Maggi Barnard

This Saturday, 16th April, the Central West Astronomical Society will be holding its regular ‘Friends of The DISH’ event at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre. Members and non-members are welcome to come along and learn about what’s hidden just behind our atmosphere. Telescopes will be set up on the grounds of the Centre and visitors will be invited to view the bright stars, sunspots, planets and moon through the telescopes in daylight.

Weather permitting, the event will run from around 9am until 4.30pm and is free of charge to all who wish to attend. Central West Astronomical Society meetings are held on the first Friday of every month except January from 7.30pm in the CSIRO Pares Observatory Visitors Centre. Everyone who has an interest in science, space or who would just like to socialise and make some new friends are welcome free of charge.

The famous CSIRO Parkes radio telescope has been in operation for more than 50 years and thanks to regular upgrades, it continues to be at the forefront of discovery. The telescope is one of three instruments that make up the Australia Telescope National Facility and it has now been announced that the telescope has been granted pathfinder status by the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Organisation in Australia.

The announcement welcomes ‘The Dish’ into the group of other world-leading instruments and systems engaged in SKArelated technology development and science studies. Parkes Shire Council Mayor Ken Keith OAM says, “The granted SKA pathfinder status for The Dish is an exciting development and ensures it remains at the forefront of astronomical discovery.” Astronomers from across Australia and around the world utilise the Parkes radio telescope, which has a diameter of 64 metres, to undertake world-class astronomical science.

Built virtually in the shadow of The Dish, the Discovery Centre, where visitors are invited to explore the world of astronomy, is also open 7 days. If you would like to become a friend of the dish give them a call on 6861 1777.

On Wednesday Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture presented a donation to Parkes Hospital to mark the end of three years of working towards supplying whiteboards throughout the new Parkes Hospital. “We’re pleased to be a local business supporting another local business” said Gregor, owner of Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture; “We are huge supporters of the buy local campaign and have supported many businesses along with community events and groups.”

130 whiteboards were supplied to building contractors who then installed them into the hospital. Pelikan Artline also donated 60 units of whiteboard starter kits, which included whiteboard markers, erasers and cleaning solution and has a retail value of over $800. Whiteboards are used primarily for meetings with staff and patients, are a great way to illustrate treatment plans and patient care boards are also often placed on whiteboards.

Gregor and Marty Sammut-Paul took over the Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture business in July, 2013 after moving to Parkes from the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland so their daughter could grow up closer to family. In the two and a half years since Gregor and Marty have worked hard to ensure the store image, branding and presentation is dynamic and consistent. The husband and wife team work full time and employ ten full time and part time staff, one of which, Dianne Orr, won the prestigious Parkes Business Awards in 2015 for customer service.

Gregor, who is also Treasurer of the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, is pleased that his business has been able to help and provide for other in the community; “Our small business grounding has enabled us to quickly meet the needs of our local customers while being large enough to source bulk products that our customers demand. We’d like to sincerely thank Parkes and the surrounding towns for the support we have been shown.”

Member for Orange, Andrew Gee has voiced his concern over a NSW TrainLink review currently underway, which would see the Parkes Railway Station become unattended. Mr Gee said he would be bringing both his and the community’s concerns to the urgent attention of New South Wales Transport Minister, Andrew Constance. “I was extremely disappointed to learn that NSW TrainLink is currently reviewing a proposal to revert Parkes Railway Station to become an unattended station,” Mr Gee said. “I have made urgent representations to the Minister requesting that the Parkes Station remain manned, however I would encourage any Parkes residents who share
my sentiments to contact my office so these concerns can also be passed on.

Public transport is an issue close to the hearts of people in regional communities and it is vital that we maintain our rail services, especially for those residents who rely on it. I will be sure to keep the community updated on progress on this issue.” If you would like to contact Mr Gee’s office in regards to this article, please call 6362 5199 or if you would like to have your say about the possible unmanning of Parkes Railway Station, send your views as a letter to the editor to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au or post it to our current office at 65 Gaskill Street, Canowindra.

Parkes School of Dance held RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) exam workshops over the weekend and Sharyn Constable kindly travelled to be the examiner. The school, which is a not for profit association, recently invested in Bluetooth, spring floors and other state of the art materials so the building qualified to hold examinations.

The Parkes School of Dance usually has small numbers in their dance classes, meaning students receive a lot more time and attention than dance schools in the city. “Many children entering the exam this year have never done it before so to be able to hold the exams here in Parkes is great because we can prepare them in the same studio” said Cathy, one of the teachers; “In different studios the space is unknown which can make students anxious and affect their performance.” Parkes School of Dance do everything from ballet to tap, “if someone came to us and said they wanted to try and class out we could do it” said Cathy. Best of all, because the school is owned by a committee, every cent is spent on the children. Sharyn Constable, who hails from Penrith, is a very experienced examiner;

“Sharyn knows how to talk to children, she breaks down complicated moves so they make sense.” If you would like to find out more pop in for a visit at 17 May Street.