Maggi Barnard

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

Sowing The Seeds Of Creativity

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Scott Turnbull with the clay impression made by Lope Bosaing in The Philippines of his wood carving.

Young people in the Parkes Shire have less than a month left to enter ‘The Art of Resilience’ competition using music, poetry, photography and art to express their emotions.

The competition is open for students aged 6 to 18 to create works using the theme resilience in the face of drought, and also the bushfires and COVID-19.

Ub Ubbo Exchange is one of the three organising partners of the competition together with Parkes Shire Council and Neighbourhood Central. Parkes artist Scott Turnbull is a founding member of Ub Ubbo Exchange and is very excited about this opportunity for all young artists to show their skills and talent. “They will not only be supported by experienced artists, but it will give them great exposure.”

Fellow founding member and competition organiser, Sean James Cassidy said the competition tied in beautifully with the Ub Ubbo Exchange philosophy of coming together and sharing, and passing it on to the next generation.

“We are delighted that we were approached by Parkes Shire Drought Officer Roger Kitson. This competition will be sowing the seeds of creativity, growing the next crop of artistic talent and harvesting the works of a youthful endeavour.”

Ub Ubbo Exchange was founded in 2007 as a cultural exchange program between Australia and The Philippines to help artists travel between the two countries to share stories and art.

As inspiration for the young artists in the Parkes Shire, Sean wanted to highlight a re- cent collaboration between Scott and Lope Bosaing from The Philippines on a work called Growing with the Grain. Scott made wood carvings of Wiradjuri iconography and sent it to Lope who pressed the carvings into clay he had prepared from his farm.

While Ub Ubbo Exchange aims to draw on the immediate and natural environment in the production of art, Sean said the Shire’s young artists could use any inspiration to create works for the competition.

The competition categories include photography, song writing, poetry, drawing and painting. Entry forms can be found on the Art of Resilience Facebook group or downloaded from Council’s website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions close Friday, 31st July, and the winners will be announced on Friday, 14th August. Winners will be selected from Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore, and will be showcased as part of The Art of Resilience exhibition to take place on Friday, 16th October (subject to the latest COVID-19 restrictions and advice).

Winners of the song writing and poetry categories will have their work professionally produced into a collaborative CD, while winners of the painting/drawing and photography categories will have their work professionally published in a digital style format.

By Maggi Barnard

Dancing Queens To Hang Up Platform Shoes This Year

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

More than 6,000 ABBA fans from around the country will not be able to dust off their platform heels and sequined outfits as this year’s festival at Trundle was cancelled.

The iconic event was initially postponed from May to October after the COVID-19 regulations were announced, but at a public meeting last week it was decided not to go ahead this year.

The decision was made in consultation with the community and their wishes for the health and safety of Trundle residents and visitors to the region was of paramount importance for the organisers, Executive Event Solutions.

“To all our supporters and ticket holders we would like to first of all thank everyone for your cooperation and support as we’ve navigated these uncertain times together,” the organisers posted on the festival’s Facebook page.

“We understand this decision strikes a second blow for everyone, especially our loyal revellers. It is incredibly sad for us here at Executive Event Solutions as we have proudly taken the helm as festival organiser for the last two years.”

Executive Event Solutions said all festival tickets would be automatically refunded through their ticketing partner 123 Tix. The process may take up to 14 days.

The ABBA Festival is not only the busiest weekend of the year for the Trundle community, but it also has a huge economic and social impact in the region.

Supporters and fans were very disappointed and sad about the cancellation, but said they understood why it had to be done. One fan offered to donate her refund to the community. “I can’t speak for others but one of the main reasons why I come to Trundle is to support the local community and I would be happy to donate any refund I receive back to the Trundle community,” she commented on the Facebook post.

Bingo Arms

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Not among our list of charms, are the cursed things called bingo arms

One of the things that slowly sag, are the underarm droopy bags

I used to wave with super speed, now a gentle move is all I need

For speed sets up a rolling motion, resembles a rough and moving ocean

I lift my arm to do my hair, utter a cry of deep despair, life’s so cruel it isn’t fair

Where have they gone, the wonderful days, when I could wear my clothes in dif- ferent ways

Now everything must have a sleeve, it stops the staring I believe

I keep away from my favourite shops, for all they stock are sleeveless tops

Children can be a great delight, not after a comment on Friday night

Nanna she said, with a very deep frown “what are those floppy things hanging down?”

Now I too have a frown, I will not take this lying down, I have a money-making plan

There’s advertising I could place, on this now productive space

Out with the computer, on to the net, to find the most lucrative bet

So many products to explore, some for the rich some for the poor

So many options I have found, in for a penny in for a pound

Now when I raise my bingo arms, it sure does set off loud alarms

On my right for all to see, buy Toyota the rego’s free

On the left smiling with glee is Ronald Macdonald, come to Maccas for tea.

By Freda Harvey

Country Living Beats City Lifestyle

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes residents often create their own entertainment with lots of community support, like a few years ago when a new world record was set in the main street when 772 people bounced balls on tennis racquets. (Photo: Tennis Australia)

Country living is making a come back with more people moving to regional Australia from capital cities than the other way around.

A total of 65,000 more people chose to move to country towns according to a new Regional Australia Institute (RAI) report tracking population movements between 2011 and 2016.

Parkes has also seen many city dwellers become residents over recent years. For Marie Wyatt, who has lived in Singapore and Sydney, the move to Parkes has given her a totally new understanding of a sense of community. “It is huge out here. There is no sense of community in a city, while in Parkes people are always willing to help out, especially during hard times.”

Marie said when she first arrived it felt like she had landed on another planet. “People here have known each other for generations.” She has come to love how relaxed the lifestyle is and what a great place it is to raise a family.

Cerith Frame made the move with his family from Townsville less than a year ago. “We were extremely excited to start afresh in a new place.”

He is loving his new life being able to see his family every day doing a residential job. “Parkes is a lot smaller and people here are very friendly and welcoming. It’s easier to get to know people and recognise faces on the street.”

He said while there were less laid out activities on offer compared to cities, it was more enjoyable to find your own entertainment and go off exploring.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said: “If the COVID-19 pandemic has proven anything, it’s that you can work from regional Australia and do any job. The jobs that were once only attainable if you lived in a capital city can now be done from anywhere.”

Financial And Taxation Needs

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

David Bicket CPA is your local go to business for all taxation, accounting, financial and business issues. The firm also specialises in succession, retirement and estate planning matters.

Since 2002, David and his staff have been servicing the needs of a diverse client base with their knowledge and expertise well recognised. With an understanding that no two businesses are the same and requires different levels of support, the firm can be relied upon for prompt, proactive and accurate advice delivered in a friendly and personal manner.

The staff members include Toni Hall, Lisa Bicket and Michael Reilly. Toni has been with the firm for over 13 years and specialises in all small business accounting software packages. Since 2002 Lisa has been the backbone of the business as office administrator/allrounder. Michael brings a wealth of professional, practical and commercial experience to the practice. Michael, a born and bred Parkes local, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and spent time in Sydney before returning where he was part of a major Forbes-based accounting practice in the 1990s.

Call today and make an appointment for your financial and taxation needs.

Take The Lead

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Councillor Bill Jayet encourages pet owners to make use of the free waste bags provided at key locations around town to pick up after their dogs.

Owning a pet is a very rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibilities.

Parkes Shire Council launched the ‘Take The Lead’ Responsible Dog Ownership campaign two years ago to proactively raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership including: ensuring your dog is kept safely within your property; ensuring your dog is effectively controlled in public places; ensuring you pick up after your pet; microchipping, registration and identification; vaccination, worming and desexing; using off-leash areas in Parkes; and Council’s ranger services.

In an effort to educate pet owners of their obligations and encourage them to pick up after their pets, Council installed a number of dispensers with free biodegradable waste bags at key locations throughout Parkes, including the dog park at Kelly Reserve, the off leash area at Spicer Park, and along the walking track at Lions Park and Harrison Oval.

“Our public parks, sporting grounds and recreation spaces should be there for everyone to enjoy safely,” said Parkes Shire Councillor, Cr Bill Jayet. “Dog waste carries disease-causing bacteria and parasites which can stay in the soil for years. By not picking up after your dog, you’re putting other people and animals at risk.”

He said there had been a significant improvement over the last two years, however there were still people not doing the right thing when out walking their dog.

Under the Local Government Act, it is an offence to not immediately remove and properly dispose of dog waste and can incur a penalty infringement notice of $275 where Rangers observe the offence.

It is also an offence to take your dog onto a public area under the control of Council that has signage restricting the access of dogs. This can incur a penalty infringement notice of $110 where Rangers observe the offence.

It’s Game On

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Community sports teams were able to resume competition from this week on 1st July as the NSW Government continues to ease Coronavirus restrictions.

Sporting codes in Parkes returning include junior hockey, senior hockey, soccer, WPL soccer, rugby, netball and dragon boating.

The eased restrictions include full-contact sport, and food and beverage stalls at facilities will be able to open too.

All participants must adhere to strict health measures to ensure the safety of everyone with every code applying specific measures related to the sport.

Fair Wear And Tear

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

We have had many tenants moving in and out of properties recently, and I thought it a good time to clarify what the term “fair wear and tear” means.

When it comes to Residential Tenancy Agreements, fair wear and tear means the normal deterioration of a property over time from ordinary, everyday use.

Some examples of fair wear and tear consist of faded curtains, frayed cords, furniture indentations and traffic marks on flooring, scuffed wooden flooring, faded or chipped paint or movement cracks.

Some examples of what is not fair wear and tear are missing or torn curtains, large marks or holes in walls, significant damage to flooring such as stains or burn marks, badly scratched or gouged wooden floors, unapproved paint jobs, burns or cuts in benchtops, and damage caused by pets.

The tenant is responsible to rectify any negligent, irresponsible or intentional actions that cause damage to the property. These are things we look for during our regular routine inspections rather than just waiting until the end of the tenancy.

Should we discover that there are some items that need to be rectified, we will address this as soon as possible to achieve a suitable solution.

Alternatively, if it is the end of the tenancy and damage is noted on the outgoing inspection, we will claim the tenant’s bond to reimburse or compensate the landlord for this.

For more information on this topic please feel free to contact the Century 21 Central West team today.

Press Play For Fun In Parkes

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

All aboard to the Parkes Airport where your little pilots can enjoy historic aircraft exhibits. The HARS Parkes Aviation Museum is housed in a former RAAF hangar from the airport’s time as a World War Two air force base.

We all had to hit pause on our plans in April to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But with restrictions easing on travel in NSW and school holidays starting today, it’s time to press play.

The popular CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope and Henry Parkes Centre museums will reopen to the public tomorrow, 4th July.

The Parkes Visitor Information Centre can help you plan your holiday adventure in the Parkes Shire and provide you with the latest updates for the region. Contact them on 6862 6000.

There is also a jam-packed itinerary available, full of free and fun activities to keep the whole family entertained. Download the Press Play itinerary from the Visit Parkes website at visitparkes.com.au/whats-on/school-holidays/.

“With restrictions still in place for intra-state and international travel, you’ve practically got the whole of NSW to yourselves – so, there’s no better time to take the regional road trip you’ve always dreamed of,” said Cr Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire.

Just a reminder to safely explore the Parkes Region practicing good hygiene and social distancing to reduce this risk of spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community.

Remember to stay home if you are sick; wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser; cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; avoid handshaking, leaning on service counters and use online/contactless payment.

Our Gal – Lucy MacGregor

July 3, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Lucy MacGregor – Parkes Public School Captain

How old are you? 11.

How long have you lived in or around Parkes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Parkes my whole life. It has good schools and has good opportunities.

What year are you in? Year 6.

What is your favourite after school activity? Netball.

What is your favourite food and movie? Cookies and cream ice-cream and I like action movies.

What music do you listen to? 5 Seconds of Summer.

What do you want to do when you grow up? I want to be a doctor.

If you could have a super power what would it be? To be invisible.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I have been to the Sydney Opera House to represent our school as part of the Choral Festival three times.

Maggi Barnard

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