Maggi Barnard

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

Make This Mother’s Day Present A Hit

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Mother’s Day is a really special day for me. Mothers are truly wonderful nurturing creatures, especially my mum, and they are definitely worth an enormous amount of spoiling.

Here are some ideas to make this Mother’s Day present a hit. It is all about the gesture not the price tag. At Parkes Furniture One we have gifts that will suit anyone’s budget or taste.

Most mothers like to create a home that is inviting, comfortable and welcoming. May- be mum would love some faux flowers in a vase to brighten up a corner of the room or maybe some new cushions to update the sofa.

Decorator pieces such as statues, candleholders or a pot or urn will also prove a hit. If you really want to pull out all stops, why not buy mum her own chair or recliner so she can relax in a quiet corner and catch up on her reading.

There is also the option of a Parkes Fur- niture One gift voucher, or an inhome consultation with me. I would love to help her bring her decorating dreams to life!

Come and see our enormous range of homewares and decorator pieces. We would love to help you pick the perfect gift for your mum.

Happy Mother’s Day to all! Love Karen xx

Mayoral Notes

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Thank you to everyone who supported this week’s Anzac commemorations across the Parkes Shire. It was wonderful to see such a big turnout, a reflection of community spirit.

Guided by the feedback received during the Parkes 2030 Community Consultation Workshops, Council has prepared the draft suite of strategic plans. These documents outline the programs and projects Parkes Shire Council will undertake over the next four years, and how these will be funded. Residents can view the draft plans at www. parkes.nsw.gov.au. Council welcomes and encourages your feedback.

Last week we welcomed Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester MP who announced a $1.3 million dollar invest- ment towards the construction of two new rail bridges along the Melbourne to Bris- bane rail route.

On Sunday, residents and visitors have a rare opportunity to go inside some of Parkes’ majestic heritage homes as part of the 2017 Australian Heritage Festival. The Sunrise to Sunset – Parkes Heritage Houses open day will see the doors of six grand homes open. Contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000 or www.visitparkes.com. au to purchase your tickets.

Parents and supervisors of local learner drivers are encouraged to attend a free two- hour workshop at Trundle Central School on Wednesday, 3rd May at 6pm. Bookings are essential, call 6861 2364.

It’s time to dust off those platform heels for the 2017 Trundle ABBA Festival. Be sure to purchase your tickets for next weekend’s festivities via www.trundleabbafestival.com. Have a fantastic week.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

Two New Rail Bridges Between Parkes and Narromine

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Two new railway bridges will be build between Parkes and Narromine to support the delivery of the Inland Rail project.

Two timber bridges at Tomingley West and Narwonah on the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) national rail network will be replaced by reinforced concrete culvert structures at a cost of $1.3 million.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester made the an- nouncement in Parkes last week. He said the upgrades were particularly significant as the new structures would meet the In- land Rail standard to future proof the bridg- es for longer, heavier and more efficient trains.

“The Inland Rail project will provide a rail freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane, connecting regional Australia with global markets. The region will play a major role in the delivery of Inland Rail, with the Central West region of NSW set to see $480 million in economic benefits,” the minister said.

“One Inland Rail train will support the movement of approximately 2,500 tonnes of freight in a single trip, equivalent to tak- ing 110 B-double trucks off the roads.”

The Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project involves upgrad- ing the existing 107km of track. Overall, the Inland Rail project takes advantage of 1,200km of existing rail corridor and will involve the construction of around 600km of new track. For more information visit www. inlandrail.artc.com.au

Make Your Bathroom Dream A Reality With Glassplace

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Are you building a new home, or updating your forever home or investment property? Glassplace will help make your bathroom look lavish and inviting.

In many modern bathrooms, the shower is the centrepiece. A good shower screen needs to be durable, watertight and fit the style of your bathroom.

The economical Envy Fully Framed shower screen is a first choice for rental properties, and bathrooms that need to take a little extra loving… especially from little people.

In the middle of the market, the best selling Envy Semi Frameless, is just that little more elegant. The Envy Semi Frameless will add a special touch to a well used room in your home.

Looking to have a frameless screen in your open plan bathroom? Glassplace can fit an Expanse walk in shower to your bathroom. Size and shape are all custom designed to fit your wishes. They can even help with glass shelving to add an elegant yet practical touch.

Looking to update your old mirror, or add one to a new bathroom? There are so many different styles on display in the showroom. Pop in to Glassplace and let them help you make your bathroom dream a reality today!

Charity Day Huge Success

April 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The annual Northparkes Mines charity golf day last Saturday was a huge success with 119 players contesting the 3 Person Ambrose event for the benefit of CanAssist.

Mitch McGlashan, Ben McNaughton and Dave Chambers recorded the day’s best scratch score of 11 under par 60 to make them clear winners.

In the handicap events Allan Sharpe, Craig Dillon and Michael Dellaca dominated with a great 58 nett, while the ladies team event went to Lesley Fisher, Colleen Staples and Glynis Conroy successful on 68 nett.

Toby Webb, Sam White and Aaron Buesnell with 60 5/6 nett took out the event restricted to teams with a mixture of handicapped and non-handicapped players.

The novelty events saw wins to Troy Thomson, Kaye Jones and Toby Webb in long drive competitions, while nearest the pin awards went to Richard Hamilton, Steve Edmonds, Ian Ward, Denis Howard and Ben McNaughton. The ladies’ awards went to Janelle Thompson, Colleen Staples, Frankie Cock and Margaret Hogan.

Tomorrow the men will contest the opening two rounds of the annual championships and the ladies will play an 18 hole Stableford.

By Paul Thomas

Come And Commemorate Anzac Day

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire residents are invited to attend the Anzac Day Commemorative Services to be held across the region on Tuesday, 25th April.

The Parkes Shire RSL sub-branches, in combination with Parkes Shire Council, have planned special services in each of the townships to pay tribute to veterans and current defence personnel.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said: “Historically, 25th April is a day for the Parkes Shire to come together to acknowledge our history, honour the Anzac legacy and show our strength as a community.

“The day will begin with Dawn Services in Parkes, Alectown, Tullamore, Peak Hill and Bogan Gate and will be followed by the Anzac Day march, wreath laying and commemorative services mid-morning.”

A number of guest speakers have been invited, including Captain Anthony Klen- this from the Royal Australian Navy. He will acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the 1942 World War II campaigns, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and share an insight into his time in the Navy at the 9am com- memorative service in Cooke Park.

Council’s roads and footpath crew have constructed a new footpath at Memorial Hill connecting with the existing granite walkway further down the hill to significantly improve pedestrian access.

The full Anzac Day program is available at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or can be collected from Council’s Administrative Building on Monday.

Poppies

Shire residents are also invited to commemorate the sacrifice and service of Anzac veterans by personalising a poppy to go on display at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre (VIC).

Free handmade paper poppies are available with space to write a message of commemoration on the back.

Parkes Shire Council’s Tourism Leader, Jaimee Timmins said: “The idea stems from the Australian War Memorial’s roll of honour, where thousands of red poppies adorn the tribute walls, each commemorating a fallen soldier.”

“The Flanders red poppies have long been part of Anzac Day observances and are considered an emblem of remembrance.”

During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium.

In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red poppy symbolises the sacrifice of shed blood, and has since become a symbol of remembrance.

The poppies have been on display at the VIC since Wednesday and will be there until Anzac Day.

Parkes East Students Write Winning Tributes

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Two Parkes East Public School students have made their own Anzac history in the annual Riverina Anzac Writing Awards.

Year 5 student Brienna Brown was the Northern district winner with her lyrical poem about the soldier’s experience, utilizing the recurring motif of a field of poppies to create a sense of futility and loss.

“We have to remember them because they died for our country,” Brienna said.

The Northern district’s Highly Commend- ed award went to Year 6 student Madeline Blackstock for her short story that tackles a different aspect of war-time sacrifice. Made- line tells the story of a nurse stationed over- seas to tend the wounded, seen through the eyes of a child left behind on the farm.

“It’s important to remember the Anzac’s because there’s no war in Australia anymore,” Madeline said.

The Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack received almost 800 entries for the annual competition, with students across the electorate exploring the theme Anzac Day in the Riverina and Central West.

Michael said judging this year’s competition was tough. “I was not only impressed with the quantity of entries, but also extremely proud of their quality.”

Parkes East Public School teacher Leanne Matthews coordinated the school’s entries for the competition. “We’re all extremely proud of the girls,” she said.

“The information pack that the Minister sent out was very stimulating and managed to spark their interest, ” she said. “All the students really responded to the resources.”

By Raen Fraser

We Will Remember Them

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Arthur Parker – Royal Australian Air Force

Arthur Parker joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1955. He served as a supply supervisor and loadmaster, and was posted to many and varied locations across Australia and overseas during his 21 years of service.

Perhaps the most dramatic was his 1966 posting to Malaysia to support the Vietnam War. He and his family found themselves in the midst of civil unrest. Penang was in total lockdown, and at one point a machine-gun was set up in their garden.

In 1974 Arthur was instrumental in providing support to the Cyclone Tracey recovery effort, which earned him a Certificate of Out- standing Service.

Paul Thomas – Australian Army

Paul Thomas joined the Australian Army in 1967 and served for six years. In 1970 he was deployed to Vietnam for 12 months, and served with 24 other soldiers from Parkes. He said overall the Vietnamese people were good to Australians. “They didn’t want to be in the war as much as we didn’t want to be there,” he said.

“It made me realise how lucky we are in Australia. Their living standards were so much lower.”

Paul said that despite the hardships of the war, being there was less challenging than coming home. Many soldiers returned at a time when Vietnam veterans were widely despised.

Karl Martin – Royal Australian Navy

Karl Martin spent 15 years in the Navy, serving in the first Gulf War. Karl served on three ships; the HMAS Success – a replen- ishment ship, the HMAS Sydney- a guided missile frigate, and the HMAS Swan- a de- stroyer escort.

Karl was deployed to the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, which he described as a very tense time.

They were fortunate enough to not come under live fire during the deployments, although at one point his ship sailed into a minefield.

“We didn’t know what we were heading into. We were all just hoping nothing would happen,” he said.

Photographer Puts Farmers Into Focus

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What does a farmer look like? Kim Storey and Cassie Gates are on a mission to answer that question. The Eugowra-based photographer and graphic designer are collaborating on a coffee-table book that will showcase a range of 21st century farmers.

The pair is travelling across the country to photograph primary producers for their project. “We’ve got about 25 so far, but we’ll have 100 by the time we’re finished,” photographer Kim Storey said.

They visit farms to capture beautiful por- traits of farmers and their produce, and will complement the images with their stories. “We give the farmers the opportunity to show what they do, why they do it, who they are, and where they are,” she said. “We’re opening the gate into their world and letting people in.”

“Anytime farming hits the media it’s for a negative reason. All of the newsworthy events, like floods or fires or droughts, only show the negatives. I wanted to show the positives.”

Kim said that the idea for the project sprouted from a twitter conversation dis- cussing the perception of women in agri- culture.

“When I googled what does a farmer look like all the images were old men in overalls holding pitchforks, and not rep- resentative of what farmers are and what they do.”

“I wanted to challenge the perception that people have of farming and show the real diversity in the industry; the range of backgrounds, industries, and technolo- gies.”

“I’d really wanted to do a photo book for a while, so we put the two together.”

The project has already received a lot of media attention, and they are currently working on the publishing strategy. They are tentatively hoping it will hit the shelves for Mothers’ Day next year.

For more information visit their facebook page: What Does A Farmer Look Like?

By Raen Fraser

Question of the Week

April 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What was the highlight of your holidays?

Deliah Karaitiana: The best thing was going to see my dad in Coonabarabran. He works there, so we all went to stay at his house. We went to the observatory and saw the moon.

Eliza Davis: We stayed at gran’s house in the Hunter Valley. We went to the beach and caught pipis and my dad opened the shell and we saw the pipi inside. The best thing was going to my friend Emily’s house because we haven’t seen her for ages.

Lucy Noakes: Probably going to the Royal Aus- tralian Mint in Canberra. We got to make our own $1 coin and went on a tour.

Maggi Barnard

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