Maggi Barnard

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

Ground-breaking Ceremony For A Ground-Breaking Project

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The turning of a sod marked the start of work on the Advanced Water Recycling Fa- cility (AWRF) in Parkes.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack joined Mayor Ken Keith, Parkes Shire Councillors and representatives from John Holland and the Parkes Shire Council for the ceremony on Wednesday.

The new facility will supply recycled water to irrigate the golf course and racecourse, and will later provide water to sporting fields and parks around town. It is expected to be completed by November 2017.

The AWRF is jointly funded by the Federal Government and Parkes Shire Council, who have each contributed $8.725 million towards the project.

“This is a great investment that builds com- munity capacity and provides water security in the dry times,” Michael McCormack said.

“Projects like this show that Parkes really is a can do community. It’s a progressive town that gets things done.”

The Mayor was full of praise for the project. “We’re absolutely delighted that the federal government partnered with Parkes Shire Council to enable this water recycling system to be built,” he said. “The scheme complements the new water treatment plant and sewage treatment plant beautifully and will position Parkes Shire well into the future.”

The sod-turning wasn’t the only symbolic gesture of the day. Michael McCormack selected a blue and brown striped tie for the occasion, telling the attendees that it was the most appropriate attire. “It represents the project; turning brown water into blue,” he joked.

By Raen Fraser

Our Bloke

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Daniel Greef

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like about living here?
About twelve years, I moved here from the city and like the size of the town and living in a rural community.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work?
I’m the local Crime Prevention Officer for the Police Force. I enjoy getting into the community and working and engaging with them to reduce crime and the fear of crime. It is very satisfying seeing young people build confidence and overcome barriers.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends?
I run and ride bikes, and spend time with my family.

What are you really good at?
You’ll probably have to ask my bosses, friends or family that question.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Does having more tradie skills count? So I can be of more assis- tance with building at the orphanage I vol- unteer at in Zambia.

What is your pet hate?
Dishonesty.

Tell us about your best holiday ever.
Travelling to Zambia to help out at an HIV orphanage in Ndola; assisting with building and running boys mentoring camps. I’ve gone back three times and will go many more times.

Be Seen…

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Life guards Jarrad Duffy and Alex Macaulay kept the fun going at the Council’s Youth Week pool party last Sunday.

It was a fun family day out at the Smoke, Rust and Noise Day. L-R are Margaret Fewings, Roanne Fewings, Tyler Ruse, Marley Conway, Ashley Ruse, Jeffrey Davis, Mi- kaela Byrne and Ron Fewings.

Parkes Public School held an Easter Fete last Friday. Ella, Ava and Logan Hamood enjoyed all the fun on offer.

Beau Longhurst and Angus MacGregor hold ducklings at the petting farm stall at the Parkes Public School Easter Fete.

Question of the Week

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

For Youth Week we asked young people what issues concern them the most?

Josh Winter: Litter – our world has rubbish everywhere. There’s so much plastic in our oceans choking marine life. It’s harmful to wildlife and it’s really gross.

Ally Fryer: I’m really concerned about global warming. All the gasses and pollution are really bad for the environment, and it’s getting warmer every summer.

Lillie Fryer with her younger sister Connie: Pollution is a big issue. It’s destroying our environment.

How Australians Celebrate Easter

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Easter, celebrated between Good Friday and Easter Monday, is just around the cor- ner. Here are the top five ways that Australians celebrate Easter.

1. The Resurrection of Christ

Christian Australians celebrate the resurrec- tion of Jesus on Easter Sunday. The prior- ity of Christians on Good Friday is to attend church before tucking into delicious hot cross buns, and enjoying time with family.

2. Chocolate

The happiness food is in abundance in the form of Easter eggs in shops everywhere. For some, this time of year is all about heal- ing, rest, and quality time with family with some chocolate involved, and of course the

Easter bunny!

3. Easter shows

Many capital cities in Australia put on an annual Easter show with the Sydney Roy- al Easter Show the most famous one.

4. Holidays and camping

In Australia, Easter and family holidays go hand in hand. Many Australians take advan- tage of the four-day long weekend, and get out of town to go camping.

5. Home Renovation Projects

Ah yes, those home renovation and im- provement projects you’ve been putting off… Easter is a perfect time to get stuck into them and make some progress. Whether you need to paint your house, remove some grout from your bathroom tiles – many peo- ple choose Easter to catch up on projects around the house. You can also use the time to de-clutter your wardrobe in prepara- tion for the colder weather ahead.

If you are just staying put at home, you won’t go hungry for hot cross buns or chocolate in Parkes, as well as entertainment.

Whatever you get up to over Easter, do it safely and remember to just relax and have some more chocolate!

Parkes Boars Open Season Victorious

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Boars faced the Mudgee Wombats in the season opener last Saturday with great success.

The Colts’ young team had not played much together, but managed a 24–3 win. Tries to prop Mitch Townsend, winger Ty- ler McMahon, Aaron Peters and Pat Jones. Matt Parkes added two conversions to consolidate the game – 3 points to Pat Jones, 2 points Brad Watt, 1 point Jock Wright. Players player was Pat Jones.

Third Grade had 24 willing players but faced a last-minute Mudgee forfeit with Parkes taking the points.

Second Grade, under young coach Dyl- lan Phillips, continued the winning streak with a 36–12 victory. Tries: Break away Mitch Hutchings, Rusciate Lawinakula, Matt Hunter, Tim Lawler, Dyllan Phillips and Toby Tanks. Conversions: Mitch Hutchings, Iszac Oliver and Toby Tanks – 3 points Matt Hunt- er, 2 points Nathan Baker, 1 point Chris Sell- ings. Players player to Prop Sam Dennison.

The First Grade Wombats kicked off deep into Boars defence and within two minutes crossed the line to take the lead. Parkes rallied and a minute later through the hands of Ash Adams and Joe Nash, John Rathbone crossed wide for his first. The Boars lead at half time 31-14.

The Boars continued to dominate with Mudgee well out of the game in the second half, but Parkes hadn’t finished yet. Break away Ben Powlay scored two tries and converted his own with Josh van de Stok finishing the game to bring the score to 95– 14. Tries: Lloyd Rogers (3), Ben Powlay (2), John Rathbone (2), Toby Baigent (2), Josh van de Stok (2), Sam Standen (2), Dyllan Phillips and Joe Nash. Conversions: Lloyd Rogers (8), Ben Powlay (2) – 3 points to Tohi Nusipepa, 2 points Lloyd Rogers, 1 point Leo Ilalio Havili. Players player Lloyd Rogers.

Next Saturday the Boars travel to Cowra to face the Eagles.

By Cath Ryan

Swim Season Ends With A Splash

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes pool was the place to be on Sunday as it hosted a flotilla of events to celebrate the very last day of the swimming season.

The day began with a swim-a-thon relay, raising approximately $4,000 for the Life Education Van. Various organisations assembled teams, swimming continuous laps of the pool. Even Healthy Harold showed his support from the sidelines. They swam an estimated 850 laps over the day, with Mayor Ken Keith contributing an impressive 64 laps to the tally.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the many swimmers who participated and to the sponsors that supported them,” the Mayor said. “I would also like to thank Quota for their $1,000 donation, and for providing fruit platters on the day.”

The Learn to Swim program also held their end of season celebration. This was the first season that the Learn to Swim pro- gram was run at Parkes Aquatic Centre, and it proved very popular, with 390 students enrolling this term.

Sharon Ross from the Aquatic Centre said the classes were very well received. “I got some very positive feedback from a lot of parents, which was great,” she said.

The fun kept going well into the evening, with a free splash party for Youth Week, which was a joint initiative of Parkes Shire Council and CDAT (Community Drug Action Team). Dozens of kids made good use of the inflatable pontoon and enjoyed the free barbeque.

The Parkes Sharks Swim Team held their end of season presentations in the evening, with 90 of their members attending. While the presentation night signals the end of the Parkes swim season, club secretary Barbara Weaver said training is a year-round commitment for many of their swimmers who travel to Orange to train over winter.

By Raen Fraser

Snippets…

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Loaded Dog: On Thursday, 20th April at 6pm the Splash Theatre Company will perform Henry Lawson’s The Loaded Dog at Parkes Library.

This is in celebration of Henry Lawson’s 150th anniversary. He is one of Australia’s best short story writers and was born on 17th June 1867. The Splash Theatre Com- pany is travelling NSW, Victoria and the ACT performing his most popular comic story, The Loaded Dog.

The explosive yarn about three gold miners and their overgrown pup, Tommy, will entertain. “The Loaded Dog has plenty of action and humour to engage and enter- tain audiences aged 5 to 95,” said Shellie Buckle, Manager Cultural, Education & Li- brary Services.

Please book your chair for the performance with Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au. The event is free and families are welcome.

Here’s your chance to fly: Plummeting towards the ground at 180km an hour from 14,000 feet above. The Phoenix is sending a reporter to see what all the fuss is about. Skydiving is a popular bucket list item and there is a good reason why – the adrena- line rush of free falling is but one. Adrena- line junkie or not, skydiving is a chance to overcome your fears and feel free. Places still available this weekend to Skydive in Dubbo with Skydive Oz. www.skydiveoz. com.au/skydive-dubbo/

MP celebrates Parkes Elvis Festival founders: Member for Orange Philip Do- nato last week celebrated the contribution of Bob Steele OAM and Anne Steele OAM in the NSW Parliament’s Hansard as the founders of the Parkes Elvis Festival in 1993.

“Ensuring that the efforts of locals in my electorate are recognised for years to come through the NSW Parliament, is im- portant,” Philip said.

In his Private Member’s Statement, Philip recounted the history of the festival from its small beginnings in 1993 and paid tribute to the couple saying: “Bob and Anne Steele might not have envisioned such growth nor the widespread interest it would generate around the globe, but that’s exactly what they’ve achieved.

I wish for Bob and Anne to be recognised for their vision, enthusiasm and all of the many hours expended growing this iconic fixture, for without their zeal, we’d not have the blossoming event it is today.” Anybody with a story of an unsung hero in the Orange electorate should contact Philip’s office with details for consideration.

Consecutive Doubles To Rodgers

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The highlight of last Saturday’s S & K Mann Carpet Cleaning April Monthly Medal was the consecutive monthly scratch and handi- cap victory by Veteran B Grade member Dub Rodgers.

He returned a very impressive 81 off the stick for a nett score of 69 – good reward for Dub who spends a lot of time at the club either playing or cleaning up the course.

In the A Grade scratch Mitch McGlashan also won back-to-back awards. He is a sure favourite in the Club Championships at the end of the month.

Tim Lasserre recorded the best handicap score of the day with a 65 nett.
In C Grade Laurie Wakefield returned a solid 90, while Finne Latu recorded 66 nett taking the grades handicap award.

Robert Cheney with a 71 nett took out the Veterans Medal, and John Green survived a countback from Dub Rodgers to win the Griffins Leading Edge Putting Edge Putting competition after both players recorded just 26 putts.

The ladies contested the Central West Glass Company 18 Hole Stroke round with the first Golf NSW Medal and Club Medal in conjunction. Lynne Guise fired a great 87 off the stick for a nett 71 to be the voucher win- ner, while junior golfer Kasey Fay-Rice took out the medal with a solid 74 nett.

Ball winners on the day went to Barbara Donnelly and Kasey Fay-Rice on 74 nett while Margaret Hogan snared the final ball on 75.

The annual Westlime/Rotary Charity Golf Day is on Sunday. It is a 3 person ambrose with a 10am shotgun start. Cost is $90 per team, all proceeds to Rotary charities.

By Paul Thomas

Smoke, Rust And Noise Attract Record Crowd

April 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes & District Historical Society made enough smoke and noise last Sunday to attract the biggest crowd ever in 20 years to its annual open day.

More than 200 people of all generations looked on in amazement at the old ma- chines being started with blow lamps and all kinds of other trickeries, while small children had a great time climbing all over machines, opening doors and turning steering wheels.

“It is a terrific day out,” said one man who brought his whole family. Yvonne Hutton, President of the society agreed saying it was absolutely magnificent. “It is the most successful day we’ve ever had.”

She gave a big thumbs up to all the local members and members of the Central West Antique Machinery and Collectors Club from Molong who worked so hard on the machines all day “without a single swear word uttered”.

Yvonne was also very happy with the support they had received from Member for Orange Philip Donato who was there for four hours. “He is an engine fellow himself and promised to bring back his father and other family,” said Yvonne.

By Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard

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