Maggi Barnard

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

Awards Rain Down On Parkes

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The awards keep on rolling in for the Parkes Shire Council with three received in one week! The Parkes Elvis Festival won gold, an engineering cadet of the Council was awarded a medal and the Council was recognised for operational efficiencies at the Australian Airport Association Industry Awards ceremony.

The Parkes Elvis Festival won its second consecutive Gold Award at the annual NSW Tourism Awards in Sydney last week. The 2017 Festival was named winner of the Festivals and Events category. Festival Director Cathy Treasure said it was a testament to the Festival’s ongoing success and recognition for its contribution to tourism in NSW for the past 25 years.

“It’s exciting for all those involved, especially as we prepare to deliver the 2018 Festival in just six weeks’ time.” Parkes Elvis Festival was one of eight finalists in the Festivals and Events category, taking home the title ahead of the Orange F.O.O.D Week, Canowindra Balloon Challenge, Australian Celtic Festival, Byron Writers Festival, Deni Ute Muster, Eat the Street and Splendour in the Grass.

On an individual level it was a great night for Parkes Shire Council’s engineering cadet Cate Fennell who was awarded the G A Taylor medal for best paper at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NSW State Conference. She did a presentation on ‘What makes an Engineer today?’ Cate identified the barriers that limit students from entering a career in engineering and the need to change the way the profession is depicted to school students in order to address the major skills shortage in the industry.

Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd said: “Cate is a fantastic role model, not only for young women, but for all youth considering a career in engineering. “Cate strives to break down the barriers that limit young people from entering the industry and challenge the traditional representations of engineers.”

Cate will go on to represent the State at the National IPWEA Conference in 2019. The third award was received at the Australian Airport Association (AAA) Industry Awards ceremony in Adelaide last week when Parkes Shire Council was recognised for achieving excellence within Australia’ airport industry.

Parkes was awarded joint winner in the Airport Innovation and Excellence – Operations category, for its Aerodrome Reporting Officer Network Forum; an initiative established with Dubbo, Orange and Scone. Chair of the Parkes Regional Airport Committee, Parkes Shire Councillor Alan Ward said: “This award recognises the fantastic work of our airport operational staff.” The Aerodrome Reporting Officer Network Forum was established in 2016 to enhance the productivity of the regional airports involved.

The forums are conducted every six months to identify and address challenges experienced in the regional aviation industry, share knowledge, promote professional growth of operational staff, and to ensure a safe environment for airport staff, visitors, passengers, contractors and airlines.

‘Dancing In The Water’ Is Great Fun

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

There is plenty of action, fun and laughter at the Parkes Pool on Monday and Tuesday mornings at 9am when up to 60 women join in aqua aerobics. Instructor Bev Laing keeps the 45-minute class upbeat with lively music, which participants enjoy so much they almost forget they are busy exercising.

According to Bev everyone works at their own pace with a wide range of ages represented in the class. The class is open to everyone, and is $3 per class if you have joined the Parkes College for Seniors for $20 per year. For more information call Bev on 0418 114 826.

Queen’s Baton Relay In Parkes On 29 January

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) will come through Parkes on Day 35 of the baton’s 100-day journey in Australia leading up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

On 29th January next year, the baton will leave West Wyalong, travel to Forbes and reach Parkes at 5:30pm at the Parkes Aquatic Centre. In Parkes the baton will be carried by 19 selected batonbearers. They are Rebeckah Auld, Peter Bristol, Frances Dixon, Amanda Draper, Barry Garment, Darrin Gibson, Michael Greenwood, Nicayden Greenwood, Danielle Hoskins, Kenneth Keith, Timothy Keith, Helen Magill, Maureen Massey, Lauren Neilsen, Richard Rice, Cato Rutherford, Victoria Simpson, Barbara Weaver and Scott Westcott.

After travelling an astonishing 288 days throughout the Commonwealth, the Queen’s Baton will arrive onto Australian soil in Brisbane on 24th December, having shared the dream of the 2018 Games with over one third of the world’s population.

The Queen’s Baton will scale Sydney Harbour Bridge, celebrate the Taste of Tasmania festival, be a part of the tennis action in Perth and Brisbane, hit the roads at the Tour Down Under in South Australia and respect the magic that is Uluru at sunset.

From 25th January 2018, the QBR will shift gears to a more traditional relay starting in Canberra, where the Queen’s Baton will join Australia Day celebrations, before continuing in the hands of approximately 3,800 batonbearers through every state and territory.

As the Queen’s Baton travels the length and breadth of Australia, it will not just pass through, but spend quality time in the communities it visits. The Queen’s Baton will arrive on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games
Opening Ceremony on 4th April 2018, where His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message and read it aloud to declare the Games officially open. Batonbearers will be informed of their street-specific slotting location in December.

Our Gal – Pam Symonds

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Pam Symonds

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? I have lived in Parkes for over 30 years and enjoy being part of this community. It is a great place to live and raise your family as it offers a safe and friendly environment and has all the services and resources you need.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I have worked for Neighbourhood Central for over 20 years and in the role as Executive Officer for 11 years. I love being part of a team who all have a shared interest in supporting members of the community in providing a range of services.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy taking time to catch up with family members and friends and I often travel out of town to meet up with our daughters and their partners.

If you could have a super power what would it be? It would be wonderful to be able to fly and feel free like a bird.

What is your pet hate? I cannot tolerate it when items are not put back in their original place and when people do not clean up after themselves. I also cannot stand clutter

Find it in Forbes this Christmas…

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

There are many great reasons to do your Christmas shopping in Forbes this year! Forbes Business Chamber is once again hosting the Find It In Forbes This Christmas promotion and festival. With more businesses taking part, shoppers will be rewarded by making a purchase from any of the 35 participating businesses. This will put you into the draw to win at the Forbes Services Memorial Club – Find It In Forbes Christmas Festival on Thursday, 14th December in Templar Street from 4pm. Lots of market stalls, kids activities, performances and maybe a visit from Santa!

The Find It In Forbes promotion has been running for a number of years and began as a way to encourage shoppers to spend in Forbes.

Participating businesses are:
Agriwest; Allure on Main; Bernardis Supermarket; Betta Home Living Forbes; Blue Sky Outdoor Experts; Blush Organic Beauty; Bowns Sports Power; Brons Hair Design; C & D Floor; Cahills Footwear; Chapter 2; Country Bakehouse; Eye Wear Specs; Flannerys Pharmacy; Forbes Family Dentists; Forbes Inn; Forbes Small Engines;
Gottoluvit; Gunns Mensland; Hello World; Hozpots; Lady Bird Boutique; Little Extras; Loomzys Fish and Fix; Made Of Fridays; News On Rankin; Painted Daisies; Pantry Cafe & Catering; Phillip Wells Optometrist; Robbs Jewellers; Roylances Auto One; Turners Furniture One; Undercover Sleepwear; Vandenberg Hotel and Walkers Ag N Vet.

Just A Short Drive to Young…

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Try Poppa’s Famous Fudge
Poppa’s Fudge & Jam Factory is open seven days a week offering a wide range of locally and freshly made jams and chutneys. From melon and ginger to banana jam, there are more than 20 different types to choose from. A huge range of delicate chocolates and tempting lollies, as well as the freshly made fudge, makes it worth a visit. All products are made in store from fresh produce and all products are gluten free. Also on offer is a huge range of giftware and homeware for the ideal present or addition to your home.

Hanging Of The Quilts
Make sure not to miss the Robynette Fabrics Salon’s hanging quilts display during the 68th National Cherry Festival from 1st to 3rd December in the cherry capital of Australia. Robynette have massive discounts on until the New Year. Why not get gift vouchers as Christmas presents? If you cannot make the Cherry Festival, see Robynette Fabrics at Young’s Annual Christmas Boutique Market on 8th and 9th December at the Milard Centre.

Summer Fashion At Tess Clothing
Tess Clothing Boutique at 99 Boorowa Street has a beautiful range of summer fashions. Many clothing labels including Sass clothing that is fresh, fun and oh so pretty, as well as Rare Rabbit, Salt Water, Mary and Marie to name but a few! Do your fashion shopping supporting a local business with reasonable prices.

Style With Friendly Service
Boutique 99 is a newly established ladies fashion business in Young, offering a wide range of ladies clothing and accessories. Anything from formal dresses, summer fun dresses, jewellery and accessories for all sizes and helpful staff.

Unicorns And Fragrant Candles
Fragrance Delight Candles & Giftware stocks handmade natural soy wax candles and melts, essential oil bath bombs, as well as a large range of giftware and salt lamps. For special Christmas presents have a look at the new pom pom unicorn pillows, unicorn key rings/bag chain or unicorn feather plaques. Find a wide range of distinct gifts, including Rudolph Christmas soap!

Christmas Is Nearly Here

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It feels like we have only just put our winter woollies away when suddenly we need to start Christmas shopping and decorating our homes. It is such a special time, and probably the key time of the year for visitors and family. We need to make sure our homes look sensational, styled with Christmas love and cheer. With these simple techniques your
yuletide fluffing will be a guaranteed success.

• Before the tinsel comes out do a quick spring clean, and remove some of your usual decorating items to avoid clutter. Consider moving furniture around to allow for a greater flow of bodies to minimise congestion with a house full of people.
• Pick a colour theme to make the look dynamic and stylish. I love silver, white and black for effortless chic; and silver, grey and lavender for a more feminine feel or even dynamic red and green with touches of nature for a timeless classic.
• Think nature to give you a rustic but elegant look. Big natural branches look amazing strung with lights or simple glass baubles. I love branches as centrepieces on the Christmas dining table to create a relaxed and casual feel. Use costume jewellery strewn throughout candles to add a really elegant feel to the table.
• Candles, especially led candles, will give your home a warm glow without mess or fuss or danger. I have a huge array of candles on my main dining table that create a beautiful sight when you come home after a late night.
• The same principle applies to Christmas decorating as it does to everyday life: less is definitely more. Large statement pieces will give the home a WOW factor especially in key focal areas.
• Remember first impressions count, so an amazing hanging on your front door or a great Christmas inspired arrangement in your entryway will instantly create a mood.
• Handmade presents add a personal touch and can be a great way to entertain children prior to the big day. It can
also lighten the financial drain, but don’t place yourself under extra pressure if this activity is not a joy for you.

By Karen Creith

Travel With The Experts

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Got a yen to travel but don’t know where to start? You need a personal travel manager who knows where to start, where to go, how to get there and what to do.

Travelmanagers Australia’s Maria Miller and Louise Gillogly have over 50 years’ experience between them. They offer assistance with domestic and international flights, cruising, coach tours, car hire and leasing worldwide, all types of accommodation, transfers, day tours, packages, specialised Itineraries to suit the individual, tickets to shows/theatre/concerts, skiing holidays, corporate travel, travel insurance and visas.

In fact, everything you need to make your summer travel experience something special. Maria and Louise are always available to assist clients by phone or email.

They both have first-hand experience travelling to a lot of countries and can highly recommend a special destination, or hotel/resort to suit individual tastes. This saves hours searching the internet and gives you reassurance knowing you are booking with a reputable company.

Maria and Louise are passionate travellers and get excited when planning a client’s trip. You will get excellent customer service and attention to detail to make your trip a memorable experience.

Huge Open Day for World-Class Residential Aged Care Home

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

More than 1,000 people enjoyed the open day at Southern Cross Care last Saturday when its new world-class home was officially opened. “It was really terrific support from the community and great to see families and young people come along,” said Marketing Manager Sean Wilson.

A new 62-bed world-class residential aged care home, designed by Architects Johannsen & Associates from Sydney, has been developed at a cost of $22 million in Parkes. The new facility, accommodating over 200 seniors, has almost doubled its capacity from when it first started in 1992.

Setting a new benchmark for a regional aged care facility, it has been conceived as a rural village and was designed around landscaped courtyards and connected by walkways and verandas.

The complex also has a chapel, community hall and cafe to help generate a focus meeting place for residents and visitors. Chief Executive Paul McMahon said: “Our vision was to provide Parkes and the Central West with a residential care home akin to the best you’ll find in a major city. A further drawcard will be the new Home Care
office offering a range of activities and services aimed at customers who want to get involved within our community, while still living independently at home”.

At the open day a festive atmosphere prevailed as young and old enjoyed a variety of activities on offer throughout the day.

By Maggi Barnard

Small Church Charms Loyal Followers

November 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

About 40 people attended the 20th anniversary of the Parkes Historical Society’s annual church service held in the small Coobang Church at the Henry Parkes Museum on Sunday. The service was led by Rev Son Spindler and Vivian Cunningham played the organ.

Maggi Barnard

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