General Interest Archives - Page 166 of 352

COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Vital

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Cancer Council NSW has added its voice to the importance of achieving optimal COVID-19 vaccine coverage to help reduce the risks of long-term COVID-19 impacts on cancer outcomes.

“The evidence is clear that optimal vaccine coverage is key to controlling COVID-19 in NSW,” said Director of Cancer Prevention and Advocacy, Anita Dessaix. “Evidence is also strengthening that COVID-19 poses a threat to cancer outcomes. During the 2020 lockdown, we saw disruptions to cancer screening services and program participation which is aimed at detecting cancer earlier. We know COVID-19 is especially harmful if contracted by individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

“The evidence is clear that vaccines work and that accelerating the control of COVID-19 will support our focus on controlling cancer, which remains the leading cause of premature death in the state.

“Vaccines are among the most successful public health measures in history in relation to disease control and increasing human life expectancy,” she said.

Those impacted by cancer can call Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support line or visit cancercouncil.com.au.

Low Carbon Economy Forum Goes Online

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

“Low-carbon economies present multiple benefits to ecosystem resilience, trade, employment, health, energy security, and industrial competitiveness.”

This is the view of Parkes Shire Councillor, farmer and climate action advocate Neil Westcott as Parkes prepare to host an online forum with a focus on Activating the Low Carbon Economy in Regional Australia on Thursday, 19th August.

Local businesses, farmers and community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about this developing industry and its opportunities.

The one-day forum will bring together key local and regional stakeholders to collaborate, share ideas and explore how the low carbon economy is being activated to spur innovation in regional Australia.

Speakers will discuss issues and case studies that demonstrate how regional industries (including agriculture) can benefit from a low carbon economy.

“Parkes Shire Council is committed to supporting the development of a low carbon economy in Regional NSW and is excited by the opportunities arising for local businesses and our regional community from the Special Activation Precinct (SAP),” said Neil.

Topics will include the role and impact of renewable energy in the regions, the nature and benefits of a circular economy and what this means, the importance of a low carbon economy to regional and rural Australia, and how all of these will combine to embrace new industries and create local employment in Parkes and accelerate the transition to a prosperous low carbon future.

“Parkes is already one of the biggest and earliest adopters of rooftop solar, a founding member of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership and is advocating for future local development to be responsible and sustainable,” said Neil.

The SAP will be a ‘green’ place to do business with targets set by the NSW Government for Parkes to become Australia’s first eco-industrial precinct built on the UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) framework.

“This changing world presents not just challenges, but significant opportunity, particularly for regional and rural areas. We are part of the answer. It’s not about the present, it’s about the future. We have got so much to gain out of being proactive,” said Neil.

Given the current COVID-19 outbreak in NSW, the forum has to be delivered online. Tickets are available for $30. For further information and tickets, visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/low-carbon-economy-forum.

Vietnam Vets Celebrate Spirit Of Mateship

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The newly renovated Vietnam Memorial in Parkes will be officially opened by State Member for Orange Philip Donato MP on Wednesday, 18th August.

This year is the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, which will be commemorated at the Vietnam Memorial on Memorial Hill Drive in Parkes on Wednesday, 18th August at 11am.

This is the day that the Vietnam Veterans remember and commemorate our dead. Australian casualties in Vietnam included 521 fatalities and more than 3,000 wounded, many more suffered as a result of their service.

We must never forget the price our Vietnam Veterans paid for service, especially in the marking of the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. A battle that saw 18 Australians killed and 24 wounded.

The action was indeed a monumental battle in which our soldiers exhibited extreme bravery in the face of a numerically superior and well-trained enemy force.

The Battle of Long Tan saw Delta company of the Australian 6th Royal Australian Regiment receive the United States Presidential Unit citation.

Notwithstanding these facts, we should also remember all who served in the Vietnam War regardless of the tasks which they were allocated to perform. We remember our infantry, armour, artillery, field squadron engineers, signallers and their support services in the Battles of Coral, Balmoral and the Bo Ho Woods, Long Hai’s, Binh Bah, Baria and in numerous other battles and contacts of this protracted war.

Vietnam Veterans Day is a day to commemorate the service of all Vietnam Veterans. It also celebrates the spirit of mateship and mutual assistance that characterises the self-help attitude we now share. It also honours those who served in Vietnam and those who did not come home.

Of course, those difficulties did not end with the fighting. For our Vietnam Veterans, life after the war could never be the same. Thousands of our servicemen have developed long-term health problems associated with what they were exposed to in Vietnam.

Tragically, they are over-represented in statistics on respiratory disorders, cancer, depression and suicide. Community attitudes at the time of their return home meant our veterans were denied the recognition they rightfully deserved.

After all, they had put their lives on the line for our country.

Thankfully, over the past 50 and more years, community opinions have changed. Australia has become a more enlightened place. The courage and selfless service of our personnel who served in Vietnam is now recognised on this day each year.

We come together not to glory war but to acknowledge the sacrifices and remember the dead, including three locals namely Anton Danilenko, Denis Donnelly and Doug Powter.

State Member for Orange Philip Donato MP will officially open the renovated Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Parkes. The memorial celebrates not only Australia’s involvement, but also the local personnel who served in the Vietnam conflict in the period 1962-1972.

Members of the community are invited to gather at the Vietnam Memorial on 18th August at 11am.

Masks And Dry Eyes

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

If you are a glasses wearer in 2021 you will be all too familiar with the problem of fogging and masks. The hot air from your breath travels up under the mask forming tiny beads of water on the surface of your lenses making them impossible to see through. Thankfully there are some excellent products that can be applied to the lenses to stop the fog.

But did you know that masks are also causing a significant increase in dry eye? There is even an acronym, MADE – Mask Associated Dry Eye.

MADE is due to the same air flow that causes fogging. The air from our breath travels upward under our mask and across the eye’s surface. This causes the tears to evaporate resulting in gritty, watery, itchy, red and sore eyes.

So, what can we do about it?
The best way to reduce MADE is to ensure your mask is fitting well. A good seal to stop the air escaping up toward your eyes will go a long way to alleviating dry eyes.

Masks with a wire insert are excellent as you can mould the wire to follow the contour of your face. Some people even resort to using tape or a folded tissue to improve the seal. Try also to avoid air-conditioning and take frequent breaks when using screens.

If you are still experiencing dry eyes there are a number of drops and treatments available to provide immediate relief and promote a healthy, robust tear film.

Remember, MADE is not an excuse to avoid wearing a mask. Mask wearing, even when contending with dry eye, is a critical part of overcoming this pandemic. Come and see us at Hansen Eyecare Plus for the latest in dry eye prevention and treatment.

From Phoenix Mine To Parkes Pool

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

LEARN TO SWIM… Dorothea Tom was one of the instructors of the very successful Learn to Swim program that ran for five decades and taught more than 15,000 children to swim. “It was a lovely time,” said Dorothea of her 18-year involvement. Dorothea is standing at the new Parkes Aquatic Centre exhibition at the Henry Parkes Museum.

Have you ever wanted to swim in a pot of gold? That is literally what you are doing at the Parkes pool every summer as it was built over the Phoenix gold mine, which was the richest mining area in our town’s ‘golden’ history.

Before the pool was officially opened on 16th January 1935, the local swimming hole was at Doyles Crossing near the Eugowra Road crossing on Goobang Creek. The problem was that every time the creek flooded, the pool washed away. When this happened the Parkes Council and Goobang Shire had a fight over whose responsibility it was to repair it.

A referendum was eventually held in January 1934, on the hottest day on record, and 80% of the population voted for a pool in town. Construction on the 55-yard long pool in 1934 was a monumental job as it was done by pick and shovel.

If you want to know more about one of the most important features in our town, there is a new display at the Henry Parkes Museum highlighting its interesting history and development over the years. With lots of historic photos and interesting facts, including a feature on Olympian swimmer Rex Aubrey, it is worth a visit during these COVID times when we have to rediscover our own backyard.

“Locals are welcome to come and have a look,” said President of the Parkes and District Historical Society Bruce Hall. “You can use your NSW Discover vouchers before they run out at the end of the month.”

Let It Flow, Let It Flow

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

While we are slightly down on total rainfall so far this year compared to last year, the rainfall figures still look very good.

The total rainfall figure for Parkes so far this year stands at 481.6mm, while in the corresponding period last year we had received 560.6mm.

Lake Endeavour filled to capacity for the first time in four years in July last year with water running over the spillway.

The level had gone down slightly over summer, but late last month inflow filled it up again and water started running over the spillway once again.

The overflow runs 5km down stream to Bumberry dam that is also overflowing at the moment.

Here are some photos taken on Sunday of Lake Endeavour and its spillway.

Meet And Greet And Weave

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The next event of the Parkes Meet and Greet group will be a creative one with Ronda’s recycled weaving workshop at Marramarra Makerspace, Parkes Library on Monday, 23rd August from 10:30am to 2pm. Migrant Support Officer Anni Gallagher says the event is open to everyone to join in.

Participants will be making a bookmark, or a bangle, or coffee cup cover! Ronda will offer an alternative option for those more advanced at weaving. The ladies from Condobolin will come across, and possibly some women from Forbes too!

The shared lunch menu includes two crock pots – Lamb Randang and Butter Chicken – with rice. Participants to bring a small plate of something sweet to share for dessert. Book your spot by sending a message to 0409 458 156.

Free Mental Health Workshop

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway (right) with the Headspace team of Jess Hapwood (Youth Care Coordinator) and Jake Byrne (Community Engagement Officer).

Parents, carers and community members supporting young people experiencing mental health challenges can register to attend a free mental health workshop in Parkes on 24th August at 12pm.

The workshop will be hosted by Headspace thanks to a $1.2 million investment by the NSW Government. NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the work-shop would help parents and carers better understand the unique challenges facing young people and how to access appropriate support.

“We want everyone in the community to have the opportunity to learn more about the experiences of young people so they can be supportive of the children in their lives as well as becoming strong advocates for positive mental health in the community,” said Sam.

“This is about improving mental health literacy in the community in areas such as recognising danger signs, learning share-able coping skills and accessing local support services.”

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said understanding suicide would be a key part of the training. “The vast majority of these young people will not act on those thoughts, but we want parents and carers to be able to talk about such thoughts in a way that doesn’t inadvertently shame the young person or encourage them to stay silent.” https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/head-space-national-youth-mental-health-foundation-30549822220

World Class Aviation Museum For Parkes Takes Flight

August 13, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The design for the new world class aviation museum at the Parkes airport.

The dream of a world class aviation museum in Parkes is one step closer after the development application was approved by Parkes Shire Council last month.

The new building will allow all of the museum’s aircraft to be displayed undercover in a purpose-built aircraft shelter that has been designed with minimal internal support columns to allow the display and movement inside of large aircraft.

The entry area will be extensively glazed to showcase aircraft and will have a small café to serve snacks and coffee and pro-vide access to facilities for all visitors. The café area will open onto landscaped areas that include a rainfall garden and extensive water storage for aircraft cleaning and landscape maintenance.

The museum will provide facilities and access for large numbers of aviation minded visitors to enjoy this heritage and learn more about Parkes and it’s WW2 and migrant camp history. Many new Australians commenced a new life in Australia at Parkes and many young Australians trained at Parkes before travelling to the conflict overseas.

The museum will have a key focus on education and training and will continue to work with Parkes High School students and others.

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Soci-ety (HARS) has had a presence in Parkes since 1975.

While the museum was being established HARS procured aircraft and components to allow future generations to see, touch and experience Australia’s aviation history both civil and military. This has preserved numerous aircraft that would have been scrapped due to their age and condition.

This restoration, preservation and presentation is carried out by volunteers and they are always on the lookout for new members with mechanical, history or tour guiding capabilities to join the group.

During COVID, check HARS Aviation Museum – Parkes facebook page or call Col on 0428 625 269 for opening times.

Major Funding Boost For Show Society’s Pavilion Dream

August 6, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

GOOD NEWS… After the second cancellation of the Parkes Show this year, the Show Society received good news this week of $4 million funding for the new pavilion. At the announcement in the old 1927 main pavilion were (L-R) Parkes Mayor Ken Keith, NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway, Chairman of the Parkes Showground Tim O’Brien and President of the Parkes PA & H Peter Unger.

Excitement for the 2022 Parkes Show received a major boost this week with the announcement of a $4 million allocation for the new main pavilion.

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway was in Parkes on Wednesday to announce the $4,046,020 grant from the latest round of the COVID-19 showground stimulus program.

“I never thought I’d see this ‘pipe dream’ of 15 to 20 years come to fruition in my life time,” said President of the Parkes PA & H Peter Unger. He said the plan was to have the new pavilion of 80m by 20m including a function room, commercial kitchen, toilets and showers, ready for next year’s show. “It is going to be fantastic,” said Chairman of the Parkes Showground Land Manager Tim O’Brien.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith said apart from hosting the largest individual exhibition outside of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the new facility would be available for a range of other activities, such as Elvis events, weddings, trade shows and more. Project Manager Nathan Weeks of Lyons Advantage said the demolition of the old pavilions would start by the end of August after a proper heritage recording of the nearly century old main pavilion had been completed. He said the tender process for the building of the new pavilion would also be set in motion. The Show Society received a grant of over $200,000 earlier this year for the demolition of the old pavilions.

By Maggi Barnard

Subscribe