Maggi Barnard

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

A First For Regional Theatre

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society is once again leading the way with its latest production featuring captions for patrons that are hearing impaired or who struggle to understand the sung word. Musical Director Neil Westcott saw a production at the Sydney Opera House which featured captions. After talking to Director Lyn Townsend they decided to research how this works and whether it was possible to offer this for their production of Les Miserables.

Captions will be available for patrons booking seats in rows A to J and will be monitored by the caption team of Graham MacRaild, Kate Townsend and Emily McHugh-Douglas. This involves cueing every single line in the show manually, which takes a lot of focus.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of bringing this technology to regional theatre,” said Lyn. “Being a hearing-impaired person who wears aids myself, I understand how important captions are to people with a hearing disability. I also believe the captions will be great for people who miss a line, or where there are multiple lines sung at the same time”.

Les Miserables opens on Saturday, 14th September. Tickets are on sale at www. parkesmandd.com.au or Parkes Regional Business Supplies.

First Inland Rail Construction Complete

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

From next month freight trains travelling from the east and west will be running on the first completed section of new track of the Inland Rail North-West Connection.

The North-West Connection will link Inland Rail to the interstate east-west line from Sydney to Perth providing a vital connection for the freight industry.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack and Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government Mark Coulton were in Parkes last Friday to inspect the completed section.

“The North-West Connection is so important for our freight industry and we will see markedly improved travel times and enhanced capacity for multiple train movements up, down and along the intersecting network,” said Michael.

According to Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller this is another important project milestone. “This historic link is a vital connection to the Inland Rail spine and the East-West network to Perth,” Richard said.

“What was a greenfield site now accommodates this significant rail connection that will be handed over in the coming weeks to become operational. In the second quarter of next year, we anticipate it will also link into the Parkes to Narromine line.

The North-West Connection is part of Inland Rail’s Parkes to Narromine project, and continues to provide opportunities and an economic boost for local communities.

“At the end of July, about $24.5 million had been spent with local businesses,” Richard said. “Around 72 local businesses have supplied to the project, about 700 people have worked on the project, of whom about 280 are local, and last month a peak daily workforce of 598 was recorded.

Motorists should note that there are two new level crossings as part of the North- West Connection, one at Coopers Road and one at Brolgan Road with boom gates and flashing lights.

‘New’ Library Opens In Main Street

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The $2.2 million expansion of the Parkes Library commenced officially on Monday morning with a sod turning ceremony, and shortly after the temporary library was opened in the main street.

The Library Expansion Project will enlarge the 18-year-old building by 455m² to include a gallery and intergenerational makerspace, meeting rooms, quiet study areas, additional room for children’s programs, places to connect with technology and ‘green areas’.

At the opening of the temporary library at Shop 2/250 Clarinda Street, Mayor Ken Keith OAM said 15 years ago libraries were considered dinosaurs that were on their way out. “Today they have become a real cultural hub of any community.”

Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones reiterated this point saying “as a main provider of lifelong learning and cultural endeavours, it’s essential that our library facility is able to meet the needs of our growing community.”

More than 33,000 books, DVD’s, CD’s and other items had to be moved to the library’s temporary location in the main street over the past month.

“Thank you to our members and visitors for your patience and understanding during the closure period,” Kerryn said.

She said the new location provided them with a great opportunity to take advantage of the CBD foot traffic, to further promote the range of services, programs and events.

Our Gal -Rebeckah Auld

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes my whole life, with a few short stints in Newcastle, Geraldton, and Rockhampton. I enjoy living in a regional town, where during tough times, the community comes together to support those in need.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am currently studying a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Public Relations, through correspondence.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Spending time with my friends and family, taking photographs, baking, playing sport, listening to music. The list could keep going!

What makes you proud? My family. We’ve gone through so much, but have always been there for each other.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would be a Quokka, as they are one of the happiest animals. Despite its vulnerable status
of extinction, they aren’t scared of humans. Plus, they are great at selfies!

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Right now my list includes: Movie: My Best Friend’s Wedding; Song: Soon You’ll Get Better –
Taylor Swift; Book: The Year of the Farmer by Rosalie Ham.

Tell us about your best holiday. Spending three months travelling around Europe with my Mum in 2012 visiting my eldest sister, Steff. I particularly loved Scotland and Germany!

What is on your bucket list? I would love to go swimming with pigs in the Bahamas! No one is certain of how the pigs first arrived there. When the pigs hear the motors of the boats, they come running out of the forest, across the beach, and into the turquoise waters.

SNIPPITS…

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Harrison Kennedy (Year 6) and Indianna Kennedy (Year 4) represented Middleton Public School at the Parkes Action Club Public Speaking Competition. Indianna took out first place in her division with her speech “It Wasn’t My Idea!” receiving a perpetual trophy and $100 for the school.

Pink Hill: The Peak Hill Community Health Team at the Peak Hill Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is urging the community to turn Pink for the month of October to raise awareness about Women’s Health and in particular breast cancer awareness. “We encourage our community to also participate and to ‘Pink’ up your venue, host a ‘Pink’ morning tea, decorate shop fronts, dye your hair, wear pink clothing or whatever takes your fancy,” said Primary and Community Health nurse Louise O’Leary. All money raised will go to the McGrath Foundation and the support of breast care nurses. If you have an idea or want to get involved, call 6861 7100 and ask to speak to Pam, Rae, Michelle or Louise.

Nominate Your Town For A Makeover: As the drought continues to take its toll, Rural Aid is launching a campaign to give 10 country towns impacted by drought a makeover. The 10 towns will receive a minimum of $100,000 each over five years. Working with town leaders, the money will be spent developing plans, workshops, and to support the long-term sustainability of the town and local community. Rural Aid’s Farm Army of volunteers (usually between 50 – 100) will also spend a week in the town undertaking a range of infrastructure projects. Applications close 30 September. To nominate a town go to: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/nominate/.

Spring Photo Comp: The Parkes Phoenix is once again running its Spring Photo Competition with a great prize to be won! Send us your Spring photos on our Facebook page or email your photos to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au Entries close on Thursday, 31st October.

Take the Road Safety Pledge: Locals are encouraged to take the pledge to help reduce road related incidents as part of Rural Road Safety Month during September. Last year over 700 people were killed on rural roads, while one in two rural drivers admitted to speeding, using their mobile phone or driving distracted with their children in the car. Statistics show that rural drivers are more likely to drive under the influence and drive whilst tired compared to their city counterparts. Rural Road Safety Month calls on road users to make the pledge to: Always be fit to drive; Scan the road ahead; Know their limits and plan their trip; Stay sharp and take regular breaks; Not drive through flooded waters; Be alert for wildlife and livestock; and Drive to suit the conditions. Take the pledge today by visiting www.arsf.com.au/take-the-pledgefor-rrs/

Ostini Wool Weekly Market Update

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

This week’s market continued to decline; however, the losses were not as extreme. By the close of trade the NRI had lost 17 cents to finish at 1521.

Buyers continued to seek out the better style lots, resulting in minimal change for those types. Non-mulesed wool continued to attract strong competition, maintaining a healthy premium over similarly specified wools (as much as 200 cents clean for selected lots). However lesser style wools and those with poor additional measurements, lacked the same demand resulting in general losses of 50- 80 cents.

Oddments also suffered losses this week, with all types and descriptions generally falling by 80-120 cents. Crossbreds were the only sector to record increases, with 26 to 28 micron generally gaining 25-40 cents (it was these gains that prevented the NRI from recording a larger fall).

Despite the general reductions, more sellers were willing to accept the current level, as the national passed in rate reduced to 16.1% (compared to 35.3% the previous week).

Source: AWEX

What do you think of the new temporary library in the main street?

September 5, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Margaret Tanner: It’s exciting and very inviting. I’d like to compliment the staff on a job done beautifully, especially the kid’s corner. As a former library teacher and casual working with Bob Thomas, I like the new space.

Warwick Tom: It’s beautiful, open and light and very inviting. It is also on the main street which is even better. The staff did a fantastic job relocating here.

Sara Trott with Frances (3): It’s great they managed to get something so good. We will definitely use it a lot. We’ve missed the library the past month!

Footy Tipping Results – Round 24

September 3, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Light Up Your Smile

August 29, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

You deserve to be the best version of yourself. That is why at Baker Dental we offer a range of safe and pioneering dentistry services to help you feel more confident and youthful.

Our services include in-chair teeth whitening and take home custom whitening kits.

In-chair teeth whitening is a non-invasive dental treatment that lifts stains from the pores of teeth and lightens the colour of natural tooth enamel, leading to the appearance of whiter, brighter teeth.

In-chair teeth whitening is the quickest dental solution for whitening teeth and removing or reducing stains and discolouration.

It typically involves the application of the whitening product directly onto the teeth and the use of UV light to activate and accelerate the whitening agent.

With in-chair teeth whitening, results are typically achieved within a 60-minute dental appointment. At your in-chair whitening appointment you will be given custom trays and take home whitening gel to continue whitening maintenance at home.

The second option is the take home whitening kit, which are a more affordable option for whitening. At your dental appointment an impression of your teeth will be taken and a custom tray will be made for you. You will also receive a whitening gel syringe kit with these custom trays. You’ll wear the trays for a certain period of time, usually for 45 mins
depending on your circumstances.

The take home kit enables you to control the process at home. It is ideal for patients who would like to whiten their teeth on their own time. Results are usually achieved within two weeks.

Contact Baker Dental to see which option of teeth whitening is best suited to you.

Pascal Scoots Into World Ranking

August 29, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Not many girls are drawn to the adrenaline of the skate park, except for a trailblazing Parkes student who has just added a world ranking to her long list of achievements.

Seventeen-year-old Pascal Berry not only represented Australia at the first ever female competition in the World Roller Games held in Barcelona, Spain in August, but she ended in ninth position in the world ranking for female scooter riders.

Pascal, who is the number one female rider in NSW and the ACT, and number four in Australia, said she was so stoked to be part of this historic event. “It was awesome being part of getting the sport to a higher level.”

Pascal competed against 17 other riders from five countries saying the competition was very tough. The new indoor skate park built specifically for the event, had three sections that competitors had to hit. “The judges also looked at consistency, technicality and originality,” said Pascal. “We each had two 45 second runs.”

Looking ahead Pascal is excited for the new season that kicks off in Australia next month with a new sponsor, Tilt. She needs to take part in three of the five competitions across the country in order to get a ranking.

While her aim is to get better and bigger, she would also like to continue her encouragement of the sport among girls. “I would love to see more girls taking part in competitions. I enjoy teaching the younger kids new tricks.” Pascal said she just loved interacting with everyone at the skate park and helping them.

She will also work on her favourite trick the rotar whip, which involves spinning the bars and deck at the same time in different directions.

With her passion and drive, Pascal is not only heading for great things but sure to become a catalyst for the younger generation to follow in her scooter trails.

By Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard

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