Maggi Barnard

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

Snippets…

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Nationals Candidate Yvette Quinn: attended a Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) rehearsal recently. Yvette was a member of the band as a Parkes Public and Red Bend College student. She is a talented woodwind musician playing flute and saxophone. She is pictured with music director Duncan Clement.

NPM Recipients: A total of 15 applicants were successful in the latest round of the CMOC-Northparkes Mines Community Investment Program, which runs twice a year with $40,000 donated each round. The successful applicants were Australian Red Cross Parkes, Bedgerabong Show, Bedgerabong War Memorial Union Church,
Bogan Gate Branch of Country Women’s Association (CWA), CWA of NSW Central Western Group, Forbes Amateur Swimming Club, Forbes Country Music Club Inc, Forbes High School, Mitchell Conservatorium Inc, Northparkes Charity Golf Day, PAINT PARKES REaD, Parkes Boppers Dance Troupe, Parkes Christian School, Parkes Dragon Boat Club and the Peak Hill Show Society. The next funding round closes on 30th October. Visit www.northparkes.com or contact Ali Standen on 6861 3621.

The Henrys: Nominations for the Parkes Business Awards – The Henrys, is open and closes on 20th August. If you haven’t yet received the 2018 Awards Entry Info Pack, make contact on Facebook.

Author Festival: Kim Kelly, the author of seven novels that explore Australian history, including the bestselling The Blue Mile, the acclaimed Wild Chicory, and UK Pigeonhole favourite Paper Daisies, will be in Parkes on 26th July at 6pm with her new rollicking tale Lady Bird & the Fox. On 28th July at 10am academic and author Kim Hodges will talk about her latest book Girl Over the Edge. Kim has lived with mental illness for the past five years: bipolar 2 disorder, severe depression, generalised anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. This is a follow up memoir to her successful debut memoir Girl on the Edge. On 3rd August at 6pm Jenny Bull will share her story of surviving fires, floods, Cyclone Ted and the 1970s beef crash in her book Back of Beyond. RSVP 6861 2309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Take The Lead: Dogs are many people’s best friends, but not when they are attacking others on the streets. Parkes Shire Council has launched a Responsible Dog Ownership campaign Take The Lead to raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership. The aim is to reduce the number of roaming dogs and dog attacks. Councillor Bill Jayet, said: “There are many benefits to owning a dog – socially, physically and mentally, however it also comes with major responsibility.” Council developed a pocket guide, social media content and public signage with information for responsible pet ownership with the focus on: ensuring your dog is kept safely within your property; ensure your dog is effectively controlled in public places; microchipping, registration and identification; vaccination, worming and de-sexing; off-leash areas in Parkes; Council’s ranger services and the Companion Animals Act 1998 regulations. The Take The Lead pocket guide is available from Council’s Administration Centre or
Parkes Veterinary Clinic, or download the information from www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Mayoral Notes…

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

I was delighted by the announcement of $4.2 million in funding for Parkes by the Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Michael McCormack on Monday. The funding will go towards the revitalisation of lower Clarinda Street and a multipurpose centre development in Cooke Park at a total cost of $8.5 million. This
significant infrastructure project will drive growth in the local and regional economy and deliver social benefits through increased community pride, cohesion and well-being.

Parkes welcomed 400 delegates to the Inland Rail Joint Industry Conference hosted by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Australian Logistics Council. Key note presentations were given by the Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, CEO ARTC John Fullerton and the Hon. Melinda Pavey MP Minister
for Roads, Maritime and Freight. The discussions and presentations focused on how Inland Rail is a nationally significant transport initiative that will transform Australia’s freight networks, enhance supply chain efficiency and safety, boosting export competitiveness and unlocking regional development and employment opportunities for local communities.

Parkes Shire Council is urging locals to ‘Take the Lead’ as part of its new Responsible Dog Ownership campaign launched this week to raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership, with the aim of reducing the number of roaming dogs and dog attacks. A Take the Lead pocket guide is available from Council’s Administration Centre, the Parkes Veterinary Clinic or on Council’s website.

Three successful authors Kim Kelly, Kim Hodges and Jenny Old, will be visiting Parkes Library from 26th July to discuss their new books and share their stories with the Parkes community.

Parkes Shire Council and Central West Lachlan Landcare are partnering to invite residents to plant trees and shrubs for Planet Ark’s National Tree Day on Sunday, 29th July. This year’s National Tree Day event will be held at 10am at Akuna Road, off Eugowra Road adjacent to Parkes’ new Advanced Water Recycling Facility. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Face Lift For Cooke Park and Clarinda Street

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

It was a big week for Parkes and it kicked off on Monday with the good news of a multi-million dollar grant to reinvigorate the CBD. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was the bearer of the news delivering more than $4.2 million towards an upgrade of Clarinda Street and a multi-purpose centre to
be constructed in Cooke Park.

The project, at a total cost of almost $8.5 million, will re-develop southern Clarinda Street with footpath upgrades, lighting and smart technology, street furniture and green areas to feed into Cooke Park to the new multi-use function and event centre.

“Congratulations to the Parkes Shire Council on its progressive attitude,” said Michael. “It is a great town indeed and will only prosper into the future looking better, prettier and more attractive for tourists and locals. It is money well spent.”

Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM said the project followed on from the CBD vibrancy strategy with “community groups screaming out for cultural facilities”. He said the new multi-purpose centre would not only provide a new and professional stage for the Elvis Festival, but also attract more cultural events to town and create new events, while the development of lower Clarinda Street would encourage business opportunities.

The multi-purpose centre will replace the current community hall in Cooke Park. The project is expected to be completed in two years’ time.

By Maggi Barnard

Exciting Times For Parkes

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

A wave of excitement and optimism washed over Parkes this week as the $8.4 billion Inland Rail project not only brought 400 conference delegates to town, but Council has received an unprecedented number of enquiries from industries interested in locating to the region.

“The interest in Parkes is phenomenal; we are on the verge of something big,” said Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd. Keynote speakers at the first ever Inland Rail Joint Industry Conference held at the Parkes Leagues Club this week agreed that it was an exciting time for our town. “Parkes is set to become Australia’s most important inland logistics hub,” said Anthony Albenese, shadow minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, while Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport said it was very appropriate to have the conference in Parkes located at the epicentre of the north-south Newell Highway, the eastwest rail-line and the Inland Rail route.

The Deputy Prime Minister had more good news announcing that ARTC had awarded the first two local contracts valued at $7 million in total to Ausrock Quarries from Parkes and Calvani Crushing from Forbes resulting in 16 new jobs being created. The two businesses will supply 195,000 tons of track ballast and 120,000 tons of capping for the Parks to Narromine section of the rail track.

Ausrock Quarries Director Simon Shannon said the benefits of Inland Rail were generating a lot of optimism locally.
In addition ARTC has opened a shop front in Clarinda Street to provide contract information for small businesses and locals looking for jobs on Inland Rail. “There are experts to talk people through it, as well as visuals and touch screens for anyone interested in finding out more about the project,” said Michael.

Kent Boyd said investors were looking to Parkes because of its unique position being the only place in Australia where all the major routes intersect.

Parkes Paddles Own ‘Dragon Boat’

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club held its inaugural AGM last week and elected Bill Thomas as its first president. Bill’s vision is that it will be a friendly club for all people, on and off the water. “You can paddle for fun and friendship or you can strive to reach representative level,” he said.

Since its launch at the end of May the club has gained 29 paid members and has started regular paddling sessions at Lake Endeavour on Sunday mornings. “We have already become a group of dedicated die hards who will brave the elements to get on the water.”

Bill is encouraged by the number of men joining the club to make it a strong, equal club that will help get rid of the old stigma of dragon boating being a women’s sport. The other committee positions were filled by Debra Tooley – vice president, Beth Thomas – secretary, Debbie Abela – treasurer and regatta coordinator, Jenny Short – grants officer, Harley Tom – director, Louise Moore – public officer/registrar, Bill Thomas – equipment coordinator, Maggi Barnard – publicity officer, , John Pearce – MPIO, Warren Edwards – coach, Rochelle Smith, Beth Thomas and Debra Tooley – assistant coaches and Linda Snyman – social organiser.

Hockey Generates More State Champs

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes junior hockey is on a winning streak with the U13 Boys team becoming joint Division 1 State champions last weekend in Wagga Wagga.

The Parkes 2 team did themselves proud clinching third place in Division 3 and getting the Play the Whistle Award for outstanding sportsmanship. The Parkes 1 team’s victory comes only three weeks after the U15 Boys team won the Division 2 state title in Parkes last month.

The Parkes 1 team were undefeated in their round games played over the first two days of the carnival, securing wins against Grafton 1 (1-0), North West Sydney 1 (2-0), New England (4-0), Goulburn 1 (2-0) and a draw with Illawarra South Coast 1 (2-2).

On Sunday the boys took on Metro South West 1 in the semi-final winning 3-1 to secure their place in the final against Newcastle 1. Neither team were able to score, despite Parkes having the majority of play towards later stages of the game. Several penalty corners in the dying minutes could not be converted by Parkes, and with the scores locked at 0-0 both teams were declared joint winners! Official records were not available, but it might be the first time in about 30 years that Parkes has won the Division 1 title in the U13 boys age group.

At the conclusion of the carnival, more good news came Parkes’ way with centre midfielder Ryan Dunford named Player of the Tournament, and seven team members were named in the U13 Boys NSW squad! They are Thomas Searl, Ryan Dunford, Toby Collins, Joseph Tanswell, Jack Skinner, Edward Murray and Nathan Marshall.

This brings Parkes’ total of NSW junior squad members for 2018 to 18 – an outstanding achievement.

Legal Eagle

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Consumer Credit Code – Protection For Borrowers
Most credit arrangements, or contracts, are covered by the Consumer Credit Code (CCC). Before a credit contract is offered, the borrower must be given a statement by the credit provider. A document that sets out the borrower’s rights and obligations must also be provided.
Some of the items which must be disclosed under the code are:
• The amount of the credit;
• The interest rate, and how it is to be calculated. If it is a variable rate, you must be told how you can check this;
• All charges and fees must be disclosed, including ongoing loan maintenance fees and default costs and fees. This
must include any government fees and charges, including any stamp duty;
• Commissions paid to or by the credit provider;
• Details of any required security, such as a mortgage or a guarantee, and of any required insurance.

The contract must clearly set out what terms of the contract may be changed by the credit provider during the term of the contract, and the notice that must be given by the credit provider. These may include changes to the interest rate and changes to the repayment instalments. Where the contract sets out pegged interest changes and repayment instalments, a separate notice need not be given.

So be careful. Fully investigate any proposed credit arrangement and, if the terms are not fully understood, get professional advice before signing up.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson

12 Travelling Billboards For Parkes Hub

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

If you are travelling between Sydney and Parkes over the next six months be on the look out for SCT Logistics trucks advertising our town. Parkes Shire Council in partnership with SCT Logistics, has installed truck back advertising
on 12 SCT Logistics trailers that travel daily between Parkes and Western Sydney.

The new marketing initiative is part of the Parkes National Logistics Hub strategic marketing campaign to attract investment from new and existing business operators to relocate to Parkes and take advantage of our unique supply chain solutions.

“The advertising will be in market for six months with the aim to appeal to manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and other supply chain companies in the Western Sydney industrial parks to consider relocation or investment in the Parkes National Logistics Hub,” said Council’s Economic and Business Development Manager Anna Wyllie.

The Parkes National Logistics Hub is a 600 hectare intermodal estate, uniquely positioned at the intersection of the East/West rail line, the North/South Newell Highway, and the new $10 billion Inland Rail. The campaign dovetails perfectly with the 2018 Inland Rail Conference held in Parkes this week attended by more than 400 delegates.

More information is available in the Parkes Hub Prospectus at www.parkeshub.com.au.

Corked Thigh

July 19, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

If you have ever been hit hard in the thigh with someone’s knee or shoulder, you most likely know how painful and debilitating a corked thigh can be. A cork, or a muscle contusion as was formerly known, is a common occurrence in contact sports, as well as sports like cricket and hockey when a player is hit by the ball.

Contusions result from blunt trauma to a muscle such as when two players collide and one is hit in the thigh by the knee of the other. The underlying muscle and connective tissue are crushed without breaking the skin. This causes bleeding within or between muscles resulting in a haematoma. A cork may result in immediate pain, weakness, muscle spasm and stiffness.

Most contusions are minor and heal quickly, however if you lose joint range or power in the leg, have trouble with explosive bursts or kicking, it is time to come off the ground and not return to play. It is important that treatment of a muscle contusion starts immediately, with the first 48 hours post injury the most important.

Immediate treatment for a corked muscle should include ceasing activity, icepacks applied every two hours for 15 minutes, bandage the corked muscle with an elasticized bandage, elevate the injured limb above heart height whenever possible and avoid exercise, heat, alcohol and massage in the first 48 hours.

Range of motion is a good indicator as to the severity of the injury. Difficulty flexing the knee past 90 degrees may suggest a more severe injury that requires a physiotherapy assessment.

For the fitness of you,
Linda Reilly

Footy Tipping Results – Round 18

July 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard

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