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Snippets

June 4, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Long-time bridge partnership of Dawn Phipps and Jennifer Calvert.

Bridge Banter: Our member Jennifer Calvert played her last game before moving to Orange. Jennifer has always been a joy to play with or to play against at a bridge table and she will be sorely missed, especially by her long-time partner Dawn Phipps. We bid our farewell to Jennifer after ten years. All of us at Parkes Bridge Club wish Jennifer the very best in this new chapter of her life and we hope to see her again someday at the bridge table. ‘Bridge is a wonderful game,’ said Jennifer, ‘and I have enjoyed learning and playing with the wonderful people at Parkes Bridge Club.’ Winners last week were Tuesday Val Worthington and Bev Laing; Thursday Louise Payne with Peter Quin north/south and Margaret Hawken with Joan Reilly east/west and Monday Gary Somers and Greig Ball. New players are welcome on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lutheran Church Hall. Go to https://www.parkes.bridge-club.org or call Greig Ball 0429621712 or Bev Laing 0418114826 for more information. By Beth Thomas

Bogan Fest: Fat Pizza and Houso’s star Pauly Fenech will open this year’s Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival from 11 – 13 June at Bedgerabong Racecourse. He will do a stand-up set, interviews, shooting clips for his shows and having a crack at the record for thonging most people (bogans) at one time and place. “There’ll be a car display, food vendors, cold beverages, lawnmower racing, mullet haircuts, promotions, comedy, activities and inevitably the crowning of Australia’s Biggest Bogan by Chris Franklin and defending champ Ryan ‘Bogan’ Edwards,” said Luke Acheson, co-founder of Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival.

“Studio 10s Daniel Doody (Channel 10) will also be in Forbes on Thursday, 10th June from 8am-12noon doing live crosses from Acheson’s Mitre 10 and we encourage all locals to get in the Bogan gear and come down,” he said. Find tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australias-biggest-bogan-festival-tickets-93021733509

Cycle of Inspiration: Royal Far West’s seventh Ride for Country Kids was a huge success for kids needing support in rural and remote communities. A total of 79 riders cycled from Dubbo to Cobar, via Narromine, Warren and Nyngan, on a three-day, 400km fundraising adventure. Royal Far West’s Executive Director, Business People and Culture Jacqui Emery said: “The fundraising target for the Ride was $450,000, so we were thrilled to reach $535,000.

You can donate old data cables from mobile phones and other electronic devices cluttering your home to the Waste to Art Workshops where it will be used for basket weaving. There is a collection point in the foyer outside the Parkes Library.

What Is The Downside Of A Greener, Healthier And More Sustainable World?

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

CLIMATE ACTION NOW! Some of the students with their posters at the very first School Strike 4 Climate event in Parkes last Friday. The two organisers, Elizabeth Hoyle and Oscar Hendry are in front in the middle.

Why can’t you strike after school? Why don’t you care about your education?

These are some of the questions Year 12 student Elizabeth Hoyle faced from community members when she started organising the very first School Strike 4 Climate event for Parkes last Friday.

She told the almost 100 people in Cooke Park, including the Parkes Mayor: “The truth is, I do care. I’m doing my HSC this year, of course I care about my education. But I’m 17. I can’t vote. My generation will be the most impacted by climate change, and yet we have no say in climate policies.

“I’ve come face to face with the false narrative that country people are against climate action. It’s going to take all of us – individuals, businesses and governments to solve the climate crisis. Actions like these are a way to show we all care.”

She said the school strike event was an example of students “using their education to speak up about things that matter”.

Year 4 student Oscar Hendry, who organised his very own climate strike earlier this year and helped with Friday’s event, showed how no one is too young or too old to try and make a difference.

Elizabeth Hoyle (17), Oscar Hendry (10) and Neil Westcott (61) each delivered a speech at the School Strike 4 Climate event.

He said: “I feel we need to take action, and we need to take action now. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this crisis and how you, as a kid or family in Parkes, can make a difference to a global catastrophe like this.”

He said putting it into the too hard basket and doing nothing was not an option, and would only make our future even more bleak.

Continuing the theme of how humanity could no longer afford to ignore the signs of climate change, Neil Westcott said: “As individuals, communities and local councils we need to be realistic about what we are up against, but doing nothing should not be our way now, and it should not be our future.

“Will somebody please tell me what is the downside of pursuing a greener, healthier and more sustainable world? What scares politicians and shock-jocks alike about turning towards a future that does carry with it the benefit of a healthy environment, and a world that can sustain all life?”

Neil said at the start of his speech that as a Councillor he was not speaking on Council’s behalf “(though they are a wonderful and progressive group of people), likewise because I am a farmer, I do not represent the views of all farmers…

“I am an individual, 61 times around the sun, that shares your frustration at the lack of urgency in solving climate crisis that is unfolding – and lack of empathy for the generation of young people who will eventually do all the heavy lifting in the years to come… by many who have the power to make a difference right now.

“Young People, you are on the right side of history, continue to speak with passion, continue to move in larger and larger groups and one day you can vote with collective wisdom. I wish you all well, and all power to you,” said Neil.

The Parkes event attracted people from the region, including students from Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes, and sup-porters from Dubbo. It was a national day of action for the School Strike 4 Climate movement and the first since the COVID pandemic with thousands of people protesting all over the country.

By Maggi Barnard

Three New Yellow Ribbon Councils

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

At the certificate ceremony were (L-R) Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager Kent Boyd, Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Corporate Services Stefan Murru, SARAH President Peter Frazer, Parkes Shire Council Mayor Ken Keith OAM and Parkes Shire Council’s Director of Works and Services Ben Howard.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils have become Yellow Ribbon Councils for their long-time support of National Road Safety Week.

Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) President Peter Frazer presented the Councils’ representatives with their certificates during National Road Safety Week.

“It has been fantastic to have local government demonstrating how they can actively protect their own community. With this in mind we welcome Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ leadership in joining as Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Councils.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM and Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Corporate Services Stefan Murru accepted the certificates. Lachlan Shire Council’s certificate was presented to General Manager Greg Tory earlier this week.

‘We are all touched by road trauma, which echoes through our community and is felt by so many others – family and friends, work colleagues, community groups, emergency service workers and local communities,” said the Parkes Mayor.

“We’ve been participating, supporting and promoting National Road Safety Week since 2017. Our staff wear yellow lapel ribbons, our vehicles are fitted with the yellow vehicle stickers and our email signature displays the National Road Safety Week artwork.

“This year we had lapel ribbons and vehicle stickers available for the local community to collect for free and there are still some available.”

Two Sydney Judges For Picnic Races

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

This year’s Fashions on the Field judges are Dixie Coulton and Elizabeth Pakchung from Sydney.

Two fashion lovers from Sydney will be this year’s judges for Fashions on the Field at the Parkes Picnic Races on Saturday, 12th June.

Elizabeth Pakchung and Dixie Coulton are both lawyers, and met and became friends through their mutual love of fashion. They have attended many fashion events together.

Elizabeth was born and raised in Sydney. She learnt to sew at school, and loved making her own clothes as a teenager, and reading her mother’s Vogue magazines. She studied Economics/Law at Sydney University and became a corporate lawyer. She is a keen racegoer and was the proud part-owner of “Crows Before Dawn” which won a number of city and country races.

Dixie was born in Goondiwindi, Queens-land and grew up on a rural property. She attended university in Sydney completing Arts /Law in 1982 and has been practicing law in Sydney and New York City. Dixie has a wide range of interests including the arts, community affairs, urban design and of course fashion.

Elizabeth and Dixie will be judging the four categories of Millinery, Elegant Lady, Stylish Man and Best Dressed Couple looking for modern cutting-edge style and originality, discreet elegance and fine craftsmanship, attention to detail with accessories, excellent grooming and deportment and an understanding of current fashion trends for winter.

Acts Of Vandalism

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

In the latest act of vandalism the turf at the Parkes Skate Park were ripped up by a motor vehicle last week.

The Parkes Shire has seen eight vandalism incidents over the past few months costing the Council $5,000 in repairs to fix the damage caused. “I was incredibly disappointed to see the damage caused to the turf at the Parkes Skate Park, which has been ripped up by a motor vehicle last week,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith. Other reports of vandalism were at Harrison Park, with damage to the fencing and sprinklers and at Keast Park, with damage to the pick-et fencing, as well a 100-metre strip of turf being ripped up.

Lachlan Valley Branch Nominated For State Award

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

The Lachlan Valley branch of the National Parks Association promote the natural environment by organising several walks each quarter, showcasing parks and reserves in the Central West of NSW.

The Lachlan Valley Branch of National Parks Association has been nominated for the NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year Award.

The group won the Environment Award at this year’s Australia Day Awards ceremony in Parkes, and will now compete with other nominees for the state-wide award. The winner, to be announced on World Environment Day on Saturday, 5th June, will receive a one-off donation of $3,000 to put towards their community initiative.

The Lachlan Valley branch of the National Parks Association has been operating for over 20 years. To promote the natural environment, the group of knowledgeable volunteers provide several walks each quarter, showcasing parks and reserves in the Central West of NSW.

Besides being important educational oportunities, the walks promote exercise, mental wellbeing and provide participants with the opportunity to create meaningful community connections.

Even though the initial goal may have been to enjoy nature and record the region’s flora and fauna, the outcome has exceeded expectations with lifelong friendships and strong local partnerships being forged as well.

“The Australia Day Council of NSW is proud to once again to partner with Return and Earn to present the inspirational Environmental Citizen of the Year Awards. This important initiative, in its third year, recognises the incredible efforts being made by NSW citizens – young and old – who are creating a more sustainable environment that benefits all of us,” said Andrew Parker, Chair, Australia Day Council of NSW.

Download smartHAIL App For Parkes Taxis

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Taxis has been providing passenger transport services for Parkes and surrounding areas for over 40 years.

The business run organisation is keeping up with the latest technology using the smartHAIL app that allows you to book and track your taxi.

With the Parkes Picnic Races weekend coming up soon, download smartHAIL to ensure you can enjoy the biggest social event in Parkes responsibly.

Parkes Taxis also has a position for a driver – full time, casual or looking to make some extra money on the weekends.

If you would like more information, contact Sarah Smith on 0407 513 848 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or email parkestaxis@bigpond.com.

Snippets…

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Thursday winners at the Parkes Bridge Club were Anne Berkeley, Helen McQuie, Catherine Smith and John Quin.

Breastscreen Van In Parkes: The mobile screening van will be in Parkes until Friday, 9th July at the Little Theatre Carpark. BreastScreen NSW provides free mammograms to eligible women aged between 50 and 74. All necessary measures in relation to COVID-19 have been taken to protect women, staff and the wider community. Meg O’Brien, Manager BreastScreen NSW (Greater Western), says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women can do for their health. “Around 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.” No referral is needed. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

Reduce Energy Costs: Central West community organisations are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) in a grant program designed to help reduce energy costs. Funding of $67,700 has been allocated to the Riverina electorate for up to 12 grants of between $5,000 and $12,000 each. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the grants could pay for up to 100% of eligible project costs for not-for-profit organisations such as PCYCs, childcare centres, local aged care bodies, non-distributing co-operatives, companies limited by guarantee, Indigenous not-for-profit corporations and some local emergency service volunteer organisations. Further information and EOI forms can be obtained by telephoning the Wagga Wagga electorate office on 6921 4600 or by emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au. The EOI period closes on Friday, 16th July.

Firewood Collection In National Parks: As the weather cools, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents across the Central West that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves and heavy fines apply. “We are getting the message out there that collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,” said NPWS Central West Area Manager Fiona Buchanan. “Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival. “NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts.

Woody debris provide habitats for many native animals, which makes it illegal to collect firewood in national parks and other protected areas.

Singing In The Sun

May 28, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Janice Chapman was one of the Niola residents who enjoyed her ride in the trishaw with Peter Guppy as the pilot.

Plenty of nursing home residents had the pleasure of catching a ride on a trishaw over the past two weeks resulting in lots of smiles and some even started singing when they felt the wind blowing through their hair.

The newly established Cycling Without Age charity in Parkes had a trishaw on loan from Canberra for the past two weeks to introduce more residents to the concept.

Cycling Without Age is a not-for-profit charity that provides a community service by connecting those no longer able to ride for themselves with the Parkes community by giving them free rides on trishaw ebikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists.

Peter Guppy offered rides to residents at Southern Cross, Niola and Rosedurnate with several of them coming back for a second time to enjoy a ride in the sun and waving at passers-by.

The charity is working hard at raising funds to buy a trishaw for Parkes, and is currently in the running for an Essential Energy Community Grant. The public can help them by voting for them online to secure the grant.

To cast your vote every day until Monday, 31st May, go to www.essentialenergy.com.au/choices

Bridge Banter

May 21, 2021 By Maggi Barnard

Anne Berkeley, Helen McQuie, Louise Payne and Peter Quin are on the money as Thursday’s winners.

Now that you’ve read a little about bridge and have an idea that good bidding is really a way of describing your hand to your partner, you will appreciate this little anecdote. Our bridge teacher had a new student who sat gazing at her cards for a very long while. Finally, the patient teacher said calmly: “It’s your turn Miss B, you must make a bid.” Miss B fluttered her eyelids, glanced at her polished nails, tossed back her long blonde hair and finally she said, “All right, I bid ten dollars!”

I’d put my ten dollars on any of this week’s winners. Tuesday, 11th May Helen McQuie and Ingrid Stephenson; Thursday, 13th May Louise Payne and Peter Quin north/south, Anne Berkeley and Helen McQuie east/west; Monday, 17th May Greig Ball and Gary Somers.

Come to the Parkes Bridge Club to learn more on bidding. Mondays are best for novice players; Tuesdays if you know a little, or Thursdays for more serious games. Call Greig Ball 0429621712 or Bev Laing 0418114826.

By Beth Thomas

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