Maggi Barnard

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

Sow Network Safety Seed

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

During the sowing season farmers are reminded to continue to think about safety first.

Farmers and machinery operators need to be aware and consider the electricity network safety on their property prior to undertaking work.

Regional manager northern, Mark Summers said Essential Energy was trying to avoid a repeat of last year’s spike in statewide incidents involving tractors and cotton module makers contacting the network.

“The safety of our farmers, their workers and our electricity network are our top priority,” Mark said.

Reducing the risk of fatalities or injury of agricultural workers is a high priority this year.

“We are spreading the message to improve planning of activities which may re- duce the risks to agricultural workers. Mapping out safe traffic paths and monitoring machinery movements around powerlines and poles can help avoid costly network incidents, unnecessary power outages and damage to electrical infrastructure.”

If machinery does contact overhead powerlines, operators are advised to stay in the cabin and contact Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.

“Bystanders should always remain at least 8m away and treat powerlines as if they are live,” Mark said.

Property owners can access maps of Essential Energy’s overhead electricity net- work by calling 13 23 91 or visiting essentialenergy.com.au/overhead.

Question of the Week

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What does reconciliation mean for you?

Wally Biles: Looking at the past and looking at positive and negative issues. This week of national reconciliation has brought more awareness to the whole community and that government need to look further at development for Aboriginal and Tor- res Strait Islander people.

Jessica Williams and Le-kiesha-Lee Bowden: It means to care about other people and helping them.

David Acheson: People coming together, sharing and behaving as one mob. We live in a multi- cultural society and we should all get on. There is unfortunately still a lof of the them and us mental- ity, but it is getting better.

Medcalfs Are Champion Naggers

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

After an altercation with a quad bike three weeks ago and with no practice it was a wait and see situation for Tom Medcalf and his wife Anita in last Saturday’s 18 hole Medley 4-Ball Best Ball Stableford for the coveted Naggers Trophy.

Despite the accident Medcalf performed exceptionally well and not only did the likeable Trundle farmer take out the Naggers Trophy, but he also managed to take home a nearest the pin. The Medcalfs returned a solid 43 points to take the major award.

In the Sadie Hawkins award it was a rare victory for John Pearce and Rod Luyt who cruised to a solid one shot victory over Col Barker and Shen Taranto with 45 points.

Club Captain Paul Thomas informed members at the prize giving that effective immediately the club had made a major change in playing conditions that would allow players the opportunity to contest the following Saturday’s event by playing the designated com- petition on either the Monday or Friday prior to the scheduled event. This change will not affect championship events when players will have to contest the event on the designated date of play.

Thomas also said all golf balls won in either a nearest the pin or ball competition should be collected from the Pro Shop.

Saturday’s nearest the pin awards went to Peter Magill, Warren Blatch,Tom Medcalf, Steve Edmonds, Rod Kiley, Brian McGee and Glen Buesnell.

Ball winners from the Medley competition went to 44 Col Barker and Shen Taranto, 43 Chris Goodie and Dub Rodgers, Steve Edmonds and Anthony Riach, 42 Ron Hetherington and Lindsay Elliott, Brian and Dale Matthews and suriving the countback were Michael Smith and Liz Matthews.

The annual 27 hole Mixed Foursomes Championships will be played on Sunday, 18th June sponsored by Liz Matthews.

By Paul Thomas

Baker’s Cyst

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a swelling at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cysts are fairly common and are associated with chronic swelling within the knee joint. They occur most frequently, secondary to degenerative disease within the knee joint such as osteoarthritis or meniscal degeneration. The main sign that a Baker’s cyst is present will be a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee. This may be tender to touch with pain and stiffness, often worsening as the knee is straightened after activity or when squatting or kneeling.

Just as a door hinge requires oil to re- duce friction and allow smooth movement, similarly, the cartilage and tendons in the knee joint rely on a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid circulates around the knee joint and in and out of various fluid sacs called bursae, that communicate with the knee joint. Sometimes when a structure within the knee joint is damaged or inflamed too much fluid is produced. If this fluid gets trapped in the popliteal bursae it is called a Baker’s cyst.

If a Baker’s cyst is suspected, the whole knee joint should be assessed thoroughly as treatment involves treatment of the un- derlying cause. Once the cause has been addressed the swelling generally set- tles down. Sometimes the bursae might be drained or surgically removed but if the underlying cause of the swelling is not corrected the swelling will just return. Strengthening exercises for the lower limb can help to improve joint biomechanics and to decrease the load on the knee.

For the fitness of you,

Linda Reilly

Snippets…

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Public Speaking: A total of 77 students from 18 schools participated in the Oxley Group CWA Public Speaking competition in Condobolin recently. Twelve students from Parkes and Trundle have progressed to the inter-group level and will compete against students from the Orange-Bathurst area and Narromine to Bourke area in June.

They are: Years 3-4: Highly Commend- ed (HC) Oliver Mayo (Parkes Christian School) and Samuel Rivett (Parkes East); Years 5-6 : 1st Genevieve Bland (Parkes Public) and HC Hannah Dun (Parkes Christian School); Years 7-8: 1st Eliza- beth Hoyle (Parkes High), HC Hamish Sanderson (Trundle Central), Alleyne Gaut (Parkes High), Nina Gaut (Parkes High); Years 9-10: 1st Ellie Hillier-Stanbrooke (Trundle Central), HC Robbie Stokes (Trundle Central), Jasmin Dalton (Parkes Christian School), Kiana Schembri (Parkes Christian School).

Free Breakfast: A free forum will be held at the Forbes Inn on 8th June to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

The Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum is part of the annual road safety calendar for Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils. This year includes a workshop about the new safety rules coming into effect next year with regards to chain of responsibility.

There will also be presentations about compliance and enforcement, a proposed low volume gate access scheme and the councils’ achievements in the past 12 months in improving access and education. For catering purposes registration is required – contact 6861 2364 or Melanie. Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au .

Arts Funding: Local groups with arts projects in mind can apply for the 2018 round of Country Arts Support Program funding.

The annual program of State Government provides small grants up to $3,000 to arts and community organisations in regional NSW to run their own local arts projects. Applications close Thursday, 27th July.

In 2018 it’s expected there will be around $18,000 to distribute in the Central West region. Priority areas are arts and health, Aboriginal arts, and cultural tourism and lifelong learning (education or training projects for any age). The funding is open to all incorporated associations, not just those focused on the arts. Groups wishing to ap- ply must discuss their project with Arts Out- West before submitting an online application. To apply, read the funding criteria at http://regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Quota Turns 60 In Parkes This Year

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Quota International of Parkes hosted Region 12’s annual meeting last weekend as part of the 60th birthday celebration of the Parkes club.

More than 30 Quotarians from Bathurst, Blackheath, Orange, Condobolin and Lithgow attended the program over two days at the Parkes Services Club.

The event was officially opened by Mayor Ken Keith. He welcomed the Vice-President of Quota International, Shelly Brown to Parkes and briefed the meeting on the latest developments in the shire.

He said the huge investment announced in the Federal budget for the Inland Rail Project was the best news Parkes had ever received. “There is huge potential with many benefits for the region. The prosperity it will bring makes it a well worth investment.”

The Mayor was very happy to boast about the Council’s initiative to make a short humorous video as a pitch to Amazon, that was posted online last week, to bring its investment centre to Parkes as a demonstration of the possibilities for new development the project could bring.

Shelly Brown attended the meeting to brief members on the latest information from the head office. She also handed a certificate to regional director, Lynne Hawley for her services.

Although Parkes will celebrate its 60th anniversary in September, the semi-formal dinner on Saturday night was a good time to cut a cake for the anniversary.

Quota International supports the deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired and women and children in the local community and around the world.
By Maggi Barnard

Soil Pits And Kits Field Day At Cooka

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Healthy soils are essential for primary production and sustainable landscapes.

Would you like to find out how to understand your soil and improve your soil health?

The Soil Pits and Kits workshop is your key to finding out more about soil chemistry, soil physical characteristics, soil testing and management techniques and options.

There are also opportunities to take home a soil testing kit (conditions apply).

The workshop will be held on 23rd July including a delicious morning tea and lunch. For more information or to book your spot, contact Marg on 6862 4914 or email cwllpo@hotmail.com

Mayoral Notes

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes commemorated National Reconciliation Week 2017 with a number of events in the Shire. The Neighbourhood Central Hub in Peak Hill hosted a community morning tea with live performances, dancing and discussions.

The first temporary outdoor dining platform has been installed outside Bella’s Café & Italian Restaurant this week. The platforms are piloted as part of the first stage implementation of the CBD Vibrancy Strategy.

Upgrades are almost complete on the Parkes Waste Facility. The new waste management scheme will commence from 1st July to deliver improved customer services, environmental performance and long-term sustainability. The facility now hosts an undercover drop-off area via well sign-posted directions and bitumen sealed roads. A new custom built gatehouse and weighbridge has also been constructed for the new waste management staff to provide improved customer service. Waste disposal charges for domestic waste loads will commence from 1st August. Residents can download a Waste Disposal Guide from www.parkes. nsw.gov.au

Residents are invited to attend the opening of an art exhibition Erratic Symbiosis, hosted by Parkes Library tomorrow at 11am. The exhibition marks the ten year anniversary of the Ub Ubbo Exchange, a non-profit community that has been facilitating cultural exchanges, promoting art exhibits and organising projects in Australia and the Philippines.

Enjoy your weekend.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

Weekly Market Update

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Week 47 saw the market react with substantial corrections across the entire merino range.

With just over 34,000 bales offered for sale nationally, the opening day saw the NMI lose 9 cents with falls of 15 – 20 cents in the medium ranges and up to 30 cents at the finer end.

Day two saw all types and descriptions suffer further reductions with the NRI shedding a further 23 cents to close at 1580 (-32 for the week). Again it was the medium microns that were less affected with a reduction of < 30 cents, however the finer end was hard hit dropping back 50 – 60 cents.

A limited selection of oddments saw keen competition among the carding buyers, enabling this sector to buck the trend and record small increases. The crossbreds also performed relatively well, with strong competition leaving most types and descriptions only 5 to 10 cents cheaper.

The amount of wool coming onto the market continues to retract, with just over 30,000 bales rostered next week.

Source:AWEX

New Outdoor Dining Platforms For CBD

June 1, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The first stage of the Parkes CBD Vibrancy Project has been put into action with the construction of temporary outdoor dining platforms in Church Street.

The project aims to add interest and ex- citement to the main street and adjoining streets to improve the CBD for shopping, working, living and visiting. The dining platforms have been exclusively designed for Parkes Shire Council as modular and transportable infrastructure that will allow businesses to increase their dining capacity and expand the outdoor dining options.

The platforms are particularly suited to businesses adjoining parallel parking spaces with the platform designed to occupy a car parking space and sit between the gutter and fog line with easy access from the footpath. The platform includes side barricades and a shade structure with businesses required to supply chairs, tables and any additional accessories.

Parkes Shire Council’s Economic & Business Development Manager, Anna Wyllie said “after a competitive expression of interest process for the pilot phase, the first dining platform will be trialled with Bella’s Café & Italian Restaurant”.

“Bella’s application for the trial was strong due to their seven day per week operating hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner which allows us to thoroughly test the dining ex- tension. The location in Church Street with access to the northerly entrance of the establishment was also appealing given there will be minimised impact on parking and traffic as opposed to a main street location.”

The dining platform trial compliments other detailed planning and consultation under- way for the southern end of the CBD which include improvements to the road surface, footpaths, parking, lighting, building access and signage. The plans for lower Clarinda Street are on exhibition and can be viewed via Council’s website or at the Administration Centre in Cecile Street.

Maggi Barnard

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