Maggi Barnard

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

Our Gal – Karin Unger

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes from Germany in 1986. I love the countryside around Parkes and live on a farm very close to The Dish!

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I work at the Visitors Centre at the Parkes Radio Telescope and it’s perfect! Awesome colleagues, amazing science and many friendly and enthusiastic visitors from all over the world!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Right here, it’s as good as it gets!

What makes you laugh the most? Mr Bean and some scenes in The Dish movie.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Trip to space to get a glimpse of our beautiful home in this universe.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? To 1961 when The Dish was brand new. It must have been an amazing era.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Make all existing medicines available for free to anybody whose life depended on it.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I definitely do! Best if they are spontaneous in any given situation. I like sending people virtual flowers/cakes for their birthdays and try to be a very courteous driver.

What is one thing you will never do again? Give someone a haircut.

Small Ceremony For Remembrance Day

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The veterans who attended Remembrance Day held at the Cooke Park Memorial last Thursday. (Photo: Bill Jayet)

The commemoration of Remembrance Day was held at the Cooke Park Memorial last Thursday to mark the 103rd anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War on 11 November 1918.

Organised by the Parkes RSL Sub-branch, the event was mostly attended by veterans and their families.

The Parkes RSL Sub-branch organised fundraising events in the lead up to 11th November with a street stall, collections at pubs and clubs and a sausage sizzle at Forbes Bunnings where they also sold badges and memorabilia.

Last Thursday also marked the 80th Anniversary of the Opening of the Australian War Memorial during the Second World War. The Memorial was unveiled to the public by the Governor-General, Lord Gowrie on 11th November 1941. Over 5,000 people attended the event including the Prime Minister John Curtin, General Sir Thomas Blamey, and 18 recipients of the Victoria Cross. In the 80 years since, countless Australians have made the pilgrimage to the site of national remembrance and honour.

In Sydney the day was commemorated with bright red poppies lighting up the Sydney Opera House sails at dawn as a stark and beautiful reminder of all we owe our service men and women – past and present.

Bill Seeks Second Term

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

In 2016 I was motivated to nominate as a candidate for that year’s Local Government election following my retirement as Senior Journalist at the Parkes Champion Post.

This was because I had always been impressed by the way councillors and staff collaborated for the progress of our shire.

Council is the most important ‘Board of Directors’ anyone will ever serve on. I have always put my heart and soul into my privileged position of Councillor. The community knows me as being approachable and always ready to listen and address rate-payers’ concerns. That is my motivation in seeking a second term on Council.

At my first Council meeting following my election in 2016 my suggestion of keeping the swimming pool open from 6am to 7pm was passed unanimously. Active representation on Council and non-council committees followed.

These include: Road Naming; Little Theatre; Economic Development; Airport; Heritage; Pool Management; Cooke Park Pavilion Inaugural Performance; Cultural, Education and Library; Sporting Facilities Development; Christmas Committee; Parkes/Forbes Community Housing; Arts Festival; Northparkes Mines CCC; and Life Education.

For me integrity is the most important aspect of Local Government. It’s certainly something I always aim for, not only as a Councillor but in life generally.

Although any achievement involves a team effort in Council, I’m particularly proud of bringing the following items to Council and seeing them come to fruition: the bollard lighting of entrances to Memorial Hill; the dog park at Kelly Reserve; free admission to all Shire pools during the drought, an initiative that remains in place in Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore; painting the edges of all 170 plus road ‘islands’ in white; and lights for the Post Office car park.

I am proud to be part of a proactive Council team that is responsive to the needs of the whole shire. This is an exciting period in the history of our shire.

I have actively and tirelessly contributed to the many and varied programmes and would be privileged to remain as your elected representative.

On Saturday, 4th December, I ask you to Vote 1 Bill Jayet for ‘A Progressive Parkes Shire’.

The Race Is On For Elvis Tickets

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

REVVING UP… The Ford MKI GT40 stole the show at the Parkes Elvis Festival launch at the Cooke Park Pavilion on Monday. Adding to the festive atmosphere were (L-R) Bob Steel, Cathy Treasure, Anthony McGrath, Michael McCormack, Sam Farraway, Dusty Powter, Mayor Ken Keith, Paul Toole, Al Gersbach, Tiffany Steel and Anne Steel.

The King may have left the building for a short while, but on Monday excitement for the return of the Parkes Elvis Festival in April next year was palpable as ticket sales went crazy on the first day.

Not only did the tickets for the Elvis Express train from Sydney sold out in the first 12 minutes, but by Tuesday record ticket sales had been recorded.

Adding to the elation on Monday was the launch of the festival at the brand-new Cooke Park Pavilion with three politicians and the Parkes Mayor festively dressed in Elvis jumpsuits, wigs and sunglasses.

But it was the Ford MKI GT40, one of only five of its kind in Australia, getting all the attention. Add in owner and Parkes resident Dusty Powter, dressed in a matching racing suit and shoes, to set the tone for the Speedway theme of next year’s festival. The 1968 musical action film starring Elvis Presley as a race car driver, will not only provide plenty of ideas to dress in theme, but will also be a must visit for car enthusiasts.

The festival organisers have been able to plan extra events around the theme, thanks to a $160,000 grant from the NSW Government, that includes a Speedway precinct where visitors will be able to see collector cars not seen anywhere else in Australia, and meet special guests from the racing industry.

“The special Speedway show starring Mark Anthony, has never been performed anywhere else in Australia and promises to be something not to be missed,” said Parkes Elvis Festival Director, Cathy Treasure.

She said at least 20,000 people were expected to attend with a big increase in caravaners and campers as it would be cooler weather in April.

“We’ve faced so many challenges over the past two years, but the biggest challenge is going to choose what to see at the festival.”

Taylor Rodriguez, one of the youngest and best tribute artists, will be making his Australian debut with four action-packed shows. Another incredible feat for the festival is getting Charles Stone to come. He worked with Elvis as tour producer in the 1970s.

The inductee to the Wall of Fame will be Australian music legend Brian Cadd, while Australia’s most decorated country artist Adam Harvey will perform a tribute to Elvis’s many country music hits.

“This is what it’s all about – having fun and getting back together,” said Member for Riverina Michael McCormack on Monday. “COVID has been so tough, and it is time to let loose. I love it when people can come together as communities to celebrate all that is great about regional Australia.”

Deputy Premier of NSW Paul Toole said the Parkes Elvis Festival was critical to get communities up and running again, and driving the local economy. “Parkes is one of first events to be back. People want to get out of Sydney and metro areas. They’ve been living in that concrete jungle for a long time and they want to get out and explore regional NSW, and what better opportunity to do that.”

For programming and ticketing information, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Funding For Six Parkes Shire Projects: The electorate of Orange secured $399,300 in funding for a total of 17 projects through the NSW Government’s 2021 Community Building Partnership Program. Six of the projects are based in the Parkes Shire: Parkes Aero Club Inc: Sun safe, child safe commemorative garden for Parkes; Trundle Parent and Citizens Inc: Welding together a bright future – school to work program; Cycling Without Age Australia Inc: Purchase and storage of a community Trishaw for Parkes; Tullamore Bowling & Citizens Club Ltd: Facelift for Tullamore bowling club and green; Trundle Children’s Centre Inc: Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning; and Rotary Club of Parkes Inc: Purchase of a driving simulator to deliver road safety education.

Seven Million Christmas Meals: Woolworths Parkes is part of an ambitious donation target to raise the equivalent of seven million meals this Christmas, to support charity partner OzHarvest meet the growing demand for food relief across NSW. One in six Australian adults are now considered severely food insecure and more than half of the people impacted by food insecurity go a full day each week without eating. The aim is to raise a record fundraising amount of $3.5million. Parkes Woolworths customers can purchase a 50-cent token when they shop in store or online which will help provide the equivalent of a meal to those in need of food relief. Customers can also choose to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with proceeds going directly to the Christmas Appeal. “We’re grateful for the generosity of our customers to help Australians in need, particularly during the Christmas season,” said Woolworths Parkes Store Manager, Harjit Sing. For more information on how to support, visit www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/community/ozharvest

Focus On Primary Health Care: A new program is being trialled in Condobolin, Forbes, and Parkes to address local needs in primary health care. The Collaborative Care Program is a community-led planning approach to improve access to primary health care services that include general practice, primary care nurses, pharmacy, and allied health. Wellington Digwa is the community contact for the Lachlan Valley project working with the Western NSW Local Health District. “I have a background in community development, public health and project management,” said Wellington.“I am planning face to face visits to the region to speak to more people who did not attend the workshops,” said Wellington.

Wellington Digwa of the Collaborative Care Program.

Upgrade For Second Hockey Field

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

CHALLENGE: Hockey Olympian Mariah Williams and Deputy Premier Paul Toole show off their skills at a major funding announcement for Parkes Hockey Inc on Monday.

The Parkes Hockey community will soon see a second field being upgraded to the latest technology thanks to the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions Fund.

Parkes Olympian Mariah Williams joined Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier Sam Farraway on Monday to announce a grant of $2,280,083 for the redevelopment of the Stephen Davies field to a water-based pitch.

“This is a great opportunity for Parkes to redevelop its second turf,” said Mariah. “We have a very loving hockey community, and it is really inspiring to see how many players are making the NSW teams. To have two high tech pitches is really good as it is an incredibly feeling to play hockey in your home town with such great facilities.”

Mariah said it was really important to have a water-based pitch as all international hockey was played on these surfaces. “It would really help to develop the skills of young players from a young age.”

Sam said the project included the removal of the old surface and the complete installation of a new playing surface, as the current surface is at the end of its lifespan.

“Parkes Hockey Inc boasts over 600 members across a range of ages and abilities, many being state and national representatives. This field needs urgent upgrades to ensure Parkes can continue to bid for and host regional, state and national carnivals and offer a superior facility to the community.”

“Hockey in Parkes defines this community with over 600 members involved. The right infrastructure and facilities allow us to develop the next talent as we see here with Mariah Williams,” said Paul Toole.

According to Paul, Resources for Regions has already highlighted the importance of the sector to the regions, with Rounds One through to Seven delivering 149 projects worth $345 million to mining communities since 2012.

The Dish Inspires Creativity

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Beryl Twardy is the winner of the art category of the Parkes Radio Telescope 60th Anniversary Competition. Inspired by van Gogh, she used felt to create a scene of The Dish in a field with sunflowers and the famous sky from van Gogh’s Starry Night painting. It took her about 14 days to complete. Her artwork can be seen at the Parkes Library.

Jim Cassidy received the music prize on behalf of Jason Murchie. Jason entered a song called “Melodies of Woven Light”, which is a poem written by Jim Cassidy. The song also features the sound of two pulsars. The music’s percussion and melodies have been written in response to the interesting sounds Pulsars can generate.

Local Candidates Spark Interest

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Local Government election on Saturday, 4th December has been a hot topic of discussion lately with many residents asking about the candidates and what they are standing for.

Voters in the Parkes Shire will be able to choose from a total of 19 candidates, which includes one group consisting of six candidates. The group of six are Glenn Wilson, Erik Snyman, Matthew Scherer, Daniel Weber, Peter Weber and Ray Hodge.

The other 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.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about how voting will work for the group of six, as they were not included in the ballot draw.
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.

There will be no ‘group square’ because there is only one group to vote for. This means each candidate in the group will in essence stand alone.

Voters should just vote for the people they want, in the order of their preference. So, anyone in the group could get selected if they get the votes. Voters can choose up to ten candidates in their order of preference.

The Parkes Phoenix is planning to feature all the candidates before the election to introduce them to the community. There will not be a public meeting for candidates to announce what they are standing for in the election.

The Jewel Of The Newell

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Newell Highway brings a truck a minute through Parkes, but the biggest infrastructure project ever for Parkes is going to change that.

Calling it the jewel in the crown of the Newell, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said at the sod-turning ceremony on Mon-day the $187.2 million project would deliver a game-changing upgrade to a 10.5-kilometre section of the highway to allow traffic and heavy vehicles to bypass the town of Parkes.

Before Paul Toole, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier Sam Farraway, and Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith turned the first sods, Yalmambirra of the Wiradjuri Council of Elders conducted the ancient custom of a smoking ceremony at the construction site. Yalmambirra said the smoke from a native plant had cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.

The Georgiou Group was appointed in August to manage the three-year construction of the bypass that is expected to create 350 jobs. Mayor Ken Keith said it was an extremely significant day for the Parkes Shire. “We look forward to the potential this project will bring to our community and I encourage local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Paul Toole said the bypass would take 1,200 vehicles out of the centre of town every day. “This will give the opportunity to return the town to the locals.”

The bypass project includes bridges over existing railway lines and connections to the Parkes Special Activation Precinct to leverage the Inland Rail project and the existing freight logistics hub. Work to adjust or upgrade connections to local roads has been under way since January.

Further information about the Parkes By-pass project is available at: https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/newell-highway/parkes/index.html

Be Seen in Parkes

November 19, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

A major funding announcement was made to upgrade a second hockey field in Parkes and Olympian Mariah Williams was on hand to add some glamour to the occasion.

A new stage at the Cooke Park Pavilion saw its first collection of Elvii on Monday for the official launch of the Parkes Elvis Festival 2022. Sporting their jumpsuits are (L-R) Anthony McGrath, Al Gersbach, Michael McCormack, Sam Farraway, Paul Toole and Ken Keith.

Anne Berkeley and Bev Laing enjoy the Thursday afternoon celebrations last week following their win at bridge.

Maggi Barnard

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