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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.

One Night Outside To Help Homeless

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

‘CHILLING’… Judy Shore in the tent they pitched at Jemalong Weir for their sleep-out last weekend. Inserts: The Fireball damper made by Robert proved a winner against the cold, the fire not so much!

There are many fun ways to raise money for charity, but last weekend Robert and Judy Shore chose to spend a cold night outside sleeping at the Jemalong Weir near Forbes.

As members of the Parkes Rotary Club, they were part of the Australia wide #offthegrid Challenge asking participants to spend 24 hours without electricity or electronic devices sleeping out to raise money for Shelterbox.

“It was a reasonably warm day, but still very cold at the weir,” said Robert. “Once we were in our swags, we were nice and warm. We had a fire earlier but the green wood didn’t put out much heat. I cooked a Fireball damper (with whiskey) and that seemed to take the edge off the cold!”

He said a few Rotarians from Parkes drove out to enjoy afternoon tea with them. “We really appreciated their support.”

Shelterbox provides emergency shelter for people who have been made homeless due to natural disasters or military conflict. The charity started 20 years ago in England but quickly grew to become an international Rotary project. A green box, provided by Shelterbox contains a family tent, cooking gear, eating equipment, tools, blankets, water purifying containers and a solar light to support a family who have been made homeless in a disaster.

So far, Robert and Judy have raised over $1,200. It is not too late to donate, simply search #offthegrid.raisely.com to sponsor them.

Top Chamber Music Outfit To Play In Parkes

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes is in for a fantastic musical treat this month when one of Australia’s most dynamic chamber music groups will give a concert at the Cooke Park Pavilion as part of the Music in the Regions’ Winter tour. 

Omega Ensemble will perform a high-energy program from Mozart’s cherished Clarinet Quintet to the world premiere of a new contemporary Australian work by Australian composer Carl Vine on Saturday, 23rd July. 

Audiences on the Winter Regional Tour will be among the first in the world to hear the new work by legendary Carl Vine, which Omega Ensemble commissioned especially for the program. 

“Omega Ensemble are lauded nationwide for their exceptional world-class performances, an incredible cultural experience these regional audiences would usually have to travel to a city for but can now enjoy close to home,” said Music in the Regions Executive Director, Janine Collins. 

Founded in 2005, Omega Ensemble has a mission to champion extraordinary Australian musical talent through high-energy and impactful performance. The Ensemble presents an annual National Touring Program to metropolitan and regional cities across Australia and frequently appears in national cultural festivals. They have also twice toured to China, delivering concerts and masterclasses in Shanghai and Beijing. 

To book tickets, visit www.musicintheregions.com 

Snippets…

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The temperature dropped below zero early Tuesday
morning giving the day an extra bite in the air and plenty of ice on the ground!

Can You Help?: The Parkes Red Cross tea rooms, started over 70 years ago, are the longest running in NSW, and more helping hands are required to keep them open for another 70 years. During COVID-19 the rooms underwent refurbishment and have become a popular venue for friends to meet on Fridays from 10am to 3pm serving up a delicious plate of goodies and tea/coffee for the princely sum of $7 – with a refillable cup at no extra cost! The rooms have operated in different shop venues in town over the years until it was officially opened in 1973 at the current address in Church Street. The brand new kitchen has been partially funded with the generosity of the local community from where members and volunteers serve the popular soups and teas to customers. The building also has a comfortable mother’s room complete with baby change table, refrigerator, toys, and a comfy lounge for breast/bottle feeding mothers as well as a safe play area for children open on Fridays from 10am to 3pm. If you would like to help keep this amazing community facility and service running, please contact Sue Strahorn on 0401 223 195 for more details. 

Nominate A Tradie: Remember to send in your nomination for our popular Tradie of the Month competition, sponsored by Totally Work Wear, by email: editori@ parkesphoenix.com.au stating your favourite tradie’s name, workplace and contact number. You can also pop into Totally Work Wear to nominate someone. We would love to see some female tradies going in the draw too! The winner each month wins a fabulous prize from Totally Work Wear, Parkes! 

Exciting STEM Program For Local Schools: Schools in the Central West can be part of an exciting new STEM partnership. Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West has partnered with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO for the Generation STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP). The initiative connects teachers and students with local employers, showcasing the relevance of STEM in everyday life and increases student engagement in related subjects. All high schools in the region are invited to get behind this fantastic opportunity for students in years 9 and 10. The mid-year intake program has opened.For more information, contact: Sophie Lountain on 6369 1600 or email projects_grants@rdacentralwest.org.au. 

Have you ever seen a fog-bow? Sharon Woods (Pics by a Farm Chic Photography) was out last week mustering lambs when she took this amazing photo! A fog bow, sometimes called a white rainbow, is a similar phenomenon to a rainbow but appears in fog rather than rain.

Dire Health Care Situation Inspires Hannah

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Future local doctor Hannah Hawker.

The closure of the Parkes maternity ward has inspired a Parkes student to pursue a career in medicine to make a difference in our community. 

Hannah Hawker is one of 69 recipients of this year’s RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships. “I decided to pursue a career in medicine when my local hospital maternity unit closed because we could not attract an obstetrician to the area,” said Hannah. “This unit serviced Parkes and all of the small surrounding localities of mostly farming families. I hope I can make a difference by filling a gap and providing top quality accessible and long-term health care.” 

Hannah, who was born and raised in Parkes, completed her studies in secondary teaching at university in the Riverina. “I am now retraining through Charles Sturt University’s medical program in Orange.” 

The RAS scholarship is designed to financially support rural and regional students, studying at university, college or TAFE, and are aimed at students who are passionate about applying their knowledge and skills within regional communities. RASF Rural Scholarship recipients will receive financial grants of $6,000 for full-time study, made possible with the assistance of generous donors. 

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

MOVIE NIGHTS

We have our cult movie night tonight @ 6pm. We are screening a 2022 release of an all-time favourite superhero. This version comes 55 years after the original film was released. Rated M and almost three hours in length – free tea, coffee and popcorn! Bookings are essential.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Parkes Library will be hosting six school holiday activities for children in Kindergarten to Year 6. All activities are from 10:30am -12:30pm. Bookings are limited and are filling fast. 

Tuesday, 5th July: Junior Movie and Popcorn: a Disney classic about a little girl and her alien ‘puppy’.
Wednesday, 6th July: Hands-On Activity “Flags of Your World”. (Cost $2)
Thursday, 7th July: Junior Movie and Popcorn: a film about a fast-growing dog becomes a neighbourhood sensation.
Tuesday, 12th July: Junior Movie and Popcorn: a Disney classic about an unlikely friendship on the family farm.
Wednesday, 13th July: Hands-On Activity “Peculiar Pairs”. (Cost $2)

Thursday, 14th July: Junior Movie and Popcorn: a film about five friends who are definitely not good guys.

FAMILY & LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

Are you interested in researching your family history or the local history of the Parkes area, come along and join this new group on Wednesday, 6th July from 3 – 4pm. Please get in touch with the Parkes Library to register your attendance.

REBECCA WILSON ART EXHIBITION & AUTHOR TALK

We’ve all heard of Ned Kelly but have you heard of his little sister Kate Kelly? The Kate Kelly Collection, a series of narrative paintings and story cards based on the life of Kate Kelly will be on show in the Coventry Room from 16th July to 6th August. The opening is on Friday, 15th July at 6pm in the Coventry Room when Rebecca will also speak about her book Kate Kelly: The true story of Ned Kelly’s sister. Tickets are on sale through Humanitix or call the Parkes Library.

Parkes Mayor Joins National Climate Leadership Coalition

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM joined over 50 local government elected officials to launch a nationwide spokesper-son group for climate action – led by the Cities Power Partnership. He is with Dr Portia Odell, Director of the Cities Power Partnership.

The Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith are among a group of 52 mayors and councillors from across Australia who launched a nationwide coalition of local government elected officials advocating for stronger action on climate change to state and federal governments. 

Local Leaders – an initiative from the Cities Power Partnership – was launched at a breakfast event in Canberra last week at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly. 

“Our community wants serious action on climate change, which is why I’ve joined dozens of other local government representatives to amplify our message to a national level,” said the Parkes Mayor. 

“It’s important to make our communities’ needs heard by the state and federal government, because we can achieve change locally. Speaking out in the media will help us inspire other communities to capitalise on the benefits a net zero emissions economy brings.” 

Dr Portia Odell, Director of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest network of local governments working towards net zero emissions said: “Local governments have long been leading the way on actions that reduce emissions and set communities up for a thriving future, however their voice is often left out of the media. 

“As a Local Leader, the Cities Power Partnership team will work with Mayor Ken Keith on climate-related media opportunities where he can represent the Parkes Shire community on a local, national and sometimes even international level. 

“We offer free media support and training to our Local Leaders, because we want to amplify the great work being done in our communities to tackle climate change. 

“Cities Power Partnership is part of the Climate Council, Australia’s leading climate 

communications organisation, which allows our Local Leaders to be supported by world-class communications expertise.” 

Leaders membership is free and open to mayors and councillors from the 170+ councils around Australia that are part of the Cities Power Partnership. 

Your ‘Turn’ To Support A Truly Local Production

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The five women starring in Turning Tables are (L-R) Christa Radley, Christie Green, Maddie Collits, Ruth Barnes and Shev Brown.

Turning Tables is set to hit the stage at The Little Theatre in Parkes from tomorrow night after over 12 months of rehearsals and cancellations due to COVID-19.

Going off reviews from community members invited to the preview on Sunday, it’s going to be another hit for the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society.

The praise afterwards included: “An excellent show…has to be seen”, “I absolutely loved it and will be coming back again!”, “Fresh, fun, powerful, provocative, moving and memorable”, “Incredible show” and “Took my breath away – just an amazing production from start to finish”.

With a script written by the Parkes M & D’s stellar director Lyn Townsend, Turning Tables tells the story of five women (Christie Green, Christa Radley, Shev Brown, Ruth Barnes and Maddi Collits), all different, all unique with their own ‘baggage’ to carry.

During the course of the show, each of the women take you on their journey, the relationships they have endured and the strength and resilience they gain from the friendships they forge with each other, despite the differences in age or social status. There are four male roles, all played by one token guy (Aaron Kingham).

With songs like Can’t fight the Moonlight, Stronger, Girls just wanna have fun, Because of you, Holding out for a hero, Born this way, Warrior, Jesus take the Wheel, Danger Zone, I’m so Excited, This is me, and many more, there is bound to be a song you know and love.

Turning Tables will play over three weekends. Tickets are available from www.parkesmandd.com.au or for purchase at the theatre box office an hour before any show, or on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. If you live out of town, email parkesmandd2870@gmail.com to request tickets be reserved or call 0429 623 829 after 5:30pm. The production is not suited for children under 14 due to adult themes, but for adults, this is just a fantastic outing!

Parkes Squash Juniors Shine

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Western Region Squash team included 11 players from Parkes and took out nine titles at the annual Green Shield Championship to be named champion region.

A total of 11 Parkes Juniors were part of the 2022 Western Region Squash team that recently competed at Dapto, Wollongong in the annual Green Shield Championship. 

Backing up the team’s win last year, they once again dominated and won nine titles to be named the champion region for 2022. The Western team played five other regions – Sydney, Hunter, North Coast, ACT and Southern. 

The Parkes players in the team were: Marley O’shannessy, Clara Rice, Lillah Smith, Laila Kelly, Henry Kross, Max Jones, Riley Jones, Kye Kinsela, Cooper Kelly, Cooper Jones and Lockie Jones. The rest of the team came from Dubbo, Guerie, Molong, Grenfell, Forbes, Yass, Canowindra and Cowra. 

Our Young Gal – Bethany Moss

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Vice Captain Parkes Christian School – Bethany Moss

How old are you? I’m 18 years old. 

Were You Named After Anyone? I wasn’t named after a person, but I was named after the town Bethany in the Bible. 

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? I would pack hot chips with chicken salt, pasta and an iced coffee. 

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Something to do with animals. 

If you could invent something, what would it be? Instant travel! 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Doing up my old F100, shopping and Railway eats. 

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I got caught in a rip at Culburra Beach. 

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? The country music singer Morgan Wallen – he may not be historical because he’s not dead yet. 

What makes you feel like dancing? Country and early 2000s music. 

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? Hang out with Morgan Wallen, 64 Mustang and travel to Nashville. 

Parkes Soccer Wins Grand Final

July 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Four Parkes soccer teams competed at the Forbes Gala Day last weekend and the U16 Boys side came home as overall winners. They beat Orange 2-0 in the grand final. The U14 Girls team went down in the semi-final in a penalty shoot out to Bathurst. The U16 team are at the back (L-R) Coach: Angela Bottaro-Porter, Kai Airey, Jake Sinclair, Harrison Budd, Harrison Kennedy, Cameron Frogley, Dusty Annai, Tom Burkitt, Charlie Cowie and Fraiser Beaton. In front are Riley Mcmaster, Hayden Lamond, Danilo Bottaro- Porter, Alexander Macgregor, Ruby Smith, Kaden Charlton-Little and Conner Batt.

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