Maggi Barnard

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

Pandemic Does Not Stop Community Investment Program

July 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

A collage of some of the recipients of round one of the Northparkes Community Investment Program announced recently.

Sixteen community groups were successful in the first round of this year’s Northparkes Community Investment Program.

The successful recipients from Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and Bogan Gate will share in $40,000 donated each round. Since its inception, over $760,000 has been invested in the Parkes and Forbes Shires.

“To achieve our vision of ‘A century of mining together’, we invest in the future of our community through meaningful partnerships,” said Northparkes Managing Director Hubert Lehman.

“Despite the COVID-19 health pandemic, we want to ensure we are still able to support our local community through this investment program.”

The successful applicants are: Aruma (formerly House With No Steps), Bogan Gate Golf Club, Central West Astronomical Society, Condobolin High School P&C Association, Condobolin Pony Club, Forbes District Soccer Club, Forbes Golf Association, Forbes Rugby Union Club, Mitchell Conservatorium, Parkes & District Historical Society, Parkes Aero Club, Parkes Early Childhood Centre, Parkes High School, Parkes Painting Group and The Sprouts Project – Parkes Shire Early Intervention.

Applications are reviewed by an independent committee, made up of community members from Parkes and Forbes. Round two of the Community Investment Program is now open. Visit www.northparkes.com to apply. For more information, please contact Ali Standen on 02 6861 3621 or ali.standen@au.cmoc.com.

‘Have You Ever Seen The Overflow?’

July 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

BEAUTIFUL… For the first time in four years Lake Endeavour filled up to capacity and water started running over the spillway on Monday morning. (Photo: Bill Thomas)

The water at Lake Endeavour started running over the spillway on Monday morning for the first time in four years signalling a final break from the worst ever drought in the region.

Good rainfall over the past four months saw the lake going from a mere 10% of capacity in late March to reaching 100% on Monday.

Parkes recorded a record 154.8mm of rain in April this year compared to no rain at all in April 2019. So far this year, a total of 486.8mm of rain has been recorded, which is more than double the total for the whole of last year of 229.8mm.

According to the latest Seasonal Conditions Update map of the NSW Department of Primary Industries some of the hardest hit areas in the Central West, including Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and West Wyalong, have been classified as no longer being in drought.

But while conditions are improving in most regions, 86% of the state is still in some form of drought according to the map.

In Parkes there is one team who was overwhelmed on Monday. Witnessing the Lake Endeavour spillway turning into a beautiful waterfall, was Bill Thomas. As president of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club he and his team members despondently watched the lake level drop every week at their training sessions over the past two years.

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club members love hav- ing so much water to paddle on again after seeing the lake level drop every week for the past two years. (Photo: Ian Griffey)

When training stopped in March with the COVID-19 lockdown there was not much room left for paddling. As the rain started falling, Bill begun monitoring the inflow with eagle eyes on Council’s website.

“To see the water flowing over the spillway and cascading down the rocky slope will be a treasured memory for me after seeing a dry creek bed for over two years,” he said.

“Having this magnificent lake at capacity is a wonderful feeling for the Parkes Dragon Boat Club, but more importantly it will bring to life the waterway with the habitation of so many birds and wildlife. The lake has become a special place for our members and it is so good to be back both on and off the water after months of shutdown.” He said the club members had a great respect for the lake as it is a reservoir for the town water supply.

Director Infrastructure at Parkes Shire Council, Andrew Francis said when the lake was full it significantly improved water security for the Shire. “Lake Endeavour is an integral part of the Parkes Shire’s water supply reserve. After two years without dam water availability, we will now head into the peak summer period with adequate supply.”

He said though that water restrictions would remain at Level 2. “Council will continue to monitor the situation as we approach the warmer months, the peak water supply period.”

As for the quality of our drinking water, Andrew said while the new state-of-the- art Water Treatment Plant used the latest technologies for water production and water quality monitoring, the use of dam water (rather than bore water) does result in ‘softer’ water. “Some users find this more desirable.”

At its June monthly meeting Council also decided to remove the Standpipe Usage Scheme and Drought Response Measures for Farming Enterprises framework returning to normal system operation and usage charges.

By Maggi Barnard

Our Gal – Ruby Wilson

July 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School Captain – Ruby Wilson

How old are you? 12

How long have you lived in or around Parkes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Parkes for three years, then moved to a house near Peak Hill on a farm. The people in Parkes are very friendly and the town isn’t too busy. I just wish there was a river where I could go fishing.

Where do you go to school and what year are you in? I go to Parkes Christian School and am in Year 6.

What is your favourite after school activity? It is tennis.

What is your favourite food and movie? I like spaghetti and meatballs, but my favourite ‘food’ are Tim Tams. My favourite movie is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker IX.

What music do you listen to? I listen to mostly worship bands such as Hillsong Worship, Bethel Music, Planet Shakers and many more. I also like Imagine Dragons.

What do you want to do when you grow up? Be a marine biologist.

If you could have a super power what would it be? My superpower would be all the superpowers of Spiderman, so wall climbing, web shooting, spider sense and all the others, plus I would also want to be able to shrink and grow, like Ant-Man.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I have had a near death experience. I was cray fishing with my dad and we went down to check a line that was being tugged on by a crayfish. We heard a terrifying cracking sound and turned around to see four giant branches crashing down from the tree we were just sitting under. If that crayfish didn’t tug on the line, we would most likely be dead! The crayfish saved our lives literally.

Upgrade For Parkes Station

July 10, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Image Credit: wikipedia.org

The heritage-listed Parkes station has become a focal point of activity during the annual Elvis Festival when hundreds of festival goers meet the Elvis Express and Elvis Blue Suede Express.The station building is currently receiving very welcome improvement work that will not only improve accessibility and safety for customers, but is also creating 30 local jobs.

The upgrade to the footpath, car park and toilets will make it easier for customers, including people with a disability, to access public transport services from the station.

“It will provide a welcoming gateway to all those who travel by train to visit the Parkes region for great events like the annual Elvis Festival,” said Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway.

The project includes upgrading the existing footpath; upgrading the car park; new ambulant toilets and a family accessible toilet; a formalised bus stop at the station entrance; and improvements to CCTV, lighting and wayfinding.

The upgrade is delivered under the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program.

Renting Privately Versus Using An Agent

July 10, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Today we are discussing the advantage of using a real estate agent to manage your rental property. Private landlords often feel like agents don’t offer good value for money. They might have had a bad experience with an agent, and feel they are better off doing it themselves.

As agents we are often called to assist private landlords when things turn sour between tenants and themselves. The tenant might have fallen behind with rent and the landlord doesn’t know how to address the issue, or the tenant is not maintaining the property. Quite often we step in as the third party, negotiate, and find solutions. This is where our experience and knowledge of appropriate legislation pays off. We are used to handling all kinds of tenancy related matters, and have the time and energy to commit to it.

We aim to minimise costs for the landlord with professional management and avoid costly bills that they may incur if things go wrong. At Century 21 Central West, we have an experienced team dedicated to the fields of leasing, managing, and maintaining rental properties.

Leasing is the initial letting of the property, from advertising to qualifying tenants prior to letting them have the keys. Managing includes collecting rent on time, ensuring all required documents are completed and keeping up to date with legislation. We also have a routine inspection manager and are proactive regarding repairs and maintenance required.

If you are considering using the services of an agent, contact us at Century 21 Central West for our Landlord Information Package. Email tara.kelly@century21.com.au or call 0418 465 407.

Winter Wellness

July 10, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

It can be difficult to stay motivated about your health in winter. The colder weather and limited sunshine make it hard to stay in a routine and can have a damaging effect on your heath as we enter the cold and flu season.

But don’t let winter get you down, here are a few helpful tips to staying healthy.

• Remember to hydrate – in winter we tend to be less thirsty – aim to drink around two litres of water per day.

• Fill your diet with fruit and vegetables; eating a nutrient rich diet can help boost your immunity.

• Get some exercise; studies show people who engage in regular, moderate exercise have an increased immunity.

• If appropriate, take a vitamin or supplement – it isn’t a miracle cure, but can have a positive effect in treatment and prevention. The popular ones are vitamin C, zinc and echinacea.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient needed for growth, repair and immunity. Evidence is limited in its effective protection from colds, but some studies have shown it can reduce a cold by 24-36 hours. (recommended product: Blackmores BIO C)

Zinc is a naturally occurring element, which we only need in small amounts. Similar to vitamin C, evidence suggests that zinc may be able to reduce your symptoms by about a day. (Recommended product: Blackmores Immune + Recovery. This product also contains vit c and echinacea.)

Echinacea is a herb that has been used to treat colds for centuries. While evidence is mixed, experts are certain that it has a positive effect when treating colds. (Recommended product: ArmaForce)

Pop into store today to have a chat about which products are right for you!

Parkes Pharmacy
Metro Plaza, Parkes
Ph: 6862 2411
www.parkespharmacy.com.au

Snippets…

July 10, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Cherie Lovett and Karen Willis of Currajong with Kristy Harvey (centre) of Target Parkes.

Target Donates: With the sad news that Target stores in Parkes and Forbes will be closing, Parkes store Manager Kristy Harvey donated excess stock to Currajong Disability Services (CDS). The donation included everything from Christmas decorations to homewares. Kristy and Target have established a relationship over the years with CDS with numerous donations and support. “We love Target and all they do for us and the community here in Parkes,” said Cherie Willis of CDS. “It will be sad if they go and a big loss to the town.”

Get the test, then get the text: In the last four weeks, there were 9,033 tests per- formed across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), with no positive cases identified. WNSWLHD Health Protection Manager, Priscilla Stanley is urging anyone having a test to consider receiving negative test results by text message, within 24 hours for many. “Everyone who has a test is asked to isolate until they receive their results. If people have a positive result, they are contacted by a public healthcare worker who will provide information on what happens next. With school holidays, restrictions easing and more people travelling again, it is extremely important that we remain vigilant. If you have family or friends coming to visit, be mindful of COVID-19 symptoms and encourage them to get tested if they have any.” Testing is available at hospitals and from mobile services, as well as from many GP surgeries. If you’re in doubt, speak to your doctor or call our Western LHD’s Public Health helpline on 1300 066 055.

A Safe Road Trip With A Caravan: Caravanning is more popular than ever, however, towing a caravan is far more complex than simply hitching one to your vehicle. “Towing a caravan adds significant weight to your vehicle,” said Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy. “It requires careful planning and loading and puts additional responsibilities on a driver to manage safety. Remember to weigh your vehicle and your caravan at a weigh station, correctly load your caravan to meet safety ratings and requirements and do any necessary safety checks before and during your trip.” For more information on how to safely tow a caravan please visit the Centre for Road Safety website roadsafety. transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/drivers/caravan-safety/index.html

Two-year-old Tanner Peden had lots of fun in the park with his mum on Tuesday.

Tell us about your dream car

July 10, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Keith Turk: I has to be my Kia Sportage… just kidding. It is the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, because it was in Smokey and the Bandit.

Nevill Trainor: I am a car collector and have a shed full of them. One of my favourites is the 1972 Holden Torana GTR XU-1, but my best one is the Holden VK Brock Commodore.

Kevin Clark: I like the cars that came out when I grew up, like the Holden EH and the Mini Cooper S. I have owned both of these cars.

Our Bloke – Taj Lovett

July 10, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Public School Captain – Taj Lovett

How old are you? 11

How long have you lived in or around Parkes and what do you like about living here? Since I was born. I like the different sports that you can play here.

Where do you go to school and what year are you in? Parkes Public School, Year 6.

What is your favourite after school activity? Football training, chatting with friends on social media and games.

What is your favourite food and movie? Tacos and Back to the Future.

What music do you listen to? Some rap and something with a good beat.

What do you want to do when you grow up? A famous NRL player.

If you could have a super power what would it be? To be able to fly because if I need to get somewhere quick, I can just get there.

Be Seen

July 10, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Brenda Davies and Marja Iffland had lots to catch up on at bowls this week.

Jan McPhee and Di Howell were happy to return to playing bowls this week.

Maggi Barnard

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