Maggi Barnard

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

Pink Bowlers Raise Money For Nurses

June 17, 2022 By Lea Orr

The serious part of Tuesday was the final of the Club Championship Triples at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club. This year’s champions are Rose Mitchell, Rhona Went and Liz Byrne, as they outplayed Kay Craft, Merilyn Rodgers and Jan McPhee in an openly friendly match!

For the rest of the day 26 ladies were flushed with excitement to see the sun shining brightly for our Pink Day.

The Think Pinks (Maria Willcockson/Chris Cox/Annette Tisdell) took on the Blushing Beauties (Marja Iffland/Lesley Dunstan/Frances Charlton).

The Dusky Roses (Heather Harvey/Ann McKay/Beth Thomas) displayed strong attack against the Rosy Cheeks (Sue Madison/Valmai Westcott/Jan Waugh).

The Pink Tints (Elaine Miller/Carol Reed/Loris Stewart) defended their turf well against the Flushed Musks (Vi West/Jill Taylor/Lynn Ryan).

An amazing amount of $704 was raised and will go to breast care nurses.

By Lea Orr

Auditions For Mock Crash Youth Actors

June 17, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The mock crash road safety initiative had seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago. Amateur actors are invited to audition for this year’s production.

The call is out for amateur youth actors over the age of 16 across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Wednesday, 22nd June from 4pm – 7pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street,” said Melanie Suitor, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer for the three councils.

She said this road safety initiative had seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. The youth actors will take part in both filmed and live ab-lib exercises,” said Melanie.

Following two years of COVID disruption, this year’s mock crash is going to be developed into a training video. The video will replace the live mock crash demonstration for this year but will result in a resource which allows the program to be implemented in other areas and provides a back-up option for future years’ live demonstrations.

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Melanie on 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.

Our Young Gal – Arabella McCutcheon

June 17, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School Primary Captain – Arabella McCutcheon

How old are you? I am 11.

Were you named after anyone? My middle name is after my great grandma.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Plums, mangos and a Caesar salad chicken wrap.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I don’t really know, but right now, I am really into baking, sport and running. So honestly, being a baker, Olympian or a coach would be cool!

If you could invent something, what would it be? My mum has a beautiful orchard, with passionfruit, figs, apples, lemons, limes and lots more fruit including pretty flowers called snapdragons. But these little types of caterpillars are eating her corn and capsicum and beetroot and birds are pecking off the little apple buds and figs. To stop that from happening I would like to create a massive net that goes over all the orchard, and if the caterpillars or birds try to come in it would have such a bad scent that they will go away safely so that they don’t get hurt.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would give half of it to the Horizon Project (a fundraiser for a church in South Asia), then save up the rest to buy my friends and family presents to surprise them, and buying ingredients to make cakes or pies.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Saying goodbye to my red and blue cattle dog when we had to put her down.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? I would LOVE to meet Jesus!

What makes you feel like dancing? The rhythm of the music.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? I would wish for world peace, for everyone to believe and praise God willingly, for everyone to go to heaven and for everyone to enjoy life and be kind.

Parkes Wins Annual Rivalry

June 17, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Only 32km separates them, but the annual rugby league rivalry between the Parkes Spacemen and the Forbes Magpies reaches much further. On Sunday the Parkes Spacemen took the honours at home with a 34 – 10 victory over the Magpies. The other scores for the day were League Tag: Parkes 32 – Forbes 8; 18s Forbes 34 – Parkes 6; Reserves Forbes 16 – Parkes 14.

Snippets

June 10, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Town Crier Tim Keith took part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Simultaneous Global Town Cry last Thursday to celebrate the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Double Demerits: A reminder to all motorists that double demerit points will come into force this long weekend from today, 10th June until Monday, 13th June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said Police would also be targeting the ‘four Ds’ – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. “Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions. “There will be more Police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.” The illegal use of a mobile phones will be picked up with mobile phone detection cameras with fines of $352 and 10 demerits. Restricted licences holders including learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders are not permitted to use their phone at all, including the use of hands-free and Bluetooth functions.

Mayors Agree On Changes for Rural Health: A total of 15 positive changes were agreed upon when the Mayors of Central NSW met at the end of last month for the Country Mayors Association (CMR) Rural Health Forum in Sydney. They discussed the recommendations of the Legislative Council report into health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote NSW. Chair of the Country Mayors Association Cr Ken Keith OAM of Parkes said: “We would like the government to consider including short-term measures to improve rural health including the development of systems to maintain the retention of internees in rural areas and to get international doctors into rural communities. In the long-term, we need to look at establishing more medical schools to train doctors in rural regions.” It was resolved that the government will collaborate on the issue of doctor shortages in the rural health system.

Nominate A Tradie: Our popular Tradie of the Month competition, sponsored by Totally Work Wear, continues for the month of June. Make sure to send in your nomination to us by email: editor@parkesphoenix.com.au stating your favourite tradie’s name, workplace and contact number. You can also pop into Totally Work Wear to nominate someone. We would love to see some female tradies going in the draw too! The winner each month wins a fabulous prize from Totally Work Wear, Parkes!

The Coachman Hotel was absolutely packed on Saturday night for the Just Cuts Cut-a-Rama to kick off the Outback Car Trek. An amazing amount $13,700 was raised by the rally participants and Parkes locals with about 40 people getting some bold hairstyles!

A Sleep Out With No Electricity

June 10, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Judy and Robert Shore will be sleeping out on 25th June to raise money for Shelterbox in support of homeless people.

Two Parkes residents will be braving the icy elements on 25th June by sleeping out to raise money for the homeless.

Parkes Rotary President Robert Shore and his wife Judy have taken on the #offthegrid fundraising challenge of the charity Shelterbox, which is supported by Rotary.

“We plan to sleep out at the Jemalong Weir, outside Forbes, without any electricity and electronic devices,” said Robert. They chose a site near a river to make it colder.

The public is invited to support Robert and Judy’s challenge by making a donation on the Shelterbox page https://offthegrid.raisely.com/donate

Shelterbox supports people affected by disasters around the world. Earlier in the year Parkes Rotary donated a ShelterBox in support of the devastation in Haiti. There are currently 113 million people who are homeless because of disaster and conflict. Over the next 20 years the situation is only going to get worse with an estimated 200 million people to be displaced by intensifying storms alone.

A ‘Bounty’ Of ‘Top Deck’ Shots At Bowls

June 10, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Services Club (PSC) has given the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club a $1,000 sponsorship for the Women’s Classic Triples weekend on 18th and 19th June. About 50 bowlers from Dubbo, Mudgee, West Wyalong, Lake Cargel-lico, Forbes and Canowindra will join the Parkes players for the weekend. At the cheque handover on Tuesday were (L-R) PSC Manager Cyndi Murphy with women’s bowlers Carol Reed, President Maureen Miller, Lea Orr, Liz Byrne and Heather Harvey.

A chocolate fix was just what was needed to coax the lady bowlers out onto the green for the opposite of a “Summer Roll” on Tuesday!

Twelve of us trekked to the top green to play Rolo, aiming for a Bounty of Top Deck shots.

Frances Charlton/Maria Willcockson/Liz Byrne were doing their best to Block the attack of Lynn Ryan/Maureen Miller/Rhona Went on the Rocky Road of Rink 15. Team Went thought they were Smarties, scoring a 6 on the 9th end, only to be beaten by 6 on the very next end! The Smarties won by 2 after a Dream run at the finish.

When it came to the Crunch on Rink 16, there were more Snickers than Rolos happening! Carol Reed/Lea Orr/Betsy Johnstone, not necessarily in that order, enjoyed much shared banter with Heather Harvey/Merilyn Rodgers/Elaine Miller, with everything coming up Roses on the final end, with a 13-all draw.

Once inside, Maureen, behind the bar, was left Twirling her thumbs as most of us opted for a hot drink before we Flaked.

Tuesday, 14th June is our Pink Gala Day, with all proceeds going to breast care nurses. Wear your pink mufti outfit and bring something to add to the shared luncheon table. The lucky ladies playing the Club Championship Triples will need to wear their uniform – good luck to each of you, play will begin early for you.

Our Classic Triples Tournament will be held the following weekend, 17th and 18th June.

Nominations are now open for the Club Championship Fours and close on 28th June, with Round 1 to be played two weeks later.

By Lea Orr

Be Out There This Long Weekend

June 10, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The guest judges from Sydney Elizabeth Packchung and Dixie Coulton (left) are returning to Parkes for tomorrow’s Fashions on the Field at the Parkes Picnic Races. They are with Parkes Picnic Races committee chairman Tim Keith and 2021 winner of the Elegant Lady category Rachael Sladden from Parkes. (photo credit: Rochelle Frame)

The events calendar in the Parkes Shire is packed for this long weekend from sport to culture to socialising.

The annual Parkes Picnic Races returns tomorrow with a five-race program, full TAB and betting facilities, canteen and bar services, Fashions on the Field, plus live entertainment by local band Foxxy Cleopatra.

Elizabeth Packchung and Dixie Coulton from Sydney have returned for the second year as guest judges for Fashions on the Field. Entry is free for under 16s, and $20 for adults available online via 123Tix., Service NSW Dine & Discover vouchers accepted online. Gates open at 11:30am.

The Peak Hill Arts and Craft Exhibition returns for the 49th year, with a wonderful display of local arts and crafts, and other local delights, including Devonshire tea, homemade soups and more.

The official opening is tonight at 6pm at the Leisure Centre. The Leisure Centre and The Carrington will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 4pm.

Sunday is the day for sporting fans when the Parkes Spacemen will meet rugby league rivals Forbes Magpies at Jock Colley Oval.

The Henry Parkes Centre is open all weekend from 10am to 3pm daily. One ticket gains access to The King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit and Parkes Motor Museum. Service NSW Discover vouchers can be redeemed to purchase tickets.

Yoga For Healing And Inspiration

June 10, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

A head-on car accident left Josephine Doyle in a world of pain at just 28 years old. Jo went to a back specialist who suggested surgery. “Having read many books on how the body has infinite intelligence to heal itself, the idea of having an operation on my spine was not an option,” said Jo.

A friend suggested yoga. Jo chose yoga and at 40 years old she healed her back completely from years of chronic pain. She now travels the country sharing her wisdom and inspiring people of all ages and all levels of fitness.

Jo will be presenting her popular Therapeutic Healthy Happy Hips and Lower Back Workshop on 17th and 18th June at Bushman’s Motor Inn at 6:30 to 9pm and 12:30 to 3pm respectively.

Jo’s workshops have students feeling empowered, pain free and invested with tools, exercises and pose variations to improve their bodies and their yoga practice.

The event is open to anyone and will be very hands-on to heal and strengthen the lower back and hips.

Jo’s teaching approach is unapologetically honest, sensitive, and humorous. Space is limited so to book your spot by texting Jo on 0418 999 768.

Our Young Bloke – Zac Herden

June 10, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Primary Captain Parkes Christian School – Zac Herden

How old are you? 11.

Were You Named After Anyone? The actor Zac Efron.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Chips, sandwich and sour worms.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I want to be a Youtuber.

If you could invent something, what would it be? A rocket engine that has unlimited fuel.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would buy a green screen, a camera and cool lights for my room.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? When I jumped off a three or four-storey bridge.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Jesus.

What makes you feel like dancing? Cool music.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? Infinite money, no one poor and no more bills.

Maggi Barnard

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