Maggi Barnard

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

Foods That Can Whiten Your Teeth

February 7, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Red wine, tea and black coffee are known to stain teeth, but there are some foods that can actually help whiten teeth.
These are some of them:
1. Apples: Bite into an apple and you’re helping to strengthen your gums. Plus, the high water content in apples helps
increase the production of saliva. This in turn can help wash away bacteria that can lead to stained teeth.
2. Seeds and Nuts: Sunflower seeds, walnuts and almonds provide important trace minerals. Their abrasive texture
also helps to remove surface stains. Think of them as an exfoliator for your teeth.
3. Strawberries: The malic acid in strawberries can act as an astringent that can help reduce tooth discolouration. For a refreshing change, mash up a strawberry and use it as toothpaste!
4. Baking Soda: Speaking of toothpaste, try brushing with baking soda. This pantry staple acts like a bleaching agent,
scrubbing off plaque and surface stains.

For all your dental needs please call us at Riaz Dental on 6862 1261 or visit www.riazdental.com.au.

Youth Actor Auditions

February 7, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are looking for youth actors to star in the 11th annual mock crash demonstration. The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging local up-and-coming youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative which has seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday, 13th February at 5pm in the Parkes Shire Council Chambers for young actors over the age of 16.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. Youth actors will take part in both filmed and live ab-lib exercises,” said Melanie. “We are hoping to uncover some new talent to bring something new to the annual mock crash demonstration.”

According to local actor Emily McHugh-Douglas, who was in the 2018 cast, it is a unique and exciting opportunity. “I wanted to help raise awareness about how dangerous driving is.”

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Melanie on either 6861 2364; 0428 400 627 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au. This year’s mock car crash demonstration will be held in August.

Question of the Week?

February 7, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

If you could introduce a new subject to school, what would it be?

Phoebe Potts: Some kind of Outback survival course to teach students basic survival skills you would need in an emergency, like starting a fire and reading a compass.

Becky Wright: First Aid is very important. We all know to call 000, but not many know what to do after the call was made. You could save someone’s life if you have those skills.

Ethan Pay: I would like to see a subject in engineering and design as an introduction to all different types of engineering and explaining engineering processes, how products are designed and advancements in technology.

Snippets…

February 7, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

CanAssist: received a welcome donation this week from the Parkes Leagues Club. The club put out collection tins during the festival and the patrons did not disappoint with a generous amount of $4,488,25 collected. Parkes Leagues Club Manager Greg Hornby said it was a great way to support a local charity. Pat Bailey of CanAssist
thanked Greg for the generous donation saying it would be of great help for the important work they do. Greg
(second left) handed over the cheque to CanAssist members Pat Bailey, Adrianne Brown and CanAssist President Sylvie Glendenning.

Seniors Festival: Are you over 60? Have you always harboured a secret desire to write your life story? Or learn to
play bridge? Or have a go at belly dancing? Neighbourhood Central has cobbled together a week jam packed with all
these activities for free (plus much more) in celebration of the NSW 2019 Seniors Festival from Monday, 18th February to Friday, 22nd February. Most activities will take place at Neighbourhood Central. “We have something for everyone,” said Executive Officer of the Centre, Pam Symonds. “There is yoga, posy making, writing your life story, a trip to the HARS aviation museum and yes, we even have a belly dancing workshop!” Registrations are necessary at Neighbourhood Central from 10am until 12 noon on Wednesday, 13th February. For more information contact Neighbourhood Central on 6862 3757.

One Stop Shop For Drought Support: Farmers now have a single and straightforward place to find out what drought assistance is available to them with a new online resource launched last week. FarmHub brings together the services of the Commonwealth, states, councils and charities. “Farmers just need to go to farmhub.org.au and type in their location to find help available,” said Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud. “It will
show what fodder, water, transport and living expense assistance is available at an individual farm, as well as mental and physical health services.”

Further Boost To Small Businesses: About 18,000 small businesses in the Riverina and Central West are set to benefit from taxation reforms to boost the national economy. The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $20,000 to $25,000, effective immediately. The popular tax write-off has also been extended for
another year beyond its existing June 2019 end date, giving small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million the opportunity to access the new $25,000 incentive from now until 30th June 2020.

Purple Pipes To Keep Parkes Green

February 7, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

You might have noticed a lot of purple pipes being laid in Parkes recently resulting in some minor traffic disruptions.
It is the construction of the Recycled Water Rising Main that will ultimately increase the security of the town’s water supply.

The new purple pipe network is the second phase in the Parkes Recycled Water Scheme, and will deliver recycled water to sporting fields and open spaces, as well as the Parkes Golf Course and the Parkes Jockey Club.

Parkes Shire Council’s Director of Infrastructure Andrew Francis said: “The current drought really emphasises why water conservation is vital. Council recently had to declare Level 2 Water Restrictions after the water level at Lake Endeavour fell to 33%. The Recycled Water Scheme will be a welcome addition to our urban water network.”

While recycled water will not be available to domestic customers, it will still provide flow-on benefits for residents. Water from the town’s potable supply has been used to maintain sporting fields and public parks, which means using recycled water has a triple benefit. “It reduces the demand on our town water supply; it creates a second use for water that would otherwise be wasted; and it is more cost-effective than using potable water for irrigation,” said Andrew.

He said although an entirely new waterpipe network is being built, the construction will be fairly low-impact. “The contractors will make every effort to minimise disruption, including using non-potable water for dust suppression.”

The pipeline route and construction updates are published on the Parkes Shire Council website under Public Notices. Directly impacted residents will be contacted prior to construction in their area.

“We also urge residents to observe the new Level 2 water restrictions, and make small adjustments to reduce water consumption.”

It Takes Courage To Care

January 31, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The message of the importance of a caring community by the Australia Day Ambassador in Cooke Park last Saturday touched the crowd of more than 300 people deeply. “We as a community have to be courageous and willing to care and support each other,” said Allan Sparkes. “We need to rebuild and strengthen that core of being Australian and do whatever we can to help a mate no matter what and to never give up.

That is what being Australian is all about.” Allan, who grew up in Cumnock, said as the Deputy Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission of NSW it broke his heart to see so many people struggling psychological health issues, especially farmers during times of drought.

He and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton have agreed on a plan that he would return to Parkes to educate the community, “especially men, on what to do to regain mental health. The more we care, the stronger we will make our community, our society and our nation.”

As Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said in his message: “Communities may be built of bricks and mortar, roads and footpaths, shops and services and other vital infrastructure, but what really builds them up, what really makes them grow and thrive is the selfless work of their people”, it was clear the Parkes Shire community was no exception.

The services of three residents of the shire were recognised with Order of Australia (OAM) awards, while Pat Bailey and Emelina Lavaka were named Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively. All the award recipients agreed it came as a big surprise and they felt very honoured.

“I am honoured, humbled and sad,” said Ellie Hetherington OAM, “as it should’ve had my husband’s name on it too. I could not have done it without him.” Ellie was recognised for service to the community and founding ‘Ellie’s Plants for Charity’ in 2011, raising thousands of dollars for CanAssist.

“It was never meant to be that big. I was just trying to fulfil my sister’s request. The community has been so good to me and supported me so much.”

For 91-year-old May Collier of Trundle “it is more an award for the community. I have been in this community for 90 years and had lots of opportunities to help,” said May, who is still active with whatever she can do.

“We have a wonderful and supportive community and I am very fortunate to be part of it.” May was also named Trundle’s Citizen of the Year. John Pizarro OAM, said he never ever expected to receive such an honour in his life. “It is just amazing although I don’t think I deserve it, but will take it! John was recognised for his service to motor sports since the 1970s.

Citizen of the Year Pat Bailey said the highlight of the more than 23 years of volunteering for CanAssist was the achievement of bringing chemo therapy to Parkes in 1999/2000 after starting a petition for it. “Patients had to travel to Orange and now with the new hospital we have two Oncology nurses in Parkes twice a week.”

The award is a big honour for Pat, “but I do not volunteer to win awards, I do it to help other people. She said the most rewarding part was knowing she had helped people.”

As school captain of Parkes High last year, Emeline initiated and organised many projects and events to raise awareness and funds for good causes. She felt very proud of her award.

By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

January 31, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Yabby Races: There was a scarcity of yabbies last Saturday but the popular Australia Day Yabby Races still attracted 17 entries. The first three places were taken by Shailey Butt (first), – Tayah Reeves (second) and Mitchell Applebee (third). Nayte Reeves (pictured) was one of the racers.

Showcasing Parkes Talent: Artists and craftspeople can look forward to a new event in Parkes this year on the weekend of 16th and 17th March at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club. The Parkes Quota Club and local artists and craftspeople, with the support of Parkes Shire Council, have decided to run an exhibition to introduce people to the huge variety of art and crafts in our community. The talent in Parkes includes potters, painters, artists, embroiderers, lace makers, milliners, quilters, leadlighters and many more. Art and craft of all genres will be on display, with demonstrations and sales too. There will be catering by Quotarians, a fabulous raffle with four prizes, including two quilts, a mosaic and a pottery water bowl. A limited number of tables are still available for exhibitors at $20 per site. Contact Rona on 0427 468 220 for further information.

Aboriginal Disability Services: Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless announced grant funding of $158,000 to Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council to help them deliver services to Aboriginal people with disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the Orange region. “The grant funding will allow them to establish a Support Coor-dination Service for Aboriginal people with disability that is accessible and delivered by local Aboriginal people.” With the funding they will be able to accommodate 40 Aboriginal NDIS participants and deliver an additional 600 hours of service per month.

Youth Allowance: Students planning to study or start an Australian Apprenticeship this year are being urged to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now. The 2018-19 Federal Budget delivered a $53.9 million injection to allow more rural and regional students to qualify for Youth Allowance. “It will ease the cost burden for many families and in some cases will make further study affordable,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack. Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible school leavers who wish to complete further study or training, while Austudy is for eligible students and apprentices aged 25 or older. Prospective students can submit a claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy up to 13 weeks before the start of their course or apprenticeship. Claims can be submitted online using their myGov account. For more information visit humanservices.gov.au/students.

Millions For Expansion Of Logistics Hub

January 31, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes National Logistics Hub (PNLH) received over $8 million in funding last week for the extension of its crucial service infrastructure. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless MLC announced $8,485,000 in funding under the Growing Local Economies Fund (GLEF).

The project will see Parkes Shire Council carry out various upgrades to access roads, water, power, gas and communications infrastructure.

“Upgrades will fast track new development, support the growing number of freight movements and create an estimated 480 full time jobs once complete,” said Rick.

“The Hub has been a long-term vision of Council and we are now one step closer to establishing Parkes as the state’s first inland port,” said Parkes Shire Councillor Alan Ward.

“Parkes is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the East West rail line, the North South Newell Highway and the new $10 billion Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail, which provides immense opportunities for logistics, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.”

Pacific National CEO Dean Dalla Valle said: “We are proud to be part of Parkes. When our logistics terminal is completed later this year, it will support 100 skilled jobs and allow 1,800m freight trains to haul doublestacked containers between Parkes and Perth.”

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/regionalgrowth

Australia Day Sports Awards

January 31, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Sportsperson of the Year: Kurt Lovett (Hockey). Kurt was selected in the 2018 Kookaburras Development Squad, captained NSW Under 21s team and represented NSW Waratahs in Australian Hockey League, picking up a silver medal. Kurt also captained the NSWIS team to India, and was chosen as man of the match in the second game.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: India Draper (Hockey). India toured South Africa in June as part of the 2018 U16 Australian All School Girls Team. She was a member of the 2018/19 NSW U18 Accelerated Athlete Program (AAP) squad, was selected in the AAP invitational team to play against ACT Academy Squad in an AHL curtain raiser game in October. She was a key member of the Parkes Spacecats Group XI League Tag winning team.

Special Commendation: Ellen Dolbel (All Rounder). Team of the Year: Parkes U13 Boys Hockey Team. The team finished first in the state in the 2018 Under 13 Boys Division 1 Championship held at Wagga Wagga in July, and also won the 2018 Under 13 Boys Division 1 Canberra Long Weekend Carnival.

Senior Sportsperson or Team: Graeme Tanswell (Hockey). Graeme played for Australia in the over 50’s team at the Masters World Cup in Spain. His team won gold and were undefeated in the tournament.

Referee, Umpire or Official of the Year: Kim Robinson (Athletics). Kim was an official at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where she was a technical field judge, officiating the javelin and hammer throw, and judging the bar in high jump.

Coach, Trainer or Manager of the Year: Sharon Dixon (Physiotherapy). Sharon has kept many senior hockey players on the pitch and performing at their best over many years.

Administrator of the Year: Aaron Huppatz (Parkes Hockey Inc). Over the years, Aaron has continually promoted the sport of hockey in Parkes leading to increased participation. Aaron works tirelessly to ensure Parkes continues to attract and host major hockey events. He also oversees the running of the canteen on a weekly basis.

What’s on @ The Library

January 31, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

AUTHOR VISIT Carolinda Witt Wednesday, 6th February 6pm, Parkes Shire Library
You never know what you will find when you go looking for relatives, but imagine Carolinda Witt’s surprise when her mystery grandfather turned out to be Walter Dicketts, MI5’s double agent ‘Celery.’

Carolinda has been a guest on ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski and is the 2018 Winner of the Non-Fiction Prize awarded by the Society of Women Writers! Hear her talk and purchase copies of her book at special discounted prices.

RSVP by 4th February on 68612309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au

DIGITAL EXHIBITION The Art of Ageing 13th – 23rd February 2019
The exhibition is a NSW Government initiative which aims to challenge people’s views on ageing and the experiences of older people across the state. The exhibition celebrates the lives of older people living in regional NSW.

The Art of Ageing digital exhibition will be displayed in the foyer of Parkes Shire Library as well as the main body of the library to coincide with NSW Seniors Festival.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS RECOMMENCE
Once Upon a Story Time, Story Time and Rhyme Time all start the week of February 5th. Children’s Service Officers, Sandie and Debbie are excited to launch this year’s programs with a visit from “Dudley Dog” author Adam (Toby) Maidens. He will be reading from his book and giving some insight into where “Dudley Dog” will be travelling to next. He will be selling and signing books but is mostly looking forward to having fun with our youngest readers.

Maggi Barnard

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