I did get behind the lens on a few occasions like this one at the 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival with Joe Camilleri and Greg Page. (Photo: Keith Turk)

I clearly remember the thrill of having a camera and notebook in my hands again returning to journalism close to seven years ago when I started as reporter for the newly established community newspaper, The Parkes Phoenix. 

I had not worked as a journalist for a number of years, and did not have any real prospect of getting a taste of reporting in Australia as so many newspapers were downsizing. And then this opportunity at The Parkes Phoenix came along out of the blue. Little did I know at the time what a lifeline it would become, and how much joy it would bring.

As a relatively new immigrant to Australia with a young child, and having only done some casual work at a school in Parkes, my world was very small and my knowledge of everything Australian was rather limited.

Working for both The Parkes Phoenix and later The Forbes Phoenix catapulted me into every corner of both communities and the wide array of events, traditions,stories and customs, and exposed me to experiences I would otherwise never have had.

From meeting so many amazing and interesting locals and listening to their inspiring stories, countless visits by politicians, including several premiers and prime ministers, the craziness and buzz of the Parkes Elvis Festival to covering Anzac Day, Australia Day, Parkes Show, natural disasters, sporting events and milestone anniversaries… the list goes on and on.

I have learned from every experienced, gained valuable insights in what makes Australians tick, and even became an ‘Elvis expert’ as a bonus! Getting to know our communities inside out has made me even more grateful that my family could make this great country our new home.

In our regular Our Bloke/Gal column we asked people what they like about living in Parkes or Forbes, and so often they would say the community. I couldn’t agree more. I have never felt such a sense of community anywhere else, and the recent flood events once again demonstrated the abundance of kindness and generosity that binds us all together.

Sadly, it is time for me to say goodbye and leave my beloved Phoenix job. Thank you for sharing your stories with me, smiling for my photos and accepting me into the community. It has made me feel very welcome and helped me become Australian.

Maggi Barnard

The Fire and Emergency New Zealand team with Daniel Anderson (front right) and Wiradjuri representatives last Friday.

A beautiful ceremony took place at the Parkes SES Headquarters last Friday to welcome the Fire and Emergency team from New Zealand to Wiradjuri country.

Year 6 student Daniel Anderson from Parkes Public performed the Welcome to Country in Wiradjuri language with several members of the Wiradjuri community present.

In return Kylan McKeen from the New Zealand team responded in Māori language. “We are sending much respect from all of us to you,” he said. “My heart is very full to have you come down and welcome us. It is very important to us to have contact with local people.”

The New Zealand team performed a song in Māori, and then the team members gave everyone the traditional Māori greeting, the hongi. It is performed by two people pressing their noses together and also touching their foreheads.

The New Zealand team also travel with a Māori stone, called pounamu, on their special assignments. The stone was passed around to everyone. “Embrace it so we can take your spirit with us,” said Kylan.

Wiradjuri elder Pat Oliver expressed her gratitude to the New Zealand team for what they have come to do. “We cannot thank you enough for all the help you have given us,” she said.

Maori man Kylan McKeen performs a traditional Māori greeting with Wiradjuri elder Pat Oliver.

The Filipino Australian Community Choir are at the back (L-R) Rey Anasta, Marjorie Anasta, Alice Tique, Mel Wild, Jeya Maranan, Mary Jean Day and Cecilia Alcedo. In front are Jackie Hands, Joie Maranan and Jenny Hands.

Over 60 people gathered at the Holy Family School Hall earlier this month for an international dinner. The event was organised by a small, but wonderful Holy Family Parish committee consisting of Pat McCallum, Merilyn Rodgers, Chris Duffy and Kay Craft. The tables were beautifully set, and the variety of food was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

In particular, all the guests raved about the array of Filipino dishes brought along by members of the local Filipino Australian Community Choir. Others brought Moroccan, Italian, Irish, Maltese, Mediterranean, Indian, and even some good old Aussie dishes.

A highlight of the evening was the entertainment from the local Filipino Australian Community Choir consisting of traditional songs and dance with associated explanations about Filipino culture.

After nearly three years of Covid-limitations and feeling disconnected from each other, being able to host an event to bring back the feeling of belonging in the community was well received by all. It was so much fun and so successful that the committee was besieged with requests of “when are you organising all this again”!

By Lynn Rogers