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 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Totally Workwear (TWW) employees Zara Marshall, Gra-cie Jones, Shann Kriedemann and Laura O’Shannessy with some of the prizes to be won in our Tradie of the Month competition.

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

Wagga Wagga Medical School: The $21 million Wagga Wagga Medical School has been given the green light to start works with development approval granted. “The very first thing I did when I became Deputy Prime Minister was to establish the Murray Darling Medical Schools Network, which comprises of schools in Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga in NSW and Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton in Victoria,” said Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

CSIRO To End Plastic Waste: CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will tackle Australia’s plastic pollution challenges, pledging to help Australia reduce its plastic waste by 80% over this decade. Australians consume one million tonnes of single use plastic each year – with just 12% recycled. Three-quarters of the plastic found along Australia’s coastline is single-use plastics. CSIRO’s Chief Executive Larry Marshall said the challenge was far bigger than any one institution and needed a Team Australia approach. “By turning plastic waste into a renewable resource, the Mission will deliver collaborative scientific and manufacturing capabilities to drive new technologies across the entire plastics supply chain and grow Australia’s circular economy.”

Free Online Holiday Fun: Code Camp is offering two free build-your-own games this school holiday for kids living outside of major cities. In the free online tutorial kids can choose to make the game Super Slimer, guiding a friendly slime blob collecting coins and avoiding baddies, and Firewall, where a heroic wizard or witch wards off evil spirits. To access the free online lessons visit www.codecampworld.com

New Employment Program In Parkes: Not-for-profit employment, training, education and apprenticeship service provider VERTO has been selected to deliver Workforce Australia services in Parkes and the Central West for the next six years from 1st July. Workforce Australia is the Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s new employment model, that will replace the jobactive program, and will deliver simple and efficient solutions to assist local job seekers and employers. Workforce Australia will enable local job seekers to self-manage through new, interactive digital services, while those with greater needs will be supported by experienced VERTO consultants. For more information visit www.dese.gov.au/workforce-australia.

VERTO Workforce Development Consultants (L-R) Lau-ren Rozyn, Mikayla McVicar, Stacie Caslick and Claudia Limon.

Five Foods For Healthy Eyes

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

ALMONDS

A rich source of vitamin E, zinc, fibre, iron, magnesium and potassium, almonds are amazing for overall health and well-being in the whole body. Research has shown this super nut can actually slow down the progression of macular degeneration.

CITRUS FRUITS AND BERRIES

The ultimate sources of vitamin C, citrus and berries, especially blueberries, are considered the healthiest food for your eyes. These also contain high quantities of vitamin A, C, E, and zinc, which have been shown to reduce risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

LEAFY GREENS

Leafy greens such as cooked spinach and kale, broccoli, collards and turnip greens contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants have shown to lower risk of development of macular degeneration and cataracts, whilst also reducing glare discomfort, enhancing contrast, and increasing visual range.

FATTY FISH

Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, anchovies and trout are rich in DHA, which is an acid found in the retina. Fatty acids may also help protect eyes from macular degeneration and dry eye. These essential fatty acids help drain fluid from the eye thus decreasing the risk of high pressure and glaucoma.

EGGS

Eggs, as we all know are packed full of protein, but did you know that they also provide us with lutein, vitamin E and omega 3. Egg yolks also contain zeaxanthin which is believed to help protect eyes against UV radiation from the sun. These benefits help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and fight macular degeneration.

For more information contact Eyecare Plus Parkes 6863 5577.

Parkes Picnic Races Spectacular

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://parkespicnicraces.com.au/

Save the date for the biggest weekend of the year in Parkes on Saturday, 11th June for the Parkes Picnic Races.

The annual meeting of the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Amateur Race Club Inc on the long weekend in June has become a social highlight for locals and visitors.

Expectations are extremely high that this year’s event could be the biggest on record according to club secretary Mark Olson. “The shackles are off and the saddle is on and we are off and running for what will be a great day for picnic racing and as usual a fantastic community get together opportunity.”

President Tim Keith had a spring in his step announcing the major sponsor for 2022 will be Parkes Services Club. “What a wonderful long-term partnership we have,” he said.

The committee is putting a shout out to any locals who would like to volunteer their time on race day with help in all manner of jobs. For those interested in helping out, call into the Memphis Motor Inn or call Mark O’Neill on 0427 647 170 for further information.

Fashions on the field is going to be a smash again this year with effervescent judges Dixy Coulton and Elizabeth Pakchung given the unenviable job of judging the four categories of Best Dressed Couple, Elegant Lady, Stylish Man and Millinery.

Spots are limited for sponsored tents with all the usual suspects lining up again.

A live band will be on course for an afternoon of fabulous music with Foxxy Cleopatra.

There will be five races on during the afternoon with good prize money attracting capacity fields.

Hoofnote, the club is searching far and wide for an extra special celebrity guest so watch this space and above all else we will see you all on 11th June at the Parkes Picnic Races.

By Mark O’Neill

What do you think of the set-up in Cooke Park for Overture tonight?

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Wilbur Harris with Sarah Harris: It’s great! We’ve mainly come to see our daughter in the choir. We hope this will draw more acts like this to Parkes in future.

Chloe MacRae and Kristy Lamond: It is just great. So good for people to see something professional and to have the children be part of it. The atmosphere is very relaxed and it’s all looking really nice.

Ellie O’Donoghue with Jim: It is an awesome setup and a great asset for Parkes. We can’t wait to see what other shows will be on in Parkes. Having our daughter in the choir tonight is a bonus.

Great Day Of Bowls At Shield Challenge

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Bowling and Sports club won the Majors Gold Frank Gersbach Cup. Pictured (L-R) are Martin Tighe, Frank Gersbach, Paul Lewin and Brett Frame. Railway Diggers won the minors Silver Cup with Frank Gersbach presenting Ben McNaughton with the cup.

A total of 56 local bowlers took part in the first round of the Geoff and Bob Freeman Shield Challenge last Saturday in what is hopefully to become an annual event between the two Parkes clubs.

The clubs were competing for the Frank Gersbach Cups, the Gold Cup for Major Teams and the Silver Cup for Minor Teams. The overall winners, after the return round to be played later in the year, will take home the shield.

It was a great day for bowls and the standard was very high resulting in some close scoring.

The results were (Railway Teams mentioned first) – Gold Cup game: Team Dave “Major” Johnson 12 – Team Mick Went 29; Team Paul Kirwan 11 – Team Brett “Baldy” Frame 28; Team L. Ramsay 15 – Team Dave Reilly 17. Parkes Bowling and Sports Club won the Gold Cup with an aggregate score of 74 – 38.

The Silver Cup results: Team Greg Howlett 24 – Team Martin Tighe 22; Team Pat Cooney 18 – Team Col Hayward 26; Team Ben McNaughton 25 – Team Brian Hampton 9; Team Wally Grant 17 – Team Col Mudie 21. Parkes Railway/Diggers Club took home the trophy with an aggregate score of 84 – 78.

The Parkes Bowling Club won the day with an aggregate score of 152 – 122.

Frank Gersbach was at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club to present the trophies. Congratulations to all the players and the people behind the scenes who made it a great day for bowling.

The scene is set for the return match at the Railway Club later in the year, probably in September, when the winner of the Shield will be decided by the aggregate scores over both days.

By George Bradley

Harmony Is Poetry

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Rosemary Prior of the Henry Parkes Museum with Tilly the dog, UB UBBO Exchange Director Sean James Cassidy, and President of the Parkes & District Historical Society Bruce Hall.

The international art group, Ub Ubbo Exchange, marked Harmony Day and Poetry Day on Monday, 21st March with the release of a new song, Journey to Gulbalanha.

This song, celebrating peace and harmony, is connected to the Rotary Peace Precinct at the foot of Memorial Hill. The song and film clip is a musical and visual representation of the values inscribed on the story branches, the five carved tree trunks; Acknowledge the Past; Strong Families, Strong Community; Respect and Value Diversity; Yindyamarra, Winhanganha meaning to respect knowledge.

The premiere was held at the Henry Parkes Museum which has a strong relationship with Ub Ubbo Exchange having hosted several other premieres and featured The Art of Resilience videos.

By Kerrie Peden

Support For Three Local University Students

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

At the scholarship ceremony were (L – R) Deputy Mayor Cr Neil Westcott, Kerryn Jones, Wayne and Ange Osborne, Shonel Redfern, Geoff and Mandy Finn, Cr Bill Jayet and Cr Jacob Cass.

Three Parkes students are the recipients of this year’s Jack Scoble scholarship, which provides financial support for local high school graduates undertaking their first year of full-time university study.

James Finn and Maisy Osbourne who graduated at Red Bend Catholic College, and Zac Redfern from Parkes High School were selected from 12 applicants.

Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott congratulated the three recipients, saying: “Our three scholars all exhibit a strong sense of community involvement, civic pride, leadership and personal integrity, all of which were attributes held in high regard by the late Jack Scoble, who was a strong champion for supporting young people and giving them opportunities to grow and better themselves.”

The three students, who have already started their studies, were represented by their families at the ceremony held at Parkes Shire Council recently.

James has been accepted into the University of Newcastle, where he is studying a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

Maisy was inspired by her parents to undertake a Bachelor of Business at the University of Newcastle.

Zac has a passion for allied health and has been accepted into Charles Sturt University to study a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science. He is proud to be the first person in his family to go to university and hopes to become a dentist or orthodontist.

Stars Align For A Splendid Night

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The stars aligned on Saturday night in heaven and on the Cooke Park Pavilion stage for a magnificent show attended by people from all over the Central West and further afield.

The stellar performance of Josh Piterman and Lucy Durack, Australia’s brightest stars in musical theatre, shone through and inspired the talented cast of Central West performers, musicians and choristers who not only impressed the audience but left them with a feeling of pride.

Overture delivered everything it promised and so much more leaving the 900 patrons with only words of praise and hope that this was the beginning of an era of great shows in Parkes.

“It truly was next level amazing,” said one, while another described it as “an incredible night”. Parkes local Jenny Short said: “Absolutely wonderful display of local talent – so proud of them all. So proud of Parkes!”

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said it was a great night to christen the new Cooke Park Pavilion. “It never ceases to amaze me the talent produced across the Central West.”

Deputy Mayor and member of the organising committee Neil Westcott said: “What an amazing event. Truly a one off and memories forever.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith thanked everyone who made it such a memorable event, including the Council’s amazing and dedicated staff.

The community’s warm welcome and kindness were mentioned by Lucy and Josh on stage. They were both very excited to be part of the production.

Be Seen @ Overture

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Soloist Aimee Ross (13) from Parkes on stage with Lucy Durack singing ‘I know it’s today’ from Shrek. Holly Hare from Bathurst also sang with them.

Lucy Durack with 12-year-old soloist Lexi Herden from Forbes. In her first ever performance before such a big audience Lexi sang “When I Gro Up’ from the musical Matilda.

Jessica Westcott, who grew up in Parkes, was the crea-tive director and performed the aria from Puccini “O mio Babbino Caro”.

The new Cooke Park Pavilion looked beautiful all lit up and filled with 170 performers!

Wooden Artefacts On Exhibit

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Working on the new display of Aboriginal wooden artefacts were (L-R) Ronda Sharpe, Ethan Hartley, Geoff Anderson and Irene Ridgeway.

The Henry Parkes Museum has enlisted the help of members of the Aboriginal community in Parkes to display a collection of wooden artefacts.

The collection includes spears, boomerangs for hunting and fighting, a didgeridoo and two shields. All the items are from the Parkes area and have been in the museum’s archive according to President of the Parkes & District Historical Society Bruce Hall. Artist Irene Ridgeway and Ethan Hartley painted the mounting board, and Ronda Sharpe and Geoff Anderson helped them with the mounting of the items on the board.

The new exhibit is on display in the Aboriginal section of the museum.

Maggi Barnard

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