Maggi Barnard

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

Improvements Motor Museum Forward

September 24, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

A 1911 Swiss Martini Model GA, believed to be one of only five left worldwide. Martini cars were manufactured in Switzerland from 1897 to 1934 by Adolph von Martini, whose father Friedrich was the inventor of the action used in the Martini–Henry rifle. The car’s badge includes a rifle.

The Parkes Motor Museum is regarded as one of the top motor museums of its size since its relocation to the Henry Parkes Centre 11 years ago. Recent changes have made it even better.

The museum is now fully air conditioned to provide a comfortable environment for visitors all year round, and helps to keep the exhibits in great condition. Parkes Shire Council provided the improvements with assistance from the Federal Government’s Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Grant. The museum’s display also received a significant boost with some new exhibits.

A Harley Davidson motorcycle outfit on loan from the NRMA. The NRMA established its roadside assistance service in 1924 with two patrols dressed in khaki, with the motto “Never Refuse Motorists’ Assistance.” Contrary to popular belief the first patrols didn’t fix broken-down cars, but supervised parked cars, taking them for ‘short spins’ so their owners didn’t get a parking fine.

Snippets…

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Kind and considerate community – with so many people out and about walking their dogs, this resident has placed some water at the front of their house for passers-by.

Return Of Students

As students and staff are preparing for a return to face-to-face learning in NSW public schools next month, the NSW Government is ensuring that all schools are safe, clean and secure. The Department of Education is carrying out a systematic review of all learning spaces, including libraries and halls, to ensure all schools continue to operate in the safest ways possible. The review will focus on ventilation in classrooms and also provide support to schools to adapt lessons to make full use of school facilities including outdoor learning areas. This mammoth task includes 2,200 schools in the public system. “The health of students and staff has always been our priority and parents should feel confident their child’s school is well equipped to keep them as safe as possible,” said Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell.

2021 HSC Enrolment Snapshot

There are 68,710 students working towards the 2021 Higher School Certificate. Most of this year’s cohort started Kindergarten in 2009 and will finish their 13-year schooling career in the next few weeks, before exams begin on 9th November and ending on 3rd December. Enrolment this year is consistent with previous years, with Mathematics, Biology and Business Studies attracting the largest number of students for nine years running. There are 898 sets of twins and 15 sets of triplets and quadruplets spread across NSW cities and regions. “The entire NSW community is behind you as you prepare for your final exams. It is not too late to ask for help, either for your study preparations or for your personal wellbeing,” said Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell.

Creatability Internship Program

The NSW Government’s Createability Internship Program for NSW artists and practitioners with disability is calling for applicants for 2021/2022. Arts OutWest has been approved as a potential host organisation for this program. The Createability Internship Program provides customised training for up to 10 participants with disability, followed by paid internships in major NSW organisations across the arts, screen and cultural sectors. Arts OutWest are open to creating a program of experiences to fit the intern, which could include: general administration, graphic design, marketing and communications, exhibition assistance, programming, production management, research and events. Applications open Monday, 20th September and close at 5pm on Monday, 18th October. Guidelines are available on the artsoutwest.org.au website.

Congratulations to Parkes Services Club on winning The Parkes Phoenix Footy Tipping Competition. Here is Meg Hunter (right) accepting the winner’s television from Ian Westcott of Betta Home Living who sponsored the prize.

New Resting Place For Rescued Scar Trees

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Four ancient scar trees that were sadly cut down last year have found a new home in Parkes where they will serve as a visual reminder of their cultural significance for the Wiradjuri people.

The trees, estimated to be older than 400 years, are now part of the Wiradjuri Garradyang Cultural Garden at the Bushman’s Hill Reserve with plans to develop a unique storyline intertwining the garden and trees using QR Codes and mobile technology.

Scott Turnbull, Rhonda Sharp and Geoff Anderson, representing the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group and Parkes Aboriginal Working Group, told the story of the trees to The Parkes Phoenix.

The trees were on a property on Back Trundle Road and were unfortunately cut down to make way for a development. “A lack of First Nations and Wiradjuri cultural knowledge lead to the demise of a sacred place,” said the representatives. “There were sincere apologies given, but unfortunately the damage was already done.”

During the relocation process the trees were identified to be in excess of 400 years old – this predates the recolonisation of Australia and a time period when Wiradjuri people thrived in this region.

The Wiradjuri community became aware of the incident around April last year and after a lot of consultation and collaboration with Parkes Shire Council and other parties involved the trees were relocated in order to preserve what was left of them. Kent Boyd of Parkes Shire Council arranged funding for the works to begin, while Steve McGrath, Derrick Hoe and Bob Moon assisted with the removal of the trees, and designing and building steel enclosures for the trees.

“This incident has been a huge learning curve for our People, the Shire Council and others who may wish to destroy anything before consultation.

“The trees are now in a far better place than being desecrated and burnt. We can now use them as an educational tool for many years to come.

“The local community have to understand that scared trees are culturally significant and protected and are a visual reminder that First Nations Peoples did exist and have survived.”

Two of the trees have been placed in steel structures to hold them in place, and the other two will take a bit of searching to find up on Bushman’s Hill.

Aboriginal people caused scars on trees by removing bark for various purposes, such as canoes, coolamons, shields, geo-graphical markers and significant sites. The scars, which vary in size, expose the sapwood on the trunk or branch of a tree.

One of the trees removed from the school was identified as a woman’s tree by the shape of the markings, while the other three were identified as large coolamons that would have been used in ceremonies and as geographical markers from the direction it was pointing, as Parkes was a meeting area for Wiradjuri people for tens of thousands of years.

There are many more scar trees around Parkes at about 30 different sites including at the cemetery and above the football ovals.

RELOCATED… Rhonda Sharp, member of the Wiradjuri community, with one of the two scar trees that were placed in a steel enclosure at the Wiradjuri Garradyang Cultural Garden at the Bushman’s Hill Reserve. (Photo: Geoff Anderson)

Myopia

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Did you know that by 2050 almost half of the world’s population will be myopic?

Myopia is more than just needing glasses or contact lenses to see clearly in the distance. People with myopia are at greater risk of developing conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular disease.

The onset of myopia is usually around puberty, however we are now seeing kids in primary school becoming myopic. An earlier onset means a higher degree of myopia and a greater risk of permanent vision loss.

Is it Preventable?

Both environmental and genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development and progression of myopia, however there is now proven ways to delay the onset and slow the progression.

1. Get Outside! Spending at least two hours a day outside will help delay the onset of myopia.

2. Orthokeratology: Ortho-K corrects myopia by wearing a hard contact lens overnight. The lenses are removed when you wake leaving you with clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or other contact lenses. Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow the progression of myopia.

3. Myopia-Controlling Contact Lenses and Spectacles: There is now the option of speciality contact lenses and spectacles to slow myopic progression.

4. Eye Drops: Compounded eye drops can be prescribed that are also effective in slowing myopia.

5. Binocular Vision Assessment: Eyes that do not work well as a team or struggle to change focus are at a greater risk of developing myopia.

Identifying and treating these problems can help reduce the onset and progression of myopia.
The experienced optometrists at Hansen Eyecare Plus have undergone further training and study so that we can offer all treatment options for myopia control. Come in for a comprehensive eye examination and find out ways that you can prevent or control myopia for you and your family.

Eye Health Brought to you by Eyecare Plus

Why did you want to get vaccinated?

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Alex Warren: For my family and community. I’m sick of this lockdown and everyone needs to do their part.

Gemma Bradbury: To protect my family and community. I thought it was the right thing to do. Getting vaccinated was a very smooth, easy and efficient process.

Patrick Jones and Jason Lowe:
Patrick: To get the state back up and be able to go on holidays and travel.
Jason: I just want to go back to the pub and see friends again.

Erin Freeman: Mainly to protect myself, my family and the people I love. It was an easy decision for me, and the process what pretty good, quick and easy for the second jab.

Zayne Ehsman: My parents made me do it, and I want to go out again and play footy – what I miss the most during lockdown.

Rhiannon White: To help protect vulnerable people, especially my in-laws, and to hopefully come out of lockdown. I really miss seeing my family and friends.

Emma Gardener: To not only protect myself, but also my family and the Parkes community. Lock-down is having a large effect on our community and the way back to normality is to get vaccinated.

Tennis Is Back!

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Did you know tennis is allowed to be played under lockdown? The Parkes Tennis Club is offering one-on-one lessons.

The smiles on the faces of the Hot Shots kids were priceless when they were allowed to return this week. They were so excited to be on court enjoying some physical activity while some of the mums used the time to go for a quiet walk around the oval.

Some of the Hot Shot players who returned to the tennis court this week.

Why You Need To Keep Exercising

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Working out at home or going for a run around the park might not be your idea of getting great fitness results, but it is an important step in normality.

There are still some sports allowed under lockdown and these include: running, golf, cycling, shooting hoops, strength training, pilates, yoga, dance, and kicking a soccer ball with one other person. Keeping a daily activity routine this lockdown is just one way you can maintain some control over your everyday life. And it’s more important than you may think.

Regular exercise is good for both our physical and mental health. Start by setting achievable goals, such as being active most days, or every day if you can. It doesn’t have to be a whole-body workout that pushes you to your physical limited, but getting the body moving and the heart rate up is a simple way to ensure you use it, before you lose it.

Here are some simple things that might help you keep on track:
• finding things you enjoy doing
• varying your activities to keep them interesting
• setting achievable goals
• setting a routine and planning your day to include time for activity
• monitoring your activity and progress
• getting the support of your family and friends

The benefits of regular exercise include:
• reducing the risk of health conditions like stroke and heart dis-ease
• controlling weight
• reducing stress and anxiety
• improving sleep

Parkes To Produce World-Class Alternative Energy Products

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Special Activation Precinct has been identified as a priority location for a waste from energy facility that will change our thinking on waste and will attract and build industry and jobs in a sustainable way.

The Parkes Special Activation Precinct has been identified as a priority location to host a waste from energy facility.

Other locations included in the NSW Government’s newly released Energy From Waste (EfW) Infrastructure Plan include the West Lithgow Precinct, Richmond-Valley Regional Jobs Precinct and Southern Goulburn Mulwaree Precinct.

The Plan outlines how the NSW Government will support innovative ways of managing waste, drive investment into the bush and provide certainty for communities.

Energy from waste is a processing method that turns waste, that would normally be designated to landfill, into useable energy. Typically, waste is moved by rail or road to these facilities.

The Parkes Special Activation Precinct Master Plan has set aside an area for re-source recovery and recycling.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM congratulated the NSW Government for their EfW Infrastructure Plan, which will give certainty for communities and investors, by creating opportunities for NSW to lead the way in the delivery of world-class alternative energy products.

“To the NSW Government’s great credit, the identification of sites has been done on merit, which took into consideration the proximity to residential areas, and to efficient transport links. These are state-of-the-art facilities with the world’s best technology, which will drive waste from landfill into energy creation,” said Ken.

“Examples of EfW facilities can be found all over the world from Europe to Asia. This is proven technology and plays a role alongside other recycling technologies, in providing an end-of-life waste alternative to landfilling in keeping with circular economy

principles. It’s about changing our thinking on waste from it being a problem that we bury, to an asset that helps us attract and build industry and jobs in a sustainable way. These facilities are multimillion dollar investments and create substantial jobs.”

This legislation provides certainty for those wishing to develop an EfW plant and certainty for residents concerned about where EfW plants may develop across NSW.

Under the plan, operators of energy from waste projects will be required to make emissions data available to the community in real time online, to boost community confidence and transparency.

These facilities provide a dedicated area for essential waste and resource recovery that allows for a variety of new recycling and reprocessing industries. There is also a great opportunity for resource recovery research.

The location within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct is also perfect from a logistics perspective being at the intersection of national rail networks. Even though the latest filtration technology makes energy from waste virtually pollution-free, wide buffer zones are built into the 4,800ha precinct design, which makes the activation precinct the perfect location. Air quality and odour will be monitored across the precinct.

Water used during the process is captured and recycled at a precinct level and on-site. Any heat and steam generated as part of the process could be used in the Special Activation Precinct for processing and manufacturing of agricultural value adding industries, while electricity can be fed into the national grid or used within the precincts to power collocated industry.

For more information visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/waste/waste-facilities/energy-recovery

Our Bloke – Rex Veal

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was sent to Bogan Gate Army camp in 1964. I was not impressed, but I grew to love the Parkes area and stayed here. Parkes is a caring community with good people and lots of organisations that I am part of.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I am retired. In my working life I invented things like the wheat sweeping machine at GrainCorp and the escape door on dangerous goods containers at Trans Tank.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Parkes.

What makes you laugh the most? British comedy.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Go to The Goodwood Revival Vintage, Classic Car Day in England.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I would like to have dinner with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford And Benjamin Franklin to see what these great inventors thought.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Politicians would have to pass a test for compassion.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes, when I was a young lad, I crashed my car and an old couple drove me home, 100km out of their way.

What is one thing you will never do again? Getting married.

Central West Vaccination Rates Best In Australia!

September 17, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The ADF and NSW Health was back in town this week for three days for the second round of the pop-up clinic for Pfizer vaccinations. People said the process was quick and ran very smoothly.

Parkes is one of seven local government areas in the NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) with first dose rates for COV-ID-19 vaccinations of over 80%, while the Central West is ahead of the whole country with its vaccination rates.

Four weeks ago in the week ending 8th August Parkes had a first dose percentage of 36 and second dose of 14.3%. On 9th September the figures for Parkes were 81.9% for first dose and 34.3% for second dose.

Overall vaccination rates in the WNSWL-HD are among the most-improved in NSW across the last four weeks. Scott McLachlan, WNSWLHD Chief Executive, said he would love to see the district reach the highest vaccination rate in all of Australia.

“I’m really proud of our communities. They’ve heard the message that vaccination is the best way to tackle COVID-19 and they’ve stepped up.

“We’ve seen the first-dose rate of COVID-19 vaccinations go from 17% to 56% for Aboriginal people and from 41% to 82% for non-Aboriginal people.

“The second-dose rate for Aboriginal people has gone from around 7% to almost 22%, and from 20% to more than 41% for non-Aboriginal people.

The seven local government areas in the district with first dose rates over 80% are Weddin, Orange, Dubbo, Coonamble, Narromine, Mid-Western and Parkes.

Coonamble has the highest second-dose rate at almost 50%. Orange, Weddin, Gilgandra, Walgett, Brewarrina, Cowra, Lachlan, Bourke and Forbes are all above 40%.

“I can’t stress this enough though – we can’t afford to think we’ve done enough.” Scott said 80% double dose meant there would still be 40,000 people unvaccinated and very vulnerable to the virus.

“Keep encouraging people to get vaccinated and make sure you come back for your second dose, it’s only after both doses that you get the maximum protection.

“Still get tested if you have any symptoms or concerns. Keep following the stay-at-home orders, practice good hand hygiene and social distancing and use the available QR codes.”

Stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses will be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70% double vaccination target, expected to be reached in four to five weeks.

Maggi Barnard

Return Of Students

2021 HSC Enrolment Snapshot

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