Maggi Barnard

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

Mayoral Notes…

September 20, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

During this month’s Council meeting held in Tullamore, I was delighted to have been returned as Mayor for the next two years, alongside Councillor Barbara Newton who was returned to the position of Deputy Mayor. It’s an honour to be part of this team leading the community of the Parkes Shire. I look forward to what the next two years has in store for our region.

Congratulations to the winners of the Parkes Recycled Water Scheme competition, drawn to coincide with World Water Monitoring Day. The first prize, a $500 council water account voucher, was awarded to Katrina Mudiman. The second prize winner was Will Rix who will receive a $250 council water account voucher, and Joy Neems won 10 aqua-aerobics classes at Parkes Aquatic Centre as third prize winner. The competition was run at the Parkes Show to
encourage people to learn more about our recycled water scheme.

Congratulations is also extended to the eight recipients of the latest round of Northparkes – Parkes Shire Sports Grants. Parkes Gun Club, Parkes Horse and Pony Club, Parkes Hotel Football Club, Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Football Club, Parkes Railway Bowling Club, Parkes Senior Cricket, Parkes Tennis Club and Trundle Central School all received part of the total $28,690.53 in funding. The program aims to support grassroots sport by replacing essential sporting equipment and infrastructure.

Council staff have recently installed the new ‘Take The Lead’ signage and bag dispensers throughout Parkes, as part of our Responsible Dog Ownership campaign. The bag dispensers are located at the start of the walking track at Harrison Park, Lions Park, the Off-Leash Area off Bushman Street and Kelly Reserve.

With the school holidays fast approaching, locals and visitors are being encouraged to ‘be out there’ in the Parkes Shire with plenty of affordable and memorable experiences for the whole family to enjoy within the region. Council has compiled a fantastic list of special offers for families to take advantage of via the Visit Parkes website, visitparkes.nsw.gov.au

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

Parkes Gets REaDiculous

September 20, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Cooke Park was abuzz with hundreds of children for Paint Parkes REaD 2018 last Friday. An amazing array of REaDiculous characters, including the Mayor, Town Crier, Reading Bug and Rooby Roo, set out to celebrate literacy and raise awareness of the importance of a language-rich environment from infancy.

“I am totally and ‘readiculously’ thrilled with the Parkes community and schools,” said creative director Rhonda Brain, “for helping us spread the message to: read, sing, talk and rhyme to your baby all the time.”

Reading and activity hotspots were found along Clarinda Street engaging groups of students.

Mayor Ken Keith OAM, who read stories, said: “The community reading day is absolutely fantastic for our town. This is the most ‘readiculous’ idea that Rhonda has ever come up with!” National Party candidate Yvette Quinn read from a tree and Roel Ten Cate OAM enlisted a visiting seven-year-old from Dubbo as his helper.

Among the activities of reading, rhymes, dancing, drumming, theatre and word puzzles, there was the novelty of sending Morse code telegrams and messages by carrier pigeon.

The community reading day, which is a Parkes initiated program, have been adopted in over 70 communities in five states. Barbie Bates, the event’s national executive director, was in Parkes to address the importance of early language on brain development.

The crusade continues with Sarah Chamberlain attending to learn how to Paint Lightning Ridge REaD, and Robyne Harrison and Rooby Roo has set off to Paint Penrith REaD.

By Beth Thomas

Legal Eagle

September 20, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Changing Your Will
A will is a testamentary document. This means it takes effect upon your death. It appoints an executor (a person who administers and distributes your assets) and makes bequests (distributes your assets among beneficiaries). A will remains valid until it is cancelled by you or if you marry after the will was made.

Nothing is ever set in concrete, and thus, your will should be a living document. It should be changed or updated as circumstances change. The rules are slightly different in the several states, so you should get legal advice if you want to make such a will.

You can cancel your will at any time provided you are of sound mind. This can be done in many ways, some of the main ones are:
• You make a valid new will. By law this revokes prior wills when the new terms contradict the old.
• You make a valid new will and expressly revoke the old one.
• You destroy your will with the intention of revoking it.

Estate planning is an area of the law of great family importance. We at Matthews Williams are able to give you competent professional advice on all estate planning matters. If we can assist you on any legal issue, feel free to contact me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Allen Duggan
Senior Solicitor

‘I’m In Love, I’m All Shook Up’

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

In April 1957 Elvis Presley’s song All Shook Up topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. In January 2019 Parkes is going to be All Shook Up for five days in a celebration of the 50s at the Parkes Elvis Festival.

“Every year we aim to make the festival bigger and better, and we have done it again with over 200 events,” said Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathey Treasure at the launch of the program on Monday. More good news came from Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro who announced the NSW Government would continue its support for one of the country’s most iconic events for a further three years.

Cathy focused on some of the highlights of the festival saying: “We are very excited to have Ted Torres Martin from the US as our feature artist,” said Cathy. He will be doing four different concerts.”

The Wall of Fame recipient will be iconic Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Russell Morris. “It is very fitting that he is our recipient in the year of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing as his 1969 hit The Real Thing was the theme song for The Dish movie.” Russell will do a special performance on Wednesday night. Fans of Phil Emmanual, who was inducted in the Wall of Fame this year, can look forward to a special tribute concert organised by his brother Darcy following the sudden passing of Phil earlier this year.

The list of new events and highlights is very long and includes a $1,000 prize for the best float in the Norhtparkes Mines Street Parade, more dancing in the street, a special Kombi display, international star Francine Bell at the Gospel Service, more fan interaction workshops, a dance workshop for kids by former Yellow Wiggle Greg Page, more free shows in Cooke Park and many more.

By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Soccer Score Big

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association received a big boost last week towards upgrading amenities at the soccer fields. Parkes is one of several clubs in NSW to benefit from $4.1 million from the 2015 Asian Cup Legacy Fund. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless was in Parkes to hand over a cheque of $150,000 to President Kevin Medlyn.

Kevin said the club was no longer able to attract big tournaments to Parkes because of its lack of suitable amenities. “We will refurbish the change rooms, add toilets and showers and build a new entrance.” The facilities are also not suitable for local players as the club saw an increase of 200 members this year following the Government incentive to get kids active. “We have 500 players here on a Saturday, and 150 on Sundays using the facilities,” said Kevin.

The total cost of the renovation would be over $300,000 with the club putting in $20,000.

Fit and Fab For Summer

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Are You Ready For An Essential Oils Journey?
If you’re in Parkes and have heard anyone talk about Young Living Essential Oils, you’ve probably also heard of the Wild Thyme Essentials Tribe.

This local group of approximately 100 people form part of a wider community of over 4,000 essential oil users in the Wild Thyme Tribe who span the globe and support one another through education and practicing natural wellness with Young Living essential oils.

A number of local members of the Wild Thyme Essentials Tribe will be hosting an event on Friday, 21st September at 14 Hodges Street at 7:30pm for people interested in learning more about essential oils. The local members will talk about how oils have helped support them and their families.

There will be a discussion on every day uses of essential oils including supporting seasonal wellness and emotional and mental wellness with essential oils, as well as information on the Young Living difference – the Seed to Seal promise, which encapsulates the gold standard in ethics and sustainability and the highest quality essential oils.

Come and enjoy an uplifting sensory experience in a relaxed environment while you learn all about Young Living Essential Oils. Three lucky people who RSVP to this event will receive a trio of 10ml flower-infused essential oil rollers on the night of the event.

Eat Your Eyes Healthy

Eye sight is vital to all of us, and you can boost it by eating the following foods:
• Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, zinc, fibre, iron, magnesium and potassium.
• Citrus and berries are the ultimate sources of vitamin C, and considered the healthiest food for your eyes.
• Eggs are packed full of protein, and also provide us with lutein, vitamin E and omega 3.
• Leafy Greens contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin – these antioxidants have shown to lower risk of development of macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Fatty Fish are rich in DHA, which is an acid found in the retina. These essential fatty acids help drain fluid from the eye thus decreasing the risk of high pressure.

Real Yoga With Real Benefits
I love the practice of yoga and have gained so much from it. Teaching yoga is about giving back by sharing my love of the practice and helping people feel better in their own skin. Yoga is fantastic for your body, but also great for your mind for lifting your spirits and allowing you to find peace. I provide a variety of yoga classes and times – see YogaMon on Facebook. Come give it a try – forget the scary poses you see in glossy magazines, this is real yoga with
real benefits.

By Monica Lea

Shire’s Super Supply Of Outdoor Fun
Be active and have some fun! Play, swim, walk, skate, cycle and run at one of the fantastic sports and recreation facilities across the Parkes Shire.

Be outdoors and enjoy our beautiful parks, gardens and playgrounds. The recreational activities are endless for residents and visitors to enjoy in the Parkes Shire. Be cool at a choice of four public swimming facilities across the Shire in Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore. To support the community during the drought, Parkes Shire Council has agreed to waive pool admission fees for the 2018/19 pool season.

Be daring at one of the skate park precincts, specially designed for skateboarding and BMX riding, offering a great place for the young and young at heart to hang out and show off their skills. Be healthy and take a stroll along the
new shared paths and cycling routes. Parkes Shire Council has recently installed a number of outdoor exercise stations for residents and visitors to utilise at no cost. Be adventurous and take a trip out to one of our Shires waterways where you can enjoy a range of passive recreation activities including bushwalking, birdwatching, kayaking and fishing.

Find out more about ‘Things To Do’ in the Parkes Shire via www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Art As Therapy
Maralyn Nash is a professional artist, registered art therapist and educator. She offers art therapy sessions and workshops for compassion, connection and creation, as well as Creativity & Well Being Art Classes for kids ages 7-11 years. Maralyn completed her Masters degree in Art Therapy at the University of Western Sydney, and has over 20 years experience in teaching visual arts and working as an art therapist.

Parkes Women’s Bowling

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The first round of the Championship Fours were played in blustery conditions on Tuesday with E Miller, K Keogh, R Went and L Byrne defeating M Miller, M Riordan, M Hawken and A Jones.

The draw for the second round on 18th September are: M Rodgers, M Iffland, L Orr, M Grant vs J McPhee, H Harvey ,L Baker, K Evans; and M Iffland, V Westcott, G Carty, C Frame vs E Miller, K Keogh, R Went, L Byrne.

Nominations for the minor singles and minor pairs are now open.

The Jones Shield will be played at Condobolin on Thursday, 20th September.
Team 1: D Howell, M Miller, M Iffland and Davies. Team 2: M Rodgers, H McPherson, G Carty, M Riordan; Manager M Iffland.

A Parkes team will be travelling to Blayney this week to compete in the Taber Shield, we wish them luck! Bowlers are needed to play at 1pm on Saturday, 22nd September as a large group of bowlers from Belrose will be here. To play social bowls ring Brenda Davies and Di Howell between 9am and 9.30am on 6862 1446.

Our Gal – Amelia Tanswell – 2018 Parkes Showgirl

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here?
Close to 23 years. I love being close to my friends and family.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? Byrne Clothing, working with the best people and listening to good tunes while we’re at it!

What do you do in your spare time and on weekends? Hang out with friends, you’ll mostly find us eating parmys, watching footy or dancing around while on local shopping adventures.

What are you really good at? Being late and playing pool.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? The ability to teleport.

What is your pet hate? When people use the wrong homophones and don’t use their blinkers.

Tell us about your best holiday. I spent seven weeks in America last year and had the absolute best time. It still wasn’t long enough! A couple of highlights were meeting some incredible friends on Contiki, hiking and camping through the most amazing national parks (especially the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone), skiing Whistler Mountain, having a hot chocolate at Central Perk, watching multiple Broadway musicals and absolutely everything about New York City!

Mayoral Notes…

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

This week the Parkes Shire welcomed twelve international Consul Generals and government officials as part of a trade mission to the Central West – a fantastic opportunity to showcase the opportunities available here in Parkes, build international connections, foster relationships, and identify partnering opportunities.

As part of the trip the delegates visited the Parkes National Logistics Hub, attended the launch of the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival, and were treated to an exclusive tour inside the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope.

The visit also coincided with an announcement by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro of a new Investment Attraction Package for regional NSW.

The 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival program was officially launched this week. This year’s Festival theme is All Shook Up, celebrating Elvis’ iconic song and all things ‘50s. Tickets are on sale now to all events, including the 2019 Feature Concert Series, featuring US Elvis tribute artist Ted Torres Martin. We can’t wait to get All Shook Up in January!

Thank you to the residents, affected business operators, agency representatives and service providers who attended the Parkes Shire Drought Forum this week. Over 90 participants, attended the community forum on Tuesday, participating in group discussions with the aim for formulating a short, medium and long-term plan. Forum facilitators, Bob and Lynda from NoaGroup Consultants will collate the outputs from the forum discussions and supply to Council to draft a report for public comment.

A reminder to residents to do a spring clean ahead of the 2019 Bulky Waste Clean-up. Between Monday, 17th September and Friday, 21st September, residents currently receiving a domestic waste and recycling collection service can place waste neatly next to the edge of the kerb.

For more information about what items are acceptable, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

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

Sarah Shares Her Favourite Things

September 13, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…” Most of us know the words to the classic song My Favourite Things from The Sound of Music.

For Sarah Bowkett the song took on new meaning the past two years as she worked hard creating a beautiful exhibition of her favourite things. This afternoon she will take a giant step to hopefully establish herself as an artist when her first solo exhibition of drawings, paintings and pottery, called My Favourite Things, opens at the Parkes Library.

In a back room at Currajong Disability Services where she created her art works with art therapist Maralyn Nash, Sarah is extremely humble, but very excited about her achievement. “I hope I can make a career from my art,” said Sarah who will celebrate her 30th birthday next month. “It’s always been my dream to have a job and earn a salary.”

Sarah has loved art since school, but when she started classes with Maralyn they began exploring her interests in learning and art history. When looking through a book of famous paintings, the first one that caught Sarah’s eye was Starry, Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. “It was my favourite painting as a teenager,” said Maralyn.

That was the basis for the first painting Sarah did with Maralyn.

In the exhibition there are two paintings Sarah created after Claude Monet, but the one that gives her real satisfaction is Sarah’s Mona Lisa, after Leonardo da Vinci. “I’ve always wanted to do this one as it is so famous, and I feel very proud of it.”

Over the two years Sarah explored many different techniques and did very intricate work to create her art work.
“She is very meticulous and works with great detail, while she is also very good at follow up on suggestions,” said Maralyn. “A solo exhibition is a massive achievement for any artist. Sarah has put a lot of hard work into it.”

The exhibition includes a selection of Sarah’s favourite things that she believes in.” I hope everyone will enjoy my artworks as much as I have enjoyed creating them.”

The exhibition opens at 3pm today and runs until 21st September. All works are for sale.

By Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard

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