Articles Archives - Page 317 of 448

MAYORAL NOTES

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Council has been successful in receiving a $13,000 grant from the Central West Councils Environment and Waterways Alliance to facilitate site remediation around the new Water and Sewer Treatment Plants. The project is set to improve biodiversity, habitat connectivity and visual amenity at both sites.

Council crews have commenced works on the Henry Parkes Way on behalf of the Roads and Maritime Service to provide a safer road environment for motorists. Works will include widening and strengthening the road in four sections starting 15 kilometres west of Parkes. There will be some temporary traffic changes to ensure the work zone is safe, so motorists should allow for extra travel time during this work.

Business owners and operators are invited to learn about the five essential digital tools for your business marketing as part of the Digital Health Check Workshop on Monday, 22nd October. The free workshop, part of Small Business Month, will be facilitated by digital and social media expert Holly Gailbrath, who will discuss the importance of a website, Google My Business, TripAdvisor, Facebook and an email database and how these five tools can be used to propel your marketing efforts. The following day Holly will be visiting seven local businesses instore to deliver one-on-one sessions. Spaces are limited. To register for the workshop and to apply for a one-one-one session, visit www.visitparkes.com.au

Residents are invited to celebrate National Bird Week at the official opening of the renewed PAC Park Amenities on Sunday, 21st October. Council, in partnership with Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc and the National Parks Association of NSW Lachlan Valley branch, will host a free barbeque breakfast start from 8am. The project, funded by the NSW Department of Community Services Social Housing Improvement Fund, included the installation of a new shelter with two table settings, a double electric barbeque, a smaller shelter and new lighting.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Mayor of Parkes Shire

YOUR HEALTH Matters- October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Australia. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women (excluding melanoma). Survival rates are continuing to improve in Australia, however it is still very important to be aware of your breasts and any changes.

Breast cancer was once believed to only affect women. This is a myth. Each year it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men often have a higher mortality rate than women due to lack of awareness among men and the fact that they are less likely to assume the lump may be cancer and often delay seeking treatment.

Identifying and seeking treatment for any breast changes early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. To check your breast, you don’t need to be an expert or to use any special techniques.

Changes to look out for:

· a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast

· a change in the size or shape of your breast

· a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion

· a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing

· a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling

· an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

Parkes Pharmacy is supporting October Breast Awareness Month with a change in our paper bags to PINK and will be holding a PINK Breast Cancer fundraising cake stall on Wednesday, 24th October. Please come along and support this great cause.

Does Golf Make Your Back Hurt?

October 11, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Injuries to the lower back are one of the most common golf related problems. The incidence of lower back pain in the male golfer is between 25% to 36% and 22% to 27 % in the female golfer. It has been reported to account for up to 52% of all injuries in recreational golfers and 24% of injuries in professional golfers. The injury mechanism of nearly half of all lower back injuries in golf is due to the swing.

The modern golf swing has been shown to produce large forces on the lower back which change directions rapidly during the swing. Because golf is played in a slightly forward flexed position, along with the asymmetrical, rotational nature of the swing, the forces the joints in the lower back are subject to are quite high. The compression force on the spine during the swing has been shown to be up to eight times body weight.

So.. what can you do to prevent getting back pain when you play?

Maintenance of good mobility in the hips and thoracic and lumbar spine is important. This may require a regular exercise programme at home along with a good warm up before you play whilst using proper technique when lifting your bag and bending through the knees when retrieving the ball.

If you already have lower back pain consider slowing your back swing down. Make sure your weight properly shifts to your back foot and your hips rotate during the back swing. Also, avoid placing your feet too far apart during the address phase as this limits hip rotation later in the swing and increases stresses on the lower back.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly

Going Up a Gear at Parkes Motorcycle Rally

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

More than 50 motorbikes revved through Parkes on the long weekend for the 42nd Annual Motorcycle Rally organised by the Parkes Antique Motor Club. Riders gathered at the Henry Parkes Centre on Saturday afternoon for a short ride to Baldry and again on Sunday morning with the option of a short run of 150km to Yarrabandai, or a longer run of 250km to Bedgerabong.

The riders were mainly from NSW, including Griffith, Wollongong and Newcastle, but also came from as far as Queensland and South Australia. “They like riding out this way, especially with the older bikes,” said local rider Paul
McClintock, “because it’s flatter country and not many hills. Some of those old bikes, like the ones that still have pedals, only go 20 miles an hour.”

On Sunday night the club held their presentation dinner at the Parkes Leagues Club where the votes were counted for each category, ranging from pre-1919 to modernday. There were some locals among the winners with Nym Dziuba getting first prize with his 1970s Kawasaki Z900. John Frogley came second with his 1950s bike, while Bob Steel also won second place with his 1914 Douglas.

The event, organised by rally director Bruce Danson, concluded with a farewell breakfast on Monday.

By Beth Thomas

Generosity Blooms at Avarest

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

More than 200 people helped Parkes residents Ian and Marion Unger to raise $7,000 when they opened their hearts and garden over the long weekend to assist farming families stressed by drought.

People came from as far as Albert, Dubbo, Cowra and Coonabarabran to the amazing haven of trees, plants and shrubs dotted with inspiring signs and sayings of Avarest garden in Reymond Street.

The garden, with a panoramic view across town, has been kept beautiful by Ian and Marion in spite of the drought. “It’s important to try to save stock and crops from drought,” said Ian, “but the most important thing is to get people through it.”

All money raised from entry, auction and sale of nick-nacks will go towards helping stressed farmers to get away for a break. Ian said help from the local Parkes community was invaluable. “So many businesses, even those we knew were struggling, donated goods when asked. Not one of them knocked me back.”

The open garden fundraiser was supported by Lachlan Area Suicide Prevention Network and BlazeAid. Bob Fenwick of BlazeAid has already received seven sealed envelopes, but it is not too late to nominate if anyone knows a farmer who needs time away. He said farmers would often not ask for help.

For those who could not make it over the long weekend, Avarest will again be open for viewing this Sunday from 2 to 5pm.

By Beth Thomas

Mayoral Notes…

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

This week marked the start of Small Business Month. Throughout October there are a number of events and initiatives that business owners and operators are encouraged to take part in, enabling them to tap into online resources, learn new skills and access business support. For the full list of Small Business events, visit visitparkes.com.au

Council has also teamed with Service NSW to deliver the Easy to do Business program. Residents interested in setting up a new business in the Parkes Shire can now sign up to access free personalised assistance to help you get started, including advice on licensing, regulations and what approvals are required. To find out more, or to register, visit mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au

We had a fantastic start to the swim season this week, with gates opening to the Parkes Aquatic Centre over the long weekend. With all Parkes Shire pool facilities offering free entry this swim season, parents and carers are reminded to keep a close watch. Children up to the age of 14 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The township pool facilities will open on Saturday, 3rd November.

Residents are invited to celebrate National Bird Week at the official opening of the renewed PAC Park amenities on Sunday, 21st October. Council, in partnership with Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc and the National Parks Association of NSW Lachlan Valley branch, will host a free barbeque breakfast starting from 8am. The project, funded by the NSW Department of Community Services Social Housing Improvement Fund, included the installation of a new shelter with two table settings, a double electric barbeque, a smaller shelter and new lighting.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

What’s On @ the Library?

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

AUTHOR TALK – Noel Braun
Noel Braun embarked on a spiritual quest of self-discovery after the suicide of his wife Maris. He decided to walk two of the more popular routes of the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage routes through Europe to Santiago in the north-west of Spain. His two most recent books, ‘The Day was Made for Walking’ and ‘I Guess I’ll Just Keep
on Walking’ describe his journey. Woven into his spiritual and emotional journey are fascinating stories of the people he meets. Noel undertook these pilgrimages in his late 70’s and early 80’s. Last year at the age of 84, he embarked on a fifth journey. All his walks are dedicated to the memory of his wife. Noel, an advocate for suicide awareness and prevention, will be at Parkes Library on Thursday, 11th October at 2pm. Please RSVP on 6861 2309 or email library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

ONCE UPON A STORYTIME
Tuesday 10.30 – 11.30am. During school term; commences Tuesday, 23rd October. Come and enter into the wonderful world of books. We will have our own very special storyteller who will guide us through many adventures.
Who: Children 3-5 years and parents/carers (younger children welcome).

BORROW ANY TIME, ANY DAY
Parkes Shire Library RBdigital, offers full colour, interactive digital magazines for your enjoyment. Browse from the collection of popular titles with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limit to the number of magazines you can download. Go to www.rbdigital.com/parkes/ You can browse and download popular books on your computer, laptop, eReader, phone or tablet from the Parkes Shire Library eCollection. You can borrow three eBooks or eAudiobooks at a time. Go to parkesshirelibrary.wheelers.co/

Senepol Sale Sets Australian Breed Record

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Australian breed records tumbled at 5 Star Senepol’ s annual sale at CQLX Gracemere in Queensland recently.
Vendors Geoff and Alison Maynard and family saw a new breed record established at $27,000.

Sarah and Clayton Maynard of Southern Star Rural, Canowindra sold eight bulls through the 5 Star Sale. Southern Star Rural managed the top priced Senelais (Senepol/Charolais) bull at $8,000 and also the top priced Senegus (Senepol/Angus) bull at $7,000.

Sixty-five bulls were sold with an average of $6,677, a top of $27,000 and a 93% clearance rate. Buyers who were focused on Senepols, provided the vendors with a bottom line average of $7,425 for the 40 pure bred Senepol entries on offer.

Earlier this year, the Canowindra-based Senepol Stud, Southern Star Rural recorded the highest midterm weight gain during the prestigious Callide Dawson Beef Carcase Competition in Queensland with a Senepol/Angus Steer gaining 4.6kg per day. It was the highest mid-term weight gain recorded in the 30-year history of the competition.

For more information on pure bred Senepol and Senegus or Senelais Bulls, contact Clayton Maynard on 0439 029 204.

Lots On Offer During Small Business Month

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Small Business Month during October will be celebrated in the Parkes Shire with free events and workshops for owners and operators to gain valuable and innovative tools to take their business to the next level.

“Small Business Month is a great opportunity to learn about the latest marketing trends and digital tools, hear from leading experts on the art and science of mutually beneficial negotiation, find out how to use census data to support your business, and receive face-to-face advice on how to start, grow or innovate your business model,” said Parkes Shire Councillor and Parkes Business Chamber representative Alan Ward.

A highlight of Small Business Month is The Henrys Business Awards gala dinner on Friday, 19th October when the local business community celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship and why it all adds up for business in the Parkes region.

Other activities on offer for free during the month include:
· Cenwest Innovate Masterclass – Secrets of the Great Negotiators: Skills & Tactics that Get You to Yes! on Thursday, 11th October from 11:30am – 2pm at the Astro Dish, register via Eventbrite.
· Business Bus Connect, delivering face-to face business advice to regional operators, on Tuesday, 16th October from 9am to 3pm at 203 Clarinda Street, book a session on 1300 134 359 or email connect@industry.nsw.gov.au
· Be Business Savvy Masterclass hosted by Parkes Shire Council and facilitated by Holly Galbraith: Five Essential Digital Tools for your Business Marketing on Monday, 22nd October from 6 to 8pm at the Hart Bar, register
via https://visitparkes.com.au/events/digital-health-check/
· Digital Health Checks – one-on-one checks with Holly G on Tuesday, 23rd October, register your interest via https://visitparkes.com.au/events/digital-health-check/
· Id Solutions Workshop Data, Finance and Your Business on Tuesday, 30th October from 6 to 7:30pm at the Astro Dish, register your interest via https://visitparkes.com.au/events/data-finance-business/

For more information about the Small Business Month events, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Get Your Tickets

October 4, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Only two weeks to go until The Henrys Gala Presentation night hosted by the Parkes Chamber of Commerce at the Parkes Services Club on 19th October. Tickets are selling fast for the night to celebrate the business super stars of Parkes. Get your ticket online for $85.

It will be a brilliant night of networking with drinks and platters on arrival followed by dinner and dessert. The awards will be presented with local duo Tom and Holly taking care of entertainment for the night! There will also be a photo booth this year to add an element of fun. There will also be awards for Excellence in Small Business, Excellence in Business and Parkes Business of the Year.

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