Maggi Barnard

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

Our Bloke

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney

How long have you lived in the Parkes shire and what do you like about living here?
I was born in Peak Hill and lived here all my life. You get to know everyone, it’s friendly, a typical country environment. There’s also lot of family around, and that’s what makes a place special, family and friendly people.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work?
I’m a working artist; I get a lot of commissioned jobs. Firstly, it’s a passion, and the money comes later. They say that if you work doing something you love, you never work a day in your life. I just love it, it’s a part of me.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends?
I like to sit back, have a barbeque, or take the grandkids to the river. I really like to have the grandkids around, they’re a bit hectic but they seem to relax me.

What are you really good at?
I’m good at art, obviously, but I also love music. I would have to say singing, playing a bit of guitar – that’s another passion of mine. I like to play Country and Western, and Blues styles.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Invisibility – you can stay out of a lot of mischief that way. And if you do get in trouble you can just disappear real quick.

What is your pet hate?
Loud people in small areas, that can be irritating. That’s where the river comes in handy.

Tell us about your best holiday ever.
It would have to be a working holiday. I did a couple of trips to the Philippines – as part of a cross-cultural artists program. It was an eye-opening experience, to learn other cultures and see the way they lived. It was work, but we all had a really good time and made lifelong friends.

Palliative Care in Parkes

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Palliative care is often overlooked when discussing health management and delivery, but it is an essential service that can have a tremendous and far-reaching effect on well-being , not just for the patient, but for their families and carers as well. Quality palliative care isn’t just dependent on nurs- ing staff – many volunteers work alongside health professionals to provide crucial and compassionate end-of-life care.

The not-for-profit organisation Neighbourhood Central has been involved with pallia- tive care volunteers since about 2012, and works in conjunction with the Parkes Palliative Care team. The volunteers visit people at home or in the community, offering support and companionship for people in pallia- tive care, as well as their family and carers.

The Parkes Palliative Care Team receives about 110 referrals a year.

Parkes Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Bernadette Orange was one of the pioneers behind the service. She said that volunteers are a valuable part of the palliative care team.

Palliative care NSW recently completed a survey of nurses’ experiences of palliative care volunteers, called: A space of caring: NSW nurses’ experiences of Palliative Care Volunteers in inpatient settings.

The survey emphasised the importance of volunteers in providing care. Of the respondents, 89% agreed that volunteers display empathy and emotional awareness and contributed to better palliative care, and 70% said they would like more volunteers in their service.

Palliative care volunteers attached to Neighbourhood Central are hosting a conference at the Railway Hotel next Thursday. There will be presentations from key speakers, interactive discussions, networking opportunities, plus time to reflect on the role of volunteers in palliative care today.

“We are really proud of our volunteers, and for the support of Neighbourhood Central,” Bernadette said. “Not everyone in palliative care will experience pain, but the pain is made worse when a person is distressed about something in their life,” she said. “This conference is all about the important role that the volunteers have in easing that sort of pain and in supporting people in our community.”

For more information visit www.volun- teerhub.com.au or contact Tony Fisher on 0428 970 559.

Question of the Week

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What do you like about playing with the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club?

Ethan Kosef: I’ve been with the Boars for 3 years. I like the mateship and the atmosphere of the team. Everyone just gets behind everyone, especially off-field. We’ll go out for a beer if someone needs to have a chat.

Steven Taotua: I’ve been with the club for about 4 weeks. I like the vibes, it’s a good band with the brothers. It’s a good community with the team and everyone who comes to support us.

Ben Ryan: It’s a very tight-knit group, really family oriented, and a great social group. We’re very welcoming to anyone new to town, it’s a great way for people to get social. I’ve been playing with the Boars for 16 years.

Mayoral Notes

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

With the commission of the Water Treatment Plant before the end of September, Coun- cil contractors Clearflow have commenced cleaning of the water mains by air scouring in Peak Hill this week. It’s expected that the crew will commence work in Cookamidgera from Sunday 16 July, before moving onto Parkes next week. During the cleaning process residents will experience loss of supply for a short time and may experience discol- oured water coming through taps temporarily. The cleaning process will ensure con- sumers experience optimal water pressure, taste and quality upon commissioning of the Water Treatment Facility. Residents will be notified at least 24 hours prior to works taking place in their area.

The Parkes Visitor Information Centre’s Kids Day Out kicks off at 11am today, Friday 14 July with a full day of school holiday fun planned. Kids of all ages are invited to join

n the fun, which includes outdoor games, jumping castles, NRL games and giveaways, a fidget spinner challenge, sand-sational art, as well as an appearance by Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol! While the kids play, the adults can browse the

range of market stalls selling local produce and goods through- out the day.

The sky’s the limit this weekend for As- trofest 2017. The annual festival of astronomy endeavours

to bring together astronomers, both profes- sional and amateur to foster, encourage and promote astronomy in the Parkes region.

It’s just over two weeks to go until National Tree Day. This year, we’ll be planting at the northern end of Danilenko Street and I en- courage residents and visitors to come along on Sunday 30 July at 11am and do some- thing positive for our local environment. For more information on these programs and events visit Council’s website or follow us on social media. Enjoy your weekend.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

Codeine Rescheduling

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

After significant consideration & consultation on the effects of medicines containing codeine on people’s health & wellbeing, the TGA (Therapeutics Good Administra- tion) has decided that products containing codeine will not be able to be sold over the counter in pharmacies, making these prod- ucts available on prescription only.

This change does not come into place until 1st February, 2018. The decision to reschedule codeine to prescription only will mean that people who wish to use painkiller medicines containing codeine will need to obtain a script from their GP or healthcare provider, or use alternative medicines still available over the counter e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of these drugs.

If this rescheduling affects you, please speak with one of our friendly pharmacists for a suitable alternative.

The Station Restaurant Now Caters For The Early Risers

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Great news from the The Station Restau- rant! Now opening even earlier for breakfast from 6.00am to 8.30am, Monday to Friday. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 7:30am to 9am. Offering both a la carte and continental breakfast options, The Station Restaurant is open to the public as well as its in house guests. Choose from the hearty Bacon & Egg Roll or if you are looking for something a bit different to start your day with, try the Station Melt – grilled chicken, avocado and sundried tomato all topped with cheese and grilled.

The Station Restaurant also welcomes takeaway customers the full breakfast menu as well as a great selection of Merlo coffee and hot chocolates created by the Station’s own barista Krista Hansen.

You will find the Station Restaurant on the Newell Highway, just past the Visitors Information Centre, on your way to Peak Hill/ Dubbo.

If you are on the move early and looking for a quality breakfast option, book a table or order a takeaway, phone the Station on 6862 8444 or SMS your order through to 0437 970 193. See you at the Station!

Veteran’s Outreach Program

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

An officer from the Veterans Outreach Pro- gram will visit Parkes on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th July.

Any veteran, service or ex-service personnel who would like to seek individual assistance with any Service, Disability, War Widow and/or an MCRS Claim from any confrontation is welcomed to make an appointment.

All appointments are for a one hour pe- riod and will be held in the Parkes RSL Sub-Branch office at the Parkes Services and Citizens Club and persons are urged to make appointments with the Parkes RSL

Sub-Branch Secretary Paul Thomas on 0427 624 683.

A strictly limited number of evening appointments are available and this service is free to all ex-service personnel.

When announcing the visit, Mr Thomas stressed that this service is available to assist all veterans as well as service and ex-service personnel irrespective of when or where they served. The program also allows any matter of contention that may require the lodgement of a claim or applica- tion to the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Golden Jubilee For Parkes Boars

July 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

“It’s not all about winning; it’s about turning up, and trying your best. It’s about mates and friendship.”

This philosophy has seen the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club endure through generations.

The Boars celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a gala dinner at the Parkes Ser- vices Club last weekend. Mayor Ken Keith officially welcomed the 185 strong crowd, which was made up of team mates young and old, as well as partners, families and supporters. Geoff Rice emceed the event, and called on former players to share their (sometimes dubious) memories of their glory days.

Special guests, former Wallaby Jon White and current Wallaby Tom Robertson helped celebrate the golden milestone. Both have a connection to the region, and an enviable career in rugby union.

Jon, who grew-up in Yeoval, agreed that country rugby punches above its weight. “There used to be pathways there for country boys,” he said, “but now country boys have to play in the cities to be seen by selectors. It really is a retrograde step.”

Tom was born in Wellington, and deferred his medical studies to focus on football. “People talk about overnight success,” he said, “but they don’t see the hours and hours of training that you put into it and all of the sacrifices that you make.”

The evening was a jovial celebration of the kind of mateship that the club has shared for the past 50 years, confirming that, for the Boars, it is more than just football.

By Raen Fraser

Our Gal

July 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Tiyana Towney

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like about living here?
I have lived In the the Parkes shire for 13 years. What I love about it is living in the country, walking down the street and getting a hello. It’s the little things I appreciate about our shire.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work?
I perform – that’s what I do for work. Music has been a big part of my life since I was young and performing in front of people is all I’ve ever wanted to do, and now I’m finally doing it!

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends?
What I like to do to unwind would be sit on the river for a fish, but since we are now in the colder weather I like to sit back and practice new songs inside on my guitar. It helps bring peace to the mind.

What are you really good at?
I’m really good at music and sports. I’ve always had a passion for both, and like to say I’m good at them.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
If I could have a super power it would have to be time travel.

What is your pet hate?
My absolute pet hate would be when people chew too loud- it hits a whole other nerve in my body and drives me insane!

Tell us about your best holiday ever.
My best holiday ever would have to be when I was a youngen’ around about 8, when I went away to the snow with family, there’s a bit to much to say really but we had some fun times, and must I say cold!

VIP’s Work For Greener Energy At Parkes Solar Farm

July 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It was all hands on deck for last week’s solar panel installation ceremony. Mayor Ken Keith and Wiradjuri elder Robert Clegg donned hi-vis and hard hats to help install solar panels at the Parkes Solar Farm.

They were joined by a handful of other VIP’s, or Very Important Panel-installers; Ian Learmonth, CEO of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and senior executives from the Australian Renewably Energy Agency, French renewable energy firm Neoen, and construction company Bouygues were made honorary solar panel technicians for the ceremonial event.

Construction on the Parkes Solar Farm is already well-underway, with acres of piles and panels already erected. The solar farm is situated on 240 hectares of land to the west of Parkes, and is the largest of Neoen’s four Australian solar plants.

Ultimately it will be connected to the future solar farm substation, and will produce up to 80MW of renewable energy – or enough to power more than 20,000 homes.

Bouyges CEO Jean-Chrisophe Perraud said that he’s excited to be part of a project that will bring the green power our planet deserves. He credited the local and international crew with the project’s successful progress. “We have the right people on the ground and are tremendously engaged with the local people,” he said. “We’re us- ing an ambitious mix of local know-how and global skills.”

Maggi Barnard

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