Maggi Barnard

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

Our Bloke – Keola Aho

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I am from Tonga and have been in Parkes for approximately three years. I like Parkes because it is quiet and warm like my country. Most of all I like the people who have welcomed me in the community, especially members of the Parkes M&D Society and the Anglican Church. I feel comfortable in Parkes.

Where do you work or what do you do currently? I am looking for a job. I would like to work in aged care as I think my personality would suit a job in this sector.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I do like singing, and my involvement with the Parkes M&D has been great. I have been having singing/guitar lessons. I also love gardening and at the moment I am busy planting a lot of succulents because of the weather and lack of water in the future.

What makes you proud? I am proud of my heritage and my Tongan culture, and I am proud to be living in Australia with my Australian family.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose and why? I would like to be a cat – we have three in our house hold and they run the place.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movie is “King Arthur” as it is about royalty and we have a royal family in Tonga.

Tell us about your best holiday? I went to Eden in 2017 with my Australian family. A lovely little town, but a long drive to get there, especially when I discovered I get car sick.

Snippets…

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Public School Cultural Dance Group performed at the official opening of the Parkes Logistics Terminal last Wednesday.

Remembrance Day: Member for Riverina and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mi- chael McCormack will be the special guest of honour at this year’s Remembrance Day celebrations on Monday, 11th November commencing at 10:30am at the Cenotaph in Cooke Park. Also attending will be Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM and the Parkes RSL Sub Branch President Terry Knowles and returned servicemen. All Parkes schools and the Red Bend Catholic College will play an important part in the celebrations reciting the names of the town and district’s fallen heroes. The Parkes Primary School choir will perform and lead the National An- them.

Cookamidgera History: Do you know the former names for this village? Do you know when Cookamidgera had snow – in spring? Do you know that the National Film and Sound Archives (NSFA) has a video of a Cookamidgera multi-instrumentalist? Find out more on the Parkes Library’s latest history blog post https://historyparkes. org/2019/10/31/cookamidgera/

Call For Elvis Volunteers: The Parkes Elvis Festival is looking for passionate volunteers to help make next year’s festival a King-sized success. Volunteers will play a pivotal role in maintaining the electrifying energy of the festival with a range of jobs to suit all skill levels including setting up event spaces and signage, ushering guests, assisting with a multitude of events both inside and outdoors and transporting VIPs. The organisers are also interested to hear from volunteers with admin experience to assist in tasks in the lead up to the event. “We have 150 volunteer roles to fill,” said Festival Director Cathy Treasure. To apply visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com. au. Volunteer inductions are on Saturday, 9 November from 10.30-12pm and on Monday, 25 November from 5.30pm-7pm at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. Don’t miss out!

Arts OutWest in Parkes: The regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest will take their office on the road to give people in the Central West face-to-face access to their services. Artists, arts champions and those in the local community who make art happen are welcome to book in a chat with Arts OutWest’s Executive Director Tracey Callinan at the Parkes Library meeting room on Monday, 11th November. “People might want to talk to me about their project ideas, funding questions, artist business or insurance questions, professional development needs or something else arts related.” Book a spot via https://artsoutwest.org.au/ or call Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

The Parkes Community Choir took centre stage at the international rugby league game played in Parkes last Wednesday singing the national anthems of France and Australia before the French Chanticleers played the Western Rams.

Wind, Dust, Rain And Jimmy B

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Jimmy Barnes and 5,000 plus fans in Tullamore on Saturday. (Photo: Jimmy Barnes Official Facebook page)

A severe duststorm on Saturday nearly led to the cancellation of the much-awaited Jimmy Barnes show at Tullamore, but more than 5,000 fans were very happy it went ahead.

Jimmy said on his official Facebook page “a dusty sandstorm couldn’t spoil a great time. They call me the rainmaker and Troy Cassar-Daley is known as ‘Stormboy’ and together with a rockin’ crowd the rains came down. So happy for the farmers who have struggled through years of drought.”

The fans could not agree more with lots of praise and compliments handed out for the event.

Parkes resident Janine Hando said the whole weekend was a credit to the Tullamore and surrounding communities. “The whole show was fantastic. The dust storms gave the many out of town visitors a taste (literally) of what it is like living in a drought.”

Another fan on the Jimmy Barnes page said: “Wind, dust, then a short shower on 5,000 plus people – truly amazing, enjoyed every minute of it.”

Another said it was an amazing concert. “The dust didn’t worry me, incredible atmosphere.”

Seems like Tullamore was rocked like it had never been before.

By Maggi Barnard

Keep Your Teeth Healthy During The Holidays

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The holidays will be here before we know it. While it’s a time of joy, family, food (and photos), it’s also important to consider your oral health. Follow these simple tips to keep your teeth healthy this holiday season.

• Avoid hard candy: This sugary substance doesn’t just lead to plaque build-up; it can chip your pearly whites.

• Use proper materials to open packages: Some people have a habit of opening packages with their teeth! This holiday season, use scissors or a letter opener to open your gift deliveries.

• No more nail-biting: With holidays come stress, which can lead many to bite their nails. If this is a common habit for you, try to distract yourself for a moment until the urge passes.

• See us: Has it been a while since your last clean? Give us a call today to look and feel your best for the holiday season.

For all your dental needs please call us at Riaz Dental on 68621261 or visit www.riazdental.com.au

Have Your Say On Drought Fund

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee’s will hold public consultations in Orange on 25th November and Dubbo on 26th November.

The committee has provided the government with their plan but must now consult the community as part of the process legislated by the government.

The Fund will provide $100 million each year from 1st July 2020 for projects that enhance preparations and responses to drought.

To have your say on the draft Drought Resilience Funding Plan, go to the Have Your Say: Future Drought Fund website. Register at www.haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/future-drought-fund to attend a public con- sultation.

More information about the Future Drought Fund: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund

Chanticleers Bring Joy To Currajong

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

John Carrey (right) of Currajong with members of the French rugby league side.

The French Rugby League team spent time in Parkes last week before playing the Western Rams last Wednesday at the Jock Colley Field.

Part of the team’s program included morning tea with clients at Currajong Disability Services. The top class French players were more than happy to interact, chat to and play with participants in a number of football passing games and it wasn’t long before Currajong clients took centre stage.

“The Chanticleers have had a jam-packed promotional schedule since arriving in Parkes with Currajong being one of our most important,” said Team Manager Tas Baitieri.

“We’ve had visits to Peak Hill, Trundle, Forbes and Manildra during our four-day stop in the region. “Yet it’s moments like this that will live long in the memories of our squad,” Tas said.

Currajong’s Timbo Wheeler echoed the sentiments of the French. “I think it’s great they came and saw us. It makes us feel special. They are really good people,” he said.

“Our guys loved it!” said Indigo Kriedemann of Currajong. “They all had a blast and most love their footy, so meeting these stars is a big day for them,” she said.

Nail Biter International Against France In Parkes

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

PRIDE… The Western Rams team playing France last week included four Parkes Spacemen players. (Photo: Steve Ostini)

Last Wednesday was a night to remember for footy fans in Parkes with an international game played in our backyard.

A record four Parkes Spacemen players were included in the Western representative team against the French Rugby League side.

It was a very tight game towards the end with the Chanticleers just beating the Western Rams 22 – 20 in front of a packed crowd at the Jock Colley Field. The local Spacemen players included in the Western Rams team were Sam Dwyer, Chad Porter, Jordo Pope and Brandon Tago.

Action from the game between the Western Rams and the Chanticleers.

Peter McDonald, Western Rams Rugby League Chairman said the fixture provided the country boys of the Western region a cherished opportunity to test their mettle against their international counterparts.

“To Chaddy, Sammy, Tago and Jordo, Ethan and the rest of the Rams boys, you made a whole region proud and gave many young kids something to dream about,” the

Parkes Spacemen committee said afterwards. “To play such a huge match in our back yard, and give a team loaded with professionals such a great game demonstrates the talent our region is producing.”

The Spacemen also thanked the people of Parkes and surrounds for making the event what it was. “A brilliant crowd for Wednesday night footy – it was a pleasure to host and something we’ll all remember.”

It was the sixth clash between France and a Western division team, and the second match played in Parkes. The previous game was played on 20th July 1955 at Pioneer Oval. The other matches took place in Forbes (1951), Dubbo (1960), Orange (1964) and Bathurst (1990).

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was in Parkes on Wednesday to hand over the winning trophy to the French captain Romain Navarrete. (Photo: Dan Fredericks)

Every major rugby league playing nation have played games in Parkes over the past decades. Great Britain played here in 1928, 1936 and 1966, and New Zealand in 1963.

By Maggi Barnard

Cold Snap On Bowls Day

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

It was a surprising little cold snap we woke to on Tuesday!

Twelve lady bowlers braved the elements and enjoyed the morning regardless of the brisk cross wind.

Two games of two-bowl triples were played. Kate Keogh led her team of Valmai Westcott and Carol Reed to a 24 – 21 win over Merilyn Rodgers, Frances Charlton and Carol Reed II. Lorraine Baker, Chris Cox and Audrey Jones played a close match against Jan McPhee, Di Howell and Lea Orr, resulting in a 17-all draw.

The semi-final of the minor singles will be played next Tuesday, 12th November with Jan McPhee vs Lea Orr. The winner will go on to play Maureen Miller the following week in the final.

The first round of the minor pairs will be contested on 26th November: Heather Harvey/Jan McPhee vs Lea Orr/Kay Craft; Carol Reed/Kate Keogh vs Di Howell/Maureen Miller.

Our Pink Gala Day last week raised an astounding $1,041 for the McGrath Foundation. A huge thank you to everyone involved.

Thanks also to the dedicated guys who keep both greens in tip top condition. You are noticed and appreciated.

By Lea Orr

Spring Photo Competition Winner

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Glen Harbidge is the winner of our very popular Spring Photo Competition this year with his entry called Yesterday’s Hero. Glen wins a $150 gift voucher from Greenparkes Garden Centre. The quality was astounding in this year’s competition with almost 110 entries received. Thank you to everyone who took the time to photograph the beauty surrounding us every day despite the drought.

Clean Sweep At Keep Australia Beautiful Awards

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Holding a collection of awards are (L-R) Julian Fyfe (Parkes Shire Council, Technical Infrastructure Manager), Raen Fraser (Parkes Shire Council, Project Communications Officer), Cr Neil Westcott and Alison Westcott.

Parkes made a clean sweep at the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards in Cessnock last weekend coming home with six awards.

Parkes not only won the overall award for population 12,001-20,000, but also claimed awards for Waste Management, Response to Climate Change, Environmental Education, and Community Spirit and Inclusion.

However, it was the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society who stole the show winning the Community Spirit and Inclusion Award for the musical Shrek – Junior. The production not only included a record number of junior members on stage, but also offered an autism friendly relaxed performance – a first for a regional theatre company and junior cast.

The show was attended by many who had not previously had the opportunity to see live theatre before, such as those living with autism, epilepsy, a sensory disorder, or a disability.

Parkes Shire Council was recognised with the Waste Minimisation Award for the Waste Management Strategy Implementation, which saw new waste facility up- grades in Parkes and Peak Hill, including a new weighbridge, gatehouse, and drop-off facilities at Parkes. The new Waste Transfer Station at Peak Hill included undercover waste drop-off areas, new sealed roads and staff amenities. Environmental improvements were also undertaken at land-fills at Bogan Gate, Gunningbland, Trundle and Tullamore.

The Parkes Recycled Water Scheme was recognised with a Response to Drought Award. The Scheme represents Council’s long-term vision to secure Parkes’ water supply and increase our drought resilience in a changing climate.

Banjo the Frog received a Highly Commended Environmental Education Award for sharing the message on recycled water and water resource issues with our community.

Trundle School was recognised with a Highly Commended Community Spirit and Inclusion Award for their Country Kids Reaching Out project.

Maggi Barnard

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