Maggi Barnard

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

Top Dobermann at Parkes Dog Show

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The top dog, who won the Best in Show award at the Parkes and District Kennel Club annual championship over the long weekend, is widely considered the best Dobermann in Australia at the moment. Neo (Supreme Champion Ikons Chosen One) has won 37 Best in Show awards all over Australia. His owner, Daniel Filipovic, has had him since birth 3.5 years ago.

They have come from near Geelong for the second year to the Parkes championship. Another dog from Victoria Lumi, a Finnish Lapphund, won Runner-up Best in Show with owner Bianca Ralphs. Bianca comes from Wodonga, but her parents live in Parkes. It was the biggest prize her dog has ever won.

Up to 100 dog owners with 350 dogs came from as far as Perth to take part in the event with three all breeds championships shows over two days. Richard Madden, President of the Parkes and District Kennel said various reasons made it attractive for participants to travel to Parkes. These included the quality of the field and competition, catching up with other dog owners, chasing a title and the format of the show.

Neo and his owner Daniel Filipovic also won the inaugural Murray Maguire Memorial Trophy as winner of the first show. The trophy was introduced in recognition of the recent passing of Murray, a member of the Parkes Club. The show was a great opportunity to view many different breeds of dogs and their many talents. Beautifully groomed and exotics breeds were in action including a Hungarian Vizsla, Afghan Hound, Pug, Tibetan Spaniel, Pomeranian, Affenpinscher, Pointer, Norwegian Elkhound, Borzoi, Beagle and many more.

By Maggi Barnard

Mayoral Notes…

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

It’s an exciting time for Parkes Shire’s history with the new Regional Airport Upgrade officially opened and the new terminal unveiled as the Robert Wilson Terminal. Dignitaries and special guests were in attendance at the opening yesterday, including Federal Member of the Riverina Hon. Michael McCormack MP, the family of Robert Wilson OAM and Councillors.

It was a fitting tribute to our former late Mayor Robert Wilson and we were delighted the Wilson family were with us as we unveiled the terminal named in his honour. Congratulations to the Parkes Picnics Race Committee! The chilly weather didn’t deter over 2500 racegoers at the Parkes Racecourse.

Other weekend events included the Scale Aerobatics NSW State Championships held at Nelungaloo Flying Field, the Peak Hill Arts and Craft Exhibition and the Parkes and District Kennel Club Show hosted the three all breeds championships at the Parkes Showground.

Another Parkes local had been added to the prestigious Queens Birthday Honour List; with the Parkes Radio Telescope’s Operations Scientist, John Sarkissian awarded an OAM over the weekend. Council would like to extend their congratulations to John on his recent Order of Australia honours. Well done John and well deserved.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM

Snippets…

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Celebrate Australian Culture This Weekend:
Learn about the Bulgandramine Mission’s past, present and future history at the Back to Bulgandramine Cultural Gathering this Saturday. Enjoy free entry and lots of activities for the whole family including music and storytelling, Aboriginal astronomy, traditional food tasting, Wiradjuri dancing and face painting. Keep an eye on Council’s website for any wet weather venue changes.

Keep In Touch With Langlands Hanlon:
Langlands Hanlon Landmark are looking to keep in touch with clients via email regarding sales results, upcoming clearing sales, forward contracts, market and general information. If you would like to be included in the correspondence, please send your email address or mobile number to Geoff on 0429 629 966 or email office@langlandshanlon.com.au

Nominations Now Open for Regional Achievement Awards! Get ready to choose a potential winner for the 2015 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement Community Awards, which recognise individuals, businesses and community groups who are making a difference in their communities. Nominations are being sought in the following categories; Community of the Year, Population Under 15,000, Crown Reserve Trust Corporate Manager’s Award, Community Service in Aged Care Award, Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award, Volunteering Award and Events and Tourism Award. To make a nomination go to www.awardsaustralia.com and select NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards or call the office on 1300 735 445. Nominations close on Friday, 19th August.

Fashionistas Flock To Picnic Races

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

On Saturday Parkes Showground was a sea of tents and hats as almost three thousand people gathered for the annual Parkes Picnic Races, sponsored by SCU. Winner of the Coradgery Cup was local horse ‘To the Coast and Back’, but for those who weren’t having much luck punting one of the highlights of the day was Fashions on the Field. Such was the calibre of the outfits judges Natalie Caldwell, Wilbur Harris and Laura Redden faced tough choices on deciding the winners of categories.

With the help of advisors Ann Olsen and Natalie Johnston, the following winners were announced. Cooper Wright and Grace Dwyer Mulligan won Junior, Mackenzie Baker and Zachary Worthington won Teenager, Len Parish was crowned Best Dressed Gent, Tim and Emma Ellis were Most Stylish Couple, Catherine Sly took out Cutting Edge, Deb Parish came out on top in Millinery and Casey Evans was sashed as Most Elegant Lady.

Casey attends the races every year, but decided to enter the Fashions on the Field for the first time this year. She was announced “most poised and graceful contestant” by the judges for her ensemble in black. Her headpiece, made from felt and leather, was designed by herself and her business partner Leanne Wright who together own Racey Designs.

The rest of her outfit was put together from bits and pieces she’d found. “I didn’t have a clear picture in my head of what I wanted to wear, and was freaking out the night before!” she said; “There were so many beautiful modern fashions on display at the race, I wish I could own them all.”

Michael Oakley, major sponsor SCU’s Branch Manager, said; “It was a lovely day and the race committee are to be commended for the effort they put in to pull it together.”

Bookworm Wonderland!

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Book lovers were lining up outside the Parkes Shire Library on Tuesday morning to get a bargain at the annual book sale. With about 1000 books up for grabs and prices starting at 50 cents, there was a bit of competition in the air to get in first. Andrea Lovell, Branch Librarian said books that have deteriorated in condition or were not borrowed a lot were put up for sale every year. Books that do not get sold are recycled. The sale runs until Saturday, 25th June.

Netball News…

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Netballers are hoping for sunny skies tomorrow so all the junior netballer’s will be able to get on the courts and play.
Parkes Netball Association will be working with the other local sporting groups in Parkes to promote Shoosh for kid’s week. Parkes Netball have wonderful support for their junior netball competition, and most people do the right thing, but they would just like to remind spectators that there is no place for negative comments. The organisers
are lucky to have a some of the junior players coming along each week to umpire games who are still learning, and it’s important that they are encouraged.

• If your comment is negative, then SHOOSH!
• If your comment is directed at a player, then SHOOSH!
• If your comment is directed at a referee or match official, then SHOOSH!
• Reward good play by both teams with applause, if you can’t then SHOOSH!
• Show respect to players and game officials.

Remember it’s their game!

For all of umpires on Saturday Calli will be down at the courts from 10am to coach the umpires, so if anyone has any umpiring questions (including wanting to be allocated or learn more) just see Calli so she can try to facilitate everyone’s learning.

Draw Round 6
Division 1 – 9:30am
Court 2: Avenyers v U12s Rep Team (Umpires: Jordyn Chapple, Mikeely Birmingham)
Court 4: Super Stars v Dynamites (Umpires: Jack McGrath, Jolie Norman)
Bye: Vipers

Division 2 – 10:45am
Court 2: Rockettes v U11s Rep Team (Umpires: Brooke Norman, Amelia Green)
Court 4: Sparkles v Diamontes (Umpires: Mikeely Birmingham, Angel Pearce)

Super 8s – 9:30AM
Court 5: Butterflys v Glitter Bugs (Umpires: Jenny Ryan, Amelia Green)
Court 6: Twinkles v Lady Beatles (Umpires: Tianna Simpson, Nicole Knox)

Net-Set-Go – 10:30am
After the long break let’s hope the wet weather stays away so players can learn some exciting new skills. Any parents that are available to assist in drills would be greatly appreciated.

Space News…

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The June long weekend marked round 7 of the local derby for the Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies at Pioneer Park. The club wore white footy socks to support the cause against domestic violence. The under 18’s began the day with a gallant effort all the way to the bell. The Spacecats took to Jock Colley field at 12.30pm with all intentions of playing to bring home the win. Claire Barber began proceedings with a deep kick and with errors high in the first few minutes Captain Hannah Kelly in Parkes GP jersey made a great run only to be tagged by a flying Magpie 10 metres out.

Quick play caught the Forbes team off guard and BMJC’s Ella-J Harris opened the tally for the Spacecats after a giant step and dodge. Claire Barber added the 2. Playing as a team and backing up the runs Sally Dwyer sponsored by La Bella added another 4 with Claire adding another 2. Parkes’ third try was awarded to Dippin Dots Demi-Joyce Winter. Forbes put their first points on the board with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

With the continuing of the game the pressure was on the Spacecats, who defended their line and penalty after penalty against them. However, they handled it well, with Hannah Kelly running the length of the field to be tagged by a whisker out and Claire Barber over beside the posts. A fumble on the restart gave Forbes the possession within 20 metres and the Parkes ladies needed to work hard. Nicko’s Bricklaying’s Sarah McAneney got the ball and with some precise passes Parkes Railway Bowling Club’s Emma Bayley got over the line with Claire Barber adding the two. Half time score; Parkes 26- Forbes 4.

The Magpie ladies kicked to start the second half but Sally Dwyer scores Parkes’ sixth try quickly followed by another try by Captain Hannah Kelly with Claire Barber successfully converting. Parkes Services Club’s Nat Gardiner got her first try after a sixty metre sprint and her second soonfollowed. Final score 44 Parkes- 4 Forbes, congratulations!

The remaining team members also deserve a mention as they played just as well Brittany Dumesny, Katie Caldwell, Samara Afele, Brittney Ryan, Shannealle Wyrzynski, Sam Cox, Louise McAneney, Shayna Male and Emeline Lavaka. Special thanks also to the league safes Tim Barber and Tom McEwen, FAO Col Dwyer and Coach Mick Dumesny.

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.

Our Gal – Katie Monkerud

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Katie Monkerud

How long have you lived in Parkes? All my life – I was born and bred in Parkes.

Where do you work? Maintenance Shed.

What do you enjoy most about your work? The variation in my day-to-day duties. Nothing’s ever dull around here, and I work with a great bunch of guys.

What do you do in your free time? I spend most of my free time with my children, and in my actual free time I play soccer.

How do you like your coffee? I don’t drink coffee. I prefer to drink water.

What makes your day? Happy faces!

What is your favourite food? Anything home cooked. I enjoy making new recipes. I also love strawberries.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday where would it be? Bora Bora (island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia) – it is just beautiful there. I have always wanted to go there since a friend of mine went there on honeymoon. It will be a relaxation holiday.

Now’s The Time To Buy

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Rural Property Specialist, Ainslie Toole at Landmark Harcourts Forbes, has sold 10 Rural Properties in just three months, which has led to a shortage of listings in the district. Talking to the leading national agents in all states across the country at a recent national conference it was found that there is a shortage in most areas.

This means there has never been a better time to buy a rural property. The combination of record low interest rates and a great season with strong commodity prices is rarely seen. In almost 20 years of specialising in rural property sales this is the first time Landmark Harcourt have ever had less than 10 rural properties listed. Properties that have been sold recently include Brotherony & Everton at Condobolin, Overton in Forbes, Ingaladdie in Grenfell, Valhalla at Grenfell and Happy Valley in Forbes, all of which were sold within an extremely shorttime frame.

With record low interest rates investors are also looking at rural properties as part of their portfolio. Rural properties can be leased at 4-5% – a significantly better return than current bank interest and they have the potential for capital gain.

Landmark Harcourts Forbes have qualified buyers that are ready to buy broad-acre cropping country, irrigation and rural properties in the Forbes, Grenfell, Condobolin, Eugowra, Gooloogong, Parkes and Trundle districts. Landmark Harcourts is the only national company with international offices throughout China, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and America.

For a free confidential appraisal, contact Ainslie Toole at Landmark Harcourts Forbes on 0407 946 838 or email ainslie.toole@landmarkharcourts.com.au to take advantage of the exclusive and very affordable National and International Marketing Programs.

Troy Is Coming To Trundle!

June 16, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley will be headlining the 30th Trundle Bush Tucker Day in September. Over his 25 year career, Troy has won ARIA awards and toured all over the world. The dynamic Jade Martin Band will also be gracing the main stage with a high energy performance. In true Aussie style, the Trundle Bush Tucker Day began in 1986 as a bet between two mates to see who could cook up the best tucker in a camo oven behind the pub.

The idea took off and the Trundle Bush Tucker Day was born. 30 years on, the event now takes place at the Trundle Showground and attracts thousands of people every year. The 2016 programme will include bush tucker cooking, master bush chef competitions, free taste testing and some hilarious traditional bush tucker games such as the Billy Boiling race and the Bushman’s Relay. If you’ve got a clever canine why not take part in the dog jumping or if you’re sporty yourself there is the Junior Bush Olympics. Traditional rural activities such as whip cracking and sheep shearing demonstrations will also happen over the course of the day.

Tickets are now on sale for the event, don’t miss out make sure you get yours now by going to the website,www.trundlebushtuckerday.com. Tickets include entry into cooking competitions, bush tucker tasting tests, rides, free kids corner and entertainment throughout the day and evening.

Maggi Barnard

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