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Parkes Phoenix

Top Netballer At Parkes East

October 4, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Abbey McCulloch with Byron Tanswell and Patrick McPherson who collected certificates for Class 3/4F.

 

Parkes East ended term 3 on a sporting note with a visit by an Australian netballer and captain of the Sydney Swifts visiting last Friday.

Abbey McCulloch visited the school as part of the Premier’s Sports Challenge program that encourages children and the staff to be physically active and eating healthy foods.

Abbey addressed the whole school and spoke about her experiences as a professional athlete and the importance of resilience and never giving up. She handed over certificates based on how many hours of physical activity participants do each week. Most children and staff finished in the Gold and Diamond levels, the two highest levels.

SNIPPETS…

October 4, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Pink Up Parkes committee members Jenny Breaden, Diane Green, Tarlie O’Brien and Maureen Kent are get- ting ready for the Parkes Pink Morning Tea Mini Field Of Women at Lions Park from 9:30am to 12noon this Sunday, 6th October. The whole community is invited to support the event and enjoy a free morning tea!

Book a date with a friend that could save both your lives: BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women to get together with a friend to book a mammogram during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to boost screening rates and save lives. More than one in eight women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but almost half of women aged 50-74 are not getting their recommended two-yearly mammograms. “We know there are many reasons why women might be missing their recommended mammogram – they put it off because they are too busy, they are nervous about going, or nervous about the results,” said Western NSW Lo-cal Health District Breastscreen Manager, Meg O’Brien. “By encouraging a friend to go with them, women can ensure that making the appointment becomes a priority. It also means that they will have someone to support them on the day, and as they get the results. We have come a long way with cancer treatment but the reality is still that the more extensive the cancer is, the more it can diminish quality of life.” An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free and takes about 20 minutes. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, phone 13 20 50, or book online by visiting book. breastscreen.nsw.gov.au

Competition: Enter the Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition to win a $150 gift certificate at Greenparkes Garden Centre! Send your photos on our Facebook page or email to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au by 31st October.

 

The cover of Harry Westcott’s autobiography.

Bishop Harry Westcott’s Autobiography: Harry has put pen to paper, and with support from, and lots of reminiscing with Doreen his wife of 62 years, has published In His Grip… An Aussie Who Had A Go. It is a book “full of adventure and courage, honesty and reality” that will make you laugh and cry, and challenge you as you read about his amazing journey. Harry, the second of four sons born to Seddon and Florence Westcott, grew up on his parents 2,000 acre wheat and sheep farm at Alec-town. In 1959, at the age of 27, he was ordained as a Methodist minister. The book will be launched on Tuesday, 22nd October at the Coachman Hotel Reception Room at 5:30pm. Everyone is invited.

Open Invitation From Bogan Gate CWA

October 4, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

At the September meeting of the Bogan Gate CWA were (L-R) Ros Edwards (Secretary) Ken Engsmyr, Evelyn and Bill Shallvey, Marion McIntyre (President) and Hilda McPherson (Treasurer).

The Bogan Gate CWA branch welcomed three Parkes residents to their September meeting.

Ken Engsmyr from the Parkes Rotary Club and Bill and Evelyn Shallvey. Bill talked about East Timor and showed photos of his trips there with a group of helpers.

He talked about how they packed several large containers with surplus equipment from the old Parkes and Forbes Hospitals, Southern Cross and Mater Aged Care, including roofing from Southern Cross.

Other events of the club included the annual Friendship Luncheon at the Bogan Gate Hotel; and the International Day meeting in August with International Officer Heather Veal organising a beautiful meal represent-ing Papua New Guinea. Guest Speakers Chris and Kay Owens from Dubbo, who had lived in PNG for 15 years, spoke of their time there.

Upcoming events for the club are the next Trivia Night on Saturday, 12th October at 7pm in the Bogan Gate Hall. Organise a team of four to six, and ring Marion on 6864 3233 or Ros 6864 1023. A special invitation to Parkes and Forbes people to come for a drive and experience a fun night.

Tuesday, 15th October the Oxley Group of CWA has their Annual Conference in Tullamore; next CWA meeting is on Thursday, 17th October for the AGM.

Local Health Project Selected For State Event

October 4, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

A local health project has been selected to present at the NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Showcase in Sydney at the end of this month.

The Western NSW Local Health District’s Nursing Education Team created a Cultural Package to recognise the important role played by overseas trained professionals in rural health, and helps support them when they start work with local health services.

“It is a credit to our Nursing Education team to be presenting at the Showcase. The Showcase highlights the projects and research that nurses and midwives are leading across NSW Health,” said Executive Director of Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, Adrian Fahy.

The Cultural Package project was formed after the Nursing Educator Team were consulted on issues regarding communication, team work and cultural awareness for new employees, especially those who were trained overseas.

The Cultural Package was developed to help new employees transition successfully into their work and community environment.

It is made up of five documents and has been distributed to 60 overseas trained employees. The feedback has indicated that in particular it has helped them gain a better understanding of Aboriginal culture and the importance of Aboriginal health is- sues.

It has also resulted in improved communication and team work as it gives the new employees a better understanding of their requirements within the workplace culture.

Dive Right Into Swim Season Tomorrow!

October 4, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

EARLY SWIM… Parkes swimmers Matt and Blake Price and Clara Rice improved on their best times from last season in an early developmental carnival in Orange last Sunday.

 

The swimming season kicks off tomorrow (Saturday) with the opening of the Parkes pool for the next six months.

The Parkes Sharks Swimming Club will have a registration day tomorrow from 10am to 12 noon with club coaches on hand to assess new entrants.

Orders for new swimming costumes will also be taken. Training for club members will begin on Tuesday, 8th October.

Other changes this season include the move of the club trial night to Thursday nights.

On club trial nights families are more than welcome, even if you are not a member, to still use the pool BBQ facilities, the wading pool and play area.

The first club trial night will be on Thursday, 17th October with races commencing at 6pm.

Fees for this season have been supplemented by the Sharks to help reduce the ongoing hardship caused by the drought.

Even though the Parkes swimming sea- son is yet to begin, Parkes swimmers have been busy with three Sharks members at- tending a Mountains and Plains development carnival in Orange last Sunday.

Matt and Blake Price and Clara Rice dropped several seconds from their previous best times from last season.

The major highlight for the coming sea- son will be the Parkes Carnival in December, and with a great number of local swimmers making representative swimming teams for schools early in the next school year, it would be a great competition to get involved in to improve times and results.

By Jay Quince

Let’s All ‘Pink Up’ This October!

October 4, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

PINK UP PARKES… Setting the tone for the month were members of the Pink Up Parkes Committee. (L-R) Marg Apple-bee, Jenny Breaden, Geoff Rice, Bill Thomas, Carolyn Rice OAM, Clara Rice (9), Mayor Ken Keith OAM, Beth Thomas, Ben Terry and Lorraine Parker. (Photo: Christine Little)

 

Parkes has turned pink for October with many local businesses and organisations taking on the challenge to help raise aware-ness and funds for the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses.

Pink Up Your Town is an initiative from the McGrath Foundation in which communities come together to Pink Up – not only to raise vital funds that support specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses, but to create a visual show of support for local families experiencing breast cancer.

It started with Jane and Glenn McGrath’s very public experience with breast cancer, and has become one of Australia’s most recognised and respected charities. Some years after her initial diagnosis, Jane’s cancer returned. This time, she had a breast care nurse, who both empowered and comforted her, and the entire family.

This experience set the mission for the Foundation, which has become an en-during commitment to support thousands of women and men every day, no matter where they live – for free.

While more than 70,000 families have been supported by 132 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, there’s still a lot more to do to reach every family going through breast cancer.

If you have not yet turned pink, there is still time to register your event, busi-ness or organisation to be part of Pink Up Parkes. You can also support one of the many events as listed on page 6 ranging from social golf and family tennis to dragon boating and a raffle with fabulous prizes. Also go on Facebook or Instagram @pink-upparkes or go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org

Parkes Has Secure Water Supply

September 26, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Media reports that Parkes is forecast to run out of water in March next year has been disputed by Mayor Ken Keith.

“Parkes is not at immediate risk of running dry contrary to recent media reports,” the Mayor said. “It is deeply disappointing that these figures have been quoted.”

He said while there was no doubt that the current drought situation was dire, our community could rest assured that Parkes would have water through 2020 and beyond. “We are very much able to service our residents, businesses, and visitors to the region.

“On the back of the misleading reports we have had some visitors questioning their travel plans as they do not want to be further a drain on our water supply. I would like to reassure everyone that Parkes is not at imminent risk of running dry. We encourage visitors to come and support our local businesses and enjoy everything Parkes has to offer, including the 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival,” Ken said.

Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager Kent Boyd said Council upgraded the raw water infrastructure in 2016-18 as part of Council’s $100m multi award-winning Integrated Water Infrastructure Program.

Council constructed new, more efficient water and wastewater treatment plants, upgraded the raw water supply infrastructure, constructed a new river pump station and refurbished Council’s bores. “There are now eight bores that collectively allow an increasing extraction capacity while spreading the drawdown of water over a larger area to minimise impact on the aquifer,” Kent said.

SNIPPETS…

September 26, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Spelling Success For Middleton: Middleton Public School students enjoyed outstanding success at the Premier’s Spelling Bee Regional Finals recently competing against 19 other schools. A huge congratulations to Natan Sadykov who was the outright winner of the senior section and will compete in Sydney at the state finals in November. Harry Kennedy came third in the senior section, which is also an amazing outcome. Meg Skinner and Logan Roberts were placed equal fifth in the junior section.

Holiday Fun At Library: Parkes Shire Library staff have prepared a fun-filled program for school kids at their new home at 2/250 Clarinda Street. There is something for every interest including: Feed the Birds – make a bird feeder to take home; Cartooning Workshop – Join the team from Toonworld designing your own cartoon heroes; Fanciful Flower Crowns – Join local florist Alice making your own fresh flower crown; Action Reaction Family Shows – An acrobatic show for families with a Superhero Training Component; Film and Fighting Workshop – see a demonstration and participate in film and stage fighting techniques; You Can be an Author! – Write crazy stories using word games and activities. Places are limited and bookings are essential in person at the Parkes Shire Library. Cost $2.

Parkes Country Music: No Country Music Muster for October.

Competition: Enter the Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition to win a $150 gift certificate! Send your photos on our Facebook page or email to editor@parkesphoenix. com.au by 31st October.

Congratulations! Rebecca Fernando is the winner of our Questacon competition!

Bogan Gate Village Fair: Over 30 stalls, vintage machinery, classic cars and more will make for a great family day out at the inaugural Bogan Gate Village Fair on Sunday, 29th September from 9.30am until 3pm. The event aims to bring the community together and raise much needed funds for local groups and organisations, such as the Bogan Gate Railway Arts and
Crafts Shop doing it tough as a result of the drought. The aim is to raise enough funds to cover the shop’s rent for the next year. Other activities include a Tupperware cooking demonstration at 11am, a fashion parade at 12pm, lots of kids entertianment and the art and craft shop’s famous Devonshire Tea. Budding musicians are welcome to try their hand at busking.

 

Dive Into The Swim Season

September 26, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

With the weather warming up, local lifeguards are gearing up to dive into another big pool season.

Last swim season, Council waived the admission fees in an effort to provide our farmers, businesses and residents some small respite from the drought, which saw patronage numbers over double.

This summer Parkes pool users will pay half the admission fee. Users of the Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore pools will enjoy the township facilities for free for another season.

Parkes Aquatic Centre admission prices for the 2019/20 season are:
• Adult (18 years and over) $2.20
• Child (5-17 years) $1.20
• Child (under 5 years) Free – must be accompanied by a paying adult
• Child (school-based activities) $1.00
• Concession $1.20 (excludes Seniors Card)
• Spectator $1.00
• Family admission ticket $6.00
• Book of 20 admission tickets $40
• Book of 10 admission tickets $21

The Parkes Aquatic Centre will open on the October long weekend, with the township pools opening on Saturday, 2nd November.

Parkes Shire Aquatic Coordinator, Nikki Thornhill said: “This summer, Parkes Aquatic Centre will host Funday Sundays once a month, with the popular inflatable just $5 per swimmer for unlimited goes. We are also looking to start a friendly Water Polo competition and would love to hear from anyone interested in participating to get that up and running.”

“The pool will also be taking bookings for events and parties throughout the season.”

Be In The Fast Lane – Purchase Season Tickets Early

The Poolside Café will open a few days early for patrons to purchase their season tickets ahead of the gates officially opening for the 2019/20 swim season.

Page 6 Friday 27 September 2019 Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes…shop locally first! The Parkes Aquatic Centre will open on the October long weekend, with the township pools opening on Saturday, 2nd November.

The café will be open from Wednesday, 2nd October to Friday, 4th October between 11am and 6pm. Season Ticket Tags from last season can be re-activated when purchasing a 2019/20 season ticket.
• Family Season ticket $170
• Adult Season ticket (18years +) $105
• Child season ticket (5-17 years) $57
• Concession season ticket $45 (rules as above)

For more information, visit parkes.nsw. gov.au. For bookings and enquiries, contact 6862 6001 or pool@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Central West Weddings

September 26, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Time To Tie The Knot?

Hart Bar is a unique space created for the people of Parkes and neighbouring towns to celebrate and be entertained.

The staff cater for weddings, corporate functions, parties, dinners, drinks and so much more. Hart Bar was built on the second level of the Railway Hotel at the end of 2016. The space sees traditional features restored with a modern touch and stunning balcony overlooking the silos.

Seated functions are able to cater for up to 100 people. Hart Bar offers a PA system and stage. This can be utilised by a band or DJ in addition to an in-house music system. Three wall mounted screens allow for images and videos to be displayed, wireless hand held microphone, whiteboard, lectern and free Wi-Fi are all available if required.

Hart Bar wants to help you create wonderful memories. They can tailor this beautiful space to your needs and take the stress out of planning your wedding.

At Helloworld Travel Forbes a unique and unforgettable experience for your honeymoon to your destination wedding is provided. You also have the option of utilising the wedding registries service.

The wedding you’ve always imagined in the location of your dreams can easily become a reality with Helloworld Travel’s selection of amazing wedding packages. Whether you’re planning an intimate affair for 10 or an extravagant event for 50, the team can help with stunning resorts in breathtaking destinations.

To start your new life together, there is a range of honeymoon getaways available in some of the most idyllic locations in the world – The Maldives, Tahiti, Greece, Fiji and Thailand. Helloworld Travel also offer a wedding register service.

If you are not going for a church wedding, choosing the right civil celebrant is very important to ensure your ceremony has that special touch. Luckily in Parkes you don’t need to look very far to find a celebrant in Narelle Page who is available for all kinds of special ceremonies in your life. Make sure you make a booking early enough to avoid disappointment.

 

‘Blush’ With Pride On Your Big Day

If you are in need of a wedding makeup specialist, Blush Organic Beauty in Forbes is the place to go. Wedding makeup is one of their specialties. They are trained as makeup artists and take pride in offering professional makeup for your special day.

The team at Blush take pride in their work, with extensive training and qualifications ranging from special occasion makeup to cosmetic tattooing, and almost everything in between. At Blush they focus on providing the highest quality service and using some of the most natural products on the market.

Blush can take care of all of your beauty needs in the lead up to, and on your big day. You can ask for a quote and they suggest a trial so they can show you how great you will look as a bride.

To see the range of services, check out the Blush Facebook page 02 6851 6088 Rankin St, Forbes or visit www.blushorganicbeauty.net or call 6851 6088.

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