Articles Archives - Page 250 of 448

Grants Galore For Shire

May 29, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes High School received a grant to establish a yarning circle to provide a safe place to be heard and to respond for students.

The Federal Government announced infrastructure funding for the Parkes Shire, while the Council made community grants available to six projects.

Parkes Shire Council will receive $1.3 million under the Local Road and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program to support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.

The money will enable Council to deliver priority projects with a focus on local road and community infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

“Local government is at the forefront of service delivery. Our councils know their communities best and are generally able to deploy workforces quickly which keeps money flowing through their local area,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack

Parkes Mayor Councillor Ken Keith OAM said the cash boost was “absolutely fabulous. We are delighted to receive this additional funding.”

The Mayor said there were a few road and community projects “in the wind” which could be funded through the new program.

In turn the Parkes Shire Community Financial Assistance Program (CFAP) granted $1,000 to each of the four Shire Annual Show committees to facilitate the respective 2020 Shows, with the proviso that funds be used for the 2021 Show should the COVID-19 restrictions results in a cancellation of the events.

Parkes High School received $755 to establish a Yarning Circle, and $300 was awarded to local student Elizabeth Hoyle to attend the Youth Parliament.

In addition to the six local projects, Councillors moved an amendment to donate $1,000 to the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Orange. Due to COVID-19, the RMH has been unable to undertake their usual fundraising activities.

The Re-Birth Of Lachlan Maternity Service

May 22, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

The new Lachlan Maternity Service should be up and running by the end of August at both Parkes and Forbes Hospitals.

Work on establishing the Midwifery Led Group Practice Model has been progressing on track, despite the challenges of COVID-19, according to Lachlan Health Services Manager, Liz Mitchell.

“We are about to start filling several jobs in the midwifery led group practice, including the role of team leader.”

“This is very exciting and we hope to receive a lot of interest from midwives locally and outside of the area for these positions.”

Liz said a number of virtual communication sessions with women across the region were also planned over the next month or two.

In the Midwifery Led Group Practice (MGP) model midwives and doctors work with women to determine whether a birth under the care of a midwife is likely to be a clinically safe option, and one which is preferred by the parents. In those circumstances, parents will be able to choose to birth at either Parkes or Forbes.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Parkes hospital on 6861 2400.

Reach Out For Help

May 22, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

COVID-19

COVID-19 has challenged our lives in many different ways and in response the Federal Government has bolstered mental health and wellbeing services.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging residents to access mental health support if they need it. “There is no doubt times are tough for many at the moment. It is important to get help – regional Australians are a resilient bunch but too often they shirk their own health and wellbeing. This message is also for our health professionals who are doing a magnificent job under great pressure. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out for help.”

Patients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group allied mental health services per year with an appropriately qualified GP, psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist.

The Australian Government funds a range of organisations where people can raise concerns, whether they relate to COVID-19, the ongoing drought or the impact of the recent bushfires.

Further telephone and online support is available from:
• eheadspace call 1800 650 890 or chat online
• Beyond Blue call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
• Black Dog Institute online help
• SANE Australia call 1800 18 7263 or chat online
• This Way Up Clinic online courses
• MindSpot call 1800 61 44 34 or online screening.
• Pregnancy Birth Baby telephone, video call and online counselling for parents, call 1800 882 436
• My Aged Care call 1800 200 422
• Head to Health Government’s digital mental health gateway for information, advice, online counselling, treatment and crisis support.

Jacinta A Cut Above Her Class

May 22, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

When Jacinta Knowles completed Year 12 at Parkes High School in 2016 she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

Three years later she qualified not only with a Certificate III in Hairdressing from TAFE, but her passion and hard work rewarded her with a perfect score in every single module of work she had to complete for her course. She also finished her course three months early.

“She is like a sponge and wanted to learn everything,” said Janice Cassidy, owner of Janice Cassidy’s Hair Salon where Jacinta has worked since the start of her studies.

“We’ve connected the whole way through, and ensured she had plenty of practice on specific topics as they covered them in theory.”

“I am very proud of her achievements,” said Janice.

Jacinta is very happy her hard work brought her such good results. She now enjoys focusing on her passion and making her clients feel good, while still staying up to date with the latest technology and fashion styles. “I like creativity, and using colour techniques.”

When Jacinta is not in the salon, she loves being outside either playing soccer, fishing or camping.

If Jacinta’s 100% achievement is the standard she works towards, she should not have any problem reaching her next goal of running her own business one day.

By Maggi Barnard

New Regulations Bring Parks Back ‘Into Play’

May 22, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

HAPPY DAYS… Four-year-old Jayda Francis was enjoying the freedom of being allowed to use the skate park again this week.

Perfect Autumn weather over the past week ensured Parkes Shire residents could enjoy the re-opening of outdoor recreation spaces last Friday to the fullest.

Following the Federal Government’s announcement to relax COVID-19 restrictions and in line with the NSW Government’s public health order, the bright orange safety bunting was removed from playground and exercise equipment, BBQ areas, the dog park, skate park, public seating and picnic tables and made accessible to the public again. It also includes reserves such as Lake Endeavour, Bumberry Dam and the Bogan River Weir.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM welcomed the relaxation of restrictions, but stressed the importance of using our public spaces in a way that keeps everyone safe.

“While we are delighted that children can return to our local playgrounds and residents can exercise on the outdoor gym equipment, caution is urged.”

“We must continue to keep up a high standard of hygiene practices and observe the limitation of no more than 10 people for outdoor gatherings.”

The Mayor reminded residents that our public spaces were shared spaces, “so please stay home if you have even the mildest symptoms.”

Australian scooter rider Pascal Berry from Parkes in the air and Chase Francis at the Parkes skate park this week.

Sporting complexes are open for use by groups under 10 people, however dressing rooms and amenities will remain closed.

Parkes Shire Libraries remain closed under the current public health order, but members can access a range of online collections and resources via Council’s website, www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/parkes-shire-libraries/

Council’s Administration Centre remains open, however the Planning Counter remains closed to walk up inquiries. The customer service team is still available to support customers over the phone on 6861 2373.

The Parkes Visitor Information Centre and museums, as well as public halls and meeting spaces continue to be closed and will be reassessed in coming weeks in line with the NSW Government directives.

The Mayor also encouraged residents to keep on supporting our community. “There will be many who are suffering the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, exacerbated by three years of severe drought. We need to support our local businesses and keep an eye out for vulnerable people in our community. It’s an opportunity for regional communities to unite and help each other get through this arduous road to recovery”, the Mayor said.

The new NSW regulations allow:
• outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
• cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time
• up to five visitors to a household at any one time
• weddings up to 10 guests
• indoor funerals up to 20 mourners, outdoor funerals up to 30
• religious gatherings/places of worship up to 10 worshippers
• use of outdoor equipment with caution
• outdoor pools open with restrictions. To find out more about what you can and can’t do under the rules, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules .

By Maggi Barnard

‘The Teacher Is The Most Important’

May 22, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Jay Quince teaching an online physics class.

The past couple of months have been an exciting time fraught with change, mixed with public hysteria and fear.

As teachers, we have been strangely, but not unduly, noted as essential workers on the frontline of assisting in the fight against COVID-19.

We have been tasked with the job of teaching online, for many of us for the first time, and doing it effectively, opening the doors of our classrooms to a whole new category of educational consumer – parents.

Teaching with technology is not new, in fact, it is hard to be an accredited teacher these days without evidence of attainment in that section of the curriculum.

But teaching students remotely is very new and there had to be a lot of training to present lessons in such a way that will engage and instruct.

Personally, it meant dipping into my previous experience teaching with the Virtual Selective School provision (xSel) and the first two years of Aurora College.

Those five years gave me a great deal of practical knowledge, but kids, like society, have moved on. They moved from being email and texting students to Instagram and Snapchat students. This meant teachers had to break the content down into small enough bits so that they could grasp it.

And there has been another struggle, which Bill Gates has spoken about. “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids to work together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.”

We also had to deal a lot with students who need reassuring, motivating them that though the world may change, there is a consistent bedrock, a community that they will be one day interacting with.

The end result of the last eight weeks with at-home learning is that I have enjoyed observing the resilience of our students who did a wonderful job adapting to all the challenges presented to them, and realising that they are valued by the world.

By Jay Quince

Two Students Receive Indigenous Scholarships

May 22, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Kaitlyn Spence and Lily Walsh.

Former Parkes High School student Kaitlyn Spence is one of two successful recipients of the 2020 Northparkes Indigenous Scholarships.

Kaitlyn has been accepted into Charles Sturt University in Orange to study a Bachelor of Health and Rehab Science.

“I am excited to have started on the path to my dream job. This scholarship will help pay for equipment and accommodation,” said Kaitlyn. “I am also excited about the opportunity to further expand my skills and knowledge through my work placement at Northparkes.”

The second scholarship went to Lily Walsh from Forbes who has been accepted into Charles Sturt University in Bathurst to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science.

Both Kaitlyn and Lily will receive $5,000 per year of their study as part of their non-technical scholarship. They will also receive a laptop to assist them with their tertiary studies. In addition, the students receive work placements on site at Northparkes and throughout Australia.

Northparkes Managing Director, Hubert Lehman said: “The scholarship program is vital to help Indigenous people further their studies and also to help develop the Northparkes employee pipeline. We are proud to welcome you and wish you all the best in your studies.”

Snippets…

May 22, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

There are a lot of changes happening along lower Clarinda Street with the Main Street Revitalisation Project nearing completion. This 8m Town Centre pylon was installed recently near Cooke Park, while lots of landscaping was also done, parking lines added and lots more.

Click And Collect Your Books: Parkes Shire Library launched its new Click and Collect service on Monday making borrowing library books a breeze. While libraries remain temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions, they are permitted to operate a click and collect service with library materials collected outside the library.

“For the safety of our staff and members, we have implemented a range of control measures including correct hand hygiene to be maintained prior to and after handling items, returned items will be segregated into a dedicated quarantine area and cleaned before being re-shelved, and physical distancing will be strictly observed during the collection and delivery process,” said Manager Cultural Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones. To borrow library items go to www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/parkes-shire-libraries/what-can-you-borrow/

Library staff will contact you by phone when your reservations are ready to be collected. You can collect your items at the front door of your local branch library – Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle or Tullamore branches.

No Changes To Hospital Visitors: Visitor restrictions continue to apply to all hospitals and multipurpose services in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).
• One visitor per patient at any time.
• Maximum of two visitors per person per day for residents in MPS facilities.
• All visitors undergo temperature testing and screening on arrival.
• All visitors to residents of MPS facilities must show they have received a 2020 influenza vaccine.
• Children under the age of 18 cannot visit.

Fire and Rescue Open Day: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fire and Rescue NSW moved their 2020 Open Day online for this week via Facebook until tomorrow, Saturday 23 May. Firefighters will walk you through how to check your smoke alarms and help you come up with a fire escape plan via Facebook. As Winter is the time when there’s an increase in residential house fire related fatalities, it is important residents remember to be careful when using heaters and fireplaces and electric blankets.

Visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au, or the Fire and Rescue NSW Facebook page or search for the Parkes station on Facebook.

Blood Donations ‘Essential’: Donate now. Blood donors are needed now more than ever with 800 cancellations per day nationally and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality. Make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Giant Blue Tongue Welcomes Back Students

May 15, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Year 6 students Jessica Larsen and Lilly Gosper helped to design Barugil the lizard.

Students started returning to school this week and at Middleton Primary they were greeted by a big, bright and cheerful lizard.

The artwork, made from recycled materials by the school community, depicts the Gunbalanya dreamtime story of the blue tongue lizard.

The students looked at and combined both traditional and modern indigenous artwork styles to create the piece measuring five metres by three metres. The lizard was drawn by Year 6 students, Jessica Larsen and Lilly Gosper, and then all students were involved in adding approximately 3,500 colourful bottle tops to complete the full picture.

The artwork has been named Barugil, which is Wiradjuri for blue tongue. The artwork was completed for the annual Waste 2 Art competition and exhibition run by NetWaste.

The project was once again directed by Helen Standen, having led the school to eight previous regional wins in the competition.

Although the competition was cancelled this year because of COVID-19, the students still enjoyed returning to school being welcomed by the eye-catching artwork.

“It is so nice for everyone to be back on board, with more and more students coming back each day,” said teacher Judy Fisher.

The whole school gets involved in the annual Waste 2 Art project during their library time learning about reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

Do Not Put Away Your Poppies

May 15, 2020 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Town Crier, Tim Keith, in Cooke Park last Friday. The 75th anniversary medal participating town criers received.

The Parkes Town Crier proudly joined town criers from all over the world on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day last Friday for a very special ceremony.

Tim Keith, Parkes’s town crier of the past 24 years, marked this historic anniversary with a ‘Cry For Peace Around The World’ at the Cenotaph in Cooke Park.

Although the cry was done in almost complete isolation in the park, Tim raised his bell with nine other Australian town criers at exactly 3pm, while the New Zealand and Great Britain town criers followed their time zones.

It has been 75 years since the guns fell silent when Winston Churchill officially announced the end of the war in Europe and declared it to be VE Day at 3pm on Tuesday, 8th May 1945.

Tim said the idea came from the Guild of Town Criers in England, and as the President of the Australian Guild, he felt it was a great event to join. Each participant received a special VE Day medallion and pin to mark the 75th anniversary.

Part of the ‘Cry For Peace Around The World’ read:
Remember men and women, old and young, who died to make us free.
The women left at home did not just sit and wait.
They toiled in harsh conditions before dawn to very late.
Factories, farms, other essential jobs, the women were quick at learning.
They worked, some died, to keep the home fires burning.
As we remember this special day, do not forget that every day someone needs your aid,
Do not put away your poppies, letting your memories fade.
Celebrate with the knowledge that VE Day is also a time to remember,
Beyond the solemn wreaths of the 11th of November.
Let’s thank all those who have gone before, with their colours proudly unfurled.
Join us as united we say, ‘Peace to the world’.

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