Maggi Barnard

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

Healthy Fun In the Sun

September 12, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The kids had fun and the adults gained new knowledge at the first ever Community Health Open Day held at Parkes Hospital on Tuesday.

Just over 50 community members turned up for a day of fun activities in the sun with the focus on kids. Children could complete a treasure hunt, while doing various activities including an obstacle course with the physiotherapists dressed as Minions, craft activities, different games and some handouts.

About ten different services were represented including mental and oral health, occupational, speech and physiotherapy, dietician, social work, psychology, family health and community-based nursing.

“It went quite well,” said Community and Allied Health Manager Kath Gleeson. “The kids enjoyed the various activities, and some adults even received some impromptu consultations.”

She said from feedback received it was clear they could have done more to promote the day in the community. “It was a good start and definitely worthwhile. Our staff enjoyed it as much as the community members.”

Kath thanked Northparkes Mines for a grant that enabled them to print a calendar to further promote the services offered by Community Health.

‘Everybody Come Aboard’

September 12, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival is on course to be the biggest yet with some shows already sold out just days after ticket sales opened on Monday when the 28th celebration of the King of Rock ‘n Roll was launched at the Parkes Motor Museum.

With the theme the 1966 riverboat gambler movie Frankie and Johnny, a wave of up to 30,000 people in colourful and fun costumes are expected to flood the streets
of Parkes from 8th to 12th January.

“We have the best line-up ever with a huge combination of 65 ticketed and 200 free events,” said Festival Director Cathy Treasure.

“With the drought continuing its grip, we want people to come out and enjoy good entertainment without any worries.”

The stage in Cooke Park is the focus of the free entertainment program and festival goers can look forward to seeing Mark Andrews performing his first ever free concert, Greg Page and the John Field Band with Brendan Chase among others.

True blue Elvis fans can look forward to Dean Z, next year’s feature artist and winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2013.

The amazing performer has dedicated his life to honouring the legacy of Elvis.

Other legends to look out for is the Wall of Fame inductee Joe Camillero of the Black Sorrows, and Adam Harvey who will do a tribute to Elvis’s country albums.

Festival goers can expect more activity areas, more shuttles, the first ever sleeper trains and a revitalised Rock ‘n Roll dancing program. Go to https://www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au/ for more.

By Maggi Barnard

Mental Health: A State Of Well-Being

September 12, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” – World Health Organisation

One in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year. The most common illnesses are depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. While its very common, misunderstanding and stigma surrounding these conditions is widespread, leading to many people not seeking help.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29 year-olds with 800,000 deaths due to suicide every year around the world. With every suicide it is estimated that more than 20 others are attempting suicide.

Early identification and effective management are key to ensuring that people receive the care they need.

Parkes Pharmacy is a safe place to talk about mental health concerns. You’re always welcome to come and chat to a pharmacist.

Our pharmacists are trained in mental health first aid and are here for you whether to chat, or sit down in a private space to discuss any concerns about your well-being and/or medications.

We can help you find services available for help or support.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know just yet, there are many resources and support services available, or if you are worried about someone.

• Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) 02 6363 8444 ramhp.com.au
• Mental Health Line by RAMHP 1800 011 511
• Lifeline 24-hour crisis support 13 11 14 / Lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 / beyondblue. org.au

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Footy Tipping Results – Round 25

September 10, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

‘Tuscany’ In Our Backyard

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

If you think a day of grazing, tasting and meandering through vineyards to savour delectable organic food and wine sounds like an itinerary item for a trip around Tuscany, you are on the wrong continent!

Cowra Tourism will be running half day guided Wine & Forage Tours of the Cowra local wine region this spring giving you the opportunity to experience the very best of local organic food and wine.

Antonio D’Onise of Antonio’s Vineyard, formerly Gardener’s Ground, kicks off the tour with a wine ‘treasure’ wander through his vineyard to not only fill up on very interesting facts about organic and vegan wines, but also taste his latest imaginative shiraz and chardonnay releases.

Taking over from Antonio is Sam Statham who takes the group on a wander through Canowindra’s first organic vineyard and farm at Rosnay. Along the way there is a tasting table with a range of some delightful fig and olive products.

The last stop is at Wallington Wines, a family owned and operated organic and biodynamic farm producing grapes and olives just outside Canowindra, with its unique straw bale cellar door. Sitting under the pergola tasting the Bald Hill wines with breathtaking views over the valley, while lunch is being prepared in the wood fire pizza oven, it is easy to imagine yourself in Tuscany…

The 2019 Cowra Wine & Forage Tours will run from Saturday, 14th September and will be available throughout Spring.

Tickets are $80 per person. Contact the Cowra Visitor Information Centre on 6342 4333 or book online via www. visitcowra. com.au/wineandforage.

By Maggi Barnard

Insects, Mini Beasts And Sunflowers For Hospital Mural

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

A dull and grey concrete wall has been turned into a beautiful and bright interactive mural at the Parkes Hospital’s Paediatric Unit with the talent and generosity of two artists.

The Parkes Paediatric Mural was created by Christine Holmes of Redgum Signwriting and Helen Rowbotham, Occupational Therapist and artist.

The mural has a fun, attractive presence and is expected to bring joy to all who experience it, especially therapists who could use it as part of their treatment.

Christine ran a competition on Facebook in 2017 to raise money for a friend’s organisation, # Love 40 Foundation. Helen won the competition, which was a mural to the value of $300, and decided to donate it to the hospital instead. It soon evolved into an
interactive mural that therapists could use in their treatment.

Christine designed the mural in conjunction with Helen and a speech pathologist, and painting started at the end of last year.

“Helen added ‘movement’ in the bee wings and blended colours together in the butterfly wings to give them grace and beauty,” said Christine.

“Together we created insect and mini beast characters that are bright and appealing to children and large sunflowers with bright yellow petals and chalkboard centres, all set in amongst giant size grasses in varying hues of green to make it fun
and attractive.”

Christine said it was a tremendously rewarding project to work on, while the Hospital staff are very grateful for Christine’s generosity and time in creating a fantastic mural.

Rabbits And Guinea Pigs As Pets

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Rabbits and guinea pigs make excellent pets when you’ve got less space (but more love) to give. They’re notoriously clean animals and rabbits can even be litter trained just like cats.

Rabbits and guinea pigs are plant-eaters or herbivores and require an adequate intake of vegetables, fruits, pellets, and fibrous grass and hay, plus fresh water daily.

Fruits and vegetables provide high levels of vitamins and minerals. You can safely treat your rabbit or guinea pig to asparagus, basil, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower leaves and stalks, celery, cucumber, spinach, tomato and zucchini.

Avoid potato and potato tops, rhubarb (including the leaves), tomato leaves andtoo much fruit (as fruits are high in sugar).

Limit your rabbit or guinea pig’s vegetable intake to two to three different greens each day. If your rabbit or guinea pig does not have enough to gnaw on, dental problems can occur.

Make sure you regularly clean their food and water dishes, and that your pet is being fed a varied, nutritious diet.

Your pet will require a large hutch with adequate shelter and warm places to hide and sleep. Rabbits can actually be housetrained similarly to cats. Ensure you clean your rabbit or guinea pig’s hutch twice weekly, keeping it free from droppings and replacing straw bedding regularly. All pet’s need plenty of space to stretch and exercise.

Make sure you let your pet out to play every day, keeping a close eye on them.

This time of the year there are plenty of rabbits and guinea pig babies around so make sure to stock up before adopting one.

You can find a good selection of food and bedding for your rabbits and guinea pigs at the Parkes Pet Barn.

Prepare For Bushfire Season

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Australians are urged to work with their community, neighbours and friends to prepare for another tough bushfire season.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said all parts of Australia were vulnerable because of dry conditions and people shouldn’t be complacent.

NSW authorities have brought forward the Bushfire Danger Period in 12 Local Government Areas two months early because of drought and above average winter temperatures. “Last August we saw homes destroyed in NSW; and again in North Queensland in November when the fire danger rating reached Catastrophic for the first time. Bushfires can strike at any time and we’ve got to be prepared,” the Minister said.

“The Coalition Government has committed more than $6.2 million on the next generation Australian Fire Danger Rating System so we have more accurate and local fire risk messaging.”

“All Australians, especially those in highrisk areas, should have fire plans in place well ahead of time to make sure they and their families are safe. Also when people know their neighbours it saves lives and helps during the recovery.”

“People wanting more information, including on how to plan and prepare, should contact their local fire service.”

Red Cross has tools and resources to help people prepare for disasters, available at www.redcross.org.au

Memorable Day For Kindies

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Middleton Public School’s Kindergarten students went on their first excursion recently and visited a farm, Parkes Airport and Memorial Hill. At the airport they saw the Prime Minister’s plane as Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was visiting the town.

The pilot invited them on board, and the students were absolutely thrilled to go inside and were very impressed by the stylish interior, making it a memorable day.

WHAT’S ON @ The Library

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

PARKES LIBRARY HAS REOPENED FOR BUSINESS!

Parkes Library has now moved to our temporary location at 2/250 Clarinda Street and is open for business. Come in and take a look at all we have to offer including books, DVDs and CDs for loan, or sit down to read a wide selection of newspapers and magazines. If you need to access a computer we have six public computers available, as well as scanning and photocopying facilities.

All of your favourite Library programs will recommence during September including:
• Author-rised Writers Group and Book Club
• Once Upon A Storytime – Tuesday 10th@ 10:30am
• Storytime – Wednesday 11th @ 10:30am
• Rhymetime – Thursday 12th @ 10:30am
• Computer Classes will now be on Wednesday 9-10:30am

AN EVENING WITH THE TWO KELLYS – AUTHOR VISIT

Thursday, 19th September at 6pm Parkes Library

Move over Corbett and Barker, Kelly Rimmer and Kim Kelly are coming to town!

These two well-known Central West writers will be getting together to talk about taking their stories to the world and the triumphs and challenges of writing stories close to their hearts.

Kim Kelly is an acclaimed author of Australian historical fiction, stories of ordinary people enduring extraordinary times, told with lyrical charm. Kim hails from Millthorpe
and her new novella, Sunshine, is a tale of returned soldiers finding new lives out the back of Bourke – literally.

Kelly Rimmer is an internationally bestselling author of gripping women’s fiction.

Kelly hails from Orange and her new novel, The Things We Cannot Say, is a story of war, sacrifice, uncovering truths of the past, and the present – inspired by some very personal stories.

RSVP: 6861 2309, library@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Maggi Barnard

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