Maggi Barnard

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

Parkrun Launch ‘Blessed’ With Torrential Rain

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

READY, SET, WET… Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith cut the ribbon as parkrun volunteers organisers Ronel van Wyk (right) and Dan Greef (left) look on at the start of the 5km course. Photos: Keith Turk

It took two years of planning and organising and on Saturday even the weather made a special effort to make the launch of parkrun in Parkes a memorable one.

Parkes participants were joined by runners from all over the Central West, the Blue Mountains and even Canberra in torrential rain to run the 5km course starting at North-parkes Oval.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith turned up with his raincoat and umbrella to cut the ribbon to set off the 41 participants. The Mayor welcomed the worldwide phenomena to Parkes, saying he had seen it by chance on a recent visit to Newcastle. “It was just wonderful to see the whole community taking part. After all the serious runners had left, the parents with their children, some still in strollers, joined in.” He said he hoped the Parkes community would embrace the local event, and thanked the volunteers who had put in all the effort to bring it to our town. After his official duties he showed his support by walking the course.

A very happy runner at the finish line of the 5km parkrun course.

Dan Greef, one of the volunteers who was instrumental in organising the event for Parkes, thanked the Parkes Shire Council for a grant through the Sports Council and Northparkes Mines to get the starting kit for parkrun. He said the Council staff who offered great assistance in setting up the 5km course was greatly appreciated.

The heavy rain on Saturday not only proved challenging for the runners who had to traverse puddles, mud, wet grass and other obstacles, but the volunteer time keepers experienced difficulties with the wet screens on their mobile phones. All participants who have registered with parkrun receive an email after the event with their time and other statistics of the run. The volunteers had to try and fit the times to runners like a jigsaw puzzle after Saturday’s event.

The free, weekly, community event with no time limit for all ages and levels of fitness for running, jogging and walking is organised by volunteers. Participants on Saturday were full of praise for the Parkes volunteers’ friendliness and encouragement in the rain.

The runners and walkers spread out over the 5km course, which follows a double loop behind the sports ovals. It is a challenging course with some steep hills and a variety of surfaces.

Parkrun has over 1,400 events in 22 countries, with Australia boasting over 400 events. Parkes was one of four new events to launch in NSW on Saturday.

Parkrun is a good event to attract tourists as dedicated parkrunners will travel far and wide to increase their tally of events as was evident on Saturday with so many runners travelling to Parkes despite the inclement weather.

A runner from Canberra was wearing his special 250 parkrun shirt, indicating he had already done that amount of events. Two other runners from the Blue Mountains said they had competed at all the events in NSW and made sure thet were at the first one in Parkes.

By Maggi Barnard

Some of the 41 participants at the starting line of the first official parkrun in Parkes.

Parkrun (5km) every Saturday morning at the Northparkes Oval 7:50 am for 8am start. Register for free to get a barcode and print it out to bring for every run. Go to www.parkrun.com.au. Be there at 7:50am for a start at 8am. Open to all walkers, joggers and runners.

What did you think of the very first parkrun in Parkes?

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Peter Heath from Eugowra: It was wet, but very good! I was really looking forward to it, as I’ve done other parkruns around the Central West and in Melbourne. It is a challenging course, and might need some work in places, but it was very well organised. Congratulations to the organisers!

Emma Zammit and Amanda Hardie from the Blue Mountains: It is a great course and the people so friendly! The volunteers were just amazing. We’ve done all the parkruns in NSW, except the three other parkruns that also launched today. (Amanda’s mum lives in Orange and they decided to pick Parkes first of the new parkruns.)

Zarna Gould from Parkes: Even with the pouring rain, it was lots of fun. The volunteers did a great job!

Diabetes: What You Need To Know

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Diabetes can affect anyone, from any walk of life and is currently affecting the lives of approximately 1.8 million Australians. Diabetes a series complex condition which can affect the entire body.

When you eat, your body turns food into sugars, or glucose. At that point, your pancreas is supposed to release a hormone called insulin. Insulin serves as a “key” to open your cells, to allow the glucose to enter – and allow you to use the glucose for energy. In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer being produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body.

It requires daily self-care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and could reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and how to effectively manage it.

Parkes Pharmacy’s aim is to help people with diabetes be confident in managing their medicines and blood sugar levels (BGL), to better manage their condition for improved day-to-day quality of life and reducing long-term complications.

Our goal as pharmacists is focused on supporting patients with diabetes’ effective use of medicines by offering Diabetes MedsChecks, and discussing effective BGL monitoring. The Diabetes MedsCheck is a government-funded pharmacy program, involving a private, face-to-face consultation and medication review with the pharmacist.

We can also help those at risk of diabetes due to genetic and lifestyle factors. Evidence shows type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58% of cases by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.

Come and have a chat with our friendly pharmacists.

Be Seen

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Big smiles from the parkrun volunteers, who had been working hard over the past two years to organise the event for Parkes, at the launch of the event on Saturday when Mayor Ken Keith cut the ribbon. (L-R) are Dan Greef, Ken Keith, Ronel van Wyk and Sonia Bland.

Beautiful weather to chill in the park. Natalie Williams with Harvey (17 months) and Sarah Lendrum with Stella Rogers (18 months) in Cooke Park this week.

Parkes Picnic Races Back This Year

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Image source: https://parkespicnicraces.com.au/

Planning for the premier event on the Parkes and district social calendar is well underway.

The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Pic-nic Races are scheduled for Saturday, 12th June. “The outbreak of COVID-19 created numerous challenges for our community, families and businesses, but we feel it is important that this important community event goes ahead,” said Stafford Orange or the organising committee. The race day will be a COVID–19 compliant event.

“We would like to thank all the patrons and generous sponsors for their support in the past and reassure all community members that the Parkes Picnic races will be bigger and better than ever this year.”

The spectator area is in great condition and the venue is now considered one of the best in the Central West with its renovated grandstand and covered bookies rink.

Over the years the June long weekend has become a ‘Back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives. The weekend attracts visitors from all over the state, and interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota Club, utilising the canteen in the new renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course, and several commercial and private marquees providing food and alcohol. Mark the date in your diary for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

300km Walk For Cancer

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Anne-Marie Randell of Eugowra.

Anne-Marie Randell of Eugowra walks from Parkes to Canberra every second year in support of brain cancer research. She has done this walk since 2016 after losing her cousin, Annie Lymbery, to brain cancer in November 2015. Annie was only 62 years old when she passed away leaving behind her partner, Stewart, of 10 years and four beautiful children.

When Annie was diagnosed, she was only given a few weeks. With only her pure will and determination to live and beat the cancer, along with radiation treatment, she was able to spend some precious time with friends and family. Still, she was taken too soon.

Anne-Marie was very close to her cousin Annie and when she passed away, Anne-Marie felt moved to raise awareness, show her support of those affected by brain cancer and raise lifesaving funds. That was when she came up with the idea of the walk. A group of Anne-Marie’s closest family and friends, including her cousin Annie’s daughter Caitlin and Annie’s partner Stewart, will join her for the 300km journey through country NSW. If you would like to support Anne-Marie go to her fundraising page at Do It For Cancer – Annie’s Walk For A Cure 2021

Local Group Opens Door To Wealth Of Natural Beauty

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

EXPLORE TO ADORE… Members of the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association on a bushwalk at the Mount Murga lookout in the Nangar National Park. They are (L-R) Graeme and Liz McCraild, Peter Cannon and Warren VanAkker (left). President of the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association Martin Bell after accepting the Environmental Award on Australia Day (right).

Parkes residents are privileged to have access to about 11 national parks and reserves within an hour’s drive considering only nine percent of the state of NSW is conserved.

In addition, the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association organises two to three bushwalks per month in these national parks run by knowledgeable and skilled volunteers who are keen to share their knowledge.

President of the Lachlan Valley Branch Martin Bell encouraged residents to explore these parks at the Australia Day awards ceremony in Cooke Park last month when he accepted the Environment Award for 2021.

“We do not organise hikes, but ramble in the parks and state forests and take our time to appreciate the birds, other wildlife and countryside,” Martin told The Parkes Phoenix. He said a long day would be a 10km walk, but most of the walks are five to eight kilometres. “This means you don’t have to be super fit and everybody is welcome to join in.”

He said a typical day would start at 9:30am, include lunch on a log or rock somewhere and end by 4:30pm “We normally see between 40 to 50 species of birds, and also have members who are very knowledgeable about biology, geology and botany.”

According to Martin participants will not only gain new knowledge, and enjoy the trees and solitude of the bush, but they will also gain a better understanding of the natural environment and why it is so important to conserve it.

He said there were so many interesting and unusual things to see and discover, like the threatened Glossy Black Cockatoo and endangered Swift Parrot, as well as seasonal birds from Papua New Guinea, like the Dollar bird. “We often come across interesting goannas and snakes, and as Parkes and Forbes are on the intersection of the coastal and desert districts, there is a great variety of plants and birds to observe.”

With some of the best parks in NSW on our doorstep, another benefit is that these parks never have large crowds of people like those closer to the cities.

As COVID-19 has restricted travel opportunities, Martin said it was a good time to join the Lachlan Valley Branch walks as it offered locals a great opportunity to discover spectacular scenery close to home. He said numbers had started to increase since COVID with about 12 people joining a walk.

The Lachlan Valley Branch is also involved with the Forbes Arts Council’s Gum Swamp bird hides and the Lachlan Valley Sculpture Trail projects, while Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) is very supportive.

The Lachlan Valley Branch will be supporting two events of CWLL over the next two months.

On 24th March the Get to know the Glossy Black Cockatoo workshop will take place in Parkes. The day includes a presentation by photographer Warren Chad, as well as an overview of the Glossy Black project from Local Land Services staff and then a field trip to Lake Metcalfe to talk further about Glossy Black habitat, some bird observation and a bird count and finish up around 1pm with BYO lunch at Lake Metcalfe. (Also see details on page 4 of the call for volunteer counters for the Great Inland Glossy Count.)

On 7th April the Securing the Swift Parrot workshop will take place with Saving Our Species Team Leader, Energy, Environment and Science, Matt Cameron as guest speaker. The Securing the Swift Parrot project aims to stabilise or improve the trajectory of the Swift Parrot by 2023. They are nationally listed as critically endangered. The Swift Parrot is unique as it feeds in the Central West during winter on flowering Eucalypts and Ironbarks, then flies to Tasmania to breed over Summer.

More details of these workshops are available on the Central West Lachlan Landcare website.

If you would like to join the Lachlan Val-ley Branch bushwalks, due to start again from next month when the weather starts cooling, look on the Parkes Shire Council’s What’s On page, or on Central West Lachlan Landcare Facebook page, get a copy of the program at the Parkes Visitors Centre, or contact Martin Bell on 0429 346 586.

By Maggi Barnard

SNIPPETS…

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Welcome to the world Cooper Paul Cass! Born on 31st January 2021, weighing 2.91kg (or 6lb 41oz) and 49cm tall. Mum Mikaela Cass, brother Oliver Cass and Dad Jacob Cass are very proud of the new addition to the family.

Clean Up Australia: Have you thought about joining or organising your own clean-up on Sunday, 7th March? Clean Up Australia inspires and empowers communities to clean up, fix up and conserve our environment. What was started 30 years ago, by an “average Australian bloke” who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard has now become the nation’s largest community-based environmental event. Of course, Australia’s waste challenges can’t be solved in just one day, so over the past three decades, Clean Up Australia has evolved into an organisation that works with community, government and businesses to provide practical solutions to help us all live more sustainably every day of the year. Organise for your friends, family and neighbours to get together and give back to your community. Register online at cleanupaustraliaday.org.au) and receive a free kit.

ARTC Inland Rail CEO Retires: After three years at the helm, Richard Wankmuller will be retiring mid this year as Chief Executive Officer of Inland Rail at the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack thanked Mr Wankmuller for his contribution to the delivery of Inland Rail. “Under his stewardship the project has moved from early design through to construction, delivering significant local benefits in regional Australia at a time when we need it most. Richard leaves Inland Rail in a strong position – having delivered the first 103km section of Inland Rail between Parkes and Narromine and beginning construction on the second stretch linking Narrabri to North Star. The ARTC Board has begun the process to replace Richard.

Become a WNSWLHD Board Member: The NSW Minister for Health is inviting applications from persons interested in becoming a member of the Western NSW Local Health District Board. A number of vacancies have opened up due to the retirement of a number of members. It is a skills-based board and members are required to actively contribute to the effective governance of WNSWLHD. Individuals wishing to apply should demonstrate the capacity to represent the interest of consumers of health services and the local community. To apply or find out more head to the NSW Health website. Expressions of interest close on Sunday, 28th February.

Have you had mushrooms pop up in your lawn after the rain? Chlorophyllum Hortense occurs commonly in man-made habitats, but best not to try and eat them.

Women’s Social Bowls

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Image credit: Shutterstock

The weatherman is certainly doing the right thing for our bowls days. What a spectacular morning on Tuesday, for beginners and state players alike, enjoying the sunshine! A total of 25 keen ladies hit the green, in its usual perfect condition – thank you guys!

Over on Rink 9, fresh back from state playoffs, Maree Grant led her team of Merilyn Rodgers/Di Howell/Fran Dixon to victory over the very able line-up of Jan McPhee/Betsy Johnstone/Brenda Davies/Joan Simpson.

On Rink 11, a closer matchup between Marja Iffland/Carol Reed/Lynn Ryan/Heather Harvey versus Rosemary Mitchell/Chris Cox/Lorraine Baker/Robyn Morgan saw the lead see-saw back and forth, with Team Harvey taking the win after their initial slow start.

In a game of low-scoring pairs on Rink 12, Kerrie Nutley and Valmai Westcott were too strong for Jean Kennedy and June Burgess.

Anne Wright/Kay Craft/Chris Curteis were no match for a fresh Eileen Bradley, playing for two and playing a blinder of a game, and Maureen Baillie on Rink 10.

Good to see our new member, Kerrie, taking the winner’s purse, along with partner, Valmai. Chris Curteis, Carol and Lorraine departed the club smiling after cashing out in the 100’s club.

Apparently, there’s a young chickie in the club who is now placing a “6” in front of her age! And about time too! I didn’t know bowlers could be that young! Wish I was there for the celebrations, no doubt quiet and low-key – like yourself! Happy new decade, Maree! What a week it’s been!

Congratulations to both our state playoff teams for doing our club proud during the week at Malua Bay. Congratulations Ma-ree Grant/Tom Casey and Cherie Frame/Gwenda Carty/Liz Byrne/Rhona Went for achieving what the rest of us only dream of – fantastic effort!

To play social bowls next Tuesday, 16th Feb, please ring Gwenda or Rhona on 6862 1446, between 8:30 – 9am, with play to commence at 9:30am. Social Roster: June Burgess.

Polly Wants A Counter

February 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Glossy Black Cockatoo

The Great Inland Glossy Count is calling for community volunteers to become “cockatoo counters” this month.

The NSW Saving our Species program had to be postponed late last year.

“Bird lovers, citizen scientists or anyone with an interest in this beautiful threatened species, are needed to survey Glossy Black Cockatoo populations at three key sites around inland NSW,” said National Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Project Officer Adam Fawcett.

“Listed as vulnerable in NSW, glossies are easily spotted with their distinctive red markings. The count will help our scientists understand more about this threatened bird,” he said.

It is hoped to get 100 volunteers for the second count. A total of 70 volunteers participated in 2019 and counted over 700 Glossy Black Cockatoos across inland NSW.

The count is part of a wider project to conserve the species at three key sites. The dates for the 2021 surveys are: 13th February – Pilliga Forests; 20th February – Goonoo National Park; and 27th February – Goobang National Park and surrounds.

“What a great opportunity to get out to some of our amazing national parks and state forests, sit back and watch a threatened species in its natural habitat,” Adam said.

Volunteers will need to pre-register using the Department of Planning Industry and Environment’s Volunteer Portal and will be required to follow COVID safety guidelines.

Family members are encouraged to volunteer together and will be stationed at one dam on their chosen weekend.

“We are asking volunteers to setup at their survey site an hour or so before dusk and wait as Glossy Black Cockatoos fly in for water. The only requirements are the ability to make your way to a dam allocated by the Saving our Species team and to bring a pair of binoculars, a comfy chair and a notepad.”

Maggi Barnard

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