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…

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Council’s grants team have put forward eight local projects for funding under round two of the State Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. We have taken the opportunity to submit a number of township projects, identified by our residents as priorities during the Parkes 2030 community consultation workshops held last year.

Among the projects put forward are the extension to the Tullamore GP suite, the rejuvenation of Caswell Street in Peak Hill, and a new amenities block in Trundle. Combined, the eight projects are valued at more than $2 million.

Council’s Biosecurity Officers are encouraging locals to take advantage of the free services they provide to our community aimed at minimising the spread of priority weeds. Those services include weed control advice, property inspections, weed identification and the distribution of educational materials. To help protect our unique, contact our Biosecurity Officers on 6861 2343.

Council crews have recently completed improvements to the internal road at the Peak Hill Cemetery. The community-initiated project, funded by the Peak Hill CCC, involved carrying out some tree and root maintenance, and widening the road to 4 metres using 100mm of road base to significantly improve accessibility at the site.

Parkes and Peak Hill’s Fire and Rescue stations will open their doors between 10am and 2pm tomorrow, giving locals an opportunity to meet our local firefighters, learn how the station operates and check out the fire trucks.

Local business operators and interested community members are invited to attend the ID Solutions Census Briefing on Wednesday, 23rd May, 5.30 to 7pm in the Council Chambers. The free session provides practical insights and skills on how to take advantage of the ID Solutions online platform and latest census data. Register your attendance via Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

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

New Era Served Up At The Dish

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

There was huge excitement in the world of astronomy on Tuesday when the Parkes Radio Telescope installed the world’s first and only ultra-wide band receiver that will let the telescope do different jobs at the same time.

“I cannot stress enough how amazing this technology is,” said Dr Jane Kaczmarek, who moved to Parkes six weeks ago and will be working on the commissioning of the receiver. “It is like a Swiss army knife, it can do everything. We are so excited as we really don’t know what we are going to find. It is a huge day for astronomy.”

Astronomers use a receiver to catch radio waves and turn them into electrical signals for analysis. CSIRO astronomer Dr George Hobbs described it as “stars and galaxies sing with different voices, some high and some low. It’s like a choir out there.” A receiver determines which radio frequency the telescope can hear.

“Until now we’ve had receivers that heard just one part of the choir at a time. This new one lets us listen to the whole choir at once, enabling us to see the whole picture, which is phenomenal!”

It took a long time to build the $2.5million cutting edge instrument, developed by CSIRO and a consortium of Australian universities led by Swinburne University of Technology.

With this groundbreaking technology the 57-year-old Parkes telescope will continue to lead the way with new discoveries. The Dish is one of the world’s most productive telescopes, and holds the world record for finding more pulsars than all the other radio telescopes put together, and most of the fast radio bursts that still mystify astronomers. “It is a really exciting day science will benefit from,” said Parkes Operations Scientist John Sarkissian. For Jane, who studies galaxies other than the Milky Way, it means she will be able to form a better picture by getting continuous light from them, which was not possible before.

The very powerful computing system of the receiver means astronomers would work with much higher data volumes. “That is what makes this technology so exciting is the unknown factor. We will be able to search data in ways we haven’t done before. I study pulsars and my dream is to find a pulsar going around a black hole.”

For CSIRO Fellow Dr Richard Manchester, who joined the Parkes telescope in 1968, it was an emotional day as he was involved with building the old receiver, as well as the new one. “They are like my children. It is a special day to be here.”

By Maggi Barnard

Congratulations!

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

After several applications for funding through the Community Building Partnership Grants Program over several years, the Peak Hill Golf Club was finally successful in receiving $10,000 towards the installation of 3km of underground piping, which will water the course with recycled water. If you have not yet visited the club, do
yourself a favour as the view from the club house is spectacular. Accepting the grant from Member for Orange, Philip
Donato (middle) last week were (L-R) Sue Connolly, Di Hutchins, Wayne Rosser and Danny O’Leary.

Boars Cram Blayney Rams

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Boars proved too much for the Rams on a fresh and bitter Saturday in the deep depths of Blayney. In the feature game of the day the Boars came away the winners 31 – 24.

The rams were first to strike and landed an early try. The Boars showed dominant midfield play from Rodgers, Powlay, and Marika Koroivui, and marched forward giving space for Dylan Phipps to dash down the line. He passed to Jim Sellings to score. Rodgers’ conversion made it 7-7 Blayney crossed over the line a second time, and then generously gave the ball straight back for the Boars to mount an attack.

Toby Baigett took flight gaining 35 metres. Llyod Rodgers moved up and across the pitch before combining exquisitely with Jared Westcott who gave a short pass to Ben Powlay to break through three tackles to swan over under the posts.

The first half kept following this format. Blayney scored again, and after a chip through from Llyod Rodgers, Dylan Phipps outpaced everyone and dove on the ball to make it 21-19.

In the second half a bamboozling run from Marika took him over the line, and Rodgers converted 4 from 4. Blayney replied with a try, but with two missed conversions they were level 4 points down. Campbell Legman took the ball charging, and Josh Corney lead the pack down the field winning a penalty for the Boars.

They opted for the posts and put the game to rest. Particular mention goes to Johan Ruzgas on his first team debut, with a solid and energetic performance.

By Ben Powlay

Netball Season In Full Swing

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Despite cold and windy weather last Saturday there was some hot netball action as teams got into the swing of the season. Last year’s Division 1 runners-up United McGrath’s (name change) showed potential to be booking a finals berth after only two weeks by defeating the newly formed Galaxy team. With several players new to the sport, Galaxy performed well under the guidance of coach Christine Watson.

Wildcats defeated a short-in-numbers Eagles side who had to call on several Division 2 players to fill in for injuries during the game.

The Division 2 competition is also well under way and there were wonderful games on Saturday. A big thank you to Carmel Laing, Mel Evans, Anita Morrison and Cathy Treasure for your patience as coaches. The SetGo Division continues to see many budding athletes with big smiles on their faces learning the game and skills of netball.

The Net athletes looked to have a fantastic morning. Congratulations to Lily Phillips on being awarded for her excellent pivot skills. Thanks you to the parents for helping with time keeping and the canteen.

A reminder that the AGM takes place on Monday, 21st May. If you want to see the sport of netball grow in Parkes, please come along. This week is Shoosh for Kids week, highlighting how spectators of children’s sports can impact their enjoyment. Remember to show respect to all of the children and officials.

Results Round 3
Div 1: Wildcats 39 Eagles 23 (Most Valuable Players: Emilia Takiari, Zoe Anderson. United 21 Galaxy 17 (Most Valuable Players: Paris Curr, Kasey Macdonald).
Div 2: Wildcats 11 United 3 (Most Valuable Players: Tia Dunn, Edie Seaman). Eagles 12 Galaxy 4 (Most Valuable Players: Naomi Dunn, Lara Brown)

By Lisa Nutley

Legal Eagle

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Abatement Of Offensive Noise
Everyone has experienced nuisance noise coming from a neighbour’s property. What to do? It depends on the type and frequency of the noise.

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act (POE) sets out in considerable detail regulations which apply to all sorts of domestic appliances and machinery, internal and external. It deals with such things as air-conditioners, lawn mowers, electric power tools, musical instruments and amplifiers, pool motors, and car and burglar alarms.

It sets hours during which appliances and machinery can be used and maximum noise levels. Your local council can deal with a wide range of problems, such as barking dogs or other continuing noises. One-off noises, such as a noisy neighbourhood party, are best dealt with by the Police.

If there is a continuing problem, it is best to have a talk with your neighbour. If that fails, consult your council. If the problem is beyond the powers of the council, then consult your solicitor to see what legal action can be taken. In many cases the Local Court has the power to make a “noise abatement order”.

Breach of this by the noisy neighbour can lead to fines and other more serious penalties. If there is a “one-off” problem, the Police have the power to issue a similar notice. They can also issue on-the-spot fines if, after
telling the offender to stop or mitigate the noise, it starts again within six hours.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to contact our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson
Partner/Solicitor

New Principal At Holy Family

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Nick Baird is the new acting principal at Holy Family Primary School. He is originally from Wee Waa and was St
Mary’s principal at Hay for three years. Nick replaced Denise Gersbach who accepted a new role after 10 years at Holy Family. Nick said his new position was a new challenge for him and an opportunity to work at a bigger school.
He moved to Parkes with his wife Katherine and two young daughters, Charlotte and Georgia.

Our Bloke – Richard Rice

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Richard Rice

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here?
All my life. I like the people in Parkes.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am a farm manager and enjoy working outside.

What do you do in your spare time and on weekends? I watch and coach my kids at sport.

What are you really good at? Not much I am still working on it.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? To run even faster than I am now.

What is your pet hate? People that are happy to complain about something but are not prepared to get in and help.

Tell us about your best holiday. Travelling to Uluru and around Central Australia and Queensland.

Almost Time For The Picnic Races

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

If you do not want to miss out on the social highlight of the year, make sure to start planning for the Parkes Picnic Races on the June long weekend – there is less than a month to go!

The event offers loads of entertainment with a great day of racing, live music, children’s entertainment and the popular Fashions on the Field.

The racecourse provides full bar and betting facilities, as well as a range of catering services, while a range of catered marquees will offer packaged food and beverage tickets with seating. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food hampers and picnic on the grass, however the racecourse is a licensed venue so no alcohol is to be brought onto the grounds.

One of the Central West’s most prestigious Fashions on the Field competitions will take place once again with fantastic cash and prizes on offer.

A team of ‘Fashions on the Field’ spotters will be keeping a close eye on the crowd for race wear that expresses style and originality, selecting semi-finalists. As the crowd on Picnic Race Day is large, suitably dressed candidates are invited to present themselves at the semi-final judging before 2pm.

All judging commences at 2pm at the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Amateur Racing Club Committee Tent, near the track. Judging starts at 2pm for all categories, and the finals are at approximately 3.30pm. Fashionable fillies, stylish gents and chic kids have the opportunity to be crowned the highly sought after Fashions on the Field winner, with the following categories: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Contemporary and Millinery.

A New Beginning For Mcgroders Solicitors And Conveyancers

May 17, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

July 2018 will bring yet another chapter to the Forbes legal firm that has grown and changed over a century. From 1st July McGroders will come under the ownership of Stephanie Hughes, from Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing.

This change will have little impact on clients. Dennis and the McGroders team will move to 9 Harold Street, while the phone number and other contact details will remain the same.

Completed files from the past seven years, title deeds, wills and other safe custody documents of previous partnerships will remain in safe keeping at Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing.

As Palmers Solicitors has ceased trading in Forbes, Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing also has custody of all wills, title deeds and other safe custody documents from the Palmers practice since 2004.

Dennis is approaching 66 and after a satisfying working life with three children living away and six grandchildren, he had to put in place a viable succession plan for the practice. He intends working for Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing as a consultant until he retires.

Dennis would like to assure the community and his clients he did not take this decision lightly and that the continuity of quality service, continued employment of his staff and care for his clients are paramount. He feels confident that Stephanie Hughes and her team and the McGroders team will guide this historic Forbes legal practice into its new chapter with quality skills and service, young ideas, energy and enthusiasm.

The premises of 155 Lachlan Street will be unoccupied from 1st July. This stately old building has been a private home, a maternity hospital and a legal office, and will be for lease or sale. Any creative options would be welcome. Contact McGroders solicitors on 6852 3366 with any questions.

Maggi Barnard

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