Maggi Barnard

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

Around Australia In 52 Days

February 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

READ AROUND AUSTRALIA… Participants in the Summer Reading Club received their certificates last week after reading over 1,000 books in 52 days.

From the underground bakery in the ghost town of Farina, past Promised Land, Cape Tribulation, Wiseman’s Ferry, Labrador and Banana to Cook, the town in the middle of nowhere.

It is fun travelling around Australia when you’re reading books. This is what participants in the Summer Reading Club discovered over 52 days of the holiday’s when they read a total of 1,131 books! Library staff selected 52 interesting and some weird destinations around the country for the Read Around Australia program.

Every time a participant finished one reading record with ten books on it, they got to pick a surprise destination and move the library car to that place on a giant map in the library. Every destination had a bit of write up for the participants to learn about the place. “They really enjoyed moving the car to a new destination,” said Debbie Gould of the Parkes Shire Library.

There was also a Samsung Galaxy A tablet to be won, and Cooper Bland of Parkes was the lucky winner his name was drawn from all participants. he is with Debbie Gould of the Parkes Shire Library.

Library members from Parkes, Peak Hill and Trundle took part in the program. Eight-year-old Vashti Williams of Trundle said she really enjoyed taking part in the program. “It encouraged me to read more books.”

The program concluded with a celebration last week when all the participants received a certificate. It was a great opportunity to discover weird and wonderful places around Australia… did you know Marble Bar in Western Australia features in the Guiness Book of Records for 161 consecutive days of the temperature not dropping below 37.8 degrees Celsius?

By Maggi Barnard

SNIPPETS…

February 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Kerri Miles and Alexandra Hall from Pink Orchid Café & Florist will be participating in the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme for the first time.

Businesses Join Forces: The Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme is celebrating 10 years and 15 local businesses have put their hands up to help fight driver fatigue and reduce the road toll. Participating businesses in the Parkes Shire are Railway Arts and Crafts (Bogan Gate), Railway Hotel (Bogan Gate), Parkes Coffee Pot, Parkes Services Club, Pink Orchard Café & Florist and Casho’s (Tullamore). A total of 92 businesses across the Hunter, South West and Western regions of NSW will participate to encouraging drivers to take regular breaks by offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver more than 100km away from their home. “If it wasn’t for the participating businesses supplying the ‘free cuppas’, this scheme wouldn’t be possible and I would like to thank the 15 enthusiastic businesses across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils who are taking part in this year’s scheme,” said Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. The ‘Free Cuppa’ website, freecuppa.com.au, allows drivers to search for the nearest participating business. There is also an active Facebook page.

Takata Airbags: Thousands of NSW families are at risk from faulty Takata airbags. The manufacturers fear partners and children of vehicle owners are being exposed to danger when travelling in vehicles that still carry the faulty airbags. Car manufacturers have replaced more than 1.07 million faulty airbags in NSW, which represents more than 92% of affected airbags. There are still 90,432 faulty airbags on the road that require urgent replacement. This includes 3,308 of the highly dangerous Alpha and critical airbags. Vehicle owners should check the recall status of their vehicles by using the automotive industry’s Takata airbag recall website www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au and by taking prompt action to arrange for the free rectification of any affected vehicles. It’s a very simple check, just enter your vehicle’s registration number and state or territory. You can also check by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224).

Open Invitation To Farewell: Lindy Farrant, Parkes Early Childhood Centre Director of 30 years, is retiring and there is an open invitation to the public, including children, to her afternoon tea farewell at the Parkes Golf Club on Saturday, 7th March from 2 – 5pm. RSVP by Friday, 28th February to pecc@bigpond.net.au

At last it came and it’s been glorious! According to the BOM rainfall measured from 5 to 11 February has Trundle leading the scoreboard with 82.9ml, followed by Parkes with 37.2, Peak Hill with 35.2 and 26.4ml at Alectown. This photo was taken at Welcome Weir last weekend by Glen ‘Harbo’ Harbridge.

Healthy Ageing

February 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

As we grow older, our bodies and minds undergo a range of changes as a natural part of ageing.

As individuals, these changes can impair our quality of life and wellbeing by restricting activity, mobility, social connectedness and community participation.

This is why it’s important to take a positive and personalised step towards healthy ageing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined healthy ageing as a “positive concept emphasising social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities.”

To take a step towards healthy ageing is to look at ways to improve, both your mental and physical health. Look at any changes you can make to positively change your lifestyle and reduce your risk of some preventable aging downfalls. Be proactive with your health, visit the doctor routinely and take charge of your medications.

Being social can also positively impact both your mental and physical health! Routine and scheduled social activities are a great way to interact with the community and meet with people who are experiencing the same changes.

Parkes Pharmacy offers a range of services to help you take control of your health. These services include blood pressure and blood glucose tests, dose administration aids, medication checks and a free delivery service!

We can provide remedies and advice for minor ailments, such as magnesium supplements for muscle health, and other worrying health issues. But most importantly we are always here for a chat. So, pop into store today to see how we can help personalise your healthy ageing approach.

“Health is a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living” – WHO

Local NRL Star

February 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to Parkes player Darby Medlyn on his selection for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL Nines in Perth starting today.

The Blue Dish Painting Creates Awareness

February 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Mal Smith, Sebastian Sadgrove with his painting and John Sarkissian at The Dish.

It is not all about space science and finding alien life at the Parkes Radio Telescope as a Currajong Disability Services (CDS) participant has discovered.

Sebastian Sadgrove’s artwork called the Blue Dish on display at the Visitor’s Centre has received wonderful feedback and will soon be immortalised with a plaque at a special event on 3rd April.

“It is a dream come true and hopefully I inspire others with autism and disabilities to achieve their goals too!” said Sebastian who donated his creation after The Dish started participating in World Autism Month turning it blue.

“The support shown to me and autism in Parkes and the Central West by the community and CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope has been phenomenal.

Operations Scientist at the Parkes Radio Telescope, John Sarkissian could not be more pleased with the initiative shown by Sebastian and CDS.

“We try to do our bit for the local community and were more than happy to support the idea to light the dish in blue,” said John.

Site Leader Mal Smith agreed saying: “We love supporting local groups. This is a unique painting and we love it!”

With World Autism Month fast approaching in April, Sebastian will be very proud to see his painting showcased at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope for the cause of autism.

Parkes Improves Palliative Care

February 14, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Patients, families and carers will soon benefit from refurbishments to Parkes Hospital and Orange Health Service thanks to a $245,000 boost from the NSW Government.

Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said the refurbishments in Orange and Parkes would help bring comfort to people at the end of life.

In Parkes, the funding will be used to create a larger and more private space for palliative care patients and their families and improvements are also planned for a courtyard area near the inpatient unit.

The Aboriginal Health Worker in Palliative Care will work with the local health service team to create culturally appropriate and comfortable spaces.

“For many people, our hospitals are the best possible place to be cared for in their last days of life, so it’s important we provide comfortable and private spaces and facilities for both patients and their families.”

“Providing good palliative care is a priority for us, and we are working with partner organisations to develop services both in the community and in our hospitals,” said Scott.

Parkes and Orange hospitals are two of 34 palliative care facilities across the state to be refurbished over the next two years.

The NSW Government’s 2019-20 budget commitment also includes recruitment of 100 new palliative care nurses, more Aboriginal Health Workers, and support for digital health to improve access to palliative care.

Our Young Bloke – Henry Kross

February 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

How old are you? Nine years old.

How long have you lived in or around Parkes, and what do you like about living here? I was born in Parkes.

Where do you go to school and what year are you in? I go to Parkes East Public School and am in Year 5. My teacher is Mrs Robinson.

What is your favourite after school activity? Playing sport – I play squash, soccer, hockey, cricket and touch footy.

What is your favourite food and movie? My favourite food is anything caramel – ice cream, cheesecake, milkshakes, cookies. My favourite movie is Spiderman.

What music do you listen to? My favourite songs are ‘I’m Blue’ and ‘Dance Monkey’, but I like any music.

What do you want to do when you grow up? I really want to be a professional squash player and play at the Commonwealth Games in singles and doubles. I would love to play squash in Egypt, because they have a court made all out of glass in front of the pyramids.

If you could have a super power what would it be? I would like to be able to go through walls and be invisible. I would be able to play the best pranks with these powers!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I love squash. I am Number 1 in NSW for Under 11 boys and Number 3 in Australia. In 2020, I want to win my third NSW State title (for a hattrick) and win an Australian title, and make the NSW Under 13 boys team.

Cool Weather, Great Bowls

February 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The cooler weather saw 25 bowlers on the greens this week at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club. President Merilyn Rodgers welcomed two new members, Ann Norton and Salva Harris, and enjoyed a game of Consistency with them.

Eileen Bradley and Jan McPhee had a close game with Carol Reed and Heather Harvey: 15 all. Di Howell and Betsy Johnstone defeated Kim Evans and Chris Curteis: 24 to 12. Jean Kennedy and Maureen Baillie defeated Lorraine Baker and Lea Orr: 20 to 12. Maureen Miller and Maree Grant defeated Maja Iffland and Robyn Morgan: 20 to 13. Kay Craft, Gwenda Carty and

Rhona Went were too good for Julie Green, Frances Charlton and Joan Simpson: 27 to 6. Lucky winners, Jan and Eileen, and runners-up, Carol and Heather, shared the spoils. Lucky 50 club winners were Maja, Eileen and Carol.

Nominations for Club Championships Singles close next week. The District Singles is at Forbes from 11 – 13 February. Good Luck to Maree and Brenda.

Tuesday, 11th February Social roster – June Burgess. Call Kim or Gwenda between 8:30 and 9am to play on 6862 1446. Play begins 9:30am.

By Lea Orr

LLS Rates Waived For Farmers For Second Year

February 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The State Government will once again waive all Local Land Services (LLS) rates for this year to provide relief for farmers going through devastating bushfires and crippling drought.

Around 130,000 rates notices were sent to NSW ratepayers last month, however, as part of the NSW Government’s drought relief package, they are not payable for the period.

This includes the general rates and rates for animal health and pests, the meat industry levy and costs for routine stock moving permit and stock identification.

Rates notices will show the usual components, but amounts shown will not be payable.

You do not need to apply for this exemption as it will be automatically applied to landholders.

The NSW Government will compensate Local Land Services for the lost rates revenue, to enable staff to continue their support during these challenging times.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said during these difficult times, every little bit of support counted and that waiving LLS rates would help reduce the cost and psychological burden on hardworking farmers.

The Minister said waiving LLS rates again was just one aspect of the Government’s $3.9 billion drought assistance package, which also includes cost of living pressure relief and subsidies for the transport of fodder.

“We are committed to providing our primary producers with the best support possible to see them through the worst drought in living memory.”

To find out more about available assistance measures and eligibility criteria, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub or phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Currajong Swimming Carnival Keeps On Growing

February 7, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Jamie Cook of Currajong is ready to participate again.

A highlight on the Currajong Disability Services calendar is its annual All Abilities Swimming Carnival to be held at Parkes Aquatic Centre on 4th March.

Participants from Orange, Temora, Trangie, Dubbo, Cowra, Forbes, Bathurst and Parkes will compete in this flagship event. Last year’s event saw 120 entrants, and interest shown so far indicates this year will be bigger and better.

Organiser Indigo Kriedemann said the day was a real highlight on the regional disability calendar and many were already looking forward to it. “It’s a great event that brings together people far and wide within the disability community,” Indigo said.

“The day keeps growing and going from strength to strength. This year is already looking like a bumper carnival!”

In previous years Currajong has often dominated, however Live Better from Orange got the chocolates last year, despite sterling efforts in the pool by Ian Kaupke and Tim McDonald.

As Indigo points out, the day is not about who wins, but who is having a go, and “everyone coming together to connect and meet new friends and old ones”.

“It’s also a real social outing, and many of us get a buzz out of it!”

To register, call 02 6883 4713 or email indigo.kriedemann@currajong.org.au to confirm your organisation’s place in this blue chip event.

Ian ‘Thorpedo’ Kaupke has dominated the men’s events
the past two years.

Maggi Barnard

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