Maggi Barnard

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

What’s on @ The Library

March 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

WASTE 2 ART
The Waste 2 Art community art competition and exhibition is open to all community members, artists and schools across the Parkes Shire.
The theme for 2020 is aluminium and steel cans, and aspiring and professional artists are encouraged to re-think, recycle and reuse waste materials through arts and crafts.
Application forms can be downloaded from Council’s website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au and hard copies are available from all Parkes Shire Libraries. Entries close Tuesday, 14th April.

WHAT’S NEW AT PARKES SHIRE LIBRARY?
Dr Karl’s Random Road Trip Through Science by Karl Kruszelnicki
In this book Dr Karl takes us on a weird and wonderful journey through the universe to track down the answers to questions you didn’t know you wanted to ask! Do fish drink water? Why do wombats poo cubes? Why does spaghetti always break into three pieces? Dr Karl makes science FUN and this book is filled with brilliant and funny illustrations.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR TALKING BOOKS COLLECTION?
Do you spend lots of time travelling in the car, truck or on the tractor? We have an extensive collection of talking books both fiction and non-fiction available for loan. One of our newest, read by the author, Kitty Flanagan, is: 488 Rules for Life: the thankless art of being correct. This is not a self-help book! What started as a joke on ABC’s The Weekly, 488 Rules for Life is Kitty Flanagan’s guide to modern behaviour. Whether it be walking and texting at the same time, reheating fish curry in the office microwave, or leaving one square of toilet paper on the roll, Kitty has advice on rules to make the world a better place.

Focus On Parkes And Forbes In RLM

March 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Councillors and staff of Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils with Regional Lifestyle Magazine staff at the launch at Forbes Town Hall.

Connection and Collaboration were the themes for the launch of the 28th edition of Regional Lifestyle Magazine (RLM) last month featuring Parkes and Forbes.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed 80 guests saying: “It was so important for us to showcase the beauti- ful communities in which we live. To have this edition launch during one of the driest times on record, I can’t tell you the value that this will have in terms of visitation.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM said: “It has been the tourism sector that has supported our communities during these drought times. Having a town 20 minutes down the road, I think it’s fantastic that we can support one another, as well as celebrate and share the success of each other’s events.”

Regional Lifestyle Magazine Editor, Elizabeth Tickle acknowledged the success of the partnership between the two regions. “This particular project has been six months in the making…113 pages dedicated to the beautiful Forbes and Parkes areas.”

The highlight of the evening was the welcome dance performed by the River Spirit Dancers which emphasised the importance of connecting with one another.

Copies of the Autumn 2020 edition are available online at lifestylemagazine.net. au or from Parkes NewsXpress, Peak Hill Newsagency, Trundle Newsagency and News On Rankin in Forbes. For more information visit: www.lifestylemagazine.net.au

Relics Of Saint Therese In Parkes

March 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The shrine containing the relics of Saint Therese are escorted into the Holy Family Church at a special mass last Friday. (see full story below)

For the first time in 18 years the relics of Saint Therese are on a four-month pilgrimage in Australia with her parents Saints Louis and Zelie Martin.

The Parkes Holy Family Parish was asked to host the relics of the Carmelite saint and her parents on this pilgrimage.

The relics arrived for the 10am mass last Friday with Lionel Lovett doing a wonderful Welcome to Country after which the shrines containing the relics were escorted into the church.

The mass was concelebrated by Bishop Columba, Fathers Barry Dwyer, Vincent Kamba and Christopher Lim.

In his homily Bishop Columba explained how St Therese’s parents were a guiding light in her life and as a Carmelite nun made nearly every task she did a prayer to God.

The beautiful singing of the Holy Family Church and Holy Family School choirs contributed to a moving service.

Pupils from Trundle St. Patricks, Peak Hill St. Josephs, Parkes Holy Family Schools and Red Bend Catholic College attended.

Visitors came from as far as Hay, Narromine, Condobolin, Peak Hill, Trundle and Ulladulla.

Following the mass all were given the opportunity to venerate the relics.

By Michael Craft

Snippets..

March 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Kristine Boggs and Alison Westcott attended the Free Cuppa for the Driver 10-year anniversary launch in Forbes last week.

History Blog: Daroobalgie – we love watching newcomers and visitors to the Parkes Shire struggle to pronounce this name. Do you know what Daroobalgie means? Do you know why it’s important to Australian military history? What do an abattoir, motocross course and a solar farm all have in common? Have a read of Parkes Library’s latest blog post and you will know the answers https://historyparkes.org/2020/02/28/daroobalgie/

Share the Dignity: Woolworths Parkes is calling on residents to get behind Share the Dignity’s annual Dignity Drive this month and support the fight to end period poverty for women in need across the region. With over three million Australians living under the poverty line and the number of women experiencing period poverty across NSW on the rise, local residents will be able to help make a difference by donating a sanitary item via the Dignity Drive boxes located in Woolworths Parkes throughout March. Last year, the charity collected nearly 38,000 sanitary products. These donations were distributed to girls and women who cannot afford to buy sanitary items each month. Woolworths Parkes Store Manager, Kerrie Kennedy said: “We hope our customers will get behind Share the Dignity again this month and help us raise vital supplies for girls and women experiencing poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.”

Year Of Aluminium And Steel Cans: Aspiring and professional artists from across the Parkes Shire are encouraged re-think their creative materials as part of this year’s Waste to Art competition. The community art exhibition and competition are open to local residents to showcase creative works made from reused and recyclable waste materials. The theme for 2020 is aluminium and steel cans. The five competition categories include: Primary School, Secondary School, Community (no professional artists), Open (community members and professional artists), Building or Element of Building/Large Sculpture. Application forms are available on Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Hardcopies are available from all the Parkes Shire Libraries. Entries close Tuesday, 14th April. Art- work will go on display at Parkes Library from 20th April until 16th May. Parkes Shire winners will be announced on 24th April.

Pilates in the Park: In celebration of International Women’s Day on Sunday residents and visitors are invited to a free pilates session of 45 minutes in Cooke Park at 8:30am led by the Kerin Physio & Co team. Just bring a pilates mat or towel.

RDA Central West Drought Focus

March 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Sheep finding food on travelling stock route east of Grenfell.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West is calling on all levels of government, business and the community to remain focused on the ongoing impacts of the drought across the Central West.

RDA Central West Chair, Christine Weston said at last month’s board meeting the recent rains in some regions had been most welcome, but the recovery from the drought was a long and ongoing process.

“As a farmer I have directly been impacted by this debilitating drought on a daily basis. It hammers output, productivity and confidence.”

The RDA board moved a motion to ensure supporting the communities impacted by drought and supporting the provision of key services was the priority focus of the organisation for 2020.

“There continues to be sad drought-affected consequences, such as the closure of the Trundle grocery store and farmers across the region still spending thousands a day on stock feed. The economic and social impact on our communities has been immense,” said Christine.

She reminded residents to shop local and support their community when they can, and encourage family and friends to stay, shop and visit in the Central West.

“Backing local communities and businesses drives jobs, boosts confidence, and by visiting our region it is a simple way to show your support, and say we are here and we want to help.”

Polaris To Cease Quad Bike Sales

March 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Polaris will not be selling their quad bike range (ride on ATV’s) from October this year due to changes in Government Standards for Quad Bikes.

As a retailer of Polaris, Forbes Small Engines have informed customers they will continue to stock all Polaris quad bike models, however some models have already sold out.

Paul and Maree Westcott have been selling quad bikes for many years, but noticed the market had been steadily moving towards the side by side ORV models. “We still have many customers that use ATV’s/quad bikes and this is why we will continue to stock Po- laris quad bike models for as long as they are available.”

Polaris has committed to continuing to support all ATV/quad bikes with parts, accessories and warranty support for the next decade.

Polaris will continue to manufacture for sale around the world, which means parts support will not be affected. Now is the time to get in touch with the Forbes Small Engines team before stock has run out.

Alex Takes Top Apprentice Award

March 6, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The 2019 Lester Plummer Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Alex Warren at CMOC-Northparkes Mines.

The 2019 Lester Plummer Apprentice of the Year was awarded to fourth year electrical apprentice Alex Warren at CMOC-Northparkes Mines last month.

Alex, who is always held in high regard by other tradespeople across the operations, was recognised for his work ethic and attitude, including his drive to always make improvements and the leadership skills he has shown when mentoring apprentices onsite.

“I am a little bit speechless to be honest – I am extremely proud to have received this prestigious award,” he said. “During my time at Northparkes, I have been lucky enough to have had a number of mentors who have helped shape my work ethic and attitude.”

The award was announced at the CMOC-Northparkes Mines annual Employee Pipeline event to celebrate and recognise the apprentices, trainees, graduates, scholarship holders and work placement students.

“The Lester Plummer Apprentice of the Year award was first introduced in 2016, in honour of our friend and colleague, Lester Plummer, who passed away in 2015,” said Stacey Kelly, Manager – People, Safety and Environment. “Lester worked at Northparkes for many years and was always known for his caring and fun-loving nature, combined with his trade knowledge and skills.”

“Our employee pipeline is the future of our business. By building the skills of young people, we are able to build a community of talented and experienced tradespeople whose skills will benefit both Northparkes and the community in which we live and work.”

Thousands Of Fingerlings Released

February 28, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton and Mayor Ken Keith OAM watch as Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers releases the fingerlings at Lake Endeavour.

In about two years’ time fishing at Lake Endeavour promises to be abundant after the release of over 16,000 fingerlings recently.

The Native Fish Stocking initiative by the Department Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries was carried out by Parkes Shire Council.A total of 11,600 Murray Cod and 4,500 Golden Perch were released in an effort to increase the health and biodiversity of the dam, as well as enhance recreational freshwater fishing opportunities for locals and visitors.

The program also assists in the development of regional aquaculture industries, as well as increases awareness and understanding of responsible stocking.

“While Murray Cod were once widespread throughout the Murray Darling system, they unfortunately are now listed as a threatened species – so these restocking efforts are extremely important for restoring and increasing the local populations,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers.

“With the last fish release at Lake Endeavour in 2015, we’ve been working with DPI for the past two years to secure fish for this recent release.”

Michael said it would take two years before these fish were a catchable size.

Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Barbara Newton said: “As an integral part of our Shire’s waterways, it’s important that we foster a sustainable and productive environment at Lake Endeavour, as well as ensure the precinct is there for residents and visitors to participate in passive recreation for years to come.”

Access permits for Lake Endeavour are available from Council for passive recreational activities such as bushwalking, bird watching, fishing and picnicking.

Anglers wishing to fish at Lake Endeavour must apply for a recreational fishing licence through the Service NSW website and pay the associated fee.

Safety Tick Of Approval For Council Facilities

February 28, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Three more Council facilities have received the highest safety certification globally, which is the ISO 45001:2018 standard.

Parkes Waste Facility, Parkes Animal Shelter and Peak Hill Transfer Station join the list of re-accredited Council facilities, including the Administration Office, Water Treatment Plant, Sewer Treatment Plant and Works Depot.

The ISO 45001:2018 provides a framework for organisations to help prevent workplace injuries and accidents, as well as continually improve the occupational health and safety performance of the business.

The external assessment was conducted by SAI Global late last year, as part of Council’s annual Work Health Safety Management System audit.

“ISO 45001 creates an organisation built around best practice for identifying and managing risks,” said Council’s Chief Operating Officer, Anthony McGrath.

“Not only does the standard ensure compliance with current legislation worldwide, it helps us to improve the safety of staff and visitors of these sites, reduce workplace illness and injury, as well as identify and address health and safety threats proactively rather than reactively.”

Council, in partnership with KAS Consulting, will conduct an internal audit in March and July. SAI Global will conduct the next external audit in September 2020.

Snippets…

February 28, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The Bogan Gate CWA received a big donation from John Rogers (third left) of the Central Coast Freemasons recently. With him are life member Hilda McPherson, Ros Edwards and President Marion McIntyre.

Bogan Gate CWA News By Gail McKay:
Our President Marion McIntyre welcomed everyone including a visitor Kelly Thomas and her daughter Anna to our meeting last Thursday. Three members attended the CWA Oxley Group Council meeting in Condobolin on 26th November. We had our branch Christmas Party at the Bogan Gate Hotel on 12th December and surprised Hilda McPherson with Life Membership, which was very well deserved. Marion attended the Bogan Gate School’s presentation night in December. We sent flowers to Ida McIntyre who is unfortunately in hospital, we all wish her well. A very pleasant surprise at our meeting was a visit from John and Sue Rogers from the Central Coast Freemasons. We were overwhelmed with a very generous donation of $10,000 to our Bogan Gate Community. John and Sue were very pleased to meet some of our members and find out about Bogan Gate and the drought. It was very interesting talking to them about the fires and smoke in their area.

More Money for Drought Communities:
The Australian Government has extended the Drought Community Support Initiative (DSCI), providing a further $82.75 million to continue crucial support for farming households. On top of this, further drought relief support will also be available under a new

Drought Community Outreach program. Minister for Drought David Littleproud said the DCSI extension meant up to $3,000 in cash payments for more farmers, farm workers and farm contractors and suppli ers who are experiencing financial hardship and struggling to pay for basic household expenses. Eligible farming households will be able to access the DCSI from mid to late March, from either The Salvation Army or the St Vincent de Paul Society. Under the new Drought Community Outreach pro- gram, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and Rotary Australia World Community Service would each receive a fur- ther $5 million to provide vouchers of up to $500 to farming households.

Nursing And Midwifery Graduates Join Central West Hospitals:
More than 100 new nurses and midwives will begin working in hospitals at Parkes, Peak Hill, Forbes, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Coolah, Condobolin, Narromine, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Blayney, Cowra, Rylstone, Baradine, Collarenebri, Grenfell, Warren and Mudgee. The new graduates will work in all clinical areas including surgical, medical and paediatrics. They are part of the NSW Government’s record $2.8 billion investment to boost frontline health workers.

In celebration of International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8th March residents and visitors are invited to a free pilates session of 45 minutes in Cooke Park at 8:30am led by the Kerin Physio & Co team. Just bring a pilates mat or towel.

Maggi Barnard

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