Maggi Barnard

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

Another Successful Round of Healthy Kids Bus Stop

December 10, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Aela Jones was one of the young students screened during the Healthy Kids Bus Stop visit last month.

The Royal Far West Healthy Kids Bus Stop visited Parkes and surrounding villages last month. Clinicians screened the final group of 33 children starting kindergarten next year for OT and speech development. Capacity building sessions were also informing educational staff on the regulation of children’s behaviour focusing on their ability to respond to change.

The Holy Catholic Church made their Parish offices available for the screening and Project Sprouts thanks Fr Barry and his staff for their generosity.

The next HKBS visit will be in March with application available at your preschool or contact Anne Norton at sprouts2870@gmail.com

Much Needed Safe Haven Opens

December 10, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

GAME CHANGER… The Parkes Safe Haven has been given the Wiradjuri name of Wallimarra Dungal, which means to be a support, guardian. Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor (middle) with Peer Workers Max Mangano and Jade Burton at the opening on Wednesday.

The opening of a purpose-designed Safe Haven in Parkes providing refuge and support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress, has been described as a game changer.

“Our community has needed it for quite a while. We are losing too many of our people, and I’ve seen both sides of the fence – from the professional side and from lived experience,” said ambulance man Dan Wright. He told the story of his son to Helen McFarlane, Acting Executive Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol. “I knew we had to make a space, and I’m very glad we can share this with you today,” Helen said.

The Safe Haven at Suite 3, 195-199 Clarinda Street, is part of a state-wide initiative to trial innovative suicide prevention strategies, and was opened by the Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor on Wednesday.

“This is what matters, it is about having the courage to try different and innovative care, the need to embrace people, the need to make them feel safe, and to know the services are out there.”

The Safe Haven in Parkes is staffed by peer workers Max Mangano and Jade Burton who have lived experience of suicidal distress. “The peer workers are amazing people, and I am very happy to have met them this morning,” said the minister. “They can empathise with anyone who walks through the doors and help them to identify services that can support them on an ongoing basis.”

Max said he believed in the safe haven model, and saw it as an opportunity to do something good following his personal mental health experience.

Mark Spittal, acting Chief Executive said: “COVID has taught us to be less systemised, and more human, and we are getting better outcomes doing that. We hope this is what this safe haven is all about.”

The Parkes Safe Haven is a free and confidential services, no referral is required and anyone can drop in from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm. It has been open since 30th November.

What Is Visual Hygiene?

December 10, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Good visual habits can reduce eye stress and reduce the likelihood of adverse visual adaptations.

• Take regular breaks during study and other sustained close work. Place a bookmark three of four pages in front of where you are reading. When you get to it, it will remind you to look up at something in the distance.

• Make sure you do not get too close to your work. You should not be any closer than the distance between your knuckle to elbow when placed against your nose.

• Good lighting for all near work is important. For maximum efficiency, use general lighting in the room so you can see distance objects easily when you look up.

• Good posture ensures that you are at that knuckle to elbow distance from your near work. Avoid reading in bed or on the floor. Sit up to read.

• Tilt your book and work surface whenever possible to achieve its presentation parallel to your face.

• Do not sit any closer to the TV than five times the screen width or two of the child’s body lengths. Use adequate room lighting.

• Off-set high demand tasks with outdoor games requiring adequate distance viewing, such as golf, tennis and bike riding.

• Restrict close work and reading during acute illness.

• Avoid reading and other sustained near activity while travelling by car.

• When writing, a pencil grip using the thumb and the two next fingers enables best manipulation. The grip must allow visual inspection of the paper during performance.

Hansen Eyecare Plus Parkes would like to thank our local district for all the support through yet another year of uncertainty. We wish everyone a safe, healthy and joyful Christmas. We look forward to taking care of all your eye health needs in the coming year.

Cast Your Vote For Your Council

December 3, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Local Government election takes place tomorrow, Saturday, 4th December, from 8am to 9pm at various polling stations in the Parkes Shire as listed below.

Voters in the Parkes Shire will be able to choose from a total of 19 candidates as featured on page 6. There are 13 candidates who stand as individuals and one group consisting of six candidates.

The 13 candidates were drawn out by the returning officer from a ballot box and their names will appear on the ballot paper in the order they were drawn: 1 Neil Westcott; 2 Ken Keith; 3 Cathy Francis; 4 Marg Applebee; 5 Johanne Burke; 6 Bill Jayet; 7 Jacob Cass; 8 John Coulston; 9 George Pratt; 10 Sean White; 11 John Southon; 12 Kenny McGrath; 13 Louise O’Leary.

The group members are Glenn Wilson, Erik Snyman, Matthew Scherer, Daniel Weber, Peter Weber and Ray Hodge.

The ballot paper will be setup with the names of the six group members on the left

and the names of the other 13 candidates on the right.

Voters should just vote for the people they want, in the order of their preference, and vote for up to ten candidates. You have to vote for at least five candidates.

The voting locations are as follows:

Parkes: Parkes East Public School: Renshaw McGirr Way; Parkes Assemblies of God Hall: 7 Rees Avenue; Middleton Public School: Medlyn Street; and Coventry Room, Parkes Shire Library: 23 Bogan Street

Bogan Gate: Bogan Gate Public School: 5 Bogan Street

Alectown: Alectown Soldiers Memorial Hall: Newell Highway

Peak Hill: Peak Hill Central School: Derribong Street

Trundle: Trundle Central School: Croft Street

Tullamore: Tullamore Central School: Hinkler Street

Be Seen

December 3, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Work progressed on the Wiradjuri Ngurambang project at the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre recently with filming at the Marramarra Maker’s Space. Working on the project were Steve Parker, Tanjim Islam, Robert Clegg and Kerrie Peden.

Brendan Hayes and James Fisher were at the first anniversary celebration of the Parkes Country Universities Centre last Friday.

The men were winners at bridge last week. They are John Quin, Peter Dearden, Tim Baker and Greig Ball.

Young Riders Race To The Top

December 3, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes students who compete at the top level in endurance riding are (L-R) Luke Chellas (16), Dylan McDonald (13), Danielle McDonald (14) and Jade Chellas (13).

Four young Parkes students are making a name for themselves on the endurance motorcycle track pocketing state titles in the championship event.

The two pairs of siblings of Luke (16) and Jade (13) Chellas, and Danielle (14) and Dylan McDonald (13) competed over six rounds in the NSW Endurance Motorcycle Championships.

Luke won the under 16 boys and overall title, while Danielle won the girls title. Dylan was the winner of the 85cc boys event, and Jade came second in the girls event on count back.

They competed at three venues at Gresford, Appin and Tarcutta that included a wide variation of terrain and conditions with the Parkes locals adapting their many talents and riding skills to come out on top.

Parkes mechanic Foodge Burrell said the team had been training hard and really stepped it up this year with hard fought battles in very trying conditions. It rained at Tarcutta and vehicles had to be towed into the venue.

“It’s a shame COVID put a stop to the Australian off-road series as I’m sure we would have had a couple of Australian champions in Parkes,” Foodge said.

Danielle, who rides for Yamaha, won the Australian title for girls 12 – 16 last year. “When she competes with the boys she usually end in the top 9,” said Foodge. “I love the adrenaline and beating the boys,” said Danielle, who has been riding motorbikes since she was 2.

Luke is looking forward to be competing in the senior event from next year.

Foodge said the sport was getting more competitive with over 200 participants at competitions. “That is why they’ve started to include separate events for the girls. They used to compete in the same races as the boys.”

Christmas Cheer At Women’s Bowls

December 3, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

A parade of bright Christmas T-shirts, dangling Santa earrings and flashing necklaces guided us out onto the green on Tuesday.

The Minor Singles semi-finals were played with the final to be played on or before 14th December between Maureen Miller/Heather Harvey and Lorraine Baker/Chris Curteis. Commiserations to Chris Cox/Kay Craft and Maria Willcockson/Carol Reed. Great sportsmanship everyone and thumbs up to umpire Gwenda.

In social games, Cherie Frame/Brenda Davies/Betsy Johnstone enjoyed a close match versus Vi West/Elaine Miller/Hilda McPherson on Rink 6. All was going well, nice and even, until Team McPherson lost their mojo and gifted the last few ends to Team Johnstone.

Too much Christmas cheer and your game suffers! That was the case for Valmai Westcott/Merilyn Rodgers/Rose Mitchell when they came up against Frances Charlton/Isabel Svensden/Maureen Baillie/Lea Orr. Team Orr wrapped up the match unchallenged.

Our Joanie will try anything! Her flashing earrings blinded the opposition, resulting in a sound win to Jan McPhee/Gwenda Carty/Rhona Went/Joan Simpson over Julie Green/Beth Thomas/Lynn Ryan on Rink 3. The latter team crept into double figures by scoring a 4, giving them all hope for next time!

By Lea Orr

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

December 3, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Due to the current Public Health Order we are only able to permit fully vaccinated patrons into our libraries until 15th December.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! YOUTH SURVEY

If you’re aged between 12 and 18, this is your chance to tell us what YOU want to see and do in Parkes Shire Libraries. Be part of the Online Library Youth Survey. To complete the survey follow this link https://forms.office.com/r/yRaWVPgjda.

WHERE’S OLLIE? SUMMER READING CLUB

Summer Reading Club is happening again over the school holidays with some fun reading activities for children AND adults! Call in to Parkes Library to collect your Summer Reading Club challenge sheets, and return by Monday, 31st January.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DISH COMPETITION WINNERS

Congratulations to our 60th Anniversary of the Dish competition winners: Karin Unger (Literature), Beryl Twardy (Art), Jason Murchie (Music), David Moles (Model Painting) and our Makerspace Design Challenge winner Ashlee Trim. The winning entries are on display in the Parkes Library.

BOOKS THAT MADE US

Have you been watching Claudia Karvan’s ABC series on the Books That Made Us? Karvan takes a literary journey though some of our favourite Australian books and talks to many of the authors along the way. We have many of these wonderful books and talking books available for you to borrow.

TEENY TINY ART FESTIVAL

The Teeny Tiny Art Festival is almost here! A highly successful Happenstance Art workshop was held recently and you might find some art in unusual places. Get involved and create some surprise art! The festival will run from 11-18th December and details of events and entry forms can be found at Teeny Tiny Arts Festival or at the library.

Tickets On Sale For Overture

December 3, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Excitement is building in Parkes as tickets for the enormous celebration of musical theatre and opera at the Cooke Park Pavilion went on sale this week.

The major inaugural event called Overture will feature some of Australia’s favourite musical theatre performers on Saturday, 2nd April next year.

Headlining the impressive event will be Lucy Durack, one of Australia’s leading stars of the stage and screen, and the dynamic Josh Piterman, who has graced the stage in lead roles in both Australia and the West End in London.

Josh will be starring as The Phantom in the upcoming Opera Australia production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Sydney Opera House in mid-2022 onwards.

Lucy and Josh will be supported by other well-known performers including Central West’s own Jarrod Draper, who is currently starring in Moulin Rouge, and Billie Palin as well as other local and regional talent.

Tourism and Major Events Specialist Cathy Treasure said: “We are thrilled to be hosting an event of this calibre in our brand new pavilion. An event of this size with this breadth of talent is an incredible coup for Parkes. It will help position Parkes as the new cultural centre of regional NSW and we can’t wait to welcome visitors to the region to enjoy this calibre of entertainment.”

Overture will also give local students the opportunity to work and perform alongside the stars, and will include a massed choir of 150 choristers, featuring children and adults from across the Central West.

Music Director Nicholas Gentile will be conducting a 40-piece orchestra made up of professional and student musicians to ensure a truly unforgettable evening.

Visit www.visitparkes.com.au for tickets.

Wiradjuri Culture Takes To The World Stage

December 3, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Tanjim Islam met with some of the elders involved with the Wiradjuri Ngurambang project and members of the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group. Here they are at the relocated scar trees at Bushmans Hill, from (L-R) are Geoff Anderson, Tanjim, Lionel Lovett, Kelly Thompson, Sean James Cassidy and Iesha Thompson.

Ub Ubbo Exchange recently hosted its eighth cultural exchange when a designer and animator came to Parkes.

Graphic designer and animator Tanjim Islam came to assist in the production of a video to accompany the Wiradjuri Ngurambang project at the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre.

Tanjim was born in Bangledesh, lived in New Zealand for his early years and moved to Australia with his family in 2000. He studied at Auckland Media Design School (MDS) and has been associated with Ub Ubbo Exchange for many years.

Tanjim met with some of the elders involved with the Wiradjuri Ngurambang project and members of the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group. He spoke about his own heritage and culture, sharing information on his Bengali language.

Tanjim assisted Sean James Cassidy and Kerrie Peden with filming interviews and producing assets for animation, to be used in the digital component of Wiradjuri Ngurambang. As he had not had the opportunity to work in country NSW before, Tanjim enjoyed a warm welcome and appreciated being invited on country to film location shots and to learn about Wiradjuri culture.

Tanjim said the visit had changed his perception of country towns. He commented on the greater accessibility, with many things being closer and the ease of travel without needing to battle traffic. “There is definitely a pulse and a buzz about Parkes. There is great potential in this town and I will definitely look forward to another visit,” he said.

In another development, Sean James Cassidy has learned that elements of the video he created for the song, I Am My Elder’s Blood, were selected to be used at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai next year. The song in Wiradjuri language, was a collaboration with the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group and selected by First Languages Australia as the theme song for Mother Tongue Day.

Maggi Barnard

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