Maggi Barnard

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

Toy Library Makes It Child’s Play For Parents

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

It has been said toys are children’s words and play is their language, but the battle of finding the right balance of toys versus the cost of buying is one every parent is fighting.

Parkes parents no longer have to stress as there is a perfect solution. The Parkes Toy Library, run by the St George’s Anglican Church for the community, is just like a regular library except you can borrow toys. There are more than 700 items to choose from, and items can be borrowed for two weeks at a time.

“The toy library not only offers a sustainable, eco friendly and cost saving approach for families, but also reduces clutter at home and the kids have something different to play with every two weeks,” said Christine Holmes, one of two volunteers who run the library.

“New members are always very excited about the variety we have on offer, which includes books, DVDs and board games too,” said Christine.

The library has the latest trendy toys, as well as old favourites. “We have Octonauts, Paw Patrol, Thunderbirds, a Batman robot, as well as Thomas the Tank Engine and a wooden dolls house,” said Kate Anderson, the other volunteer.

According to Kate the trendy toys are very popular and they do have a waiting list to make sure everyone gets a turn. “We are not too strict on the two weeks borrowing time for the less popular toys, and families can borrow as many as they like.”

The library accepts donations of toys still in a good condition. They plan to buy new toys for older kids very soon.

“When toys come back broken, it is not a hassle. We make up new sets or create new toys where possible.” She said the only requirement was that toys had to be wiped and cleaned before returning them.

One member was very happy on Monday. “This dinosaur set is the best toy ever,” said Kim Thomas. “My kids played with it all week.”

Kim said the library was a brilliant idea. “It saves money, the variety is good and the kids can play with toys they don’t have.”

The Parkes Toy Library is open every Monday from 3:30 – 6pm during school terms and is situated in the lower hall of the Anglican Church. Find them on Facebook or call 6862 1868. Membership is $35 per year. Enter the competition on page 8; to win one of three memberships to the Parkes Toy Library.

As Maria Montessori said: “Play is the work of the child.” Why not make your child’s play fun, interesting, sustainable and full of variety by joining this excellent community service, and saving money at the same time.

By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Pantherettes Persevere

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Pantherettes travelled to Dubbo on a blustery cold day to play the Dubbo Demons last weekend.

Both teams had thirteen players and no subs. The Demons went straight into action scoring a couple of goals. A return from Amy Roseby strengthened the backline as she was able to provide numerous leads and get the ball out of the defensive 50.

After quarter time the Panthers regrouped with a positive attitude. Midfielder Kimberley Dixon snapped up a collection of handballs in tight situations. Defense tightened as Dubbo scored three goals and one behind for the quarter.

Parkes defenders were again under the pump with the ball constantly coming in as the third quarter began. Key players Ashley Rosser and Renee Massurit combined to try and restrict the Dubbo forwards. Parkes kept Dubbo to five goals and two behinds.

As the final quarter started the Panthers tried a few different approaches in the centre, trying to contain the quick Dubbo midfielders and maintain possession of the ball. Hallee Pauley-Lestrange impressed when she had the ball, producing a lot of run and carry in the middle of the ground.

Korine Coleman was awarded players’ player for the match. Unfortunately Dubbo held the Pantherettes scoreless and they managed to add four goals and five behinds to their total. Dubbo 17.13-115 defeated Parkes 0.0-0

Coach Ralph said: “The girls’ skills are really improving, if they keep putting in the effort at training they will only get better.”

This weekend Parkes plays in Orange at Waratahs Oval at 12.45pm.

By Korine Coleman

US Artist Excited To Headline Elvis Festival

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The build-up for the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival has started with the announcement of Ted Torres Martin of the US as the feature artist.

The international Elvis tribute artist from Orlando, Florida is a multi-talented actor, singer, songwriter and musician, and will be performing in Australia for the very first time. He said on his Facebook page after the announcement last month: “I am very excited about headlining the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival in Australia, which is the biggest Elvis festival in the world! I am very honoured and look forward to entertaining all the wonderful Elvis fans in Australia in 2019!”

Ted is sure to leave fans ‘All Shook Up’ – the theme of the 27th festival. He will appear in four high-energy concerts celebrating Elvis Presley’s music at the Parkes Leagues Club from Thursday, 10th to Sunday, 13th January 2019. He will be backed by a dynamic live Elvis band to recreate the performances that made Elvis Presley the one and only King of Rock ‘n Roll.

In addition to the feature concert series, Ted will appear at the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival Street Parade, gospel service and Renewal of Vows Ceremony.

Ted is one of the top tribute artists in the world, and has toured the United States, Germany, Austria, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure said: “Ted has a great reputation for putting on an unforgettable show and we look forward to seeing this when he takes to the stage in Parkes.”

Tickets for the 2019 feature concert series will be on sale following the 2019 Program Launch on Monday, 10th September.

The 27th annual Parkes Elvis Festival will take place from 9 to 13 January next year.

Inland Rail Contracts Create New Jobs

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Economic benefits of the Inland Rail project are starting to roll in for the production and transport sectors.

Twenty new jobs were created at Rocla’s Braemar concrete sleeper plant in Mittagong after the company was awarded a $20 million contract to produce 200,000 sleepers for the first stage of the project in NSW.

“The 200,000 concrete sleepers required for the Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail is the first of 1.5 million that will be required to build the full 1,700 km length of the Inland Rail from Brisbane to Melbourne,” said Inland Rail Programme Delivery Director Simon Thomas.

Rail company Pacific National is also benefiting by making the first delivery of sleepers to Peak Hill last month. Over the next six months, Pacific National will run a train once a week from Mittagong to Peak Hill carrying around 9,000 concrete sleepers each trip. “When it comes to hauling bulk freight, rail is the safest, most efficient and environmentally- friendly mode of transport – to move 200,000 concrete sleepers by road would take a thousand B-double trucks,” said Pacific National President of Freight Andrew Adam.

Crazy Hair And Sock Day

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

This Saturday is crazy sock and hair day. Parkes Netball is asking all players, umpires, coaches, support crews and fans to go bonkers with bouffants, and silly with socks to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. The annual event raises funds for The Kids Cancer Project. This year the aim is to reach $60,000 in NSW. Gold coin donations will be collected at Parkes Netball Association throughout the day on 23rd June.

Boars Bring Back Bounty

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Last Saturday was a day of much celebration for the Parkes Boars as they hosted their annual Ladies Day and came away with two good results.

Second Grade: Parkes Boars 5 – 5 CSU Bathurst: The Parkes Boars 2nd Grade finally gave the performance Ethen Keseff has been wanting and demanding as they faced a strong second grade team in CSU. Low scoring but not lacking in ambition and performance levels, a few errors and steel defensive lines kept it low. Jake Elliot shimmied and crashed over the line to level the scores.

First Grade: Parkes Boars 29 – 17 CSU Bathurst: The first half was predominantly in CSU’s hands with the majority of field position dictated by the boot. The Boars, with a clear game plan, were able to limit the majority of backline play. Dylan Phillipa took the first try, but CSU was 10-5 up. The Boars quickly asserted control in the second half. The forward pack tore the scrum to pieces. The Parkes backs had never had it so easy. Ben Ryan (brother of Parkes rugby idol Dan Ryan) was able to touch down for the first of his plethora of tries. That was the story for the rest of the game. Parkes Boars’ back decimated the CSU pack in all departments allowing Lloyd Rodgers to link up with fellow Englishman Ben Powlay. The dream duo constantly threatened the defensive line with Lloyd scoring.

Ben Ryan found himself lost on the wing, but put the icing on the cake of his man of the match performance to score his third try and become the top try scorer for the season.

By Ben Powla

Glitz, Glamour & Pageantry At Wrestling

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

International Wrestling Australia (IWA) Pro Wrestling Live is returning to Forbes tonight on the Wild West Tour as part of its 20 Year Anniversary celebrations. It promises to be a great family fun filled two-hour show that is a slick combination of comedy, athleticism and drama – the physical embodiment of comic book superheroes and villains! The performance includes crowd favourite Cowboy Chris Abbott, who grew up in the western region of NSW, as well as Australia’s most talented and accomplished performers, some of whom have performed for the global juggernaut WWE, along with other major wrestling companies from around the world. The cast of characters will appeal to the whole family from terrifying heavyweights, to awe-inspiring aerial artists, tag team specialists and even battling femme fatales!

All the glitz, glamour, pageantry, posing and spandex of wrestling’s yesteryear remain, but presented in a fresh, family-friendly format relevant to modern audiences complete with gripping storylines of tragedy and triumph and stage production that provides an experience you’ll never forget.

Don’t miss out tonight at the Forbes Services Club at 7:15pm VIP doors, and 7:30pm general doors, show at 8pm. Tickets $25 VIP, $18 adults and $14 kids.

Question of the Week?

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

What is your favourite toy at the Parkes Toy Library?

Suzanne Smit (11): I like the big doll house a lot as it has plenty of room and comes with dolls.

Dustin Whiley (10): My favourite is the Batman robot. It is a lot of fun as it works with a remote control, shoots and transforms.

Johann Smit (8): I enjoy playing with the remote control dinosaur. It can walk around, dance and tumble.

Snippets…

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Bake Off at Neighbourhood Central: Staff at Neighbourhood Central organised their annual Bake Off for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to help raise money for cancer research. It was decided to make it a bake off, and staff members agreed on a fixed donation price to participate and brought along a home-made treat. There were lots of good treats with Lyn Townsend crowned queen of the kitchen for 2018 with her delicious cream and strawberry pancake sandwiches.

Mock Crash: Production is well underway for this year’s Mock Crash Demonstration on Friday, 17th August with the establishing scenes filmed recently. Celebrating its 10th year, the demonstration has seen over 5,000 local students learn about the responsibilities and risks associated with getting behind the wheel with around 500 Year 10 students from Parkes, Forbes and the Lachlan Shire taking part every year. “Since the program commenced, we have recorded a 27% reduction in local crashes involving young drivers,” said Melanie Suitor of the Parkes Shire Council. The demonstration will take place at Parkes High School’s multi-purpose centre, and the final dress rehearsal will be open to the public.

Supporting Parkes’ Children: The children’s charity Royal Far West will be holding a community meeting in Parkes on Thursday, 28th June at the Coventry Room at 5:30pm. Participants from Royal Far West, Charles Sturt University and Fairfax Media will join Parkes’ local government, health and education leaders and families to discuss the state of children’s developmental health in rural and remote NSW. Parents, teachers, health care workers, and the business community are invited to discuss trends, challenges and what is working locally in order to create a plan for change, lobby for more targeted funding, and work with the community to build its capacity to support impacted children and families. To attend, register at www.royalfarwest.org.au/town-hall/ or email community@royalfarwest.org.au or call 1800 961 001.

Only Two Weeks To New Child Care: Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is urging families to switch to the new child care and early learning system or risk missing out on the new subsidies. The new package will begin on 2nd July and provides the highest rate of subsidy to those on the lowest income levels and more hours of subsidy to those who work the most. The Government is increasing early childhood education and
care by $2.5 billion over the next four years so that almost one million Australian families benefit – low and middle-income families will be the greatest beneficiaries from the package. The safety net includes special funding for regional and Indigenous-focused centres, and 12 hours or around two sessions a week of guaranteed access to
care/learning for families earning less than around $66,958 even if they don’t meet the activity test. The change over is not automatic and needs to be done online.

The Shows Will Go On

June 21, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

MAJOR UPGRADE… The long-awaited refurbishment of the Little Theatre in Parkes has started. All the chairs, which were installed in 2000, had to be removed for the installation tiered seating. The old chairs will be used in various community halls. The new theatre will be opened with a gala concert series in October.

Maggi Barnard

Subscribe