray Burridge and Mal Smith and 10-3 Ray Burridge and Tony Thomson.

There were too many close games to mention them all.

By Pegging Out

Are You Our Next Miss Priscilla?

December 9, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

REIGNING MISS PRISCILLA… 2022 Winner Ashleigh Smith.

The beautiful, enigmatic Priscilla Presley made her indelible mark on fashion in the 60s with her signature winged eyeliner, sensational bouffant hairdo, and ultra glamorous take on fashion.

Hailed the Queen of Rock & Roll with The King by her side, Priscillas signature looks throughout the 60s were instantly recognisable. Priscillas emblematic Rock & Roll meets Hollywood lifestyle has been celebrated for the past 15 years at the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner.

Guests are encouraged to dress in the Blue Hawaii theme to see a bevy of beauties compete for the coveted title of Miss Priscilla – Face of the Festival.

Enjoy a two-course dinner with entertainment that includes an extravagant floorshow by premiere swing dancing troupe, the Sydney Swing Katz, local favorites Amitie with mesmerizing harmonies, then dance the night away to Elvis tribute artist, Brendan Chase.

Judges will look at overall appearance, including make-up, hair, and dress to resemble the pre-1969 look of Priscilla Presley. The prize includes a cruise on P&Os Tribute to The King Cruise for the winner and her stylist.

The Miss Priscilla winner becomes the face of the Festival performing official duties including riding in a lead car in the Northparkes Street Parade, taking part in the official opening ceremony and appearing at festival favorite events including the renewal of vows ceremony and appearances on the Cooke Park main stage.

Festival founder, Anne Steel said, “Miss Priscilla becomes a celebrity throughout the Festival. Fans snap a photo with her at every opportunity. She plays such an important role and becomes a part of our history.”

Miss Priscilla becomes Parkes Elvis Festivals ‘glambassador’ for the next 12 months until she hands the title to the winner the following year.

Entries for the competition and tickets for the dinner are available at parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Golf Course Rising

December 9, 2022 By Short Putt

Mowing the 8th hole and surrounds.

The golf course, along with many other of our community sporting facilities, is gradually drying out under this sunny weather.

On the golf course, drying of the fairways has enabled groundsmen to start mowing with the intent to reduce the rank grass growth before the fairway mowers can work effectively. The irrigation system still needs repair, but most greens can be watered manually.

A spraying program is in action to mitigate against fungal growth. There is still quite a bit of debris around the course and some greens will need repair.

In the near future we will ask for volunteers to assist with some of the repairs. If you think you can help please call the Course Supervisor, Jack Elliott on 0478 678 804 or Club President, Tony Cogswell on 0418 220 510.

The Pro Shop will be open shortened hours during this week, and then fully operational by the weekend. Please call ahead on 02 6851 1554 to check if it is open.

We expect to get a composite 9-hole layout operational for this weekend, 10th and 11th December. The success of that will determine when we can re-commence the Summer Sixes competition.

By Short Putt

Be Seen @ Parkes

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Kustom Auto Spa owner Jason Kennedy giving his signature service to a customer last weekend.

Patricia Davis and her two grandaughters Amber Logan and Ellie Dobele were enjoying some delicious Packed Cones Gelato after some fun at the park.

Ben Ryan and son CJ were seen enjoying a sunny Saturday morning in the main street of Parkes.

I’m Leavin’

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

I did get behind the lens on a few occasions like this one at the 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival with Joe Camilleri and Greg Page. (Photo: Keith Turk)

I clearly remember the thrill of having a camera and notebook in my hands again returning to journalism close to seven years ago when I started as reporter for the newly established community newspaper, The Parkes Phoenix.

I had not worked as a journalist for a number of years, and did not have any real prospect of getting a taste of reporting in Australia as so many newspapers were downsizing. And then this opportunity at The Parkes Phoenix came along out of the blue. Little did I know at the time what a lifeline it would become, and how much joy it would bring.

As a relatively new immigrant to Australia with a young child, and having only done some casual work at a school in Parkes, my world was very small and my knowledge of everything Australian was rather limited.

Working for both The Parkes Phoenix and later The Forbes Phoenix catapulted me into every corner of both communities and the wide array of events, traditions,stories and customs, and exposed me to experiences I would otherwise never have had.

From meeting so many amazing and interesting locals and listening to their inspiring stories, countless visits by politicians, including several premiers and prime ministers, the craziness and buzz of the Parkes Elvis Festival to covering Anzac Day, Australia Day, Parkes Show, natural disasters, sporting events and milestone anniversaries… the list goes on and on.

I have learned from every experienced, gained valuable insights in what makes Australians tick, and even became an ‘Elvis expert’ as a bonus! Getting to know our communities inside out has made me even more grateful that my family could make this great country our new home.

In our regular Our Bloke/Gal column we asked people what they like about living in Parkes or Forbes, and so often they would say the community. I couldn’t agree more. I have never felt such a sense of community anywhere else, and the recent flood events once again demonstrated the abundance of kindness and generosity that binds us all together.

Sadly, it is time for me to say goodbye and leave my beloved Phoenix job. Thank you for sharing your stories with me, smiling for my photos and accepting me into the community. It has made me feel very welcome and helped me become Australian.

Maggi Barnard

Latin Sounds Kick Off Summer Season

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Summer is here and the Parkes community is invited to a free event at the Cooke Park pavilion tomorrow from 5pm featuring a nine-piece band with solo performer Caribe (pictured). This is great entertainment for the whole family.

There is nothing like music to put you in the right mood, and tomorrow summer will officially kick off in Parkes with some vibey Brazilian rhythms at the Cooke Park pavilion.

Latin Sounds at the Pavilion, presented by Parkes Shire Council, is the first of a series of musical performances this summer with something for everyone. Funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program, Sounds at the Pavilion will also run in Parkes and Tullamore in February next year.

“As musical curator of this event, I am proud to be presenting such an extraordinary selection of musicians here in Parkes,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Community Events Officer Carmen Nieves.

“Born in South-America, I am passionate about connecting regional audiences with the very best of the Australian performing arts scene. I am confident that showcasing Latin Sounds at the Pavilion will impress and bring the community together in a celebration of this rhythmic genre, rarely performed in regional areas.”

The community is encouraged to sit back and be transported to Rio de Janeiro tomorrow, Saturday, 3rd December from 5pm, with the Carioca Project featuring Brazilian percussionist and vocalist Gustavo Cantor, saxophonist Gai Bryant, pianist/vibes Ed Goyer and bassist Harry Birch.

In between sets, DJ Frank Madrid will entertain with a mix of the most popular Latin beats from around the world. The main dish is the nine-piece band and solo dancer, Caribé; a melding of musicians from Sydney’s Cuban, jazz and Latin communities, integrating traditional Cuban dance and music with a modern jazz aesthetic in an immersive performance experience.

This is a free community event for the whole family with food vendors onsite for the evening. Dancers of all abilities are encouraged to attend this interactive performance.

Visit www.visitparkes.com.au for more information.

State Finals For Phil And Paul

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Phil Barnard and Paul Lewin were celebrating at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club on Sunday after qualifying for the Reserve President Pairs State Finals in July next year. Congratulations to you!

Prostate Cancer Day Attracts Big Field

December 2, 2022 By Peter Bristol

The finalists in the Scratch Shootout on Sunday were Jack Elliott (left) and Myles Smith. Myles had been the quiet achiever on the day finishing off with a birdie to claim the 2022 title.

The Prostate Cancer Awareness Day welcomed a large field of 112 players on a sunny Saturday last weekend. The Parkes Prostate Cancer Group provided a lot of literature and information for participants, with one in six men being diagnosed by the time they turn 85.

In A grade Leonie Stevenson steered her team home. Peter Magill, Troy Thomson, Leonie and David Stevenson recorded a 51.875 beating Geoff Leonard, Cody Hando, R Ashton and Kailab Tyne on 52.5. Other winners: N.Ryan, Max Medlyn, Jack Dobell and Jack Creith on 55.5, Jake Hodge, Riall Harrison, Aaron Wilkie and Joe Van Opynen on 56.375, Brendan Chambers, Finne Latu, Anthony Riach and Ben Howard on 56.875 and Jake O’Brien, Aaron Gaffey, Nick Kelly and Matthew Knighton on 57.25.

In the B grade, Michael Williamson added some firing power to the team of Craig Dunn, G.Dunn and M. Stubberfield, who won with a score of 53.12. Shaun Bateson, Beau Tanswell, Torin Hando and anchor Michael Dumesny were on 54.375. Ray Maxwell, Ross Smith and Wayne Parker and Simon Hogan on 58.75. Stephen Riley, Scott Winter, Matt Swetland and Michael Dellaca shot a 58.875. Mel Matthews, Brett Slack-Smith, R.Scott and H.Steele-Park on a countback at 59.125. The last prize went to Gordon Pritchard, Rob Cheney, John Dwyer and Tony Hendry also on 59.125.

This weekend is the December Telescope Tyres & Batteries / Hankook Masters Monthly Medal with the day sponsor being Kitson Manufacturing Services.

ANNUAL SCRATCH SHOOTOUT

On Sunday the annual Scratch Shootout was held for the first time under the mantle of naming rights sponsor Peter Boschman. A very strong field was assembled under Captain Cath, but started falling from very early starting with Brendan. Tony Hendry was next to leave the event again failing on the chipoff with his 2 over saving Jake Hodge to fight another hole, then Max Keith, followed by Max Medlyn, contesting his first Scratch Shootout. On the par 5 7th Luke Clarke’d putt onto the green didn’t work out for him, while on the 17th Jake Hodge was eliminated.

On the 9th, it was Anthony Riach hit a poor drive into the trees on the left and ended up with a double bogey, on the 10th hole Peter Bristol departed and on the par 3 10th Blake Parker. On the 12th hole Joe Van Opynen had to leave, and on the par 5 13th, Robert Cheney exited. On the 14th hole Michael Thomas left, on the 15th John Green made a rare error, and on the par 5 16th Ron Hetherington was eliminated.

By the 17th Aaron Wilkie, Jack Elliot and Myles Smith remained. A par put Aaron and Jack in a chip-off that the left the pre-post favourite Aaron out of contention. It was going to be a tightly run thing with Myles able to finish off with a birdie to beat Jack’s par and claim the Big Dutch Cup Scratch Shootout for 2022.

By Peter Bristol

Greeting Ceremony Between Māori And Wiradjuri

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Fire and Emergency New Zealand team with Daniel Anderson (front right) and Wiradjuri representatives last Friday.

A beautiful ceremony took place at the Parkes SES Headquarters last Friday to welcome the Fire and Emergency team from New Zealand to Wiradjuri country.

Year 6 student Daniel Anderson from Parkes Public performed the Welcome to Country in Wiradjuri language with several members of the Wiradjuri community present.

In return Kylan McKeen from the New Zealand team responded in Māori language. “We are sending much respect from all of us to you,” he said. “My heart is very full to have you come down and welcome us. It is very important to us to have contact with local people.”

The New Zealand team performed a song in Māori, and then the team members gave everyone the traditional Māori greeting, the hongi. It is performed by two people pressing their noses together and also touching their foreheads.

The New Zealand team also travel with a Māori stone, called pounamu, on their special assignments. The stone was passed around to everyone. “Embrace it so we can take your spirit with us,” said Kylan.

Wiradjuri elder Pat Oliver expressed her gratitude to the New Zealand team for what they have come to do. “We cannot thank you enough for all the help you have given us,” she said.

Maori man Kylan McKeen performs a traditional Māori greeting with Wiradjuri elder Pat Oliver.

Our Gal – Cassandra Tyack

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Cassandra Tyack

Where were you born? Wollongong

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My family.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never pass up an opportunity because you never know when you will get another one.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Working with Jared Demamiel.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My hubby, ChapStick, and a good mattress.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Put it towards renovating my house.

When are you happiest? When I’m with my family.

Maggi Barnard

ANNUAL SCRATCH SHOOTOUT

Subscribe