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 – Paul Lewin

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Paul Lewin

Where were you born? Ararat, Victoria

Were you named after anyone? My grandfather, my father’s father.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My family, my kids.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11 – It was crazy!

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Knowledge is power.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I jumped out of a plane once!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Lawn bowls, smokes and Jack Daniels stubbies.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On my wife… happy wife, happy life, she deserves it.

When are you happiest? When I’m with my family or when I’m playing lawn bowls.

Ukraine

October 7, 2022 By Warren Tanner

Liberated and united they long to be The people of Ukraine are determined to be free

The amount of destruction is hard to believe

Yet they say they’re resolute Surrender they won’t concede

Their courage and bravery is second to none

The world will support them until they’ve won

The traitorous aggressor has threatened with war

And nuclear arms if their demands they ignore

Their president leads boldly

And won’t give in to threats

The people support him

They have no regrets.

By Warren Tanner

Snippets…

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Spring Fling Festival in Parkes starts tomorrow, 8th October and runs until the 23rd and has a fun filled pro-gram for the whole community.

Free Breast Screen: More than 250 women are expected to be diagnosed in Western NSW Local Health District with breast cancer this year. Make it a priority to book a free breast screen this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in NSW, with one in seven being diagnosed in their lifetime. More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. Screening saves lives by finding breast cancer early. BreastScreen NSW recommends all women aged 50-74 years have a breast screen every two years. It takes just 20 minutes. Call 13 20 50 to book an appointment or book online.

Have Your Say on Parkes Projects: Your Say Parkes is Parkes Shire Council’s online community hub where you can provide real input into the direction of projects and decisions that affect the community. Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Middleton Master Plan and the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy. To learn more about these projects, head to Your Say Parkes.

Helping Orphaned Animals: Forbes TAFE is hoping to run a one-day course in Orphaned Animal Nutrition. This basic introductory course is for members of the community to provide emergency care for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife. Cost is $85, and the course will run for one Forbes Public School day and is dependent on numbers to commence. A date will be set when minimum numbers have been reached. Register your interest at: https://forms.office.com/r/dzGqrxvQ4q

Newell Highway Update: The Newell Highway Taskforce held its AGM and regular committee meeting last month. Ongoing chair, Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM was re-elected and Bland Shire Councillor Tony Lord, re-elected as deputy chair. Ken reminded the community to be mindful in light of the wet weather. “We ask that all road users during this La Niña rain period drive safely and appreciate the difficulties the various road authorities are having trying to maintain the road network.” Current initiatives of the taskforce include: an additional 40 overtaking lanes; 1.2m centreline separation of traffic; bypass of Moree completed, Parkes underway; widened clear zones; additional truck stops. Over $1.4 billion has been spent or committed by the State and Federal Governments. Important projects the taskforce is currently seeking government commitment include: Forbes – West Wyalong flood mitigation; bypass of Coonabarabran; Inland Rail grade separation; more truck stops.

Forbes has seen a lot of beautiful cars recently with the 44th National Chevrolet Festival and the 55th Veteran & Vintage Chevrolet Association of Australia Ltd Anniver-sary Rally last week, and the Forbes Motor Show on the weekend.

Three Bowlers Become Life Members

October 7, 2022 By Marty Tighe

John Carr, John Ward and Colin Mudie received life membership at the AGM of the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club recently. Right: John Carr in action on the bowling green.

The hard work and dedication of three bowlers were recognised when they received life membership to the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club recently.

John Carr, John Ward and Colin Mudie were presented with Life Membership in acknowledgement and deep appreciation of their volunteer work in and around the bowling club over many years. Terrific applause erupted at the club’s annual general meeting attended by 65 bowlers and social members when the news was announced.

The three Bowlers were nominated by the Mens’ Bowling Committee. They wanted to recognise their decades of meritorious service to the club, particularly developing, maintaining and enhancing both the clubs’ and bowlers’ amenities and facilities, together with promoting bowls, and developing and fostering the sporting volunteer culture that exists within the Club.

Each of them has had extensive history serving on bowls and club committees in executive positions. Their considerable amount, depth and length of volunteer service to developing the club and bowls over many years has significantly aided and enhanced the high standard of amenities, facilities and volunteer culture currently within the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club.

The club and all members sincerely congratulate and thank John Carr, John Ward and Colin Mudie, who now share life membership with Terry Horan, Maureen Stone, Gwenda Carty, Colin Hayward, Bob Rise-borough, Graham Barby, Liz Byrne, Ray Jones and Audrey Jones.

By Marty Tighe

Col Is September’s Tradie

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Winner of Tradie of the Month for September is Col Lamrock, the owner of Glass Place in Parkes. He received his prize from Shann Kriedemann of Totally WorkWear.

The owner of Glass Place, Col Lamrock, is the final winner of our Tradie of the Month competition sponsored by Totally WorkWear. Col was very happy with his prize and said he was lucky to have such great employees and loyal customers and to live in such a great town.

The person who nominated Col said he worked tirelessly to provide a valuable service in our community whilst also taking on young apprentices and showing them the ropes. “He is an understanding boss, who is able to recognise employees’ strengths and give them opportunities to develop their weaknesses. No job is too big or too small for Col and his team and he happily works six days a week to ensure he leads his team to meet high standards and complete jobs within suitable time frames. Col is a top notch bloke, who is genuine and trustworthy.”

Trundle’s Carolyn Wins Volunteer Award

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Carolyn Keep received her 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year award in Bathurst recently.

A Trundle resident has been recognised for her remarkable fundraising efforts and has been named the Central West’s 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year.

Carolyn Keep and her committee have raised more than $100,000 over the past six years for the NSW Cancer Council with the Trundle Pink Ribbon event.

“It is just lovely, a great honour and a win for the whole team,” said Carolyn.

She had a great surprise hearing the news as the Cancer Council nominated her for the award.

Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and really wanted to do something for all women’s cancers after her wonderful experience with the breast care nurse.

She spotted a great fundraising opportunity on the Friday night before the Trundle ABBA Festival and organised the first Trundle Pink Ribbon event in 2016.

“It is a great night with cancer survivors and those fighting cancer with live music and a lovely vibe.” They sell loads of raffle tickets with more than 60 prizes on offer, and also run an auction with bidders paying up to $2,000 for a painting and $3,000 for a holiday package. Carolyn said there were supporters from Trundle and as far as Melbourne and Queensland who donated so many items for the raffle.

COVID did not stop them and last year they managed to raise $33,000 with only community support from Trundle’s population of less than 1,000!

They will be back next Friday, 14th October with the return of the ABBA Festival. “We hope to reach $50,000 this year,” said Karolyn. “Everybody is welcome to join us for a great night out at the Trundle Services & Citizens Club.”

The funds raised are for patient transport, treatment, accommodation and financial assistance.

This is a great opportunity to support the Trundle Pink Ribbon event as they punch well above their weight in fundraising for cancer research, advocacy and support.

Australia

October 7, 2022 By Janette Hill

Dear Editor

I have enjoyed your paper for a long time and will always be grateful for the kindness and compassion that surrounds us here. I grew up in a world where hard work, respect and kindness were a basis for guiding us into the future. When we moved to Parkes, we found our true home.

Help is given freely, people smile and speak in passing on the streets, hard work continues each day.

Please find enclosed one of my poems that has special meaning about how I feel and how proud I am to be Australian.

Kind regards,
Janette Hill

Australia

Sing me gentle lullabies
that soothe me with their sound,
hold my hand ‘til morning,
for then I’m on my way.
I’ll cross the land around me,
I’ll see this morning sunrise,
and watch the evening tide,
I’ll pick a desert bloom for you
and watch the petals fall.
I’m but a wind that’s calling
I’m but a fallen soldier trapped inside your spell,
just another casualty
of a land that holds my heart,
a land of hidden beauty
and one I know so well.
Treat this land with kindness,
see the gifts it gives,
learn its ancient wisdom
calm its troubled heart.
Bring it peace and shield it
from the soul who mean it wrong.
Stand proud beneath the gum trees
and sing a song or two,
give her all you’ve got inside
and she’ll be true to you…

Spring Fling Festival Starts Tomorrow

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

COLOURFUL SPRING… Parkes Community Arts members Helen Standen, Margot Jolly, Kerryn Jones and Lisa Ram-say were spotted yarn bombing in Cooke Park ahead of the Spring Fling Festival. (Photo: Bill Jayet)

The Spring Fling Festival will bring family fun, music, art and lots more to the Parkes community over the next two weeks with plenty of free events.

Hosted by Parkes Shire Council in partnership with Parkes Community Arts Inc (PCA) the festival will run from the 8th of October to the 23rd.

The jam-packed program of free events includes a Community Fun Day, a film screening of Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS, creative workshops, music and art. The workshops cover a wide range of topics from community drumming, and an Inventing Insects Art Workshop to a spring flower-arranging workshop.

ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann’s latest film, will be screened at Cooke Park Pavilion on Friday, 14t October at 6pm.

“Movie goers are encouraged to come dressed up in their best Elvis or Priscilla gear, with prizes to be awarded for the best dressed,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones.

“Although these events are free, bookings are essential for the film viewing and all workshops. To reserve your spot, visit PCA’s Facebook page for further details.”

The Community Fun Day on Saturday, 22nd October at Cooke Park Pavilion from 10am to 2pm will have market stalls, six beautiful alpacas from Quentin Alpaca Park, face-painting, live music, free Rotary BBQ, coffee van, arts and crafts, and more.

On Sunday, 23rd October the Parkes Shire Band will team up with other musicians and bands to present a free concert at the Parkes RSL Starlight Lounge at 2pm, celebrating Lindsay Morehouse’s contribution to music in Parkes.

The Best in Show Art Exhibition (funded by CMOC-Northparkes Mines) opens tomorrow (8th October) at 10am and will be on display in the Coventry Room through-out the festival.

Other events in the Parkes Shire include the Peak Hill Arts Connect Workshops, Parkes Que Club’s Gardens and Galleries (9 October), Parkes M&D Spring into Summer events, and the Trundle ABBA Festival (15 October).

Visit www.facebook.com/PCAFestival for more information and to buy tickets.

Peak Hill Lamb Producer Turns Nuffield Scholar

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

2023 Nuffield Scholar Fiona Aveyard.

Fiona Aveyard from Peak Hill has been awarded a prestigious scholarship that will take her to several countries to study the red meat market.

Fiona, who is a lamb producer at Outback Lamb, received the Nuffield Australia Scholarship from the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF).

“I don’t really have the words to say what it feels like to be selected as a 2023 Nuffield Scholar,” said Fiona in a Facebook post.

“It’s been a crazy couple of months with state, then national interviews, and some nervous moments (OK, hours!) waiting by the phone to hear. I’m sitting amongst a pretty illustrious cohort and I can’t wait for our experience to begin.”

The scholarship will enable Fiona to explore how best to incorporate value-add opportunities into the red meat industry, aligning with the Meat & Livestock Australia strategic plan to double the value of Australia’s red meat sales by 2030.

Fiona plans to travel to the US, Germany, France, the UK and Ireland to study niche marketing, investment and mechanisation.

Fiona said she was looking forward to bringing home plenty of big ideas. She gave a big shout out to the RASF who supported rural and regional people and communities in a multitude of ways.

Be Seen @ NAIDOC Week at Forbes Public School

October 7, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Alia Zuliani and Molly Browne.

Chase Mackay and Saxon Hayes.

Penny Gordon and Eden-Rose Flack.

Maggi Barnard

Australia

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