Maggi Barnard

Electronic Land Conveyancing And PEXA

The complex laws of contracts still apply to land conveyancing, but the method solicitors undertake conveyancing is changing as we go down the electronic pathway.

As the NSW Government has imposed electronic settlements through a company called PEXA, it will become compulsory in the near future for the more common conveyancing settlements to happen electronically.

Note: Settlements are when the final monies are paid while at the same time transfers and deeds are handed over, mortgages are discharged and/or mortgages are created on land.

Forms still need to be completed, but they are done over the internet. Settlements still take place over the internet, but registration, paying stamp duty and other payments are done electronically and much quicker than
the current paper system.

Some transactions are already compulsory, for example, stand alone mortgage discharges can no longer be done on paper but must be done through PEXA and thus electronically. For those who have paid off their mortgages and simply want to have their mortgages discharged, they should approach their financial institution and solicitor to arrange registration of that discharge to avoid the mortgage still being registered on their title.

All solicitors and financial institutions will need to be registered by 1st July, 2018 with PEXA so that settlements may take place. There will still be the need to have a paper contract and some paper settlements for less common transactions will still need to happen.

Here at MATTHEWS WILLIAMS we have been registered with PEXA from almost the inception of electronic conveyancing and we can help you. Do contact us.

A Baker’s cyst, also known as a Popliteal cyst, is a swelling at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cysts are fairly common and are associated with chronic swelling within the knee joint. They occur, most frequently, secondary to degenerative disease within the knee joint such as osteoarthritis or meniscal degeneration. The main sign that
a Baker’s cyst is present will be a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee.

This may be tender to touch with pain and stiffness often worsening as the knee is straightened after activity or when squatting or kneeling. Just as a door hinge requires oil to reduce friction and allow smooth movement, similarly,
the cartilage and tendons in the knee joint rely on a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid circulates around the knee joint and in and out of various fluid sacs called bursae that communicate with the knee joint.

Sometimes when a structure within the knee joint is damaged or inflamed too much fluid is produced. If this fluid gets trapped in the popliteal bursae it is called a Baker’s cyst.

If a Baker’s cyst is suspected, the whole knee joint should be assessed thoroughly as treatment involves treatment of the underlying cause. Once the cause has been addressed the swelling generally settles down. Sometimes the bursae might be drained or surgically removed but if the underlying cause of the swelling is not corrected the swelling will just return.

Strengthening exercises for the lower limb can help to improve joint biomechanics and to decrease the load on the knee.

For the fitness of you.
Linda Reilly

Parkes Shire Council welcomed over 200 delegates to town for the 2018 Local Government NSW Tourism Conference this week. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said the event was a huge boost to the local economy. “These delegates were particularly important as they were tourism specialists and will become advocates for the whole Parkes experience.”

Parkes Shire Destination Development Manager Kelly Hendry said: “The conference reinforced the value of tourism to local economies with the return on investment shown to be higher than that of mining and manufacturing with every $1 spent by visitors, generating a further 92 cents in other parts of the economy.”

The three-day conference was opened by NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall.

The Sun Records All-Stars show, direct from the USA, showcases the music and artists of the birth of rock ’n roll and the musicians that contributed to the history of music. Sun Records and Sun Studios was launched by legendary American producer Sam Phillips in 1950 and became the launching pad for numerous stars, most notably Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. The show, presented in two parts, features all the hits that captures the imagination, the passion and the phenomenon of this incredible era of music.

The Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are looking for youth actors to star in the 10th annual mock crash demonstration in August, which is the cornerstone of the NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

“We are looking for three actors over 16 to join our team and are holding auditions on Wednesday, 21st March at 5pm in the Parkes Shire Council Chambers,” said the Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor.

Local actor Krystle-Lee McMurray, who has been involved for the last few years, is returning this year and said: “It is such a great experience, and a really interesting mix of acting in front of a camera, as well as a live audience of over 500 Year 10 students.”

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Melanie on 6861 2364, 0428 400 627 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au.