Maggi Barnard

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

SNIPPETS…

November 22, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Pat Nolan and Kym Weaver of Currajong Disability Services are getting ready to celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3rd December.

Celebrate People With Disability: Currajong Disability Services and Forbes Shire Council have teamed up with other NDIS providers to recognise International Day of People with Disability on 3rd December with a series of events at the Forbes Memorial Pool. It is the second time both groups have come together to stage this key event. The event will not just be a celebration of people with a disability but also a chance for other providers and organisations to connect and share experiences and ideas. The day is United Nations sanctioned and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

Spectacular Weekend For Drought-Affected Students: Students from Trundle Central School will be part of 150 students from 14 other schools this weekend in Sydney to watch the Schools Spectacular and enjoy the seaside. Far from the dusty, drought-ravaged paddocks of home, this weekend will be a wish come true for the students thanks to Wish Upon a Star, a joint initiative of the Department of Edu- cation, Office of Sport and Transport for NSW and supported by a sponsorship from RØDE Microphones. Three students are from one of the state’s most isolated and driest schools in the far north-western corner of the state, Tibooburra Outback Public School. Schools Spectacular Co-Executive Producer Rosemary Davis said everyone had enthusiastically supported the effort to give these young people a weekend they would never forget.

Small Business Helping Other Small Businesses: Greenparkes Garden Centre has taken the initiative to invite market stall holders to set up a temporary stand at Greenparkes Garden Centre every Saturday until Christmas from 10am to 3pm. Bookings are essential to maintain variety of offer. Please bring your own equipment required including cash float and EFT facilities. For more information contact Jenny on 0428 634 650 during business hours.

Parkes Man Wins Big: A Parkes man has kicked off the week with a win, scoring $100,000 in the latest Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw, the guaranteed first prize. He said he initially thought he was seeing things. “I had to get my wife to come over and make sure I wasn’t seeing things! I can’t believe it. We’re both so excited, but a little bit shell-shocked! The man said he’d use his prize to get some renovations done around his home.

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club went to Lake Cargelligo for a fun weekend and to celebrate member Jason Gosper’s 50th birthday. Member Linda Snyman made him a beauti- ful Obelix cake. With Jason are Bill Thomas, Harley Tom and Beth Thomas.

Be Seen

November 22, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Mel Wild, Alice Tique and Jingle Pabora attended the Citizenship Ceremony at the Council chamber this week.

YeeWern Teh and her son Christopher with Anna Sinaga and Julie Orr at the Citizenship Ceremony this week.

Ed Sartori celebrated her Australian citizenship with friends Laurie and Margaret Crowley.

Bogan Gate Students Star In Schools Spectacular

November 22, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

A performance in last year’s School Spectacular.

Three members of the combined choir of Bogan Gate Public School will be performing in Schools Spectacular at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena this weekend.

The Schools Spectacular theme this year is ‘stars’ and the Bogan Gate choir will be joining a galaxy of 5,500 stars from all over the state for four performances.

Now in its 36th year, the Schools Spectacular has sealed itself at the pinnacle of the NSW performing arts calendar and has been ranked by Guinness World RecordsTM as the world’s largest amateur variety act.

It will star 40 featured performers, an incredible 100-piece symphony orchestra, stage band, 2,700 voice choir, 2,300 amazing dancers, the D’Arts Ensemble disability program, the Aboriginal Dance Company, puppets and an indispensable behind-the- scenes team.

In the true spirit of variety, the fast-paced show will transition through a colourful choreographed kaleidoscope of music from pop and hip hop to the classics, from a crescendo of massed voices to stunning solos, and a full spectrum of dance styles. Each segment will relate to the ‘stars’ theme.

The show will be recorded for later broad- cast across the Channel 7 network Australia-wide.

Legend Of Water

November 15, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Council raked in another award last week when Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis, was bestowed with legendary status. He was named one of three Legends of Water by the Australian Water Association (AWA). The award recognises the achievements of water industry leaders committed to creating a more sustainable water future dedicating their careers to promoting the importance of water in their respective fields.

Our Gal – Rachel Kerin

November 15, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I actually live between Parkes and Dubbo, close to Yeoval. I grew up in Molong, married a farmer and moved here about five years ago. I’ve worked in Parkes for the last five years and I love it. It’s got a small-town community vibe, yet the conveniences of a large centre.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I own Kerin Physio Co, which I started about three years ago. We now have a team of 12 amazing ladies and we offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and exercise physiology services. I absolutely LOVE what I do – I have a passion for rural healthcare and love seeing our clients receive high quality services from professionals who genuinely care.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I love a long bath with a wine and good book. Or being outside in the garden, there is nothing quite like the morning sun on your shoulders and the smell of freshly cut lawn. Or a stroll up the paddock during golden hour in the late afternoon, with my baby in the carrier, husband beside me and the dogs running around us excitedly.

What makes you proud? Seeing people go outside their comfort zones and achieve amazing things.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I’ve always thought meerkats look like they have a lot of fun! Although if I’m being honest, all my Meerkat knowledge comes from the series, Meerkat Manor (which I was far too emotionally invested in…)

Tell us about your best holiday. South America: snorkelling with the incredible animals in the Galapagos Islands, hiking the ancient Inca Trail and overlooking Machu Picchu at sunrise, enjoying a delicious seven-course lunch with paired wines in Mendoza (Argentina) – the perfect holiday.

Why do you think it is important to attend the commemoration of Remembrance Day?

November 15, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Luka Parkin and Tia Dunn: (Parkes Public School Captains)
Luka: The soldiers fought so we don’t have to fight in wars, and we don’t have to experience that pain. Tia: It is important to commemorate all the people who have lost their lives and delivered freedom for us.

Nicayden Greenwood and Faith Hanstock: (Parkes High School Captains)
Nicayden: It is important to continue the legacy of the fallen Diggers and pay our respects to the lost generations. Faith: To pay our respects to the fallen, especially those from the Parkes district.

Parkes Elvis Festival ‘The Best Of The Best’

November 15, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure with the top gong adding to the festival’s vast collection of awards.

The fame of the Parkes Elvis Festival keeps on spreading as this major event was named the “Best of the Best” at the inaugural Grey Nomads Awards last week.

Announced at a gala dinner on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Festival took out the top prize after winning the “Best Grey Nomad Festival or Event” category earlier in the evening.

The Grey Nomad Awards recognise communities, tourism operators and events that provide exemplary products, services or experiences for travellers aged over 55.

The “Best of the Best” was granted to the category winner judged as the most outstanding.

“We have an extremely hard-working team of staff and volunteers who work around the clock to deliver a five-day festival with more than 200 unique events,” said Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

“Winning this award is wonderful validation for all the blood, sweat and tears that go into delivering this event to our audiences.”

Grey Nomad Awards Director Kim Morgan, said the win was a significant feather in Parkes’ cap. “Winning a Grey Nomad Award says to these travellers that you offer a superior experience where their needs and enjoyment have been taken into special consideration, providing them with verified information that will guide their decisions on where to travel and what to experience.”

Judging was conducted by mature-age tourism and event professionals from around Australia, some of whom had experienced the grey nomad lifestyle, lending weight to Parkes Elvis Festival’s success.

Parkes Elvis Festival and Parkes Shire Council were praised for the thorough research they had conducted to attract and satisfy grey nomads. The judges were impressed that this inland town in the heart of New South Wales has found such a unique way to attract tens of thousands of visitors when much of Australia is solely focussed on seaside holidays.

The Power Of Words

November 15, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Parkes East student Oscar Hendry.

Writing a letter can sometimes bring surprising results as a year 2 student at Parkes East Primary School found out this week.

Eight-year-old Oscar Hendry wrote a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister about his school and invited him to visit. He also said he wanted to be an astrophysicist one day.

The letter made a big impression and on Monday Michael McCormack came to visit Oscar at his school and spent time in his classroom.

He asked Oscar about his favourite subjects, and if the presence of the Parkes Radio Telescope has inspired Oscar to be an astrophysicist.

Michael told Oscar and the students they could be whatever they wanted to be as long as they applied themselves. “Who knows maybe one day you could be like Andy Thomas the Australian astronaut,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also answered questions from the students about his role, and he handed out certificates to students who participated in an ANZAC Day writing competition earlier in the year.

Centenary Of Grinsted Cup Repeats History

November 15, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

CENTENARY OF GRINSTED CUP… The 2019 Parkes team was joined by Tim Keith, Bob Aitken, John Davies and Lex Hodges before the match on Saturday.

History repeated itself last Saturday in the centenary celebration of the Grinsted Cup game played at the Woodward Oval.

In 1969 Parkes staged an amazing revival to defeat Forbes by one wicket in the 50th anniversary of the Grinsted Cup. The same result was achieved last Saturday when Parkes scraped home to win by the barest margin with Forbes 10/91 off 39 overs and Parkes 9/92 off 39 overs.

After the official launch of the new LED lights at the oval by Member for Orange Phil Donato and Councillor Louise O’Leary, the match began in sensational fashion when Parkes opening bowler Phil Dunford produced a wicket off the first ball to clean bowl Jarrod Nicholson.

Forbes staged a comeback as Mitch Bayley 34 and Scott Neville 15 took the Forbes score to 51 in the 19th over. Parkes 15-year- old Harry Bayliss entered the attack with his well flighted leg spinners as he ripped through the middle order and claimed 6/29 off 10 overs.

Forbes batsman Mark Simmonds (20 no) displayed plenty of grit to boost the Forbes total to 91 off 39 overs. Phil Dunford (3/18) and Blake Smith (1/18) put Parkes in a good position for victory.

At the toss before the match were (L-R) Peter Yelland (Parkes Captain), Mitch Bayley (Forbes Captain), Glenn Pepper (Parkes) and Robert Ryan (Forbes).

In reply, the Parkes batting line-up soon found that they had a difficult task as Mark Simmonds turned in a terrific display of sustained accuracy to smash through the Parkes batting order. Parkes were reeling when their score stood at 5/27 after 12 overs with Mark Simmonds collecting four of the first five wickets to fall. Andrew Hall and Toby Hurford also bowled tightly for Forbes.

A very determined Shane Jones (33 no) and Paul Dunford (11) added useful runs, but Parkes continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. The Parkes score stood at 9/75 when the final batsmen, Ben Coultas joined Shane Jones with Parkes requiring a further 17 runs for victory.

Shane Jones survived a dropped catch that would have given Forbes victory. Ben Coultas hit the winning runs off the following over to give Parkes a memorable victory over a gallant Forbes team.

The Grinsted Cup is said to be the longest running sport competition in NSW. Michael Greenwood gave an overview of all the top historic moments of the past 100 years at the Woodward Oval. He said it was the showpiece of country sport 60 years ago, and told the Parkes team, who defended the sought after trophy last Saturday, and the Forbes team they were part of great sporting history.

Snippets…

November 15, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Action Club members and partners at the Changeover Dinner.

Action!: The Parkes Action Club recently held its annual Changeover Dinner. Cr Alan Ward represented Parkes Shire Council, and he congratulated the Club for its volunteer work in the community. The Action Club has done in excess of 326 hours of community service over the past 12 months. The executive was returned largely unchanged with Bob Steel (President), Louden Grady (Vice-President), Mark Olson (Secretary), David Knights (Treasurer) and David Marks (Commissariat). Bob thanked members for their work particularly at the Christmas Street parade and the public speaking competition.

‘Drought’ Christmas Party: On 15th December there will be a Christmas Party for farmers, small business owners, families and all people hurting due to the drought. The free event will be at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club from 4 – 8pm. It is open to the whole family and will have a children’s play area, jumping castle, games of futsal and bowls, and a free barbeque meal at 7pm. RSVP to ucparkes@bigpond.com for catering purposes, or contact John Carr on 6862 5526, Graham Lancastar 0439 040 327 or Julie Green 0419 725 462.

A Joyous Event: The Flourish Music Studio term 4 concert will be held on Thursday, 28th November at the Parkes Baptist Church at 7pm. The theme is Joy. You can play ‘Joy to the World’ or something similar, or a piece which brings you joy! If you would like to participate, send an email to poshandjam@outlook.com

Competition: Enter our competition on page 8 to win a double pass to The Never Ending 80s show in Parkes at the Leagues Club on 23rd November.

On A Note: We welcomed our newest member Hannah MacIntyre, who plays clarinet. Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) enjoyed playing at the Rosedurnate Fete last Saturday. We really enjoy playing in the community, so if you have an event please contact us. Our next community playouts will be Christmas visits to the nursing homes, Up the Street in December, Christmas Street Parade and Christmas Carols. We are looking forward to January 2020, leading the Elvis Street Parade and Australia Day. If you would love to be part of community music please come along. Rehearsals are on Tuesday 7-9pm during school term, above the Pool Complex in Dalton Street. Contact PSCB Music Director Duncan Clement on email: duncanclement@hotmail.com or 0405 035 164.

PSCB Music Director Duncan Clement with Lila Gascoigne, Amelia Leach, Hannah McIntyre, Gracie McFadyen and Hana Kim.

By Elly Tom

Maggi Barnard

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