Maggi Barnard

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

Question of the Week?

January 10, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

What do you like about the Parkes Elvis Festival?

Glen Voss from Little Bay, Sydney: I am back for the 14th time! I love the people, the friendliness of everyone – there is no trouble here. Everyone is so supportive. It is a real feel good festival.

Sue Kinsela from Buderim on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland: It is my seventh festival. I grew up in Parkes and love coming back for the music, seeing all the different outfits and that everybody gets involved. We go to a lot of festivals and this is definitely one of the best.

Rick Gattenhof from Melbourne: I have only missed one festival so this is my 25th one! I love the music, the good atmosphere and that people come here for a good time. We’ve made good friends in Parkes and it feels like a family reunion every year. I’ve decided to do some busking this year, after doing many years of behind the scenes work. I do a free concert at the Rosedurnate Old Age Home every year.

Tina Spear from Cairns: It is my first time. We are a group of five caravans on our way to the Tamworth Country Music Festival and decided to do Parkes first. I am looking forward to the parade and all the entertainers. We have all bought Rock ‘n Roll dresses.

Rupert (the) King from Auckland, New Zealand: I am back for my second time to perform in The Ultimates and do some busking. I’ve been singing country music for 47 years. I love coming as Elvis nostalgia is big here, it is intoxicating as people’s love of Elvis is so obvious. I love it that everyone dresses up.

Melissa Richardson and her daughter Madeline from Bridgewater, Victoria and her sisters Arena Krauzowicz and Lynette Harper from Geelong: It is our first time here and we are very excited. Everyone knows about this festival and we are looking forward to the whole experience.

Mayoral Notes…

January 10, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

It’s time to rock ‘n roll for the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival, celebrating 50 years since the ’68 Comeback Special with over 150 events across the five days.

On Saturday at 11.15am, I will join the NSW Governor and members of the Elvis Revival Incorporated Committee to officially unveil the new Elvis statue in Cooke Park. The statue, sculpted by renowned artist Terrance Plowright, pays tribute to Elvis’ memory and the wonderful volunteers who have made the Parkes Elvis Festival possible for 26 years.

In addition to all the regular festival favourites, there are plenty of new and exciting events that have been added to the program. For the first time in the festival’s history there will be a midnight show, featuring Nic ‘The King’ Nicolas for those wanting to stay up late and dance the night away.

The Unplugged Elvis Competition on Sunday will see amateur acts take their talent to the main stage. This year we are honoured to have partnered with the US Consulate to bring an exhibition of 77 photographs of former US
president JFK to Parkes – certainly a must see during the festival.

Finally, a big thank you to our dedicated volunteers, valued sponsors, supporters, Elvis Revival Incorporated, local businesses, community members and Council staff who make the Festival possible.

Thankyer, thankyer very much.
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Rockin’ Rugby For The King

January 10, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

A rugby match played in Elvis jumpsuits is but one of the peculiarities of the Parkes Elvis Festival. But if you are a rugby fan, this is one match you should not fail to attend! This year’s match is set to be played on Friday at 6pm at the Pioneer Oval in Alexandra Street. It is a very informal buthighly entertaining event and any ring-ins are welcome to join in. Don a wig and white jumpsuit and turn up on Friday and make yourself known to the organisers to be part
of the Elvis craziness.

Our Bloke – Al (Alvis) Gersbach

January 10, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? Since 1984, top place to live and we have the Elvis Festival!

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? Parkes Shire Council grader operator. I like the outdoors, so what’s better than being in the middle of nowhere most of the week, plus I am one of the local Elvis blokes. (Al is Parkes’ Elvis on Call.)

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? Just retired from playing competition rugby this year so now it’s an open book for things to do. Still working on that one. Probably take some singing lessons would be a good start.

What are you really good at? Not sure but you just give it your best shot regardless and enjoy life.

If you could have a super power what would it be? Flying would be great but could be dangerous in an Elvis Jumpsuit…

Tell us about your best holiday ever?
Representing Australia at the Touch Football World Cup in Edinburgh, Scotland as a team manager, plus having my wife and children joining me there and touring around Europe afterwards.

Colouby Is The Place To Get Your Elvis On

January 10, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Colouby Creations in Clarinda Street is ready to Rock ‘n Roll at The Parkes Elvis Festival. If you want to go with the ‘68 Comeback Special theme or need anything else Elvis-related, this is the place to pop in to – dresses, skirts, petticoats, wigs, glasses, handbags, head scarves, jumpsuits, memorabilia for guys, gals and kids – it’s all there.

Breathe In The Magic Of A European Christmas In 2018

December 21, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Christmas is a truly magical time of year in Europe. From streets adorned with festive decoration and twinkling lights to delightful views of snow-dusted churches and medieval palaces, there is nothing quite like it. The countries bordering Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main and Danube rivers will enthral cruisers during the festive season, as the picturesque villages transform to include traditional markets that recall the charms of yesteryear.

In late November and early December, spend time exploring the many wonders of the marvellous markets as you journey through one Christmas fairytale after another on a Christmas Markets River Cruise. Rug up and enjoy a piping hot mug of gluhwein, or sample delicious gingerbread and freshly roasted chestnuts as you shop for the perfect handmade decoration to add to your tree at home.

December brings the chance to spend Christmas Day on board a luxury Scenic Space-Ship during our Christmas Wonderland River Cruise. At this special time of year you will have the option to attend Midnight Mass in a centuries-old church, where classic organ music and singing will add another magical layer to your winter wonderland experience. Spend Christmas morning sailing from Wurzburg to Nuremberg, before celebrating a New Year’s Eve unlike any other in beautiful Vienna.

Your local TravelManagers, Anita Medcalf, Maria Miller or Louise Gillogly, have a wealth of first hand knowledge and experience of these magnificent Scenic Spaceships, that cruise the waterways of Europe, and have the 2018 Magical Wonders Of Christmas brochure available now.

Baroness Gardner Of Parkes Celebrates Milestone

December 21, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

In 2017, one of Parkes’ local treasures celebrated a very special milestone. Baroness Gardner of Parkes marked her 90th birthday in July.

Born in “Sunrise” Parkes in 1927, Rachel “Trixie” Anne Gardner (nee McGirr) was one of nine children to former leader of the NSW Labor Party, the late Hon Gregory McGirr and Rachel McGirr OBE.

The McGirr’s were a strong political family, with Gregory’s younger brother, James McGirr, elected NSW Premier in 1947. In 1981 she was created a life peeress of the United Kingdom as Baroness Gardner of Parkes, and in the State of New South Wales and Commonwealth of Australia – to date, the only Australian woman to be elevated to the peerage.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said “Parkes continues to celebrate its rich political history, with Rensaw McGirr Way named in honour of two former Premiers of New South Wales.”

Our Gal – Dianne Scott

December 21, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Dianne Scott

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? I have lived in Parkes for most of my life after spending my childhood in Trundle. Parkes is a friendly town with a laidback lifestyle.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work at Neighbourhood Central. Our team provides a variety of services from birth right through to the elderly, and although most of my work is behind the scenes (lots of red-tape!), I enjoy knowing that my efforts, along with the wonderful staff and volunteers, are making such a positive difference in so many people’s lives.

What are you really good at? Using Google!

If you could have a super power what would it be? If there was a healing superpower, then that would be it! I hate seeing people suffer.

What is your pet hate? There are many, but there’s nothing worse than hearing people sniff!

Tell us about your best holiday ever?
I have been very fortunate to have travelled to some amazing destinations within Australia and around the world. I absolutely love it! One of my favourite places is Prague in the Czech Republic for its fairytale old-town and architecture.

Cubs Become Scouts

December 21, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The 3rd Parkes Scout Group celebrated a big year of adventure and learning last Tuesday evening at their Christmas Party which was well attended by Scout and Cub families. Member for Orange, Mr Philip Donato joined the group for a pizza dinner and took the opportunity to congratulate the group on their achievements and encouraged them and their leaders, Barry Read and Raiechell Giles.

As part of the evening’s festivities, a Cub, Thomas Barker, was accepted into Scouts. This involved the Scouts building a temporary bridge structure from Stringybark and Thomas skilfully walking the bridge to be welcomed by Scouts.

This year Thomas achieved his Grey Wolfe Award, which is the highest achievement that a Cub can obtain. This is the second year in a row that a Cub from the 3rd Parkes Scouts has received this Award, with Charlie Zannes receiving his when he graduated to the Scout Troop in 2016.

Mr Donato congratulated Thomas and presented him with his Grey Wolfe Certificate and badge. He then distributed Subway encouragement certificates to the group. Mr Donato said “It is great to see such a keen group of Cubs and Scouts getting out and having a go, learning new skills and contributing back to their community”.

By Marg Applebee

Paddles Up for Northparkes Staff

December 21, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Northparkes Mines staff had an experience with a difference last Thursday when organiser Stacey Kelly arranged a dragon boat paddle for seventeen of her staff. Club President, Bill Thomas, was happy to skipper the boat as sweep, while Bev Williams took on the important role of stroke, the pace-setter and Beth Thomas drummed and coached the team of novices.

They paddled amazingly well for firstmtimers and had a huge amount of fun. “It’s such a fabulous idea for staff bonding,” stated President, Bill Thomas.

The crew realised, with some surprise, what a true workout a dragon-boat paddle can be, and some even stated they’d be interested in having another go. And of course the Lachlan Dragons would warmly welcome them. “We all really enjoyed the experience, it was great fun,” said Stacey Kelly.

If you’re looking for a unique experience for your workplace, why not give dragonboat paddling a go! Just call Bill on 0418 616 500 or Chris on 0414 762 775.

Maggi Barnard

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