Maggi Barnard

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

Forbes Golf Course Update

November 25, 2022 By Short Putt

The 9th bridge re-emerging after the 2nd peak on Sunday at the Forbes Golf Club.

The Forbes community is recovering from the effects of two high flood events in two weeks. As with many of the sporting venues around town, the golf course is still quite wet.

The aim is to get the golf course running as soon as possible with the first job to ensure the health of the greens and then to mow the fairways when they dry. There is not much that volunteers can do at present, but once the course dries enough to enable traffic around the course there will be a call for bodies to help with the clean-up.

If you think you may be able to help, call the Course Supervisor Jack Elliott on 0478 678 804 or Club President Tony Cogswell on 0418 220 510.

Planning is underway for the commencement of competition play when we are able. The Summer Sixes will probably start in the new year with a revamped format.

On the weekend of 12th and 13th November a team of golfers from Forbes and Parkes travelled to Shoalhaven on the South Coast to represent the Lachlan Valley District at the NSW Country Championships.

Our players did well, but their scores of Day 1 – 296 and Day 2 – 294, aggregating the four best individual scores each day, meant they were a long way behind. The eventual winners were Newcastle (280, 280)from Central Coast (281, 280) and Illawarra (281, 282).

Each of the Lachlan Valley team contributed in some way, with Steve Betland and John Betland scoring par 71s along the way.

Pro Shop is closed at present, but stay tuned as best you can.

By Short Putt

Three National Medals For Trundle Champs

November 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Toby Morgan with his gold medal, and Isabella Skipworth with one of her medals in Brisbane.

Two Trundle para-athletics champs shone at the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championship in Brisbane last weekend coming home with a haul of three medals.

Toby Morgan is the national champion winning a gold medal in the 800m for 10-year-old multiclass event for boys, whileIsabella Skipworth won a silver in discusand bronze in shot put.

It was an amazing experience for the two students where they made lots of new friends and incredible memories. The opening ceremony was last Thursday and ended with a closing ceremony on Monday. The participants also had an opportunity to access equipment and technology utilised for talent identification for the 2023 Olympics. A fun part of the event was swapping pins with competitors from other states, which they then wore on their hats.

Toby is a student at Parkes East Public School, and Isabella attends St Patrick’s Primary School in Trundle.

Brian And John Win Major Pairs Final

November 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The 2022 Major Pairs Final in Parkes was played in perfect conditions on Saturday and was worthy of a live television broadcast.

John Wright and Brian Townsend were the first team into the final, while Mick Simpson and Mark Dwyer were the odds-on favourites. The scores were even with just one shot the difference until the 14th end, where John and Brian picked up 4 shots, to lead by 16 shots to 12.

Mick and Mark won the next 4 ends, levelling the scores, and managed to claw ahead to lead by 1 on the 20th end. Skipper Brian had the last bowl of the match, needing 2 shots to win the title. Mick and Mark were holding 2 shots and had the jack covered, and it seemed they had the Championship in the bag.

Brian and John had the best 2 back bowls. Brian bowled a pearler, prising out the jack, resting it closest to his back bowls –winning the match by 1 shot with the last bowl, final score 19 shots to 18. Congratulations to all 4 bowlers on an extraordinary and skilful Pairs Final, enjoyed by a large crowd.

Nominate For 2023 Australia Day Awards

November 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Parkes Shire Council Community, Cultural, Environmental and Sports Awards, and the Ron Harrison Sports Bursary.

“This has been hard for everyone in many ways, not least with the recent flood disaster. The amazing response shown has proved just how many local heroes are in our community,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM.

The annual Australia Day Awards are designed to publicly acknowledge and reward the marvellous contributions citizens and groups make on a local level and encourage others to follow their lead. The awards cover the 2022 calendar year to date and will be announced at the Australia Day Awards ceremony in January 2023.

This year, all nominations must be made online via Council’s website. If you need any assistance with completing the nomination form, please visit the team at the Parkes Library & Culture Centre. Entries close on 5th December.

This year the Cultural Award categories have changed to encourage a wider variety of recipients eligible for nomination, and will include the following categories: Performance Award, Literacy Award, Visual Arts Award and Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Community Awards recognise outstanding community contribution in three categories: Adult Citizen; Young Citizen; Individuals or a Community Group for an event.

The Environmental Award recognises an individual or group contributing to our environmental preservation or advancing environmental awareness within the Shire.

The Sports Awards recognise outstanding sporting groups and individuals in the Parkes Shire in eight categories.

First Winners Of Biodiversity In Focus Competition

November 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The winning images of the first Biodiversity in Focus photography competition were by (L-R) Flynn Davis, Peggy Swift and Cooper Holloway.

Parkes Shire Council was overwhelmed with the number of photos entered for the inaugural Biodiversity in Focus photography competition.

A broad range of fauna and flora were included in the total of 57 images submitted by students across the Infants, Primary and Secondary categories.

To select winners in each division, local naturalists Peter Cannon and Martin Bell from the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW, were asked to judge the entries.

“We were impressed with the quality of photography and the selection of interesting and diverse subject matter,” said Martin.

“We understand that, unfortunately, there can only be one winner from each division. Nevertheless, all the entrants should be congratulated on some fine photography.”

Winners: Infants: “Bluey the Blue Tongue” by Flynn Davis. Flynn said: “It was crossing the road to the football field, and we wanted to make sure it got across safely. It had a really beautiful light blue tongue.” Primary: “Hang in there” by Peggy Swift. Peggy said: “This Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) is a native frog to the Parkes area. It’s also known as the Laughing Tree Frog. It has cross-shaped eyes, emerald spots and yellow armpits.” Secondary: “A Curious Owl” by Cooper Holloway. Cooper said: “This Eastern Barn Owl was perched up in a Kurrajong tree on our farm.”

Runners-up: Infants: “Broken Heart Tree surrounded by Yellow Paperdaisy” by Jayda Francis; Primary: “Yellow Paper Daisy with a Bull Ant” by Chase Francis; Secondary: “Land of the Shrooms” by Adam Barnard.

Honourable mentions: Brydee Flavel, Flynn Davis, Joey Hazelton, Saige Jelbart, Alexis Lewis, Bradley Lewis, Charlotte Ballantyne, Emma Hando, Jenson Howard, Rosie Parkin, Samara Wood, Peggy Swift, Cooper Holloway, Haylee Lewis and Lilia Howard.

Budding photographers are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for interesting plants, fungi and animals to enter in next year’s competition.

Big Day For Parkes Bowls On Sunday

November 25, 2022 By Marty Tighe

Bob and Geoff Freeman with Frank Gersbach. The two bowling clubs in Parkes will be playing for the Frank Gersbach Cup on Sunday.

The Frank Gersbach Cup match at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club on Sunday will culminate a very busy year of lawn bowls for both clubs in Parkes.

It is the Parkes Railway Bowling Club’s turn to host the return bowls match against Parkes Bowling & Sports Club in the Frank Gersbach Cup bowls competition between the two Clubs.

The match will also determine the inaugural holder of the Bob & Geoff Freeman Shield.

Frank Gersbach and Bob and Geoff Freeman have been honoured by both clubs in recognition of their esteemed dedication to supporting bowls in Parkes over many years.

The Parkes Railway Bowling Club particularly acknowledges the timely vital support Frank Gersbach provided to the club for many years. The popularity and success that the club enjoys today is largely the result of his sustained support.

Geoff Freeman has dedicated many years to umpiring at all levels, as well as training and assessing bowls umpires. He and his brother Bob, who plays weekly at both clubs, have supported, managed and played bowls at all levels in Parkes and the wider district. Frank, Geoff and Bob’s support for bowls in Parkes has been immeasurable over a long time.

The match will be a pennants match with 3 teams of major bowlers for the gold cup and 4 teams of minor bowlers for the silver cup.

The first match in April saw 56 bowlers compete in the inaugural competition, resulting in a solid win to Parkes Bowling & Sports Club in the Majors, who have proudly displayed the gold Frank Gersbach Cup. The Railway Club narrowly won the Minors match, and have held the silver Gersbach Cup.

Both clubs, together with their large supporter groups, eagerly await the return match on Sunday, 27th November at the Railway Bowling Club, commencing at 1pm.

By Marty Tighe

Apply For Jack Scoble University Scholarship

November 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire students undertaking their first year of full-time university studies next year are encouraged to apply for a Jack Scoble Scholarship.

Supported by the Parkes Shire Council, the scholarship offers local students funding for their tertiary studies.

“Receiving a financial boost can help make university education more accessible for regional young people to help ease the financial pressures of tertiary studies,” said Council’s Manager Cultural Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones. “I also strongly encourage students who will be registering with the Parkes Country Universities Centre are also eligible to apply.”

The late Jack Scoble MBE, OAM was Mayor of Parkes from 1966 to 1979.

Applicants must be: Residents of Parkes Shire who have completed the Higher School Certificate at either a school in the shire, or outside of the shire as non-boarding students; Entering their first year of full-time university studies either immediately after graduating high school, or after a gap period of no longer than 24 months; Undertaking a course of study that will offer a benefit to the rural community.

Guidelines and application forms are available at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/living-here/your-community/education/scholarships/

Applications close on 20th January 2023 at 10am.

Snippets…

November 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

This beautiful echidna was seen in Parkes this week near the Spicer Caravan Park. (Photo: Jenny McLeod)

$15 Million To Fix Roads: The Forbes and Parkes Shires are part of the eight councils in central and western NSW to receive $15 million in emergency funding fast-tracked by the NSW Government for urgent road repairs to restore access to flood impacted areas. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding would allow councils to start repairing critical infrastructure and support future recovery works. “With harvest underway, we also need to ensure roads are up to the task of carrying the additional truck and heavy machinery to get this crop off and to receival sites,” said Paul. “This cash is being directed straight to councils which, with their detailed knowledge of their local region and roads, are best placed to identify those critical priority areas.

More Help For Roads: On Tuesday NSW Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway announced the NSW Government would deploy 200 people and heavy machinery to the Central West and Murrumbidgee to assist with the mammoth task of reconnecting the road network. According to local councils about 10,000km of roads had been flood-affected. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe welcomed the extra help, but said roadworks would be needed for many months to come. “Rural people are dismayed at how quickly the road network crumbled, and it’s pretty clear that we need to rebuild better so we can avoid these sorts of headaches in the future.

Flood Funding: Last Friday recovery grants to help begin immediate clean-up and recovery costs, and to repair extensive damage, were increased from $25,000 to up to $75,000 for primary producers. The grants were made available to all of local government areas (LGAs) that had been disaster declared since 14th September.

Dangerous Mould: As the devasting floods start to subside, they leave a mess, including dangerous mould. National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson and GP, Dr Joel Ten said it was critical that mould wasn’t left to grow unchecked. “Reducing the amount of moisture as soon as possible is the best way to control mould growth, so do a thorough clean and open all the doors and windows to dry out the area as quickly as possible. If you can, use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the process,” he said. For more information visit nationalasthma.org.au

The amazing story of survival of Ed the sheep from Eugowra is a good news story we all love to hear at the moment. Ed was in the direct path of the floodwater, but he paddled hard and kept his head above water. He was found 24 hours later by firies pinned by some debris in a shop that sells second hand and vintage furniture. (Read the full story on our facebook page. Photo: Andrew Gee MP facebook page.)

From The Mayor’s Desk: Central West Flood Disaster

November 25, 2022 By Ken Keith, OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire

The freak flood in Parkes and record floods in the region last week will require a huge recovery process. (Photo: Michelle Bicket)

Firstly, I must acknowledge the extreme trauma people have experienced, in these never seen-before extreme events. Homes flooded, family heirlooms lost, extensive damage to fences, livestock, crops, roads, and the list goes on and on. It will take time, but we will recover with the help of friends, family and a caring community.

Our thoughts and actions must also go to our neighbouring communities, such as the devastation seen at Eugowra and the repeated flooding of the Lachlan towns. Communities from everywhere, including our own, have offered to help in so many ways and we must continue to do so.

There are so many people to thank: to the members of the community who have provided and continue to provide the much-needed support, taking in washing, helping with clean-ups, making lunches, donating clothes, food, bedding and so much more. There have been acts of kindness too extensive to capture.

Our businesses have been so generous with donations and support; it is just amazing. We will endeavour to recognise these businesses in due course, but presently there are too many to mention.

The the volunteers from across the state, supporting SES, RFS and other services, and also from from Singapore, New Zealand and the Philippines. The help from across the country and internationally is humbling. The Australian Defence Forces are also here to provide support, and the rapid relief team have also done a great job.

The Parkes Chamber of Commerce has met with Council to look at how we start the economic recovery for Parkes and our neighbouring towns. Strategies such as the Shop in the Region programs, apprenticeship programs, working with insurance companies, and more are all on the table.

It will be a long hard road, more so for some than others, but as a Council we will help where we can. As Mayor, I will fight for fair treatment for all our residents.

Ken Keith, OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire

Sensational Achievement For Parkes Bowls Team

November 25, 2022 By Lea Orr

The bowling champs are (L-R) Lynn Ryan (manager), Brenda Davies, Heather Harvey, Maureen Miller, Liz Byrne, Marja Iffland, Jan McPhee, Rhona Went, Cherie Frame and Merilyn Rodgers (reserve).

The Grade 3 Pennants teams of the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club won silver at the State Championship in Bomaderry on Sunday.

The runners-up in NSW played Yamba in a closely fought final in very windy conditions with the final score 42 – 36. Congratulations on a fantastic effort which has put our little country club on the bowling map! We are all in awe of your staying power, with three solid days of high-intensity matches under very trying conditions. We welcomed the triumphant champs, sporting their silver medals and banner home on Tuesday, amid cheers and applause and a special cake!

By Lea Orr

Maggi Barnard

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