Maggi Barnard

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

Our Gal- Kasie Ferguson

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? Eight years. I have enjoyed living the country lifestyle and being a part of the Parkes business community.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? The Railway Hotel. I enjoy the social media and marketing side of the business. Also meeting lots of new people.

What do you do in your spare time and on weekends? We are usually working on the weekends but in our spare time we like to take our little boy Hart to the park with friends.

What are you really good at? My job.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Teleportation.

What is your pet hate? When I or someone else sneezes!

Tell us about your best holiday. Bianca and I went to America in 2013 with three friends for two weeks. We got married in Central Park NYC while we were there!

M & D Celebrates With Extraordinary Show

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The time has come to give yourself some goosebumps!

The Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society’s home has been transformed into a state-of- the art theatre and they are ready to celebrate with a gala concert that showcases memorable moments from musicals and concerts over the past 18 years – since the last refurbishment in 2000.

“The amount of talent we have for Goosebumps is astounding,” said Society President and Director of Goosebumps, Lyn Townsend. “There will be plenty of memorable moments. The cast and crew have been working really hard and I believe this will be one of the most outstanding shows we have seen at the Little Theatre. It’s an exceptional production that befits our beautiful new facility.”

Over $500,000 was spent on lush new theatre seats, tiered flooring and modern interior design. It is only fitting that a hugely talented cast, band and crew of over 60 members, who had all been involved in previous productions, will make Goosebumps a memorable show. It will feature well-known songs, such as Hard Knock Life, Pick a Pocket, Climb Every Mountain, Beauty and the Beast, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Timewarp, Supercalla, and medleys from Grease and Les Miserables.

There are only six performances on 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th and 28th October. Get in quick as tickets are nearly half sold out.

Mobility impaired patrons need to book in rows A, B or C. If you are in a wheelchair, please call 0429 623 829.

Dubbo Celebrates Creativity

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

You can set your imagination free at the Macquarie Credit Union DREAM Festival in Dubbo from 18th to 28th October celebrating all forms of creativity – lights and lanterns, pianos on the pavement, music and markets, art competitions, traditional Aboriginal dance.

DREAM is an acronym that stands for Dubbo Regional Entertainment Arts and Music.

With over 18,000 people attending last year, the event favourites are set to draw a lot of attention again this year. Make sure not to miss out on:

· Pianos on the Pavement – everyone welcome to participate or listen to the lovely melodies (18 Oct)

· Wabuul River Dreaming – celebrate all things river including lantern decorating (20 Oct)

· Sushi in the Shoyoen Gardens – pre-order your sushi and enjoy the afternoon sun and entertainment (21 Oct)

· Music + Markets | Lights + Lanterns – great afternoon for the family, featuring singer Mojo Juju (27 Oct)

· Zoocoustic – lazy Sunday afternoon vibes in the zoo – perfect way to finish off the weekend (28 Oct)

New events include:

· Westview Drive-In – back by popular demand. Re-live your youth and introduce your children to the ‘original’ open air cinema (19, 20 & 21 Oct)

· PubROCK – love to belt out a few tunes in your car; this is your chance to be in a choir that ROCKS! (24 Oct)

MAYORAL NOTES

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Council has been successful in receiving a $13,000 grant from the Central West Councils Environment and Waterways Alliance to facilitate site remediation around the new Water and Sewer Treatment Plants. The project is set to improve biodiversity, habitat connectivity and visual amenity at both sites.

Council crews have commenced works on the Henry Parkes Way on behalf of the Roads and Maritime Service to provide a safer road environment for motorists. Works will include widening and strengthening the road in four sections starting 15 kilometres west of Parkes. There will be some temporary traffic changes to ensure the work zone is safe, so motorists should allow for extra travel time during this work.

Business owners and operators are invited to learn about the five essential digital tools for your business marketing as part of the Digital Health Check Workshop on Monday, 22nd October. The free workshop, part of Small Business Month, will be facilitated by digital and social media expert Holly Gailbrath, who will discuss the importance of a website, Google My Business, TripAdvisor, Facebook and an email database and how these five tools can be used to propel your marketing efforts. The following day Holly will be visiting seven local businesses instore to deliver one-on-one sessions. Spaces are limited. To register for the workshop and to apply for a one-one-one session, visit www.visitparkes.com.au

Residents are invited to celebrate National Bird Week at the official opening of the renewed PAC Park Amenities on Sunday, 21st October. Council, in partnership with Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc and the National Parks Association of NSW Lachlan Valley branch, will host a free barbeque breakfast start from 8am. The project, funded by the NSW Department of Community Services Social Housing Improvement Fund, included the installation of a new shelter with two table settings, a double electric barbeque, a smaller shelter and new lighting.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor of Parkes Shire

What is your opinion on Daylight Saving?

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Jeff Taylor – Never been a fan. Time gets away and then tea-time is too late. Before you know it it’s 10pm. Also we all know it fades the curtains and upsets the cows when they move the sun around…

Nancye Blatch – It doesn’t worry me too much. I grumble a bit at the end about getting up in the dark but then I love the extra daylight to play golf or garden.

Rowena Smith – I like that there’s enough daylight to go for a walk with my dog after work as predaylight saving I don’t finish work until after dark.

YOUR HEALTH Matters- October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Australia. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women (excluding melanoma). Survival rates are continuing to improve in Australia, however it is still very important to be aware of your breasts and any changes.

Breast cancer was once believed to only affect women. This is a myth. Each year it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men often have a higher mortality rate than women due to lack of awareness among men and the fact that they are less likely to assume the lump may be cancer and often delay seeking treatment.

Identifying and seeking treatment for any breast changes early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. To check your breast, you don’t need to be an expert or to use any special techniques.

Changes to look out for:

· a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast

· a change in the size or shape of your breast

· a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion

· a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing

· a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling

· an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

Parkes Pharmacy is supporting October Breast Awareness Month with a change in our paper bags to PINK and will be holding a PINK Breast Cancer fundraising cake stall on Wednesday, 24th October. Please come along and support this great cause.

Does Golf Make Your Back Hurt?

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Injuries to the lower back are one of the most common golf related problems. The incidence of lower back pain in the male golfer is between 25% to 36% and 22% to 27 % in the female golfer. It has been reported to account for up to 52% of all injuries in recreational golfers and 24% of injuries in professional golfers. The injury mechanism of nearly half of all lower back injuries in golf is due to the swing.

The modern golf swing has been shown to produce large forces on the lower back which change directions rapidly during the swing. Because golf is played in a slightly forward flexed position, along with the asymmetrical, rotational nature of the swing, the forces the joints in the lower back are subject to are quite high. The compression force on the spine during the swing has been shown to be up to eight times body weight.

So.. what can you do to prevent getting back pain when you play?

Maintenance of good mobility in the hips and thoracic and lumbar spine is important. This may require a regular exercise programme at home along with a good warm up before you play whilst using proper technique when lifting your bag and bending through the knees when retrieving the ball.

If you already have lower back pain consider slowing your back swing down. Make sure your weight properly shifts to your back foot and your hips rotate during the back swing. Also, avoid placing your feet too far apart during the address phase as this limits hip rotation later in the swing and increases stresses on the lower back.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly

Going Up a Gear at Parkes Motorcycle Rally

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

More than 50 motorbikes revved through Parkes on the long weekend for the 42nd Annual Motorcycle Rally organised by the Parkes Antique Motor Club. Riders gathered at the Henry Parkes Centre on Saturday afternoon for a short ride to Baldry and again on Sunday morning with the option of a short run of 150km to Yarrabandai, or a longer run of 250km to Bedgerabong.

The riders were mainly from NSW, including Griffith, Wollongong and Newcastle, but also came from as far as Queensland and South Australia. “They like riding out this way, especially with the older bikes,” said local rider Paul
McClintock, “because it’s flatter country and not many hills. Some of those old bikes, like the ones that still have pedals, only go 20 miles an hour.”

On Sunday night the club held their presentation dinner at the Parkes Leagues Club where the votes were counted for each category, ranging from pre-1919 to modernday. There were some locals among the winners with Nym Dziuba getting first prize with his 1970s Kawasaki Z900. John Frogley came second with his 1950s bike, while Bob Steel also won second place with his 1914 Douglas.

The event, organised by rally director Bruce Danson, concluded with a farewell breakfast on Monday.

By Beth Thomas

Generosity Blooms at Avarest

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

More than 200 people helped Parkes residents Ian and Marion Unger to raise $7,000 when they opened their hearts and garden over the long weekend to assist farming families stressed by drought.

People came from as far as Albert, Dubbo, Cowra and Coonabarabran to the amazing haven of trees, plants and shrubs dotted with inspiring signs and sayings of Avarest garden in Reymond Street.

The garden, with a panoramic view across town, has been kept beautiful by Ian and Marion in spite of the drought. “It’s important to try to save stock and crops from drought,” said Ian, “but the most important thing is to get people through it.”

All money raised from entry, auction and sale of nick-nacks will go towards helping stressed farmers to get away for a break. Ian said help from the local Parkes community was invaluable. “So many businesses, even those we knew were struggling, donated goods when asked. Not one of them knocked me back.”

The open garden fundraiser was supported by Lachlan Area Suicide Prevention Network and BlazeAid. Bob Fenwick of BlazeAid has already received seven sealed envelopes, but it is not too late to nominate if anyone knows a farmer who needs time away. He said farmers would often not ask for help.

For those who could not make it over the long weekend, Avarest will again be open for viewing this Sunday from 2 to 5pm.

By Beth Thomas

Mayoral Notes…

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

This week marked the start of Small Business Month. Throughout October there are a number of events and initiatives that business owners and operators are encouraged to take part in, enabling them to tap into online resources, learn new skills and access business support. For the full list of Small Business events, visit visitparkes.com.au

Council has also teamed with Service NSW to deliver the Easy to do Business program. Residents interested in setting up a new business in the Parkes Shire can now sign up to access free personalised assistance to help you get started, including advice on licensing, regulations and what approvals are required. To find out more, or to register, visit mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au

We had a fantastic start to the swim season this week, with gates opening to the Parkes Aquatic Centre over the long weekend. With all Parkes Shire pool facilities offering free entry this swim season, parents and carers are reminded to keep a close watch. Children up to the age of 14 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The township pool facilities will open on Saturday, 3rd November.

Residents are invited to celebrate National Bird Week at the official opening of the renewed PAC Park amenities on Sunday, 21st October. Council, in partnership with Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc and the National Parks Association of NSW Lachlan Valley branch, will host a free barbeque breakfast starting from 8am. The project, funded by the NSW Department of Community Services Social Housing Improvement Fund, included the installation of a new shelter with two table settings, a double electric barbeque, a smaller shelter and new lighting.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Maggi Barnard

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