Chris Auld: Fun! Fitness! Friendship! It has changed my life.
Louise Moore: An initially insecure venture into the unknown, which became a series of positive and enjoyable new experiences with a crew of wonderful people who fast became great friends working together in an environment of fun, friendship and achievement.
McCormack Re-elected: Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has expressed his gratitude to voters for putting their trust in him for a fourth term in the Federal Parliament.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it had always been an honour to serve the Riverina and Central West. “I am privileged and humbled to be able to be the voice in Canberra for all of you throughout the Riverina and Central West,” said Michael. “I am also honoured to be the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. This enables me to be around the Cabinet table when decisions are being made which really affect regional communities. Michael praised those who supported him through volunteering their time on polling booths and helping with the organisation of the local campaign effort.
Competition: Enter our Western Plains Taronga Zoo competition on page 6 to win a family pass. Closing date for the competition is 30th May.
Cultural Grants: Local groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for a Parkes Shire Council Cultural Grant. The aim of the Parkes Shire Council’s cultural grant program is to encourage and support the development of local community organisations, services and strategies which make a positive contribution to the community and cultural life of the Shire.
“The grants can be utilised in a variety of ways, including to develop a new project, extension or enhancement of an existing project, purchase of equipment, or minor capital works,” said newly appointed Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones. Application forms are available at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au, or at any Parkes Shire Library (Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore). Applications close 21st June.
Grow Your Business: The Next Stage Growth Program is a six-month program for existing businesses wanting to accelerate and grow in sales, revenue, people, skills, knowledge, capacity, markets and more. Led by experienced leaders in entrepreneurship, marketing and managing the growth process, business owners will assess their business strategies and growth expectations, conduct competitive analysis with real data, develop market strategies to target growth opportunities, and learn how to exploit digital and social media. Register for the event on Tuesday, 4th June at the Forbes Town Hall from 12 to 1pm. Open to businesses in Parkes and Forbes. Go to eventbrite.com.au/e/61411619808.
More than 80 motorcyclists took part in the annual Ironbark Dice Run held by the Midstate Motorcycle Club last Saturday. Participants came from all over the Central West and helped to raise $1,730 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Pictured are riders at the first stop at the Cross Roads Hotel, Tomingley.
The next big show for the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society is Shrek the Musical Jr. It will run over the first two weekends in June with a cast of 38 between the ages of 7 and 19 from Parkes, Forbes and surrounding towns. It is a wonderful show for the whole family from 3 years to 100!
For the first time ever, the Society is staging an Autism friendly performance on 15th June at 2pm that will be specially adapted to be accessible to people with Autism, a learning disability, or anyone with sensory disposition. All sudden lighting and sound effects will be taken out and house lights will be left on at 50%. There will be no aggressive or confrontational content and all main characters will be introduced before the show commences. There will be quiet spaces, and an open day before the show so kids can come along and get familiar with the theatre environment.
“We are very excited to be the first regional company to hold an Autism friendly relaxed performance and look forward to seeing many kids experience theatre for the first time,” said Director Lyn Townsend.
A Parkes heath professional received a welcome surprise recently when she was named Midwife of the Year.
The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) announced Cath Byrnes as its Midwife of the Year when celebrating International Day of the Midwife.
“It was a surprise and an honour,” Cath told The Parkes Phoenix. “It is also nice to be acknowledged.” Cath has been a midwife for 23 years and has lived in Parkes for the past 20 years.
She said the award encouraged her to continue her studies and to become a lactation consultant. “The course is for 12 months and I have to pass an exam in order to become a clinical expert in breastfeeding.”
Executive Director Quality, Clinical Safety and Midwifery Adrian Fahy said: “Cath is a hard-working midwife and an asset to the Lachlan Health Service team in Parkes. Cath shows great innovation and initiatives towards clinical education and mentoring new staff”.
He said Cath not only demonstrated all of the required qualities, but was also a fantastic role model to not only other midwives but staff across the hospital.
“Cath’s passion is women centred care and looking at the family as a whole unit and adjusting her care to suit the woman’s needs,” Adrian said.
Over the past 12 months Cath has been working to improve patient outcomes through educating staff. Cath not only attended training to develop her own skills but then brought the training back and developed training sessions for staff at the Lachlan Health Service.
“Cath is a role model and mentor to new graduates and students and is seen as a senior staff member in the unit that staff can approach for direction and learning.”
“We are extremely proud of Cath, and her passion and dedication to providing excellent care to our women.”
Guarantor loans have become prevalent in recent times as banks try to spread the liability for loans. These types of loans are usually structured in such a way that the loan is secured by both the property you are buying and the property owned by the guarantor. Here are some types of guarantees:
1. Security guarantee: First time home buyers with an excellent credit history but no deposit will use this type of guarantee.
The guarantor, called an ‘equity guarantor’ by some lenders, uses real estate they own as additional security for the mortgage in question. If the guarantor has a loan on their property already, the bank can usually take a second mortgage as security.
2. Security and income guarantee: These guarantors are often parents helping their child who is a student or who has insufficient income to buy a property. The lender will use the parents’ property as additional security and rely on the parents’ income to prove that the loan is affordable.
3. Limited guarantee: The guarantor only guarantees a part of the loan. This is mostly used with security guarantors to reduce the potential liability secured on the guarantor’s property. Guarantees can either be limited or unlimited, depending on both the guarantor’s wants and the lender’s requirements. If you use a limited guarantee, then you are reducing the guarantor’s exposure to your mortgage although you may still be up for interest and charges by the bank in excess of the limit of the loan.
Some banks require the customer to obtain independent legal advice from a solicitor. If we at Matthews Williams can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.
The Parkes Painting Group donated $1,000 to Parkes Legacy this week following its successful exhibition with an Anzac theme at the end of last month. The group chooses a different charity each year to support. Parkes Legacy President Bob Brooke accepted the cheque from Parkes Painting Group representative Kim Chambers (left) with Parkes Leagues Treasurer Geoff Boland (right).
New Law: Harsher penalties for NSW drink and drug drivers come into force on 20th May, with drivers facing instant licence loss for even ‘low-range’ offences. Under the new laws, low-range offences will be met with a $561 fine and instant, roadside three-month license loss. The same penalties will also apply to first-time ‘drug presence’ offenders. Beyond low-level offences (0.05-0.07 BAC), mid-range offenders (0.08-0.149 BAC) will be forced to fit an alcohol interlock in their cars. High-risk, repeat offenders face vehicle impoundment or licence plate confiscation.
Selling or re-homing a cat or dog? The NSW Department of Primary Industries is introducing new rules. From 1st July people selling or giving away kittens, cats, puppies or dogs, will need to include an identification number in any advertisements. The identification number can be either: a microchip number, a breeder identification number, or a rehoming organisation number. For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/companion-animals
Election Profile – Michael McCormack: I am proud of what has been achieved since becoming your Member for Riverina and representing local communities with a strong voice in Canberra. Some of the projects I have delivered in the Parkes Shire include $1 million in Drought Communities Programme funding, $4.2 million to upgrade Clarinda Street and for a Cooke Park multipurpose centre, $8.725 million for Parkes Wastewater Treatment Plant and Recycled Water Scheme, $860,000 to widen The Bogan Way, $6,200 for a Remembrance Wall and garden at Bogan Gate cemetery, $8,890 for Trundle SES shed, $7,000 to renovate Tullamore Hall, $226,306 for CCTV for Parkes CBD, $1.55 million to upgrade Parkes Airport, $4,000 for 3rd Parkes Scout Group Hall toilets and $25,000 for Parkes Tennis Club.
Cash – Nelson – Denver: Direct from the USA, The Kings of Country tour returns to bring back the music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and John Denver. Phillip Bauer as Johnny Cash has been recreating the sound and the look since 1985. His uncanny natural resemblance and stage presence leaves his audiences spellbound. Michael Moore is the world’s leading Willie Nelson Tribute artist. Identifying with his music and style from an early age, Michael developed an affinity with Willie that has led to a life-long career. Ted Vigil as John Denver has just been awarded the Rising Legend award by the American Country Music Association. An accomplished drummer and singer, he has made a career performing as John Denver. (See ad below for show details.)
Competition: Enter our Taronga Western Plains Zoo competition on page 4 to win a family pass. Closing date for the competition is 30th May.
NSW BUSINESS CHAMBERS -2019 Western NSW Regional Business Awards- .Picture: Gregg Porteous
Local businesses flew the flag for Parkes at the 2019 Western NSW Regional Business Awards in Mudgee last Friday with Regos Plus Tyre & Mechanical taking out the top award for Business of the Year. Regos Plus Tyre & Mechanical also won the Excellence in Small Business and Outstanding Young Entrepreneur awards.
Another two Parkes businesses walked away with awards with Tracie Robertson from Ray White Parkes winning Outstanding Business Leader, and See Solar taking the StartUp Superstar category.
“It was a fantastic honour to receive these awards, which was a combined effort by the entire team and our loyal customers to get us where we are today,” said Patrick Lenehan, Director of Regos Plus Tyre & Mechanical.
“Our ultimate goal is to be recognised as the best company in the industry by offering superior service through continually training staff and seeking out new ventures.”
Western NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Vicki Seccombe congratulated Regos Plus Tyre & Mechanical saying the business highlights the ingenuity and perseverance of the Western NSW business community. “Patrick started his business five years ago as a young 24-year-old and has, in the last 24 months, nearly doubled revenue and staff. Patrick has also implemented a range of new services with a high level of customer service – and he has a great focus on employing young people in Parkes.”
Tracie won the Outstanding Business Leader Award with Rusty Russell from Double R Equipment Repairs in Mudgee. As the Managing Director of Ray White Parkes, Tracie has grown a struggling business from just one small rented office in Parkes with five staff, to six franchises across three towns with 22 staff. Tracie manages all operations of the company encompassing real estate services, mortgage broking, training, and guest speaking. She also wrote and produced the jingle for the current Ray White Orange television advert!
Rob Ehsman, Managing Director of See Solar said the StartUp Superstar Award meant the idea he had around five years ago had grown into something that looked like it would be sustainable, innovative and enjoyable. “This award brings a sense of achievement and satisfaction to my family, my staff and myself and provides something to build on in the future.”
See Solar strives to supply green, reliable and innovative standalone solar powered lighting and power solutions. They have completed a number of significant projects and extended their reach right across the Central West and several other regions of NSW.
Isla O’Donoghue (7): At the moment I like reading the series of Thea Stilton about mice and the adventures they go on.
Matilda Baker (7): My favourite is the Billie B Brown series as there are a lot of good things in it and I enjoy reading it.
David Usher (6): I like reading Minecraft books, as I enjoy playing Minecraft. My favourite character is Steve.
The recent Trundle ABBA Festival might have grabbed the headlines, but the night before an extraordinary event took place that put the town’s real heart on show.
The Pink Night was not only filled with many moving stories, but raised an incredible $20,458 for women’s cancer. “We laugh a lot, and we always cry,” said Carolyn Keep, who organised the event with Debbie Veale for the fourth time this year.
“It’s a night filled with emotion, compassion and determination to help in any way we can to end the loss from cancer,” said Carolyn, who was diagnosed three years ago.
When Carolyn secured celebrity sports presenter Michael Cain from Channel 10 to host the night, she knew it was going to be great. Michael managed to collect some amazing sporting memorabilia for auction with the NRL premium grand final tickets getting the highest bid of the night. A woman from Forbes, who lost her husband to cancer, bought it for $1,275.
“And that’s how the night rolls – so many beautiful people all with a cancer story.”
Another highlight was Janette Fry’s story about how dragon boating has become a big part of her life since surviving cancer.
Carolyn could not thank her community and donors enough for the support. “We don’t ask for any donations or advertise for helpers, it just comes. Everything in the auction is dropped off leading up to the event. We had over 36 prizes and items in both raffle and auction.”
The Trundle Central School’s student representative council joined in and held their very own Pink Day selling lollies and cupcakes and managed to raise $400. The school captain Harrison Williams presented the money on the night providing another “warm, fuzzy moment”. According to Carolyn the school principal also insists on printing its newsletter on pink paper every year. “Need I say any more about the true beauty of this event?”
As live music played at the back of the Trundle Services and Citizens Club keeping the dance floor packed, the Pink Night has become a fun filled event for the community and ABBA fans with a five star feel good rating.
“I feel so lucky to live in Trundle, the tiny town with the biggest heart on the planet,” said Carolyn.
By Maggi Barnard
Brooke Lees, Organisational Development Specialist at CMOC-Northparkes Mines is a finalist in the NSW Women in Mining Awards in the Exceptional Young Woman in NSW Mining category. Winners will be announced at a dinner and ceremony held at NSW Parliament House on Thursday, 30th May. NPM MD Hubert Lehman congratulated Brooke and said: “We are extremely proud of you and wish you all the best.”