Maggi Barnard

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

Snippets…

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club was well represented at the Australian National Dragon Boat Championships in Adelaide last week with 13 of its members (seven are from Parkes) selected in the NSW Western Region team. The team won a silver medal in the 500m open race.

Club Forbes Movies: It’s holiday time and there are fantastic movies to see at the Club Forbes Cinema.

Country Mayors Association: Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith has been re-elected as chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA). Councillor Jamie Chaffey (Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council) was elected deputy chair. Kent Boyd PSM, General Manager Parkes Shire Council, was elected secretary/public officer. Priority areas for the CMA include working with the State Government to close the gap between health services in the regions and metropolitan areas, ensuring towns have sustainable water supplies and to ensure the financial sustainability of local government.

Bush Photography: Rural Aid’s hugely popular Spirit of the Bush photography competition has returned with more than 250 entries already received in the first week of the competition. A set of 12 photographs will be picked for Rural Aid’s 2023 calendar. Entries can be made here: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush or by tagging #SOTB2022 in your Instagram or Facebook posts. The closing date is 30th May.

Tradie Of the Month: Remember to nominate your favourite tradie (male or female) before Tuesday, 26th April in our new competition. Simply send your favourite tradie’s name and workplace to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au or drop your nomination at TWW.

Five Days Of Double Demerits: Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from today, 14th April until Monday, 18th April (inclusive) for the Easter break. Double demerit points will apply for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Police will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the four D’s – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said with COVID restrictions all but gone and state borders re-opened Police were expecting people to take full advantage of being able to holiday across NSW and interstate this year. “We want everyone to arrive at their destination, to enjoy Easter with loved ones, and return home safely. That’s why all available Highway Patrol Officers will be working. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix drinking with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts,” Sergeant Ling said.

Congratulations to Parkes squash champion Henry Kross on an amazing 2nd place at the Australian Junior Squash Open in Bendigo this week.

Be Seen @ Youth Week

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

There are some amazing Youth Week activities on offer in Parkes and the learn to skate workshop on Sunday was a great way to start the school holidays. (Photo: R Gallacher)

Children from Parkes Early Childhood Centre join in with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star at the Blue-scope Orchestra performance.

The Bluescope Youth Orchestra from the Wollongong Conservatorium gave a special performance to the little ones on Monday morning at the Cooke Park Pavilion, and another free show on Monday night.

Star Of Parkes Shire Awarded To Prof Gary McPherson

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

SHINING BRIGHT… Professor Gary McPherson (left) is the second person to receive the symbolic honour of a Star of Parkes Shire. Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith and Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott are with him on stage at the Cooke Park Pavilion.

The second Star of Parkes Shire was awarded to music educator, academic and musician Professor Gary McPherson at the inaugural Overture event at Cooke Park Pavilion earlier this month.

“We are proud of you and the wonderful role model that you have been for Parkes Shire and for the musical community,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith. “Your achievement will continue to inspire future generations to achieve their best in their chosen fields.”

The star in the Orion Belt, that can be seen in the night sky in the southern hemisphere, was presented to Gary under the night sky during the interval of Overture in front of more than 900 people who came to enjoy a celebration of music.

“The Parkes Shire Council is proud to present you with the second Star of Parkes Shire, which is a symbolic honour, inspired by the tradition of presenting the Key to the City,” said the Mayor.

“The Stars are reflective of the Parkes Shire – our starry skies, the iconic CSIRO radio telescope, and our shining future.

“Together with my fellow Councillors, I congratulate you and recognise your outstanding achievement in your chosen field, as a music educator, academic and musician, who has researched and published numerous books on musical development, performance science and psychology. The Star recognises your dedication, ability, and desire to succeed and the sacrifices you have made to reach the pinnacle of your career.”

Gary thanked the Mayor for the honour and recalled how his musical journey started playing soprano cornet as a boy in the Parkes town band.

By age 16 he had won over 50 regional, state and Australian titles, and changed to playing trumpet the last two years of high school.

He graduated in 1977 at the NSW Conservatorium of Music, obtained a Licentiate and Fellowship in trumpet from Trinity College, London (1975-1976), and in 1982 graduated with a Master of Music Education at Indiana University. He completed his PhD in music at the University of Sydney (1993).

His research has provided and increased understanding of how individuals develop wide ranging musical skills. Researching biological, cognitive and social processes and the personal, environmental and developmental factors that affect musical development, ability, identity and well-being.

Team Went Major Four Champs

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

President Col Miller (left) presented the winners (L-R) Mark Dwyer, Mick Went, Pete McPhee and Eddie McPhee with their prizes as the Major Fours Champions for 2022.

The final of the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club’s 2022 Major Fours was played on Sunday with Mick Went, Mark Dwyer, Eddie McPhee and Pete McPhee playing Brian Townsend, Jo Simpson, Mick Simpson and Ton Furey.

The early ends were evenly divided but Team Went eventually took control of the match and after 16 ends had a commanding lead, 21 – 8. Over the next four ends Team Townsend won three ends scoring four, three and six to Team Townsend’s two and with one end to play the lead had been cut to two shots and the score was 23 – 21. However, Team Townsend could not sustain their run and after a tense last end Team Went scored three shots to win the match 26 – 21.

Congratulations to all the players but in particular to Mick, Mark, Eddie and Pete, the Major Fours Champions for 2022.

In a Major Triples match Rob Tinker, Col Miller and Graham Dixon won the first end but from then on it was the only time they held the lead. The team of Col Hayward, Col Mudie and Rob Irving advanced to the next round with a 23 – 10 win.

Due to the rather wet weather no social bowls were played on Thursday or Saturday last week.

A pairs event will be played on Easter Monday, 18th April at 1 pm. A charity event in support of prostate cancer will be played on Sunday, 1st May. The mixed bows day is open to all bowlers, entry is $15 per player. Play will start at 11 am, and there will be a raffle and prizes. You can nominate a team (single entries will be accepted too) at the club or to colrm53@yahoo.com.au

By George Bradley

Peak Hill’s Molly Wins At Royal Easter Show

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Molly Wright was named the winner of The Land Sydney Royal Ag Shows Young Woman of 2022 from 15 state finalists.

The town of Peak Heal has been celebrating all week after their very own Molly Wright was named the winner of The Land Sydney Royal Ag Shows Young Woman of 2022 at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney on Sunday.

Molly said she felt honoured and humbled to be chosen from a group of very deserving women.

“I’d love to represent all those women and what they stand for, what they’re trying to promote, and I will be their voice as they go back to their communities,” she said.

“We are very proud of her,” said Molly’s mum Tanya Wright. “It is so deserving as she has worked so hard.”

Molly studied agribusiness with an RAS scholarship and is the livestock manager of her parents’ 20,000 acre farm Bundy Downs at Peak Hill.

Molly has been very busy all week at the Royal Easter Show handing out prizes to winners of all the various competitions, and doing lots of media interviews.

Molly is the first winner of the iconic showgirl competition to be named Young Woman of the Year after it was renamed after 60 years.

Parkes Student One Of 16 ANZAC Writing Competition Winners

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP signs certificates and book prizes for the 700 plus participants and 16 winners of the annual ANZAC writing competition.

A Parkes student is among the winners of the annual ANZAC writing competition run by Member for Riverina Michael McCormack. Kasey Morgan (12) of Parkes East Public School was picked from the more than 700 entries received for the 12th competition. Kasey won a book prize in the primary schools highly commended category.

“The entries showcased creative writing prowess as well as honing researching skills as they interpreted the ‘Keeping the ANZAC spirit alive in the Riverina and Central West’ theme,” said Michael.

Every student who submitted an entry will receive a participation certificate, while each of the 16 winning and highly commended entries will be published in a 52-page booklet.

Our Young Bloke – Khan Jackson

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Khan Jackson – Vice-captain Holy Family Primary School

How old are you? 12 years.

Were you named after anyone? No, I don’t think so.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Popper, packet of chips, fruit.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Police officer.

If you could invent something, what would it be? Device that gets me to the skate park instantly.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I’d probably renovate our house and give the rest to my family.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I jumped off a high bridge into the water.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Albert Einstein.

What makes you feel like dancing? Not much.

If you found a genie, what would you wish for? Money for scooter parts.

Grants For Parkes And Trundle

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The fence at Berryman Oval in Trundle will be replaced as part of a big upgrade project.

Two Parkes Shire community organisations will be able to carry out important upgrading work following the approval of grants under the popular Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

The Trundle Sports Council has received a $20,000 SCP grant, while Neighbourhood Central in Parkes has been approved for a $3,000 grant.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Trundle Sports Council would put its grant towards upgrading Berryman Park, which included replacing fencing. Neighbourhood Central is going to use its grant to install a shade sail over its courtyard.

Trundle Sports Council spokesman Andrew Rawsthorne welcomed the SCP grant. “Berryman Park is a hub for the whole community and is really loved,” he said. “Everyone takes a great deal of pride in it.

“The community has worked tirelessly for the past 10 years to upgrade its facilities and we are just about to kick start one of the largest upgrades in the park’s history. “This funding to start the replacement of the park’s perimeter fence is a huge help and will make the park safer, particularly at night-time, and far better for the many young families who use the park every day, as well as more easily accessible and more event ready.

“We are extremely grateful for the funding.” Neighbourhood Central executive officer Dianne Scott said the shade sail would make a big difference to the courtyard. “Staff, volunteers and clients will be able to use the courtyard safely, because there is no shade there now,” she said.

Michael said $149,500 had been approved for 11 projects in the Riverina and Central West through Round 7 of SCP, a program for not-for-profit organisations which funds small capital projects that deliver important social benefits in each of the 151 Federal electorates across the country.

Thousands Of Fingerlings Find New Home In Lake Endeavour

April 14, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Left: Helping with the release of the fingerlings on Monday were (L-R) Councillors Daniel Webber, Marg Applebee, Alistair Pearce from Uarah Fisheries, Mayor Ken Keith and Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coor-dinator, Michael Chambers. Right: It will take two years before the fingerlings are a catchable size.

Thousands of fingerlings were released into Lake Endeavour on Monday to benefit not only the health of the dam but also enhance fishing opportunities.

The Native Fish Stocking initiative by the Department Primary Industries Fisheries enabled Parkes Shire Council to release Murray Cod and Golden Perch in an effort to increase the health and biodiversity of the dam, as well as enhance recreational freshwater fishing opportunities for locals and visitors.

The program also assists in the development of regional aquaculture industries, as well as increases awareness and understanding of responsible stocking.

“While Murray Cod were once wide-spread throughout the Murray Darling system, they unfortunately are now listed as a threatened species – so these restocking efforts are extremely important for restoring and increasing the local populations,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers.

“With the last fish release at Lake Endeavour in 2020, Council have been working with DPI for the past two years to secure fish for this recent release. It will take a further two years before these fish are a catchable size.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith said: “As an integral part of our Shire’s water-ways, it’s important that we foster a sustainable and productive environment at Lake Endeavour, as well as ensure the precinct is there for residents and visitors to participate in passive recreation for years to come.”

Access permits for Lake Endeavour are available from Council for passive recreational activities such as bushwalking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking. Anglers wishing to fish at Lake Endeavour must apply for a recreational fishing licence through the Service NSW website and pay the associated fee.

Novelty Dress-Up Theme For Northparkes Oval Parkrun

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Dressing up at parkrun is quite a common occurrence to celebrate anniversaries or milestones, but Parkes will definitely be the first to organise an Elvis dress-up event on Saturday, 23rd April.

As the Northparkes Oval parkrun celebrated its first birthday only last month, this year will be the first time there will be a parkrun during the Parkes Elvis Festival.

While the whole town will be filled with people dressed in Elvis jumpsuits and Speedway-themes costumes, there is no way parkrun participants should miss out on such a golden opportunity to do an Elvis parkrun!

“The volunteers will join in too, and there will be Elvis music to cheer everyone on,” said parkrun organiser Ronel van Wyk.

With so many visitors to town during the Elvis Festival, the parkrun organisers are eager to get a good turnout for the weekly 5km event to add a new adventure to the program of events.

Elvis might not have done running as a sport, but he would probably have been proud of this effort as he was a big sports participant and fan. When he wasn’t on stage, in a studio or on the big screen, there’s a good chance you could find Elvis Presley playing football, or watching his favourite teams compete on TV. He played football on the grounds at Graceland.

So come along on Saturday, 23rd April and be part of this historic first Elvis parkrun. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world on a Saturday morning at 8am. It usually takes place in parks and open spaces over 5km. The event is open to everyone whether you are running, jogging, walking, volunteering or spectating. It is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last.

Maggi Barnard

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