Maggi Barnard

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

Plenty Of Places For Parkes Swimmers

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Meg Turner with her 15 years age champion award from Mountains and Plains Summer Championships.

It has been an exciting few weeks in the pool for Parkes Sharks with plenty more to come in March.

School carnivals have kept our officials and swimmers busy, with some excellent results and selections into the next level of competition.

In Mountains and Plains action, Bailey, Blake and Matty Price, along with Meg Skinner competed at the recent Tottenham short 33m course carnival. Bailey achieved three second places and a third, Blake five first places and two seconds, Matty six first places and a second. Meg Skinner enjoyed the short course by taking a whopping 17 seconds off her time for the 100m freestyle. From the Lachlan Trials held last Friday, the following Parkes Sharks swimmers were selected to attend the Western PSSA carnival in Dubbo on 12th March: Quinn Kriedemann, Savannah Latu, Finlay Quince, Lily Phillips, Timmy Longhurst, Marcus Skinner, Chelsea McMaster, Meg Skinner, Charlotte Orr, Eamon Moody, Katie Forbes and Clara Rice.

The Parkes Public Girls Junior 4×50 freestyle relay and the Parkes East Girls Senior 4 x 50 freestyle relay teams also qualified.

The competition in Dubbo will be to qualify for the State PSSA carnival in Sydney on 31st March.

In the Catholic Schools competition, KhanJackson qualified to swim in the Sydney Carnival after achieving four first places and a second.

Entries for the Christian Schools Sports Association haven’t been finalised yet, however Samuel Quince, Walter Smeaton, William Ellis, Nicole Ellis and Kelly Ellis are expected to advance, with Kelly taking out the Boys 11 years point score.

At a club level, training has been continuing with the club championships only two weeks away on 20th March.

By Jay Quince

Khan Jackson qualified in the Catholic Schools competition to swim in the Sydney Carnival with four first places and a second.

Parkes Sharks winning mixed relay team at Tottenham.

What’s on @ The Library

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

PARKES SHIRE LIBRARY & CULTURAL CENTRE EVENTS
Parkes Library has reopened so come and visit – you never know who you might meet! Her Excellency Margaret Beazley the Governor of NSW popped in recently. She has just finished reading A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and gave it a very good review! Storytime and Rhyme Time are back on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:30am. Book in on 68612309. Our computer research room has reopened with six public computers, printing, scanning and photocopying, and our Hublet mobile tablets are available for use. The Local History Room is open each weekday from 9:30-11:30am (or by appointment), and we have a lovely outdoor area where you can come to read or have a chat. We’ve been busy getting lots of new books and DVDs, so come in and find the latest release to read or watch.

FRIDAY FLICKS
Parkes Library is now presenting movies at the library. Come and watch a recent release Aussie comedy this Friday at 10am in the library. Tickets are free but bookings are essential so call 6861 2309 to book your seat!

STAFF PICK OF THE MONTH
BY EMMA BROWN
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Nora Seed has found that between life and death lies the Midnight Library. This novel grapples with the ‘if onlys’ of one woman’s life, challenging her despair and woe head on. I was confronted by the strong themes, but captivated by the characters, and found myself cheering for Nora to find her happy ending. If you love science fiction that deals with multiverses, time travel and the butterfly effect, this book is for you. Warning: themes of suicide. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

WASTE 2 ART 2021
COMPETITION & EXHIBITION
Keep an eye out for our Waste to Art workshops which will be happening around April. Closing date for entries is 5pm Friday 30 April!

Editior’s Note

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

I just love stories – reading them, hearing them, writing them… That is why I enjoy being a journalist. I get to hear wonderful stories every week, and often the best stories are the ones that come to you unexpectedly. All it takes is often just one question. The other day I went to an event and the conversation started going off topic, but I sensed there was potential for a good story and asked a question. This prompted memories to start flowing and stories of the good old days. When I thanked the person for sharing her stories, she looked me in the eye and said: “Thank you for asking.” It does not take much to show interest in someone else’s story. Take the time to ask and to listen – you’d be enriched by the experience.

Maggi

Community Invited To Comment On Housing Strategy

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The community is invited to submit comments on the Parkes Shire Housing Issues Paper currently on public exhibition until 31st March.

Parkes Shire Council is preparing a housing strategy to plan for the future housing needs in the Parkes Shire.

The Parkes Shire Housing Strategy will set a 20-year vision for housing in the shire, in line with the NSW Government’s Local Housing Strategy Guideline and the Parkes Local Strategic Planning Statement 2041.

The strategy also aims to address the full range of housing needs for the community, with a focus on areas where there are gaps in the housing market.

A Housing Issues Paper has been prepared to share the findings of Council’s preliminary investigations and encourage discussion and inputs from the wider community. The issues paper draws on a range of inputs, including demographic, housing and economic data, housing policy guide-lines, housing sector strategies and studies undertaken for other places.

“As Parkes attracts more residents, the provision of well located, diverse and good-quality housing is important to ensure that our Shire continues to increase its high standards of living and remains welcoming and accessible to a wide variety of people,” said Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM.

Council has a role to play in facilitating the supply of new housing that better matches the community’s preferences and needs. To plan for future needs, Council must set a strategic direction for housing policy to better inform land-use zoning and other planning controls.”

Council is inviting the community to submit comments on the Parkes Shire Hous-ing Issues Paper that is currently on public exhibition until 31st March, as well as complete the Housing Preference Survey. Visit yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au to view the issues paper and to complete the survey. Alternatively, send a written submission to Council at PO Box 377 Parkes NSW 2870. Hard copies of the survey will also be available at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Office at 2 Cecile Street, Parkes.

Endeavour Dragons On The Big Stage

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club combined with Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga at the ACT Regatta held in Canberra last month for three events, and competed in one event as just the Endeavour Dragons.

The Parkes Endeavour Dragons did themselves proud on the big stage at last month’s regatta in Canberra.

The Saturday morning was glorious, and the water was calm as the colourful marquees of twenty-three clubs lined the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, while hot air balloons soared overhead.

The Parkes team combined with Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga, and the first race of the day was the 2km turn race. The combined team paddled their hearts out and finished in 13 minutes with Endeavour Sweep Bill Thomas navigating the tricky turns.

Next were the 200m sprints, starting with women’s heats. No place was gained in this category, but Parkes stayed with the field. Opens followed, with Endeavour’s Linda Snyman sweeping. Linda stayed calm and cool throughout the long line-up calls and did a fabulous job bringing the team in second, in both heats.

Finally, Parkes raced in the mixed heats, the only category not combined with Wagga. The Parkes team of fiery Endeavour dragons shone in this event. They were ecstatic to cross the line first in both heats against very tough competition.

When the announcements for the finals were called, the team expected to make it into the B finals, as the A finals are for the cream of the crop. But when the Endeavour Dragons were called for the mixed category A finals, the spontaneous cheer from the Parkes/Wagga marquee was one of elation.

“It was a dream moment for a coach,” said Beth Thomas. “I’m proud to say we came in fourth, a mere second or two behind the leaders. It is due to the hard work, dedication and real teamwork of each crew member to get us over the line,” said Beth.

If you would like to try out paddling, call Beth on 0418 253 045 for more information.

By Beth Thomas

Micro Grants For Arts Community

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Arts OutWest

Arts OutWest is offering small grants to ‘re-start’ arts practice and activity in the Central West.

Grants are on offer for up to $1,000 for individuals, groups and businesses and up to $2,000 for broader community activities.

After a successful first round of quick turn-around micro grants last year, the regional arts development organisation is offering a second round, this time funded through the NSW Government’s Arts Restart package.

“At Arts OutWest we recognise that COV-ID-19 continues to impact on the arts sector in our region and so have directed $24,000 to micro grants,” said Arts OutWest executive director Tracey Callinan.

“We’re keeping the options for how people can spend the funds fairly open, making it possible to use this grant for things that other arts funding often doesn’t cover.”

The $1,000 grants are open to any individuals, groups, councils or businesses engaged in the arts and can be used for costs or activities, such as equipment, training, marketing, development of new work or presentation, performance or exhibition of work.

The $2,000 grants are to support activities or projects that engage and benefit a section of the community. This might include workshops, community events or collaborations between a number of groups or artists. To be eligible you must be based in the Arts OutWest region; your request must be arts related; and your request must offer a way of helping ‘restart’ your community’s arts practice, engagement or experience.

There will be a very quick turnaround for applications and delivery with applications closing on Monday, 22nd March.

Download the application form from the artsoutwest.org.au website or contact Arts OutWest for a copy on 6338 4657 / artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Our Bloke – Jay Kross

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes in 1994. I was born in Roma, Queensland, lived in Cobar before moving to Parkes. I like country living, not the hustle and bustle of the city.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? My wife and I run the squash centre and I also have my own fibreglass business. With squash, I enjoy coaching and meeting lots of people each day. With fibreglassing, it would be making over pools and seeing a big difference in the before and afters.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I am pretty happy living in Parkes.

What makes you laugh the most? With three kids aged 11, 7 and 3 – conversations are pretty funny most days in our house.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? My son, Henry’s dream is to play squash on the glass court in front of the pyramids in Egypt. I’d probably offer to be his hitting partner.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? 2011 – I rolled my ankle picking up the ball in the Squash Club Championships semi-final. If I could redo that one – I haven’t lived that match down!

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Probably work weekends and have weekdays off.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I believe in trying to do the right thing all the time.

What is one thing you will never do again? Lose a squash match against Richard King – he only beat me by default in 2012 and hasn’t let it go!

Hood Family Wins Trophy For Second Time

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Winners second year in a row: Andrew, Colby and Roger Hood.

Team work over three generations of the Hood family saw the trophy of this year’s Doug Bicket Memorial Maiden Ewe Competition return to their farming enterprise.

Andew Hood was thrilled to be able to share the win with his father, Roger and son, Colby. “Dad has always been passionate about his sheep and since Colby joined our operation, we have endeavoured to really push the livestock side of the business and maximize the returns we can achieve.”

The family is extremely positive about the future of their flock after strong markets and an amazing season – an optimism that was plain for all to see when the team received the trophy in the shadows of a recently erected, state of the art shearing shed.

The Overland blood ewes carry a 20.5 micron fleece and are classed by Andy McLeod of Dubbo. The flock presented in top condition, reflecting the amazing 12 months of seasonal conditions, in stark contrast to the harsh drought the ewes were born into.

Despite well above average rainfall in the past three months and a severe fly wave that has ravaged the district, Andrew said the ewes had not been treated with any chemicals with minimal fly strike, attributing this to the Overland genetics the family has been using for a number of years.

The judges, Drew Chapman of Hinesville and West Plains Poll Studs, Delegate and Angus Munro, Stud Breeding Manager for Poll Boonoke and Wanganella Studs, were impressed with the ewes from the moment they set foot in the yards.

“This is a great commercial mob of ewes that have been well managed and classed with a clear direction,” said Drew. “They are a very uniform mob and are going to cut a lot of white, soft handling wool as well as being large bodied and structurally correct.”

Angus picked up on the flocks’ impressive lambing percentage adding, “To achieve a lambing percentage of 130% in the middle of one of the worst droughts on record is an amazing result and a credit to the management the Hood family are implementing over their animals.”

Second place went to the “Allambie” flock of the Watt family at Alectown. The Darriwell blood team are classed by Russell Jones, carry a 19.5 micron fleece and achieved a lambing percentage of 112%.

The encouragement award was taken home by the Witherow family of “Ranfurlie”, Parkes. It is the first time the flock has been entered in the competition and the team made quite an impression.

The largest crowd of spectators ever seen at the Parkes competition, organised by the Parkes PA & H Association is perhaps a reflection of the optimism around the turnaround in the season and the strong market conditions as the district moves to recover from the drought it had endured up until 12 months prior.

By Garry O’Brien

Snippets…

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Participants in The Outback Car Trek were seen around Parkes on Saturday. The annual event donates the funds it raises to The Royal Flying Doctor Service. This furry one was called Dumb.

2021 World Day of Prayer: The annual World Day of Prayer will be hosted by the Parkes Community Church at the Parkes Christian School hall (Back Trundle Road) today (Friday, 5th March) at 7:30pm. The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer. This year the focus country is Vanuatu. The aim of the service is to learn about Vanuatu and its needs, and to pray for their people. Singing by Parkes community members from the Pacific Island Nations. There will be light refreshments after the service. For more information, contact John Henry – 0419635814.

Footy Tipping Competition: The Phoenix’s annual footy tipping competition starts 11th March. There are only 12 spots available at $80 for the whole season, which is 33 weeks long. It is a great opportunity to get your business name seen and have some fun! First prize is a 43-inch television generously supplied by Parkes Betta Electrical. To get involved call or email Zoe on 0498 202 025/sales@parkesphoenix.com.au before Wednesday,10th March. The first game of the season is Thursday, 11th March.

Visitor Restrictions Ease: There are no longer restrictions on visitors to aged care residents, including those in Multipurpose Service (MPS) across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). All visitors are still subject to COVID-19 screening and temperature testing. No restrictions on the number of visitors a resident can have each day or at one time. Visitors are not required to wear a mask. Subject to conditions, residents may leave to attend events. Local visiting rules may apply. If you have even the mildest symptoms, or if you’ve recently been to a location where COVID-19 has been a concern, please leave your visit to another time. For the latest information on COVID-19 and where you can have a test, go to www.health.nsw.gov.au

Choose to Challenge Exhibition: Members of the Forbes Arts Society are celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) with an exhibition of mixed media work at the Platypus Gallery in Forbes from 5 to 21 March. In keeping with the IWD 2021 theme, #ChooseToChallenge, the exhibition will feature individual work and collaborative pieces that challenge gender bias and inequality. The Platypus Gallery opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 2pm and Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.

It seemed to have been a furry theme for The Outback Car Trek participants seen in Parkes on Saturday. This one was appropriately called Scruffy.

What do you enjoy about the CanAssist garage sales?

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Frankie and Marion Johnston: It’s fantastic! You never know what you might find, and you can find everything you will never find anywhere else. It’s an eye opener for my grandson, who likes Mad Max and any army stuff. And when you don’t like it, you can always give it back to CanAssist.

Leon Dolan: The massive variety and good bar-gains, and I like all the old tech stuff.

Chris Symonds: It is like a treasure hunt – you never know what you’re going to find.

Maggi Barnard

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