More than 7,000 people in the Riverina and Central West will benefit from a multimilliondollar boost due to deeming rate cuts.

Riverina Nationals’ MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Federal Government was listening to concerns and delivering. “This decision means a world of difference for those who are affected by deeming rates, including 7,280 across the Riverina electorate. We understand pensioners have finely balanced finances and this decision will put more money in the pockets of older Australians.”

Minister for Families and Social Services Senator Anne Ruston said the changes would benefit about 628,000 aged pensioners and more than 455,000 people receiving
other payments. “While 75 per cent of aged pensioners are not affected by deeming, this decision recognises that it is an important issue for those who are.”

Under the new rates age pensioners whose income is assessed using deeming will receive up to $40.50 a fortnight for couples, $1053 extra a year, and $31 a fortnight for singles, $804 a year.

Changes to the deeming rate will also benefit people receiving other income tested payments, and income support allowances and supplements such as the Parenting Payment and Newstart.

The decision will take effect from September in line with the regular indexation of the pension and will be backdated to July 1.

After much planning, Hart Bar will be relaunching in August 2019 with new menus, events and entertainment. Joining the team, Kim Sherrett and brother Blair Thornton, will be taking the reins of the restaurant and function centre to deliver quality food and service that equals the Hart Bar’s unique space and atmosphere.

Kim and Blair are a professional team, having managed another restaurant for five years. They bring to Hart Bar a lot of experience catering for weddings and special events, and a focus on high quality food.

“Blair is passionate about food and using his creativity and attention to detail to provide a fine dining experience for customers,” said Kim. “We plan to bring our new ideas and style to the table while keeping the same relaxed vibe.”

Amber Holt was driving to work in May this year, when she heard over the car radio that the PM (Scott Morrison) was attending the CWA conference in Albury. The 24-year-old bought a carton of eggs and proceeded to the venue where the PM was speaking with rural women as part of his campaign for the upcoming federal election. She then walked up behind Mr Morrison and tossed an egg onto the crown of his head, which ricocheted off the prime minister’s skull with its shell unbroken.

Mr Morrison’s security guards tackled his assailant to the ground. Ms Holt was charged with Common Assault for throwing the egg, as well as drug possession, as she was found to have 0.3 grams of cannabis in her pocket following her arrest. Holt explained that she carried out the failed egging in response to the PM’s treatment of refugees in offshore detention.

The offence of common assault falls under Section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

It sets out that the crime involves an assault that doesn’t cause actual bodily harm.

The legal definition of assault differs to its everyday use, where people commonly think of assault as the inflicting of unlawful force upon another. In law the mere threat of it can also constitute an assault, if the subject of it feels fear of violence.

In Morrison’s case, the egging constitutes an assault, as force was inflicted upon him.

If it’s shown Holt meant to subject the PM to unlawful violence, she perpetrated the act intentionally.

If we at MATTHEWS WILLIAMS can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.

A new display of old items showcases just how far Parkes water infrastructure has come. The old Water Treatment Plant has been decommissioned, but rather than letting the past be forgotten, some items with heritage value have been retained for a display in the new Water Treatment Plant’s lobby.

The heritage items include antique glassware and instruments, old bronze plaques, and the original control panel. A photo series completes the display, providing a window into the past, capturing Parkes’ long held challenges with water management and supply.

The photographs date back more than 100 years, the oldest capturing Aldermen D. Geddes and O.J. Howard as they inspect the construction of Bearmagil Dam in 1915. Another photograph shows the surprising emergency water measures taken in 1966, where water was literally shipped in.

Dubbed “Operation Oasis”, the project involved transporting water from the Lachlan River via rail tankers to a temporary holding dam on the Southern end of East Street.

The photographic exhibition was curated by local history buffs, June and Lex Weaver, whose passion for the past has seen them collaborate on numerous projects over the years. Not only did they source the photos and research the stories behind them, Lex explained that they also framed the photos with bespoke frames they made themselves.

“Council is looking to the future with the new water infrastructure, but it’s important to value the past and preserve items that show where we have been on the journey,” said Julian Fyfe, Parkes Shire Council’s Technical Manager.

The heritage display is permanently located at the new Water Treatment Plant on Webb Street. While public access is restricted, interested residents may visit the Water Treatment Plant for the new Recycled Water Scheme Community Information Session on Friday 9 August at 12pm. Light lunch will be provided. RSVP to shrisha.raju@parkes.nsw.gov.au or phone 6861 2305.

Take an orbit around the Parkes CBD this weekend to view the outdoor public astrothemed art installations. The Astrophotography Community Wall, featuring previous David Malin Astrophotography Award winners can be found on Westpac’s wall, on the corner of Court and Clarinda Street.

Spot the Astronaut flying high over the Coles carpark before heading ‘To the Moon and Back’ at the Cedar Café. This free art exhibition featuring Apollo 11 inspired artworks by local Parkes youth will be on display from 19 July – 3 August.

As the sun goes down, admire the stellar light and project installations scattered throughout town. See Parkes icons come to life on the Woolworths Wall along Clarinda Street, featuring artwork by local artist, Sean James Cassidy with accompanying audio by local poets, Kerrie Peden and Jim Cassidy. The multimedia projection show
will come to life after dark until 10pm, 17 – 21 July 2019.

“It’s been a pleasure to be given the opportunity to present my graphic designs and art in my home town,” Mr Cassidy said. “It was my family who first drew my attention to the skies when I was a child growing up. I was also surrounded by the presence of the Radio Telescope and could actually see it from my grandparent’s farm.

For many of my childhood years, astronaut was my career of choice.”

Straight from Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens as part of Vivid 2019, the KA3323 light installation strikes an ecliptic resemblance to ‘The Dish’. www.vividsydney.com/event/light/ka3323. The satellite dish installation will illuminate Cooke Park from 19 to 21 July – best viewed after dark.

A number of local businesses have teamed up to make moonwalking into Parkes a breeze. The Apollo 11 deals include:

• Stay + Save at the Aastro Dish Motor Inn
• 11% off at The Dish Shop and 3D Theatre admission
• Kids visit the Henry Parkes Museums FREE
• 11% off merchandise at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre
• FREE colouring-in pack with every Galaxy Freakshake at Deja Brew

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the Apollo 11 deals available until 31 July 2019, and explore all the unique events, attractions and experiences that the Parkes
destination has to offer. Head to www.visitparkes.com.au for the full list of events and activities happening this weekend.