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Parkes Phoenix

Maggi Barnard

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

Carla Wins People’s Choice At Elvis Art Exhibition

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Carla Ash received the most votes for her portrait of Elvis in the People’s Choice Award.

Almost 800 people visited the Parkes Painting Group’s exhibition at the Parkes Elvis Festival last month. 

The group had over 120 artworks and about 18 pieces of pottery sculpture for its Elvis-themed exhibition held in the Uniting Church Hall during the festival. Some of the artists’ grandkids also entered works for the exhibition. 

“We had more than double the amount of people this year compared to previous exhibitions at the Elvis Festival with 759 visitors,” said President Kerrie Davies. 

All the visitors cast their vote for the People’s Choice award and Carla Ash from Parkes received the most votes at 130 for her graphite drawing of Elvis she called ‘Are you lonesome tonight?’. 

Carla was very surprised with her win saying she only draws when she has time, but has been inspired to join the Parkes Painting Group. 

Carla’s mum Joan Ash came second with her Elvis portrait she called ‘Reflections’. The third most votes went to Kerrie’s Elvis portrait called ‘In Concert’. 

Kerrie said about 15 paintings were sold, with one going as far as Tasmania. 

“We are very happy with the outcome of our exhibition, and are already planning to go bigger and better next year.” 

Our Young Bloke – Lachie MacGregor

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Public School Vice-Captain – Lachie MacGregor 

How old are you? 11 turning 12. 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

What 3 things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Pizza rolls, salt and vinegar chips and chocolate. 

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I’d like to be an electrical engineer. 

If you could invent something, what would it be? A cure for cancer. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? VR headset and then send any money left to charity. 

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I have been in a really high light house. 

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Alexander the Great. 

What makes you feel like dancing? Music. 

If you found a genie, what would you wish for? Fame.

Passion For Conservation In Parkes

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

SPECIAL SIGHTING… The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo or Pink Cockatoo is listed as vulnerable to extinction under fed-eral legislation and was sighted in Parkes last year by participants in the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count.

Parkes residents demonstrated their passion for conservation when 112 locals took part in one of the biggest citizen science projects in Australia in October last year.

The residents observed a total of 5,013 individual birds and 86 species across Parkes Shire in the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count.

“Given Parkes’ relatively small population, 112 is a fantastic level of participation,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Michael Chambers. “This high level of participation confirms the passion that many residents have for biodiversity and conservation.” 

Michael said so many locals had enthusiasm for learning about the natural environment, particularly the fauna native to the Parkes area. 

Consistent with previous years, the most commonly sighted species across Parkes Shire was the Galah, with 574 sightings. 

 Rounding out the top five were Crested Pigeons (397), House Sparrows (390), Apostlebirds (350) and Australian Magpies (299). 

Several species listed as vulnerable to extinction under federal legislation were also sighted across Parkes. They included Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo), Grey-Crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Dusky Wood Swallow, Superb Parrot and the Speckled Warbler. 

“Participating in citizen science projects is perhaps the easiest way for everyday people to support conservation projects. With urban bird communities constantly changing, the observations and data submitted is extremely valuable,” said Michael. 

The 2022 Aussie Backyard Bird Count will take place from 17 – 23 October. If you would like to get involved visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au or download the Aussie Bird Count app on your mobile phone. 

 

A Timely Reminder

May 13, 2022 By Lynn Rogers

Que Club President Marg Klein, Jeanine Boland and McGrath Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green (photo on left). Dianne demonstrated how to check breasts and what a lump feels like using fake breasts containing five lumps. Dot Bradley and Raelene Rout are checking for lumps.

You may have purchased a virtual pink seat at the last couple of Ashes Pink Tests to help support the McGrath Breast Care Nurses. It was fun seeing your name appear on a virtual seat, and a ‘feel good’ moment knowing that Jane McGrath’s legacy continues to do wonderful work. 

Parkes Que members were given more than a virtual tour at our May business meeting with local McGrath Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green as our guest speaker. 

Dianne was working as a community nurse for Parkes Health Services when she recognised a need in the area for a breast care nurse. She studied for a Certificate in Breast Cancer and applied to become a McGrath Breast Care Nurse. She started with three days a week in 2011, three years later she moved to four days a week., and in her 9th year on the job she became full time. She also continued her research and study and graduated with a Masters in Breast Cancer. 

Dianne works with patients in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Peak Hill. The youngest patient she has supported was just 25 years old and the oldest was 92. Although breast cancer in men isn’t as common, Dianne has had male patients in her care too. 

With Australian breast cancer statistics indicating that one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the good news is that survival rates are continually improving due to the ongoing treatment changes. 

“I am very honoured to be one of 177 McGrath Breast Care Nurses and it is a privilege to care for and support breast cancer patients and their families within our community,” said Dianne. 

If you would like to ‘join the Que’ contact the Parkes club at parkesqueclub@gmail. com and follow us on Facebook. 

By Lynn Rogers

Have You Had Your Macula Checked?

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Dry Macular Degeneration (MD) and Wet MD.

May is Macular Degeneration (MD) Month, and a good reminder that if you are over 50 you should be having regular macula health checks. 

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina which deals with fine detail. A healthy macula is vital for good vision. 

Macular Degeneration is a disease that causes central vision loss. This makes it very difficult to read, recognise faces, watch TV and even obtain a driver’s license. 

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. It is more common as we age, and the risk of MD increases if there is a family history of macula problems, cardiovascular disease or you are a smoker. 

DRY MD 

Characterised by a slow, progressive loss of the RPE cells due to the build-up of drusen at the macula. This makes up about 85% of moderate to advanced MD cases resulting in a gradual deterioration of the central vision. Diet and a special formulation of vitamins and high-dose antioxidants, such as MD eyes have been shown to slow down the progression of MD in those with moderate to advanced MD in at least one eye. 

WET MD 

This affects about two-thirds of advanced MD patients. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macular and these vessels can spontaneously bleed, leading to a sudden loss of vision requiring immediate medical treatment. Treatment often requires regular injections to shrink the blood vessels. 

Like most diseases, early detection and treatment for MD is vital to maintain good vision throughout life. 

Hansen Eyecare Plus has all the latest technology for a comprehensive eye exam, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT is the gold standard for the early detection of Macular Degeneration. Unlike standard retinal photography, OCT enables detailed assessment of the deeper layers of the retina using optical ultrasound. 

To have your macula thoroughly checked, make your appointment today with Hansen Eyecare Plus. 

‘Quality Education For All’

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Public School Kindergarten teaching team at the back (L -R) Judy Elliott, Jane Howard and Jayne Ware. In front are Tracey Lickess and Colleen Leonard.

Parkes Public is an excellent educational facility for children attending Kindergarten through to Year 6. Our school motto ‘Strive for Success’ reflects the attitude of our students and staff towards all aspects of our school, including academic growth, extra-curricular efforts and personal goals. 

We offer a balanced curriculum of academic, cultural and sporting programs with a strong focus on the core subjects of English and Mathematics. All children receive personalised, individualised educational opportunities. 

Our enthusiastic and dedicated staff operate under the ‘School Excellence Framework’ and the ‘What Works Best in Practice’ guidelines, which are supported by ongoing professional development, and innovative practices are embraced.

Our school maintains a strong wellbeing focus, with our core values being respect, responsibility and safety. 

Enrolment Information for Kindergarten 2023

Parents and children are welcome to attend our Open Day on Saturday, 4th June at 11am. Entry via the Kindergarten Hill Street gate. Kindergarten 2023 enrolment information will be provided along with a tour of the school. Please phone our friendly office staff on 6862 1702 for further information. 

The Parkes Public School transition to school program (Preps) begins Monday, 15th August. When you enrol your child at Parkes Public School, you will be given a date for a pre-kinder interview where you will receive all the necessary information about our Preps program. 

For more information visit https://parkes-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/, email parkes-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au or follow us on Facebook.

Letter to the Editor

May 13, 2022 By Malcolm & Pam Nankivell

Dear Editor 

Time for change! We watched the TV debate at the National Press Club between our Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, and the Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers. 

The treasurer harped on about the Labor policies in the last election and just offered more of the same old ones under the Coalition. 

The shadow treasurer quickly pointed out that Labor had discarded the unpopular policies from the last election and went on to discuss some of Labor’s new initiatives which would make a better Australia for us all. What a contrast! 

Change is needed right now if we are going to enjoy fairer and better lives, so please on 21st May, even if you’ve never done it before, do not vote for the present Coalition government. 

Malcolm & Pam Nankivell
Parkes 

Snippets…

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to the 2022 Major Pairs Champions Liz Byrne and Rhona Went (pictured) who beat Cherie Frame and Betsy Johnstone at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club on Tuesday!

Arts OutWest in Canowindra: Arts OutWest invites creatives and community members to join them for their annual regional gathering and AGM on Sunday, 5th June in Canowindra. The day starts with coffee at 11am at Perennialle Plants, co-owned by musician Nerida Cuddy. Then visits to local galleries: David Isbester Gallery, Canowindra Arts Gallery and Melissa Barder Galleries and Café. A light lunch at The Old Vic Inn and the AGM at The Age of Fishes Museum. The day ends around 3:30pm at the Canowindra Historical Museum. The event is free but places are limited to 50 people. RSVP via Eventbrite or artsoutwest.org.au or call Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657. 

Prepare For Flu Season: Seniors and other vulnerable people across NSW are encouraged to protect themselves against the flu by getting vaccinated, given COVID-19 is also circulating in the community. People aged 65 and over can book in a free flu shot at pharmacies and GPs, as well as pregnant women, children aged under five years, Aboriginal people and those with  serious health conditions. Influenza cases have more than doubled in recent weeks. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said: “Alongside the increase in flu cases, we are seeing more people with flu being admitted to hospital, including young children. This can be very serious especially for young children who have had little to no exposure to flu over the last two years.” People are also encouraged to continue to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. It is safe and convenient to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time. 

Aboriginal Ancestors Reburied In Wellington: The remains of four Aboriginal ancestors have finally been laid to rest in a traditional ceremony after being returned to the Wellington Aboriginal community at the Wellington caves. The burial ceremony last week completed the repatriation process for 13 Aboriginal ancestral remains that were taken from the area from the late 1800s to the 1970s. Local community members conducted a cultural ceremony for the remains after they were repatriated from the Australian Museum. The repatriation process was led by Heritage NSW, in line with the wishes of the Wellington Aboriginal community. Local elder Uncle Barry Smith welcomed the repatriation saying: “This is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to Wellington.” 

Parkes Dragon Boat Club is celebrating its fourth anniver-sary on Sunday with a fun day at Lake Endeavour.

Welcoming, Caring & Inclusive Community At Holy Family

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The 2023 Kindergarten Information Night at Holy Family Parish School is on Tuesday, 17th May at 6pm in the school hall.

Holy Family Parish School in Parkes has a student population of 170 and prides itself on being a welcoming, caring and inclusive community where all are welcome and every child participates fully in the life of our school.

“We are looking forward to sharing with you the journey your child will commence here at our school.” Says Principal Denise Gersbach.

“The staff are committed to achieving our goals and they take their role as Christian educators seriously, acting with integrity and dedication. We are very proud of the educational opportunities we are able to provide to our children. We look forward to partnering with our parents on this educational journey.”

The 2023 Kindergarten Information Night on Tuesday, 17th May is the perfect opportunity to meet the staff of Holy Family, tour the classrooms and extra-curricular spaces such as the MakerSpace, Sensory Room and Religious Education Room.

Students at Holy Family have an opportunity to experience learning as an exciting challenge and a lifelong endeavour. They do this through a curriculum that is student-centred and teaches that knowledge brings responsibility.

Holy Family offers the same curriculum as government and independent schools, whilst at the same time integrating a Catholic vision of life. Expectations of achievement and conduct are high. The growth and development of each child are fostered by providing pathways for them to achieve their potential.

Our school strives for excellent educational outcomes by enlivening the minds, hearts and souls of our children in a faith-centred learning environment.

We expect high standards of student behaviour based on respect and kindness for each other. Our school is committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for our students, staff and families.

For more information contact the school office on 6862 1610 or via email admin.parkes@wf.catholic.edu.au. Enrolment packs will also be available on the night. 

 

‘Tie A Yellow Ribbon…’

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Yellow ribbons have become synonymous with National Road Safety Week which starts on Sunday. 

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be getting behind this initiative with a range of activities to help raise awareness of road safety as they’ve done since 2017. This includes honouring the memory of the 1,200 lives lost and more than 44,000 seriously injured on Australian roads each year. 

“Yellow ribbons will be displayed all across the country to remember those we have lost on the roads and to remind us to drive safely,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor. 

Members of the public are encouraged to pick up a vehicle sticker and/or lapel ribbon for free from Council’s administration office, while the Councils’ fleet and staff will display yellow ribbons during the week. 

The monument on Memorial Hill and the Sir Henry Parkes statue will be lit in yellow. 

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