Maggi Barnard

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

Our Bloke – Mark Ritchie

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? Karen and I have lived in Parkes now for 35 years. Our four children grew up here. I enjoy the Parkes community spirit and visiting local towns.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? While mostly retired I do a bit of part-time electrical trade teaching at Parkes and Dubbo TAFEs. I also very much enjoy and am proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of Parkes.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Playing tennis and learning Aussie Bush poetry.

What makes you proud? My wife, four children and four grandchildren. Karen and I are fortunate we have two grandchildren in Forbes.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Probably an elephant because I would have a better memory than I have now.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Favourite movie is ‘El Cid’, a Charlton Heston movie; song, James Taylor’s ‘Fire and Rain’, and book is ‘The Cattle King’ by Ion L. Idriess, the life of Sir Sidney Kidman.

Tell us about your best holiday. Our first family overseas trip to New Zealand. Also memorable was trekking 200km from Lulka airport (the world’s most dangerous airport) to Base Camp Everest and back in 2011 with a brother, sister and niece.

What is on your bucket list? Learn the Italian language.

Remembrance Day 2020

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes High School students Zayne Eshman and Marites Woods.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent and the Great War ended when a peace treaty was signed – 102 years ago.

The Parkes Sub Branch of the Returned and Services Leagues of Australia organised a commemoration at the Cenotaph at Cooke Park on Wednesday.

Students from seven schools recited the names of the fallen heroes from the Parkes Shire from World Wars 1 and 2, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. The Holy Family School choir sang, and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton gave an address reflecting on the consequences of war.

Successful First Year For PA & H Wether Trial

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Shearing took place early August and were done by volunteers.

The Parkes PA & H wether trial was completed in August with very positive results.

Although the trial began in 2019 with the September even-up shearing during the worst of the drought, our trial wethers were well looked after by Ken Keith and Peter Guppy. Since the breaking of the drought in February the wethers have done exceptionally well on the Parkes Solar Farm with the wool quality and wool cut above average.

Shearing took place early August and again Ken and Peter proved to be invaluable in keeping the sheep dry enough to shear during what was a very wet period in the winter.

The 11 teams of wethers from the Parkes district representing nine different bloodlines and a range of wool types from fine to medium to bold medium. In total the 125 wethers cut 1,050kg greasy at an average of 8.4kg greasy per head, and a yield of 70.7%. Based on market prices at the time of shearing (the wool market has been hit by Covid-19) our wethers wool value per head averaged $57.57.

All proceeds from the sale of wool were donated to the Parkes PA & H, and all services and labour provided free of charge. Thank you to the willing team of helpers for mustering, drenching, shearing, crutching and more.

A special thank you to Andrew Carlton, Dennis Webb and Brad Kelly who shore the wethers and gave up a day’s wages to do so. To Tim Keith for wool classing and many other local farmers and roustabouts for their help.

Dr Kathryn Egerton-Warburton and MaryAnn Sladek from the DPI in Orange have been, and will continue to be responsible for the production of data for the duration of the trial for the next three years that will provide technical feedback to local woolgrowers.

Ostini Wool recently offered the wool for sale at our Sydney Auction with very positive comments from buyers regarding the overall quality of the wool coming from the Parkes district and how it is suited to a wide range of overseas markets including China, India and Europe.

For any further information about the trial contact Graeme Ostini 0428 650 191.

By Graeme Ostini

Statistics for the first five teams in the wether trial.

Traditional Names For Parkes Telescopes

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

CONNECTING… Yarrangirri (middle) from the River Spirit Dancers leads a Wiradjuri dance performance at the naming ceremony on Sunday when the CSIRO’s iconic Parkes Radio Telescope and two other antennas were given traditional
names.

A very special connection was made on Sunday when CSIRO’s iconic Parkes radio telescope and two smaller telescopes were given traditional names.

Murriyang, the name chosen for the 64m telescope also known as The Dish, connects the oldest scientific tradition in the world, astronomy, with the oldest continuous civilisation in the world.

Murriyang represents the ‘Skyworld’ where Biyaami (Baiame) lives – a prominent creator spirit of the Wiradjuri Dreaming.

“This is a very, very proud day for our people,” said Elder Dr Stan Grant, who revealed the names. “This is one of the biggest things ever to happen to our people. Thank you for this!”

Wiradjuri Elder Rhonda Towney thanked the CSIRO for the recognition given to her people.

“We’ve always had a connection to the sky, and today we have one with the telescope,” said Elder Ralph Naden, who performed in the smoking ceremony and dances, and also happened to celebrate his 75th birthday on the special day.

CSIRO’s Parkes staff worked in collaboration with Wiradjuri Elders, the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and the North West Wiradjuri Language & Culture Nest for over two years on the naming project.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said Australia had a rich heritage of exploring the world and the stars. “It is humbling to link our early steps to connect to the Universe with that ancient wisdom,” said Larry, who was represented by John Reynolds of the CSIRO.

At the special ceremony at the Parkes Radio Telescope on Sunday were at the back (L-R) Cecil See, Rhonda Towney, David Towney and Dr Stan Grant snr with the Wiradjuri dancers.

“We’re honoured that the Wiradjuri Elders have given traditional names to our telescopes at Parkes, to connect them with the oldest scientific tradition in the world. Giving the telescopes traditional names acknowledges and pays respect to the astronomical knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“The plan affirms our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the oldest living culture in the world. It recognises them as the first people of Australia and respects their enduring connection to lands, skies, waters, plants and animals. As we move forward together, we will look back to moments like these and see our footprints side by side, wherever they may be.”

Uncle Ralph Naden, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday, performed with the dancers, as well as a solo kangaroo dance. He is originally from Peak Hill, and these days lives near Gilgandra. He was very honoured to be part of the ceremony saying many indigenous people helped to build the telescope.

John introduced the three telescopes at Parkes. The 18-metre decommissioned antenna has been named Giyalung Guluman, meaning ‘smart dish’. It had the ability to move along a railway track while observing. The antenna was originally assembled at the CSIRO Fleurs Radio Telescope site, Penrith NSW in 1960, was transported to Parkes in 1963 and became operational in 1965.

The baby of the family is the 12-metre ASKAP testing antenna that was built in 2008 and named Giyalung Miil. It means ‘Smart Eye’ and was commissioned as a testbed for a special new type of receiver technology (phased array feed – PAF) used on CSIRO’s Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) antennas. The PAF is able see different parts of the sky simultaneously making it a ‘smart eye’.

John said the famous 64m ‘Dish’ had been described as the most productive scientific instrument Australia had produced. “It’s 60 years old next year, but is the perpetual youth of the family as we keep upgrading it.”

“As an astronomer I look back in time. In 2004 we discovered the double pulsar – a pair of collapsed stars locked in kind of intricate dance. The weak radio signals we picked up here were sent 4,000 years ago when the Wiradjuri ranged these lands, unhindered.”

By Maggi Barnard

Always Was, Always Will Be

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Amelia, Shaylee, Ziyu, Tia, Summah, Jaedyn and Samuel from Peak Hill Central School at the Wungunja Centre where they saw a large collection of Aboriginal artefacts mostly sourced from Central West NSW.

NAIDOC week is celebrated until Sunday with the theme this year Always Was, Always Will Be. The week started on Sunday with a special celebration at the Parkes Observatory where the iconic CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and two smaller telescopes each received Wiradjuri names.

On Monday students from Stage 5 Aboriginal Studies class at Peak Hill Central School visited the Wungunja Cultural Centre in Trangie and the Beemunnel Heritage Trail in Warren.

Peak Hill Preschool received a Federal Government grant and did a range of activities this week including tasting traditional foods such as emu and kangaroo meat.

Be Seen on Remembrance Day 2020

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School students Laura Cabbon and Sophie Field.

Holy Family School students Evie Allen and Hamish McGrath.

Parkes Public School students Lucy McGregor and Taj Lovett.

Middleton Public School students Josie Jennings and Hayden Lamond.

Letters to the Editor

November 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Dear Editor

My wife and I walk through a magpie nesting area and never get swooped on. The reason: we do not threaten them and we feed them when we can.

They seem to spread the word because we spend a lot of time in the bush and get the same result with different birds. I suggest people put food out for magpies and they will walk in peace.

Yours truly EJ Holt

What’s on @ The Library

November 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

CARBON8 FARMER PACKS

In collaboration with Carbon8, Farmer Packs containing two books, an organic worm kit and postcard will be available at all library branches and Neighbourhood Central soon for collection by local farmers. This initiative is designed to educate Aussie farmers on regenerative agriculture and support them in the transition to help rebuild carbon levels in the soil. The Carbon8 Campfire Film Festival are free weekly online films about regenerative agriculture, Friday nights from 7pm https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/carbon8-camp-fire-film-festival-tickets-121486311829

BOOK REVIEW

The Yield by Tara June Winch

Winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award, this profoundly moving story is told in three voices: August who has returned from the other side of the world to family and country; the Wiradjuri dictionary entries of her grandfather, Albert Gondiwindi; and, the letters of a 19th Century Rev Greenleaf. Winch acknowledges contributions from Geoff Anderson, Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group and Parkes Aboriginal Education & Consultative Group.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LOCAL AND FAMILY HISTORY?

Did you know the library has many resources to assist you with local and family history, where you can research on your own or consult with an expert to learn about the past! The Local and Family History Room is open Monday – Friday from 9.30am – 11.30am or book an appointment on 6861 2309. Free access to the Ancestry Website is available on the public computers at the Parkes Library. History Parkes is an online resource sharing some of the Shire’s quirky, serious, fun and factual information at www.historyparkes.org

Above Average Rain Damages Magnificent Crops

November 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE… The wild weather last weekend saw thousands of litres of water run over the spillway at Bumberry Dam just outside Parkes. (Photo: Erik Lensson)

The wild weather last weekend brought hail and bucket loads of rain, serious damage for some, and a lot of anxiety for farmers.

The official figure recorded at the Parkes Airport for the weekend was 45.5mm, but residents around town measured 60mm and some even 79mm just on Saturday.

The rainfall to date this year for Parkes stands at 762.4mm, which is more than three times the amount received in the same period last year when only 212.4mm was recorded. This year’s figure is also above the average of 558.8mm.

While the hail storms caused damage in gardens, it was more severe for some farmers whose crops were wiped out. It has become a nervous time for many farmers in the region waiting to get their first significant harvest in three years with more wet weather forecast for the month.

Farmer Neil Westcott had his headers out on Wednesday on the first of his barley paddocks. “For us here at Alectown like anywhere else in the shire, this harvest is much anticipated and badly needed. The almost perfect growing season since the crop was planted has given us magnificent crops on the verge of a promising harvest.”

“As with all things farming, mother nature would have the ultimate say though. The recent heavy rains along with the hail and heavy winds have reminded us how vulnerable the crops are until safely in the ‘bin’.”

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) the current La Niña is likely to bring more rain to eastern and northern Australia making it wetter than average for nearly all of Australia.

According to Neil, La Niña summers have a history of making harvests particularly challenging. “Large capacity headers will assist in getting the grain off as quickly as possible, but the sheer size and bulk of the crops this year will make it a slow operation. Any more rain will make getting bogged a real issue if it isn’t already.”

Sharon Woods from the Cooks Myalls/Goonumbla area agreed saying the rain did complicate things and would most likely decrease the test weight of wheat and barley, while the heavy rain made many of the crops lay down, which made it slower and harder to harvest.

She said other farmers who had their canola already windrowed before the rain and hail were finding mould and a lot of shelling out reducing the quality and quantity of what were bumper crops.

A second hail storm hit Parkes around 5am on Saturday with residents waking up to gardens covered in white ice. (Photo: Cathy Mcpherson)

Most farmers in the shire had been impacted by the recent hail. “Canola seems to have been the most badly affected, but all crops have had yield taken away from them,” Neil said. “For most, it has been light damage but there are some who have had almost 100% damage.”

“Large crops always mean long waits at silos made worse in recent years by the closure of so many of the smaller district storages. Farmers will keep headers going while waiting for trucks to return through the use of on farm storage like silos, sheds, and silo bags.”

“All in all, it will be an anxious few weeks with long days, and our eyes on our weather apps,” said Neil.

By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

November 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to Sharon Woods on winning our popular Spring Photo Competition with this photo she took on their farm outside Parkes.

Parkes Country Music Meeting: Parkes & District Country Music Association recently held a COVID-safe meeting in Cooke Park to ensure the future of country music in Parkes. In light of the present situation and with the acceptance of members currently holding committee positions, all will continue in their respective roles for the ensuing year until an AGM is held next year. All financial association ordinary members will also have their memberships carry over until this time. Discussions have also been held with the Department of Fair Trading and Parkes Services Club and it is with a glimmer of hope that the committee now work to see when we can resume our functions. We look towards the new year, should restrictions not be too onerous as to over regulate our audience, social distancing, number of backing musicians, performers on stage, compere, stage hands, etc. A rough draft of future function dates has been discussed along with the possibility of some type of an outdoor event. A visit by the South Coast Country Music Association from Wollongong to Parkes is due in March. So, watch this space – looking forward to a brighter, healthier and safer 2021. By Maree Mulligan

Country Kids And Mental Health: Children in rural and remote areas of Australia are needing more support for their mental health and at a younger age, according to paediatric mental health specialist, Dr Josephine Anderson at Royal Far West. Dr Anderson said the drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have combined to dramatically increase the demand for psychology services in the bush, including for young children. Recent figures from Royal Far West show the volume of psychological therapy delivered by telehealth is now six times what it was three years ago. Early intervention was the key, as first symptoms of emotional and behavioural disturbance typically develop up to four years before serious mental health problems become apparent in children. GPs and practice nurses are ideally placed to start conversations with parents about their child’s emotional and behavioural development as they prepare to enter school for the first time.

Bird Count Postponed: The rain has been great, but not for conditions for volunteers counting glossy black cockatoos. The Great Inland Glossy Count has been moved to: Pilliga – 13th February 2021; Goonoo – 20th February 2021 and Goo- bang – 27th February 2021.

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club took part in the Forbes Fun Day on Sunday.

Maggi Barnard

CARBON8 FARMER PACKS

BOOK REVIEW

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