Maggi Barnard

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

Be Out There

March 28, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The 2018-19 edition of the Parkes Shire Destination Guide was officially launched last Wednesday at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. The new destination guide is set to become the cornerstone of the region’s destination marketing and creative for a destination appeal campaign promoting the Parkes region as a place to ‘be out there’, explore, and see first-hand what makes the Parkes region all add up as an appealing tourist destination.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said, “our new Destination Guide showcases our unique events, experiences and iconic attractions that make Parkes all add up as an appealing tourist destination.” “Tourism provides a significant economic contribution of over $58 million to the local economy each year and we need to continue to
implement these key marketing initiatives to ensure visitation and spend continues to grow for our local businesses.”

Delegates at the recent 2018 Local Government NSW Tourism Conference got a sneak preview of the new cover and promotional video ahead of the official launch.

For the first time, the Parkes Shire Destination Guide has been developed as a digital experience with a magazine flipbook and clickable video content taking viewers on a visual journey of our major attractions and experiences throughout the region. A record number of industry partners have joined the campaign promoting their establishments, attractions and events in the advertisingdirectory which financially supports the production of the
guide and promotion of the region to potential visitors.

30,000 copies of the full colour brochure will be strategically distributed throughout Australia to encourage awareness and visitation to the region. You can pick up a copy of the free Destination Guide at the Parkes and Peak Hill Visitor Information Centres and key visitor outlets and gateways including the Parkes Airport, The Dish and coffee shops, pubs and shopping outlets throughout the Shire.

Mayoral Notes…

March 28, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Last Saturday, over 500 community members took the opportunity to tour the new Parkes Water and Sewage Treatment Plants. Groups heard from Council and John Holland staff who conducted the informative, interactive tours around both sites, with educational giveaways and activities held throughout the day.

The annual Tullamore Irish Music Festival returns this Easter long weekend, celebrating all things Irish with an Australian flavour. 2018 Feature Artist John Williamson will take to the stage at 6pm on Saturday 31st. Farm tours will also be held Friday 30th at 10am. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tullamore.org.au.

Council’s tourism team is offering locals an incentive to bring visiting family and friends to the Henry Parkes Centre. Locals who bring along a full paying visitor receive free entry to the museums when they sign up to the Local Loyalty Program. To mark the last day of the pool season, Parkes Aquatic Centre is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 1 April at 11am. Our lifeguards will inflate the giant slide for participants to make a splash once the Egg hunt has finished.

Council’s road safety officer is reminding motorists to put safety first as they head off on holidays over the Easter long weekend. Double demerit points will be in force on Thursday 29 March until Monday 2 April (inclusive).

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

Our Bloke – Craig Gibson

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Craig Gibson

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes most of my life. I have spent time elsewhere, but have always called Parkes home because of the country life style and community spirit.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I run and operate a small demolition and asbestos removal business. I am also with Fire and Rescue NSW for 13 years where I am currently the Captain of 417 Fire Station Parkes.

What do you do in your spare time and on weekends? In my spare time I do karate working towards my black belt. I enjoy time at the gym. On weekends I enjoy the company of my children and grandchildren.

What are you really good at? Being a fire fighter, it gives me the opportunity to help people.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? To protect people from fire.

What is your pet hate? People who throw cigarette butts out their car windows.

Tell us about your best holiday. Recently I spent a week at Narooma to catch up with family, we went kayaking with the stingrays and seals. It was just good to be with family.

Snippets…

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

More than 60 people: took on the Day VIEW Club Trivia night at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club last week.
The aim was to raise money for the four school children in the Smith Family “Learning for Life” program the club supports. Congratulations to the Mere Mortals team who did the best with Charlie Pecenka’s challenging questions and old photos. The victors are (L-R) Jude Melville, Michael Henry, Robyn Sheridan (captain), Dot Sharpe,
Phillip Sheridan, Darryl Elphick, Fiona Quinney, and Ashlyn Kelly.

Winner: Winner of the Tullamore Irish Festival double pass is Rhonda Milgate. Congratulations!

Upgrade At Craft Corner: EFTPOS is now available for customers at the Craft Corner making it much easier for everyone. It is a step up from taking only cash, and members are doing well using the ipad-like machine. Don’t worry, they will still take cash too!

Autism Month Raffle: Support Autism Month in April and buy a raffle ticket for only $2. Prizes to be drawn on 6th April at the Dinner under the Blue Dish event. Tickets available at Pink Orchid, D’Aquinos, Charisma and the Dish Cafe. Buy online at http://cwautism.bigcartel.com/product/dinner-under-the-blue-dish-raffle First prize: large acrylic painting by local artist Joseph Bondareff; one night’s accommodation at Kadina B&B including Devonshire tea and breakfast; plus one family pass to the 3D theatre at the Parkes Observatory. Second prize: large acrylic/ watercolour painting by local teenage artist Ella Richards, a Dish Cafe lunch voucher and products, and one family pass to the 3D theatre. Third prize: Pink Orchid Cafe/ Florist Cafe voucher; and two family pass-es to the 3D Theatre. Fourth prize: The Dish Book and DVD package, and one family pass to the 3D theatre.

Open Day: Council’s long-awaited Community Day takes place tomorrow from 10am to 2pm with guided tours at the new Water Treatment Plant and a shuttle bus to the new Sewage Treatment Plant. Wear fully enclosed, flat shoes. Further details at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Aero Spectacular: The Parkes Aero Club was formed in 1948 shortly after the RAAF Station was decommissioned. The club represents one of the oldest continuously operated aero clubs in Australia, supporting primary and advanced recreational (AR) and general aviation (GA) training in the Central West of NSW. It is a not-for-profit community sporting organisation, operating out of the recently upgraded Parkes Regional Airport. Don’t miss out
on the club’s 70th anniversary on 14th April with a spectacular air display, including the famous Air Force Roulettes. Apart from the air display, there will be on ground static displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12 to 3pm. Entry fees $60 (2 adults 2 children), adults $25, to 18 years $10. Win a free flight in the prize draw for all online purchases through 123 Tix.

A Room With A View

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Soon you will be able to sit anywhere in the Parkes Little Theatre and have a clear view of the stage, thanks to new tiered seating being installed later this year.

The Little Theatre, with the help of Parkes Shire Council, has been successful in obtaining funding for the seating upgrade and refurbishment through the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF), as announced by Rick Colless, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW last Monday.

“The theatre will undergo a major upgrade with the installation of a raked floor and theatre style plush seating, including specialised plans for mobility impaired and bariatric patrons,” said Lyn Townsend, President of the Parkes Musical and Dramatic (M&D Society. As the construction in the theatre will impact on the foyer of the theatre, it too will require refurbishment. The grant has allocated $162,000 to the project, with the expectation of up to $250,000 to be spent on the theatre, with Parkes Shire Council contributing the excess funds.

A works coordinator at the Council has been appointed to oversee the project, with tenders soon to be sent out to prospective contractors. Construction will start on 1st July, following the season of Motherhood the Musical.

The Council is anticipating completion of construction by early spring. “The Society will perform a gala concert series in the last two weeks of October to celebrate the upgrade, recognising the magical musical moments at The Little Theatre over the past 17 years,” said Lyn.

By Lisa Ramsay

Hockey is Happening!

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The 2018 hockey season is here with the annual Junior Super Gala and Rego Day tomorrow, 24th March from 9am to 12pm at the Parkes hockey complex. The day includes a free coaching clinic from 9:30am to 11am for kids of all ages over three. There will be a jumping castle, free sausage sandwich for participants, lucky prize giveaways and the canteen and Just Hockey Pro Shop will be open!

Competition start dates are: A Grade & A Reserve (high school) – Wednesday, 4th April; B Grade & B Reserve (primary) – Saturday, 7th April; C & D Grade (infants & preschool) – Saturday, 7th April; all Senior Hockey grades – Saturday, 7th April.

All registrations are to be submitted and paid for online. No paper forms needed. Go to: www.parkeshockey.org.au and click Registration.

Claim your Active Kids Voucher, and only pay the HNSW fee. The fees are the same as last year. For information on registration and the 2018 fee structure, join the Parkes Junior Hockey Facebook group. For further information
contact Cherie Johnstone 0428 843 601 and Glenn Johnstone 0429 600 596.

Women’s Bowling

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The No 4 Pennant team played the Railway Diggers Club this week and were defeated 40 – 30 losing both games.
In other games played Gwenda Carty, Rhona Went def Margaret Hawken, Cherie Frame in a pairs game. Di Greenhalgh, Chris Curteis def Jean Kennedy, Eileen Bradley in a pairs game.

Di Howell, Robyn Morgan, Liz Byrne def Isabel Svendsen, Rose Howlett, Betsy Johnstone in a triples game.
Winners for the day were Isabel, Rose and Betsy and runners-up Margaret and Cherie.

Cushions Have Magical Powers

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Never underestimate the decorating powers that cushions hold. If I only had one item to turn a house into a home it would be the humble cushion that can instantly add warmth and personality to a room.

Cushions are an abundant species in my home, and at the end of the day when I’ve picked all the cushions from the floor, everything is good and I can sleep in peace. Cushions are an easy way to link your home’s colour palette together. It is a relatively inexpensive way to inject colour, texture and style to a neutral room. It is easy to update your look with a few new cushions in a different style.

Cushions have reached a whole new level of styling too with an enormous range of fabrics, shapes and sizes available.
There are three simple rules to ensure maximum cushion envy from your friends.
1. Combine cushions in a variety of textural fabrics, weaves and patterns that all work together to give a stylish but cohesive look to the setting.
2. Group cushions of different heights and shapes together. On a three-seater lounge for example, I would have three
cushions grouped at one end and two at the other.
3. Never put an even number of cushions on a lounge and don’t place cushions on recliners or small single armchairs.

By Karen Creith

Book The Car In Now

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

You might be planning a trip somewhere with Easter and the school holidays fast approaching. Before you set off be sure to get your vehicle checked over.

Do the following:
Check tyre pressure; replace tyres when you only have 2mm wear left; use a match head to check tread – if part of the head shows, it’s replacement time; replace tyre caps to keep water and debris out of valves; don’t forget – check the spare too!

At Tuned Suspension in Parkes, an agent for Pedders Suspension, you can get a tow and load assessment for $75. This world first and comprehensive service is designed for those who tow or carry loads to better understand the effects of weight on their vehicle relevant to their individual driving scenarios. The end result of the assessment
will provide your vehicle weight relevant to the likely driving scenarios that you will face.

Give Warren a call from Wops Glass and get that annoying chip in the windscreen fixed before your holiday road trip. Wops Glass also specialises in Insurance work.

With all of this in mind stay safe on the road this Easter and school holidays!

At 8 Alex Already A Fountain Of Kindness

March 22, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

An eight-year-old Parkes student with a heart of gold is dancing and cooking for the benefit of less fortunate people.
Alex Sammut-Paul raised over $200 dancing outside Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture during the Elvis Festival. Her aim was to raise money for East Timor through her church, Uniting Church Welcome Congregation.

After ‘tasting’ success, Alex did not want to stop and the idea for a business venture was born when she was helping her mum Marty cook food for their new puppies, Rupert and Scout.

As Alex loves cooking it was agreed she would prepare and sell wholesome, home cooked pet food to raise money for more charities. Alex has been working very hard getting Great Grub up and running. It functions as a self-serve, honesty-based business with food put in the freezer at 46 Military Road (Cnr Cheney Rd) carport. People can pick
up containers and pay in the honesty box, or place orders on Messenger on the Great Grub Facebook page.

“I feel happy when I can help people in need. It is very sad to see children especially who do not have enough food, water or clothing or doing it tough,” said Alex. “I feel compelled to help.”

Maggi Barnard

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