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Parkes Phoenix

Maggi Barnard

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

Farming Fun in Mudgee

July 7, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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For almost 40 years, the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days has been putting people living on the land in touch with the latest information, best practices and hundreds of exhibitors. Small farms, hobby farms, tree changers and small family holdings have been a focus, as it is often these ‘new chums’ that need a ‘leg up’ in dealing with all those things that need doing on the land, be it fencing, rain water storage, choosing livestock, machinery and implements or a robot drone to go fetch the sheep.

Equestrian activities have been growing in popularity at the event, reflecting how horses are increasingly the focus of many rural holdings. Come to the new display areas and enjoy talks from presenters such as Mark Langley and Merje Summiloff who will talk about horse starting and equine psychology. Events this year include three times a day fashion parades, displays from craftsmen such as Roy Davi the Leura bodger and a new permanent feature, the Festival of Yesteryear, a celebration of how things were done in the good old days. The Founders Pavilion is also packed with gourmet treats, private schools, health and home wares to satisfy the neediest shopper. See you at the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days 15th and 16th July, for more information see www.mudgeefielddays.com.au

Support Relay For Life This October

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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This October community members across the Parkes region are invited to come together at the sixth Parkes and District Relay for Life. The event, held over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd October, is a time to remember loved ones, celebrate survival and fight back against cancer. Participants will give back in honour of their own personal cancer journey by walking or running continuous laps of a track as part of a relay team of 10–15 people. Cancer doesn’t sleep, and in recognition of that simple fact, the teams camp out around the relay track for the overnight experience, with one member from each team encouraged to be on the track at all times.

For those not busy walking there is food, games and activities to provide entertainment and build camaraderie. In the Western NSW Region alone, it is predicted that by the end of 2016 over 1,818 people will be diagnosed with cancer, with over 582 deaths expected. Relay for Life gives the opportunity for close-knit communities to come together, walk for hope and give back in honour of all those in their area affected by cancer.

This year Relay for Life hopes to raise $6.9million through events across NSW. Since the inaugural event in 2006, Parkes has raised a massive $240,685. Relay for Life fundraising helps Cancer Council NSW fund vital cancer research that will improve treatment and diagnosis for cancer patients across Australia. It also provides funds for support programs that connect patients and carers around the country as well as advocacy initiatives and prevention programs that help reduce the risk of cancer in our communities.

With around 200 relays being held annually across Australia, Cancer Council’s Relay for Life ranks third globally amongst the 24 relay nations, putting the event at the forefront of the global fight against cancer. To register a team for your local Relay for Life event, or to donate, visit: www.relayforlife.com.au

Our Gal – Margaret Tanner

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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Margaret Tanner

How long have you lived in Parkes? For the past 46 years. We moved here from the lower Blue Mountains.

Where do you work? At the Craft Shop. I used to be a teacher librarian at the Holy Family Primary School for 30 years.

What do you enjoy most about your work? The people, customers and members. They are very interesting people and make beautiful crafts.

What do you do in your free time? I love reading historical fiction, listening to classical music, knitting and doing crochet, as well as enjoying time with the family of course.

How do you like your coffee? I prefer black tea.

What makes your day? Having my family all together again, which becomes harder as the children are moving on.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday where would it be? I would like to go back to the UK again and really take time to explore it. We went a few years ago, but the time was too short and we did not see much of London as we fell ill.

Netball News

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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There is no junior netball this week due to the break for the school holidays. Junior netball will be back on Saturday 23rd July. Parkes Netball Association would like to say good luck to all girls travelling away this weekend to the 2016 Netball NSW State Age Championships. Travel safe, have fun and enjoy your netball.

U12s Representative Team
Amelia Cusack, Leilani Lavaka, Sophie Wright, Lily Magill, Jordan Howard, Elsa Cusack, Paris Neville, Bridie Heraghty, Maddison Hampton and Julia Dunn. Coach is Gabe Albert and the manager is Deirdre Bennett.

U15s Representative Team
Julia Williams, Mikeely Bermingham, Janssen Mores, Tess Cummins, Brooke Norman,Bridie Matthews, Sophie Cowan, Alyssa Godden, Macy Cusack and Lucy Flynn. Coach is Jenny Ryan and manager is Michelle Bermingham.

Mayoral Notes…

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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The Federal Election is here and for the first time, Parkes will join the electoral division of Riverina. Election day is this Saturday from 8am to 6pm at designated polling places including Middleton Public School, Parkes East Primary School, Parkes High School, Parkes Little Theatre, Assemblies of God Hall, Bogan Gate Public School, Peak Hill Central School, Trundle Central School and Tullamore Central School.

It’s with pride that I say a heartfelt thank you for the many donations that have flooded in for our East Timor Fundraising Appeal. A forty-tonne container filled with surplus items from Forbes and Parkes Hospitals is on its
way to Weberek in East Timor. Thank you to all who made generous donations and to the volunteers for their efforts. An extra special mention to Bill Shalvey and Malcolm Stacey who worked tirelessly behind the scenes packing the container.

The East Timor Fundraising Appeal is something I feel very passionate about and am once again honoured to see such generosity and support from the Parkes community. Congratulations to Parkes Library for hosting its first ever community Book Club, where they discussed ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. If you’d like to join the monthly Book Club, please contact the Parkes Library on 6861 2309. On that note, I’d like to leave you with a quote from ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’…” The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” Harper Lee.

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Space News

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Jock Colley field at Pioneer Oval on Sunday saw the first game of the second half of the draw. Facing a Wellington side that had gained experience through the first half of the season showed as they opened the scoring after an intercept three minutes after kick-off.

The determination of each player was high and a few injuries resulted in Spacecats player Sam Cox leaving the field with a suspected broken nose, a Wellington player dislocating a finger and another benched with suspected concussion. The game continued and Sarah McAneney opened the Spacecats tally after a great run from Emma Bayley. The Parkes ladies had the urgency to keep the momentum after a great set but were left waiting on Wellington to kick for the restart.

Demi Winters took the ball and ran hard but a knock on gave Wellington possession andthe Spacecats had to work hard not to let them make metres. Pressure from Parkes saw a wild pass from Wellington scooped up by Claire Barber, which was kicked by Ella-J Harris on the last.

With Parkes still down by two Codie Wakefield replaced Emma Bayley and Demi Winter ran in Parkes’ second. Another error from Wellington allowed Sarah McAneney over for her second and again the Spacecats waited on Wellington to restart. Demi got the ball and made a break with a nice pass from Claire Barber to Hannah Kelly who set up Shayna Males first try with Claire adding the extra two. Half time score Spacecats lead 18-6.

The Wellington girls started the second half but Sarah McAneney quickly got hold of the ball and ran hard at their defence. A good set with a great tag by Britt Dumesny meant Wellington struggled to make ground. The urgency of the Spacecats possessed their play and Emeline Lavarka got her first touch on the ball but the Spacecats couldn’t get too far before the penalties starting coming. Wellington scored with thirty seconds remaining but it wasn’t enough to beat the Spacecats and the Parkes ladies won the game, final score Parkes 24 Wellington 14. The Parkes Spacemen executive along with the league tag team would like to thank their major Guernsey sponsor Parkes Services Club and Sleeve sponsors 1. Simply Bellissima by Kim, 2. Cunninghams IGA Parkes, 3. Nicko’s Bricklaying, 4. Parkes GP, 5. Bunnamagoo Wines, 6. BMJC (The Moran boy’s), 7. La Bella, 8. Dippin Dots, 9. Parkes Mensland, 10. Thd studio, 11. Parkes Railway Bowling Club, 12. Parkes Services Club, 13. Nangar Gems

Only 6,000 Plants To Go!

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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Northparkes Mines (NPM) volunteers have planted more than a quarter of the total 9,000 plants put in so far at PAC Park. The community effort to revegetate the banks of the wetland with 15,000 plants by spring is progressing well with about 4,300 planted by NPM volunteers.

Under the Northparkes Mines Volunteer Leave Program, employees are encouraged to do two volunteer days per year. Linda Snyman, who organised ten employees of the mining operations technical services team to do a planting session last week, said they wanted to do something physically challenging. “I would also like to see the area beautified and used by the community,” Linda said.

Other community groups involved so far include Parkes High School, Parkes Christian School, Currajong Disability Services, House With No Steps (Lachlan Branch) and the Motley Crew of Central West Lachlan Landcare. “The efforts of all volunteers on this project has been fantastic, and it’s especially great that the NPM Volunteer Leave Program were keen to contribute their valuable time to this project for two separate planting days,” said Michael Chambers, Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator of the Parkes Shire Council.

Managed by Parkes Shire Council, the PAC Park project aims to rejuvenate the waterway and the entire park. It is hoped that establishing strong partnerships with community and school groups they would engage community members and encourage a sense of ownership over the area. Funding for the project was provided through three different NSW Government agencies including the Local Government NSW ‘Building Resilience to Climate Change’ program and the Central West Local Land Services ‘Natural Resource Management for Local Government’ program.

Any school or community group interested in doing some planting would be greatly welcomed by Michael. Please contact him at the Parkes Shire Council on 6861 2349.

By Maggi Barnard

Quick Response to Parkes Power Outage

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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Essential Energy crews were quick to respond to an unplanned power outage which affected 1,815 households and businesses on the northern side of Parkes last Friday at 12.50pm. Regional manager Northern, Mark Summers,
said for the safety of the public and their property the power network automatically switched itself off after sensing a problem. “Our local crews were immediately dispatched to patrol the power network to determine the cause of the power outage,” Mark said; “Crews worked as quickly as safety allowed and power was restored to 1,794 customers at 2.03pm and the remaining customers at 3.35pm.”

The power outage was caused by flying debris from the storm coming into contact with the power network near Bushman’s Dam on the Newell Highway. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience while crews worked to restore power.”

The wild weather across NSW on Friday afternoon and evening caused unplanned power outages for around 12,000 households and business across Essential Energy’s operational area. Essential Energy would also like to remind scaffolders, tradespeople and other construction workers to be aware of potential electrical hazards on the worksite and to stay safe around electricity. “Powerlines can be situated underground and overhead so workers should be aware of their location before putting up scaffolding, picking up a jackhammer, operating machinery or excavating an area,” Mark said. “We recommend every worker, from the foreman through to the apprentice complete an onsite safety induction before commencing work – identifying the location of all electrical hazards.”

For more information, contact Bronya Presler, Community Relations Advisor- Northern on 08 8082 5336

Monstrously Good Entertainment

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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The giants have arrived for the first time in Parkes, and there are six of them! Ultimate Monster Action is gearing up to give Parkes an action packed show that will get the adrenaline flowing to drive all the winter chills away. Professional Monster Truck driver, Troy Garcia said the show would go on come rain or shine. “The wetter the weather, the more fun we have!” he joked. He is expecting a crowd of about 3,000 people who will watch every jump of the roaring monsters, as well as a host of other blood chilling stunts.

Hosted by Adam Brand, 12 times Golden Guitar winner, the freestyle motocross bikers will do some insane stunts, while the jet car will light up the sky with its after burn mode. Adding extra explosive action will be the gigantic firework show. There will be rides in a 3-metre-high monster truck from 1.30pm when the gates at the showgrounds open which will cost $10 per person. The main show will start at 4pm and last for about two hours. “It is a great event for the whole family,” said Troy.

Monster trucks were first built in the United States about 40 years ago to crush cars. “The latest models are able to do much more, such as racing, wheel stands, jumps in the air and other free style moves,” said Troy.

Get your tickets at the gate or online at www.monstertrucks.net.au.

Snippets…

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

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Sports Fields Are Open Again: After about of wet weather which saw many sporting areas temporarily close, players and spectators are advised that all grass sporting fields in Parkes are now open for training, school sport or other purposes. However, groups are being asked to risk assess the field before use and remain away from the wetter areas. Sporting groups may implement their own cancellation notices if their risk assessment proves the field to be
unsuitable for their purposes.

‘It’s Not A Waste’ Winners Announced: Five lucky residents have been proclaimed winners of the ‘it’s not a waste’ competition that was launched in conjunction with the Netwaste 3-bin collection service. The competition aimed to promote the new household waste service that began in April and residents were asked to answer five questions based on the content of an information brochure that was sent to all households about the new service. The following have each won a $100 open gift card; Sina Karimi, Kim Paul, Aimee Ross, Rebecca Parkes and Val Hornery.

Positive Changes at Parkes Tip: The Parkes Waste Facility is currently being upgraded to make it more user friendly for customers and to increase diversion of materials from landfill. Construction is underway to improve the efficiency, safety and environmental aspects of the facility. Improvements include new ground water monitoring stations, construction of a weighbridge, gatehouse building, drop-off centre, road improvements and signage. A tree planting program is also planned for the perimeter and surrounding areas of the facility. This will screen operations from roads and provide numerous environmental benefits including native habitat provision and connectivity. In total approximately 40 hectares of land around the facility will be revegetated with native trees and shrubs.

Serving Up Funding: The lights and facilities at the Parkes Tennis Club are set for an upgrade thanks to a $13,000 injection from the Federal Government. Riverina Nationals’ MP, Michael McCormack, visited the courts last week. “Sport is the glue which binds regional communities and it is critical the facilities in county areas are suited to help breed the next generation of champions,” Mr McCormack said. “Tennis Clubs such as this one at Parkes offer a great opportunity to locals to engage in everything from very competitive tennis tournaments to a social hit with friends.” The $13,000 investment will be made as part of the Coalition’s Stronger Communities Programme.

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