What do you like to do in the school holidays?
Reuben Bondareff: I like making YouTube videos because I like to connect between friends and other gamers.
Ethan Bondareff: I like to play real-time multiplayer computer games as I get to connect with my friends.
Matilda Wilson: I like to spend time with family. These holidays we’ll be going to Nelson’s Bay.
Birdman Boost for Currajong Disability Services: Parkes Christian School (PCS) recently took time out of their busy schedule to discuss their recent effort at the Moomba Birdman Rally. “While we didn’t defend our title this time it was an incredible performance. “The distance was short of what the students were hoping for, but it is the experience that really mattered,” said Design and Technology teacher, Jason Wynstra, one of the driving forces behind the PCS effort. “Along the way we raised $1,400 for Currajong Disability Services (CDS), with the support of our school and the Birdman community.”
“It is really important for our students to have a range of experiences and to understand that there is more to life than the little bubble that can be created at school,” Mr Wynstra said. “Students working on the project have
already evaluated our flight and are developing concepts for the Parkes Flyer 3.”
Parkes Aero Spectacular: Come along this Saturday to the Aero Spectacular to celebrate Parkes Aero Club’s 70th anniversary. Apart from the amazing air displays, there will be on ground displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, as well as a jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12pm to 3pm. Entry fees: $60 (2 adults, 2 children), adults $25, children to 18 years $10. Congratulations to the winner of The Phoenix competition, Oscar Ross.
Questacon: Do you need somewhere to take the kids these school holidays? Questacon in Canberra strives to promote greater understanding and awareness of science and technology and are committed to making that experience fun, interactive, and relevant. Enter our competition to win a free Family Pass for Questacon.
New Care Chair for Currajong: Currajong Disability Services has recently received the first of two Care Chairs that have been purchased thanks to recent fundraising events and donations from key contributors. “It’s fantastic for Currajong,” said Jeff Evans, CEO of Currajong Disability Services. “There has been a tremendous collective effort and fundraising drive and we are ecstatic. It has exceeded our expectations and we can’t thank everyone enough!” The first care chair has arrived with the second on its way, but plans are underway to get it here sooner rather than later which is great news for CDS clients in need. “It has been a great start to 2018 for us and we hope to continue our magical 25-year anniversary,” said Jeff.
The much-anticipated Sheep Field Day returns to the Australian National Field Day (ANFD) site near Orange on Thursday 19th April. “This event is an exciting addition to the Field Days’ calendar,” said Jayne West, ANFD’s Administration Manager.
“Last year’s inaugural Sheep Field Day attracted farmers from across NSW. The success of the day has cemented the event as an annual fixture. The Sheep Field Day creates a one-stop-shop for all sheep related products, meaning farmers can access the latest information and products all in one location.
There’ll be a variety of exhibitors at the event providing sheep producers with a unique opportunity to interact with the best in the field,” Mrs West said.
“Exhibitors will be displaying automated drafting systems, sheep handlers, stockyard systems, animal health products, electronic ear tagging and livestock management systems, as well as nutrition, supplement feeding and pasture management.
“In addition to the variety of exhibitors, a number of information seminars will include: the release of the MSM Stockfeeds’ Supplementary Feeding Trial results; a farmer feedback panel focusing on lamb feeding; a discussion by Ian Crafter from Atlex Stockyards regarding the evolution of the modern sheep yards; a presentation by Dr Kathryn Egerton-Warburton from the NSW DPI on sheep genetics and results from the NSW whether trials currently being run.”
Exhibitor sites are available to all companies related to the sheep industry and can be booked by calling the ANFD office on 02 6362 1588. Gates open at 9am on Thursday April 19th and entry is free. Kiosk facilities will be available on the day.
For further details contact Australian National Field Day, Jayne West on 6362 1588.
This week we welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina, The Hon. Michael McCormack to Parkes to officially open the new Advanced Water Recycling Facility (AWRF). The AWRF underpins Parkes’ new Recycled Water Scheme (RWS), strengthening water security and bringing Parkes’ water recycling activities up to current regulatory and industry best practice standards. Residents are invited to tour the facility on Saturday 21 April between 10am and 12pm, and participate in a community tree planting to rejuvenate the site. Tours will run every half hour starting from 10am. To pre-register for tours, contact 02 6861 2333. Participants must wear a hat and enclosed footwear – and don’t forget to bring along your gardening gloves!
While in the Parkes Shire, Minister McCormack opened the new Kadina Bridge along the Bogan Way. The Kadina Bridge replacement project involved the demolition and reconstruction of a new 9 metre bridge to accommodate two lanes of traffic and enable the route to be accessible to Higher Mass Limit vehicles. The upgrade will prove a safer and more accessible route for all motorists, and improve connectivity throughout our Shire.
Congratulations to the Tullamore Irish Music Festival Committee and the Tullamore community for delivering another successful Festival over the Easter long weekend.
Thousands of locals and visitors lined Cardigan Street to watch the popular street parade, and then enjoy the music, dancing, food and fun.
Parkes Waste Facility is holding a free tip weekend on 14 and 15 April between 10am and 4.15pm, giving residents an opportunity to dispose of general domestic waste including green waste, recyclables and general household waste free of charge.
For more information, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.
Have an enjoyable weekend,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire
The Parkes Aquatic Centre (PAC) held its very first Easter Egg Hunt last Sunday. A herd of children of all ages roamed the waters and grounds of the centre in search for Easter Egg goodness.
The fun kicked off at 11am with the kids over 6 years of age being sent to the ‘big pool’ to chase after balloons that may, or may not, have held an Easter Egg surprise. The kids 6-years-old and under were directed to search the grounds for pipe cleaners, which were taken up to the canteen to be exchanged for a paper bag full of Easter goodies.
Once the Easter Eggs had been found and, in some cases, gobbled up very quickly, the families spread around under trees to relax and have a picnic lunch or a barbecue. As it was quite warm, many were taking advantage of the shade under the trees. It was wonderful to see the kids slathered in sunscreen and wearing their shirts and hats.
At 12pm the inflatable slide was set up, a popular attraction for kids of all sizes and ages, even some of the big, big kids. Some shenanigans, a bit of mischief, and a lot of fun ensued.
“The event was a great success,” said Nikki. “It was fantastic to see everyone come down to celebrate Easter.” Sunday was also the Parkes Aquatic Centre (PAC)’s last day open for this season. It will open again in October 2018.
By Lisa Ramsay
Darrin Gibson
How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here?
I have lived in Parkes for approximately nine years, however I was born here in 1967 at Parkes District Hospital. Without doubt I love the people and the relaxed life here.
Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am semi-retired, however I do manage a small property portfolio with a view to employment at Maccas. I love working with people, in this case tenants. I try to be respectful and prompt and I get the same back in return generally.
What do you do in your spare time and on weekends? I can usually be found in my vegie patch growing something for dinner or robbing one of my bee hives, however I do like to frequent the local cafes for a chat.
What are you really good at? I am really good at negotiating with my partner to get the best outcome for her. She would probably say the same about me actually.
If you could have a superpower what would it be? If I had a superpower I would be Super Mayor and cut our rates by 10% every leap year.
What is your pet hate? My pet hate is people who stretch the truth too far and our current state of politics.
Tell us about your best holiday. My best holiday was in Vietnam as a young soldier backpacking on a motorbike from Saigon to Hanoi exploring all the historical war sites including the Battle of Long Tan at Nui Dat. Also revisiting Vietnam when I took Deb, my partner, when we stayed in 5 star hotels and not in backpackers accommodation, woohoo.
This week marks Joe Kinsela’s 40th year at Pat Kinsela Motorcycles. Pat Kinsela Motorcycles has been in business in Parkes for over 50 years, proudly providing motorcycles, bicycles, power equipment, accessories and so much more.
The business first began in the building where the Parkes PA & H Association now resides in Welcome Street, before moving down the road to one side of its current premises and later expanding into the next door building when it became available a few years later.
“I started when I was almost 17 years old. I had all these assignments to do for school, and then I just decided to come in and work here instead,” said Joe. “I enjoy doing the spare parts. It’s what I did when I first started, then progressed to sales, everything … except the mechanics.”
“We sell quite a lot of motorcycle accessories. The lawn-mowers are more of a side business. There are some surprising requests sometimes. We’ve had a few people come in interested in a bike, but it may take them months, or even years to decide. We just let them work it out,” said Joe.
Pat, Joe’s father, worked in the business until he was 85, then eventually stopped working altogether by the time he was 90. There may be a few more milestones ahead of you yet, Joe!
Social isolation is a growing issue in the Australian older adult population and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, depression and anxiety. As people are staying in their own homes longer, it is important to be aware of the services available in your community that help combat isolation and associated health concerns.
Macular Health, From Hansens
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration (MD) is a progressive eye disease in which the photoreceptors at the macular start to deteriorate and die due to the breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This causes a build-up of retinal metabolic waste that clinically appears as yellow spots, called drusen.”
Ways to promote macular health?
• After you turn 50 years old, have your eyes and macular checked regularly every two years by your optometrist.
• Abstain from smoking.
• Have a well-balanced diet: include fresh fruit and vegetables daily, oily fish 2 to 3 times a week handful of nuts a week, and limit fat intake and high-GI carbohydrates.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Have adequate sun protection for your eyes.
Parkes Services Club, Serving You
The Parkes Services Club have a variety of services to get you out and about, in an environment of comfort and ease. Here’s an example of facilities, events and activities available at the club:
• The Bistro is open every day, 12pm-2pm and 6pm-8.30pm, with a variety of meals catering for all tastes and health needs. The coffee shop is open from 10am till late.
• Line Dancing is on every Monday between 10am and 12pm.
• Take part in the Sweepstakes every Sunday, tickets go on sale at 5.30pm. Alternatively there is the Spin & Win Raffle every Wednesday at 6pm.
• At the end of April, there will be a Country Music Variety Show, starring Wayne Horsburgh and Rodney Vincent. The show starts at 2.30pm, and tickets cost $20.
Prices across the entire merino spectrum suffered corrections, with reductions of 20- 30 cents common for the week. The main exception was 22.0 micron which managed small increases as well as the superfine end which continued to be erratic on a limited offering. By the end of the sale the Northern Region Indicator had shed 15 cents to close the week at 1,837 cents.
Although all types and descriptions lost ground, it was lots possessing high midbreaks that suffered the greatest reductions, while those with low midbreaks recorded very little change.
The skirting market performed slightly better with prices generally reduced by 10-20 cents (wools containing less than 3.0% vm and those with excellent AM results were least affected). The crossbred & oddment markets bucked the trend with rises of 10- 30 cents common.
No sales will be held next week due to the annual Easter recess. Sales resume in Week 41 with a current forecast of 48,809 bales rostered.
Source:AWEX