Maggi Barnard

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

Snippets…

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Australian Logistics Council will be holding the 2018 Inland Rail Conference in Parkes on 18th and 19th July. ARA General Manager for Freight and Contractors, Duncan
Sheppard met with Trudie Varcoe, Site Supervisor at the SCT Intermodal Terminal last week where a site visit will be conducted for delegates at the conference.

Communities Grant: Parkes Shire Council will upgrade its central business district security network thanks to a $226,306 Safer Communities Fund grant. It will allow Council to install 17 new closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and signs and upgrade 16 old analogue cameras. Council also plan to erect nine solar security lights and purchase a portable CCTV system with seven cameras and removable bollards to integrate with its existing security
system. The CCTV upgrade will be a deterrent to street crimes and anti-social behaviour and boost the ability of police to monitor and reduce this behaviour. President of the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, Geoff Rice, welcomed the grant. “Getting that amount of money will make it a terrific system.”

Double Demerits: Double demerit points will be in force over the June long weekend (Queen’s Birthday) for four days. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor said: “Friday, 8th June is a publicly notified school day, and double demerit points will apply to all relevant school zone offences.” Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Dearne Jeffree said: “Double demerit points apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences over the four day period. Officers will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink-driving and fatigue. “Highway Patrol will have a strong presence across
the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas this long weekend.”

Parkes Picnic Races Competition Winner: Congratulations to Jacinta Knowles who won the double pass to attend the Picnic Races this Saturday!

Orange Choir At Bogan Gate For Third Time: Bogan Gate CWA members were overwhelmed by the response from locals for the Orange Male Voice Choir concert on Sunday with 127 people from Parkes, Forbes, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham, Orange, Condobolin and Bogan Gate attending. The choir performed a varied program,
including some Beatles songs. The performance was fantastic with the very capable and entertaining Barry Patterson
as conductor and talented Heijin Kim from Orange Regional Conservatorium as accompanist. Visitors were able to catch up with friends and meet choir members afterwards while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea provided by CWA members.

Mayoral Notes…

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

We are delighted by the announcement of funding under the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund to enable Council to upgrade the lighting throughout the Parkes CBD, in an effort to improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour.

This week Council facilitated the delivery of defibrillators and Red Cross training to five local sporting groups free of charge thanks to a NSW Government Office of Sport’s Local Sports Defibrillator Grant Program, which was matched by Council. The program aims to ensure our local sporting facilities are equipped with the life-saving apparatus.

A reminder from our Road Safety & Injury Prevention Officer that double demerits are in force for the long weekend ending on Monday. Double demerit points apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmets offences. Officers will also be targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as drink-driving and fatigue.

In an effort to stop drink driving, our local Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT) will be running a ‘Win a Swag’ competition at the local derby this Sunday from 1:30pm at Pioneer Oval, encouraging punters to think about alternatives to driving home after a night out. To enter simply fill in an entry form with details of your Plan B to get home.

Have a safe and enjoyable June long weekend,

Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Does Golf Make Your Back Hurt?

June 7, 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 between 22% to 27 % in females. 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.

How to prevent getting back pain. 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

Mudgee Wombats vs Parkes Boars

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

A rallied Wombat side proved too strong for a weakened Parkes Boars side last weekend.

Second Grade: Mudgee 28 – 12 Parkes This game featured a few club debuts, and with Mudgee Seconds near the top of the table, they were pushed consistently across the 80 minutes. This game captured the crowd with both teams taking the ball up the pitch and displaying hearty defensive performances.

First Grade: Mudgee 41 – 27 Parkes Parkes Boars were up for 90% of the game, but travelling away to Mudgee is always a tough feat. With several key players absent and others sporting injuries it was an uphill battle from the off. The score was always in the Boars favour, yet a combination of some seriously poor officiating decisions which were rudely and poorly explained (my opinion), combined with a gritty Mudgee forwards display and dented morale meant the Wombats could never be truly shaken or put to bed. Through these factors and a large home crowd smelling blood the comeback felt inevitable and crossing the line in the last few minutes sealed the boars fate. Defeated but not disheartened the Boars enjoyed winning the boat race. The Parkes Boars have a weekend off and return on 16th June at home to play CSU Bathurst.

By Ben Powley

Famous Psychic Medium Comes To Parkes!

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

One of Australia’s most famed and accurate psychic mediums will be in Parkes next Friday. Deb Webber, Woman’s Day columnist and TV star, is bringing her acclaimed live show to the Parkes Leagues Club on Friday, 15th June.

Deb is one of Australia’s most famed and accurate psychic mediums. She features on Australia and New Zealand’s channel 10 and Gem’s award-winning series Sensing Murder. She is also a decade long columnist for the Woman’s Day magazine in both countries. Originally from Melbourne, single mother of two, Deb Webber has been relaying messages from spirits since she was a young child.

Deb will bring her insight and gift to Parkes to showcase her incredible accuracy and connection to the spirit world.
She will walk through the audience giving spontaneous readings and connecting the lucky chosen people to their loved ones in spirit. Sometimes they are cheeky, sometimes sad, sometimes humorous but they are always inspiring and insightful for those receiving the reading and for those who get to witness the extraordinary detail that Deb can bring.

Following the live show, Deb will host a Q & A session, and a Tibetan crystal bowl meditation at the end to send everyone home calm, safe and with the right spirits. Doors at the Parkes Leagues Club open at 7pm for the show at 7:30pm. Tickets are from $48.00 on sale at www.debwebber.com.au or phone 0427 799 611. Also see our competition to win two tickets to the show in Parkes on this page.

Central West Weddings

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

How To Get Your Dream Honeymoon
Wouldn’t you rather go on a perfect honeymoon than receive a 4-slice toaster or a rubber-backed tartan travel rug? With the Helloworld Travel Bridal Registry, your family and friends can contribute towards the cost of your honeymoon, as their wedding gift to you. Helloworld Travel will help you choose your dream location and take care of all your travel needs. Your wedding guests then make contributions in your honour towards your honeymoon. We even supply cards to go out with your wedding invitations. It is this easy to turn your honeymoon dream into a reality.

Wedding Away is another great service that Helloworld Travel Forbes offers. The friendly staff at Helloworld Travel Forbes can organise your wedding in a special location and take care of all the travel and accommodation for your entire wedding party and guests. Talk to one of the professional consultants and start planning today.

A Special Day With A Civil Celebrant
Why not use a civil marriage celebrant to make your day special? Narelle Page Civil Celebrant is based in Parkes. Narelle specialises in all weddings, commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows and baby naming ceremonies. Narelle brings a strong sense of individualism to your special day to create a comfortable, interpersonal and memorable occasion for yourself and your guests. Why not choose to start your perfect day with a special ceremony by Narelle Page, Authorised Celebrant. For Bookings or any enquiries, contact Narelle on 0429 177 747 or email narellepagecelebrant@gmail.com

Unique And Contemporary Reception
The Parkes Services Club is proud to offer a unique and contemporary wedding reception venue for couples in the Central West of NSW. The club’s wedding packages are designed to make each wedding a memorable one and can be tailored to suit the bride and groom. A dedicated team is on hand to ensure everything runs to plan, not only on the day but in the lead up to the event. It is incredibly important for the bride and groom to feel confident knowing their wedding reception is in excellent hands. Call the club today to discuss your options.

Flowers Tailored To Your Taste
Organising your wedding flowers should be a wonderful and exciting experience. The flowers chosen show your style and personality. This could be anything from a classic floral design of round crisp roses, to a natural loose organic design of natives. Or why not make a statement and choose something outside the box with bright colourful flowers. At Ivy Lane, owner Jade will sit down and discuss all your wedding flower requirements with you and work with you
every step of the way to ensure your flowers are exactly what you want. Options available are bouquets, buttonholes/boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, ceremony arrangements, reception arrangements
and table centres.

For The Love Of Flowers
Are you looking for the perfect Florist? Alice and her team at the Pink Orchid in Parkes happily service the entire Central West of NSW. The Pink Orchid team loves creating original and personalised arrangements for every occasion, including weddings!

Choose Hart Bar
“It brings us so much joy to be able to hold special functions like weddings in such a special space,” says Kasie of the Hart Bar. “We enjoy working closely with the bride and groom to ensure that we tailor the perfect celebration for them and their family and friends to remember forever.” Hart Bar offers the perfect mix of seating and standing for a canapé function of up to 180 guests with the use of the stunning veranda. For a more intimate reception there is the option of up to 70 guests for a two or three course meal seated style reception. If you have a special function coming up get in contact so Kasie can help plan your perfect celebration!

Vintage Inspired Mobile Bar
Vintage and rustic are definitely on trend for weddings and events and what better addition to your event could there be than Joan, the 1950’s inspired vintage mobile bar! AuRevoir Vintage Van adds an extra special element to your wedding or event. For the ultimate bar service, visit www.aurevoirvintagevan.com.au.

Wellness Wise

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Waxed or Unwaxed Floss?
In addition to brushing twice a day, flossing daily is one of the best ways to keep your pearly whites healthy. While you can find floss in a variety of colours and flavours, it also comes in waxed and unwaxed.

You may be wondering if one type is more effective than the other. The truth is, according to various studies, there is no appreciable difference.

Waxed floss is ideal if you easily break a strand when flossing between your teeth. Wax may make it more difficult, however, to floss between crowded teeth. Conversely, unwaxed can be used between snuggly spaced teeth but is more apt to break or tatter than waxed floss. If you like floss with flavour, then you’ll want to choose waxed.

Either type will do the job so the best floss for you is the one you will use daily. For all your dental needs please call us at Riaz Dental on 6862 1261.

Physical Activity – Wonder Drug We Don’t Recognise
The majority of Australians are aware they need to be more active, but most don’t realise physical activity is a wonder drug for preventing illness and chronic diseases. According to research by The Heart Foundation only 7% of adults identify the reduction of diseases and illness as a benefit of regular physical activity.

At least 30 minutes of physical activity a day can reduce the risk of heart disease by 35%, it can also help manage depression and anxiety, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers and lower the risk of dementia later in life.

Those who struggle to meet their physical activity goals feel there are a number of barriers to being physically active. The top being lack of time, ill health, poor weather, high costs and feeling ‘too fat or overweight’ to take part.

Interestingly, Australians are significantly more likely to be excited about getting active if they have someone to be active with. People who are physically active with a buddy are also more likely to feel good afterwards when compared to those who are active alone.

Get Assessed For Type 2 Diabetes
Stop your blood sugar from becoming type 2 diabetes before it is too late!
Did you know diabetes:
• Is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults.
• Is the leading cause of kidney failure and dialysis.
• Increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to four times.
• Is a major cause of limb amputations.
• Affects mental health as well as physical health.
• Depression, anxiety and distress occur in more than 30% of all people with diabetes.

This is where your friendly staff at Parkes Pharmacy can help. They are available at any time to discuss Type 2 diabetes prevention and management.

There are no early symptoms of high blood sugar. Many Australians have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and don’t realise this is damaging their bodies. What’s more, 60% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented! The good news is, our pharmacists can conduct a simple check for you to learn your risk and help prevent type 2 diabetes before it’s too late.

One of the best ways to prevent diabetes is to cut back on your sugar intake. For the average person, you should limit your intake to six teaspoons a day. Sugar can be hidden in so-called ‘healthy food’, so learn how to read food labels – every 4g of sugar is equivalent to one teaspoon.

Diabetes Australia estimates that 2 million Australians are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and another 500,000 have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Undiagnosed (and poorly controlled) diabetes can lead to the health complications listed above, so it’s extremely important to get yourself assessed.

Orange Nats Choose Yvette Quinn

June 7, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

A young Parkes woman was endorsed as the Nationals candidate for the 2019 election. A meeting of local party members in the Orange Electorate endorsed Yvette Quinn on Sunday.

“I look forward to working hard to win the trust of the Orange Electorate,” the mental health support worker said.
Yvette has been an advisor to the Multicultural NSW Regional Advisory Council, and was previously on the NSW Youth Advisory Council. She has been heavily involved with the Orange Headspace Group, providing mental health support to young people.

Leader of The Nationals and Deputy Premier, John Barilaro said Yvette was a fresh face and would inject energy into the campaign to take back the Central West.

Footy Tipping Results – Round 13

June 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Sudden Loss Of Revered Guitarist

May 31, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The community of Parkes was plunged into shock last week with the sudden death of one of its most famous ‘sons’ best known for his legendary guitar skills. Phil Emmanuel suddenly died in Parkes last Thursday at age 65 after an asthma attack. He was visiting his brother Darcy at the time and planning to do some shows. Phil and his brother Tommy were inducted into the Wall of Fame at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival, and Phil gave a sold-out concert
at the festival.

Maggi Barnard

Subscribe