Maggi Barnard

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

Forbes And Trundle Riders Excel At State Showjumping

July 15, 2022 By Nina Hooper

The Zone 11 Pony Club team are (L-R) Tess Worland, Jemma Hodder, Freya Hooper, Jorja Rusten and Jake Tomlinson.

Four Forbes Pony Club riders and one from Trundle travelled to Warialda last weekend for the Pony Club NSW State Showjumping Championships where they achieved some good results.

Riders Freya Hooper, Tess Worland, Jemma Hodder and Jake Tomlinson joined Jorja Rusten from the Trundle Pony Club to make up the Zone 11 Pony Club Team.

Under the care of Team Manager Nicky Rusten, who did a great job keeping the team in order, they competed against riders from all over NSW and even a Queensland contingent.

All four Forbes riders entered the championships for the first time. Instructor Laurie Norris said it was a great experience for the team.

“Competing at State is a wonderful experience for our members,” said Laurie. “Each of the riders had success and learnt a few lessons as well. This will only help their riding into their next competition.”

Forbes Pony Club president Gary Tomlinson celebrated the success of the club’s riders. “I am so pleased to report that Tess Worland ran 3rd in under 15 B Grade, Freya Hooper 3rd in Under 17 C Grade, Jake Tomlinson 4th in under 15 A Grade and Jemma Hodder – in a very large class of riders- 12th in under 15 C Grade.”

Jorja competed in the 15 – u17 age group jumping A grade. After four rounds she collected a 5th, 6th and two 8th positions to place her 7th in the state.

“We are so very proud of their efforts and their sportsmanship in cheering on each other and the success of other riders. All of the horses stood up well to the competition too, jumping up to seven rounds over the course of the weekend.”

Forbes Pony Club is always on the lookout for new members, and those interested should contact the club secretary on forbesponyclub@gmail.com

By Nina Hooper

Marc’s Images Among Top 101 In The World!

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

GREAT ACHIEVEMENT… Two portrait studies of Parkes photographer Marc Payne have made it into the top 101 photographs in the world. The photos are of Parkes local Bill Bourke (left) and the Peak Hill artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney.

A Parkes photographer is one of only a handful of Australians to be named finalists in the prestigious International Portrait Photographer of the Year competition.

Of the 618 entries received, two photos of Marc Payne made it to the top 101 portrait photographs in the world, while a third image missed it by one per cent of getting through.

The two images were of Parkes local Bill Bourke and the artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney from Peak Hill.

“It is a privilege to know my work can match the best in the world,” said Marc.

His two images will be published with all the other finalists in the International Portrait Photographer of The Year annual book. The highly respected Australian Photography Magazine and the top selling Capture Magazine also published Marc’s photos with the other Australian finalists. They are Mariana Zilbershteyn, Mark Chamberlain and Kris Anderson. Karen Waller won the Portrait Story category.

Marc entered the same competition last year with the purpose of getting feedback on his work and never expected to make it to the top 101 photographs in the world. He was named a finalist for his image of Dustin Howarth, a friend and artist.

“Photography is like a drug to me,” said Marc. “I’m addicted to it, and take photos every day. I’m now on the hunt for five subjects for next year’s competition.”

Marc has also entered the international landscape photography competition Epson Panorama Awards and the David Malin Awards, Australia’s most prestigious astrophotography competition.

By Maggi Barnard

Makayla Shines In First Ever NAIDOC Cup

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Makayla Sloane from Parkes High School was selected to play in the inaugural NAIDOC Cup playing for Football NSW. Her team won the trophy last Wednesday. (Photo: TP Visuals)

Parkes High School student Makayla Sloane made history playing in the inaugural NAIDOC Cup last week with her team Football NSW winning the trophy.

First Nations footballers took centre stage during NAIDOC Week last Wednesday when Northern NSW Football and Football NSW played each other on Awabakal land at Lake Macquarie Regional Football facility. The two regions selected one male and one female squad each with players aged between 14 and 16 to play each other.

Makayla’s team, Football NSW won the girls match 4-3.

“It was a great experience playing with such talented players from all over NSW,” said Makayla. “I have never really been able to play with such an experienced team. It was challenging playing on a synthetic pitch for the first time in the pouring rain as controlling the ball and staying on my feet was harder than expected due to the wet weather. All of it made it a fun experience!”

Makayla said she learned from the experience that she needed to put herself out there to be noticed. “I was very proud to have been selected in a team to represent the Women’s First Nations Football festival in Nowra.”

Football NSW’s Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator Annabel Meadley said it was an amazing experience for the players, and a memorable day recognising our First Nations people.

“The inaugural NAIDOC Cup went incredibly well. Although the rain was consistent throughout the day, it didn’t dampen the spirits of everyone involved. There was a sense of excitement in the air as the very first NAIDOC Cup got underway.

Our Gal – Lara Amery

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Lara Amery – Vice-captain Parkes Christian School
(Primary)

How old are you? I’m 11 years old.

Were you named after anyone? My middle name was named after a lady who my mum stayed with when she went to America.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Watermelon, chicken schnitzel salad and vegemite and cheese on biscuits.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I would definitely choose to be a hairdresser.

If you could invent something, what would it be? If you could just click your fingers and your jobs would be done or already be dressed or firewood was already cut for you.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I’d start my own hairdressing business or give the money to charities, compassion, or to the poor.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? When part of my family climbed Uluru and on the way down it was very steep, windy and slippery.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? I would like to meet Jane Austen or Enid Blyton and ask them how they got ideas for all of the books they have written.

What makes you feel like dancing? Whenever I make up my own songs on the spot.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? My family’s farm has an awesome year for our crops, that others know Jesus and our earth will have peace.

Be Seen

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Casey Evans and Jenna Evans were also enjoying Sylo’s opening day.

Michael Jelbart, Sam Nixon and Luke Hoey were at Sylo’s first day of opening last Wednesday.

The Peak Hill elders who attended the special morning tea held for the community to celebrate NAIDOC Week.(Photo: Neighbourhood Central)

Heavy Vehicle Breakfast A Success

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE SOURCE: Facebook

More than 60 delegates from across the region attended the Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum recently.

The event, hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, was essential in providing opportunities to share information, network and discuss local issues.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said: “Freight is important – everything we consume comes off the back of a truck, and safety in that sector is vital.”

The forum was attended by local transport companies, truck drivers and farmers along with various associations and government agencies.

“There were a lot of questions about rest areas, local access and the cost savings that are offered by PBS vehicles,” Melanie said.

Snippets…

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Peak Hill celebrated the elders in the community for NAIDOC week with a morning tea at the Carrington Hotel. A performance by the Dyagang Boys and the Koori dance group was a special highlight for the Elders.

New Venue For Parkes Community Choir: The Parkes Community Choir is changing its practice venue to the Parkes Public School Hall. Access is via Hill Street. The Parkes Community Choir will begin Term 3 on Thursday, 21st July from 7pm until 8:30pm. Term 3 will run for eight weeks. This is a free, fun activity and everyone is welcome. You do not need to be able to sing, you just need to love to sing.

Does your organisation need funding? Forbes Shire Council’s Community Funding Program is open for applications until midnight on Sunday, 31st July. Eligible organisations can apply for up to $5,000 as cash or in-kind support (or a combo). For more information and to view and complete the application form head to the SmartyGrants portal at https://forbesshire.smartygrants.com.au/

Nominate A Tradie – Forbes & Parkes: Remember to nominate your favourite tradie in our exciting Tradie of the Month competitions running in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively. Readers can nominate a tradie, male or female, to go into the draw and the winner each month will win a prize. Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear to nominate a tradie, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. The closing date for this month is Friday, 29th July.

Record Apprentice Intake: A record number of new apprenticeships and trainees will be hired to work on vital road and transport infrastructure in the regions. Applications are now open for 135 placements – an 80% increase on last year. Opportunities will be available across 10 disciplines, including civil construction, bridge construction, painting and blasting, electrical, heavy diesel mechanic, business administration, project management and three new programs in marketing and communications, finance and safety, environment and quality. Applications close midnight 7th August. For more information: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/apprentice-trainees

RSPCA Cupcake Day: RSPCA NSW is encouraging supporters to sign up and host a Cupcake Day event at home, school, or work, on any day in August. Over 100,000 animals turn to the RSPCA looking for help, every year. RSPCA Cupcake Day is the chance raise funds to fight animal cruelty. Signing up is a piece of cake, head to www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au and start baking for a pawsome cause.

Indigenous Basketball Australia held a free basketball session for school students in Forbes last week as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations organised by the Forbes Youth Action Team. Participants were able to hone their skills and learn from the best in the state. (Photo: FYAT)

Sign Up For Tennis

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Tennis is getting ready for Term 3. You can pay using the Active Kids Vouchers for a term of free tennis. Sign up for HotShots for kids from four years to 12 years for $100 if you do not have a voucher.

If you are new to tennis, you will receive a free racquet and t-shirt as well to get you started! Register online at www.parkestennis.com.au

Get the kids moving!

Parkes Rotary Club Wins Three Awards

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

New District Governor Geraldine Rurenga (left) with Parkes Rotary Club President Robert Shore and President of Canberra Rotary Sandra Turner at the awards night.

It was a night of many awards for the Parkes Rotary Club at the recent District 9705 Changeover held in Mittagong with the Parkes president taking out Area Rotarian and District Rotarian of the Year.

The main award of the night was the presentation of the District Rotarian of the Year. Parkes Rotary Club President Robert Shore was recognised for his hard work in promoting the club, attracting new members, getting grants for projects and contributing to district and international projects. Robert also started the Parkes Rotary YouTube channel, and produced a successful three-monthly speaker program bringing speakers from all over Australia to Parkes.

Robert received the Area Rotarian of the Year for the work done by the club. Parkes not only attracted 10 new members this year, but contributed to the community by purchasing a driver simulator, conducted mental health first aid courses, and held an Australia Day community dinner.

“The awards really recognise the hard work and the support which comes from the Rotary Club of Parkes,” said Robert who felt “humbled and embarrassed” by the awards. He said Parkes was a terrific club.

The third award for Parkes on the night went to Robert and Rotary club member Ian Freestone. They received the first of four District Awards for excellence in Public Image and Communications for the Parkes Rotary YouTube Channel. The channel was started nine months ago and the 36 episodes have been viewed over 9,000 times. The episodes focus on Rotary projects and topics of general interest. The six episode series of six migrants from different parts of the world who now live in Parkes was particularly popular. It was done as part of the Australia Day celebrations in Parkes.

District 9705 includes nearly 2,000 Rotarians in 87 clubs, and the Changeover sees a new District President inducted and awards presented to clubs and individuals for their contribution during the year.

Rotary Life Members

July 15, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Rotary Club awarded life membership for the first time to John Pizarro, Arnold Byrne and Bill White. The three stalwarts have each been with the club for over 50 years.

Maggi Barnard

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