Maggi Barnard

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

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

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The library service is back to normal hours in all branches. Our home delivery service is still available in Parkes for members who wish to continue getting their books delivered.

Author-Rised is back in person at Parkes Library on 5th October, our Book Clubs will be resuming during October, and we are hoping to bring back our Friday Flicks later in the month.

While closed we have been busy ordering lots of new books, DVDs and magazines, including the latest Stephen King, Diana Palmer and Kathy Reichs titles.

In mid-October we will be launching a range of board games that can be played in the library and a range of titles that can be borrowed. Pass the Pigs, Uno, 5 Minute Dungeon, Catan, Quirkle, Citadel, Exploding Kittens and many more.

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE PARKES RADIO TELESCOPE

To celebrate the 60-year anniversary of ‘The Dish’ the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre, in collaboration with CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope team, are hosting a competition and exhibition in the Parkes Shire and a Junior Design Challenge.

• For shire residents 16 years and over we have a competition and exhibition in five categories: Art, Writing, Dramatic/Performing Arts, Music, and Dish Painting of model dishes for the miniatures-painting minded.

• For shire residents 5-15 years we have a Junior Design Challenge where your imagination can run wild, designing and modelling your own Dish out of everyday items.

Don’t miss out on the chance to get involved in the celebrations and go in the running to win some fabulous prizes. For more information and to enter, head to The Dish Reaches Milestone of 60 years on our website or drop into the library to pick up an entry form. Hurry entries close 15th October!

Be Seen

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Roslyn Tayler, Lorraine Maxwell and Marg Klein.

Sylvia Glendenning, Bernadette Boneham and Betty Huntly.

The CanAssist volunteers did not stop smiling on Tuesday as they served the strings of clients who poured in through the door of their new shop in Court Street. Here are Daphne Tindall, Colleen Mitchell and Pat Byrne.

Women’s Bowls

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

On Tuesday two matches of Club Championship Fours went ahead. Fran Dixon/Heather Harvey/Joan Simpson/Maureen Miller found the going a bit tough against Helen Heraghty(sub)/Betsy Johnstone/Liz Byrne/Rhona Went, going down 25 to 10.

A similar result when Kay Craft/Chris Curteis/Lorraine Baker/Elaine Miller were pushing the barrow uphill on rink 2, and were defeated by Di Howell/Valmai Westcott/Lea Orr/Robyn Morgan, 23 to 11.

Welcome to new player, Sue Maddison! She teamed with Merilyn Rodgers and Marja Iffland and were too strong for Gwenda Carty/Chris Cox/Eileen Bradley. Beth Thom-as/Vi West/Rosemary Mitchell enjoyed a comfortable win over Julie Green/Maria Willcockson/Carol Reed.

Nominations for Minor Pairs and Singles are open; and next week Tuesday, 5th October 5 the Fours semi-finals will be played.

By Lea Orr

Council Decision To Help Return Forest To Its Natural Beauty

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The illegal dumping problem in the forested area behind the Parkes Hospital was addressed at the Parkes Shire Council meeting last week. Eric Lensson was extremely pleased by the decision to fence off the area and to clean up rubbish sites like this one.

The beautiful forested area behind the Parkes Hospital will be cleaned and fenced off to protect it from illegal dumping following a resolution by the Parkes Shire Council last week.

Council recognised the ongoing environmental issues of illegal dumping, burning out of cars and weed infestation in the precinct. It was resolved to spend $25,000 to erect a fence of rural nature with two top lengths of barbed wire to restrict vehicle access, but include a number of pedestrian access points.

Councillor Ken McGrath also proposed that a clean-up of the area be undertaken and suggested to make it the focus of next year’s Clean Up Australia Day.

“I’m happy to coordinate it, and have already spoken to some contractors to volunteer their equipment to help with the clean-up effort.”

The Mayor said he had also received several complaints from people who enjoy walking there about the dumping problem.

Erik Lensson, whose property borders on the area, had written to council and Member for Orange Phil Donato about the issue. He was following the Council meeting online last week and was extremely pleased with the decision to go ahead with the fencing, as well as the additional motion by Cr Ken McGrath of clearing up the forest rubbish.

“There are not many such readily accessible forested areas around Parkes Shire and the town itself. The forest behind the hospital is a great exercise track for walking the dog, riding mountain bikes and enjoying wildlife like kangaroos and the odd blue tongue or bearded dragon,” he said.

“I would like to extend my appreciation to the council staff, the council, the Mayor Ken Keith and especially Cr McGrath and the Member for Orange, Phil Donato, MP.”

Council noted the positive contribution from surrounding landowners who carried out mowing and general maintenance in and around the site.

Parkes Hospital Prepared For COVID-19 Role

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

COVID-19

Parkes Hospital’s maternity ward is being prepared to perform a major role if required in the region’s response to COVID-19.

Lachlan Health Service Manager Liz Mitchell said all health services in the Western NSW Local Health District could potentially have a role to play if numbers of COVID-19 people needing hospitalisation increase.

“At the moment, the vast majority of COVID-19 patients are able to be cared for in their home with support put in place by health and other agencies,” she said.

“If at any time in the future that changes, our larger facilities such as Parkes could be required to take care of people who need hospital-level care, either when they’re sick or as a step toward recovery.

“To prepare for that possibility, we’re doing some minor works in the maternity space to make sure that we have the right precautions in place to keep patients and staff safe.

“This work is having a minimal disruption on services, including the pre and post-natal service which is continuing to operate as usual both in the community and from the hospital.”

Snippets…

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

A new addition at the Parkes Motor Museum is this 1916 Dodge Bros Touring. It is the same as the very first car built by the Dodge brothers in 1914. This one was origi-nally built in Detroit and brought from America as deck cargo during the Great War, and sold by Dalgetys. It was later converted into a utility (a common practice during petrol rationing, as commercial vehicles were entitled to more petrol coupons than passenger vehicles) and pur-chased as a wreck from Dungog, NSW and restored to its original condition. The distinctive “Cathedral Lights” pattern windows were replicated by the owner, following the original measurements. The Parkes Motor Museum is open on weekdays from 9am to 4pm.

Call For Visual Artists

Arts OutWest is offering a unique opportunity for 15 regional visual artists to create artworks in response to locally written and recorded music. The challenge to artists is to “Show me what it feels like… While the World Waits”, responding to the album While the World Waits that was commissioned by Arts OutWest in response to the impacts of Covid-19. The selected artists will have three months to produce work which will become the While the World Waits touring exhibition, launching in February 2022 and travelling to multiple locations across the region. Arts OutWest is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from emerging and established visual artists living and working across the local government areas of Parkes, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Oberon, Orange and Weddin. Selected artists will receive a payment of $500 to assist with materials and/or production costs. Interested artists can listen to some of the tracks via the artsoutwest.org.au website. Applications are due on 15th October. For more information visit artsoutwest.org.au or call 6338 4657.

Big Win For Regional Teachers

Teachers and students at schools across regional NSW will benefit from a complete overhaul of how the government attracts and retains teachers in the bush. The NSW Government has committed $15 million to action initiatives in response to the review, including: Increasing the value of targeted recruitment bonuses from $10,000 to $20,000, making schools located in the hardest-to-staff parts of the State more attractive for prospective employees; doubling the number of teach rural scholarships to 120 per year, and expanding the the Rural Experience Program to fund up to 50 places from 2022; expanding eligibility so temporary teachers can receive incentives; and working with the Teacher Housing Authority NSW to upgrade, repair and build new accommodation for teachers in areas of high demand.

Recycling solution for bubble wrap. Take it to the new CanAssist shop at 33 Court Street and save more plastic from going to landfill.

I’m Movin’ On To April 2022

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Elvis Festival in autumn will be a very different experience for local fans who take part every year.

We have been ‘All Shook Up’ by COVID-19, but the good news for Elvis fans is that the 2022 Parkes Elvis Festival is movin’ on to 20-24 April.

The annual major event was scheduled to take place from 5-9 January 2022, but the Festival team have been monitoring the situation with the safety and well-being of the community, artists, fans, staff and businesses first and foremost. The current risk, regulations, lockdowns and border restrictions have forced the organisers to make the decision to delay now rather than continue with planning for January surrounded by such uncertainty.

“We had the community’s health and safety at the forefront when making the decision to delay,” said Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM.

“This extra time will help to ensure that vaccination rates are high, and life is returning to post-covid normality.”

Festival Director, Cathy Treasure said: “We are determined to make 2022 a memorable Parkes Elvis Festival for all to enjoy safely. Naturally the entire Festival family is disappointed that we can’t go ahead with our traditional January date. However, rest assured we are working behind the scenes to deliver an incredible April event to celebrate in true Parkes fashion and continue the tradition of delivering a highly successful one-of-a-kind Festival.”

Accommodation providers in the Parkes and Forbes Shires have given the assurance that January 2022 bookings will be carried over to the new dates in April or alternatively to the 2023 festival.

“There is no need to rush and make contact now as accommodation providers have reserved the April dates for existing bookings. If fans are unable to come in April they should contact their accommodation providers to make alternate arrangements,” said Cathy.

Parkes Chamber of Commerce President Geoff Rice said the Chamber and business community supported the change of date and looked forward to welcoming fans to Parkes in Autumn.

“After such a long period of time in lock-downs, we feel Christmas and New Year will be a time best left for loved ones to reunite, and hopefully plan a trip to visit our town with confidence for the Festival in April 2022”.

The ticket launch date will be moved to 15 November in line with the new Festival dates.

“The new date is prior to the Anzac Day long weekend to give visitors another reason to stay longer and enjoy what the region has to offer,” the Mayor said.

The 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival will return to the usual date in January to celebrate its 30th anniversary from 4-8 January.

Start your engines and speed your way to the 2022 Parkes Festival in April next year where Elvis’ 1968 musi-cal film, Speedway will be celebrated. The costumes are fun. Think go-go dancing girls, overalls, racing suits, cars, red, white and blue – there are so many options to dress in theme! (Photo montage: Parkes Elvis Festival website)

Sports Oval Gets Spiced Up

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

SPECIAL DAY… At the commencement of construction of the redevelopment of Spicer Oval on Tuesday were (L-R) Cr Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton, Ben Howard (Parkes Shire Council), Phil Donato MP, Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith, Glen Tilston (Hines Construction), Allan Ryan (Parkes Boars), Scott Knights (President Parkes Senior Cricket), Duncan Blair (Project Manager Parkes Shire Council) and Kevin Oliver (President Parkes Boars).

By the end of June next year the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Football Club will have its own $1.6 million facility at the Spicer Oval.

“I can’t express how much this means to our club,” said Allan Ryan of the Boars at the commencement of construction this week. “There is nothing like having your own club house. We are very, very grateful. This is going to be a game changer for our club and give us pride and identity.”

The redevelopment of Spicer Oval will include a modern amenities block, a club-house and canteen with additional function capabilities, plus a viewing platform accommodating 300 people to service year-round participation of a range of different sports. The building contract was awarded to Hines Construction.

While it will provide the Parkes Boars with a dedicated facility and accommodate junior, senior and women’s rugby matches, the oval will also be used for cricket matches of all grades and ages.

Phil Donato MP said it was a very special day for the Parkes Community and a significant project for the Boars, who had won the premiership two years in a row. “It will be good for the Boars to have their own facility and a venue to match other clubs’ facilities in the region.”

Parkes Mayor Ken Keith said it was a great move forward for the oval that was known as the People’s Park originally where the great Donald Bradman had played many years ago. “It has been the home of so much sport in our community and it still is.

He said the next phase would be to level the playing field to include two rugby fields and the cricket pitch.

Stage 1 of the redevelopment of Spicer Oval included the upgrade of the LED lighting in line with the lighting code for night time football and cricket.

By Maggi Barnard

Roxane Is Our New Sales Manager

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Roxane Manley is the new Sales Manager at The Parkes Phoenix.

The Parkes Phoenix has a new Sales Manager who would love to be a strong advocate for the Parkes community.

Roxane Manley joined our ranks this week and she is looking forward to meeting with clients and establishing a great working relationship. “I think The Parkes Phoenix is a fantastic asset for our community.”

As a mother of five she does not have much spare time, but she enjoys creative writing. “I always thought I would write a novel one day but transitioned to screen-writing as I find the medium of film has the ability to really connect with people. I have been an extra in two feature films in an attempt to understand the film making process.”

Roxane was born in Parramatta (no she does not support the Eels!), and moved to Parkes because her grandparents, William and Veronica Melehan, lived here. She started school in Year 3 at Parkes Public.

She was in year 11 at Parkes High School when she started playing women’s rugby and went on to play for the Parkes Women’s Rugby club in its early years.

After school she trained as a surveyor’s assistant and a geologist assistant. “I enjoyed the outdoors and wanted to work at the mines, but I ended up working for a number of years in commercial kitchens around Parkes before moving into a sales role with Big W when they first came to Parkes. I was the Home Entertainment chick for three years.”

That was her first foray into sales and she really enjoyed the interaction with customers. Her most recent position was as a digital and print sales representative in a similar role to the one she has filled at The Parkes Phoenix.

Men’s Bowls All Go

October 1, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Last Thursday 28 bowlers had a great afternoon at Parkes Bowling and Sports Club blowing the cobwebs off the bowls and getting the elbow and knees working.

Team Furey 20 over team Wright 19, Team Tighe 27 over team McPhee 16, Team Simpson 33 over team Dixon 9, Team Hayward 19 over team Ryan 16, Team Ward 26 over team Corbett 16, Team Riordan 19 over team Jones 13

On Saturday we had a magnificent 38 bowlers. Team Dixon had a one-shot win over Team Ward, team Riordan 24 over team Turner 18, Team Went 24 over Team Irving 14, Team Ryan and Team Harris had a draw. Team Freeman 26 over Team Tighe 15, Team Hayward 17 over Team Ellery 13, Team McPhee 28 over Team Johnson 14.

The men’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, 2nd October.

By Col Miller

Maggi Barnard

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE PARKES RADIO TELESCOPE

Call For Visual Artists

Big Win For Regional Teachers

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