Maggi Barnard

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

Aircraft Museum’s Uplifting Attraction

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

A Vietnam-era Caribou has joined the ranks at the Parkes Aircraft Museum, which is run by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). The Caribou provided essential service as a troop and cargo carrier during the Vietnam War. The aircraft is famed for its short takeoff and landing capability, which enabled it to access short and rugged airstrips, earning it the nickname the “Great Green Gravel Truck”.

Despite its high-flying career the retired Caribou arrived at its new base at Parkes Regional Airport by road, and was partially disassembled to make the journey. The wings and engines were removed to reduce its 29 metre wingspan to a more manoeuvrable 8.8 metres. HARS volunteers are busily restoring the Caribou to its former glory.

Vietnam War veterans from Parkes visited the aircraft last Thursday after the 50th commemoration of the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam where 17 Australians were killed. The Parkes Aircraft Museum is a satellite museum of HARS based at the Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park where there are over 40 aircraft on display. These range from a Tiger Moth to an ex Qantas Boeing 747.

HARS has had a storage facility at Parkes since 1976, and about two years ago converted the historical World War 2 hangar into a museum building. Mike De La Hunty of HARS welcomed new members saying it is a great opportunity for anyone interested in aeronautical engineering to get involved with planes.

Council Message

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

More than 500 Year 10 students from 10 high schools from the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas have learnt valuable road safety lessons at the annual mock car crash demonstration. The program was developed in response to crash data showing young drivers are over-represented in road crashes.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Hon Duncan Gay MLC, visited the Parkes region this week to inspect the recent works carried out on the Newell and Mitchell Highways. Minister Gay attended the site of $36 million upgrade to the Newell Highway between Parkes and Peak Hill at Trewilga where 6.4 kilometres of road will be improved by early 2018.

Council would like to congratulate local Olympian Scott Westcott for his tremendous efforts at the Rio Olympics. Scott finished 81st in the marathon with a time of 2:22:19. Council is extremely proud of Scott who, at 40 years of age, was theoldest Australian athlete competing at the Games. Residents can still visit the Olympic showcase at the Parkes Library, which features the stories of eight former and current local Olympians.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day will celebrate its 30th anniversary on 3rd September. Get your tickets early online so as not to miss out on special guest Troy Cassar-Daley’s performance. Have a happy and safe weekend.

Parkes Shire Council

Spacecats Back On Track

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Spacecats fought back with determination last Saturday to walk away with a 22-12 win against the Forbes Magpies in the first round of the lead up to the Group XI grand final. After the previous week’s shock loss
against the same team, the Spacecats played the game they wanted to play at Spooner Oval in Forbes, even though the first points went to the Magpies. The scoreboard lit up after a strong run by Sami Afele to go over, and a great kick from Sam Cox put Parkes in front by 2 with 3 minutes till drinks. Forbes took the lead again scoring on half time.

The Maggies started the second half firing on all cylinders and keen to get the first points of the second half. But the Shayna plane ran through the Forbes defence with Claire Barber adding the extras. Demi Winter took Parkes’ third and Claire scored from the sideline. Forbes tried to match the Parkes side and added another 4 to their tally taking them to 12.

Parkes took a deep kick into Forbes territory and Demi went over in the corner for her second to bring the total to 22. On Sunday the Spacecats play minor premieres CYMS in their territory at Caltex Park in Dubbo at 10:30am. The winner will go straight into the grand final on 11th September at Caltex Park.

By Kim Ryan

Minister Visits $36 Million Newell Highway Upgrade

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Major work to upgrade the Newell Highway between Parkes and Peak Hill at Trewilga is underway with the arrival of diggers and machinery on site – the likes of which have not been seen in decades. Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay said the $36 million upgrade was vital. “We are putting in another overtaking lane, widening the road and building a truck parking area to ensure the backbone of country NSW and key freight link between Victoria and Queensland allows trucks to move efficiently as possible,” the Minister said.

“One-third of users on this stretch of highway are trucks and this is only going to increase, so we have to future proof the state’s road freight network.” The $36 million project will see 6.4km of road improved with a new 1.3km northbound overtaking lane installed, as well as upgrading and widening the existing road.

A truck parking area on the eastern side of the highway and a bus turning area at Kadina Road will be built. This upgraded section will also see its speed increased from 100 km/h to 110 km/h bringing it into line with the majority of the Newell Highway. The work is expected to be completed in early 2018.

What Windows Should I Choose?

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Building or renovating a house involves many decisions. One is choosing the right windows. Here are some pointers to help you decide.
1) Which room is the window for? Different rooms require different types of windows. Room design, style and purpose should be considered prior to any final decision.
2) How will the room be used? Function and practicality are equally as important as style. Think about how you will use the space and what you want out of it.
3) What is your design style? Once you have considered the practical components, you can have fun choosing the design elements. Window design can compliment the overall design, while colour is an important element.
4) What type of material? Aluminium or Timber. Material choice often relates to design style.
5) How important is sustainability? Smart window and glass choices can fill rooms with light all year round, and assist with sustainable design and living that can even save you money in the long run.
6) What is the budget? Glassplace caters to budgets of all sizes. This allows both the budget mindful and those with a bit extra to customize window and door combination for their project.

Hopefully these points will help you decide. For more information on the options available visit the Glassplace Showroom at 4 Clarke Street, or visit their website.

Shades of Grey…

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

As with fashion, home decorating goes through interesting cycles of what’s in and what’s not. Key periods in styling will always be remembered through the colours and designs that were in vogue. Over the last few years decorating with neutral tones became trendy. This has allowed everyone more freedom to style and update their looks more frequently with a minimum of fuss and expense.

I feel the tides are changing again. After the recent launch of the new Haymes Paint colour collection, I think the new direction will be soft greys to deeper silver and more blue-grey tones. These new shades will combine beautifully with the move towards using black as an accent colour. The grey colour wheel also works perfectly with accents of red to make a retro inspired statement, it can look soft and feminine when paired with lilac, silver and a touch of bling, while yellow looks amazing when splashed in a room of grey, and I love it when orange is combined with grey to look vibrant, and seriously stylish and sophisticated.

I think it will not be long before there is a new must have colour. We will select this colour to make our homes a true vision of neutral beauty and it will allow us to unleash the decorator within as our possibilities of choice become limitless.

By Karen Creith

50th Commemoration Of Battle Of Long Tan

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Veterans and members of the community commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan last Thursday at the Vietnam War Memorial in Parkes. The Battle of Long Tan was one of the fiercest battles fought by Australian soldiers in Vietnam and involved 105 Australians and 3 New Zealanders from D Company 6RAR. A total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds. Arthur Parker, President of the Parkes RSL Sub-Branch, said it was a monumental battle in which soldiers exhibited extreme bravery. “Notwithstanding these facts, we should also remember all who served in Vietnam regardless of the tasks which they were allocated to perform.”

Arthur paid tribute to Harold Amor, a former Parkes man who recently lost his battle with cancer in Queensland. “Harold served with the Fifth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam 1969/70.” Australians served in Vietnam from 1962 until 1975, where 521 people lost their lives and more than 3,000 were wounded.

Free Entry At Last Race Meeting Of The Year

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The last race meeting for the calendar year takes place at the Parkes Racecourse tomorrow with free entry for everyone!. The local Parkes trainers, which include Les Bryant, Sharon Jeffries, Ricky Watt and the George Wright Snr and Jnr Racing Stables, are all looking forward to be able to race on their own track after such an unusually wet winter. The 5 race meeting is the fourth race of the year at the Parkes Racecourse. The dedication of grounds curator Dale Jeffries have ensured racing could continue even in the wet conditions. The next race meeting will be the Australia Day weekend with a full TAB service.

Parkes Show – WIN A DRONE AT FARMER DAY WEDNESDAY!

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Drone technology will take centre stage at Farmer Day Wednesday at this year’s Parkes Show next week. Some leading drone experts, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers will showcase the newest tools available to farmers and drone enthusiasts. Ben Watts, a sheep producer from Molong, will outline what is achievable with drones and how to control, maintain and repair your craft. Falcon UAV is a specialist aerial imaging company focusing entirely on the agriculture industry. They scan crops and determine levels of stress weeks before they are visible to the human eye.

Leading Edge Electronics will showcase all the models and touch on some exciting game changing tools in the production pipeline. One lucky visitor will walk away with a DJI Phantom 3 thanks to Leading Edge Electronics and the Parkes Show. Don’t forget the day starts with a breakfast before the feature drone sessions commence at 10am. There are also sessions on lice management, compost and humus products, a showcase of the very latest agricultural machinery releases and a BBQ lunch. Come and see first hand what the Parkes Show has to offer.

Op Shop Till You Drop

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Locals are encouraged to bag a bargain at one of our wonderful Op Shops in Parkes to celebrate National Op Shop Week. The initiative celebrates the contributions these stores make to local communities, and raises awareness of the importance of supporting your local ‘oppy’. Neville Barrett, the General Manager of Salvos Stores Australian Eastern Territory, emphasised that despite the stores being part of national organisations, all funds raised from sales stay in the community and support local residents. Items are also distributed to people in need due to a personal crisis or emergency.

Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis as the 2016 Op Shop week Ambassador, encourages people to visit op shops and “reduce the costa living”. But op shopping isn’t just about being thrifty, it is also good for the environment. According to Neville around 50,000 tonnes are diverted from going to landfills each year. “If every Australian bought second hand it would also save billions of litres of water each year,” he said. “The fashion industry is a very thirsty business.” Op Shops also provide important social benefits. The Anglicare Shop staff agree that the best thing about volunteering is being able to provide fellowship to others.

Chris Symonds started working in the Salvos Store 12 months ago and says that it’s a great way to gain new skills. Kim Whiteman decided to help others following an inspirational letter from her grandfather, and has always been drawn to family stores. But you don’t have to volunteer to help. Donate your good quality second-hand items to a local charity and help them help others.

By Raen Fraser

Maggi Barnard

Subscribe