• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Special Interests
    • Snippets
    • Mayoral Notes
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
  • Special Interests
    • Women In Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Health & Wellbeing
    • Loving Local Living
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Parkes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix

Maggi Barnard

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

Format A Hit With Golfers

October 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Last Saturday’s Irish team stableford event, sponsored by Paul Thomas and Ken Ryan, was a big hit with 63 players in action. Victor Gaidzionis, Brett Cowling, Rod Kiley and Luke Greenwood made the most of the unique scoring method to claim the win with 100 points. They combined brilliantly, and importantly on the right holes, to win by eight points.

Playing as a team of four, all golfers played out each hole as they would in an individual stableford, but that was where the standard scoring finished. On the first six holes, only the best stableford score of the four players was recorded.

On the next five holes, only the best two stableford scores were recorded. On the next four holes, only the best three
stableford scores were recorded while on the final three holes, all four scores were recorded.

Next best in the competition were Peter Magill, Rob Cheney, Bernard Provan and David Stevenson with 92 points. They were followed by John Green, Mark Kelly, Brian McPhee and Jarrod Kemp on 90. Rod Luyt, John Pearce, Bill Warren and Tom Delmenico finished in fourth position with 86 points.

The last of the voucher winners, also with 86 points, were Ron Hetherington, Trevor Chatman, Wayne Tucker and Lindsay Elliott. Ryan Thornberry won the individual on 40 points. Nearest the pin winners: Chris Goodie – Idlerite-Tyrepower 1st hole -585cm; Ross Smith – Griffins Leading Edge – 230cm; Bernie McCabe – The Dirt Doctor Landscaping 6th hole – 408cm; Robert Cheney – Harvey Norman 11th hole, 90cm (very nearly a hole-in-one, also won the money hole); Peter Magill – Westlime 15th hole – 474cm; Dub Rodgers – Parkes Readymixed Concrete 9th hole – 630cm, and Aaron Wilkie – PJL Group 18th green – 110cm.

By Denis Howard

Currajong Says Thank You

October 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Last week was National Carers Week in recognition of a special group of people who are often taken for granted.
Whether they look after our mothers and fathers, grandparents or our children – they play a very important role in any family who rely on their time, support and generous nature. At Currajong Disability Services (CDS) in Parkes they are seen as angels.

“Without carers organisations like us would struggle,” said CEO of CDS Jeff Evans. “Carers are vital and on behalf of CDS I would like to say thank you,” said Jeff. The Currajong Carers Support Group (CCSG) and Currajong Autism and Special Needs Group (CASNG) are very active and supportive in the community. “The work Kitty Dwyer and Lethe Rawson have done for CCSG and Angela Wilson for the CASNG has been incredible,” said Jeff.

Our Gal – Stephanie Hughes

October 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Stephanie Hughes

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? Three years. I love living in Parkes and Forbes. They are great places to live and work.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? Hughes & Co Lawyers & Conveyancing. I love working with the amazing and inspiring people in our team each day, to find cost effective solutions for our clients.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? My dog Minnie is pretty special and we do most things together, running, walking, eating out and about, horse riding and water skiing.

What are you really good at? I love cooking, but I’m not sure that I’m actually very good at it, I often try to cook too many things at the same time and burn at least something.

If you could have a super power what would it be? The ability to predict the future. I could be so much more organised if I just knew what was going to happen.

What is your pet hate? People who are judgmental, as though they know what someone else has been through, when they cannot possibly.

Tell us about your best holiday ever? Any holiday is a good one! I don’t get many holidays…

Lorraine And Kim In Final

October 26, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

In the semi-final of the Club Minor Singles, Lorraine Baker defeated Frances Charlton 26 – 21 and Kim Evans beat Kate Keogh 27 – 13. Lorraine Baker will play Kim Evans in the final on 31st October.

In other games played Hilda McPherson, Rhona Went drew with Valmai Westcott, Robyn Morgan. Di Howell, Isabel Svendsen, Margaret Hawkin defeated Di Greenhalgh, Chris Curteis, Minnie Riordan 19 -15. Melbourne Cup Day is fast approaching and mufti dress to be worn on the day. There will be a Melbourne Cup lunch and sweeps.

The Christmas trading table is on 14th November with Christmas dress to be worn. Bring a friend and introduce them to the world of bowls. Please ring table selectors Gwenda Carty and Di Greenhalgh between 8:30am and
9am on 6862 1446 for social bowls. Social roster Rosemary Mitchell.

By Rosemary Mitchell

A Horror Story To Crow About

October 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Having to write an original horror script of seven pages or less within 48 hours might sound like a nightmare to many, but for former Parkes Phoenix journalist Raen Fraser it was a thrill.

Winning the top prize at the Tasmanian Gothic Short Script Challenge for Best Australian Script from over 100 entries transformed the challenge into pure joy. “I was thrilled to have been selected as Best Australian Script – I already felt like I’d won just by finishing,” said Raen, who works in communications at the Parkes Shire Council and also on a fantasy novel for teenagers.

“I have not really done horror before, it is not my usual genre.” Raen’s winning script is titled As The Crow Flies and tells the story of a mother and daughter implicated in a mystery when they realise an injured bird holds secrets about a missing child.

“The idea came up years ago when I worked for WIRES and had to deal with some aviary escapees. It turned out tame cockatoos who had escaped would teach wild birds to ‘speak’ English and you’d find talking birds out in really
remote areas.”

The annual competition, based in Tasmania, is open to writers worldwide and encourages original horror storytelling. Hosted by Stranger With My Face International Film festival, the unique event asks participants to write a new horror script with three unique prompts: a line of dialogue, a character and an object had to be incorporated into their, inspiring idiosyncratic results.

Raen said her experience as a journalist working to strict deadlines and word counts served her well in sticking to the 48-hour deadline and seven-page length. Although she has doubts that her script would ever be turned into a movie, she said the competition offered a great platform for emerging screen writers to refine their skills.

“It can be really hard to get your work out there.” While writing her first horror story brought so much reward, Raen is happy to return to her fantasy novel with the hope the end result would not be all make-believe.

By Maggi Barnard

Flush of Success For Parkes Project

October 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A major project of the Parkes Shire Council won a top award in Sydney last week. The Parkes Integrated Water Infrastructure Renewal Project won the Water Management category at the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards.

The awards, which were hosted by radio presenter Adam Spencer, recognise outstanding achievements by local government in managing and protecting the environment. Council’s Integrated Water Infrastructure Renewal Project represents a raft of improvements across the town’s entire water cycle with the aim to provide the region
with a safe and secure water supply into the future.

The project includes necessary upgrades to the town’s raw water supply infrastructure, as well as the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant and a new Sewage Treatment Plant. The final stage will involve the establishment of a Water Recycling Scheme, which will provide an additional drought proof water source for municipal irrigation.

Andrew Francis, Director of Infrastructure, said the win recognised Council’s efforts to provide the residents of Parkes and Peak Hill with best practice water and sewage services, and would support future population growth and economic development within the region.

“Council strives to be a leader in sustainability,” he said, “this not only includes ensuring the security of our water supply in a changing climate, but also ensuring our infrastructure is resource and energy efficient, which is not only good for our environment, but is also cost effective.”

Queen’s Baton Honour For 19 Locals

October 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It’s official! Nineteen locals from the Parkes Shire will be part of 3,800 batonbearers who will carry the Queen’s Baton during the 100-day countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games next year. The 19 locals are a good representation of our community and includes several sporting heroes. They are Rebeckah Auld, Peter Bristol, Frances Dixon, Amanda Draper, Barry Garment, Darrin Gibson, Michael Greenwood, Nicayden Greenwood, Danielle
Hoskins (living in Condobolin), Kenneth Keith, Timothy Keith, Helen Magill, Maureen Massey, Lauren Neilsen (living in Forbes), Richard Rice, Cato Rutherford (living in Blakehurst), Victoria Simpson, Barbara Weaver and Scott Westcott (living in Adamstown).

Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager, Kent Boyd said: “We are immensely proud to be represented by these 19 local legends. Their selection is recognition of their achievements, dedication and contributions they make to our community.” For tennis coach Helen Magill it will be the second time to be part of such an exceptional event. She carried the Olympic Torch for the Sydney 2000 games in Parkes. “It was an amazing experience that galvanised our whole community to celebrate the Games, so hopefully the Queens Baton Relay will be an occasion just as memorable for the whole Parkes Shire.” Helen said it was a huge honour to have been asked to participate as a batonbearer.

Parkes is one of eight overnight stops in NSW, and the baton will reach the town on Monday, 29th January 2018. The batonbearers will take more than a million steps collectively across Australia to bring it to its final destination at the Opening Ceremony on 4th April 2018. Each batonbearer will carry the baton for approximately 200 metres.

The baton starts its Australian journey on 25th December. It will travel through every state and territory covering 40,000km. Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on 13th March, the baton has gone across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe. It is in Malaysia currently and will visit the remaining 15 Commonwealth nations in Asia and Oceania before arriving in Australia.

OUR Bloke – Greg Ballantyne

October 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? In total I’ve lived here for about 30 years. It’s a great place for kids to grow up and experience the wide-open spaces.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? Parkes Christian School. I love seeing kids get interested in classic texts like Hamlet and The Great Gatsby.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I have done a lot of M&D shows. I’m hoping to see the Eels win a premiership one day and I love hanging out with my family. (Greg currently plays the lead male role of Franklin Hart in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Little Theatre – Ed.)

What are you really good at? Quoting Star Wars.

If you could have a super power what would it be? I don’t think I’d want one. Batman is the best superhero and he has no powers.

What is your pet hate? Being late.

Tell us about your best holiday ever? I took my wife to London and Paris for her 30th birthday. Seeing the smile on her face when we visited some of her favourite places made it pretty special.

Mayoral Notes…

October 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

I am delighted to share the news that Parkes Shire Council was named the winner of the Water Management Award Division A category at the LGNSW Excellence in the Environment Awards held this week. Council received the award based on the delivery and sustainable management of the Parkes Integrated Water Infrastructure Renewal projects, which includes construction of the new Water Treatment Plant, refurbishment of Bore 8 and the Lachlan Pump Station, and construction of the Advanced Water Recycling Facility.

Council received funding under the NSW Government’s Social Housing Community Improvement Fund to revitalise two popular community spaces in the Shire. PAC Park South in Parkes and Lindner Oval in Peak Hill will both receive upgrades, with both projects awarded $50,000 each. Parkes Library is inviting the community to attend a free talk with Jeremy Godwin, author of the book Mental Illness Sucks! (But It’s Not The End Of The World), on Monday 23 October. If you’d like to attend, give Parkes Library a call on 6861 2309 to book your spot.

Today is the final day teams can register for the 2017 GP Cup on 28th October. Teams of 10 will compete in soccer, netball, touch football and a mystery event over the course of one action packed day at McGlynn Park. Download a nomination pack from Council’s website.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire

Decade Of Support Come Rain Or Shine

October 12, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Dianne Green not only works as a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, but for the past ten years she has organised an annual charity event to raise funds for a cause affecting thousands of Australians.

The welcome rain on Sunday did not stop more than 50 people from attending the Parkes Mini Field of Women at Lions Park to show support for the women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in our local community.

“The numbers were only slightly down from last year, but we still raised $440.60 with donations and merchandise sales,” said Dianne. The support was great and everybody was happy for the rain.” Dianne has put on the event in October every year since 2007 with the help of her family. She explains that while she gets paid to do her day job, the annual event is something she does out of her own pocket and in her personal time. “This is something from me in support of everyone affected.”

All funds raised will go to Breast Cancer Network Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that supports Australians affected by breast cancer through support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their needs.

The event includes pink lady silhouettes placed on the lawn as a symbolic gesture to those diagnosed with breast cancer and all those around them. People attending are invited to write a message of support or remembrance. Forty-eight Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

By Maggi Barnard

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 344
  • 345
  • 346
  • 347
  • 348
  • …
  • 486
  • Next Page »

Click here to download the recent issue (210) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (1.7MB PDF) – 9th October 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Parkes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Phoenix Office
7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor
0432 337 278
editor@parkesphoenix.com.au

Sales
0432 337 278
sales@parkesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy.
View our Conflict Resolution Process.
View our Ethics and Complaints Policy.
Want to advertise with us?
Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

nsw government logo

The Parkes Phoenix's Digital Diversification of Free Regional Media project is proudly funded by the NSW Government Regional Media Fund