Maggi Barnard

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

Parkes Radio Telescope’s Top Achievements

August 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

CSIRO Parkes telescope construction

1961: Construction of the 64-metre diameter telescope at CSIRO’s Parkes Observatory is completed, an achievement of engineering and technical design.

1962: Researchers using Parkes find that our Galaxy has a magnetic field a million times weaker than Earth’s magnetic field.

1968: Astronomers using Parkes detect pulsar signals, just weeks after UK researchers announce the discovery of pulsars.

1969: Parkes receives television signals from the Apollo 11 Moon landing and relay them to a worldwide audience of 600 million people.

1973: Parkes is used to discover the Magellanic Stream, a long trail of hydrogen gas flowing from two small neighbouring galaxies called the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.

1982: Researchers using Parkes discover a quasar called PKS 2000-330, the most distant object in the Universe known at the time.

1998-2003: Astronomers carry out a survey with Parkes that reveals a new spiral arm in our Galaxy.

2003: Astronomers using Parkes discover the first known double pulsar system which enables stringent tests of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.

2007: An unexpected burst of radio waves, more recently known as a ‘fast radio burst’, is found using Parkes archival data.

2011: Astronomers using Parkes discover a planet, most likely composed of compressed carbon, in orbit around a pulsar that is dubbed the ‘diamond planet’.

2018-19: NASA use Parkes to support the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex in tracking the Voyager 2 spacecraft as it enters interstellar space.

‘Ring Them Bells’

August 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

HISTORIC DAY… Cliff Cowal rang the Anglican church bell as an eight-year-old boy to mark the end of World War II in 1945. He will ring it again tomorrow at age 83 to mark the 75th anniversary of VP Day.

Seventy-five years ago a young boy rang the Anglican church bell in Parkes to signify the end of World War II.

Tomorrow Cliff Cowal will be ringing the very same bell at 11am to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day.

“I happened to be the right kid at the right time,” said Cliff of the honour that befell him on that historic day.

“When I got to school that day, they told us all to go home.” He walked to his dad’s barber shop near the Leagues Club and when he passed the church, Archdeacon Norman was ringing the bell.

“He saw me and asked if I wanted to ring the bell. There were bells going all around town, and horns blowing.”

He said it seemed like a long time, but he probably rang it for five minutes when an army truck came around the corner with a lot of kids on the back. “They were blowing the horn and yelling out. That got my attention, and I got on the back of it. We drove all over town celebrating.”

He got into trouble when he arrived back at his dad’s shop as they did not know where he was, but “I had a ball driving around and celebrating!”

He said at the time he did not realise just how important it was, although he was very aware that the war was on. He had not only heard the men talking about it in the barber shop, but played in the air raid tunnels on the school playground a lot.

“It was an amazing day, and I remember how excited mum and dad were.”

By Maggi Barnard

Free Online Workshops To Help Learner Drivers

August 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parents and other supervisors of local learner drivers can attend a free online workshop next week for practical advice and information about completing the 120 hours of supervised driving.

The are two time slots for the ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop scheduled for Wednesday, 19th August at 6pm and Thursday, 20th August at 12.30pm. The estimated run time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said while the usual face to face workshops weren’t possible due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the online delivery would hopefully make it easier for participants to attend.

“Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why we have teamed up with Transport for NSW and councils across the Western Region for these two free work- shops via Zoom.”

“The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Logbook including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver and more.”

“Parents and supervisors who have attended in the past have found it boosted their confidence, and helped them to better plan driving sessions,” Melanie said.

Bookings are essential and can be made online via Eventbrite, through the Council’s Facebook pages or by calling Melanie on 6861 2364.

Be Seen

August 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes writing group Authorrised celebrated its 8th anniversary at the Parkes Library last week. Budding author Laura Harvey looks at the many resources the Parkes Library has for writers with Dan Fredericks, coordinator of the group.

Long-term member of Authorrised, Debbie Gould was hard at work during the meeting last week.

Parkes Radio Telescope Beams Onto Heritage List

August 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope shortly after its completion in 1961. (Photo: CSIRO)

The iconic Parkes Radio Telescope scooped another first to its long list of achievements when it was added to the National Heritage List on Monday.

As the first functioning scientific instrument to be added to the National Heritage List, this honour gives official recognition to The Dish for its contribution to Australian astronomy and humankind’s understanding of the Universe.

“This is great news,” said Operations Scientist John Sarkissian. “The CSIRO’s Parkes Telescope is the most successful scientific instrument in Australia’s history, and it is still at the forefront of world radio astronomy, making great discoveries that are shaping our understanding of the Universe and our place within it.”

John said the listing would enable the CSIRO to plan confidently for the future of the telescope and the work they do there. “It also means that the CSIRO will continue to operate it as a working radio telescope.”

Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM, said the Parkes community was very proud of the telescope. “It holds a special place in all of our hearts. It has attracted an array of talented staff throughout its years, embedding a base of scientific and intellectual knowledge and culture within our region which has in turn further stimulated a scientific interest within the broader community and inspired our young citizens.” He said Parkes’ representation in the hit Australian movie The Dish enhanced Australia’s interest in the telescope as the story portrayed the key role it played in receiving the television signals from the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon and sharing this technological feat with 600 million people around the world.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the Parkes radio telescope was an icon of Australian science and innovation. “While the telescope may be old enough to qualify for the National Heritage List, it continues to operate as one of the world’s leading astronomy instruments.”

Snippets…

August 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Council took out top honours in two categories at the 2020 Local Government Week RH Dougherty Awards for the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival Communications Strategy and Council’s event activations for the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Parkes’ role in the Apollo 11 mission in July 2019. Here are Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM and General Manager, Kent Boyd with the awards.

Inland Rail Grants: Seven community groups in the Riverina and Central West received grants in round five of the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program. Two of the groups are from Parkes: Central West Astronomical Society received $2,837 for the purchase of a data projector and batteries and $1,100 went to the Parkes Que Club to provide domestic violence bags for women and children.

Bush Photo Competition: Rural Aid is calling all photographers for their inaugural life on the land or in the bush competition open until 3rd September. “We want to see images, ground level or aerial, of our Aussie farmers and their families and a depiction of what their life is like on the land or in the bush,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters. If you need inspiration, check out their Facebook page @ruralaidaustralia and Instagram @ruralaid filled with great images of rural Australia and the farmers Rural Aid supports, who support us. There are great prizes to be won too. The competition will run from 10th August to 3rd September. Submit a high-resolution image by either posting the image on Instagram with the hashtags #RAPhotoContest & #SpiritoftheBush and tagging @ruralaid in the picture, or by emailing submissions to images@ruralaid.org.au.

Go Past Page 1 On Google: Do you want to support small business during this time of upheaval? Then, head past page 1 on Google. In fact, about page 6 or 7 is where you find the gold when it comes to small business. New websites have sprung up in the tens of thousands since the panic of COVID-19. There’s been a rise in “marketplace” websites like Spend With Us – Buy From a Bush Business Marketplace, that offers web stores to small rural and regional business owners for free or for a small investment. Small business owners have the products that customers want but not the know how or people power to ensure a consistent flow of traffic can open a store on a marketplace website, manage their stock and not worry about all the complicated tech needed to make sales online.

With all the rain there has been some spectacular cloud formations in the sky over the Parkes Shire lately.

Winter Blues

August 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD. People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression.

The symptoms usually occur during autumn and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring. While it is less common, some people experience SAD in summer.

It is more than just the “winter blues.” The symptoms are often overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning.

SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain and is prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter.

As seasons change, people experience a shift in their “body clocks” that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.

Common symptoms of SAD include fatigue, even with too much sleep, and weight gain associated with overeating and carbohydrate cravings. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include many symptoms similar to major depression.

SAD can affect anyone at any age, however is more common in women and young adults aged 18 to 30.

You should consider seeing your GP if you think you might have SAD and you’re struggling to cope. Your GP can carry out an assessment to check on your mental health.

There are also changes you can make to your routine which may help improve symptoms. Try going outside more often, try a few relaxation exercises and talk to someone about how you’re feeling.

Be Seen Trundle Chefs

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Parents and Friends committee (P&F) of St Patrick’s Parish School in Trundle has launched a full colour recipe book called Cook with some contributions by current students. Here are some of the students showing off their recipes in the book.

Freya Berry.

Bailee McAneney.

Angus and Harry Quade.

Charlie and Brydee Taunton.

Rural Aid Delivers Millions In Assistance To Farmers

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

In the past 12 months, Rural Aid has distributed over $31 million in assistance to farmers and their communities, according to its annual and latest quarterly figures.

Rural Aid CEO, John Warlters said delivering, on the ground, for farmers and rural communities was more important than ever right now. “We could not support our farmers and rural communities without the generosity of everyday Aussies and our corporate sponsors,” John said.

“Covid-19 has certainly presented some challenges and our staff are as tenacious as the farmers we support. I’m remarkably proud that we’ve continued to support those in need without skipping a beat over the past year and, in particular the past three months.”

From April to June this year, Rural Aid delivered 17,041 large bales of hay worth over $4.7 million into 286 locations to 1,110 drought and fire affected farmers on the back of 274 trucks. That equates to over 85 farmers per week receiving 1,310 large bales of hay.

“We also delivered close to $62,000 worth of domestic drinking water to 140 farmers,” said John. Each water truck delivered on average 19,000 litres, and that equates to around 2.66 million litres or just over one Olympic size swimming pool of domestic drinking water.

Over the same period, over $2.2 million in financial and pre-paid Visa card assistance was distributed to 2,378 farmers, with many spending in their communities, supporting local economies.

These are just two examples of what Rural Aid has delivered. If you are a primary producer or farmer and require assistance, register at www.ruralaid.org.au. The public is called on to continue to support Rural Aid by donating at: www.ruralaid.org.au/donate/

Cook – To Your Heart’s Content!

August 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Charlie and Brydee Taunton showing off their recipe new Cook book.

A ‘delicious’ new book is set to take the culinary fame started by Trundle’s Bush Tucker Day to the next level.

The Parents and Friends committee (P&F) of St Patrick’s Parish School in Trundle has launched its highly anticipated recipe book called Cook.

It is a beautifully designed, full-colour recipe book, containing more than 215 recipes. It is the work of some of the best cooks in rural Australia, with contributions from St Patrick’s students (past and present), parents, grandparents, teachers, community members and local cooks.

The recipes are drawn from the inherited culinary wisdom passed down from generation to generation of country chefs. The recipes range from Asian Breakfast Soup to Marinara Linguine; Marshmallow Jelly Cake to Pear and Hazelnut Cheesecake; Condensed Milk Pikelets to Fig Jam.

There’s even a recipe for Camel Curry. Filled with ‘mouthwatering’ photographs, and drawings by some of the school’s 33 students, the book also has advice on how to keep backyard chickens and growing vegetables.

“Cooking and sharing recipes is at the very heart of country life,” says P& F President Kate Berry. “Many friendships have been forged, and memories made, over a cup of tea and scones, or a steaming bowl of soup at school events.”

While COVID-19 has put a stop to a proper launch celebration for the book, nothing can take away from the pleasure of the book itself.

All proceeds will directly benefit the students. To order a copy of the book at $30, email stpatscook2020@gmail.com or pop into the school office.

Maggi Barnard

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