Maggi Barnard

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

Have Your Say On Future Of Parkes

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire residents can join the conversation and share what matters most to them about their community of the future.

Council works with the community every four years prior to Council elections to review the Community Strategic Plan.

Last year’s Local Government elections were postponed and will now take place on 4th September. Council is inviting residents across the Shire to have their say.

“It’s an exciting time for the Parkes Shire community,” said Mayor Ken Keith OAM. “Since 2016, we have delivered $230 million in capital expenditure, including $32.7 million in road construction and renewal projects, $100 million in water infrastructure upgrades and a new recycled water scheme, $8.4 million in upgrades to lower Clarinda Street and the new Cooke Park Pavillion, $4.7 million on the Airport Terminal Upgrade and Business Park Expansion and a $3 million for the expansion of the library and cultural centre.

“We have delivered on the community’s priority of Parkes becoming a national logistics hub with unprecedented investment by all tiers of government; the first centre of construction for Inland Rail, funding for the Parkes Bypass and the State Government’s investment for the Parkes Special Activation Precinct. “These developments have bolstered our economy seeing significant economic growth in what has been a challenging time for regional communities amongst drought and COVID-19.

Council will be seeking the community’s input over the next eight weeks through a range of methods, including community advisory groups, public drop in sessions, community workshops and online input through www.yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Visit the Your Say Parkes website to make sure your voice is heard on the things that matter to you.

New COVID Grants Package

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

COVID-19

The NSW Government announced a major new grants package and changes to the Dine & Discover program to help tens of thousands of small businesses and people across NSW impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.

The package includes grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 for small businesses, payroll tax deferrals for all employers, an extension of the Dine & Discover program to 31st August and the ability for people to use Dine & Discover vouchers for takeaway delivered directly to their home by the venue itself.

Three different grant amounts will be available for small businesses depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions – $10,000 for a 70% decline, $7,000 for a 50% decline and $5,000 for a 30% decline.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the new grants would be available across NSW.

“This latest outbreak has coincided with school holidays when a lot of regional areas were counting on more visitors to help boost local economies,” he said.

The grants will be divided into two streams:

1. Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant. Available to businesses and sole traders with a turnover of more than$75,000 per annum but below the NSW Government 2020 21 payroll tax threshold of $1,200,000 as at 1st July 2020. These businesses must have fewer than 20 full time equivalent employees and an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in NSW.

2. Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant. Available to tourism or hospitality businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and an annual Australian wages bill of below $10 million, as at 1st July 2020. These business must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in NSW.

Dine & Discover vouchers will be able to be used for takeaway from eligible and registered Dine businesses. Delivery direct to the home by the restaurant or café is recommended. Food may be picked up from venue but check in with QR code is required More information available on the Service NSW website.

Ideas To Entice Bypass Motorists To Parkes

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The community’s input is invited to get the best possible ideas to ensure motorists will turn off the bypass into Parkes in future.

The Parkes Approach Routes Plan – Western Entry aims to connect and welcome bypass motorists to the Parkes Central Business District (CBD), enticing them to turn off the highway and spend time in Parkes. The focus area is Condobolin Road, Dalton and Bushman Streets.

To help minimise local economic impacts of the bypass and enhance the attraction and social capital of the town centre, Parkes Shire Council is interested in exploring ways to create opportunities for arrival views, landmark gateways, inviting avenues along road corridors, as well as other initiatives in town to provide opportunities for motorists to stop, rest, research and navigate to services and facilities in Parkes.

“The connecting road from the bypass to our CBD presents an opportunity for Parkes to alter the perception and behaviour of motorists, tempting them to turn at the large statement round-about and spend time and money in town, ultimately contributing to the vibrancy and economy of our town,” said Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

The plan will assist Council in making decisions about improvements to the urban road network and any changes required to urban policy, in addition to assisting stakeholders interested in this western entry precinct.

The community can provide feedback until Friday, 16th July. Visit Council’s website to review the paper and share your comments at www.yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Alternatively, hard copies are at Council’s Administration Centre or Libraries. Submit comments in writing via email to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or by mail to: The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870.

Snippets…

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Clarissa Peasley from Forbes is one of seven national finalists in the annual merino fleece young judges competition.

National Young Judge: Clarissa Peasley (18) from Forbes is one of seven national finalists in the prestigious annual merino fleece young judges competition announced by Agricultural Shows of Australia (ASA). The competition brings together the best young Merino fleece judges aged from 15 to 25 in each state. Clarissa is the NSW state finalist and currently in year 12 doing her final months before graduation. “I have a strong passion for the sheep industry and ten years from now I hope to have made an impact in the agricultural industry.” She started doing shows at Red Bend Catholic College, and in year 10 moved to St Pauls College in Walla Walla for their amazing agriculture program.

Free Mental Health Programs: As COVID-19 flares up across NSW, Marathon Health, a not-for-profit, registered charity, encourages anyone feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed to reach out to the mental health support options available to them. Barbara Geddes, Marathon Health Registered Psychologist said maintaining a strong mind during these periods included exercising daily, eating well, and trying to remain connected as much as possible, whether that be via social media, FaceTime or Zoom. Marathon Health has a range of programs available for people feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. The free services are available for people from the ages of 12. Visit marathonhealth.com.au and search for Strong Minds, NewAccess or headspace for more information.

Fast Tracking COVID-19 Treatments: CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will spearhead a $1.7 million project to identify new treatments for COVID-19. Scientists will develop a faster, smarter way of rapidly screening existing drugs and advancing those that can be used to treat COVID-19 and aim to have identified three suitable TGA- or FDA-approved drug candidates to progress to phase 2-3 human clinical trials within a year. CSIRO scientist and project leader, Dr S.S. Vasan, said in addition to vaccines, there was an urgent need for safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 treatments that specifically targeted the virus. “A great strategy to find potential COVID-19 treatments is to repurpose drugs already approved for other diseases, but the current methods to do this are expensive, time-consuming and not fit-for-purpose. The funding will enable us to develop a multi-tissue drug screening tool, which could help fast-track drugs for human clinical trials and minimise the need for animal trials.”

Competition… Guess Who?

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Paint Parkes REaD will be back on 10th September this year, and theme is RHYMINGLY… In the build-up to this wonderful community day Paint Parkes REaD is running a competition with three prizes. Can you guess who is the person in the Cat in the Hat costume next to Rhonda Brain on the photo? Text your name, phone number and answer to 0418 412 093, and stand a chance to win one of three children’s books! Closing date: Friday, 16th July.

The Troffs – A Town Or A Village?

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Left: The Troffs wheat silos. Right: Location of The Troffs homestead.

‘The Troffs’ is a locality which falls midway between Gobondery Springs and Trundle Lagoon. It was named after a large flat rock in which there was a depression shaped similarly to a watering trough.

The Troffs Run was first taken up by William Cummings in 1864. The run consisted of 64,000 acres. Cummings forfeited the lease, and it was purchased by Thomas Redfern Watt. The run now covered 100,000 acres. Other owners of ‘The Troffs’ include Webster and Laidley, the Hutton Bros, the Daryan Bros, the Hunts and the Burkes.

Like other large stations, selecting a portion of land allowed other families to live and work on their own property. Sections of ‘The Troffs’ were portioned to F.W. Gibson “Plevna”; Frank Atkinson “Glenrock” and brothers James and Daniel Crowley who created “Cardungle” and “Moira” respectively.

The Troffs Hotel may have been the first shanty in Trundle district. Owned by a man called Spargo, it passed into the hands of Thomas Riley before the licence was taken over by Honora Moloney. Honora transferred the licence to the newly erected Trundle Hotel.

The Trundle Star mentions the absolutely virgin forest of ‘The Troffs’, with the silence being almost oppressive. However, The Troffs did become more populated and additions such as a railway station, a cricket team and a school were added. The school was called “Eastella” (1926-1932; 1937-1940).

‘The Troffs’ was home to the Burke family. Sisters Maureen Bell and Bernadette Boneham came into Parkes Library to share memories and photographs of The Troffs. Some of their memories include catching “the little green beetle” school bus from Kadungle taking them to St Pats in Trundle; the Rawleigh’s man; and the party line on the home telephone.

By Dan Fredericks
(This is an abridged version from Parkes Library’s blog www.historyparkes.org)

Letter to the Editor

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Weethalle Silos (60km west of West Wyalong) were the ninth silos to be included in the Australian Silo Art Trail and the first to be completed in NSW. The silos are 21 metres high and 31 metres wide. The Weethalle silos were painted by renowned Melbourne-based artist Heesco Khosnaran. The large-scale mural is a tribute to the rich agricultural heritage of the small community of Weethalle and the surrounding Bland Shire Communities. They portray a shearer, a grain farmer and a small flock of sheep perched high on a balcony keeping a watchful eye over the land.

Dear Editor,

Following on from the photo in last week’s issue of the painted water tower in Walgett. It would be great if Parkes Shire commissioned our silos to get painted.

It would be interesting to see what other members of our community think about that. And if we were to get one, which subject would be preferred by the community.

Would the Council seek the population’s preferences? Just some thoughts. Apparently, they attract tourists.

Kind regards
Beverley Drabsch

Our Young Bloke – Samuel Pearce

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Vice Captain Parkes Christian School – Samuel Pearce

How old are you? I am 11.

Where do you go to school? I go to Parkes Christian School.

What is your favourite after school activity? I play cricket at home and also on Saturdays.

What is your favourite food, movie and music? My favourite food is pizza and sausage rolls. My favourite movie is the Karate Kid and my favourite music is the late 2000s music.

What do you want to do when you grow up? When I grow up I want to be either a farmer or a firefighter.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Either the power of speed or the power of invisibility.

What makes you laugh the most? It would probably be comedians like Rowan Atkinson.

If you were the ruler of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce? Probably no smoking.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I like to read books and play sport.

Be Seen @ Parkrun

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Lyn and Tyler Griffith took part in Parkrun #22 in Parkes last week.

The volunteers who made the event possible last week were (L-R) Tim Keith, Margaretha Barnard, Samantha Leonard, Alice Drabsch, Genevieve Bland, Ronel van Wyk and Vicki Barker with Matilda. (Ronald Barker absent from photo.)

Brothers Glen and Scott Westcott and their children took part in last Saturday’s parkrun with support from mum and other family members to see Scott set a new course record.

Carolyn Butler is a regular participant at the Northparkes Oval Parkrun in Parkes.

We Are All Part Of The Land

July 9, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

EMBRACE HEAL COUNTRY: Contemporary Indigenous artist Irene Ridgeway shares her thoughts on the NAIDOC 2021 theme Heal Country. She is at Bushman’s Hill where the NAIDOC celebrations will take place tomorrow from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Heal Country is a call to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.

Australia celebrates NAIDOC 2021 this week under the theme Heal Country.

The Parkes Phoenix caught up with contemporary Indigenous artist Irene Ridgeway to get a local perspective on what it means to her and to us as a community.

What does Heal Country mean to you?

It means being able to share my knowledge and culture as an Aboriginal woman with others, to sit and talk to family and friends about our traditions, family and our future.

What does it mean for the Parkes community?
It’s about being inclusive with everyone, about sharing culture and awareness and reconciliation, it’s about having a voice, creating pathways of coming together.

How would you encourage the Parkes community to take action to further support this theme now and into the future?
We can only move forward together if we are honest about our history, by sharing the truth we are spotlighting our history. Parkes and the community have already embraced Heal Country. I think everyone who lives in the Central West shares that theme of healing the country, and totally understands what that means, because we are all part of the land.

Do you have practical suggestions or ideas on how people can help to heal country, and do we have specific places that need support for its protection?
There is healing going on right now with everything happening in our community from the creation of the Wiradjuri amphitheater and Garradyang Cultural Garden at Bushman’s Hill, the teaching of language in schools to the Aboriginal Heritage Committee and many more. There are many sites here in Parkes of burial grounds and scar trees, and these are being logged and documented. There is an app people can use to add scar trees and sites when new ones are discovered.
Farmers have been finding artefacts on their properties and are contacting Aboriginal people or Council about their findings. Our Council call in an archaeologist when they find something to ensure the items are passed on to the correct indigenous organisations. Indigenous knowledge of land is carried forward today with cool burns that can help to protect our country from ravaging fires.
There has always been some resistance towards Aboriginal people and it makes it hard, but Aboriginal people are tolerant and resilient and that’s what makes us strong as a nation.

In an era when development and even greed often take precedence over the protection of our land, water, sacred sites and cultural heritage, what would be your message to our leadership when faced with these decisions?

We have all experienced power struggles within our cultures as well as between dif-ferent cultures. We have all come from dif-ferent pathways. Now where do we go? Getting on the right pathway is the thing. I know I am on the pathway – can you join me?

For Irene understanding the truth is a way to repair the past and regenerate an understanding to move forward. “No one wants to talk about it, but talking about it is a release. I feel a strong sense of the importance of linking culture together, seeing how they connect with each other and celebrating what holds us together spiritually.”

This is echoed by Bhiamie Williamson, Research Associate and PhD candidate at ANU who said: “Heal Country invites all Australians to walk with us, to stand beside us, to support us. But perhaps most importantly, it invites Australians to love, treasure and fight for this land, as we have done, and will do, forever.”

Maggi Barnard

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