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Draft Middleton Masterplan Needs Your Input

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

There is a draft masterplan for the future development of the Middleton area of Parkes, and the community is invited to give their input on the plan.

Parkes is growing and the draft plan for the future development of the Middleton area of the town is on public exhibition to gain input from the community.

There is a new residential release area planned for Middleton and the draft masterplan will guide future development. This will ensure the new residential area not only supports population growth but integrates with the existing residential area and enhances the liveability of the Middleton community.

It will also set out a plan to provide a high quality, sustainable, accessible and coordinated delivery of public infrastructure.

Earlier this year Parkes Shire Council invited the community to share their ideas to assist with the development of a masterplan with a total of 46 surveys completed and 163 visitors used the ‘Map It Tool’ during the exhibition phase.

All feedback was collated to develop the draft plan, and Council is now seeking further feedback from the community to ensure they have captured the feedback received correctly, before presenting it to Council later in the year for consideration for adoption.

“There is so much potential for the Middleton area and this is reflective in the feedback we received from the community,” said Council’s Director Planning & Community Services Brendan Hayes.

The masterplan focuses on areas of development, including recreational and open spaces, sewage and water infrastructure, roads and walkways, vegetation, hazards, access to public facilities and commercial usage.

“We are encouraging our community to review the draft plan and provide any further feedback you may have,” said Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith.

Visit www.yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au, submit your comments in writing via email to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or by mail to: The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870. Feedback closes Friday, 7th October.

Snippets

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Many people have dusted off their collection of Royal memorabilia this week with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The Forbes & District Historial Museum has a collection on show.

Yoga & Meditation In Support Of Homelessness: Start your Grazing Down the Lachlan weekend with a yoga and meditation session tomorrow (Saturday) from 8 – 9am ate Wheogo Park. Guided by four local women, Carmen Spry, Kitty Stitt, Aimee Woods and Cherie Stitt, the session is perfect for all levels and you can choose to practice from a chair (provided) or a mat (bring your own). Payment by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Women’s Refuge run by CatholicCare in Forbes.

Nominate A Tradie: Our Tradie of the Month competitions in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively, continues this month. Readers can nominate a tradie by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. The Parkes competition closes on Sunday, 18th September.

Mandagery Creek Bridge: Abergeldie Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to build a new $12 million concrete bridge over Mandagery Creek at Manildra with construction to begin this month and completed by June 2024. The new bridge on Henry Parkes Way will have wider travel lanes and better access for pedestrians with a footpath on the northern side.

Slow Down For Moo-Ving Livestock: Local Land Services is reminding drivers to slow down when approaching livestock that are being moved along public roads. Following wet conditions and floods, many producers need to move livestock to safer ground. When stock are grazing or moving near or on a road, drovers must display approved black and yellow warning signs. Drivers must give way to stock and all other animals and any vehicle accompanying the stock.

Chief Medical Officer: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has announced the appointment of its first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Mark Arnold. He is set to begin in the new role in January next year. Mark Spittal, WNSWLHD Chief Executive, said the CMO role was specifically designed to put real emphasis on the standards of clinical practice, the ethics of care and the long-term development of the medical workforce in particular. Professor Arnold has more than 30 years’ experience as a rheumatologist and, as a senior academic with the University of Sydney as Head of the Rural Clinical School and Professor of Rural Medicine.

Western NSW Local Health District’s first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Mark Arnold.

Antique Cars Visit Central West

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Graham cars lined up at the Parkes Visitors Information Centre last Monday.

The Australian branch of the Graham Owners Club International paid a visit to the Central West last week.

You might have noticed the 11 antique cars on the road as they visited several tourist attractions in the region. They visited the Henry Parkes Museum, the Visitors Information Centre and the Elvis Collection last Monday and had lunch at the Parkes Radio Telescope. In Forbes they went to the McFeeters Motor Museum and visited Ben Hall’s grave. They also visited Eugowra, Peak Hill, Trundle and Bogan Gate.

Last Saturday locals had the opportunity to see all the cars at the Parkes Racecourse where they were on exhibition.

The members of the Graham Owners Club are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of all Graham built vehicles and to the bringing together, in good fellowship, of those who admire them.

Flowers And Letters For The Queen

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Norma Garment, Betty Somers and Jeanette Lane with some of the Royal letters they had received back over the years. Betty had the letters framed and they have a special place on her wall.

Parkes resident Norma Garment never imagined the flowers she picked in her friend’s garden would end up in the hands of Queen Elizabeth II.

Norma and her husband travelled to Bourke when they heard the Queen was going to open the Nancy Bird-Walton Airport on 22nd March 2000.

“I decided to pick some yellow Tecoma flowers before we went to line up. It was a long wait with lots of security checks and speeches.

She said when the Queen came closer it looked like she was coming towards them. “There were some nuns standing near us, and I thought she was going to talk to them, but then she came straight to me and took my flowers. She shook my hand and the Duke shook my hand!”

Norma was so overwhelmed by the moment that she could not remember if anything was said. “All I can remember is that I was like a Cheshire cat afterwards!”

Norma’s love for the Royal family comes from her mum who was a big Royalist. “I saw the Queen for the first time when my mum took our family from Tamworth to Newcastle for the 1954 visit.”

Norma Garment looks at the video footage with his sister when the Queen took her flowers and shook her hand in Bourke in 2000.

ROYAL CORRESPONDENCE

Norma is also a member of the St George-on-Panorma Home Group in Parkes. “We started in 2006 and are a group of 15 women who meet weekly for Bible study, prayer and friendship. We are also all Royalists,” said Norma.

The group has a tradition of sending cards of support, sympathy, encouragement or congratulations to whoever might need it. When Prince George was born in 2013 one of them had the idea of sending a card of congratulations.

They never expected to receive anything back, but a few months later a card came from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with a photo of the couple and baby George.

“It was such a thrill to get a letter back,” said group member Betty Somers, who managed to find the right address for their card.

This spurred them on to send more letters and cards for big occasions in the Royal Family’s life, and every time they’ve received a response.

The one letter they are particularly proud of is dated 21st October 2015 and it said: “The Queen wishes me to thank you for the message you have sent on the occasion of Her Majesty becoming the longest reigning Monarch in British history.”

The Day I Saw The Queen…

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Alison Grady: My father Jack Scoble (Mayor of Parkes 1960 to 1979) met her in Orange in 1970 and had a conversation with her. He commented on how easy she was to talk to, saying that she thought the children would be happy with her visit as it gave them a day off school.

Graham Nash: I travelled to Orange to see her when she visited in 1970. It was all very flag-waving exciting for a small boy and the Queen came close enough that I could have reached out and touched her. I clearly remember she had a lovely green-yellow dress and hat, and that I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of a crown.

John Wakefield: I remember going on the train to Dubbo with the Parkes schools to see her during her first visit to Australia.

Joan Fletcher: I was on the train with school friends in early primary school. I remember standing in the hot sun for ages till a car drove through and we had a two-second glimpse of the Queen and Prince Phillip.

Fred Deeks: I travelled by train to Broken Hill with my school in 1954, and waved as her motorcade passed by.

Gael Adams-Wright: I saw the Queen in Canberra in 1961. We travelled from boarding school in Goulburn. I was only 11 and started crying.

Richard Miche: My mom Lila (Kingham) Miche met my dad (an American farm ex-change student) at the show in Dubbo as they were preparing competing club exhibits next to each other. She was from Parkes and he was staying with a family in Forbes. She was introduced to the Queen when she viewed the exhibition.

Christine Moldrich: I was born in Parkes but left when I was 18. I met the Queen just prior to the Sydney Olympics with some of my students who were in the Olympic Ambassador Program. Very moving as she looked exactly like my grandmother.

Lesley Crowe: My parents met the Queen on Friday, 24th March 1954 at Red Cliffs, Victoria. Proudly watched with family members to see them up the dias when dad’s cousin made a presentation to the Queen.

30th Anniversary Fever Starts For Elvis

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The 30th anniversary Feature Concert Series has Dean Z and Victor Trevino Jr. (inset) performing combined and separate shows at the Parkes Elvis Festival next year.

The build-up to celebrate 30 years of rockin’ and rollin’ at the Parkes Elvis Festival started this week with ticket sales going crazy from the very first day.

The official launch of the program planned for Monday had to be postponed because of the official mourning period for the Queen, but Festival Director Tiffany Steel said locals could look forward to a program sprinkled with things from the past 30 years, plus some new events.

She did not want to give away too much until the launch early next month but said: “We are bringing back the original minister who did the very first gospel service, as well as the Elvis Tribute Artist.”

Tiffany said with the special anniversary they wanted locals to think about having their holiday at home. “Invite your friends and family to come and stay with you, or consider doing home hosting. We have a great program lined up and we really want the community to get out and experience the festival and show off our town.”

As the festival will be back to its summer spot from 4th to 8th January, the Blue Hawaii theme lends itself to some great dressing up ideas. The 2023 program features plenty of Blue Hawaii-themed events, plus some new and adventurous ones. The Parkes PCYC will be offering Climb Me a Mountain Rock Climbing, while the thrill-seeking fans of The King can skydive over Parkes decked out in their finest Elvis costume. The Feature Concert Series has two artists with Dean Z returning for his fourth time and newly crowned world’s best Elvis Tribute Artists Victor Trevino Jr.

Fans of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock will rejoice to hear that Ross Wilson will be inducted to the Wall of Fame and perform a special concert on the opening day of the festival.

Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows are available online at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

‘Stellarphant’ Is Funny And Witty

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The performance of Stellarphant by Meerkat Productions in Parkes last week with students from the Parkes Christian School.

Parkes students were treated to a wonderful show last week when Meerkat Productions was in town with a dramatisation of one of the shortlisted Book Week books.

Parkes Shire Library hosted Meerkat Productions for the eighth time for their performance of Stellarphant by James Foley. The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted book is a powerful story about following your dreams despite overwhelming obstacles.

Students and staff from Parkes Christian School were invited to join in the interactive show at the Cooke Park Pavilion with Meerkat Productions performers, Debbie and Abby.

Students commented after the show saying: “I liked how well they acted and how inclusive they were.” Another one said: “It was funny and witty and I loved the audience’s involvement.”

Meerkat Productions, an Australian theatre company, is owned and operated by qualified teachers who specialise in adapting children’s literature for the stage.

Eating For Healthy Eyes

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

We have all heard the adage that carrots are good for our eyes but why is that exactly and what other foods can improve the health of our eyes?

Carrots are high in beta carotene that our bodies can convert to vitamin A which is important for the light detecting cells of our retina.

Other important nutrients for our eyes are the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin which naturally occur in our retina as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc. These antioxidants may help protect against free radical damage in diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

You will be able to get a good supply all of these in your diet if you incorporate dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli and peas; bright coloured vegetables like corn, capsicum, sweet potato, squash; fruits like oranges, grapes, kiwifruit and berries and healthy nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds and peanut butter. Finally, red meat, whole grains, baked beans and eggs will assist with getting your zinc quota.

Omega 3 fatty acids have shown in some studies to help with dry eyes. This may be because omega 3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and improve the makeup of our tears. If you suffer with dry eye disease, try to incorporate non fried, cold water fatty fish like salmon, tuna or sardines two to four times per week. Choosing grass fed over grain fed meat sources will also increase omega 3 intake.

Good nutrition at all ages is important for overall health and wellbeing including that of our eyes. Come in and see one of our optometrists if you have any concerns about your eye health. Contact us at Eyecare Plus Parkes, 267A Clarinda Street or call us on 6863 5577.

School Zone Safety Upgrades In Parkes Shire

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Council has been successful in securing $169,000 to improve road safety around four local schools in the shire through the School Zone Infrastructure Sub Program.

The program is focused around improving safety around schools either through capital works upgrades and new installations or retrofitting of existing infrastructure.

Work at Parkes East Public are complete where a new footpath and ramps were installed on the eastern side of Thornbury Street from Want Street to Orange Street. The total cost was $81,000.

Tullamore will see new signage installed on their existing crossing and installation of a concrete footpath from the school gate to the crossing at a cost of $8,500.

Parkes High School works are partially completed, including the installation of a new pedestrian refuge, realignment of existing ramps, updated line marking and updated signage. Future works will include the construction of an additional pram ramp.

The total cost will be $62,000. A total of $17,500 was allocated to Parkes Public School with works on Bushman Street partially completed, including updated line marking, updated signage and the removal of an obstructive tree to increase sight distance. Future works include an additional handrail and concreting of existing medians.

Locals Mourn Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II

September 16, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

PURPLE HONOUR… The Forbes Town Hall was lit up in purple last Friday to honour the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Right: Flags at the Parkes Shire Library were lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. The Australian Government has an online condolence book at www.pmc.gov.au.

Residents of the Forbes and Parkes Shires have been saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since the announcement of the news by Buckingham Palace last Friday.

“My sympathies to everyone since the passing of our beautiful Queen,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller. “Personally, I do not know life without her as our Queen, like many in our community. Her 70 years of selfless service was an inspiration.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith said: “On behalf of my fellow Councillors, Council staff and the residents of the Parkes Shire, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal family, and all those mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was the longest of any British monarch, and over her seven decades on the throne, she proved to be a rare and reassuring constant amidst a period of extraordinary change,” said Ken.

Flags at both Councils were lowered to half-mast last Friday as a mark of respect. The Queen visited Australia 16 times, which included 12 visits to NSW visiting Bathurst, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Katoomba, Lismore, Lithgow, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

The Prime Minister announced a one-off public holiday on Thursday, 22nd September as a national day of mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Forbes Shire Council will be holding a short service for the public on the day at 10:30am to lay wreaths and flowers and observe a minute’s silence at 11am.

ROYAL CORRESPONDENCE

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