General Interest Archives - Page 187 of 352

Editior’s Note

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

I just love stories – reading them, hearing them, writing them… That is why I enjoy being a journalist. I get to hear wonderful stories every week, and often the best stories are the ones that come to you unexpectedly. All it takes is often just one question. The other day I went to an event and the conversation started going off topic, but I sensed there was potential for a good story and asked a question. This prompted memories to start flowing and stories of the good old days. When I thanked the person for sharing her stories, she looked me in the eye and said: “Thank you for asking.” It does not take much to show interest in someone else’s story. Take the time to ask and to listen – you’d be enriched by the experience.

Maggi

Community Invited To Comment On Housing Strategy

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The community is invited to submit comments on the Parkes Shire Housing Issues Paper currently on public exhibition until 31st March.

Parkes Shire Council is preparing a housing strategy to plan for the future housing needs in the Parkes Shire.

The Parkes Shire Housing Strategy will set a 20-year vision for housing in the shire, in line with the NSW Government’s Local Housing Strategy Guideline and the Parkes Local Strategic Planning Statement 2041.

The strategy also aims to address the full range of housing needs for the community, with a focus on areas where there are gaps in the housing market.

A Housing Issues Paper has been prepared to share the findings of Council’s preliminary investigations and encourage discussion and inputs from the wider community. The issues paper draws on a range of inputs, including demographic, housing and economic data, housing policy guide-lines, housing sector strategies and studies undertaken for other places.

“As Parkes attracts more residents, the provision of well located, diverse and good-quality housing is important to ensure that our Shire continues to increase its high standards of living and remains welcoming and accessible to a wide variety of people,” said Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM.

Council has a role to play in facilitating the supply of new housing that better matches the community’s preferences and needs. To plan for future needs, Council must set a strategic direction for housing policy to better inform land-use zoning and other planning controls.”

Council is inviting the community to submit comments on the Parkes Shire Hous-ing Issues Paper that is currently on public exhibition until 31st March, as well as complete the Housing Preference Survey. Visit yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au to view the issues paper and to complete the survey. Alternatively, send a written submission to Council at PO Box 377 Parkes NSW 2870. Hard copies of the survey will also be available at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Office at 2 Cecile Street, Parkes.

Endeavour Dragons On The Big Stage

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Dragon Boat Club combined with Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga at the ACT Regatta held in Canberra last month for three events, and competed in one event as just the Endeavour Dragons.

The Parkes Endeavour Dragons did themselves proud on the big stage at last month’s regatta in Canberra.

The Saturday morning was glorious, and the water was calm as the colourful marquees of twenty-three clubs lined the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, while hot air balloons soared overhead.

The Parkes team combined with Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga, and the first race of the day was the 2km turn race. The combined team paddled their hearts out and finished in 13 minutes with Endeavour Sweep Bill Thomas navigating the tricky turns.

Next were the 200m sprints, starting with women’s heats. No place was gained in this category, but Parkes stayed with the field. Opens followed, with Endeavour’s Linda Snyman sweeping. Linda stayed calm and cool throughout the long line-up calls and did a fabulous job bringing the team in second, in both heats.

Finally, Parkes raced in the mixed heats, the only category not combined with Wagga. The Parkes team of fiery Endeavour dragons shone in this event. They were ecstatic to cross the line first in both heats against very tough competition.

When the announcements for the finals were called, the team expected to make it into the B finals, as the A finals are for the cream of the crop. But when the Endeavour Dragons were called for the mixed category A finals, the spontaneous cheer from the Parkes/Wagga marquee was one of elation.

“It was a dream moment for a coach,” said Beth Thomas. “I’m proud to say we came in fourth, a mere second or two behind the leaders. It is due to the hard work, dedication and real teamwork of each crew member to get us over the line,” said Beth.

If you would like to try out paddling, call Beth on 0418 253 045 for more information.

By Beth Thomas

Micro Grants For Arts Community

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Arts OutWest

Arts OutWest is offering small grants to ‘re-start’ arts practice and activity in the Central West.

Grants are on offer for up to $1,000 for individuals, groups and businesses and up to $2,000 for broader community activities.

After a successful first round of quick turn-around micro grants last year, the regional arts development organisation is offering a second round, this time funded through the NSW Government’s Arts Restart package.

“At Arts OutWest we recognise that COV-ID-19 continues to impact on the arts sector in our region and so have directed $24,000 to micro grants,” said Arts OutWest executive director Tracey Callinan.

“We’re keeping the options for how people can spend the funds fairly open, making it possible to use this grant for things that other arts funding often doesn’t cover.”

The $1,000 grants are open to any individuals, groups, councils or businesses engaged in the arts and can be used for costs or activities, such as equipment, training, marketing, development of new work or presentation, performance or exhibition of work.

The $2,000 grants are to support activities or projects that engage and benefit a section of the community. This might include workshops, community events or collaborations between a number of groups or artists. To be eligible you must be based in the Arts OutWest region; your request must be arts related; and your request must offer a way of helping ‘restart’ your community’s arts practice, engagement or experience.

There will be a very quick turnaround for applications and delivery with applications closing on Monday, 22nd March.

Download the application form from the artsoutwest.org.au website or contact Arts OutWest for a copy on 6338 4657 / artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Hood Family Wins Trophy For Second Time

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Winners second year in a row: Andrew, Colby and Roger Hood.

Team work over three generations of the Hood family saw the trophy of this year’s Doug Bicket Memorial Maiden Ewe Competition return to their farming enterprise.

Andew Hood was thrilled to be able to share the win with his father, Roger and son, Colby. “Dad has always been passionate about his sheep and since Colby joined our operation, we have endeavoured to really push the livestock side of the business and maximize the returns we can achieve.”

The family is extremely positive about the future of their flock after strong markets and an amazing season – an optimism that was plain for all to see when the team received the trophy in the shadows of a recently erected, state of the art shearing shed.

The Overland blood ewes carry a 20.5 micron fleece and are classed by Andy McLeod of Dubbo. The flock presented in top condition, reflecting the amazing 12 months of seasonal conditions, in stark contrast to the harsh drought the ewes were born into.

Despite well above average rainfall in the past three months and a severe fly wave that has ravaged the district, Andrew said the ewes had not been treated with any chemicals with minimal fly strike, attributing this to the Overland genetics the family has been using for a number of years.

The judges, Drew Chapman of Hinesville and West Plains Poll Studs, Delegate and Angus Munro, Stud Breeding Manager for Poll Boonoke and Wanganella Studs, were impressed with the ewes from the moment they set foot in the yards.

“This is a great commercial mob of ewes that have been well managed and classed with a clear direction,” said Drew. “They are a very uniform mob and are going to cut a lot of white, soft handling wool as well as being large bodied and structurally correct.”

Angus picked up on the flocks’ impressive lambing percentage adding, “To achieve a lambing percentage of 130% in the middle of one of the worst droughts on record is an amazing result and a credit to the management the Hood family are implementing over their animals.”

Second place went to the “Allambie” flock of the Watt family at Alectown. The Darriwell blood team are classed by Russell Jones, carry a 19.5 micron fleece and achieved a lambing percentage of 112%.

The encouragement award was taken home by the Witherow family of “Ranfurlie”, Parkes. It is the first time the flock has been entered in the competition and the team made quite an impression.

The largest crowd of spectators ever seen at the Parkes competition, organised by the Parkes PA & H Association is perhaps a reflection of the optimism around the turnaround in the season and the strong market conditions as the district moves to recover from the drought it had endured up until 12 months prior.

By Garry O’Brien

100 Businesses Join Free Cuppa Scheme

March 5, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

All travelling drivers are entitled to a free cuppa from 1st March to 31st May across NSW.

In its 11th year of the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme, 17 local businesses in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas have signed up for the campaign to help fight driver fatigue

These local businesses joined over 100 businesses across NSW from 1st March offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver who is more than 100kms away from home. The campaign runs until 31st May.

Since 2010, over 25,000 free cuppas have been given away, while fatigue-related crashes have fallen by 19% across NSW.

The scheme is an initiative of 17 regional council areas in NSW in partnership with Transport for NSW. This year, the scheme welcomed Wentworth, Mid-Western, Cootamundra-Gundagai and the Blue Mountains shires for the first time.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor said the second biggest killer on NSW roads was tired drivers.

“Free Cuppas are available from a broad range of businesses with varied opening hours, making regular breaks and free cup-pas more accessible than ever.”

The local businesses for 2021 are: ALBERT – The Rabbit Trap Hotel; BOGAN GATE – The Railway Hotel; CONDOBOLIN – Bowser Bean Café, Condobolin RSL Club; FORBES – Commercial Hotel, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn Hotel Motel, Isabel’s Place, Shell Forbes, Subway – Forbes; LAKE CARGELLIGO – Fisho’s Takeaway and Hotbake; PARKES – Parkes Coffee Pot, Pink Orchid Café + Florist, Smeaton’s Bakehouse; TULLAMORE – BP Tullamore, Casho’s; TULLIBIGEAL – Tulli-cafe

Go to freecuppa.com.au to search for the nearest participating business as well as other useful information, or follow the Facebook page to keep up to date on the scheme and the participating businesses.

No More Struggles With Sleep

February 26, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Maryann is a sleep consultant located in Parkes. She supports children from birth to five years to get the best possible sleep they can. Her support to families include writing personalised plans that are suited to their parenting style and the child’s temperament. Maryann believes there is no one solution and each family and child has individual needs. The personalised plans take a holistic approach. They include feeding, nutrition, sleep environment, sleep associations, routines, night-time needs and much more.

Maryann is excited to offer in home consultations to families in the central west, saving families trips to Sydney or Canberra. She also offers phone and email consultations. She has supported families across the world from the UK, USA, Germany, to the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and all over NSW.

To book a consultation with Maryann to to her website www.littlezzzsleepconsultant.com.au or give her a call on 0400 319 626.

Young Reporter Writes Own Newsletter

February 26, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

An English assignment has turned into a passion for twelve-year-old Rebekah Knowling making her Parkes’s youngest news reporter.

Last week she published the eighth issue of HS News, a newsletter she writes every two weeks for the home school community in Parkes.

“People have started asking me for the newsletter,” said Rebekah, who has also learned to use Publisher to get her newsletter print ready. “I like seeing other kids read it, it makes me happy.”

Rebekah said she tried to cover different topics that would interest kids. “I like to write about stuff kids will like and that will make them smile.”

She also includes upcoming events, and is currently running a competition to design a logo for the home school group. She has roped in her talented brother Samuel to do a cartoon strip in every issue.

“It is a struggle sometimes to think of what to put in the newsletter. That is why I’ve decided to create a special email address and ask my readers to contribute to the paper or send me items they would like to see in the paper.”

Mum and teacher, Leah Knowling said Rebekah was not very fond of English and writing, so she decided to give her the assignment of compiling a newsletter. “It just took off, and now she is really into it, and her spelling and writing have improved in leaps and bounds.”

Rebekah, who has set her sights on becoming and anime animator one day, now even considers journalism as an alternative. “I try to do a professional job although I am still a kid.”

With some valuable input from mum’s journalism experience, Rebekah’s HS News is surely looking good! “I don’t intend to give up on this very soon!”

Anzac Day To Go Ahead

February 26, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The NSW Returned Services League (RSL) of Australia announced that ceremonies for Anzac Day in the Parkes Shire would be able to go ahead this year.

Local Parkes RSL Sub-Branch Secretary Paul Thomas said this was a great result and example of how RSL NSW works with state and federal governments to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.

The Parkes Sub-Branch confirmed the special guest of honour would be Air Vice Marshall (Rtd) Leigh Gordon OAM, AM. Leigh is a former local who completed his schooling at Parkes High School. He commenced an engineering degree at the Goo-bang Shire Council before joining the Royal Australian Air Force. Leigh will also visit the Parkes High School to address students.

Highlights of his career include Head of Aerospace Systems Division in the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) in August, 2013 and Head of the Joint Strike Fighter Project delivering the fifth generation F-35A Lightning II to the RAAF.

Leigh was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) this year for his distinguished service in responsible positions in acquisition and sustainment of aerospace systems for the Australian Defence Force, following his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2015.

This year’s Anzac Day is significant with the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force and the contribution of Parkes with personnel including Air Marshall Leslie Bruce Fisher, who was the Chief of the RAAF for four years. Both Leigh Gordon and Osborne rose to the rank of Air Vice Marshall. Parkes also produced Flight Officer Rawdon Middleton, a Victoria Cross recipient, and Pilot Officer Colin Francis Hendry, a Distinguished Flying Cross awardee.

The Programme of Events for the Anzac Day celebration will include all the traditional items, as well as the announcement of the winners of the Anzac Biscuit Cooking competition.

The Parkes Phoenix Available On Multiple Media Sources

February 26, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The ban by Facebook last Thursday of all Australian news content, meant The Parkes Phoenix news stories were cut off from a large percentage of our readership.

Fortunately for us the ban did not last too long and our page was restored late Tuesday afternoon.

While we are back to business as usual for the time being, we would like to remind you that we are accessible on various other media sources like Instagram and email, and of course our website.

So if you want to make sure you can always find our stories online keep the following in mind, and as a backup, we would recommend you sign up for our email service to receive the paper in your inbox every Friday morning.

Simply go to our website (www.parkesphoenix.com.au) and scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe. You can also follow us on Instragram (theparkesphoenix).

You can always pick up a copy of the paper every Friday around town at all the supermarkets and various other businesses.

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