Maggi Barnard

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

Mayoral Notes

March 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

I would firstly like to thank our wonderful local State Emergency Service members for their work responding to all the emer- gency calls during the flash flooding earlier this week. The Parkes area experienced a greater than one in one hundred year rain- fall event on Monday evening, resulting in flooding in parts of the town. A big thank you also to Council’s roads crew for working around the clock, directing traffic around those flooded areas.

Residents are encouraged to share their rainfall data with Council to allow our Infra- structure Department to identify problem areas throughout the town. Upload your flash flood photos, rain gauge readings and location via Council’s website.

With more wet weather on its way, I urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution when travelling. Please avoid walking or driving through flood waters, it may be deeper and faster flowing than anticipated and/or the road may have suffered extensive damage hidden beneath the water. Keep an eye on Council’s website and Facebook page for road closure updates.

The wet weather means the pool season is coming to an end, with Parkes Pool host- ing its Last Summer Splash Pool Party tomorrow.

Council hosted a number of community workshops this week for the development of a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). The DAIP is an action plan aimed at removing barriers and making practical changes so that people with disability can enjoy the services and facilities provided by Council. Residents are encouraged to complete the DAIP survey via parkes.nsw. gov.au

Enjoy your weekend.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

Cushions Have Magical Powers…

March 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The decorating powers that cushions hold should never be underestimated.

If I only had one item to use to turn a house into a home, I would use the humble cushion to instantly add warmth and personality to a room.

Cushions are an abundant species in my home even though the male in resi- dence can’t understand the deep connection I have made with these innate objects. But all I know is that at the end of the day when all the cushions are picked up off the floor from where John has casually thrown them and they are replaced perfectly on the lounge once again, everything is good with the world and I can sleep in peace. My lounge room looks warm and inviting once again.

You may wonder what it is about these simple objects that can render such deep emotions from me.

To begin with cushions are an easy way to link your home’s colour palette together. They are a relatively inexpensive way to inject colour, texture and style to a neutral room. It is very easy to update your look with just a few new cushions in a different decorator style to immediately change the feel of a room. If we add a new rug, espe- cially a shag rug – my favourite, the room can undergo a facelift without too much work.

I absolutely love it when we get a shipment of cushions in store. It is like opening Christmas presents. To see and touch all the new fabrics, textures and colours and

New stock arriving daily work out how I can combine them for display is akin to the rush I get from shopping. Just look at the difference cushions make in these photos. The before and after photos speak for themselves and the results are powerful when a touch of fluffing comes into play.

By Karen Creith

Western Red Cedar For Timber Windows And Doors

March 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Western red cedar is a popular and durable timber that is sought after due to its beauty and durability. It is a timber that remains stable under most weather conditions and is not prone to shrinking or swelling. This means it holds its shape and ensures longevity.

As a low-density timber that offers very good thermal insulation, it helps with heating and cooling efficiency, reducing electricity costs and making a home more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Its versatility enables it to be used for both internal and external applications, as it is visually beautiful with rich and inviting colours. It has a fine texture and straight grain with growth rings often vis- ible. The durable yet soft properties let the material take very well to being stained and polished. The wood’s natural preservatives provide resistance to fungus and insects.
Western Red Cedar is a stylish and practical option with natural appeal, superior structural performance and elemental protection. For more information contact Glassplace on 6862 2346 or visit the showroom at 4 Clarke Street in Parkes.

Holiday Road Trip

March 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

World-first Service To Ensure Safety And Performance

With the school holidays to start in two weeks’ time and Easter a week later, you might be planning a trip somewhere. Before you leave, it is vital to ensure your vehicle/ trailer/caravan combination is road worthy and safe.

Failure to abide by the towing regulations, including maximum loads, may result in a fine, or in the case of an accident, refusal of the insurance claim, and the possibility of further legal action.

At Tuned Suspension in Parkes, an agent for Pedders Suspension, you can get a tow and load assessment for $75. This world- first and comprehensive service is designed for those who tow or carry loads to better understand the effects of weight on their vehicle relevant to their individual driving scenarios.

The end result of the assessment will provide your vehicle weight relevant to the likely driving scenarios that you will face.

There are two main parts to the assessment, namely a brake, steering and sus- pension check and weight matrix.

The first check is to assess the general health of the vehicles brake, steering and suspension systems, which are the most safety-critical systems especially under the stress of additional weight from loads, tow- ing and accessories. The check includes the following:

Under car inspection of the vehicle’s entire steering and suspension system and other related undercar components.

Shock absorber test – as shock absorbers and suspension deteriorate over thou- sands of kilometres, it is often the case that a vehicle’s safety is gradually com- promised via increased braking distances, unstable cornering and various stability concerns.

Brake pad and rotor inspection will check and report on the wear and operating condition of these components.

A comprehensive written report will show the current status of all vital suspension and steering systems.

The Weight Matrix component of the as- sessment refers to knowing your weight now and looking at your weight in the fu- ture based on your towing and load carrying scenarios.

Pedders outlets have a test lane or scales to weigh both the front and rear of a vehicle. The results of this vehicle weight form the basis of the first as-weighed scenario.

As part of the initial weighing of the vehicle your current loads and accessories will be listed as the basis of the as weighed scenario 1.

Where relevant, the ball weight of caravans or trailers will be assessed as this is an integral part of some weight scenarios.

Armed with your vehicle’s current weight and expected weights from future scenari- os the weight matrix software program and report will provide key pieces of information for each different scenario.

The Pedders expert will be able to tailor a solution to ensure greater levels of safety and performance for your vehicle.

Footy Tips

March 22, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A Memorable Event: Remembering Oradour

March 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The magic of books is their ability to transport the reader to another time and place, and that magic spilled from the page at the launch of Beth Thomas’s debut novel on Saturday. More than 60 people arrived at the Little Theatre for the literary event, but once they stepped inside they were treated to a touch of France. From the artfully curated props in the foyer, to the canapes and costumed servers, the book launch was an immersive experience.

Remember Oradour Souviens-Toi is a historical novel that tells the gripping story of a village in war-torn France. It was officially launched by Councillor Barbara Newton, whose speech wove quotes from acclaimed authors amongst her own adulations for the compelling work, ending with an Isobel Allende quote: “write what should not be forgotten”.

But the launch was more than simply words on paper. Liz Matthews sang a trio of French songs which were dispersed throughout the proceedings. The audience was also presented with two staged scenes from the book, with actors breathing life into emotionally charged passages – the entire theatre jumped with the crack of gunshot!

But a book launch wouldn’t be complete without a word from the author. Beth shared her many thanks, a few anecdotes, and some words of encouragement for aspiring authors. Her journey to becoming an author began where an unforgettable holiday ended. “Always take care to notice the gifts strewn in your path,” she said.

By Raen Fraser

Our Gal – Michelle Bicket

March 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Michelle Bicket

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like about living here?
I moved to Parkes in July 1993. I love the friendly, helpful and caring nature of Parkes residents.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work as a Building Surveyor at Parkes Shire Council. I really enjoy the variation in activities that I deal with. I like helping people, however the enforcement side of the position is not much fun.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy relaxing on the verandah with family, looking at the view, and spending time with my birds and dogs.

What are you really good at? Apparently baking banana cake and apple cake. I am always getting requests.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To make everyone happy; make everyone smile when I talk to them.

What is your pet hate? My pet hate is littering and vandalism.

Tell us about your best holiday ever.
My best holiday ever was to Canada with my family, as I adored the snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and wild animals.

Celebrating Women

March 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Two hundred Parkes women packed the Parkes Services Club on Sunday for an afternoon of good food, good company and good entertainment. The ever-popular Quota International Women’s Day lunch celebrated Women in
Arts this year. Artists Maralyn Nash, Jo Laurie and Rosalie Burns inspired the audience sharing their personal stories, passion and art. Jo turned every table into a red thread circle to allow everyone to share what they were grateful for.

Barbara Newton mesmerised the audience with two beautiful songs and Monica Lea got everyone relaxed with a yoga demonstration. Some Quota members braved the catwalk to model beautiful outfits from The Red Chandelier.
As Quotarians are known for their service to deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired individuals and disadvantaged women and children, President Raelene Rout highlighted some of the Parkes projects.

She said members were involved with the breakfast program at Parkes Public School, the Parkes group initiated the making of domestic violence emergency packs, and they were part of the Days for Girls international project making sanitary kits for girls to help them stay in school.

Quota has also raised funds to supply 15 classroom audio systems to schools in the shire over three years with two more on order.

Restaurant With A View

March 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Most of us have driven past it countless times without ever stopping to explore, but the new managers of the Station Motel are set on getting the locals back. The first bait Ian and Karyn Wade-Parker have put out to attract people is an Indian buffet every Saturday night. “Our newly appointed professional chef prepares a different set of curries every Saturday, making all the food and sauces from scratch,” said Ian. “With his extensive experience in authentic Indian cuisine, Chef Guna does not use any packaged items.”

According to Ian many people assume all Indian food is hot, but he would like to encourage locals to try out the buffet that includes starters, two different curries, salads and dessert. Only ten years old, the Station Motel with its steel, glass and stone features, had unfortunately suffered some neglect under many different managers. Ian and Karyn, who both have extensive experience in running five-star hotels, believe they can bring life back to it.

Their first focus is the restaurant – being on the edge of town, it has a spectacular view that often includes kangaroos, horses and even sheep. “We have turned it from a café into a restaurant with a new menu, new wine list and proper table cloths,” said Ian. Be adventurous and try out the Indian buffet on your next free Saturday. If you
really do not like Indian, you can still order from the a la carte menu too!

You Get Shaving, Parkes

March 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Do something for a good cause this Sunday afternoon with your family or friends and join the World’s Greatest Shave event at the Parkes Services Club. Parkes residents are invited to join the rest of the country to help beat blood cancer by taking part in one of Australia’s biggest fundraising events: the World’s Greatest Shave at the Parkes Services Club will kick off from 4pm.

The country duo from Cootamundra, Country Keys and Strings will be in charge of entertainment to make it a true festive event. There will be hair colouring and the Sunday Sweepstakes will also be drawn. Two residents have already signed up to do the big shave: June Edwards will lose her locks in memory of her late husband, John. She lost him six months ago to cancer and she did not think twice about signing up. June hopes to raise $1,000 for the cause and has already received a lot of support from family, friends and even strangers.

The Parkes Services Club President Terry Knowles is also putting his hair on the line. The rights to make the first cut will be auctioned to the highest bidder on the day. He has banned all sheep shears and cut throat razors from the club for the day though… and he has signed up his great-niece, an apprentice at Janice Cassidy Hair Salon to complete the job.

Kara Timmins from Hair by Kara Jane will also be ready with her clippers to do any other volunteers’ hair. Anyone else is welcome to join in the shaving frenzy, or if that is too much to ask, hair colouring is another option that will be available on the day, for children too. Get your classmates, your friends or your family to join in and make it a fun
team effort.

You may have a personal connection to cancer as so many of us do, or you would simply like to take part to have fun and raise money for a good cause. When you sign up and raise money for the World’s Greatest Shave you can make
a difference by giving families facing blood cancer the emotional and practical support they need. You will also fund vital research that will help more people survive blood cancers like lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma, while improving their quality of life.

Every day another 35 people will be diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. The money raised will provide emotional and practical support to families and fund vital research. A total of $560 can give a regional family a free place to stay close to treatment in the city for one week!

Maggi Barnard

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