Maggi Barnard

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

Peak Hill Arts & Crafts Celebrated Over June Long Weekend

May 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The historic and recently renovated Carrington Hotel in Peak Hill is one of two main venues for the 49th Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition over the June long weekend.

The long weekend in June is going to be huge in Peak Hill as the 49th Annual Arts and Craft Exhibition is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

With the two main venues at the Peak Hill Leisure Centre and The Carrington at full capacity the event is spilling over to Peak Hill Country Crafts for exhibitors, while other shops in the main street will be open for the weekend as well on 11th and 12th June from 9:30am to 4pm.

Long-time Peak Hill resident May Chandler, who is well into her 90s and continues to crochet, cross-stitch and make cards, will share her story as the guest speaker at the official opening on Friday, 10th June at 6pm at the Leisure Centre. There will be a $5 fee for CanAssist catering.

“The exhibition committee are thrilled to offer artisan and modern contemporary style arts and craft at this year’s exhibition,” said Judi Unger, Secretary of Peak Hill Leisure Centre. “Artisan arts and crafts demonstrations and static displays include Aboriginal Art, spinning, weaving, loom work, macrame and patchwork, and contemporary style demonstrations highlights acrylic painting workshop, machine embroidered reading cushions, metal work design resin jewellery and lampshade workshops.”

The Leisure Centre will showcase members’ work created in art and craft groups throughout the year, and an opportunity to vote for the most popular work in The People’s Choice award.

The Carrington building is an ornate, rustic venue which will feature artworks from the Parkes Art Group, artist-in-residence Leanne Hamblin, mosaic displays, local honey, knitting, sewing, embroidery, jewellery, candles, plants, artwork, sewing, scrapbooking, dolls and card-making.

Peak Hill Country Crafts also known as the Open Cut Gallery, is a great addition this year’s event as it is already stocked with handmade and home made products created by members of the local community and surrounding district.

Parkes Hockey Shines At State Champs

May 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

STATE CHAMPS… The Parkes U18 hockey team won all their games at the State Champions in Sydney last week and came home with gold and a spot in Division 1 next year. They are at the back (L-R) NSW Hockey representative, Jack Westcott, Flynn Thompson, Nath Marshall, Ollie Brown, Jordan Grosvenor (manager), Zanda Johnstone, Joseph Tanswell, Jakob Chambers and Archie Rix. In front are (L-R) Will Searl (coach) Ryan Dunford, Jack Skinner, Tom Searl (captain), Cody Kirk, Toby Collins (captain) Ted Murray, Kane Macfarlane and Jack Rice.

The hockey season in Parkes got off to a great start with the Under 18 team coming home with gold from the state championships last weekend.

The Parkes U18 team won Division 2 of the 2022 Junior State Championship in Moorebank, Sydney. The grand final was an all Central West affair with Parkes beating Bathurst 3 – 1.

First time coach for the U18 team, and former Australian player, Will Searl said: “It is a great feeling, there is nothing better. The boys played out of their skins, and to go undefeated in the championship was a big effort.”

The Parkes team played four round games on Friday and Saturday beating Manning Valley 5 – 0, Northern Sydney Beaches 4 – 0, Bathurst 4 – 2 and Port Macquarie 3 – 0 finishing first in their pool. In the semi-final at 8:30am on Sunday morning they beat Far North Coast 4 – 1 for a place in the grand final at 12:15pm when they beat Bathurst again to become the State U18 champions.

The win also means that the team moves up to Division 1, which is where every hockey player would like to be according to Will. As most of the players, except three, are still 16 or 17 years old, the team would be able to compete again in next year’s championship.

Will said three months of hard work and preparation paid off for an amazing result. He paid tribute to first time manager Jordan Grosvenor for ‘managing a tight ship and keeping the boys in line”, and gave a shout out to the parents for their contribution to get the boys to training and travelling with them.

Will thanked the team’s sponsors: Dean Uptin’s Water Services, Railway Hotel, Kitson Manufacturing, Geoff Rice and TSG.

By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School Enrolment Window Now Open

May 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School wants to maintain a small-school environment and will be limiting class sizes to cap the student numbers at 350.

Parkes Christian School (PCS) continues to experience a high level of growth, so now is the time to secure your enrolment for next year.

The school currently has more than 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, having grown from around 200 just three years ago. In order to manage this rapid growth, the school is now taking applications for enrolments for 2023 Kindergarten and Year 7 students.

School Principal Glen Westcott said while the school continued to grow, they also wanted to maintain a small-school environment. “We have made a tough decision to limit our class sizes from this point forward. In Kindergarten, we will only enrol approximately 21 students, and in Year 7 we will only take 50 students, split across two classes.

“Naturally, students who are in Year 6 will automatically be enrolled in Year 7 next year, but for everyone else, the earlier they get their applications in, the better chance they will have of securing a position,” said Glen.

Parents of students in any year group thinking of enrolling at PCS should also apply as soon as possible, as almost a third of year groups are nearly full.

“We are big enough to have friendly competition in the classroom, all the HSC subjects that other schools offer, sporting teams, school musicals, bands and more, but we are small enough that everyone can be involved and create a really wonderful sense of community,” said Glen.

To find out more contact the school office on 6862 4164, email administration@parkescs.nsw.edu.au or take advantage of the online enrolment application form at www.parkescs.nsw.edu.au/enrolment

Snippets…

May 20, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Join Storytime at the Parkes Library next week on Tues-day at 10:30am with a special event by Kids and Traffic.

Road Safety Storytime: Next week’s Storytime at the Parkes Library on Tuesday at 10:30am will focus on road safety for young children and be led by special guests from Kids and Traffic. Come along and join in the fun with stories, songs, rhymes and craft. Kids and Traffic are early childhood road safety education specialists based at Macquarie University and funded by Transport for NSW. Team Leader Louise Cosgrove said Storytime was a great way to engage with children and families in talking about all the things that they could do together to keep safe when they’re out and about.

Nominate A Tradie: Remember to enter our Tradie of the Month competition by Friday, 27th May. Simply send your nomination to us by email: editor@parkesphoenix.com.au stating your favourite tradie’s name, workplace and contact number. 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!

Vote Tomorrow: The Federal Election is tomorrow, 21st May and voting takes place from 8am to 5pm at the following venues in the Parkes Shire: Parkes East Public School, Parkes High School, Parkes Public School, Middleton Public School, Assemblies of God (7 Rees Ave); Soldiers Memorial Hall (Alectown), Tullamore Central School, Peak Hill Central School, Bogan Gate Public School, Trundle War Memorial Hall. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at polling stations. Remember voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over. For more information visit aec.gov.au

Seniors Travel Card Very Popular: Less than four months after applications opened for the third year of the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card, more than 300,000 people are on board. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program, which gave recipients a $250 prepaid Visa card to use on fuel, taxis, pre-booked NSW TrainLink Regional trains and coaches, and select community transport services, had received a record customer satisfaction rating of nearly 100%. Fuel continues to be the most popular purchase on the card, followed by taxi trips and then train and bus fares. Eligible seniors have until 30 November 2022 to apply for this year’s card. More information can be found at: service.nsw.gov.au/regionalseniorstravel.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway and Deputy Premier Paul Toole with the regional senior travel card.

Celebrate With Endeavour Dragons This Sunday

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Dragon Boat Club is celebrating their fourth anniversary on Sunday and is inviting the Parkes community to enjoy the day with them.

The day’s program will officially start at 9:30am with Welcome to Country and the fun will continue until the great raffle draw around 2pm.

In between there will be an all-day sausage sizzle, coffee van, some great on-water novelty events which will be fun to watch, and a 6km race. There will also be a free come-and-try for anyone over 12 interested in hopping in the dragon boat to learn what paddling is all about.

If you want to support the club purchasing raffle tickets, or food and drink, be sure to take cash on the day as there is no eft-pos service at the lake.

It promises to be a breat family day out at Lake Endeavour. For more information about the day call Bill Thomas on 0418 616 500.

Carla Wins People’s Choice At Elvis Art Exhibition

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Carla Ash received the most votes for her portrait of Elvis in the People’s Choice Award.

Almost 800 people visited the Parkes Painting Group’s exhibition at the Parkes Elvis Festival last month.

The group had over 120 artworks and about 18 pieces of pottery sculpture for its Elvis-themed exhibition held in the Uniting Church Hall during the festival. Some of the artists’ grandkids also entered works for the exhibition.

“We had more than double the amount of people this year compared to previous exhibitions at the Elvis Festival with 759 visitors,” said President Kerrie Davies.

All the visitors cast their vote for the People’s Choice award and Carla Ash from Parkes received the most votes at 130 for her graphite drawing of Elvis she called ‘Are you lonesome tonight?’.

Carla was very surprised with her win saying she only draws when she has time, but has been inspired to join the Parkes Painting Group.

Carla’s mum Joan Ash came second with her Elvis portrait she called ‘Reflections’. The third most votes went to Kerrie’s Elvis portrait called ‘In Concert’.

Kerrie said about 15 paintings were sold, with one going as far as Tasmania.

“We are very happy with the outcome of our exhibition, and are already planning to go bigger and better next year.”

Our Young Bloke – Lachie MacGregor

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Public School Vice-Captain – Lachie MacGregor

How old are you? 11 turning 12.

Were you named after anyone? No.

What 3 things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Pizza rolls, salt and vinegar chips and chocolate.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I’d like to be an electrical engineer.

If you could invent something, what would it be? A cure for cancer.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? VR headset and then send any money left to charity.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I have been in a really high light house.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Alexander the Great.

What makes you feel like dancing? Music.

If you found a genie, what would you wish for? Fame.

Passion For Conservation In Parkes

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

SPECIAL SIGHTING… The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo or Pink Cockatoo is listed as vulnerable to extinction under fed-eral legislation and was sighted in Parkes last year by participants in the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count.

Parkes residents demonstrated their passion for conservation when 112 locals took part in one of the biggest citizen science projects in Australia in October last year.

The residents observed a total of 5,013 individual birds and 86 species across Parkes Shire in the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count.

“Given Parkes’ relatively small population, 112 is a fantastic level of participation,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Michael Chambers. “This high level of participation confirms the passion that many residents have for biodiversity and conservation.”

Michael said so many locals had enthusiasm for learning about the natural environment, particularly the fauna native to the Parkes area.

Consistent with previous years, the most commonly sighted species across Parkes Shire was the Galah, with 574 sightings.

Rounding out the top five were Crested Pigeons (397), House Sparrows (390), Apostlebirds (350) and Australian Magpies (299).

Several species listed as vulnerable to extinction under federal legislation were also sighted across Parkes. They included Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo), Grey-Crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Dusky Wood Swallow, Superb Parrot and the Speckled Warbler.

“Participating in citizen science projects is perhaps the easiest way for everyday people to support conservation projects. With urban bird communities constantly changing, the observations and data submitted is extremely valuable,” said Michael.

The 2022 Aussie Backyard Bird Count will take place from 17 – 23 October. If you would like to get involved visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au or download the Aussie Bird Count app on your mobile phone.

A Timely Reminder

May 13, 2022 By Lynn Rogers

Que Club President Marg Klein, Jeanine Boland and McGrath Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green (photo on left). Dianne demonstrated how to check breasts and what a lump feels like using fake breasts containing five lumps. Dot Bradley and Raelene Rout are checking for lumps.

You may have purchased a virtual pink seat at the last couple of Ashes Pink Tests to help support the McGrath Breast Care Nurses. It was fun seeing your name appear on a virtual seat, and a ‘feel good’ moment knowing that Jane McGrath’s legacy continues to do wonderful work.

Parkes Que members were given more than a virtual tour at our May business meeting with local McGrath Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green as our guest speaker.

Dianne was working as a community nurse for Parkes Health Services when she recognised a need in the area for a breast care nurse. She studied for a Certificate in Breast Cancer and applied to become a McGrath Breast Care Nurse. She started with three days a week in 2011, three years later she moved to four days a week., and in her 9th year on the job she became full time. She also continued her research and study and graduated with a Masters in Breast Cancer.

Dianne works with patients in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Peak Hill. The youngest patient she has supported was just 25 years old and the oldest was 92. Although breast cancer in men isn’t as common, Dianne has had male patients in her care too.

With Australian breast cancer statistics indicating that one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the good news is that survival rates are continually improving due to the ongoing treatment changes.

“I am very honoured to be one of 177 McGrath Breast Care Nurses and it is a privilege to care for and support breast cancer patients and their families within our community,” said Dianne.

If you would like to ‘join the Que’ contact the Parkes club at parkesqueclub@gmail. com and follow us on Facebook.

By Lynn Rogers

Have You Had Your Macula Checked?

May 13, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Dry Macular Degeneration (MD) and Wet MD.

May is Macular Degeneration (MD) Month, and a good reminder that if you are over 50 you should be having regular macula health checks.

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina which deals with fine detail. A healthy macula is vital for good vision.

Macular Degeneration is a disease that causes central vision loss. This makes it very difficult to read, recognise faces, watch TV and even obtain a driver’s license.

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. It is more common as we age, and the risk of MD increases if there is a family history of macula problems, cardiovascular disease or you are a smoker.

DRY MD

Characterised by a slow, progressive loss of the RPE cells due to the build-up of drusen at the macula. This makes up about 85% of moderate to advanced MD cases resulting in a gradual deterioration of the central vision. Diet and a special formulation of vitamins and high-dose antioxidants, such as MD eyes have been shown to slow down the progression of MD in those with moderate to advanced MD in at least one eye.

WET MD

This affects about two-thirds of advanced MD patients. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macular and these vessels can spontaneously bleed, leading to a sudden loss of vision requiring immediate medical treatment. Treatment often requires regular injections to shrink the blood vessels.

Like most diseases, early detection and treatment for MD is vital to maintain good vision throughout life.

Hansen Eyecare Plus has all the latest technology for a comprehensive eye exam, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT is the gold standard for the early detection of Macular Degeneration. Unlike standard retinal photography, OCT enables detailed assessment of the deeper layers of the retina using optical ultrasound.

To have your macula thoroughly checked, make your appointment today with Hansen Eyecare Plus.

Maggi Barnard

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