Maggi Barnard

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

What did you get up to during COVID-19 isolation that was memorable or enjoyable?

June 12, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Dorothea Tom OAM: Out on the farm life went on as usual pretty much, but I did a lot more cooking and reading. I love reading and as the library was closed, I got into all the books I haven’t read for 30 years!

Bruce Prior: I kept on doing my two shifts per week on Valley FM, and ‘the bride’ and I did a lot of behind the scenes work at the Henry Parkes Historical Museum. It was a different kind of trip, as we will not be pulling the caravan out this year.

Rosemary Prior: I spent most of my time at the Henry Parkes Historical Museum where we had lots of archived ‘Pandora’s boxes’ to be opened and sorted. We found some amazing treasures, including a beautifully preserved sheep skin vest worn by a digger in World War I. This will soon go on display.

What role can we all play in national reconciliation?

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Geoff Anderson: The current events in the USA are driven by separation and degradation of knowledge of people’s culture and a loss of cultural understanding of where people are from. This has led to many years of tension festering to a point of this eruption. Here in Parkes we teach our students the history of Australia and around Parkes. The students understand the history and whether they are Aboriginal or not they all understand and respect the land and the culture. By teaching language and culture, you’re teaching respect.

Sean James Cassidy: Help each other and acknowledge the past – the bad and the good.

Scholarships For Parkes Students

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Carleton Magill, Evie Martin and Isaac Westcott.

Three Parkes students are the recipients of the Sumitomo Metal Mining Oceania (SMMO) supported Scholarship offered by CMOC-Northparkes Mines.

Carleton Magill, Evie Martin and Isaac Westcott were selected as this year’s recipients.

The aim of the scholarship program is to promote and encourage careers in the mining industry, with each student receiving $3,000.

Carleton is in his second year at the University of Newcastle studying a Bachelor of Education. “After graduation, I hope to gain employment in a primary school setting. The financial support from Northparkes will assist with purchasing the many textbooks I will need throughout my degree.”

Evie is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) and Advanced Studies in Film at the University of Sydney. “I started my degree this year, and have really enjoyed being able to illustrate rural and regional stories in my assignments so far.”

Isaac is studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Environmental Science at Macquarie University. “I actually completed work experience with the Exploration team at Northparkes in 2018 and 2019. It was fantastic – I am really looking forward to the next opportunity to undertake work placement at Northparkes. I would like to work in the environmental management space within the mining industry,” said Isaac.

We are ‘In this together’

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

POSITIVE OUTCOME… Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Parkes Rotary Peace Precinct and Wiradjuri Amphitheatre are good places to visit to celebrate and remember Reconciliation Week.

The escalating protests against racism in the USA spilling over to many other cities across the globe over the past week, not only touched many Australians, but coincided with the celebration of National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

Eileen Newport, Co-Chair and Secretary of the Galari Lachlan Reconciliation Group, takes a look at the significance of NRW in these uncertain and unprecedented times brought about by COVID-19.

National Reconciliation Week is celebrated each year from 27 May to 3 June and commemorates two significant events: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme this year is ‘In this together’. The COVID-19 virus has promoted an awareness of our need to take care of one another and more recently the demonstrations and violence in the United States should cause us to really think about our attitudes to and laws regarding our own Aboriginal communities.

In light of these protests, we should all think about the role we can play in national reconciliation. Perhaps we can start with asking ourselves the following questions: Is our police force and other government bodies free from racism? Are our laws fair to all and without prejudice to our Aboriginal communities? What can we do about the disproportionate number of Aboriginal people in prisons? How can we improve health and housing for them? What can I do in my own community to combat racism?

If we lead by example in our ordinary everyday life, refuse to tolerate racism of any kind and try where we can to change unjust laws and practises, we can make a difference. Reconciliation has been described as a ‘grass roots’ movement – it starts in our own communities.

Our group, Galari Lachlan Reconciliation Group, was formed to foster respectful relationships between the wider Parkes community and our Wiradjuri and other nation’s community. We support the community by acknowledging the history of the Wiradjuri in the Parkes Shire and the cultural richness and contribution they have made to the wider community.

In our own community we have Wiradjuri language and culture lessons in most of the schools along with the Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group. A positive outcome of this is a decrease in racism amongst the students and a greater awareness of the richness and knowledge of the Wiradjuri nation. Groups like the Elders Advisory Group partner with Parkes Shire Council on decision making, and the Parkes Aboriginal Community Working Party looks at issues within the local community. Parkes is fortunate to have Mandy Brown as the Aboriginal Project Officer and the support of agencies like Neighborhood Central.

Reconciliation NSW states that: “Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

In ending I would like to make some suggestions to celebrate Reconciliation Week and Wiradjuri culture: Cook a dish using native ingredients; Go to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events; Find out about the mob in your local area; Read “Welcome to Country” by Marcia Langton, as well as “Australia Day” by Stan Grant Jnr; and Support organisations and peak bodies to fight for the rights of indigenous people.

Eileen Newport.

Farmers Don’t Rely On Subsidies

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

A research report released by Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) confirmed Australia’s farmers were among the least subsidised in the world. Australia has one of the lowest levels of agricultural support across the 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries.

“This work by our nation’s most respected agricultural research body clearly sets out that our farmers don’t need to rely on handouts to thrive,” said Minister of Agriculture, David Littleproud. “They work mighty hard off their own bat to produce the safe and fresh food trusted by all Australians and sought after by the world.

So Good To See People Enjoying Themselves

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The staff at the Roasted Kombi on Wednesday were (L- R) Debbie Mitchell, Danielle Adams, Kelvin Rowe, Ellen Thomas and Gabrielle Boland.

Life returned to the Parkes CBD coffee shops and restaurants after the relaxation of COVID-19 regulations with patrons flocking to their favourite spots despite freezing winter weather showing up on the first of June.

“The last two Saturdays have been hectic,” said Kelvin Rowe, co-owner of the Roasted Kombi. “We’ve been absolutely smashed with so many people coming for breakfast.”

He said it was just brilliant to see people leaving their homes and coming out to enjoy themselves. “It is so good to see especially the older generation coming out and enjoying their daily coffee. We missed seeing them every day, and it’s great having them back.”

Norma Oliver and Jan Sunderland were happy to go No more take away coffees. out and enjoy a coffee together at Roasted Kombi on Wednesday.

Kevin said they had pretty much gone back to what it was like before the isolation regulations. “It is really good. We are still a little bit down on lunch times.”

Kelvin added that they were very happy to have achieved their goal of not having to let off any staff members during the lockdown period. “We did have to cut their hours, but with the delivery service we brought in, we managed to keep them all.”

He said the one positive of slowing down during the lockdown was having time to add new items to the menu like kebabs, waffles and loaded chips. “You become complacent when you are so busy. The new items have been very popular.”

Kelvin also wanted to thank all their patrons for their support during COVID-19.

From Monday, 1st June, pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants can have up to 50 customers.

Other restrictions eased include travel to regional NSW for a holiday, visits to museums, galleries and libraries, beauty and nail salon operators can begin treatments, and up to 20 people can attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship.

By Maggi Barnard

Our Bees Mean The World To Us

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

World Bee Day celebrated on 20th May raised awareness about the essential role these hardworking insects play as pollinators.

Australia is home to over 1,500 species of native bees, and alongside European honey bees, they play an important role in pollinating commercial crops such as mango, blueberry, eggplant, tomato, almonds and macadamia, as well as native plants.

Currently a number of bee pests and diseases are a potential risk to the honey bee industry, environment and to Australia’s native bee populations. In recognition of the crucial role that bees play in supporting food production, the government granted $1.5 million to AgriFutures last year for research to ensure bee health and promote the crucial role bees play in supporting food production.

The Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer is working with Plant Health Australia to investigate the biosecurity risks to native bees and to improve responsiveness to these risks.

The recent summer of bushfires and drought have had a significant impact on floral reserves and on pollinators. As part of the recovery, beekeepers are currently eligible for grants of up to $75,000 to pay for clean-up and business reinstatement activities.

Snippets…

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Sergeant Martin Ling from the Parkes Highway Patrol reminds members of the public that police patrols will pay more attention to drink drivers over the long weekend.

Double Demerits: Don’t spoil your very first road trip after isolation by not sticking to the road rules. This is a reminder that this long weekend double demerit points will be in place from today, 5th June to Monday, 8th June.
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said officers would be targeting excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt, helmet and mobile phone offences.
“With the opening of pubs and clubs, we will be paying more attention to drink drivers.” He reminded the public to take advantage of the local taxi service or use a designated driver.

Power Outage for Tottenham and Tullamore: To enable work to be safely completed on the electricity network, a planned power outage will affect Tottenham, Tullamore and the surrounding area on Sunday, 14th June between 9am and 3:30pm. The planned power outage was originally scheduled for mid-May, but had to be postponed after heavy rain. Crews will replace seven cross-arms, two insulators and one power pole, along with other maintenance tasks. As part of Essential Energy’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all maintenance work requiring a power outage is carefully assessed, however these works do need to be completed to ensure the network remains safe and reliable for customers.

Make Staying Connected A New Daily Routine: R U OK? is calling on Australians to include staying connected in their daily routine as they deal with the lasting impact of the Coronavirus. “The pandemic has inspired some wonderful examples of how caring our community can be and we need to hold on to that because that sense of genuine care and concern can be life changing for those grappling with the impact of recent events,” said R U OK? CEO, Katherine Newton. “In the morning think about who in your world might be struggling and make a plan to reach out to them and ask ‘Are you okay?’. That simple question and a conversation has the power to change someone’s life for the better.”
To #StayConnected:
• Think about who in your world might be struggling.
• Make ‘time to ask’ as part of your daily routine.
• Make a phone call, send an SMS, video call, email or chat over the fence, go for a walk together or catch up for a cuppa. If you need guidance on how to support someone, visit ruok.org.au

Do The Poo Test! Cancer Council NSW is encouraging all NSW residents to stay on top of their routine health checks, in particular those that are eligible for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. “We are urging eligible Australians to participate when their screening invitation or reminder letters arrive in the mail. Be sure the kit is still valid by checking the expiry date on the back of the envelope.”

Blood Donations ‘Essential’: Donate now. Make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Parkes VIC Re-opens: With regional travel in NSW back on the cards from 1st June, the Parkes Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and Henry Parkes Museums have reopened.
The VIC will be open on weekdays from 9am – 4pm, while the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit and Parkes Motor Museum will also re-open on weekdays with physical distancing and hygiene measures in place.
The Parkes Historical Society will also re-open at the same times and manage their patrons in line with Government regulations.

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club members are enjoying being back on a much fuller Lake Endeavour, and are using kayaks to keep fit until they are allowed to paddle in a dragon boat again.

What’s on @ The Library

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

YOUR LIBRARY IS BACK!

We are looking forward to seeing you back at the library – it’s nice and warm inside so come in for a visit! Currently Parkes branch is open Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm, with Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore branches open normal hours. Check our webpage for details and temporary conditions of entry.

WHAT ARE YOUR EARS READING?

Now that we are able to hit the road and travel around NSW, you might be interested in borrowing from our extensive collection of audio books. We have something for everyone from crime and mystery, to romance and biographies, from contemporary issues to children’s books. Hands-free reading while you’re driving, cooking or just relaxing. We also have a large collection of e-books and e-audiobooks that can be downloaded.

STAFF PICK OF THE MONTH

Phosphorescence: on awe, wonder & things that sustain you when the world goes dark. By Julia Baird

Julia Baird’s search for the ‘light within’ and for what makes people shine has resulted in the perfect book for 2020 as the world seems to have been turned upside down. This beautifully written book investigates how we can find the light within each of us that will sustain us through the darkest of times. Baird shares her own personal accounts and investigations into seeking out awe and wonder in the world, paying more attention to the present and living deliberately, finding stillness and silence, being with friends, and finding the extraordinary in the everyday or ordinary. Now available in hard-back or audiobook at Parkes Shire Library.

STORYTIME ONLINE

Don’t forget Storytime on our Facebook page every Wednesday at 10:30am to see library staff reading children’s books – it’s the next best thing to actually being here in the library!

Pandemic Does Not Halt Highway Work

June 5, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Funding for the Parkes Bypass was confirmed as part of progress made at a recent meeting of the Newell Highway Taskforce Committee (NHTF). Councils along the 1,700km highway held a video conference for the quarterly NHTF meeting to hear from transport industry representatives and relevant government departments.

A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications said the Newell Highway Upgrade Program provided $100 million for the Parkes Bypass. They also reported on the Federal Government’s $300 million commitment to the NSW Section of the Toowoomba to Seymour Corridor under the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative. ROSI funding will target projects that provide better freight transport access to the Newell Highway, increase network connectivity, and support better safety outcomes for all road users.

Director Western Transport for NSW, Alistair Lunn provided an update on the construction of 30 overtaking lanes. “We [Transport NSW] have now completed eight overtaking lanes, including north-bound of the Parkes Radio Telescope and the Bundaburrah site.”

“We anticipate opening the Peak Hill north and southbound overtaking lanes by June 2020 – that will be 12 overtaking lanes open by the end of the financial year.”

Tenders have been closed for flood studies to occur between Forbes and West Wyalong. A detailed study of that area has been done and planning is now underway to engage with councils and landowners over the coming months.

Alistair also reported that the Parkes and Coonabarabran bypass planning continued, a truck stop was planned for Dubbo, and the new Forbes truck stop was nearing completion among other projects.

“It is positive to hear that progress continues to be made on a number of significant projects, despite the unprecedent times posed by COVID-19,” said Chair of the Newell Highway Taskforce Committee, Cr Ken Keith OAM.

He said the workforce was delighted that the state and federal governments had recognised the importance of the strategic freight corridor.

Maggi Barnard

YOUR LIBRARY IS BACK!

WHAT ARE YOUR EARS READING?

STAFF PICK OF THE MONTH

STORYTIME ONLINE

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