Maggi Barnard

notoriously difficult intersection in Parkes will be made safer through a Federal Government grant of over $100,000.
Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack announced a $102,000 grant for the Clarinda and Currajong Street intersection through the 2019-20 Black Spot.

The funding would go towards creating pedestrian refuges on either side of Clarinda Street, better ramp access, better footpaths, new line markings and improving street lighting.

“This intersection will be much safer to navigate,” said the Deputy Prime Minister at the site on Sunday. Parkes Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton said Council was delighted with the funding.

“We’ve been calling for the money for about 12 months, and plan to start with the improvements as soon as possible.”

She said the improvements would make the intersection much easier to navigate, especially during harvest time, and that it would tie in with the planned upgrade of the main street in Parkes.

According to Michael the Parkes community’s input is critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate. “None of these projects would be delivered without the local community’s vital input and I’d urge and encourage all residents and motorists in the Riverina and Central West to nominate projects for future funding rounds,” he said.

Trundle will be the epicentre of Australian Paragliding next week from 13th to 17th March for the Wings out West Paragliding Competition with 40 pilots from Australia and overseas taking part. On Friday, 15th March the Trundle community is hosting the pilots at a Community Bush Dance at the Trundle Showgrounds from 7:30pm. Contact Jen Kelly on 0417 697 770.

Two major infrastructure projects in Trundle received special attention last Thursday. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless cut the ribbon to officially open the revamped, refitted and restored Berryman Park Oval, while a sod turning ceremony was held for the refurbishment and construction of a new amenities complex at the Trundle Showground.

Joined by Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM, Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton and community groups from across Trundle, Rick said: “$500,000 was granted to the Trundle Progress Association for the upgrades. It’s wonderful news that this recently renovated oval can now be used by the community.”

“We’ve provided new seating and grandstands, put in a new amenities block, tore down sixty-year-old fencing and put in new railing, installed new flood lighting and built a new footpath.”

Peter Kelly from the Trundle Progress Association said the community spirit and comradery amongst Trundle residents got these projects happening. “As the home of the Trundle Boomers Rugby League Club, Trundle Ducks Cricket Club and the annual ABBA Festival, Berryman Oval is a hub for the whole community,” said the Mayor.

The Trundle Showground received a grant of $200,000 for a new, modern and functional amenities block replacing the nearly 50-year-old facility.

Seeking The True, The Beautiful And The Good

Catholic Schools Week 2019 will be celebrated from Sunday, 3rd March to Saturday, 9th March, and offers prospective parents the opportunity to visit their local Catholic School and sample what a Catholic School Education can offer their child.

Schools will offer tours and activities during the week and families will have an opportunity to meet the principal and teaching staff. The theme this year for the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese is Seeking the True, the Beautiful and the Good.

Holy Family Celebrations

In Parkes the Holy Family School will use the week to celebrate their wonderful school. Friday 8 March will be the ‘big’ day, with a Catholic Schools Week Mass held in the school hall at 9:45am, which will be immediately followed by a shared picnic morning tea on the grounds of the school. From 11:30am parents are invited to

Open Classroom activities for an opportunity to view their child’s work so far this year. Assembly will be held at 12:30pm in the school hall. Parents and friends are warmly invited to attend any or all of the events on the day.

St. Patrick’s Parish School Trundle

“Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to celebrate our distinctive mission and share things that make our schools unique and special,” said the principal. The week is filled with activities and all families and friends are encouraged to become actively involved.

The program for the week starts on Monday 4th March with a breakfast at the school on the verandah at 8am. On Wednesday, 6th March the Ash Wednesday Mass will be at 10am. There is an excursion to Holy Family School in Parkes on Thursday, 7th March. Friday, 8th March is set aside for Open Classrooms at 2:45pm and assembly at 3pm. The week concludes on Sunday, 10th March with a Family/Parish Mass at 10am.

The Healing Power Of Pet Fish

The continuing drought in our region is causing high stress levels for many people in the shire. There are many ways of relieving stress, but keeping pet fish is probably not often considered. It has been proven there are health and
emotional benefits that come from having a fish tank. People are attracted to water. It is in our nature as one of the environmental stimuli we find very soothing is the sound of running water.

There is nothing more calming than going to the beach and watching the waves roll on shore and listening to the sound of the surf pounding the beach. This is also why many people go fishing in streams and lakes. It is not just about catching fish, but the benefit you get from taking in the sounds of nature and the beauty of the surrounding
area.

An aquarium brings the calming effects of nature indoors. Once an aquarium is established and decorated with rocks and plants, watching fish swim reduces stress and anxiety. The gurgling sound of the bubbles add to the therapeutic effect of looking at the tank. Also relaxing are the colours of both the fish and background inside the tank. Studies show it can reduce blood pressure and emotional agitation. That is why you get fish tanks in places like a dentist offices, nursing homes, and restaurants.

You can start small and it need not cost you a fortune. Sean White at The Pet Barn in Parkes is the person to get you going. He has everything you need including tropical and golf fish, and can order in specific species.