Maggi Barnard

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

Liz Takes Title Again

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Thinking of our bowling friends throughout the state, coping with an unprecedented deluge of non-stop rain.

On a cloudy autumn morning Cherie Frame and Liz Byrne contested the final of the Major Championship Singles for 2022. Last year’s champion Liz, repeated that performance to take the match by a generous margin. Congratulations, Liz Byrne, 2022 Major Singles Champion!

Social games took the form of Scroungers. Kate Keogh amassed a bucketful of points on River 12, running away with the win over Valmai Westcott and Fran White.

A close game took place on River 11, with the points rising and falling. Lorraine Baker surfaced as the narrow winner over Kay Craft, Lynn Ryan and Sue Maddison.

Brenda Davies, with an out-pouring of great shots and a tad of luck, rushed to an unstoppable lead on River 14, leaving Betsy Johnstone, Carol Reed, Maja Iffland and Di Howell picking their way through the debris.

Joan Simpson put up the “road closed” sign halfway through the game on River 13. Jan McPhee, Lea Orr and Vi West could not get past, even when Jan detoured onto River 12!

Once inside the club, we celebrated Di H’s birthday milestone.

By Lea Orr

Sports Grants Program Now Open

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

There is a great opportunity for local sports clubs and educational institutions in the latest round of sports grants under the CMOC-Northparkes Mines/Parkes Shire Council Sports Grant Program to improve facilities or run new programs.

A total of $30,000 is available for distribution to successful projects that promote participation in sport or improve sporting facilities.

Parkes Sports Council, in administering the grants, aims to help sporting groups to increase regular and ongoing participation opportunities in sport, and to improve the sporting infrastructure they use.

Funding is split between two distinct project types consisting of participation and facility development projects. Participation projects must deliver a sport or physical activity participation experience to an identified group of people.

Facility development projects typically involve building new or upgrading sport and recreation facilities to support increased participation.

In the last round Parkes PCYC was a successful applicant and purchased a trampoline harness to support gymnastic training sessions, while the Parkes College for Seniors purchased a waterproof wireless microphone to run aqua aerobics classes at the Parkes Aquatic Centre.

For more information about the Northparkes Mines Sports Grants Program, contact Council’s grants officer on 6861 2398 or visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. Applications close 31st March.

Big Plans For 25th Anniversary of Reading Day

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Rhonda Brain reads to Barbie Bates (left) and Ro-byne Harrison from a special picture book about the Paint the Town REaD 100-day book relay across the country.

A big celebration is planned for an amazing idea that was born in Parkes and has spread across the whole of Australia.

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of Paint the Town REaD (PTTR), the annual reading day that involves the whole Parkes community with its philosophy of reading, talking, singing, drawing, playing with your children every day from birth to support early brain development. It is expected that 100 communities will be hosting a reading day this year from remote to urban communities in all states.

Last week founder of PTTR Rhonda Brain OAM welcomed the Executive Director of Paint the Town REaD Ltd Barbie Bates AOM and the NSW Co-ordinator Robyne Harrison to Parkes to look at the possibility of hosting PTTR’s 9th national conference in Parkes to coincide with the 25th reading day.

The PTTR delegation met with the Mayor and some Councillors last week to discuss the conference that is expected to be attended by up to 150 people from grassroots child and family workers, to librarians, early childhood directors and workers, through to policy makers.

“We see it as something really big, and we want to make it really big,” said Rhonda. “We would love to come here as Parkes is the birthplace of the model,” said Barbie.

Robyne said her first experience of a Parkes reading day really helped to give her a foundation of how to involve the community. “I am really hopeful that we can have the conference in Parkes so everyone can see how it’s done and to inspire them all.”

Snippets…

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Potters Group Exhibition is still on at the Coventry Room until 19th March. Nola Reeves has been doing pottery for 30 years and turned her love of birds into beautiful pieces for the exhibition.

Healthy Kids Bus Stop: Project Sprouts is once again bringing the Healthy Kids Bus Stop to the Parkes Shire from Monday, 21st

March to Friday, 25th March to provide a free health screening for children aged three to five. Clinicians will assess your child’s fine and gross motor skills, speech, oral health and hearing. Screenings will be in Parkes from 21st to 23rd March at the Learning Centre at Parkes East Public School on Reid Street; 24th March at Tullamore in the morning and Trundle in the afternoon; and 25th March at Peak Hill at the hall next to the preschool. Registrations are essential. Please ask your local preschool or school for a form, or Google Healthy Kids Bus Stop for the online form, or call Royal Far West on 0408 555 249.

Primary Health Service Survey: Residents from Parkes, Condobolin and Forbes can share their experiences of primary health care services through a community survey. The Lachlan Valley Community Primary Health Service Survey asks community members about their experiences when accessing care delivered outside a hospital by a range of health professionals. It includes general practitioners, allied health professionals, primary care and community nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. The survey is open to all members of the community 15 years and above, and takes around 10 minutes to complete. The survey closes on Friday, 1st April. Access the online survey at https://nswrdn.engagementhub.com.au/lachlan or for a paper copy contact Wellington.Digwa@health.nsw.gov.au or 0438 210 323.

Free Menstrual Hygiene Products: Female students at public schools across NSW will soon have free access to menstrual hygiene products, following a successful trial in 31 schools pilot schools that included the Dubbo region. The $30 million program will provide schools with dispensers, tampons and pads for free and is supporting young women’s health, engagement and attendance at school. Ahead of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this was an important milestone for female students. The statewide rollout is what many young women have been calling for, and ties in well with this year’s NSW Women’s Week with a strong focus on providing better health outcomes for women. The program is expected to be rolled out to every school by 30th June.

The annual Plan B Win a Swag promotion was a huge success with 56 local venues in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils areas joining in. The winner at Grand D’Aquino’s in Parkes was Tom Anderson (right). He is with staff member Wally Norman.

Our Gal – Maddy Spence

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Maddy Spence – Ron Harrison Sports Bursary recipient

Where were you born? In Parkes.

Were you named after anyone? Not that I know of.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Making the NSW/ ACT U16’s team and the Sydney Thunder Women’s Indigenous cricket team.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Making the NSW state team in year 5 and 6, being captain of the women’s Northparkes team for the Pink Stumps Day, making the Western champs team every year I’ve been in high school.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Patience over numbers – Ron Woods.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m not too sure.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Cricket gear, food and a floaty.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Build an indoor sports centre for Parkes.

When are you happiest? When I’m playing cricket around my family and friends.

Be Seen

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Kelley Wood is from the United States of America and first arrived in Australia in 2016 then moved to Parkes in 2017. She works at the Parkes Early Childhood Education Centre. She is with Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

Celebrating the joyous Australian Citizenship ceremony with Suliana Naqua (second left) were Alicia Naqua, Olivia Naqua, Aruna Swamy and Paulini Naqua.

Grants To Plant Trees For Queen’s Jubilee

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

In the year of the Queen’s Jubilee grants will be made available to organisations to plant thousands of trees throughout the Central West and Riverina as part of our nation honouring the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and her 70 years of service to Australia and the Commonwealth.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said eligible groups and organisations could lodge an expression of interest (EOI) in tree-planting grants being made available through the $15.1 million Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program.

Grants from $2,500 to $20,000 will be available to a broad range of organisations, with each Federal electorate eligible to receive up to $100,000 for up to 10 projects.

To be eligible, applicants must have an Australian Business Number and be an incorporated not-for profit entity or eligible government entity. Schools and churches are also eligible to lodge an EOI, subject to sponsorship criteria which is available from Michael’s Wagga Wagga electorate office.

Trees planted may be native or non-native, but must be regionally appropriate and grow to more than two metres tall when mature.

EOIs for the Riverina electorate can be lodged until 5pm on Monday, 4th April. EOIs should include a short description of the project, total cost, grant funding sought, why the project is important to the community and contact details.

Expressions of interest forms can be requested by emailing michael.mccormack. mp@aph.gov.au or by contacting the electorate office on 6921 4600. The office can also provide further information about eligibility of organisations and the type of trees which can be planted.

The Queen has visited Australia 16 times and on many of these visits planted trees leaving a long-lasting reminder of the special occasion for the people in those communities. The Queen is said to have planted 1,500 trees throughout her reign.

What does your newly attained Australian citizenship mean to you?

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Subakthi Fernando: (Subakthi is from Sri Lanka. She first arrived in Australia in 2016, and is a doctor.) It’s a great privilege to be part of the community. I’m so happy as we’ve started a new life here and our two daughters were born here. It is just wonderful and we are so blessed.

Suliana Naqau: (Suliana is from Fiji and first arrived in Australia in 2009. She teaches at the Parkes Christian School.) It means a lot. It has been our aim since we first arrived in Australia in 2009. We’ve been looking forward to this day ever since, as we love this country and its people.

Ratri Dey, Atanu Paul with Jeeshnu Paul (22 months): Ratri and Atanu are from Bangladesh and first arrived in Australia in 2016. Atanu is a doctor at Currajong Street Medical Centre.) Today is a day of excitement mixed with joy as this is the final conclusion of our journey that started in 2014. We can now commit to making more of a contribution to the community and making a difference as responsible and accountable citizens.

Emmanuel Cooper holding Chloe and Fortunate: (Emmanuel is from Liberia and works as a civil construction operator.) It’s overwhelming, and a long-awaited event as I’ve been here since 2010. It’s giving me new hope in life, and I can travel around without worrying about visas. I’m so lucky to have so many good people around me.

Theozeus Melosantos, Cristina Espinitu, Mariah Melosantos, Alfonso Melosantos: (Cristina is from the Philippines, and is an administration officer. Her daughter Mariah is a full-time student at TAFE and works as a carer, and her sons Theozeus and Alfonso are at Parkes High School.) It is a privilege with lots of benefits that will lead to better opportunities and a better future. We moved to Parkes in 2019 from Adelaide to be with family, and we love it here.

17 New Citizens Pledge Loyalty To Australia

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

CONGRATULATIONS!…At the first citizenship ceremony in over two years, a large group of 17 new citizens were welcomed by Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith (back row left) and Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott (middle row right).

The Cooke Park Pavilion filled with joy and excitement on Tuesday when 17 new Australian citizens were welcomed into our community at the first citizenship ceremony in over two years.

The 17 new citizens are from 12 different countries from all over the world. They are: Emmanuel Cooper (Liberia), Ankush Dogra (India), Dr Subakthi Fernando (Sri Lanka), Karen Kingham (UK), Caroline Kennedy (Ireland), Suliana Naqau (Fiji), Oluwole Oyeyipo (Nigeria), Kelley Wood (USA), Eun-Jung Yoon (South Korea), Ratri Dey (Bangladesh), Dr Atanu Paul (Bangladesh), Rhona Jackson (UK), Zhansheng Wu (China), and from the Philippines Cristina Espiritu, Alfonso Melosantos, Theozeus Melosantos and Mariah Melosantos.

The Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM, as an authorised person who may receive the pledge as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia, congratulated the residents on their decision to become Australian citizens. “A decision welcomed not only by me but by all Australians,” he said.

“When you make the decision to become Australian, you are deciding to become part of a nation which is not your homeland, but which you have decided to adopt as your own. This is a big step, regardless of how long you have been living in Australia.”

The Mayor said the new citizens should not forget their language, customs or culture of their country of birth, and he encouraged them to “embrace the values of freedom, peace, diversity and acceptance that we enjoy in Australia”.

Many of the new citizens commented on how much they enjoyed living in Parkes and how welcoming the community were.

COVID Did Not Cancel Art At Southern Cross

March 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Nothing stops the Southern Cross Care Village residents wielding their paintbrushes! Although our QUE members have been unable to go into the village during lockdowns, the art program has soldiered on as the residents experience so much well-being and enjoyment from the sessions.

QUE members and local artists Robyn Morrissey and Karen Ritchie did all the preparation work to ensure the residents don’t miss their art. For one art work the residents painted the flowers drawn by Robyn. The village’s Lifestyle Coordinator Maree Hando supervised the residents while they painted the flowers. The flowers were then returned to Robyn who cut them out and displayed them on the canvas which she had prepared.

Staff at Southern Cross Care were so impressed with the final result, they sent photos to their head office in Sydney. The story will be published on Southern Cross Care’s website and social media.

The program originated in July 2010 with the help of two local artists, Elsie Mahon and Robyn Morrissey. In 2013 the QUE Club started financing the program and provided volunteers to assist the residents with their artwork. CMOC-Northparkes Mines also recognised the value of this work and have given us an annual grant to cover the costs of canvases, paints, brushes and more.

Many of the completed artworks are displayed throughout the village complex and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Members of our club look forward to the time when they can return to the village and spend ‘art time’ with the residents.

If you are interested in the community work we do, why not ‘join the QUE’! You can contact us through our Facebook page, Parkes Que Club Inc, or email us at parkesqueclub@gmail.com.

By Lynn Rogers

Maggi Barnard

Maddy Spence – Ron Harrison Sports Bursary recipient

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