Maggi Barnard

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

14 Of 25 Projects Completed In Parkes Shire

November 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The new carpark at Parkes East Public School has improved safety for parents and students. Looking at the completed project on Monday were (L-R) Parkes East Principal Michael Ostler, Michael McCormack MP, Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith and Parkes Shire Council Director of Operations Ben Howard.

The pedestrian improvements and carparking at Parkes East Public School is one of a vast range of 25 projects funded under phase one and two of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

Michael McCormak MP was in Parkes on Monday to get an update on some of the projects and met with Parkes East Public School Principal Michael Ostler.

“The project has provided a very safe place to park, as well as safe access to our school,” said Michael. “We were very happy to give up a 2m strip of our school to enable this to take place.”

Mayor Ken Keith said it was a very busy road as the main road to Wellington. “It was very important to improve safety and the parking situation.”

The LRCI Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The projects selected for the Parkes Shire followed engagement with the community on their priorities.

Parkes Shire Council received $1,337,613 under Phase 1 and a further $1,281,760 for Phase 2 of the program. More than 14 projects have been completed to date with a further 11 expected to be delivered before June nest year.

The Mayor said the projects would improve the quality of life of Parkes Shire residents and have lasting economic and social benefits for the local community.

Projects completed across the Parkes Shire include: First stage of the resurfacing of the Parke tennis Courts to see six courts resurfaced; Stormwater drainage improvement to stop flooding across the tennis courts; New LED lighting for Spicer Oval; Pedestrian improvements and carparking for Parkes East Public School; The first stage of CCTV for the CBD of Peak Hill; Footpath improvements in Rose Street; CBD smart infrastructure banners for Clarinda Street; Upgrades at Alectown Cemetery to include a new entrance, bench seating and new columbarium wall; Improvements to Cooke Park to support new work undertaken in the CBD; Upgrades to the Peak Hill tennis and basketball courts; Furniture and IT for the new Cooke Park Pavilion; New goal post at Jock Colley Field; and Completion of drainage project at Cheney Oval.

Projects in delivery across the Parkes Shire include: Footpath upgrades and repairs across Parkes; Coventry Room up-grades to host cultural events; Wiradjuri Exhibition project located in the Library precinct; Carparking improvements at Harrison Oval for soccer and cricket; New cricket nets at Berryman Oval in Trundle; BBQ shelter at Northparkes Oval; Disabled access connection pathways for McGlynn sporting facility; Upgrades to park at Bogan Gate; Additional active movement pathways in Parkes; Stormwater remediation works in Reid Street Parkes; and New detention basin at Crocker Oval to prevent flooding in storm events.

By Maggi Barnard

Be Seen

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

It’s not a real celebration until the cake has been cut. Doing the honours were CSIRO Head of operations Dr John Reynolds, CSIRO Director of Space and Astronomy Dr Douglas Bock and SCIRO Site Leader at the Parkes Telescope Peter Mirtschin.

Unveiling the National Heritage plaque at the entrance to the Parkes Radio Telescope on Monday were (L-R) CSIRO Head of operations Dr John Reynolds, CSIRO Director of Space and Astronomy Dr Douglas Bock and Cr Bill Jayet, representing the Parkes Shire Council.

Our Gal – Pam Nankivell

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? All my married life apart from 13 years in the middle in Wagga Wagga. People are so friendly and you can do just about anything from Parkes.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? My work has always been voluntary. I am proud of the way Mal and I reorganised the Learn To Swim Free in the early sixties which hugely increased the numbers of locals who could swim, and now, as a member of Que I get great satisfaction helping so many people in our community whilst making great friends and having lots of fun.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Mal and I chose to return to Parkes when he retired and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It’s a wonderful place to live.

What makes you laugh the most? My four sons are all extremely quick witted and when they are all home together it’s an absolute riot.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? I love Iive theatre and, so I’d like to enjoy a beautiful meal and see a really good show with my husband and good friend Liesel.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? In 1968 we took our young family travelling the world for a year. It was just wonderful and I’d love to do it again.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? I’d mandate the phasing out of coal and LPG in Australia, ensuring new jobs for the displaced workers, and actively supporting renewables – solar, wind, wave, hydro and green hydrogen – to ensure future generations have a liveable world.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes of course. I believe most humans are wired to want to help others and so both giver and receiver appreciate kindness.

60-Year-Old Photo Recreated In Painting

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Lyn Watts and Jess Woods met on Monday so Jess could show Lyn the painting she did of the photo Lyn’s mum took on 31st October 1961.

The Dish has inspired many young people to follow a career in science, but 15-year-old Jess Woods from Parkes was inspired to create something artistic for the 60th anniversary of the telescope.

Jess used a photo taken on the actual opening day of the Parkes Radio Telescope on 31st October 1961 for her unique painting. The photograph was taken by Jo McKeowen from Bogan Gate featuring her two children Donal (7) and Lyn (5).

Jess’s mum Sharon saw the image on Facebook as the pro-file photo of the page Parkes in Photos of Years Gone Past. They made contact with Lyn and asked her permission to use the photo for the painting. Lyn was very excited and gave Jess her blessing.

In finalising her painting Jess received some guidance from her art teacher in Trundle, Cheree Stokes. Jess was very keen to enter her painting for the creative competition that formed part of the 60th celebrations, but unfortunately entries were only accepted of people 16 years and older.

Lyn Watts (née McKeowen) with John Sarkissian at The Dish on Monday just before the 60th celebrations. They are standing a bit closer to the telescope but at the same angle as the original photo taken by Lyn’s mum at the opening in 1961 that Lyn is showing on her mobile phone.

Lyn was so keen to see the final product that she and her husband, who live in Cessnock, made a special detour on their travels to come to Parkes and meet Jess and visit The Dish again.

On Monday Lyn first met with Jess. “I think the painting is just great. It should be displayed at The Dish.” Jess promised to keep in touch and to let Lyn know where the painting ends up as it is for sale. Lyn then visited The Dish as the 60th anniversary celebrations were getting underway. “It’s been a while since I was here last more then 15 years ago when we brought our children.”

Lyn met John Sarkissian, Operations Scientist at the Parkes Telescope. John showed Lyn where they photo was taken and they posed for another from about the same spot where her mother took the photo 60 years before.

By Maggi Barnard

This is the original photo taken by Jo McKeowen at the opening of Parkes Telescope in October 1961. Lyn was 5 (turned six in November) and Donal her brother was 7.

Parkes Bowling and Sports Club Wrap

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Minor Pairs Championship

The match between Jim Blake and Rob Irving and the pairing of Bernie Mitchell and Mike Valentine looked like a footy match played in two halves. After 5 ends Bernie and Mike lead 10-0 and ‘half time’ was called. Whatever was said during the break made Jim and Rob won all but one of the remaining ends to run out winners 22-11. In a close match Mick Simpson and Wilbur Harris had the lead 15-6 after 14 ends before Martin Tighe and Gary McPhee won the remaining 7 ends to just get up, 16-15.

Mixed Pairs Championship

Elaine Miller and Steve Turner started well but on the sixth end Jan McPhee and Mark Dwyer took the lead. They continued to lead and going into the last two ends they were ahead 22-14. On the second last end Elaine and Steve scored five shots, but could not bridge the gap on the last end. Jan and Mark ran out winners 22-20. Maureen and Col Miller had a good win against Fran and Grahame Dixon 32-9, but in the next round were out played by Cherrie and Brett Frame, 27 – 11. Handicap Pairs
Brian Townsend and Brett Frame won against Ray Jones and George Boatswain, 34-17.Tom Furey and Greg Huggins had a win over Bernie Mitchell and Mike Valen-tine, 29 – 17.

By George Bradley

National Icon Has Special Place In Our Hearts

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The CSIRO staff at the Parkes Radio Telescope shared in the special anniversary cake made by Kylie Jones for Monday’s celebrations.

It’s a pretty familiar story for most residents of the Parkes Shire and further afield thanks to the movie, but the role The Dish played in the moon landing is not the only distinguished achievement of the finest single-dish radio telescope in the world.

The CSIRO’s 64-metre Parkes Radio Telescope was commissioned on 31 October 1961, and after 60 years of operation, it has been recognised as the most successful scientific instrument ever built in Australia.

“Who could dispute that over six decades it has racked up an astounding list of discoveries and achievements,” said Dr John Reynolds, head of operations CSIRO radio telescopes, at the official celebration on Monday.

“And it continues to thrive thanks to innovation, new technology and the boundless scientific curiosity of our astronomers, engineers and students.”

Early next year the Parkes Telescope will again be involved in serious space exploration by supporting new missions to the moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program that will put the first woman and first person of colour on the moon.

Last year the telescope became the only working scientific instrument to receive a heritage listing, and this achievement was also celebrated on Monday.

“The most famous dish in the nation will now be preserved and protected for future generations after being awarded national heritage status,” said Douglas Dr Bock, CSIRO Director of Space and Astronomy. He said it was an unusual listing as the telescope was old enough to qualify for the national heritage list, but remained young enough to continue to observe the universe 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the most advanced radio receivers in the world.

Traditionally such a milestone anniversary would have been celebrated with a conference, but under current COVID regulations people who have used this wonderful instrument from around the globe were asked to share some of their experiences by video.

Operations Scientist at the telescope John Sarkissian, who clocked 25 years of service with the CSIRO last week, said he was four months old in December 1962, “and 56 years later in this very room my colleagues and I tracked Voyager II as it crossed into interstellar space. It’s amazing to realise that in a space of a single human life time the initial space exploration of the entire solar system was completed and Parkes was there from the start!”

The last video played features an interesting interview with Rob Sitch, director of the movie The Dish. He said before the movie was made Australia’s involvement in the Apollo 11 moon landing had been for-gotten by 99.99% of Australians.

The proceedings on Monday, including cutting a beautiful cake, and the videos were live streamed and can still be seen on the website at Parkes Telescope 60th Anniversary | Australia Telescope National Facility (csiro.au)

Bridge Banter

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Bridge is a marvellous game. But bridge bidding doesn’t always go smoothly. A bid can sometimes be misconstrued, or a bid can even be made to try to get your partner out of trouble. Not a good idea. But one advantage of bad bidding is that you get good practice at playing atrocious contracts. The real test of a bridge player is not always about staying out of trouble but escaping once you’re in it.

Staying well out of trouble this week were Greig Ball with Margaret Hawken on Tuesday; Suzie McNamara with Beth Thomas for north and John Quin with Peter Dearden for south on Thursday; and Suzie McNamara with Greig Ball on Monday.

We play Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm and Mondays at 6:30pm at the Lutheran Church Hall. Check our website www.parkes.bridge-club.org or call Kevin Robinson 0429 621 712 for more information.

By Beth Thomas

Green, Green Hockey Grass Of Home

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

HOCKEY HOME… Mariah Williams is in Parkes this week to catch up with family and the hockey community after her second Olympic Games. She will be doing some training with junior players at the hockey fields on Sunday.

Parkes welcomed back its hockey super star this week when Mariah Williams returned for her fist visit since the Tokyo Olympics.

She attended a civic reception at Parkes Shire Council with her family on Tuesday night after her Kookaburra team excelled at the Tokyo Games in July winning five games only to went down to India in the quarter finals.

Speaking to The Parkes Phoenix on Wednesday morning Mariah said it was always such a beautiful feeling coming back to Parkes and the hockey community. “It feels like a really big family and everyone supports me. I think that’s one of the best feelings coming back and having everyone just being proud of me.”

She said having won their first game in Tokyo boosted their confidence after not playing any other team except New Zealand for 14 months. “The group was really happy and we were really proud of the way we were playing and I think that’s something that we will remember forever.”

Mariah said losing in the quarter final was really hard to swallow. “Even last night when they were talking about the experience of the last game, I teared up. But I love hockey so much and the confidence we gained have made us so excited for the World Cup and Commonwealth Games next year.”

While Mariah also has the Paris Olympics in her aim in three years’ time, she is starting to branch out in other areas of her life planning to enrol for a degree next year either in community work or health care. “I am a Wiradjuri woman and I am really big on the indigenous community and helping out there as much as I can. I am working with the Wirrpanda Foundation in Perth and their Deadly Sista Girlz program.”

By Maggi Barnard

What does the Parkes Radio Telescope mean for the town of Parkes?

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

John Sarkissian: The telescope has put Parkes on the map so to speak! The Dish is an iconic symbol of Australian technology, innovation and science and attracts people from all over to our town and helps local businesses. The CSIRO is always supportive of its local communities. We’ve had The Dish lit up in blue for autism, and orange in support of SES volunteers, while many different groups come out here for their events. Some towns have the big banana and big pineapple, we have the big dish!

Tricia Trim: The telescope attracts many people to the town of Parkes. It is a significant draw card indeed. The telescope has achieved many wonderful things in its 60 years and continues to still do great work. The telescope means a lot to me having worked here for 18 years. It holds so many great memories for me. It’s a wonderful place to work and every day I get to meet lots of visitors that come through our Visitors Centre to see our beautiful Dish and learn all about what we do. Happy 60th Birthday to our DISH!

Bill Jayet: For me it’s the huge boost of tourism to our towns and particularly the tourism dollars, especially after the movie The Dish came out when the visitor numbers tripled from around 40,000 per year up to nearly 140,000 at its peak.

New Childcare Facility ‘Comes Into Play’

November 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

LET’S PLAY… The staff of Central West Childcare Services in the new playground. They are (clockwise) Kim Huggett, Alana Hodge, Ann-Marie Winter (Coordinator) and Teena Mylecharane.

It’s a transformation that will make you wish you could be a child again!

“We absolutely love our new venue, it is just breathtaking what it has become,” said Central West Childcare Services Coordinator Ann-Marie Winter of the complete metamorphosis of the unused and vandalised old community health building located within the old Parkes Hospital precinct.

The building now serves at the new Central West Childcare Services base and houses an integrated early childhood education centre, services for school-aged children, and family services for children from birth to 12 years all conveniently located under the same roof.

The transformation was made possible with a $1.3 million investment by the NSW Government and was officially opened last Friday by Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier Sam Farraway MLC with Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith, councillors, staff and community members.

“It looks super impressive after seeing the old building when I was here for the sod turning in October last year,” said Sam.

“The NSW Government is pleased to support this much needed childcare facility in Parkes. The centre will provide quality care for babies, to school-age students within family daycare, preschool as well as vital before and after school care and vacation care for families with older children.”

With 43 educators and over 400 children enrolled in Central West Family Day Care, the service had outgrown its facility next to the Parkes pool. “It has been a lengthy process of almost ten years,” said Ann-Marie. “We know how important early childhood care is for our community and how high the demand is. This facility has come at the perfect time to function in cohesion with all the other providers in town.”

Mayor Ken Keith said with the major developments happening in Parkes the delivery of a quality educational facility, would ensure Parkes could meet the needs of those new families and businesses relocating to the region over the next decade.

The additional space this facility provides will enable complementary services to utilise the rooms for consultation purposes, such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dental checks, auditory services, as well as support meetings, parenting classes, child assessments, mothers’ groups meetings and play groups, conferences and the support of early childhood courses.

The Central West Childcare Services staff have over the years started buying and collecting very special toys, furniture and decorations that add to the spectacular atmosphere and impressive attention to detail from the moment you cross the threshold.

The outside play area, set against a steep slope, has been creatively redesigned into a childhood paradise of pathways, bridges, sand pits, play equipment and lots more detail to discover.

In a nod to the building’s heritage the original “helicopter arriving” sign has been given a special place next to the main climbing feature shaped like a helicopter.

Enrollments have opened for next year for the preschool, out of hours care, school holiday care and family day care. Call 6862 3111. To learn more about the services provided, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith and Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier Sam Farraway MLC on the helicopter playground equipment. Central West Childcare Services has moved into the old community health build-ing located within the old Parkes Hospital precinct after a $1.3 million renovation.

Maggi Barnard

Minor Pairs Championship

Mixed Pairs Championship

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