Maggi Barnard

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

Three New Faces On Council

September 22, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Councillor Ken Keith had the mayoral chain hung around his neck once again when he was re-elected uncontested at the Council meeting on Tuesday.

The position of Deputy Mayor also remained in the hands of Barbara Newton. As for the rest of the newly elected Council, announced last Friday, three new faces had made the cut. They are Neil Westcott, Wally Biles and Bill Jayet.

The ten councillors in order of the position they were elected starting at number one are Ken Keith, Louise O’Leary (Ind), Neil Westcott (Ind), Kenny McGrath (Ind), Wally Biles, Barbara Newton, George Pratt, Bill Jayet, Alan Ward and Patrica Smith.

Mayor Ken Keith said he it was great to have diversity and a new variety of inspirational and enthusiastic Councillors. “I look forward to serving the next term.”

OUR Gal… Kristy Berry

September 22, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes? All my life – I went away for a little bit but then I came back.

Where do you work? Colouby Creations.

What do you enjoy most about your work? The people that come in, the flexibility of working in my own business, and the support from local shoppers.

What do you do in your spare time? I like to do creative things, like crochet, cake decorating – but most of my spare time is travelling with the kids for their scooter riding.

How do you like your coffee? I don’t drink it, I’m a tea girl.

What makes your day? Seeing people happy, waking up each day knowing my kids are happy and healthy.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday, where would it be? I’m a bit of a vintage lover, so I’m really looking forward to going to Dapper Day at Disneyland for my 40th – it’s all 40s, 50s and 60s

themed, I’m really looking forward to that.

New Committee For Parkes Chamber

September 22, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Chamber of Commerce welcomed their new Executive Committee at their Annual General Meeting last week.

Geoff Rice, of Langlands Hanlon, will continue as President, with John Kennedy, of K&H Geotechnical Services, returning as Vice President. Local business owner Belinda McCorkell retains the Secretary role for another term. Wilbur Harris, manager of Parkes Mensland, will serve as a Publicity Officer, and is joined by Peter Martin who replaces Michael Oakley. Susie Hill is welcomed to the role of Treasure, replacing the outgoing Gregor Sammut-Paul.

Peter Martin is a Partner at Matthews Williams Solicitors and Conveyancing, and practices in Parkes and Condoblin. Susie Hill is the Chief Radiographer and Practice Manager at Parkes Diagnostic Imaging, and also runs a cattle farm with her husband.

The Parkes Chamber of Commerce is an organisation of local business people who promote the growth and prosperity of the Parkes business sector. The immediate focus for the new-look executive committee is the fast-approaching Christmas period. The SPARKLES initiative is a festive campaign by the Parkes Shire Council and the Parkes Chamber of Commerce to encourage residents to shop local. SPARKLES focusses on providing opportunities to support local businesses through a series of vibrant community events.

Parkes Rugby 7s

September 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Boars Junior Rugby Union Club hosts the inaugural Parkes Rugby Seven’s Tournament for U13s, U15s and U17s this weekend. Twenty-five teams from all over will compete at Northparkes and Pioneer Ovals. For more information visit http://www.parkesboars.com/sevens

Ikonic Panellists Inspire Parkes Women

September 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

An audience of 65 gathered for the Women in Industry panel discussion at the Ikon on Monday night. It was the second such event organised by Northparkes Mines, which brought together three professional women who share a passion for inspiring others to succeed.

Parkes-own Helen Magill spoke about her role as a professional coach for Tennis Australia. In 2012, she became the first female to receive the Excellence in Coaching award.

Chandra Clements, the Managing Director of consultancy service One Legacy, joined Helen on the panel. In 2014 Chandra was awarded the Gold Stevie for Woman of the Year.

Also on the panel was lawyer Samantha Daly, a part-time partner for law firm Mc– Cullough Robertson, and recipient of the NSW Women in Mining Award.

The riveting discussion delved into topics such as the importance of mentoring in professional and personal relationships, risk taking and resilience, and maximising talent through workplace flexibility.

Helen shared insights into how sport participation fosters resilience. She noted that the pressures of living in a small town were different to those in a city. In a small town both victories and failures become more public, and she sees that it is vital that kids learn it is okay to fail. Helen says it is more important to help people reach their full potential than to aim for perfection.

Chandra discussed the importance of risk taking. She explained how fear underpins risk aversion, and that it is important to unpack that fear in order to discover what is really holding us back.

Samantha, a mother of twins, explained how vital flexible work arrangements are to advancing workplace equality. She stressed that although it is seen as a chick’s issue, men need to be given the same opportunities because mothers aren’t the only workers juggling life.

By Raen Fraser

Teaching Shifts To A Practical Gear For Primary Students

September 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Students from Parkes East Public School sat in the driver’s seat as part of an initiative to teach local kids about Council’s role within the community.

More than 130 students from Kindergarten to Year 2 became familiar with some of Council’s heavy machinery, including an excavator, digger and the road roller recently.

Parkes Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis said the outdoor lessons were a great way for the students to learn a bit about Council’s work, services and major projects.

“It’s fantastic to see our local school students show an interest in what’s happeningaround our community. By taking the lesson out to the worksite, the students got to see first-hand what role Council plays in the development of our town.”

Council has been working directly across the road from Parkes East Public School for a week constructing an urban main pipeline section for the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

Council workers stood down for 30 minutes to answer questions about Council’s major projects, before the students got behind the wheel of a stationary piece of machinery for some hands on learning. “The students learnt about safety on a work site, environmental awareness and the broad range of careers available at Council,” Andrew said.

Council is constructing 800 metres worth of pipeline along Renshaw McGirr Way to transport raw dam water to the new WTP.

Council Message…

September 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Council extends its congratulations to the newly elected councillors following the 2016 Local Government Elections. These elections saw a quality field of candidates and Council would like to commend all 20 of the nominees for their campaigning efforts. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions will be decided at the first Meeting of Council on 20th September. The 2017 Parkes Elvis Festival is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with 120 events at 20 venues announced at the official launch this week. The Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Viva Las Vegas theme, inspired by Elvis’ 1964 film of the same name. Tickets are now on sale at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

Parkes is gearing up for a big weekend of sport. The town will welcome home local Olympian Hockeyroo, Mariah Williams at the Parkes Hockey Complex. Locals are invited to come and meet Mariah, take some photos and grab an autograph tomorrow at 12 noon. The 2016 SCT Parkes Open Golf Tournament will host its strongest field of golfers in the event’s 42 year history, with one third of the 156 players teeing off handicaps of 8 or less this weekend at the Parkes Golf Club.

Parkes Boars Junior Rugby Union Club will host the inaugural Parkes Rugby Seven’s Tournament this weekend, with 25 teams from across the state competing at Northparkes and Pioneer Ovals. Parkes residents are encouraged to dive
into Learn to Swim programs this summer.

Locals Benefit From Sports Grants

September 15, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Six local schools and sporting groups will benefit from more than $12,000 in funding from the second round of the 2016 Northparkes Sports Grants. CMOC – Northparkes Mine has partnered with the Parkes Sports Council to financially assist local groups to improve facilities and programs.

Trundle Central School will receive the majority of funds in this round, with $6,500 allocated to build a new netball and tennis court. Other recipients include: Parkes Pony Club $770 for a guest instructor, Parkes Hockey Masters Women $1,257 for representative uniforms, Parkes Little Athletics $1,574 for scissor jump mats, Parkes Railway
Bowling Club $1,050 for new scoreboards and Parkes PCYC $1,400 for new matting and airfloor.

Northparkes’ Community and External Relations Officer Elysha Loiterton said this was the fourth year of the successful partnership program. “We recognize how vital sport is to our local community – supporting the grants
program is one way we can contribute to some of the teams and clubs which do such a great job in keeping Parkes healthy and happy,” Elysha said. Sports Grants Committee Chairman Alan Gersbach said that this round saw a good
selection of projects submitted, and most received some funding from Northparkes.

A total of $15,000 will be available in the next round of funding, with applications opening in January next year.

Viva Las Parkes!

September 15, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes is going to be all gold and glitter for the 25th anniversary of the Viva Las Vegas Elvis Festival from 11th to 15th January next year.“It’s going to be all gold, gold, gold for the community,” said Parkes Mayor Ken Keith on Monday at the media launch of the festival. Ken said he expected 25,000 people if not more in January with an expected $15 million boost to the local economy. “January is by far the biggest tourism month for Parkes and the festival swell the coffers of businesses,” he said.

Among the invited guests on Monday were Bob and Anne Steel, who established the Parkes Elvis Festival in 1993. “Your idea has paid dividends and has evolved significantly,” the Mayor said. Cathy Treasure, new Festival Director, said the festival was going to be all silver and gold: celebrating the silver anniversary and the golden theme of Viva Las Vegas. The five-day program includes more than 120 events with festival highlights like the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, favourites like the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, the Elvis Gospel Service that attracted 8,000 people this year, the Renewal of Vows Ceremony and new events like Viva Splash Vegas at the Parkes pool and the launch of Outback Elvis, a book on the festival.

The feature concert series, starring two renowned international Elvis tribute artists – Pete Storm from the UK and Jake Rowley from the US, will consist of four different shows. Jake is said to portray a young Elvis in every possible way from looks, voice and of course his moves. The legendary Mark Andrew will pay tribute to The King at the 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Digby Dig Richards, the Australian rock n roll singer, will be included in the 2017 Wall of Fame by his brother Doug Richards who lives in Parkes.

The ever-popular Elvis Express will run again, and tickets are on sale on Monday, 19th September. Cathy said people should get in early as tickets sell out in the first 20 minutes.

The festival has a competition for all tastes from look-alike fans, rock and roll dancers and buskers to poets and photographers. If you just want to enjoy the sights and sounds, the Cooke Park main stage will have non-stop free entertainment, Clarinda Street will be closed and turned into Festival Boulevard with the buildings lit up at night, there will be cooling stations and Elvis Central will open for information and shopping.

According to Cathy the biggest challenge of organising the festival is visitors’ services. “Phone calls have doubled from last year.” She said shuttle buses would run from Forbes and Orange for festivalgoers finding accommodation outside Parkes. So get your golden outfit ready to Viva Las Vegas in January!

By Maggi Barnard

Question of the Week?

September 15, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

What is your favourite thing about Spring?

Hayley Wade: It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, it’s the perfect weather. It is also nice with all the pretty flowers starting to come out.

Codie Wakefield: The days are getting longer and warmer, the nights are cool, not cold. And maybe now my flower garden will start to flower, it’s been getting plenty of water.

Courtney James: I love the canola (because I don’t get hay fever), I love driving and seeing the fields full of yellow with the sun coming out. It’s the perfect time of year.

Maggi Barnard

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