Maggi Barnard

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

Parkes Cleaner And Greener Thanks To Motley Crew

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Motley Crew expanded to over 30 people on Saturday who enjoyed a day out in beautiful autumn sunshine and planted more than 700 plants at PAC Park.

It was not all about the planting however, it was also a chance to get out in the fresh air, to make a difference in our community and to be part of an encouraging group that wants to see the community cleaner and greener.

It was a fun day for young and old with a young participant who thought he had found a fossil, much to his excitement, while other participants gave encouragement from their chairs.

“The feedback from locals has been fantastic,” said Marg Applebee, Project Officer with Central West Landcare. “There are many walkers who use the path through PAC Park between East Street and Forbes Road and they get to see the transformation of the park day by day.”

On Friday morning the Northparkes Mines management team put in about 400 plants as part of a team exercise and their contribution to the community effort. This brings the total of plants for the weekend to over 1,000 plants, an impressive effort for a small community.

Another planting day is planned for June, while National Tree Day will be celebrated with an event in July, according to Marg. Updates will be posted on Facebook.

The Motley Crew was formed as an initiative of Central West Lachlan Landcare and Parkes Shire Council to undertake local projects to improve the environment and promote community ownership and awareness. If you would like to join the Motley Crew event, please contact Marg Applebee on 02 6862 4914 or email cwllpo@hotmail.com.

Some of the participants hard at work on the banks of the creek in PAC Park.

Hockey Inc. 27th May

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

A Grade Men
Masters defeated Cellar Crows 3-2 in an exciting match. Andrew Wright and Andrew Rice scored for Masters with Brad Gardiner and Graeme Thompson scoring for Cellars. Ben Hawken, Luke Swindle and Logan Dolbel were strong for Cellars with Steven Macgregor and Trent Thomson the best for Masters. Rovers were too strong for an understrength Star Budgies, winning 9-1.
Ian Westcott scored a hat-trick, Brad Simpson and Lucas White scored doubles with Michael Minnett also contributing to Rovers’ total. Cooper Wakeman was the lone goal-scorer for Budgies. Rovers were best served by Shane Jones, Lucas White, Brad Simpson and Michael Minett in a dominant team performance.

A Grade Women

Magpies played a nice team game to defeat Cellar Crows 3-1. Cherie Johnstone and Paige Hay scored for Magpies with Merryn Unger scoring for Cellars. Best for Magpies were Paige Hay, Stacey Ross, Cherie Johnstone and Nicole Knox with Marcia Scally and Lilli Rae Campbell working hard for Cellars.

Cubs put together an excellent team performance to defeat Middleton 6-0. Wendy Huppatz was on fire in the circle scoring 3 goals with Georgia Kearney and Denise Gersbach also contributing to the total. Cubs had strong performances from Georgia Kearney, Wendy Huppatz and Denise Gersbach with Cindy Nutley and Amy Thornberry working very hard defensively for Middleton.

B Grade Men

Middleton and Magpies White played out a close 1-1 draw. David Sherritt scored for Middleton with youngster Will Tanswell scoring for Magpies. Will Searl had an outstanding game for Magpies and was well supported by Jayden Pusterla, Andrew Finn and Riley Swan. Blake McIntosh played well for Middleton.

Magpies Academy were too strong for Rovers Gorillas winning 5-0. Koby Johnstone, Jackson Hay and Aaron Wright all got their names on the score-card for Magpies. Aaron Wright was best on ground with Jackson Hay also stepping up for Magpies. Best for Rovers were Jack Westcott, Charlie Jones and Joe Kinsela.
Cellar Crows defeated Magpies Black 4-2 in a good game of hockey. Brenden Roffe, Steve Collins and Luke Hodges scored for Cellars with Harrison Byrnes and Luke Coleman scoring for Magpies. Luke Hodges and Will Harry were best for Cellars with Harrison Byrnes and Reed Cavallaro strong for Magpies.

B Grade Women

Middleton Pink were too strong for Magpies Black, winning 4-1. Goals were shared around with Tracey Bolam, Savannah Draper, Jordan Fagan and Kristie Murray all scoring. Young talent, Abigail Simpson, scored for Magpies.Savannah Draper, Amanda Draper and Sue McGrath had great games for Middleton with Matiese Byrnes and Tina Jones playing well for Magpies.
Rovers Gold edged out Star Budgies 3-2 in a close match.
M’Lissa Ross and Tash Tanks scored for Rovers with Carmen Amor and Brooke Kelly scoring for Budgies. M’Liss Ross was outstanding for Rovers and was well supported by Alyssa Miller and Monique Labuschagne. Carmen Amor was very strong for Budgies.
Middleton Eagles defeated Marist 1-0 in a tight match. Kourtney Coleman gave her side victory with a nice goal. Michelle Hanson, Clodagh O’Brien and Kathryn Moore were strong for Middleton with Renee Rice and Courtney Miles the best for Marist.
Magpies White played a good team game to defeat Middleton Maroon 3-2 in a close encounter. Sommer Tanswell, Janelle Thompson and Abigail Simpson scored for Magpies with Sheridan Kirk bagging two goals for Middleton. Abigail Simpson and Kelsie Thompson were best for Magpies with Tracie Sams and Megan Hornery best for Middleton.
Rovers Black were too strong for Cellar Crows Black winning 7-0. Carla Peden scored 4 goals and Ashleigh Ward scored 3 goals in a dominant performance. Best for Rovers were Cass Ward, Ash Ward, Georgia Huppatz and Georgia Kearney. Toni Speakman worked hard all match for Cellars.

Space News…27th May

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Spacecats were led onto Jock Colley Oval by Trevor Harper for round 4, which sees the first ever group XI grand finalists for ladies league tag go head to head. Parkes was sitting in first place on the leader board, Westside in third.

Parkes started the game and with great pressure got possession of the ball with Louise McAneney over for Parkes’ first. Westside kicked to resume play but Parkes brought it back to halfway with strong runs from Emma Bayley who got over for number 2, extras added from Claire Barber. After a set of six each the Spacecats third was awarded to Sami Afele while Westside were still scoreless. After the Rabbits set of six Emma Bayley dodged players, Codie Wakefield ran hard and Captain Hannah Kelly scored number 4.

The ladies fifth try had Demi-Joyce Winters name to it as did the sixth. Demi got the ball back from the dummy half and was over! An awesome intercept by Hannah Kelly saw her second, Parkes’ seventh, on the board. Westside were still scoreless and the Spacecats made sure it stayed that way working hard in defence.

Parkes’ eighth try and Hannah Kelly’s third went over after quick moves with ten and a half minutes left until full time. Nat Gardiner made some great ground and Ella-J Harris chased the ball into goal and tagged a Westside player. With only minutes left on the clock Parkes were still hungry for another. Fantastic final score of Spacecats 42- Westside Rabbits 0.

Parkes are at home this weekend against Narromine and it’d be great to see local support for our girls who have only had 10 points scored against them so far this season!

Books Are Good For Your Health

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Library will launch a new collection called ‘Books On Prescription’ on Friday. The idea is to provide books and a supporting website, that can be accessed for free, to address the most common mental health illnesses in the Central West region.

Books on Prescription (BoP) is the first bibliotherapy program to be offered in Australia. Shellie Buckle, Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education & Library Service, is thrilled to be able to bring this program to communities in the Parkes Shire.

She describes bibliotherapy using Liz Brewster’s explanation from her 2008 Public Library Journal article ‘Medicine for the Soul’: “Bibliotherapy can best be described as using books to help people understand and deal with mental and physical health problems.”

The BoP program is based on a national scheme originating in the United Kingdom. The scheme was developed following the recommendations in a government report with the aim of cutting waiting lists, reducing the amount of drugs prescribed, and offering an appropriate level of treatment for the majority of people who visit their GP with common mental health problems.

Peak mental health organisations and publishers helped create of a list of suggested titles. The University of Newcastle Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and volunteer clinicians, selected 17 titles to be the core of the collection. The website, www.booksonprescription.com.au, ensures current, timely access to mental health information.

“BoP is a service that will help community members use reading to understand and manage their health and wellbeing. Health professionals endorse the scheme and the books have been tried and tested by people with experience of living with mental health conditions. The service is free and confidential and builds on the library’s role as a safe, non-judgemental environment for sourcing information and support,” Shellie said.

The community is invited to join the Parkes Library team for the launch of Books on Prescription today at 10.30am.

What Makes Western Red Cedar Attractive for Your Timber Windows and Doors?

May 26, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Western Red Cedar is a popular and strong timber that is sought after due to its beauty and durability. It is a timber that remains stable under most weather conditions and is not prone to shrinking or swelling. This means it holds its shape and ensures longevity despite exposure to cold, heat, rain and other harsh environmental factors common in Australian weather.

As a low-density timber that offers very good thermal insulation, it helps with heating and cooling efficiency, reducing electricity costs and making a home more environmentally friendly and sustainable.Its versatility enables it to be used for both internal and external applications.

Western Red Cedar is visually beautiful with rich and inviting colours from deep, soft browns to soft caramels tinged with red.It has a fine texture and straight grain with growth rings often visible. The durable yet soft properties let the material take very well to being stained and polished.

Furthermore, Western Red Cedar’s natural preservatives provide resistance to fungus and insects. The wood is protected against termites, woodborers and fungus that can dramatically affect alternative timber options. Western Red Cedar is a stylish and practical material option with natural appeal, superior structural performance and elemental protection.

Would you like to know more about Western Red Cedar? Phone Glassplace on 6862 2345 or visit their showroom at 4 Clarke Street, Parkes to see their Western Red Cedar display and lots of other products to suit every style and type of home.

Main Street Turned Into Art Gallery

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Have you noticed a spaceman flying high above the new Coles car park since last Friday, or the girl reading a book on Dwyers Butchery’s wall in Clarinda Street?

The main street in Parkes has splashes of colour and a vibrant feel about it thanks to the Parkes Shire Council ‘s Public Art Program installed in the Central Business District (CBD).

Local artist Jac Clark was commissioned to provide the works following an expression of interest process. The first work, ‘Elvis’ was installed prior to the 2016 Elvis Festival and has been favourably received by locals and visitors.

“We have taken another step forward to bring the CBD to life,” said Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton at the launch of the program last Friday. “Our vision is to create a visible arts presence throughout the CBD and the town with a public art program that engages artists’ creative ideas to celebrate the values of Parkes – its history, primary culture and future aspirations – and define the Parkes CBD as a place where people want to be,” the Deputy Mayor added.

Jac said the concept behind the art works were that they could be changed and added onto to avoid them becoming stale. She thanked the Council for the opportunity to create the art works and said it was “such fun from the start to installation”.

The works installed reflect elements of Parkes’ character. They include an astronaut, a literacy themed work, a mural fronting Cooke Park and a community art wall featuring current and past ‘Waste 2 Art’ works. Take some time this weekend and stroll the streets to take in and enjoy the vibrant art our town has to offer.

Come Run With Parkes Olympian

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Entries are still open for the third Northparkes Rotary Fun Run this Sunday and your chance to race with an Australian Olympian runner.

Last week Scott Westcott, who grew up in Parkes, was selected for the men’s marathon team for his debut Olympics. “I am looking forward to the Fun Run on Sunday and will do the 5km and the 2km kids race. I want to give the kids a target and anyone can chase me down,” he said.

As for his Olympic dream, Scott said it was a long wait but a very special moment to hear he had made the team. His road to wearing the green and gold is a remarkable story of persistence. “My dream began when I was 16. I had run qualifying times for three Olympic Games back since Sydney 2000, and for some reason my attempts to retire from competitive running in 2013 were only half hearted. Something kept me going” he said.

Running the Berlin Marathon last year was his 40^th birthday present from his family. His time of 2:15.30 secured his spot on the 2016 Rio Olympic team. According to the Australian Olympic Committee website, Scott will become Australia’s oldest athletics competitor to make his Games debut when he takes the Rio starting line at the age of 40 years and 331 days.

Westcott said having hunger for the sport and wonderful coaches over the years is the secret to his selection at 40.

“Having hunger and desire are essential,” Westcott explained. “I believe I have kept my hunger burning for close to 20 years. I am proud beyond words to represent all the people who have helped me along the long road I have taken. Special mention to my late Dad, Lawrie Westcott, who passed away in late 2014.”

Scott feels he is on track for a top performance in Rio. “I am probably in the best head space of my career. I believe I can lower the Australian Masters record I set last year in Berlin. I will prepare as smartly as I can and run myself into a peak for August 21. Bring it on!”

The Rio marathons will start and finish at the famous Sambódromo, the legendary home of the Rio Carnival parade, with a loop course near the edge of Guanabara Bay. The men’s race will be held on the final morning of the Games, Sunday 21^st August.

This Sunday more than 300 competitors are expected for the Fun Run in Parkes.

The program for the day is as follows:

7:30am – Registrations open at Harrison Park

8:50am – Final call for all 5km and 10km competitors to go to the start

8:55am – Welcome by the Mayor

9:00am – Event start: 10km and Greater 5km

10:00am – Event start: 2km

10:30am – Presentations commence

There will be enough time between the Greater 5km and 10km races for participants to cheer on or run with their children in the 2km event. Runners are to assemble on the start line 10 minutes before the start time.

Aero Club Flying High

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes is reaping the rewards of the redevelopment of the Parkes Airport Terminal by marking the departure of the first flight on the 3^rd May. The new terminal has been designed for the future, with the ability to house security screening and a two gate access system. There is also a stylish space available for passenger comfort. Other work underway includes a new entry way, new runway lighting and increased parking.

As the renovations on the terminal began the Parkes Aero Club stepped back to allow their clubhouse to be upgraded. After 10 months of building the club are now beginning to move back into the building and enjoyed a catch up over the weekend with the first east coast get together of the Pilot’s Lounge official group. “The Pilot’s Lounge are an easy going group of people who have a passion for flying” said Brett Preisig, Secretary of Aero Club; “Members have flown in from as far as Swan Reach in SA to enjoy a catch up.”

Around 10 individually owned ultralight aircraft arrived on the runway where the pilots then enjoyed a sausage sandwich and a homemade cake. “We’ll have a look at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s aviation museum and we’re heading out to the telescope later. It’s all very relaxed!” said Brett. “People think of ultralights as being quite flimsy with fabric wings but a lot are heavy and sturdy. They’re easy to fly and lessons are affordable.” Members of the club include Eston White, who has been flying since 1954 and Canowindra local, Stuart McSephney.

“It’s magic, there’s few things in life that can be so rewarding. What a pilot sees in one day few people see in a lifetime” said Brian, who had flown in from Maitland, Newcastle with friend Kevin. If you’d like to get involved in the club, check out their website parkesaero.com.au

Golf News

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Men’s Golf News

Last Saturday the Greg Brown sponsored 18 Holes 4Ball vs Par was contested by a field of men. In an event that requires playing partners to work together to help one another, we saw Richard Hamilton and David Whitfield record a narrow 1 point victory in the major event as they finished on plus 11.

Hamilton and Whitfield will head a three pronged local attack in an effort to gain a birth in the Golf NSW 4Ball v’s Par Handicap Championship at the Regional qualifiers that will be held at Grenfell on August 7^th. They will be joined by Peter Boschman and Tony Evans and the John Green and Denis Howard pairings as they finished in the top three placings.

The individual event played in conjunction with Saturdays saw victory go to Lindsay Elliott who recorded a great plus 5 score. This Saturday both the men and the ladies will attempt to gain a birth in the final of the Handiskins when they contest the annual Parkes Cellars sponsored 18 Hole 4Ball Aggregate Stableford competition.

The final of the Handiskins sees the leading four players with the highest total scores in three of the scheduled five qualifying rounds of the Handiskins go head to head over 18 holes of ‘skins’ golf for a total of $1200 in vouchers.

In conjunction with Saturday’s event players also get a chance to win a $50 voucher from Sportsbet by landing their tee shot on the 138metre Par 3, 4^th Hole.

When contesting the Handiskins event players pay a $39 registration fee of which $4 is donated to the Jarrod Lyle backed ‘Leuk the Duck supporting Kids with Cancer Foundation’.

Also on Saturday the male members play the 1st Qualifying round of the Pybar Handicap Challenge while all members get the chance to have their name added to the Ian Pinniger Memorial Trophy by winning the major event of the day the 4Ball Aggregate Stableford event.

Ladies Golf News

In excess of 170 ladies contested the annual Western Districts Ladies Golf Associations Championships played at Parkes last week in varying weather conditions that included rain, wind and bitterly cold conditions which made scoring extremely difficult.

Orange golfer Susan Fenwick from the strong Duntryleague club claimed the major event with a 17 over par score of 163 for the 36 hole event.

Parkes players who performed creditably were Cherrie Phillips in A Grade who claimed the runner up position in that grades 36 Hole Handicap Division, Leone Stevenson made it back to back wins at the titles when she claimed the C Division Scratch and Handicap sections while Kasey Faye-Rice playing in the first of what will be many WD Championship events walked away with the Division D Scratch and Handicap Championships when she finished the 36 hole event on 204 for a 138 net which was some 8 shots under handicap for the talented 13 year old.

On the Ladies local scene Amy McCabe took out Saturday’s 18 Hole Stableford competition with a great 39 points by a massive 4 shots.

Rare Car Club Donated To Club

May 19, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Antique Motor Club (PAMC) has recently been donated a very rare 1909 NAG (National Automobile Germany) Veteran Car. The 1909 NAG was previously from the Ploughman’s Estate, having been owned previously by Jack Robens from Parkes. Jack was a mechanic at Webb’s Garage in town back in the 1940s. The Robens family have kindly donated the vehicle to the PAMC to be put on display at the Parkes Motor Museum at the Henry Parkes Centre once it is restored.

The NAG was one of five existing in Australia, with one being destroyed in a fire, two residing in Lake Macquarie and the other in Victoria all having been fully restored.

The restoration will commence within the next month with members of the car club working to restore it to its original condition. The club are currently trying to source some parts for the vehicle which include front brass windscreens, brass tail lights and other veteran parts.

Maggi Barnard

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