Maggi Barnard

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

St Patrick’s Day Bowls

March 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

It was a grand celebration of St Patrick’s Day at social bowls on Tuesday.

This same week last year, we were reeling with the news of COVID-19 restrictions ceasing all our activities. A year on and we’re back and celebrating! Eighteen wee bairns kicked up their green heels in a grand manner for Tuesday’s St Patrick’s Day social bowls. The verdant-hatted spider had all the gals vying for that pot of gold, with Jan skipping off with the green goodies.

Magic didn’t happen for Beth Thomas, Eileen Bradley and Joan Simpson on Rink 10, as they went down to the lively team of Betsy Johnstone, Wendy Hendry and Kim Evans, still smiling with Irish eyes after scoring a 7 on one end. Valmai Westcott, Kay Craft and Brenda Davies took yonks to build a score and tried to hide in the clover on Rink 11 after their minor loss against Kerrie Nutley, Gwenda Carty and Maree Grant. Helen Heraghty, Merilyn Rodgers and Rhona Went used up all their allotted wishes in their game vs Hilda McPherson, Di Howell and Jan McPhee on Rink 9. The tricksters in team McPhee took the win.

To play social bowls call the club on 6862 1446, between 8:30 to 9am. Play commences at 9:30am. Good luck to our four contenders travelling to Orange to play in the District Singles on Tuesday.

New Health Model Puts Community First

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE: At the launch of the new collaborative care model for five regions in Parkes on Tuesday were (L-R) Dr Shannon Noll (Rural Director for Medical Services NSW), Jenny Webb (Deputy Mayor Forbes Shire), Scott McLachlan (Chief Executive of Western NSW Local Health District), Ruth Stewart (National Rural Health Commissioner), Mark Coulton (Federal Regional Health Minister), Michael McCormack (Deputy Prime Minister), Barbara Newton (Deputy Mayor Parkes Shire), John Kramer (Chair of Rural Doctors Network) and Richard Colbran (CEO of Rural Doctors Network).

A new collaborative health care model built on a community-based response was launched for Parkes, Forbes and surrounding communities this week.

Parkes and Forbes will join four other regions in the trial to find innovative solutions to local healthcare problems with an investment of $5 million from the Australian Government to support what the communities come up with. The four other regions are the 4T’s (Tullamore, Trangie, Tottenham and Trundle), Canola Fields (Canowindra), Snowy Valley and Wentworth.

Regional experts, including the NSW Rural Doctors Network, the Western NSW Local Health District and the Western NSW Primary Health Network are working closely with local councils, community and health professionals to design an innovative solution for the area.

The difference with this approach to traditional health workforce solutions that focus on individual towns, is the focus will be on sub-regions to address healthcare access issues. “By servicing multiple towns, there is an opportunity to achieve economies of scale, create sustainable practices and provide better access to primary health services for rural and remote Australians,” said Deputy Prime Minister and member for Riverina Michael McCormack at the launch.

“The aim is to demonstrate how new and flexible approaches can address workforce shortages in the bush, and find sustainable ways of delivering services across a number of smaller, connected rural communities,” said Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton. “The challenge of delivering health services in small communities is well known, and it is clear the existing one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working for every rural community.”

Professor Ruth Stewart, National Rural Health Commissioner, compared the new approach to the only knife you should carry in your pocket is a Swiss arm knife. “The plan is to get the best from health care professionals on board and to get them to work closely together rather than in competition.”

The aim of the new approach is also to attract medical students to rural and remote areas where they can gain good experience that would inspire them to return and to find a career pathway into rural health practice. “Students should see it as an opportunity and not some form of punishment to work in rural areas,” said Mark.

Deputy Mayor of the Parkes Shire Barbara Newton told The Parkes Phoenix she hoped the new approach would result in sustainable services. “I hope it’s broad enough to include allied health workers and that it would find ways to really encourage health professionals to come to our region.”

The 4T’s model has been 18 months in the works and the next step for that area is to start recruiting staff.

The CEO of the Rural Doctors Network, Richard Colbran said the days of a doctor settling into a town for 40 years were gone. The aim with the new model would be to get doctors to stay for at least five years that would allow patients to build a relationship with their GP.

By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Police Prioritise Prevention

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE: COMMUNITY CONNECTION… Chief Inspector Scott Rayner has been in the job for about six months and is working hard at making the police more visible in the community.

Parkes is a safe town and crime is generally on the decline. This is the opinion of the new police chief after about six months in the job.

Chief Inspector Scott Rayner told The Parkes Phoenix in an interview he had no concerns allowing his children to go anywhere by themselves as he considered Parkes to be safe.

This does not mean Parkes is completely crime free, but compared to other towns in the district he said crime was certainly falling. “This is as a result of implementing strategies to reverse incidences of crime. This does not mean we can rest on our laurels as we constantly have to adapt to the circumstances of the time.”

He mentioned an example from September last year when there was a spike in stealing from vehicles and breaking into homes at a particular location in Parkes. “We had an overt and covert operation to tackle the problem, as well as a lot of communication with people in the area and this resulted in arrests, significant charges and the incarceration of the offenders.”

“We are not waiting for something to happen, but aim to be out there to prevent criminal activity,” said the Chief Inspector.

Scott sees his appointment as Chief Inspector in August last year as going the full circle as he is no stranger to Parkes.

He first transferred here in late 2008 as duty officer and stayed in the position for a number of years. He has spent most of his working life in the Central West and when the position came up last year, he felt it was a good fit.

In his role as Chief Inspector, he would really like to improve the visibility of the police in the community. “We need to be out there driving and walking around and talking to members of the public. People should feel comfortable to approach the police. That is why we attend events, walk down the main street to try and break down barriers and establish open communication with the community.”

According to Scott crimes are subject to spikes, but during the second half of February and in early March there have been several incidences of stealing form motor vehicles in Parkes. “We’ve made a series of arrests and recovered some stolen property in relation to the February spike. The offenders have been seen on CCTV from Council and from homes, to be going from house to house and trying door handles until they find one that is unlocked.

“This is where we ask the community to help us by making sure to lock their cars and not to leave anything valuable obviously visible in the car.”

He said while drug crimes were not a significant problem in Parkes, there were a number of operations being targeted by the police currently. “People often want quick results, but these operations take a lot of planning, time and resources to makes sure we get the best evidence to put before the court.”

In general the Chief Inspector would like to encourage community members to keep an eye out for their neighbours as a neighbourhood watch program is not run in all areas. “We’re not asking people to do our job, but being a good citizen means looking out for your neighbour and showing some general care for those living next to you.”

– By Maggi Barnard

Be Seen

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Jackson Collier gives a thumbs up for bowling in Orange last week with Currajong Disability Services.

Blake Huntly really enjoyed the bowling outing to Orange last week with Currajong Disability Services.

Shane Spicer gets ready to bowl in Orange last week.

Call For Women To Become Councillors

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Shire Council currently has three women serving as councillors. They are Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton (4th term), Cr Louise O’Leary (3rd term) and Pat Smith (3rd term).

Parkes Shire women interested in becoming a councillor in the September elections can attend a free forum this Sunday, 14th March at the Comfort Inn in Parkes from 9am to 12pm.

Hosted by the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA NSW), the forum will provide information and support women who are passionate about our community or interested in becoming a local councillor. The NSW Local Government elections are scheduled for Saturday, 4th September.

“I strongly encourage local women who are passionate about our community and would like to have a role in important decision making in our local shire to attend the free ALGWA forum, “ said Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton. “Come the September elections it would be fabulous to see more women run for NSW Council elections and truly represent our modern and diverse society.”

Local councils are concerned with matters close to our homes, such as water supply, planning and development, local roads and footpaths, town presentation, parks and playing fields, libraries and culture, local environmental issues, waste disposal, tourism and economic development and many more community services.

Parkes Shire Council services a large agricultural area and the communities of Parkes, Peak Hill, Bogan Gate, Trundle, Tullamore, Alectown and Cookamidgera, with a combined population of over 15,000. President of ALGWA NSW Cr Cassandra Coleman said: “The executive and I will be crisscrossing the state, giving women encouragement and inspiration to be candidates. If you have the drive and determination, ALGWA NSW will give you support, information and encouragement to stand for election to your council.” Council invites all interested Parkes Shire women to come along to the free forum. For more information or to RSVP for the event contact Council’s Events Officer on 6861 2333 or events@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Byrne Clothing Donates Shirts

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Byrne Clothing and Worklocker kindly donated 25 new shirts for the CanAssist volunteers who put in many hours to raise money for cancer patients in the Parkes Shire. The shirts were recently handed over by Tony Byrne (left) to Sylvia Glendenning, Adrianne Brown and Betty Huntly from CanAssist. They are proudly wearing their new shirts.

Our Gal – Vee Vian Higgins

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? Our family moved from spending 2.5 years in Canada to Parkes in June 2019. We love being closer to our family and friends, and how close Parkes is located to other major regional centres.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? Working at the Parkes Pharmacy brings me joy in many ways. I love engaging with the community, and getting to know our customers whilst being able to help them for their medical needs at the same time.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I really enjoyed living in Canada, even though the winters were cold and long. I really enjoyed the people and the landscapes of the North.

What makes you laugh the most? I laugh a lot when I am with my children, but I think I laugh most when I make fun of myself for doing something silly.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? So many desires and thoughts flashed through my mind but I would want to spend my time with my parents (who currently are overseas) and just chat about life history to get to know them more.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I would go back to our wedding day in May 2010. It was such a special time and I could do it all over again.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Be kind to others.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes, it rings close to my heart. I appreciate ones when a person offers to pay for the next person’s coffee or even their groceries.

What is one thing you will never do again? Take things (or people) for granted.

Snippets…

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE: Enjoying the beautiful autumn weather last weekend in Parkes were Al Gersbach (sitting), David Potts, Chris Auld and Trevor Whitaker.

Pollies Join Footy Tipping: The Phoenix’s annual footy tipping competition is going to be cajoling this year with two politicians signing up this week. Member for Orange Phil Donato, and Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack joined the ranks to add an extra edge to the competition as other participants would be keen to snatch the prize from under their noses. The competition runs for 33 weeks with a 43-inch television up for grabs for the winner. The first game of the season was played yesterday.

Organ And Tissue Donors: A 2020 re-port on organ and tissue donation and transplantation shows that despite the significant impact of COVID-19, around 4,000 Australians benefitted from the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation from a deceased donor. “We are very grateful to these Australians and their families for making these donations possible,” said Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority, Mark Coulton. The report shows 1,270 Australian lives were saved through an organ transplant last year, due to the generosity of 463 deceased organ donors and their families. Another 2,277 Australians received corneal transplants from 1,318 donors. “Last year, 182 living donors improved the lives of another Australian; predominantly by donating kidneys and in one case, a partial liver. The minister said the report once again demonstrated the need for more Australians to discuss donation with their friends and family and to register as a donor. “We need all Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation, to understand what they and their loved ones wish, and to register to become a donor at donatelife.gov.au.”

Apprentice Subsidy Extension: The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, says the extension of the Commonwealth Government’s apprentice subsidy is great news for Western NSW’s skilled workforce. “The Commonwealth Government hit the right note with this initiative, with reports from right across Western NSW of unprecedented demand for new apprentices and trainees,” said Business NSW Regional Manager – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe. “This is a great result and testament to the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to supporting businesses and young people through this very challenging period. This initiative gives businesses the confidence to invest in training someone for four years and helps create jobs for our young people so they are able to stay and work locally,” said Vicki.

IMAGE: Mel Evans and Amanda Corcoran joined the International Women’s Day celebrations in Cooke Park on Monday.

Craft Corner Opens In New Temporary Location

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE: Unpacking stacks of boxes last Thursday were at the back (L-R) Ruth Schneider, Irene Ross, Kath McAneney, Margaret Tanner, Bev Dawson and Lesley Fisher. In front are Rhonda Redenbach, Annette Witherow and Margaret Lewis.

After nine weeks of forced closure the Craft Corner volunteers were very excited to unpack their stock last week even though it was only in a temporary location.

“We will be here at 2/258 Clarinda Street (next to Discount Dave’s) for as long as it takes,” said President Margaret Tanner.

“It is very exciting and challenging at the same time to get everything unpacked.”

The Craft Corner was flooded in the super cell storm that hit Parkes on 2nd January when Clarinda street transformed into a raging river, and everything had to packed up the next day. “Fortunately, we lost very little,” said Margaret.

The shop opened on Monday and customers would not have been disappointed as its delightful range of local goods were back on the shelves.

The Craft Corner has become very popular not only among locals but attracts many visitors every year with its variety of locally produced items. The shop is particularly busy during the Elvis Festival, but has also become a shop of choice for children’s clothes since the closure of Target last year.

The opening hours are 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9:30am to 2pm on Saturdays. For more information contact Margaret on 6862 3240 or Rosemary on 6862 2570.

Small Numbers, Big Hearts At Clean Up Australia Event

March 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE: Some of the volunteers who took part in Clean Up Australia on Sunday. They are (L-R) Michael, Hannah, Rhonda, Joanne and Michelle.

A small group of 12 people put in a big effort to make Clean Up Australia Day in Parkes a successful event.

“Clean Up Australia Day is a fantastic and fun event where everyone in the local community can come together to pick up rubbish to help conserve the environment,” said local co-ordinator Michelle Bicket.

“It would be great if we could see a good representation from local community and business groups next year, as many hands make light work,” said Michelle. “It lifts the spirit of participants when working as a team. The sense of achievement when cleaning up a larger area as a team is much greater than struggling with fewer numbers in the same area.” Michelle said even just an hour would make a huge difference to help clean up Parkes. Groups represented this year included Parkes Landcare and Parkes Shire Council staff.

Volunteers cleaned in PAC Park, Rotary Arboretum, Skate Park, the bicycle track and Wellington Road. “We only had 12 participants, however that did not deter them from hard work,” said Michelle. She noted there was a change in the waste collected with less bottles and cans in the environment, which could be attributed to the success of the Return and Earn scheme. There was still a large amount of take away waste in the local parks.

“We all have an impact on the environment through what we use, reuse, throw away and pick up. We can all make a difference by thinking of these things every day to benefit our environment and community.”

Although the official day is over, Sunday’s participants are calling on Parkes Shire residents to still go out and pick up rubbish in the parks and streets in your neighbour-hood. Corn starch bags are available from Council’s Planning & Environment Section at the Council Administration Centre to use for picking up rubbish.

Maggi Barnard

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