Maggi Barnard

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

Parkes Pool Opens Saturday

October 2, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Aquatic Centre will open its doors tomorrow with the Mayor asking the community to respect the changes in place to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

“We are excited that the pools are reopening however please expect some changes and strict guidelines to be put in place as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM.

“We ask that our community and visitors please respect these changes as staff are doing their best to keep the facility a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”

The changes include:
• From Monday to Friday the Parkes Pool will be closed to the public between 1 to 3pm for cleaning sanitisation.
• All visitors will be required to fill out a COVID registration form upon entry.
• Physical distancing measures including restrictions in change rooms and the number of swimmers per lane.
• Throughout the school term, the general public will not be permitted to access the pool when school swimming lessons are taking place.

A weekly timetable and what’s on will be available to ensure the community can stay up to date with changed access hours.

The Learn to Swim program will start on 26th October with registrations now on Council’s website.

Season tickets for the 2020-21 season can be purchased from the Parkes Pool kiosk which will be open from 12noon to 6pm today.

Admission fees will apply in Parkes again this season, while the Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore swimming pools will be free. The township pools will open in November with more details and dates to be decided at the next Council meeting.

For additional information, please contact Parkes Aquatic Centre on 6862 6001 or visit Parkes Shire Council website.

Northparkes Pursues New Share Farming Model

October 2, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The new farming partners Tim and Greg Wright with Matthew Burkitt from Northparkes Mines.

For the past 20 years the CMOC-Northparkes Mines have successfully managed a farming operation built on innovation.

Northparkes has not only received recognition for being a progressive farmer, but is also a reputed leader in innovation in mining.

“Our farming operations are a significant contributor to Northparkes’ positive public perception and social licence to operate,” said Northparkes Managing Director Hubert Lehman in a press release.

“In 2019, we opted to place our farming operations into long fallow for the 2019 winter cropping season. This decision was based on the onset of the drought conditions and the poor rainfall outlook for the year ahead. Following this decision, we conducted an analysis of our current farming arrangements model to identify other opportunities,” said Hubert.

As a result, Northparkes made the decision to pursue a share farming model that would allow them to focus their resources on core business, including the execution of key major capital projects, while still maintaining a farming presence in the community and continuing sustainable farming practices.

Last year also saw the end of the Goodsell Group’s long-term association with Northparkes as their contract concluded in December 2019. Goodsell’s have provided an exceptional service to the Northparkes farming operations since its inception in 1997.

This 23-year partnership saw the introduction of many new farming techniques to the district. “I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge Scott, Janelle and their team and wish them well with their future endeavours,” said Hubert.

Earlier this year, an Expression of Interest was distributed requesting a proposal. Interested parties were asked to submit a proposed farming plan and commercial framework as part of their Expression of Interest. “Our commercial team conducted a competitive tendering process that included both technical and commercial analysis to identify a suitably skilled and equipped farmer to operate our farming operations.

“I am pleased to announce that the Wright Family Partnership has officially signed a contract to enter into a share farm arrangement with us,” Hubert said. The contract includes the continuation of conservation farming techniques that Northparkes have been modelling their farming enterprise on. The contract will run for two years with the option of a third year. “We are really looking forward to working with the Wright Family Partnership to ensure we are able to continue being a proud miner and farmer,” Hubert said.

Work Starts On $2 Million Childcare Facility

October 2, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Sam Farraway MLC and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM turned the first sod at the old community health centre in Coleman Road on Monday.

Seven years of work came to fruition on Monday when the first sod was turned to redevelop the old community health building into a purpose-build facility for Central West Family Day Care.

“This is just fantastic,” said Ann-Marie Winter, service coordinator of Central West Family Day Care. “We are going to have so much more space and will be able to provide additional services to our community by adding a pre-school, as well as before and after school care and vacation care.”

The $3 million project, expected to be completed by June next year, has been funded to the value of $1.3 million under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program with Parkes Shire Council contributing $668,000.

“This project is really important as Parkes and the Central West have a bright future ahead,” said Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway. “It will make Parkes a better place to live.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said: “The demand for childcare services has already seen Central West Childcare Services outgrow its current facility with 47 educators and over 400 children enrolled.

“With major developments happening in Parkes, the delivery of a quality childcare facility will ensure Parkes can meet the needs of new families and businesses relocating to the region.”

By Maggi Barnard

What A Party It Will Be In 2022!

October 2, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

ROCK ON 2022… The cancellation of the 2021 Parkes Elvis Festival was received with a lot of sadness and understanding, but excitement is already ramping up to make the 2022 festival the best one ever. The Sydney Swing Katz showed the way to celebrate at this year’s festival with their amazing dance moves.

News of the cancellation of next year’s Parkes Elvis Festival has gone viral around the world with more than 50,000 messages of support logged on the festival’s Facebook page earlier this week.

“It’s gone national on radio stations right across Australia, and we’ve received messages from right around the world,” Festival Director Cathy Treasure told The Parkes Phoenix.

The overwhelming sentiment from fans has been that it is very sad, but necessary under the current COVID situation, and everyone is looking forward to 2022.

“So sad, but think how great the atmosphere will be in 2022. Congratulations on doing the right thing Parkes, we will miss you,” said one fan. Another said: “We will be back in 2022 with blue suede shoes on. The King will understand. What a party it will be in 2022!”

The same sentiment came from participants in Parkes. “It is probably the best for the safety of our senior volunteers and the community, especially if there is another outbreak,” said Al(vis) Gersbach, who has transformed into Elvis for the past 16 years. “Let’s wait for 2022 and fully enjoy the spirit of Elvis as it should be, The King of rock and roll. Thank ya very much.”

Parkes’ very own Elvis tribute artist Barry Green also said it was the right decision. “We hope 2022 will be bigger and better and we can all have a great and safe time.” Cathy said the positive outcome of this was that the festival had captured a much wider audience reaching people they had not reached before, “and we are going to capitalize on that”.

“This means 2022 is going to be huge as it is Elvis’s birthday on the Saturday and a massive night is planned at the new stage in Cooke Park.” A greater influx of people is also expected to pass through Parkes on their way to the 50th anniversary of Australia’s largest music festival, the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“It is good that we now have lots of time to really fine tune eve- rything, but we are keeping the Speedway theme as so many fans have already started work on their costumes.”

While there have been some suggestions to still play Elvis music in town next year when the festival would’ve been on, or do other smaller events, Cathy said they only planned some online events for the Friday and Saturday. “We will pay tribute to Elvis and festivals past and promote 2022. We do not want a mini festival and create the wrong impression of what the Elvis Festival is really about.”

Cathy said the months leading up to the final decision were agonising. She had to make some very tough calls last week to many people whose livelihood depend on events like the Elvis Festival, like the entertainers, market stall holders and many more. “They mean so much to us, we will miss them and we want them to come back.”

But she said the Parkes community had to have the final say and it was the best decision to send out the survey to the community and ask them for feedback. “We had more than 1,200 responses from residents, business owners and volunteers with 80.9% across all categories saying no. It is very sad, but the right decision.”

By Maggi Barnard

Active Citizens Of The Future

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The group of students at one of their activities they’ve done so far this year as part of the Active Citizen Program.

COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of many events so far this year, but fortunately for three students from Parkes the Active Citizen Program will still be going ahead, albeit in a modified form.

Trudy Richardson, Charlie Oraha and Jayden Pope have joined ten other Year 10 students from Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo in the program run by the NSW Police Force’s Central West Police District.

The aim is to build leadership skills, confidence, increase employability and awareness in being an active citizen in their local community whilst enhancing cultural knowledge.

Activities this year have included visiting significant local cul- tural areas with local elders talking about the history of the town, completing workplace courses, artefact activities and visiting the Condobolin SES unit.

The highlight so far has been an online link-up with former NRL star, Jonathan Thurston, giving the students an opportunity to ask questions.

Upcoming activities include completing courses, health checks, presentations by a NSW police officer and Aboriginal elder andYouGotThis program through the Jonathan Thurston Academy on life choices and building self-confidence.

The students will also visit local businesses and community groups to discuss ways on being an active citizen and why they choose to give back to their communities.

Central West Police District Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Shane Jessep, said police were pleased to be able to offer the modified version of the program this year.

“The Active Citizen Program gives local police and businesses an opportunity to be involved in developing leadership qualities of young people in our community,” Shane said.

“Participants also have this exciting opportunity to build their skillsets and learn – not only from local identities, but also famous people – which will help them become the best versions of themselves as leaders.”

Central West Police District Youth Officer, Senior Constable Daniel Greef, said: “We are excited to be able to work with and buildup these future leaders of our communities and see them grow.”

Attending one of the Active Citizen Program’s activities were Trudy Richardson from Parkes, Billie O’Bryan (Condo), Kiara Harris (Condo).

Olympic Memories

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

All the sports clubs were asked to make a float for the 2000 Olympics. The tennis club float stood out with all the writing and pictures on the sides made from crepe paper flowers.

Bob and Bev Bokyar kept their tickets and some other memorabilia from the Games.

Helen Magill with the Olympic torch near the Star Hotel. She recalls ‘running ever so slowly because I didn’t want it to end…’

Mayor Robert Wilson on The Dish with the Olympic torch.

RFS Expands At Mickibri

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

At the opening last Friday were (L – R) Parkes Councillor Neil Westcott, Deputy Group Captain Ian Westcott, Group Captain Grant Byrne, Peter Green, Supt. Ken Neville AFSM, Neville Woods, Philip Donato MP, Acting Area Director Jayson McKellar AFSM, and Parkes Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton.

The Parkes Shire is going into this fire season well equipped and prepared with a fourth new station opened last Friday at Mickibri between Alec Town and Peak Hill.

The new single bay station, built at a cost of almost $50,000, will house one of the two brigade trucks based at Mickibri. Another single bay station was built several years ago.

Over the past month three other new stations were opened at Parkes, Coradgery and Waratah.

The Mickibri Brigade has a long history of service to the community spanning back over 80 years, with local families on the land banding together as part of the brigade to help protect their own and neighbours’ properties.

Speaking at the opening Member for Orange Phil Donato said: “I am in total admiration of the men and women who drop everything, temporarily abandoning their work and family commitments to help fight fires to protect life and property, in many cases at financial loss in their absence from work. They display unity, courage and commitment.

The ceremony included an awards presentation, with 17 of the brigade’s 21 volunteer members recognised for a combined 651 years of service ranging from 10 to 58 years.

By Maggi Barnard

What is your best memory of the 2000 Sydney Olympics?

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Christian Martin (left) with his grandmother Jean Wright and brother Dane at the Olympic Games: I was 14 years old and went with my family to the rowing and the water polo. The excitement and energy I felt being at such a unique sporting event with people from all around the world cheering their respective countries was just the best.

Bob and Bev Bokyar: The friendliness of the people – everyone was talking to everyone on public transport and everywhere. The atmosphere was just electric. The cheering of the crowd and Mexican wave in the stadium when Australian Louise Sauvage won her gold medal in the wheelchair event at the Paralympics is something we’ll never forget. We felt a lot of pride being there. We just looked around in amazement at everything. We saw hockey, the end of the marathon, tennis, various Paralympic events and the closing ceremony.

Snippets…

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling and his of- ficers will be more visible on the roads this school holiday period and the October long weekend.

Double Demerits: With school holidays approaching, motorists are reminded that double demerits will be in place over the October long weekend for four days commencing on Friday, 2nd October and ending on Monday, 5th October (inclusive). Police will target speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said there would be more police on the road which meant a greater chance of drivers being caught if they were doing the wrong thing. “With alcohol, seatbelts and speeding being the biggest factors in serious injury and fatal crashes this year in the Central West, my staff and I will be targeting these offences. We will take your licence for drink driving and the higher speeding offences, no question,” Sergeant Ling said.

Keep COVID-19 safe: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has urged organisers of community events to be aware of their COVID-19 responsibilities and to have comprehensive COVID-19 plans in place. Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley said: “Despite several months with no active cases, the threat of a confirmed case is ever present. There may be people in our communities or visiting our communities that have returned from areas with confirmed cases. We also have many vulnerable people living in our communities that we need to be extra considerate of.” She said complying with the Public Health Orders was up to each individual, business and event organiser, and reminded people that fines could be issued for a breach of the Public Health Orders. For more information on COVID Safe Business Plans go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Deductible Gift Status: Men’s and Women’s Sheds have been granted access to Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status by the Federal Government. This means you can claim an income tax deduction when donating $2 or more to your local shed, provided they register with the Australian Tax Office for this status. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said: “I have been to many sheds around the Riverina and Central West and I am always impressed by the fantastic work they do for our communities. They are not only great organisations working hard for our cities, towns and villages, they also are places where people go for friendship and support,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Have you seen the new street art at Cooke Park? Local artist Jac Clark added more work to her existing panels recently.

Our Gal – Ana Mill

September 25, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? We moved here in 2007 from Sydney when my husband started work at Northparkes mines. I like it here because it’s peaceful like the islands and people are nice.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work at Redbend Catholic College in the kitchen, cooking and feeding the students and boarders.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I like doing my volunteer baking for the farmers and frontline workers fighting the COVID pandemic.

What makes you proud? My son and daughter make me proud because they are doing well and have careers and are nice children.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would like to be a bird and fly because we can’t fly anywhere with COVID-19.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Movie: Sound of Music. I like the story and the music; Song: Unforgettable by Nat King Cole, it reminds me of growing up in Tonga, my parents used to play it a lot; Book: Any Patricia Cornwell book.

Tell us about your best holiday. Mauritius, because the hotels are beautiful and it reminds me of Fiji but it is prettier.

What is on your bucket list? Go to England and see Buckingham Palace and meet the Queen! Europe to see my penpal in Sweden whom I’ve been writing to since she came to Tonga when she was 15.

Maggi Barnard

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