Articles Archives - Page 232 of 453

Parkes Library Starts Lifelong Learning Chapter

November 20, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

At the official opening of the new Parkes Library and Cultural Centre were (L-R) Cr Bill Jayet, Cr Pat Smith, Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton, Sam Farraway MLC, Kerryn Jones and Les Finn of Parkes Shire Council.

The new Parkes Library and Cultural Centre is ready to deliver educational, cultural and social opportunities for all members of our community and visitors to our region in its impressive indoor and outdoor facilities.

“In regional communities libraries play a pivotal role in providing a safe, inclusive learning space for the whole community,” said Sam Farraway, member for the NSW Legislative Council at the official opening of the $3.4 million Parkes Shire Library expansion project last Friday.

“The Parkes Library and Cultural Centre truly embraces the notion of lifelong learning. The new facilities provide opportunities from birth through to tertiary opportunities to support those who are wanting to further their education, and encourages the more mature members of our community to share their knowledge and skills and learn new ones. The NSW Government is very proud to have supported this wonderfully inclusive project,” Sam said.

Kevin Bloomfield performed a smoking ceremony as part of the official ceremony in acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, the Wiradjuri people and recognis- ing the language and culture that is so important in education and culture within the community.

Many residents and visitors have already taken the opportunity to visit the spacious, architecturally designed indoor and outdoor facility. The innovative and modern expansion delivers new art, cultural and education spaces plus a brand-new intergenerational Makerspace Studio which will provide a wide range of creative learning opportunities, experiences and events.

Other features include lounge areas, meeting and quiet study spaces, local studies room with access to ancestry.com and expanded indoor and outdoor spaces for children’s and early learning programs.

The centre will also be home to the newly established Country Universities Centre (CUC) in Parkes, which will provide the regional community with opportunities for higher education study without having to relocate to the city.

Doro Tom – the library’s longest serving member was also at the official opening. She is with Kerryn Jones (left)

“We are really proud of the new space and encourage our community, members or not, to come and visit and make the most of the fabulous free facilities,” said Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton at the opening.

“Lifelong learning is the first objective of the Parkes Community Strategic Plan and this fabulous new space will allow all members of our community and visitors to our region, to come and enjoy the educational, cultural and social opportunities the new Parkes library has to offer.”

State Library NSW Manager Public Library Services, Cameron Morley said: “Parkes Library is a consistently high performer in comparison with other libraries across NSW, and the significant enhancements to the building will ensure that the people of Parkes will continue to enjoy a first-rate library service for many years to come. The State Library is very pleased to have been able to support the project and congratulates council on its commitment to library services.”

Parkes Shire Council’s Les Finn and Phil Donato MP outside the new Parkes Library and Cultural Centre.

$5 Million For Newell Upgrade

November 20, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Sam Farraway.

The 2020-21 NSW Budget delivered on Tuesday was described as Christmas come early with some good news for communities in the Orange electorate.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway confirmed investment in roads, health, education and transformational in- frastructure across his electoratee.

He said the budget delivered vital funding across the electorate of Orange thanks to the community working together with the NSW Government to get the important projects over the line.

“Today I can announce $900,000,000 will be invested across regional hospitals and health services, ensuring our communities have access to the same world-class health services as those in the city.

“The $5,000,000 upgrade to the Newell Highway at Parkes will ensure better safety for all drivers, whether transporting food and fibre, travelling for leisure, or driving home after a long day at work.”

“Regional communities face unique challenges and we have had an incredibly tough few years with drought, bushfires and now COVID, but today’s budget is Christmas come early, ensuring vital funding for this incredible electorate and its communities which make it the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family,” Sam said.

Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals John Barilaro said: “Today’s budget is about bridging the city/bush divide and this record funding will deliver legacy projects and significant benefits to regional communities for generations to come, because we know that the regions are unparalleled and there is nowhere else we’d rather be.”

The budget included a boost of $300 million to the transformational Regional Growth Fund bringing the fund’s total to $2 billion, to continue delivering grass roots projects across the regions.

For more information about the NSW Government’s 2020-21 Budget, please go to budget.nsw.gov.au

Snippets…

November 20, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Cr Pat Smith, Melanie Suitor and Cr Bill Jayet with an inflatable yellow ribbon for National Road Safety Week.

Yellow Ribbons: Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are celebrating National Road Safety Week 2020 with a range of activities this week. The week runs from 15 – 22 November, and honours the memory of the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 44,000 seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year. During the week, road users are being asked to think about how they can actively protect all those who are vulnerable on the road ahead and to sign an online pledge to not drive distracted, not speed and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. “During National Road Safety Week, yellow ribbons will be displayed all across the country to remember those we have lost on the roads and to remind us to drive safely,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. Parkes Shire Councils’ fleet vehicles proudly displayed yellow ribbons this week, and the Sir Henry Parkes statue in Parkes is lit yellow.

No Carols: The Parkes Minister’s Association has announced with great sadness that the annual Carols by Candlelight event in Cooke Park has been cancelled for this year due to COVID restrictions. Residents are advised to contact their local church for Christmas service times.

Vegetation Program: Essential Energy will start a vegetation management program in early December in Albert, Alectown, Bogan Gate, Cookamidgera, Peak Hill, Tottenham, Trundle, Tullamore and the surrounding areas to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of the local electricity network. The program will be undertaken by Essential Energy’s qualified contractors in compliance with the Australian Standard AS 4373 ‘Pruning of Amenity Trees’ where possible. Their practices can vary to accommodate the physical location and regrowth pattern of particular vegetation. Contractors will also comply with the Essential Energy operational protocols to ensure employee, contractor and community safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, including complying with all social distancing requirements. Operations Manager Central, Bronwyn Sigmund, said the vegetation program was about striking a balance between preserving the town’s trees and ensuring power safety and reliability for the community. Bronwyn said trees and overhead powerlines could be a dangerous combination. “Trees coming into contact with overhead powerlines pose serious hazards to people, wildlife and the surrounding environment, with potential for bushfires, damage to property, injury and unplanned power outages.”

Flowers continue to beautify our landscape with the Melaleuca trees in full bloom at the moment.

Dragon Boaters Walk For Cancer

November 20, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

WALKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE… Participants in the Western Region Virtual Challenge concluded their walk with a medal presentation and cheque handover to Cancer Council NSW at Lake Endeavour on Sunday.

Six dragon boat clubs in the western region joined forces in a virtual walk and raised almost $700 for Cancer Council NSW.

A total of 70 participants from Bathurst, both Orange clubs, Parkes, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga took on the Western Region Virtual Walk of 1,648km to all the participating towns and around their respective water ways.

“COVID-19 imposed a lot of restrictions meaning dragon boaters were off the water for a long time. We wanted to do something to keep the clubs involved and connected, stay active, and provide another option to paddling,” said Beth Thomas, Parkes Dragon Boat Club Coach and main organiser of the event.

“There has always been a strong connection between dragon boating and cancer support, particularly women’s cancers, but a lot of men have been affected too so we wanted to support Cancer Council and all cancers.”

Cancer Council Western Region representative Bree Kelly said thousands of Australians were alive because of cancer research made possible by fundraisers such as this one. “Cancer Council is 94% community funded so relies on the community to help fund our world class research, support services, prevention programs and advocacy.”

Parkes Dragon Boat Club presented a cheque of $675.63 to Jo Krats, Cancer Council Western Volunteer, on behalf of the participating teams at Lake Endeavor on Sunday. Participants in the virtual walk came together on Sunday for a medal presentation and enjoyed a paddle together at Lake Endeavour.

DBNSW Western Region Coordinator Deb Clark gave a special thanks to Parkes for organising the virtual walk. “It was a fabulous way to bring clubs together when regattas were off limits. Great achievement!”

Cancer Council NSW thanked dragon boat clubs across the Western Region for their generous contribution and commitment towards a cancer free future.

Sunshiny Days

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The warmer months have arrived! While everyone is enjoying some reprieve from winter and basking in some bright sunshiny rays, it’s extremely important to stay SUN SAFE. Over the past decades, outdoor activities and recreational sun exposure have become increasing popular, however this is strongly related to a rise in skin cancers. Overexposure to sunlight is widely accepted as the underlying cause for harmful effects on the skin, eyes and immune systems.

Did you know? Experts believe that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented! Enjoy the sun, but enjoy it safely with a few simple precautions! The world leading SunSmart program is a multi-focal program recognised for providing leadership and innovation in sun protection. The message is simple: SLIP! SLOP! SLAP! SEEK! SLIDE!

• Slip on clothing: Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop on sunscreen: Sunscreen should be the last line of defence after clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses. Apply SPF30 (or higher), water-resistant sunscreen to any skin not covered by clothing.
• Slap on a hat: The skin on your face, ears and neck is much thinner and more sensitive to UV damage. Choose a hat that provides good shade to your face, head, neck and ears.
• Seek shade: Shade is a practical, user-friendly form of sun protection. Well-designed and positioned shade can significantly reduce UV exposure as well as create cool, comfortable spaces for physical activity and recreation.
• Slide on sunglasses: Your eyes are very sensitive to UV damage. Choose a close-fitting, wrap-around style of sunglasses.

To learn more about sun safety, come and chat to our friendly staff and pharmacist at Parkes Pharmacy, in the Metroplaza!

Snippets…

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Farmers can collect a free book pack on sustainable and regenerative farming from Monday at all Parkes Shire libraries.

Book Packs for Farmers: The combined efforts of Neighbourhood Central, Parkes Shire Council, Parkes Shire Libraries, Car- bon8 and funding from the Federal Government are giving Parkes Shire farmers the opportunity to receive free farmer packs to help farmers find ways to be more sustainable and regenerative. Pack 1 is designed for the farmer who is new to the concept of sustainable/regenerative farming, and Pack 2 is for the farmer looking to strengthen their knowledge on the subject. Packs are available for collection from Neighbourhood Central and all the Parkes Shire Libraries from Monday, 16th November. For further information contact Neighbourhood Central on 6862 3757 or email: admin@ncentral.org.au

Parkes Pilots And Weather: Safe skies in bad weather is the focus of a special safety seminar for Parkes pilots next week. Pilots will learn how to make the right decisions when the weather turns against them. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is holding the seminar as part of a campaign to reduce weather related accidents. CASA’s Peter Gibson says correct decision making by pilots is crucial. “Accidents continue to happen when pilots flying visually get into deteriorating weather. Local pilots will learn more about how to assess weather before and during flight, how to plan for weather and how to make good decisions. All pilots receive training on weather related safety but ongoing education in this vital area is essential,” said Peter. The Parkes aviation safety seminar is on Tuesday, 17th November at 6pm at the Parkes Aero Club. Bookings are essential to allow COVID-19 requirements to be met. Book online at Weather to Fly seminar.

Suicide Monitoring System: The NSW Government has introduced the state’s first ever Suicide Monitoring System, which will provide up-to-date data for health and support services about the number of suicide deaths across the state. NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the system would inform critical decisions about services and local health responses in. From 1st January to 30th September this year, there were 673 suspected or confirmed suicide deaths in NSW, one more than the same time period last year. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Remembrance Day was commemorated on Wednesday in Cooke Park.

Gus Worland Visit Parkes

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Vicky and Gus Worland.

Television and radio personality Gus Worland and his wife Vicky will be in Parkes next week to meet with the community, school representatives and sporting clubs as part of the Gotcha4Life program.

Many people will know Gus from MMM Radio and the ABC documentary series, Man Up, a journey into the world of masculinity discovering that the pressure to toughen up may be making Aussie men crack. The program is still available on ABC iview.

Gus and Vicky are guests of Central West Lachlan Landcare and will be at the Parkes Christian School hall on Thursday, 19th November at 6:30pm. Spaces are limited for this event, and attendees must register upon arrival (in line with current COVID safe guidelines).

Landcare and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) are supporting the Gotcha4Life program to deliver their fabulous workshops in the Parkes and Forbes Shires.

Gotcha4Life is Australia’s leading mental fitness charity, working to end suicide through delivering programs that build emotional muscle, resilience and social connection in individuals, families and local communities. For further information, please contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.

Remembrance Day 2020

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes High School students Zayne Eshman and Marites Woods.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent and the Great War ended when a peace treaty was signed – 102 years ago.

The Parkes Sub Branch of the Returned and Services Leagues of Australia organised a commemoration at the Cenotaph at Cooke Park on Wednesday.

Students from seven schools recited the names of the fallen heroes from the Parkes Shire from World Wars 1 and 2, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. The Holy Family School choir sang, and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton gave an address reflecting on the consequences of war.

Successful First Year For PA & H Wether Trial

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Shearing took place early August and were done by volunteers.

The Parkes PA & H wether trial was completed in August with very positive results.

Although the trial began in 2019 with the September even-up shearing during the worst of the drought, our trial wethers were well looked after by Ken Keith and Peter Guppy. Since the breaking of the drought in February the wethers have done exceptionally well on the Parkes Solar Farm with the wool quality and wool cut above average.

Shearing took place early August and again Ken and Peter proved to be invaluable in keeping the sheep dry enough to shear during what was a very wet period in the winter.

The 11 teams of wethers from the Parkes district representing nine different bloodlines and a range of wool types from fine to medium to bold medium. In total the 125 wethers cut 1,050kg greasy at an average of 8.4kg greasy per head, and a yield of 70.7%. Based on market prices at the time of shearing (the wool market has been hit by Covid-19) our wethers wool value per head averaged $57.57.

All proceeds from the sale of wool were donated to the Parkes PA & H, and all services and labour provided free of charge. Thank you to the willing team of helpers for mustering, drenching, shearing, crutching and more.

A special thank you to Andrew Carlton, Dennis Webb and Brad Kelly who shore the wethers and gave up a day’s wages to do so. To Tim Keith for wool classing and many other local farmers and roustabouts for their help.

Dr Kathryn Egerton-Warburton and MaryAnn Sladek from the DPI in Orange have been, and will continue to be responsible for the production of data for the duration of the trial for the next three years that will provide technical feedback to local woolgrowers.

Ostini Wool recently offered the wool for sale at our Sydney Auction with very positive comments from buyers regarding the overall quality of the wool coming from the Parkes district and how it is suited to a wide range of overseas markets including China, India and Europe.

For any further information about the trial contact Graeme Ostini 0428 650 191.

By Graeme Ostini

Statistics for the first five teams in the wether trial.

Traditional Names For Parkes Telescopes

November 13, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

CONNECTING… Yarrangirri (middle) from the River Spirit Dancers leads a Wiradjuri dance performance at the naming ceremony on Sunday when the CSIRO’s iconic Parkes Radio Telescope and two other antennas were given traditional
names.

A very special connection was made on Sunday when CSIRO’s iconic Parkes radio telescope and two smaller telescopes were given traditional names.

Murriyang, the name chosen for the 64m telescope also known as The Dish, connects the oldest scientific tradition in the world, astronomy, with the oldest continuous civilisation in the world.

Murriyang represents the ‘Skyworld’ where Biyaami (Baiame) lives – a prominent creator spirit of the Wiradjuri Dreaming.

“This is a very, very proud day for our people,” said Elder Dr Stan Grant, who revealed the names. “This is one of the biggest things ever to happen to our people. Thank you for this!”

Wiradjuri Elder Rhonda Towney thanked the CSIRO for the recognition given to her people.

“We’ve always had a connection to the sky, and today we have one with the telescope,” said Elder Ralph Naden, who performed in the smoking ceremony and dances, and also happened to celebrate his 75th birthday on the special day.

CSIRO’s Parkes staff worked in collaboration with Wiradjuri Elders, the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and the North West Wiradjuri Language & Culture Nest for over two years on the naming project.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said Australia had a rich heritage of exploring the world and the stars. “It is humbling to link our early steps to connect to the Universe with that ancient wisdom,” said Larry, who was represented by John Reynolds of the CSIRO.

At the special ceremony at the Parkes Radio Telescope on Sunday were at the back (L-R) Cecil See, Rhonda Towney, David Towney and Dr Stan Grant snr with the Wiradjuri dancers.

“We’re honoured that the Wiradjuri Elders have given traditional names to our telescopes at Parkes, to connect them with the oldest scientific tradition in the world. Giving the telescopes traditional names acknowledges and pays respect to the astronomical knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“The plan affirms our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the oldest living culture in the world. It recognises them as the first people of Australia and respects their enduring connection to lands, skies, waters, plants and animals. As we move forward together, we will look back to moments like these and see our footprints side by side, wherever they may be.”

Uncle Ralph Naden, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday, performed with the dancers, as well as a solo kangaroo dance. He is originally from Peak Hill, and these days lives near Gilgandra. He was very honoured to be part of the ceremony saying many indigenous people helped to build the telescope.

John introduced the three telescopes at Parkes. The 18-metre decommissioned antenna has been named Giyalung Guluman, meaning ‘smart dish’. It had the ability to move along a railway track while observing. The antenna was originally assembled at the CSIRO Fleurs Radio Telescope site, Penrith NSW in 1960, was transported to Parkes in 1963 and became operational in 1965.

The baby of the family is the 12-metre ASKAP testing antenna that was built in 2008 and named Giyalung Miil. It means ‘Smart Eye’ and was commissioned as a testbed for a special new type of receiver technology (phased array feed – PAF) used on CSIRO’s Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) antennas. The PAF is able see different parts of the sky simultaneously making it a ‘smart eye’.

John said the famous 64m ‘Dish’ had been described as the most productive scientific instrument Australia had produced. “It’s 60 years old next year, but is the perpetual youth of the family as we keep upgrading it.”

“As an astronomer I look back in time. In 2004 we discovered the double pulsar – a pair of collapsed stars locked in kind of intricate dance. The weak radio signals we picked up here were sent 4,000 years ago when the Wiradjuri ranged these lands, unhindered.”

By Maggi Barnard

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