Maggi Barnard

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

What do you think of the Parkes CBD makeover?

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Gregor and Marty Sammut-Paul (owners of Regional Business Supplies): We love the new main street. We are extremely happy. It makes a huge difference and people tend to stay longer and not just go through the area. It has brought vibrancy to this end of the street.

Susannah and Allan Blatch (owners of AA Blatch): It is now much more pleasant and was definitely worth it. The landscaping is lovely. We love all the plants and trees. We have made a lot of improvements to our business to complement what Council has done. We are very pleased to have a well-known business in the renovated part of the main street.

Snippets…

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Students at Parkes Public School celebrated a week of kindness. Here is Kaiden Lord at the kindness wall.

Christmas Parade and Carnival Cancelled: At the recent Parkes Action Club meeting members voted to cancel the annual Parkes Street Parade and Christmas Carnival. The members recognise that the Parkes community has been very supportive of this event in the past. However, due to COVID-19 concerns the members felt this is the safest way forward for our community.

Last Day To Have Your Say: Today, 18th September is the last day to take part in the survey to have your say on whether the Parkes Elvis Festival should take place next year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Parkes Elvis Festival has been moved from January to 10-14 March 2021, but the final decision will be made by 28th September. Your contribution will help make the decision regarding the festival proceeding in March 2021. Complete the survey via the Your Say Parkes platform – https://yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au/2021-parkes-elvis-festival

Power Outage on Sunday: Bogan Gate, Tottenham, Trundle, Tullamore and the surrounding area will have a power outage on Sunday, 20th September from 7am to 4pm to enable work to be safely completed on the electricity network. According to Essential Energy the planned power outage was required to enable an authorised contractor, working for a customer, to undertake work on the electricity network. Essential Energy crews will also undertake maintenance work on the electricity network at the same time replacing more than 20 power poles, and other electricity network equipment including cross-arms, which have reached end of life. Affected homes and businesses have been notified of the power outage. The scheduled works are reliant on suitable weather conditions and may be postponed if the conditions are unfavourable or any unforeseen circumstances arise.

Grants To Support Youth: The Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme have grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 available for projects which respond to the social challenges facing those aged 15 to 24. Projects need to be either new initiatives that recognise and respond to the hardship young people face now and will face in the future, or existing initiatives which already provide a valuable on-going service to young people, but which need further funding to continue. There will be a particular focus on employment, transportation, mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 and last summer’s bushfires. The grant round closes 7th October. Visit www.fya.org.au/yapgs

Have you seen what the renovated part of the CBD looks like at night? Why not make use of the good weather at the moment and take a night time stroll around town? (Photo: Les Finn)

Healthy Harold Pops Up At Parkes East Public School

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

At the launch this week were (L-R) Principal Parkes East Public School Michael Ostler, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack MP, Life Education Officer Alana Masi, Mayor Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM and Life Education NSW CEO Jonathon Peatfield.

Students at Parkes East Public School were the first in NSW to experience a new-look outdoor Healthy Harold classroom this week.

The new agile alternative to the famous van, is the Life Education inflatable outdoor classroom. It fits in the back of a purpose-built ute and inflates in a matter of minutes.

Life Education NSW CEO Jonathon Peat-field said the new outdoor pop-up classroom would help Life Education to reach more children, across vast distances, faster than ever before, and in a COVID-safe way.

Jonathon was in Parkes on Tuesday to attend the trial launch of the classroom with 350 students from Parkes East Pub- lic School. He was joined by Life Education NSW Board Director and Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

Given his long-term support of Life Education, the Mayor was delighted to see this new innovation in action. “Life Education should be congratulated on their agile approach to advancing their outreach in our area,” he said.

Parkes East Public School Principal, Michael Ostler said: “We were disappointed when Harold couldn’t visit in the van earlier in the year (due to COVID -19) but jumped at the chance to be the first school in the state to utilise this outdoor option.”

Life Education, with well-known mascot Healthy Harold the giraffe, has been delivering health education for more than 40 years. For the past 10 years, more than 15,000 children from 16 schools in the Parkes region benefitted from the program.

In 2018, Life Education launched the first version of the pop-up classroom for indoor use. The latest outdoor version has greater ventilation for hot weather and assists with physical distancing during COVID-19.

Out and About

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Jaimee, Andrew and their dog Barney took the opportunity to enjoy the great spring weather at the moment.

Jaimee, Andrew and their dog Barney took the opportunity to enjoy the great spring weather at the moment.

Building Mental Fitness In Parkes

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

MENTAL HELP…At the launch of the new collaboration were (L-R) Di Gill (RAHMHP Consultant), Tom Norris (Garema), Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, Claire Nicholson (Garema), Parkes Mayor Ken Keith, Ross Williams (Garema) and Marg Applebee (Central West Lachlan Landcare). (Photo: Jenny Kingham)

Following on from the worst drought, 2020 has so far thrown several other challenging curve balls at our community.

Community health has become a priority and an exciting new collaboration between Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Surf Lifesaving NSW will bring new programs to the Parkes and Forbes Shires to build mental fitness.

The four organisations saw the opportunity to work together in regional, rural and coastal areas in NSW by delivering workshops and training focussed on the concept of ‘prevention through connection’.

The mayors of both Parkes and Forbes have expressed the support of their respective councils for the outlay of programs.

Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare, and Di Gill, RAHMHP Consultant are pleased to be working with Gotcha4Life to help activate these programs in the Parkes and Forbes shires.

Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to connecting corporate Australia, government, community and NFP to help prevent and reduce instances of poor mental health in Australia. “We are so excited to work alongside such powerful and purpose-driven organisations, who have local reach into communities across NSW, enabling us to build mental fitness with local relevance and sustainable impact,” said CEO Tim Hodgson.

Founder of Gotcha4Life and television and radio personality, Gus Worland said: “Our vision at Gotcha4Life is a world where people are open, honest and supportive in their relationships and comfortable to express themselves when they are not ok. We envisage a society in which everyone has a Gotcha4Life mate who they can open up to and rely on no matter what.”

“This collaboration will be vital to help engage people across NSW who are battling with the effects of drought, fire and COVID-19,” said Gus.

Dr Adrian Zammit, Chief Executive Officer at Landcare NSW said while his organisation’s mission was to continue to care for the land and environment, it was founded on a series of close-knit communities that needed support. “With over 70 local coordinators supported by their own local Landcare groups across NSW, we have the opportunity to assist with facilitation of this important program across the state.”

RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton said continuing to find new ways of building mental fitness and capacity in rural communities was absolutely essential after the challenges 2020 has brought.

“Whilst Surf Life Saving NSW isn’t an organisation that we rely on day to day in the country, they are an important link in this partnership and well-placed to provide practical support for initiatives and programs on the ground.”

The launch of Gotcha4Life in the Parkes and Forbes Shires on Zoom with Gus Worland will be on Wednesday, 23rd September at 7pm. Register via EventBrite, follow the links on Central West Lachlan Landcare’s website and social media sites. Invitations will also be sent to sporting clubs, schools and other organisations.

New Fire Stations For Goonumbla And Peak Hill

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

At the opening of the Coradgery fire station were (L-R) Assistant Commissioner Kelly Browne AFSM, Philip Donato MP, Parkes Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton, Brigade Captain Brian Cantrell, Supt. Ken Neville AFSM and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott MP.

The Parkes Shire’s fire fighting facilities received a further boost last Friday with the opening of two fire stations and the handover of a new tanker to the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).

The Coradgery Brigade Station at Goonumbla and Waratah Rural Fire Brigade station in Peak Hill were officially opened by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott who was joined by Member for Orange Philip Donato and NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Kelly Browne.

At the opening of the Waratah fire station were at back Group Captain Grant Byrne, Supt. Ken Neville AFSM and Brigade Captain Nigel Newbigging. In front are Assistant Commissioner Kelly Browne AFSM, Minister David Elliott MP, Elliott Newbigging (Nigel’s son), Philip Donato MP and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith.

The minister welcomed the $570,000 investment at the Waratah Rural Fire Brigade for its first ever station. “The new station will not only be able to store the brigade’s two tankers but it will also be a meeting point for members and their families.”

A new $330,000 category 1 tanker was also handed over, replacing a 24-year-old fire truck.

Phil said the new $97,442 Coradgery station replaced a farm shed which previously housed the brigade’s tanker. “I am sure it will be very greatly welcomed by the 37 current volunteers and the local community.”

The assistant commissioner praised all RFS volunteers for their ongoing efforts each and every day, particularly when dealing with emergencies in the Mid Lachlan Valley.

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience which in turn enables Rural Fire Service volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”

Maria and Cliff George donated their land for the brigade station to be built.

New Life And Vitality In CBD

September 18, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

At the launch of the Parkes Revitalisation project on Tuesday were (L-R) Cr Neil Westcott, business owners Marty and Gregor Sammut-Paul, Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM, Parkes Shire Council Director Works & Services Ben Howard, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Project Manager Rob Staples and Cr Alan Ward.

After 12 months of inconvenience and disturbance, the transformation of the lower end of the Parkes CBD has injected new life and vitality into our town.

The vibrancy of the new landscaping, trees, garden beds, modern street furniture, newly paved footpaths and the green areas that feed into Cooke Park are set to attract more visitors.

The revitalisation project of $4.2 million was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack on Tuesday ahead of the expected opening of the new multi-purpose centre in Cooke Park in December.

“Things happen in Parkes where people are positive,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “These developments are so important to the future success of the town as you want more people to come and visit, to stay and to invest.”

“Tourism and visitor markets are drivers for growth in Parkes and the streetscape revitalisation and the coming multi-purpose centre will enable real growth in the town, benefitting community events and helping secure new ones.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said the project delivered an inviting space, wonderful streetscape and beautiful lighting at night to make it very special. He thanked all the businesses who were interrupted for over 12 months for their understanding.

Walking The Walk

September 11, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The 70 members who signed up for the virtual challenge are enjoying the beautiful outdoors at the moment on their walks and runs.

Instead of preparing for regattas, dragon boat enthusiasts have set themselves a challenge of a very different kind this Spring.

Parkes Dragon Boat Club (PDBC) has come up with a great innovative idea to keep dragon boat clubs in the Central West engaged with one another over this period of time where regattas are not allowed, while at the same time raising funds for Cancer Council NSW.

The Western Region have dragon boat clubs at Parkes, Dubbo, Mudgee, Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Forbes and Wagga Wagga.

Two PDBC members Beth Thomas and Maggi Barnard set up a virtual challenge of walking to each Western Region town and around each dragon boat club’s waterway, making a total of 1,648 kilometres.

Seventy members from six clubs signed up for the challenge, which started on 1st September. They are covering these distances in record time while benefiting from the online camaraderie and sharing pictures and comments of their walks. The walkers of each club receive uniquely designed online postcards to mark each dragon boat town they pass through on the virtual map.

“What a fabulous idea to engage us all in this activity,” said a participant Rhonda Lang from Dubbo. “It’s so motivating, we just make sure to walk (or maybe run) just that little bit further or that extra day per week. Got to be good for our health and fitness.”

Another participant Robyn Diamond said: “What a wonderful motivator to get us all walking at such a gorgeous time of the year.”

This Saturday many of the walkers will be meeting in reality to walk in Nangar National Park, in accordance with COVID guidelines, and enjoy a BYO picnic together.

At the end of the challenge the clubs are planning to come together once more for a celebration barbecue, kayaking and medal presentation, if restrictions allow.

By Beth Thomas

Ella Earns Her Wings

September 11, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School student Ella Ross flying over Parkes during her final test to earn her wings last Saturday.

Five days short of her 16th birthday Ella Ross earned her wings last Saturday after completing a gruelling one-hour test flight.

“I was very nervous the whole time,” said Ella, who knew she wanted to learn to fly after setting foot on a plane for the first time on her 12th birthday. She did her final test with Dale Redfern from Forbes, which included landing the plane with the power off.

“I was very excited after landing and knowing I did it.” Ella is eager to do her final five solo hours within the next two weeks so she can do her passenger exam and take her family out.

She hopes to receive a scholarship from the Recreational Aviation Authority to help her pay some of her flying costs, and would like to encourage more students to consider taking up flying. “Parkes Aero Club would love to welcome more students.”

Snippets…

September 11, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Spring Photo Competition: The Parkes Phoenix is once again running its very popular competition, and this year Spring is magnificent after all the rain. So, go out and get snapping, we would love to see what you see! Ivey Lane Photography has sponsored a $50 gift voucher as prize. Enter via our Facebook page or email your photos to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. Entries close 30th October.

No Evidence Of Community Transmission: The whole community were relieved by the news last week from Western NSW Health Local Health District that there has been no evidence of community transmission following an initial positive result reported in Parkes on 2nd September. After an initial positive test result, a rapid response was set in motion, including a mobile testing clinic attended by more than 430 people over two days. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM thanked the community for their response and attendance at the clinics for testing. He reminded everyone to remain vigilant, and to rely on information from the Health Service and not unofficial commentary from social media. “We fully understand the desire of residents to have the most up-to-date information available however much of the information on social media was speculative and at times caused great distress to those families affected. These are difficult times and I know that our community would prefer that we support each other rather than escalate concerns. I am sure that the Parkes Shire community will join me in this request,” he said. The Parkes airport terminal will continue to be closed outside of scheduled flight times. The terminal will open for 45 minutes either side of arrival and departure flights.

Arts funding open for 2021: Arts OutWest is encouraging local groups to apply for the 2021 round of Country Arts Support Program (CASP) funding. Applications close on 29th September. CASP grants of up to $3,000 are available. Projects could include (but are not limited to) workshops, arts activities as part of festivals or events, artist-in-residence programs, public art and design projects, exhibitions, forums or seminars or other local arts initiatives. Projects can be designed to be face-to-face or online. To apply groups must discuss their project with Arts OutWest before submitting an online application. Read the full criteria at https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/arts-and-cultural-funding-program/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Betty McAnalen enjoyed the special Show Day held at Southern Cross Village recently when the Parkes Show was cancelled.

Maggi Barnard

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