Maggi Barnard

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

Queen’s Baton Relay Forms Chain Of Boundless Generosity

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The past week has been a celebration of the Parkes Shire community and its outstanding, kind and generous members at the Australia Day celebrations on Friday and the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) on Monday.

“Each of these people have made positive contributions to our community. Whether it be inspiring others through their personal achievements, generously dedicating time to a community group, organisation, event or project, or going above the ordinary in a specific field – they exemplify what makes the Parkes Shire a wonderful place to live, work and visit,” said Mayor Ken Keith at Australia Day of all the nominees.

There are 19 equally inspiring stories for each of the batonbearers who were celebrated as they carried the baton around the streets of Parkes lined with supporters and onlookers. “We are very proud of our batonbearers,” said Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton. “It blew my mind to hold this piece of engineering,” said Olympian Scott Westcott
of the baton that is the focus point of the longest and most accessible relay in history, travelling through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and 230,000km.

The Queen’s Baton arrives on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4th April, where HRH The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message from the baton and read it aloud to declare the Games open. The Australia Day Awards went to: Citizen of the Year – Warwick Tom; Young Citizen of the Year – Yasmin Potts; Marie Bashir Academic Award – Janie Green; Cultural Award (Adult) – Scott “Sauce” Towney; Cultural Award (Student) – Gracey Denham Jones; Cultural Award (Group) – Parkes Action Club, St Elmo Shearing Shed Art Show “Ducks on the Pond”; Cultural Award (Group) Highly Commended – Sean James Cassidy, Scott “Sauce” Towney, Scott Turnbull – Sculpture in the Rotary Arboretum. (To see full coverage of both events, go to our Facebook page.)

Snippets…

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

A space man came travelling… all the way to Parkes! The kite flying event on Australia Day last Friday was a huge success with the most important visitor for the day, the wind, arriving right on time!

Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle: Sims Metal Waste To Art & Design is a community art exhibition and competition showcasing works made from reused and recyclable waste materials. Organised and hosted by Parkes Library,
schools, community groups and individuals are invited to create a new life for materials that would have been thrown away. Entry is free and closes on 28th March at 5pm. The exhibition will run from 4 to 27th April, and the winners will be announced on 12th April at 6pm. There are three competition categories: two-dimensional; three-dimensional and functional with cash prizes in each section/category. This year is the Year of Polystyrene. Artworks
do not have to use the theme waste, but an additional prize will be given to an artwork featuring this material.
Entry forms are available at any Parkes Shire Library, from the website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or email parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

World Wetlands Day Today: This year’s theme is Wetlands for a sustainable urban future. “Thanks to the PAC Park rejuvenation project, we are able to celebrate our own urban wetland,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers. PAC Park, a multi-award winning wetland system, is exceptional as it is an artificial wetland that transformed a degraded urban stormwater channel into a vibrant ecosystem. The wetland is now home to turtles, numerous frog species and yabbies. It’s also a great spot for bird watching; native ducks, kingfishers, reed warblers, herons, and ibises can be found there. Much of the restoration work was undertaken by volunteers who planted some 6,000 seedlings. Upgrades including new shelters, tables, a barbeque and additional lighting is expected to be completed later this year.

Day On The Green: The Railway Bowling Club in Parkes is holding a special fundraiser for Currajong Disability Services (CDS) tomorrow. The day will showcase the best musicians in Parkes including Twiggy and Jordan Dwyer, Chris Orr, Birdie and Georgie Sideris as well as Tommy and Holly Orr. Donations and support have been pouring in from Fitness4All, Andrew Kraft, Discount Daves, D’Quinos, 141 Boutique, Rockmans, Cooke Park Takeaway, Railway Bowling Club, and Ivy Lane Giftware and Flowers. “We couldn’t ask for anymore from the Parkes community,” said organiser Lilian Thomson. The event also includes a barbeque, raffles and lucky door prizes. Gold coin donations upon arrival. Children welcome between 4 to 8pm. Bring a blanket!

Mayoral Notes…

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

What a week we’ve had! On Monday we welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay to Parkes on its way to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. I was delighted to be one of 19 locals to carry the baton through town. Thank you to all the residents and visitors who came out and lined the streets to cheer on the batonbearers.

The baton made a special visit to The Dish for a hayride at sunrise on Tuesday before departing for Orange. The relay will finish its international journey on 4 April at the Opening Ceremony. Parkes Shire Library is calling for the community to think outside the square for this year’s Waste to Art competition. Entries are now open, with three categories for residents to get creative. Entry is free and closes just before Easter on 28th March at 5pm. Download an entry form from www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Today, Parkes will join the rest of the global community in commemorating World Wetlands Day. This year’s theme is ‘wetlands for a sustainable urban future’, and aims to highlight how urban wetlands improve liveability; not only for recreational enjoyment, but also for the role wetlands play in the environment. Following the rejuvenation of PAC Park last year, residents and visitors can celebrate the day visiting our own urban wetland.

A reminder to motorists that the 40km/h school speed zones are back in force between 8 – 9.30am and 2.30 – 4pm on school days – keep an eye out for the flashing lights.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Our Gal – Talesha Quinn

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what did you like about living here? 18 years – I love country life as I am a massive tomboy. The sports facilities are fantastic and everyone is so friendly.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I am in the Australian Army based at Victoria Barracks in Sydney where I am a supply co-ordinator. My job allows me the opportunity to play football.

What do you do in your spare time after work and over weekends? I go to the gym a lot, the beach, spend a lot of time training for football obviously, and I enjoy visiting family.

What are you really good at? Sleeping, cooking and I think I am a pretty good sister to my two brothers.

If you could have a super power what would it be? Being able to read people’s minds – I might just become a millionaire!

What is your pet hate? People driving without a blinker.

Tell us about your best holiday ever?
It was a sporting holiday to PNG last year with the Prime Minister’s XIII to play in the first international test game with the Papua New Guinea female rugby league team. The kids were just so friendly, always laughing and everyone loves football. I’d love to go back for another trip.

Plan B Comp Popular

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Twelve pubs and clubs in Parkes took part in the ‘Plan B – Win a Swag’ promotion during December run by the RMS and Parkes Shire Council. Patrons simply had to write down their alternate way to get home rather than driving
to win a swag valued at $250. The swag winners were Nicole Stevenson – Star Hotel; Steve Davis – Broadway
Hotel; Jocelyn Cannard – Royal Hotel; Kyle Branscombe – Coachman Hotel/Motel; Al Grady – Commerical Hotel; Brenton Hartin – Railway Hotel; Phil Barnard – Parkes Hotel; Mick Wilson – Parkes Leagues Club; Amanda Cheney – Parkes Services Club; Terry O’Keeffe – Parkes Bowling and Sports Club; Vince Kelly – Parkes Golf Club and Kaleb Cross – Parkes Railway Bowling Club.

Good News For Local Farmers

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

An application to declare the severe storm at Back Yamma and Cookamidgera late last year as a natural disaster have been approved. Central West Lachlan Landcare submitted an Agricultural Natural Disaster Assessment application following hail incidents and flash flooding that saw many crops and infrastructure significantly impacted in November 2017 when they were on the verge of, or had commenced harvest.

The approval means landholders impacted by the event can access disaster relief loans and transport freight subsidies. Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare said the Back Yamma and Cookamidgera areas had some of the most fertile soils in the Parkes and Forbes Shire areas. “This funding will enable primary producers, some of whom suffered significant crop losses and other infrastructure losses, to address immediate concerns and enable preparation for this year’s sowing season.”

Last week member for Orange Philip Donato met with affected landholders, Cr Neil Westcott and Cr Steven Karaitiana from Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils respectively, Alli Gartrell from the Rural Assistance Authority, President of Parkes and Forbes NSW Farmers, Gavin Tom and Marg Applebee to share the good news of the declaration.

For landholders seeking further details, information may be accessed through the Rural Assistance Authority website at www.raa.nsw.gov.au and are encouraged to contact Marg Applebee on 6862 4914 if assistance is required with applications submissions.

Another OAM In Parkes

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes’ cricket stalwart Greg Morrissey has received an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) in recognition of his years of service to cricket and the Parkes community on Australia Day last week. Greg was honoured locally in July 2016 when the Greg Morrissey Field at McGlynn Park was officially named after him.

Some of his achievements and involvement with cricket include: Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for contributions to cricket and school sport, Lloyd Westcott Award 1995/96 for outstanding services to cricket, Duncan MacDonald Shield for services to cricket in 2010/11, Western Zone Volunteer of Year 2006 at Cricket NSW Steve Waugh Medal evening in Sydney, Western Zone Cricket Volunteer of Year Award 2010, level one accreditation in 1988, level two accreditation in 1990, passed cricket umpires examination to become a member of NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association in 1993, life membership of Western PSSA in 1999 and life member of Lachlan PSSA in 2010.

Ostini Wool Weekly Market Update

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Last week saw lots with unfavourable test results struggling to find support. High midbreaks fleece became almost unquotable, while low mid-breaks attracted intense competition and remained generally unchanged. 18.0 to 20.0 micron were the hardest hit, with prices generally 30 to 80 cents cheaper, leaving the NRI to close 56 cents lower at 1845. Worth noting was the stylish selection of fine fleece (<17 micron) which managed increases of 5 to 15 cents.

The magnitude of the correction in the skirting sector was dependent on vegetable matter, with the higher vm lots being the hardest hit. The cross bred sector also suffered large corrections. Any lines that were poorly prepared lacked buyer interest and suffered heavy discounts. Prices generally fell by 40 to 80 cents, the exception being 32 micron and coarser which were only 10 to 20 cents easier.

The oddment market was the worst performer by far, with prices shedding 150 to 250 cents, making it the largest weekly fall in the Carding Indicators (since1997).

Source:AWEX

Question of the Week?

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

What did it feel like to participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay as a batonbearer?

Darrin Gibson: I was born in Parkes and moved back about eight years ago after a personal tragedy and the community has rallied around me ever since. It was fantastic to be honoured in this way. It was also amazing to have been part of the team that will be taking the baton from start to finish.

Barbara Weaver: It was a real honour. There were lots of people cheering me on, my family came from Orange and Peak Hill with my grandkids. It was very special – the whole procession with the vehicles and people. It was a really big deal. And the spirit of all the batonbearers was great – we cheered each other on and off the bus and we showed so much empathy for each other.

Nicayden Greenwood: It was an honour and a very special day I will never forget. As an Aboriginal person it was more special as I got to do the lap at Bushman Hill Reserve where there were some dancers, and then handed the baton to my grandfather.

PARKES WOMEN’S BOWLING

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

This week Jean Kennedy, Betsy Johnstone and Liz Byrne defeated Lorraine Baker, Valmai Westcott and Robyn Morgan in a triples game. In the other triples game Merilyn Rodgers, Kim Evans and Frances Charlton got the better of Di Howell, Marja Iffland and Rhona Went. In a game of scroungers Brenda Davies defeated Minnie Riordan.

Maggi Barnard

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