Maggi Barnard

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

Shop Parkes Campaign Grows

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

More than 40 stores actively engaged in the Shop Parkes campaign, and over 100 businesses promoted the campaign in-store over the festive period last year. The campaign included a 12 Days of Christmas Competition that was a huge success with over 241 entrants.

Local businesses were invited to participate in the campaign by dressing up their shop windows. Parkes Shire Councillor Bill Jayet, who judged the competition, announced Terry Bros Parkes as the winner for a second year in a row. Special mentions went to Colouby Creations, Ron Dunford Chemist, The Red Chandelier and Parkes News & Gifts.

Vaccination Still Best Defence Against COVID-19

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack

It has been a tough few years and all Central West residents have been affected in some way.

Whether it be our primary producers recovering from the effects of drought, to floods and storms threatening homes and farmland and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all faced significant adversity and, in a show of typical regional Australian community spirit, we have stood tall to be our best selves against these challenges.

Australia can be proud that it is one of the most vaccinated countries when it comes to COVID-19. The fact remains, despite new variants, vaccination remains our best defence against this virus.

The good news is the scientific data suggests Omicron is less severe than previous variants, but it is much more transmissible, which is why we need to continue doing the right things to keep safe the more vulnerable in our community – practising social distancing, wearing masks when appropriate and getting the COVID-19 jab.

Whether you have rolled up your sleeve twice or you have become eligible recently, such as those in the five to 11-year-old age category, your efforts to continue to protect your community through getting the booster or getting your first jab are to be commended – you are saving lives and protecting livelihoods in your local community. Thank you.

We all want to get back as quickly as we can to the way our lifestyles were before the pandemic – the vaccine is helping us do just that.

You can go to www.health.gov.au to find the nearest available COVID-19 vaccine clinic and to book your vaccination.

By Michael McCormack
Member for Riverina

Celebrate Our Aussie Heroes

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

If you’ve been inspired by the ace performances at the Australian Open, you can play for free for the month of February. Tennis Australia is giving away free court hire for one session. Contact Helen Magill if you need racquets and balls.

Funding For Parkes SSAA

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) received funding for shipping containers to store equipment. Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP (right) was in Parkes last week to officially announce the funding and met with Brian Drabsch, secretary/treasurer, Parkes SSAA and David Tanks, vice-president. Brian said it was great to have a facility to lock in all their equipment at the Parkes Gun Club. “We will be painting the containers and building a veranda out front.”

Be Seen @ Multicultural Dinner

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Norma Garment and Dianne Hewett had a great night out.

Leo Ruggiero and Janice Baker enjoyed the event.

Chris ten Cate and James Campisi at the dinner.

Paul Hocking and Korine Coleman attended the Australia Day Multicultural dinner at Bushman’s Motor Inn on Saturday.

News From The Shed

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Husky, Molly, Willa and Flynn with the donated rocking horse at the Eugowra Pre-School.

The Parkes Men’s Shed is trying to keep its activities as normal as possible despite all the challenges posed by the coronavirus.

Trevor and Tony recently restored a rocking horse that was donated to Eugowra Pre-school. “Needless to say, they were ecstatic,” said Tony Vickers, Publicity Officer. “If you have a similar item that you think is restorable and could be donated to a similar cause then please give me a call on 0428 350 606.”

The Parkes Men’s Shed is planning a garage sale for Saturday, 5th March from 8am at their shed located at the Parkes Show grounds, with entry via Mitchell Street.

“All manner of items will be available, including electrical tools,” said Tony. “If you have items that you would like to donate to the shed, we would be most grateful.”

Men’s Bowls Honour Roll

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Mick Went won the coveted Club Bowler of the Year 2021, as well as several other titles at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club. Congratulations Mick!

The year 2021 wasn’t the best ever by any means, so let’s hope 2022 is a big improvement.In spite of all the set-backs, and thanks to a lot of work from our match committee, the Men’s Bowls Club at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club did get all except two of the championship events completed, and I belatedly offer congratulations to all the winners and runners-up.

The “Honour Roll” of champions for 2021 are: Major Singles – Mick Went; Major Pairs – Gary McPhee and Guy Elery; Major Triples- Greg Townsend, Mark Dwyer and Mick Went; Major Fours -Tom Furey, Steve Turner, Guy Ellery and Wilbur Harris; Minor Singles – Rob Irving; Minor Pairs – Martin Tighe and Gary McPhee; Mixed Pairs – Merilyn Rodgers and Wilbur Harris; Mixed Fours – Tom Furey, Eileen Bradley, Brian Townsend and Liz Byrne; Handicap Pairs – John Wright and Gary McPhee.

The finals of the Minor Triples and Fours still have to be played.

Last, but by no means least, the award we would all like to win, Club Bowler Of The Year, and the 2021 winner of the award was Mick Went.

A Lifetime Of Giving Back

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

A LIFE OF VOLUNTEERING… Hedley Nicholson’s name was added to the Citizen of the Year Shield this year for giving his time selflessly to the Parkes community for more than 50 years.

“I like doing things for other people,” says Hedley Nicholson, who received the Citizen of the Year award at this year’s Australia Day celebrations for giving his time selflessly to the Parkes community for more than 50 years.

“I was orphaned at 13 and got looked after by lots of people. I helped at the dairy farm in Woodward Street where the steelworks are today, minding the cows and feeding them, and they fed me.”

Hedley said he started to return the favours and wherever he went he did voluntary work. “It was just one of those things.”

His kindness has resulted in several awards, including an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2013, and a Tennis NSW 2018 Volunteer Achievement Award. He missed out previously on the Citizen of the Year award, and said he was very pleased to get it this year. “I didn’t do the volunteer work to get awards or anything, but it feels good to be recognised for doing a good job.”

His love of tennis started early when the Marist Brothers School he attended built a court when he was about ten. “I was never really much good, but enjoyed it all my life.” His passion is still strong with he and his wife Pauline staying up until 1:15am on Monday to watch Nadal win his record 21st grand slam title at Australian Open.

Hedley’s involvement with the Parkes Tennis Club took a serious turn when his daughter Helen became very keen on tennis. “There were always jobs that had to be done from mowing, spraying weeds, fencing, cleaning, painting through to building new courts.”

Hedley ended up dedicating more than half of his life to the Parkes Tennis Club, undertaking president and vice-president roles as well as a committee member. His volunteer work, averaging 15 to 20 hours per week since 1978, equates to more than $1 million.

He did a lot of this work in between his duties as senior train driver, mainly of the 3801, the flagship of the NSW Railways, which makes him very proud. “Back in the 60s thousands of people travelled by train,” said Hedley.

Two years ago, the former train driver of 47 years, decided it was time to hand over his tennis club duties. His new passion is supporting the Parkes Men’s Shed where he has been vice-president since its inception in 2005. “It is unbelievable how good it is for men to get together and talk about the weather, the harvest, the price of bulls and sheep.”

Turning 82 on 21st March, Hedley is looking forward to volunteering at this year’s Elvis Festival. He has the special job of starting the parade, and he and Pauline will be celebrating 60 years of marriage on 21st April… just in time for the popular renewing of vows ceremony!

By Maggi Barnard

Our Bloke – Marc Payne

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Where were you born? I was born and raised in Parkes.

Were you named after anyone? No, my parents liked the name Mark but spelt Marc.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My family and of course my photography achievements – my work being picked in the top 101 portraits in the world for 2021.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The COVID pandemic and I would say 9/11.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You have one chance at life, make the most of it and enjoy it.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Taking 12 months off to travel the globe and working in a foreign country.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My camera, plenty of water and a hat.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would buy camera gear. You can never have enough camera gear.

When are you happiest? When I’m with my family, and of course behind the camera!

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

February 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Welcome to 2022! We are looking forward to seeing you at the Library and Cultural Centre with all our FREE programs recommencing including:

Afternoon Book Club: Wednesday, 23rd February at 3pm

Evening Book Club: Thursday, 24th February at 6pm

Computer Classes Fridays: Friday, 4th February at 8:30 – 9:30am

Movies @ the Library: Friday, 25th February with an Australian mystery adventure featuring one of our favourite and most glamorous detectives at 6pm.

Bookings are essential for all programs on 6861 2309.

TRAVELLING ANNUAL BOOK SALE

To celebrate Library Lover’s Week, our annual book sale will start in Parkes on Monday, 14th February, Peak Hill on Tuesday, Tullamore Wednesday, and Trundle Thursday.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Storytime (pre-schoolers) recommences Tuesday, 8th February at 10am;

Rhyme Time (babies & toddlers) recommences Thursday, 10th February at 10am;

Summer Reading Club – entries are due back by Friday, 4th February!

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE – LET’S GET MAKING!

Our Marramarra Makerspace is launching on Monday, 14th February at 6pm with regular Maker Days. Book into a Workshop:

Lego Club: Thursdays 4-5pm for students in Years 5-8 (commencing 3rd February);

Beginner Art Classes: Saturdays 2-5pm for ages 14+ (commencing 12th February);

Art Journaling with Jo Lauri: Tuesdays 6-8pm for ages 15+

Book in at the Parkes Library or email Roxanne.gallacher@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Maggi Barnard

TRAVELLING ANNUAL BOOK SALE

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE – LET’S GET MAKING!

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