General Interest Archives - Page 155 of 352

Ken Keith

November 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

I have been on the Parkes Shire Council for 38 years, including 17 years as Deputy Mayor and current Mayor for the past 14 years.

I am also the chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW, chair of the Newell Highway Taskforce, chair of the Regional Integrated Transport Group, former chair of CENTROC, and former executive of the Local Government and Shires Association.

Locally I’m a life member of the Parkes Sports Council, and had involvement in cricket, touch football, soccer, hockey and rugby. Golf and swimming are my current activities for relaxation.

I’m a past president of the Parkes PA & H Association, member of the Parkes Showground Land Manager, and has been the chief steward of the District Exhibit of the Parkes Show for the past 40 years.

Other community involvement include: board member of NSW Life Education (Healthy Harold); and past president and life member of Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC).

I’m a recipient of a Centenary Medal and Order of Australia (OAM) for services to community and local government.

My philosophy of government is to have a council that works as a team for the benefit of all the shire. Diversity in terms of age, gender and experience is important as everyone brings a different perspective to the chamber.

I believe it is essential not to have politics or factions in the chamber in order to achieve the best results.

Parkes has a very exciting future, and I am standing because I can offer experience and stability to try and bring some of the visions of past councils together in the development of the National Logistics Hub and the Special Activation Precinct.

I believe it’s important for councillors to ensure they represent and listen to all the communities that make up our wonderful shire.

Sydney Group New Owners Of Cunningham’s IGA

November 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

After 54 years, Cunningham’s IGA in Parkes has a new owner and a new manager.

Tyrel Knott will be managing the shop for Vic’s Fresh, a group with five other stores in Sydney.

As Peter and Janine Boschman were handing over the final bits of their life’s work of 43 years last week, Tyrel said they had done a great job in the community. “Everybody knows them, and over the past two weeks I’ve never heard a bad word said about them. Peter and Janine were always so willing to do anything for the community, and people really embraced that.”

He said he had very big shoes to fill taking over from Peter and Janine, and keeping their loyal clientele happy.

It is the Sydney group’s first venture into the country, but Tyrel said that was why he wanted to come to Parkes. “Sydney is very different to the country. I did a stint in the country about 15 years ago and I felt so comfortable with the clientele. It was a good fit for me. My parents also lived in the country. I think once you’ve left Sydney, you never really want to go back.” He said he would first settle in and then bring his family to Parkes.

While the group plans to keep the name of the business the same, there would be some other changes. “We are a pretty dynamic group and we are expanding all the time. That was why we wanted to take this great opportunity in Parkes. We will definitely look at putting our stamp on the business.”

He said they would be looking at new signage, doing a new layout for the store and introducing new products like roast chicken.

Possum Pandemonium

November 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

It’s spring, and mating time. We will often hear the thunder and squeal of a possum fight on the shed. The loser would retreat swiftly – we would hear him gallop over the tin roof. A loud screech, descending into a low growl, would signal a victory.

We got used to hearing these tournaments, so we didn’t worry when we heard running feet on our roof. I thought “that’s not a rat” and went back to the movie we were watching on TV.

Pandemonium!

The air-conditioning vent opened and revealed two pop eyes, and a quivering ball of fur. A young possum hung there, wondering, like us, what the devil had happened.

Rex jumped up, grabbing a protective cushion, and batted him down to the floor. “Don’t try to catch him! He’ll try to claw you,” I yelled. Even an experienced handler uses big leather gloves because of those claws.

The possum began a mad dash around the lounge room, keeping to the wall. Be-hind chairs, fire screen, under the lounge and then he headed for the china cabinet.

The mirror-back must have made him think “Ah, another possum!”. He tore to-ward it and wham! Came up with a bang (thank heavens for toughened glass!). Nowhere to go now but through the double doors and into the dining room. Another mad dash around the room. Two window walls made reflections, which stopped him again. A wedding, a graduation and two lots of parents fell to the floor as he ran along the sill (thank heavens they were only photos!).

Back into the kitchen. Up on the sink. No escape through this window, so he jumped on to the bench, knocking over a ceramic utensil holder, which smashed to the floor in a shower of spoons, ladles, whisks and more. (I had been trying to get rid of that holder for ages – at least that was something good!)

I was frantically drumming my hands on the servery bench to keep him away from me. I may not be a tree, but he could shim-my up me and tiger-stripe my face in seconds with those claws.

Back out to the dining room. Like a rat up a drain pipe. He tried to climb a corner but stopped halfway. Rex picked up a shoe and threw a perfect direct hit. No Ashes cricketer could have done better. Stunned, the possum shook his ears, spotted the open front door, and shot out into the darkness.

I looked up and saw my precious Japanese lady gazing serenely at me, as if to say “It’s OK”. She has stood on the side-board for over 40 years. I gave a sigh of relief as I realised she had not been broken.
Our cat sat outside, watching through the glass with yellow-green eyes. Perfectly still, I swear he was smiling.

By Heather Veal

(Readers are welcome to send creative writing of 500 words or less for publication in The Write Stuff column to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au)

Cooke Park Pavilion Is Official

November 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Cutting the ribbon to officially open Cooke Parke Pavilian on Monday were (L-R) Cr Bill Jayet, Cr Kenny McGrath, Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton, Mayor Ken Keith, Michael McCormack MP, Cr Pat Smith and Cr Neil Westcott.

The Cooke Park Pavilion, the beautiful new home for the Parkes Elvis Festival and many other exciting events, was officially opened on Monday.

“This is just the bones and what happens now is the exciting bit,” said MC Neil Westcott. “We can start to dream of the amazing events that we can hold here starting with the Overture event on 2nd April next year with headline acts Lucy Durack and Josh Piterman. We hope over 2,000 people will fill Cooke Park on the day!”

Before unveiling the official plaque, Michael McCormack MP commended Neil and his committee on getting top class acts to Parkes. “These events invite people to come and they tell others when they go home to go to Parkes,” he said. “Why shouldn’t Parkes and regional NSW have the sort of infrastructure that is going to attract and lure people to visit, and not just visit, but also to stay and to live in the future. COVID has taught us one thing and that is you can live in a regional community and still take part in metropolitan board rooms. It has also taught us that regional communities are the safest, friendliest and best communities in which to live.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith thanked his fellow councillors for their vision and support for this project, and making the big decisions to realise the project. “Building facilities that this community will remember for years to come is really important and vital to our success.”

Cooke Park Pavilion forms part of the $8.5 million Main Street Revitalisation Project which also included the upgrade of Lower Clarinda Street completed late last year, jointly funded by Council and the Australian Federal Government.

The new facility includes an outdoor event stage, a multipurpose/conference room and kitchen facilities, a separate meeting/flexi-room, a large storeroom, and toilets.

New Taxi Service Aims To Please

November 12, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

FRIENDLY SERVICE… The four co-owners of Dazconn Taxis, a new family business in town, are Connie Elsley, Darryl Charlton, Allan Elsley and Tracy Sloane. Their aim is to offer a friendly service in the Parkes community.

With Parkes starting to expand rapidly, it was only a matter of time for the taxi service to grow too.

On 1st September Dazconn Taxis started operating offering a friendly, fast and caring service to the community.

Using a combination of their names to create their family business name, Darryl Charlton, Allan Elsley, Tracy Sloane and Connie Elsley are all born and bred in Parkes and have more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

“Our aim is to go the extra mile for our customers, especially the elderly,” said Darryl. “We don’t mind spending an extra five minutes with a client to help load their groceries, or whatever their need might be.

“In addition, we offer an excellent and quick service, clean vehicles, and pride ourselves in our friendly staff. We do our best to accommodate every request as best as we can, and are happy to work with community groups for special transport requirements,” said Darryl.

Dazconn is a booked service available 24/7 on Friday and Saturday, and from 4:30am to 2am from Sunday to Thursday with set fares to different locations.

The four co-owners are working hard to accommodate all requests and have build up the service to cater for trips all over NSW, medical appointments to Dubbo and Orange, accepting taxi vouchers from Neighbourhood Central and the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme, and offering a wheelchair accessible vehicle soon.

The Dazconn app makes booking a taxi very convenient. It is easy to scan the QR code below to download the app, or call 0459 757 711 to book the service.

“It is a win-win for our town to have two taxi services to choose from. It keeps us on our toes and the customers get a better service,” said Allan.

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

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.

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)

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

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.

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