Maggi Barnard

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

Our Young Gal – Piper White

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Piper White – Vice-captain Holy Family Primary School

How old are you? 11 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? Packet of chips, fruit and brownie.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? To play for the NRLW (women’s rugby league).

If you could invent something, what would it be? Something to clean your room for you.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Go on holidays, and give some away to people who live in other countries that need it.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Going on a Dreamworld rollercoaster in the front seat with my friend.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? My grandmother, as I didn’t get to know her.

What makes you feel like dancing? Good music, friends and a pool.

If you found a genie, what would you wish for? Infinite wishes.

Basil, Sybil And Manuel Are Coming To Town!

April 8, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Expect nothing short of guaranteed fun and a brilliant night out as you climb inside the BBC’s iconic Faulty Towers TV show and experience it from the inside out…

Yes, you can be part of the action right here in Parkes as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter. With over 70% of each performance improvised, it is completely immersive and a highly interactive comedy spectacular where anything can happen… and usually does!

It took Allison Hattenfels, Manager of Bushman’s Motor Inn, four years to get this top attraction of London’s theatre scene to come to Parkes. The good news is the show will run for two nights on Wednesday, 27th and Thursday, 28th April.

“It is a very different and fun experience,” said Allison, who decided she wanted it to come to Parkes after she had seen in Young.

“Not only will it be a good night to catch up with friends and have a good laugh, but it will also help to keep the feel-good mood that the Elvis Festival bring to town last longer as it is three days after the end of the festival,” said Allison.

She says we all need humour in our lives after COVID, and the world’s most sought-after tribute to the iconic Faulty Towers is sure to deliver barrel loads of laughs in an irresistible blend of top-flight improvisation and tight theatrical script.

“The actors are extremely quick witted and react instantly to any quips made by audience members,” said Allison.

Be prepared to be pranked and expect the unexpected as chaos reigns right from the start with Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Book a table with friends by calling 6862 2199 or go to www.bushmansmotorinn.com.au

Littlewood Wins Memorial Trophy

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The memorial trophy day for Terry Sheridan and Charlie Allen held on Saturday had 89 players contest the sought-after trophy in a Stableford format at the Parkes Golf Club.

The winner was Matthew Littlewood with a tidy score of 42 points. He achieved this off his daily handicap of 21 but will be 2 shots lighter on his next outing. Craig Matthews, who recently joined the club, was next in with a 40-point haul, but had to win that on a countback from Aaron Huppatz.

Four players had 39 points: Aaron Drabsch, Mark Kelly, Jake Hodge and Josh Cheney. Anthony Scott from Canowindra had 43 points and won a ProKonnect voucher.

In the women’s event the winner was Lynn Dvison with a 32 point haul and defeated Sue Holman on 30 points.

The Nearest the Pins this week were – Idlerite Tyrepower 1st by Phil Bishop at 323cm, the Griffins Leading Edge 4th by Josh Cheney at 178cm, the Dirt Doctor Landscaping 6th Aaron Huppatz at 68cm, the Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Peter Bristol at 176cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Joe Davies at 100cm, the Westlime 15th by Denis Howard at 5cm and the Central West Glass 18th Peter Boschman at 185cm. The lucrative 6th hole was won by Aaron Huppatz at 68cm this week.

Ball winners: Aaron Huppatz 40, Mark Kelly, Jake Hodge, Aaron Drabsch, Josh Cheney 39, Warren Blatch, Garry Paddison 38, Nym Dziuba, Paul Thomas, Jarrod Kemp, Tom Delmenico, John Green 37.

By Peter Brist

What’s on @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre?

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

YOUTH WEEK ACTIVITIES FROM 4-14 APRIL

All Youth Week events are free of charge for young people aged 12 to 24. For more information contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

DIY Fun in the Marramarra Makerspace Studio on Mondays 3-7pm and Wednesdays 3-5:30pm

Pizza & Movie Night @ the Cooke Park Pavilion on Tuesday, 5th April from 5pm. See FREE GUY and enjoy pizza and popcorn. Free return bus travel from Tullamore, Trundle, Bogan Gate, Peak Hill and Alectown.

Cult Movie Night at Parkes Library Wednesday, 6th April from 6pm (details below).

Totem Skating Collective @ Parkes Skatepark on Sunday, 10th April from 10am-1pm. Learn to skate workshops for beginner and intermediate levels. Eventbrite bookings at Totem Skating Workshop bookings. Free return bus travel from Tullamore, Trundle, Bogan Gate, Peak Hill and Alectown.

BlueScope Youth Orchestra performances on Monday, 11th April @ Cooke Park Pavilion. A Meet the Band session for young people aged 12 – 24 years from 4-5pm, followed by BlueScope Goes to the Movies community concert for all ages from 6pm.

Youth Library Lock-in Games Night @ Parkes Library on Tuesday, 12th April from 5:30-8pm with board games, table-top games, video games and outdoor games with free pizza.

CULT MOVIE NIGHT

Wednesday, 6th April we will introduce a monthly Cult Movie Night showing a 2021 release based on a classic SCI-FI novel with spectacular cinematography of a distant world with an all-star cast. M-Rated.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

In the Coventry Room from 20th April to 5th May will be a Wiradjuri Ngurambang Showcase celebrating the work of local First Nations artists, as well as the Elvis Festival photography competition and exhibition.

Budget Highlights

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Federal budget delivered on Tuesday night had many measures for the Riverina and Central West in health, defence, infrastructure, social services and easing costof-living pressures, according to Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack.

Cost Of Fuel: Events abroad are pushing up cost-of-living pressures, and the government is cutting fuel excise in half. Australians will save 22 cents a litre for the next six months. This could mean a saving of $30 a week for a family with two cars, or $700 over the next six months.

Extending Tax Relief: Around 61,700 taxpayers in Riverina will benefit from tax relief of up to $1,500 this year, made up of the $1,080 low and middle income tax offset and a $420 cost of living tax offset.

Cost Of Living: Government is also providing a one-off cost of living payment of $250 for Australians most in need. In Riverina, these payments will be delivered to: 20,326 pensioners; 6,607 disability support recipients; 2,258 carers; 8,233 jobseekers; and 14,180 eligible self-funded retirees.

Health: Charles Sturt University will receive $14.8 million through its Rural Clinical School to establish training sites and accommodation at Cootamundra and Parkes.

A ‘Feast’ Of Bowls

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

BEAUTIFUL BOWLS… It was the final night for Twilight bowls last week as we are changing the time this weekend and darkness will be upon us much earlier in the day.

Not much of an Easter bonnet parade, but on Tuesday 27 keen ladies donned their blue hats to play the game they love. Rink 3: Sue Maddison/Laurie Keane/Jan McPhee piled up a feast of “eggs” allowing Chris Cox/Helen Heraghty/Joan Simpson a mere glimpse of the spoils! Rink 2: Beth Thomas/Marja Iffland/Rose Mitchell were left feeling hollow as Lynn Ryan/Carol Reed/Maureen Baillie finished off the game in bounds! Rink 4: Kim Evans/Kay Craft/Lea Orr were left feeling hot, but not cross, after going down to Eileen Bradley/Isabel Svensden/Lorraine Baker/Rhona Went. Rink 5: Brenda’s gold foil-lined bowls performed their magic with a win over Elaine Miller/Gwenda Carty/Sue Hogan. Rink 6: a game of Scroungers rewarded Frances Charlton who was too good for Maureen Miller/ Chris Flood/Betsy Johnstone.

By Lea Orr

Large Aircraft Take To Sky Over Parkes

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

An AP3_C Orion, an ex RAAF maritime patrol aircraft. It will be in the flyover on Saturday afternoon, and another one will be on display on the ground at the Parkes Airport.

If you hear a roar in the sky in Parkes tomorrow afternoon, you should look up!

This weekend will see much aviation activity at the Parkes Regional Airport, and at 2pm on Saturday, 2nd April the sky will fill with the large ex-military aircraft of the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum.

Some big radial engines will provide the excitement, including the AP3-C Orion, the long-range maritime patrol aircraft that came out of service in 2018, and an ex RAAF DC3. There will also be an ex RAAF Caribou, a workhorse of the Vietnam War.

There will also be up to 100 recreational aircraft and their crews flying in and camping at the Parkes airport to celebrate their passion and hobby with like-minded people. If you have ever thought about learning to fly and are looking for a relatively inexpensive way to do it come out and look at what recreational aviation is all about!

The aircraft at the museum will be open for you to visit with some open cockpits that children of all ages can sit in and enjoy. You can explore the AP3-C Orion, the Caribou, 2 Lockheed Neptunes, a de Havilland Heron, a Harvard military trainer and a 1938 Lockheed 12 being reassembled.

What are the benefits of the free trishaw rides for our community?

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Robert Tinker: It is good to get the elderly and less mobile out of their homes to enjoy some company, meet people and having a chat. As a pilot it is a good opportunity for me to help and do my share of community volunteering (after being in the fire brigade for 44 years), whilst getting some fresh air and exercise.

Angela Wang: I only arrived in Parkes in July last year and was looking to do some volunteering. It is really good to give people the opportunity to do something that makes them happy, and that makes me happy as well. I would love to see more people come and join in.

Stephan Klein: It is for all ages, particularly those who miss out on outside activities. It is great to help them connect with the outside environment and other people. I worked in nursing homes and visit nursing homes and people who are isolated. The trishaw rides are so important for their wellbeing.

Snippets…

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Tom Lees retired from CSIRO at the Parkes Radio Telescope last week after 30 years of service.

Remember To Turn Your Clock Back: Daylight Saving ends on Sunday, 3rd April when we turn our clocks back one hour from 3am to 2am. Sunrise and sunset will be about one hour earlier on Sunday.

Trimming Trees: Essential Energy will begin vegetation management in Parkes this month as part of its routine maintenance on more than 200,000km of powerlines covering 95% of NSW and parts of Southern Queensland. According to Essential Energy they are committed to doing everything to preserve the natural environment, however some management of trees and other vegetation is required to maintain a safe and reliable network. Essential Energy uses directional pruning techniques that remove branches growing towards a powerline and encourage re-growth away from the power network, techniques that are considered best practice throughout the arboriculture industry and are used by most power companies in Australia. Residents can download Essential Energy’s Tree Planting Guide at essentialenergy.com.au/ trees for helpful tips on appropriate species for planting near powerlines or contact 13 23 91 for more information.

Have Your Say: Parents, carers and educators are invited to take part in the consultation for the Department of Education’s Parent and Carers Engagement Framework that will outline how the education sector can work more closely with parents and carers to improve student outcomes. Parents can have a say about the best ways for their school to communicate with them and what can be improved on. The new framework will help parents and carers to better understand their rights, responsibilities and choices in the education system and have access to timely information about their child’s learning, development and wellbeing. To have your say, visit the NSW Government ‘Have Your Say’ website www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/engagement-framework to 30th April.

Give Your Input: Much has been said and written about the parks in our town and what people would like to see. Parkes Shire Council is currently asking for your input into a water play space at Kelly Reserve to help create a detailed design. You can also share your ideas with the development of a masterplan for the Middleton area in Parkes. ‘Your Say’ Parkes is Council’s online community hub where you can provide real input into the direction of projects and decisions that affect our community. Visit https://yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au/ for your input.

During its week-long fundraising effort co-founders of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group Pauline Gosper and Michael Lynch received a $1,000 do-nation from the Chairperson of Spinifex Recruiting Peter O’Donnell (left)

Sponsor, Rally And Public Boost Funds For Prostate Nurse

April 1, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Mayor started the Classic Outback Trial rally in Parkes on Sunday morning. (Photo: Keith F Turk Photography)

After a week of fundraising and much excitement of 40 rally cars coming to town, the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group is much closer to its aim of getting a nurse in Parkes.

At the moment, the closest specialist prostate cancer nurse is located in Orange and is responsible for a large area of the Central West.

“These nurses are a vital link in the recovery process of prostate cancer treatment,” said Michael Lynch of the group.

The Parkes group was sponsored by Spinifex Recruiting, and Chairperson Peter O’Donnell made a presentation of $1,000 to Pauline Gosper, co-founder of PCA&SG at the conclusion of the week of fundraising.

Spinifex Recruiting was associated with the Briggs Brothers, who were participating in the Classic Outback Trail, to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The Briggs Brothers in turn matched the Spinifex Recruiting donation by presenting co-founder of PCA&SG Michael Lynch with a further $1,000 donation last weekend.

Residents who made a donation were given the opportunity go into a draw to be the passenger in the Briggs Brothers Team’s 1965 Mustang for a drive around the Parkes CBD. The winner of the draw was Bhupinder Singh. Unfortunately, the Briggs Brother’s Mustang was plagued with technical problems and they were unable to participate in the Parkes Section of the Classic Outback Trail. However, in the true spirit of the classic car fraternity, other drivers came to the rescue and the offer was fulfilled.

Along with the generous donations from Spinifex Recruiting and the Briggs Brothers, the Parkes community helped to raise over $2,000 with donations still coming in.

“The PCA&SG would like to thank Spinifex Recruiting, the Briggs Brothers, the Parkes community and The Parkes Phoenix, for supporting their efforts to raise funds for the appointment of a Regional Specialist Prostate Cancer Nurse,” said Michael Lynch.

Maggi Barnard

YOUTH WEEK ACTIVITIES FROM 4-14 APRIL

CULT MOVIE NIGHT

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

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