Maggi Barnard

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

Crime

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

What is a crime? There are many crimes or offences. A lot are contained in the Crimes Act but many more are contained in other statutes both of the State and Federal Parliaments. The range of offences vary from murder down to parking.

Most criminal matters are commenced by the Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions by way of court attendance notices (formerly known as Police charges/summonses). Those charged with an offence will appear firstly before a magistrate in a local court. In some cases, issues of bail may need to be considered.

Magistrates deal with over 90% of criminal matters summarily, but the more serious offences are committed to the district court or supreme court for trial before a judge and/ or jury.

Unlike civil matters, criminal matters must be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ having regard to the elements of the offence. This is when a solicitor’s professional knowledge becomes essential for the client (ie the person charged with an offence).

It should be noted that in civil matters the standard of proof is much less in that the plaintiff usually has to prove their case ‘on the balance of probabilities’.

Police will have a fact sheet (which is not evidence but outlines the Police case) on the first appearance before the court. The fact sheet and instructions from the client will help the solicitor in deciding whether to advise the client to plead guilty or not guilty. Sometimes an adjournment is necessary to obtain further information.

Once a plea is entered, the magistrate may adjourn the matter for hearing, sentence the client, commit the client for trial in a higher court or other options, depending on the seriousness of the offence, and the previous criminal history of the client. For further information contact us.

“Just Do The Right Thing”

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

FRESH AIR… Parkes residents are very grateful for the recently extended walkways around town and behind the new water filtration plant to help keep fit during the Corona pandemic. Some walkers have added a fun element to the route by building stone towers along the way.

Life has certainly changed for us in Parkes after almost three weeks of living under Australia’s toughest Coronavirus lockdown regulations in NSW with heavy fines for breaking these rules.

The Parkes community are coping well with these changes, but there still seems to be confusion about some of the rules and how it applies to rural living compared to being in a city. The Parkes Phoenix asked Parkes Police Officer in Charge, Chief Inspector David Cooper to clarify some of the rules for our readers.

“The community of Parkes has generally been very good with regard to social distancing and isolation,” said the Chief Inspector. “We have had cause to issue a number of infringements to people unwilling to abide by the rules. Those people were only issued tickets after multiple warnings and advice, or they were committing other offences at the time. Police in Parkes are using discretion at all times and infringements are only issued as a last resort.”

“To those people who think the rules don’t apply to them and continue to have ‘gatherings’ – my advice to you is stop. You will be issued infringements if you come under Police notice.”

He asked all residents to “just do the right thing for this relatively short time. Only we can stop the spread of this virus. Complacency has no place in our day to day lives when it comes to COVID-19.”

Chief Inspector David Cooper

Our well-being is vital during these times and many residents are using the exemption of being allowed outside for exercise, but are we doing it correctly?

The Chief Inspector said walking or running near your home or within the town limits would be absolutely fine. “If you have to drive to get to your walking point – you probably need to reassess that option unless it is relatively close. Here in Parkes no drive is longer than about 10 minutes so those short drives to get somewhere are fine. Walking the dog with family is a great option.”

Another favourite pastime these days is getting all those DIY jobs done at home. “Driving to the hardware shop to get things for home repairs is fine. Going there to have a browse because you are bored is not a reasonable excuse,” said David.

Finally, the Chief Inspector had one important message for everyone: “Follow the State and Federal Government directions and warnings. Only leave the house if it is essential; if you do leave the house, wash your hands and practice good social distancing measures.”

The following are guidelines from the Government on what you can leave your home for:
• Work, if a person can’t work from home
• School or an educational institution
• Shops for food and other essential items
• Get medical care
• Exercise, but only if the exercise is done alone or with one other person

The police have the power to deliver on-the-spot fines of $1,000 to individuals who breach those rules.The maximum penalty is $11,000 and six months in jail.

You can only be with one other person outside, unless they’re part of your immediate family or are housemates. The same rule applies for having another person over to your house.

If you are inside, there can only be two people gathered in that room, and social distancing must be adhered to.

By Maggi Barnard

NPM And COVID-19

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The health and safety of CMOC-Northparkes Mines’ employees, contractors, their families and the local community remains their top priority during this pandemic.

“As an industry, we are working closely with NSW and Commonwealth governments, regulators and health professionals to ensure we are able to continue operating safely,” said Managing Director Hubert Lehman. “The Northparkes leadership team continues to meet on a daily basis to review the current measures we have implemented onsite to prevent the potential exposure and risk in our workplace.”

These measures include, but are not limited to, health screening, increased cleaning and sanitation, working from home arrangements and social distancing. These measures align with the guidelines provided by the government, health professionals and the NSW Resources Regulator.

“The continued operation of our mine site, managed in strict compliance with these COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, will support jobs and allow us to continue to de- liver economic benefits within the community – especially at such a critical time,” said Hubert. “Let’s continue to support each other during these difficult and unprecedented times – we are all in this together.”

For more information visit www.northparkes.com or contact the Community and External Relations Advisor on 6861 3621.

Kindness Flows From Currajong Kitchen

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

LEFT: Jason Spicer hard at work in the Currajong kitchen. RIGHT: Chris Spicer ready to deliver the goods.

It might not always make the headlines, but during difficult times acts of unconditional kindness are what makes life for everyone better.

This week’s feel good story comes from the Currajong Disability Services (CDS) kitchen. CDS participants Chris and Jason Spicer decided to bake cakes to show their gratitude and appreciation for all the front- line workers at Parkes Hospital.

“It’s a tremendous gesture from our guys and something they really wanted to do,” said Dane Millerd of CDS.

“As an organisation, I know I am not alone when I say that there are many ways we want to help,” said Dane.

The act of giving didn’t go unnoticed with the Parkes Hospital staff praising the effort and kind token of support by posting a Thank You photo.

“It was our way of giving back to the community and also showing our appreciation to front line medical staff who do so much for us,” said Indigo Kriedemann of CDS.

“We are hoping to continue this and assist other community groups where we can, especially in the current environment,” Indigo said.

The Parkes Ambulance Service were also beneficiaries of Currajong’s cake baking and cooking courtesy of Heather Coates and Donna Apps. The treats were dropped off last Monday and well-received by the ambulance officers.

Learner Drivers Can Have Driving Lessons

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Learner drivers can continue lessons with a supervisor, including driving to the supermarket.

Learner drivers and their supervisors are allowed to continue driving lessons under the current COVID-19 restrictions.

The advice comes following a highly publicised incident in Victoria last week when a 17-year-old learner driver was fined for non-essential travel – a decision that was later reversed.

NSW Police Chief Inspector David Cooper reminded Parkes residents that the Government’s advice was to stay home and only undertake essential travel.

“Under the Public Health Orders a person cannot leave their place of residence without a reasonable excuse.”

“A reasonable excuse includes travelling for the purposes of work where you cannot work from home, so driving instructors can leave their house for their work – to teach people how to drive.”

“We consider that it would be a reasonable excuse for a person to leave their house to receive driving lessons (either from a driving instructor or a member of their family), given that this is a learning activity that cannot be done from home and is akin to the listed reasonable excuse of travelling to attend an educational institution where you cannot learn from home.”

“Learner drivers could also continue to drive with a supervising family member for any of the listed reasonable excuses for leaving the house – for example driving to the supermarket,” Chief Inspector Cooper said.

Make Separating Household Waste Your Next Goal

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

If you are running out of ideas to do at home during this time of isolation, why not get into sorting and separating your household waste?

The 2019 NetWaste audit found that 50% of the average Parkes household bin is made up of recyclable materials and food and garden waste.

Over the course of a three-week period, three tonnes of general waste, recycling, and food and garden waste were collected from Parkes households to provide a detailed break-down of waste streams.

The general waste red-lid bin contained 18% recyclable materials and 32% food and garden organics.

“If sorted correctly, paper and cardboard can be recycled into products such as corrugated and kraft paper,” said chair of the Parkes Shire Waste Facilities Committee, Cr Alan Ward.

“Garden and organic waste can be processed into compost. These valuable resources are too good to waste.”

Organic material has a detrimental impact on the environment when sent to landfill. It produces large quantities of methane when compacted and buried in landfill, as it breaks down without oxygen.

By diverting food and garden waste from landfill using the green-lid waste bin, it is turned into compost. Sorting materials into the appropriate bin also diverts waste from landfill and contributes to the longevity of the local waste facilities.

To learn more about what is accepted in your three-bin service, visit Council’s website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Polaris 7 Day Sales Event

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

While living and working circumstances have certainly changed over the past month a very big part of business at Forbes Small Engines is servicing the agricultural sector. At this time this key area of our economy is continuing to improve after harsh climatic conditions. Demand and inquiry for Polaris side by side and ATVs have been encouraging due also to the beautiful rain received.

For this reason, Polaris will have a Seven Day Sales event for the very first time across the country where there will be offers available that are not even seen at field days.

With all traditional field days cancelled, this Seven Day Sales Event will include the following bonuses exclusively for the week:

Additional warranty “3 years peace of mind” on top of the standard factory warranty; 2.99% finance on Polaris Generals Rangers and RZRs (excluding Ranger 500); and $2,000 free accessories on selected Ranger models.

The Polaris Seven Day Sale commences today Friday, 17th until Friday, 24th April.

Call Forbes Small Engines on 6852 3228 for a quote or to arrange a demo.

POLARIS THINK OUTSIDE

What are you doing to keep fit and active during COVID-19? Parkes Tennis Club members answer.

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Mitchell and Hayden Arndell: We are fortunate that the tennis courts have remained open and we’ve been going as a family to exercise as often as we can. We also have a wall at home to practice reflex skills.

Jake Magill: Fortunately, I have access to a tennis court at home and a ball machine, as well as a home gym where I complete a fitness program.

Our Bloke – Tony Gatt

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes in December 1992 after a year in Sydney. Before that I lived in Broken Hill. Parkes is a good location, with many other towns nearby offering something different. It’s great to go for a drive and look around.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work for Transport NSW. Our region covers 55% of NSW so we get to work across a broad range of land, from the Blue Mountains to arid climates.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Exercise, socialise, and travel with the wife.

What makes you proud? People of all ages who step up and do the hard yards when it counts.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Years ago I was lucky enough to camp on a waterhole in far west Queensland, and observe a pack of dingos at night under a full moon. They were amazing, something you don’t forget.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels – slick British comedy at its best.

Tell us about your best holiday. I’ve done a few trips to Thailand to train in Muay Thai. The training is hard, the people and culture are fantastic.

What is on your bucket list? I got married in mid-2019; it would be nice to have a honeymoon! Once travel bans are lifted, we plan to do something.

Snippets…

April 17, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Staff at the Parkes Hospital received some delicious baked goods made by Chris and Jason Spicer from Currajong Disability Services. The staff members are (L-R) nurses Chelsea, Tania, Dr Lo, Sue, Jeremy and Alex. Read the article HERE

Ring Them Bells: The Parkes Ministers Association under the leadership of Pas- tor Andrew Taggart from the AOG church is inviting all churches to take part in a united prayer time. Michael Lynch from the Catholic Church suggested to use Thursday evenings from 6 to 7pm as community prayer time and invited churches to ring their bells during this time. People are also encouraged to light a candle in their window during this time to let the community of Parkes know about the prayer time. Everyone is invited to pray for our community during this hour every week.

Dangers of Sanitiser: NSW Health is reminding parents that alcohol-based hand sanitiser is dangerous if ingested, particularly for children. NSW Poisons Information Centre said while hand sanitiser was an important tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, it has seen a spike in the number of calls due to hand sanitiser exposure incidents, mostly by babies and young children ingesting it at home. “Hand sanitiser products should be stored safely and out of reach of children,” said Genevieve Adamo of the NSW Poisons Information Centre. “When they are used by young children it should be under the supervision of an adult.” Most minor ingestions can be safely managed at home but telephone assessment is still important. “Calling the Poisons Information Centre first to see if you or your child needs to go to hospital may prevent unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department.” Contact the 24-hour Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Blood Donations ‘Essential’: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is calling on people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. “We need donors now more than ever,” said WNSWLHD Haemovigilance Clinical Nurse Consultant, Karen Beattie. “The government has actually made blood donation one of the 16 reasons you can leave your home. There are 800 blood donation cancellations per day nationally and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality.” The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood need 29,000 blood donors every week. They have introduced procedures to meet social distancing requirements and keep their donors safe. “The need for blood never stops. Blood is needed every day by Australian patients.” The WNSWLHD is calling on eligible Australians to become blood donors and for existing donors to make and hon- our their appointments to prevent a potential shortage of blood supplies. Make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Parkes Ambulance staff with treats made by Currajong Disability Services participants. Read the article HERE

Maggi Barnard

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