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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.

What’s Hot

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard


The Parkes Phoenix was well represented at the Tottenham Picnic Races last weekend with our very own graphic designer, Lisa Starr winning the ‘Luscious Lady’ category in fashions on the field.

Snippets

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Alice in Cambodia: Alice Maier, Year 11 Parkes High School student, was the guest speaker at the last Parkes Action Club din- ner meeting. She is raising funds to partici- pate in a Projects Abroad program in Cam- bodia for two weeks in July. She will be working with preschool to primary school students with an emphasis on hygiene, art and English, and will learn basic Cambo- dian before she goes. Alice is looking to raise $3,000 to cover flights and accommodation in Phnom Penh. The Action Club gave Alice a donation and is challenging other clubs to support her too. Alice has agreed to address the Action Club on her return.

Queen’s Baton in Parkes: Do you want to be a baton bearer? Parkes will be one of eight overnight stops in NSW in the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Queen’s Baton will travel through Australia for 100 days from 25th December, visiting Parkes on Monday 29th January next year. “Our community can expect an exciting line up of events to celebrate this monumental occasion,” said Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith. The Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) sets off from London next week on an extraordi- nary journey through the entire Commonwealth. Nominations are now open for Australians to take part in this historic journey. Australia needs 3,800 baton bearers and Parkes Shire residents are encouraged to nominate locals that inspire them with their passion and commitment to sport and community. You can nominate until 15th May at gc2018.com/qbr

Phoenix takes off: Remember The Parkes Phoenix is available for free in Trundle, Tul- lamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate every Friday. You are also welcome to send us your news, photos and snippets to editor@ parkesphoenix.com.au.

Book review: Remember Oradour – Sou- viens Toi by Parkes author, Beth Thomas: At the onset of World War ll, the villagers of Oradour believe they are immune from the surrounding conflict. Sadly however, it transpires that no one is safe from the rav- ages of war. This beautifully crafted story captures through clever characterisation, the rich tapestry of daily life in rural France in the 1940’s. A commendable first novel for Elizabeth Therese Thomas. Review by Jenny on Angus & Robertson website. Beth will be launching her book tomorrow at The Little Theatre at 4pm.

Concussion

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

With pre-season training for winter sports commencing, it is a relevant time to discuss sports related head injuries and consider what can be done to prevent or minimize the impact a concussion injury has on an athlete. In the medical world, a concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury.

Concussions occur not only from direct contact of the head with a solid object but also when indirect forces cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull such as a fall on the buttocks or a whiplash injury. Contrary to popular belief, you can sustain a concussion without losing consciousness.

Common symptoms of concussion include headaches, memory and concentration dif- ficulty, decreased balance and coordination, drowsiness, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity. The ability to perform normal activities with the same speed, reaction time and precision as prior to the injury is often significantly altered. When managed appropriately most signs and symptoms are temporary and resolve within seven to 10 days, however complications can occur including prolonged duration of symptoms and increased susceptibility to further injury. There is also growing concern about the potential long-term consequences of multiple concussions.

The brain needs time to heal and rest after a concussion. This includes rest from both physical activity and cognitive loads. Returning to sport too early increases the chances of another concussion.

It is worth considering performing baseline testing such as a SCAT-3 or King Devick Test in the pre-season to establish a benchmark offering comparison when an athlete has sustained a concussion. This helps determine when they are ready to return to sport.

“For the fitness of you”

Linda Reilly

Editor’s Note

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

We all have a story to tell, but I think the older you get the more inspiring and mind- blowing your stories become. A few weeks ago I asked for accounts of the heat in 1939 and 94-year-old Keith Hayden from Narromine surprised me with a call on a Friday night with a detailed recollection of his experience. You can read it on page 9. He is a man of many surprises and we might run some more of his stories in the future.

We have a bumper edition of 16 pages today with lots of other news about events, achievements and places to visit. Our Just a Short Drive to Cowra feature on pages 6 and 7 will introduce you to a unique village in Australia. We also have a reader’s com- petition to win a voucher – make sure you complete the entry form on page 16 and drop it at Onnies.

As we celebrated International Women’s Day on Wednesday, let’s be grateful for all the women in our lives, whether they are our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, partners or best friends.

Enjoy Issue 53! Maggi Barnard Editor

Barry Brebner In Parkes Next Week

March 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Well known Australian author Barry Brebner will be in Parkes on Thursday, 16th March as part of a regional tour to promote his new book.

He compiled eleven factual and personal stories of exciting travel adventures across the country in Workers on the Wallaby.

“Seasonal and casual employment in Australia occurs right across the country, creating an adventure of a lifetime waiting to happen,” Barry said.

“I believe this is a book that will encourage people to take advantage of what Aus- tralia has to offer by way of employment and tourism. I also believe that it may help many people to follow their dream to travel and work throughout Australia.”

Barry is also the author of well-renowned Australian employment series Workabout Australia that has helped many people find work.

Barry will be signing copies of Workers on the Wallaby at the Parkes Visitor In- formation Centre from 12:30pm, and will speak about the limitless work and travel opportunities at a seminar commencing at 1pm. If you would like to attend
RSVP by Tuesday, 14th March on 6862 6000 or tourism@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

For more information about Barry’s new book, visit www.workersonthewallaby. com.au

Colourful Teams Touchdown For Silver Jubilee Carnival

March 3, 2017 By Maggi Barnard


From Bankstown to Brisbane, from Canada Bay to Condoblin, from Lake Macquarie to Port Stephens, from Willoughby to Wagga Wagga, from Dubbo to Parkes, a constel- lation of council workers charged onto Cheney Park last Saturday for the 25th Local Government Annual Touch Football Carnival.Mixed A Division Grand Final: Parkes Shire Council Mixed narrowly touched vic- tory with a 5 to 4 win against Brisbane Red- lands. Michael Murphy from Parkes Shire Mixed scored Player of the Match.

Mixed B Division Grand Final: The Port Stephens Sharks attacked the Storm Troopers (Wagga Wagga City Council) to claim victory with an 8 to 7 win. Darth Vader – AKA Wagga Wagga City Council’s Brett took The Player of the Match.

Men’s A Division Grand Final: Loyalties were torn when two home teams went head to head. Parkes Shire Council Men’s narrowly beat the Parkes Elvi to the Green- wood Cup, scoring the winning try after a 3-all draw. Jack Elliot from the Parkes Shire Council Men’s team was named the Player of the Match.

Men’s B Division Grand Final: Willoughby City Council put the dogs out, beating the Dubbo Dogz 3 to 2. John Woodward from Willoughby City Council took the Player of the Match honours.

Best Dressed Team: The Wagga Wagga City Council’s Storm Troopers were out gunned by Brisbane-Redlands’s Bavarian- inspiredoutfits,whichwereaccompanied by a novelty costume change.

Wagga Wagga City Council was pre- sented with a Sir Henry Parkes Medallion in recognition of their participation in all 25 National Annual Local Government Touch Football Carnivals.

Elvis Festival One Of Top Three Events In Australia

March 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It is official. The Parkes Elvis Festival is one of the best events in Australia taking out a prestigious prize at the tourism industry’s peak awards ceremony!

The 2016 Festival won bronze at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards in the Festivals and Events category. More than 800 industry leaders and peers were wit- ness to this great accolade at a gala ceremony in Darwin last Friday.

Mayor Ken Keith said: “This award is the icing on the cake for what has been a re- markable 12 months for the Parkes Elvis Festival.”

“This esteemed award is a reflection of all the hard work, dedication and support that our wonderful community, volunteers and staff contribute each year to make the Festival what it is today.”

The Mayor said the award capped off an exceptional couple of months, hav- ing won the Regional and State Tourism Awards late last year, a NSW/ACT Regional Achievement & Community Award in November, and delivering the most successful Parkes Elvis Festival to date in January.

The Elvis Festival was one of eight final- ists in the Festivals and Events category, representing NSW against Uluru Camel Cup (NT), Sounds by the River (SA), Queenscliff Music Festival (VIC), Argyle Diamonds Ord Valley Muster (WA), Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo (QLD), The Falls Music & Arts Festival, Marion Bay (TAS) and 2016 National Folk Festival (ACT).

Gold and silver were awarded to the Queensland and ACT events respectively.

Always Something New For Cheryl

March 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard


The courageous and committed woman solely responsible for the establishment of four new community newspapers in the Central West, has decided to write the ending to one chapter of her illustrious career.

Cheryl Newsom, Publisher of The Phoenix Group of Newspapers, handed over the reins to her daughter Sarah Maynard this week to retire.

Cheryl marched in where others feared to tread during a time of downsizing in the newspaper industry worldwide, and within three years had four successful newspapers up and running.

She arrived in Canowindra five years ago after a successful media career in the Big Smoke to be closer to her family. She continued with her media consultancy business Inxcess for a few years, and then decided she wanted to do something locally. When The Canowindra Phoenix came up for sale in 2013 she jumped at the opportu- nity, and had her very own newspaper for the first time.

The Canowindra Phoenix was transformed from a small four-page paper to a 12-page weekly publication with the motto: Live Local, Love Local, Shop Local.

The Phoenix recipe proved successful and there was no stopping Chez, as she is also known. The Forbes Phoenix was launched on 3rd July 2015, and in March last year two more newspapers saw the light: The Parkes Phoenix and The Hilltops Phoenix.

She was a woman on a mission, and would often say: “Watch out Fairfax we are hot on your tail!”

Chez is a sales guru at heart and selling is her real passion. She was instrumental in launching the Canowindra Tourism Booklet, the Blayney Tourism Booklet, as well as calendar and rainfall charts for all four newspapers.

She already has some new jobs in the pipeline for retirement, but for now The Phoenix team wishes her safe travelling and time to just chill out.

Our Gal

March 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard


Cheryl Newsom

How long have you lived in Canowindra and what do you like about living here?
I have lived in Canowindra for five years. It is very quiet, although sometimes a little too quiet, but I am close to my two grandchildren. They make my day, every day.

What did you enjoy about your job and what are your plans now that you are stepping down as publisher?
I have been the publisher of the Phoenix Group of Newspapers for four years, and have really enjoyed the weekly challenges. I love meeting the business people and learning more about their business. I plan to do a lot of travelling, and will be available for businesses and big media clients for consultancy initiatives.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends?
I do a lot of reading, and love my garden.

What are you really good at?
I believe that one of my strengths is my sales ability – this still continues to give me a buzz.

What is your pet hate? People who do not respond to emails and phone calls.

Tell us about your best holiday ever.
I have had a lot of exciting holidays, although some of my best holidays would include, time in Italy at Easter with my two girls and a wildlife game drive north of Durban in South Africa. I am looking forward to my holiday this year to Italy, Spain, Portugal and London.

Question of the Week

March 2, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What do you like about The Parkes Phoenix?


Owen Jensen: It’s punchier – being a smaller edition, and it has a good ratio of news stories for each page.
Carol Southwell:It’s informative and free, it’s also very newsworthy. I get it every week.

Anne Norton: It seems like it’s getting bigger every publication. The Phoenix is really getting out and about and publicises what’s going on. It’s good to know what the schools are doing.

James Goonrey: I like it because it focuses on the good things in Parkes. There’s nothing bad, no rubbish, all good local stuff.

Hazel Bateson: I like nearly everything about the Phoenix – I do miss the puzzle page though, I hope they get another sponsor!

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