Maggi Barnard

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

Rainbow Farewell For Lindy

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Staff of Parkes Early Childhood Centre with one of the banners made for Lindy Farrant.

The Parkes community united in love last Thursday morning to form a colourful guard of honour for Lindy Farrant at the lower end of Orange Street.

Lindy (64) passed away in the early hours of Friday, 25th September with her husband Bill Jayet and her children Hannah and Drew by her side following her battle with cancer.

The much-loved Director of the Parkes Early Childhood Centre for 33 years touched the lives of thousands of children during her career with her passion and commitment. The ripple effect of her love and compassion was clearly felt last week when a few hundred children, parents, friends and supporters dressed up in rainbow colours to remember her and support her family in a very poignant and special way.

People lined Orange Street holding colourful umbrellas, banners with messages of love, balloons, rainbow flags and even a painting created specially for the occasion.

People remarked on what a special and extraordinary way it was to celebrate someone so beloved in the community during a time of COVID regulations. “It was an amazing morning for lovely Lindy,” said one. “Such a beautiful gesture,” said another on Facebook.

New Art Gallery In Trundle

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

A display of Cheree Stokes’s art work in her new Ngurambang Birrang Gallery in Trundle’s main street.

The Parkes Shire art scene was boosted immensely with the opening of an Aboriginal art gallery in Trundle last Thursday.

The Ngurambang Birrang Gallery in the main street was opened by full-time artist Cheree Stokes.

Cheree, who lived in Trundle some years ago, returned home as her gallery name translates to ‘travelling to country or home’.

The idea of opening a gallery was born after she was a resident artist at Uluru for a month last year. “So many people asked if they could visit my gallery to see my work.”

She said the Trundle community had been very welcoming and supportive of her idea. “I’ve been unofficially open for about a month and have been very happy with the sales so far. People are coming to Trundle specifically to visit the gallery.”

Cheree gave the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open her gallery to 93-year- old Janette Williams. “She has helped me a lot to get this place.”

Cheree plans to open up her gallery to other artists for special occasions, like the ABBA Festival and Bush Tucker Day.

She has also started art lessons for children and adults, and will display their work at the end of each unit.

“At the moment the gallery is filled with my art – aboriginal art pieces, which is my passion. I also have some works done by my grandchildren.”

By Maggi Barnard

Be Seen

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Artist Cheree Stokes (middle) at the opening of her new gallery in Trundle last week with friends Daisy and Doug.

At the opening of the Dr David Malin Astrophotography exhibition at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory’s Visitors Centre were (l-r) Philippa Malin, Dr David Malin, Cr Neil Westcott and Jessica Westcott.

Mal Westcott at the 2000 Sydney Olympics with the coach of the German soccer team and one of the players. At the celebration of their bronze medal, they got Mal to wear a medal, as he was their favourite bus driver at the games.

The Parkes Elvis Festival might be cancelled for next year, but this Elvis has made Parkes his new permanent home on the street art wall at Cooke Park.

Our Gal – Margaret Robinson

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived here for a long time – all my life!

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? Parkes Forbes Community Housing where I am CEO, I own Parkes Décor Shoppe and also run Rosegarden, which is 5 star executive accommodation.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Travel and explore, and go to Queensland and play golf.

What makes you proud? See my housing tenants get a property and sustain a tenancy, and helping others.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Pretty Woman and Ghost, which was funny. I love Whoopi Goldberg in this movie.

Tell us about your best holiday. Lots of fun holidays, but a standout would be South America – hiking Macchu Pichu.

What is on your bucket list? Just to relax and be happy.

Snippets…

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Keeping the show spirit alive. Show societies in NSW are encouraged to create a No Show Scarecrow in solidarity with all the cancelled shows.

No Show Scarecrow: Many agricultural shows have been cancelled this year. The Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) is encouraging every show society to create a No Show Scarecrow as a sign of solidarity across NSW for cancelled shows. “Agricultural shows in Australia attract six million visitors annually and the volunteer hours required to run the 580 shows makes the show movement the largest volunteer network in the country,” said ASC CEO, Tim Capp.The ASC of NSW has asked all shows to display their No Show Scarecrow throughout the month of October. “Shows are unique reflections of their local community, and we recommend each show society puts a local spin on their No Show Scarecrow to be displayed proudly in a prominent location as a reminder that the show will go on and put a smile on local faces in the process.”

Youth Have Their Say: Young leaders and youth organisations are invited to provide their views by completing a survey ahead of the implementation of the National Youth Policy framework, which will provide a pathway of continued support for young people around Australia. “Many young Australians are dealing with disruptions to their education, sudden unemployment, mental health issues and economic insecurity within the family,” said Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP. The Youth Taskforce is in the process of developing a whole-of-government approach to supporting young people. The survey can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/the-national-youth-policy-framework#have-your-say

Aussie Backyard Bird Count: BirdLife Australia are calling all Australians to take part in their Aussie Backyard Bird Count from 19-25th October – the nation’s largest conservation event. Following a devastating year so far – with the Black Summer fires and COVID-19 pandemic – this count is a chance for all Aussies to take a break, connect with nature and do something peaceful in your own backyard. Studies estimate that at least 180 million birds were wiped out by the destructive bushfires, but a significant number of wild birds sought refuge in gardens and parks. Data from the Bird Count will help BirdLife Australia track how bird populations are faring across the country. The Aussie Bird Count app allows you to take part anywhere – not just backyards, but in local parks, gardens, schoolyards, bushland or beaches. To register and find out more, visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au

The Visitors Centre at the Parkes Radio Telescope has been madly busy the past two weeks with so many people travelling regionally in the holidays.

Capture Spring

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

There is so much beauty around us at the moment with spring putting on an extra special show this year! You have only three weeks left to send us your favourite photos to enter our Spring Photo Competition and stand a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from Ivey Lane Photography. This entry of the bee on a lavender flower was sent in by Maree Tanswell.

Free Health Checks

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Identifying children’s developmental issues before they start school can change their developmental path, and improve outcomes for the children, their families and communities.

The free Project Sprouts developmental screening program coming to Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore for children aged 3-5 years old, will help to identify lifestyle, development or illness-related issues.

It includes fine and gross motor skills assessment, speech and language assessment, hearing and a dental check.

A speech pathologist will check if the children have any difficulties with speech, language, swallowing, fluency or voice, and an occupational therapist will check if children have difficulties with their motor skills, sensory processing, behaviour or regulation.

Children requiring further assessment will be referred to appropriate local services, and those with complex needs may be referred to Royal Far West’s Paediatric Developmental Program.

Screenings will be held in Peak Hill, Parkes, Tullamore and Trundle from 19 to 23 October. Go to www.royalfarwest.org.au/programs/clinicians-in-community/ to see the times and locations, and to register.

Children must be registered to attend. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information please call Grace on 8966 8557.

Walk With Waz

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Warren Edwards (third left) with some of his supporters who walked with him on Saturday mornings.

Warren (Waz) Edwards surprised himself and was overwhelmed by the community support helping him to smash both his targets taking part in The Long Run.

The fund raising and awareness event for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) went for the duration of September and Warren ended up raising over $6,200 and walking just over 400km.

He has been blown away by the support and generosity of his supporters ranking him in the top 10 fundraisers across Australia. “I wanted to make a real difference, the support was awesome and I was determined to go the distance for this important cause,” he said thanking everyone who contributed with a special mention to his past work colleagues, members of the dragon boat community, the Parkes Action Club and the Parkes Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness Group.

From aiming to raise $500 and conquering 150km, Warren’s final results were beyond expectation. “I wanted to walk from Parkes to Parramatta where I worked for many years of my career. I ended up walk- ing to Bondi and then some so I am very pleased with the result.”

Donations can still be made until mid-October. www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/warrenedwards

Hayfever Season

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Did you know? Hay fever effects nearly 4.5 million people, making it the most common allergic disorder in Australia.

Crops are flourishing and spirits are high, however it does come with an increase in pollen and unfortunately, hay fever. While some people experience symptoms now and again; for others they are persistent and severe. It can have a significant impact on sleep, concentration, learning and daily function.

The most common symptoms for hay fever are sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy throat and watery eyes. Symptoms are triggered when pollen grains get trapped in the lining of the nose or eye and release their allergens, causing irritation and an increased production of mucus or tears. There are lots of things you can do to manage hayfever:

• Stay indoors until after midday, particularly on windy days and avoid going out during and after thunderstorms.
• Monitor daily pollen counts and forecasts at www.pollenforecast.com.au
• Wear sunglasses, carry tissues, shower when you arrive home and rinse your eyes regularly with cold water to flush away pollen.
• Keep windows closed at home and in the car and use recirculating air conditioning in the car.
• Avoid activities known to cause exposure to pollen, like mowing the lawn. If it’s not possible to avoid these activities take preventive measures to reduce impact.

There are also many treatment options available at Parkes Pharmacy. These include nasal sprays, non-sedating antihistamines and eye drops.

Speak to our friendly staff at Parkes Pharmacy and we will help you determine the best treatment for you!

Olympic Memories Part 3: Up Close And Personal With Athletes

October 9, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Mal Westcott wearing his Sydney Olympics shirt he had to wear as a bus driver, his accreditation around his neck and his cap with lots of different pins given to him by athletes.

While many Parkes residents attended the 2000 Sydney Olympics as spectators, Mal Westcott went there to work and came home with very memorable experiences.

He not only ended up with a bronze Olympic medal around his neck, but also had a long conversation with an elite athlete he picked up from the airport.

Mal was one of about eight bus drivers from Parkes who were recruited by Peter Harris to go with his buses to Sydney. He was the only one who went for six weeks, and that meant he was there two weeks before the Games started.

“I was fortunate to be chosen to transport athletes and that involved picking them up from the airport as they arrived before the start of the event.”

Mal said the main highlight of his six weeks came when he was waiting in the common room at the airport to be called out. When his turn came, he only had three passengers: Roger Federer and his chiro, plus an archer from somewhere in Europe.

He took the three in his 50-seater bus with Roger sitting in the front seat chatting to him all the way to the athlete’s village. “He’s been my hero ever since! I’ve been following his tennis career very closely.”

The other highlight for Mal was his association with the German women’s soccer team. He first picked them up for a training session, and they asked if he could be their driver again for their match against Norway.

“They were the favourites for the gold medal, and were not too concerned about playing Norway.”

“They asked me to tell them when we were 25 minutes from the Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park so they can start listening to their motivational tapes.”

The Germans had a horror match scoring an own goal and loosing.

They ended up playing for the bronze medal and again asked Mal to pick them up. The only event Mal ever saw of the Olympics was the medal ceremony with Germany getting the bronze.

“They were very happy and did not want to go home. They asked me to take them to the ‘German House’ where they wanted to celebrate. They included me in the celebrations and put one of the medals around my neck. That felt pretty special to have a bronze Olympic medal on.”

Although the six weeks away from home became very long, and the days of ten or more hours of work very tiring, Mal said he really enjoyed his interaction with the athletes. He remembers picking up the Australian basketball team, which was also a special highlight.

“I am very happy I did it. It was an eye opener in many ways. It was such a big event and so much involved logistically just in organising transport, let alone everything else. It was really well organised. We did see some overkill, but that is probably why it was so successful.”

By Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard

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