A Baker’s cyst, also known as a Popliteal cyst, is a swelling at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cysts are fairly common and are associated with chronic swelling within the knee joint. They occur, most frequently, secondary to degenerative disease within the knee joint such as osteoarthritis or meniscal degeneration. The main sign that
a Baker’s cyst is present will be a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee.

This may be tender to touch with pain and stiffness often worsening as the knee is straightened after activity or when squatting or kneeling. Just as a door hinge requires oil to reduce friction and allow smooth movement, similarly,
the cartilage and tendons in the knee joint rely on a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid circulates around the knee joint and in and out of various fluid sacs called bursae that communicate with the knee joint.

Sometimes when a structure within the knee joint is damaged or inflamed too much fluid is produced. If this fluid gets trapped in the popliteal bursae it is called a Baker’s cyst.

If a Baker’s cyst is suspected, the whole knee joint should be assessed thoroughly as treatment involves treatment of the underlying cause. Once the cause has been addressed the swelling generally settles down. Sometimes the bursae might be drained or surgically removed but if the underlying cause of the swelling is not corrected the swelling will just return.

Strengthening exercises for the lower limb can help to improve joint biomechanics and to decrease the load on the knee.

For the fitness of you.
Linda Reilly

Parkes Shire Council welcomed over 200 delegates to town for the 2018 Local Government NSW Tourism Conference this week. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said the event was a huge boost to the local economy. “These delegates were particularly important as they were tourism specialists and will become advocates for the whole Parkes experience.”

Parkes Shire Destination Development Manager Kelly Hendry said: “The conference reinforced the value of tourism to local economies with the return on investment shown to be higher than that of mining and manufacturing with every $1 spent by visitors, generating a further 92 cents in other parts of the economy.”

The three-day conference was opened by NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall.

The Sun Records All-Stars show, direct from the USA, showcases the music and artists of the birth of rock ’n roll and the musicians that contributed to the history of music. Sun Records and Sun Studios was launched by legendary American producer Sam Phillips in 1950 and became the launching pad for numerous stars, most notably Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. The show, presented in two parts, features all the hits that captures the imagination, the passion and the phenomenon of this incredible era of music.

The Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are looking for youth actors to star in the 10th annual mock crash demonstration in August, which is the cornerstone of the NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

“We are looking for three actors over 16 to join our team and are holding auditions on Wednesday, 21st March at 5pm in the Parkes Shire Council Chambers,” said the Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor.

Local actor Krystle-Lee McMurray, who has been involved for the last few years, is returning this year and said: “It is such a great experience, and a really interesting mix of acting in front of a camera, as well as a live audience of over 500 Year 10 students.”

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Melanie on 6861 2364, 0428 400 627 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

19.1.33 to 4.3.18
Yvonne was extraordinary. She served the Parkes Community for over 50 years in various roles. She was involved in education serving on various school committees and as a swimming instructor. She worked with the young as a centre supervisor, literacy mentor and Brownies certifier. She helped the sick through her training as a nurse and was involved with the hospital, including the building of the new hospital.

Yvonne also served the community as a councillor for 17 years, and worked tirelessly as President of the Historical Society for 24 years to preserve Parkes’ history and heritage. Last but not least she was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and aunt. Yvonne passed away on Sunday, 4th March at age 85.

The first time they came third, last year they won – how far will they fly this Sunday? Nine senior Design and Technology students of Parkes Christian School will once again be competing at the 2018 Moomba Birdman Rally in Melbourne on Sunday.

The Year 11 and 12 students have lofty standards to live up to after winning the Flying Class section last year. “We managed to fly 11 metres, which was enough to take out the trophy for longest flight of the day,” said Design and Technology teacher Jason Wynstra. “It was such a buzz to come away with the win and the students are really excited to try and defend their title this year.”

First intended as a fun way for Design and Technology students to engage with their classwork in a practical way, the students now take the competition very seriously. “A major component of the Design and Technology syllabus is problem solving, so I thought this competition would be a great opportunity to explore that,” said Jason.

The problem they need to solve is how to construct a glider light enough to fly into the river off a small platform, but sturdy enough to safely support a pilot. “Watching the students come up with creative ways of solving this problem is just so satisfying as a teacher,” said Jason. “They use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills to help them create a top-quality aircraft.”

While making the 10-hour trip from Parkes to Melbourne may seem like a lot, the school is more than happy to take part and provide a unique experience for its students. “We’re the only school in NSW taking part in the rally,” said high school coordinator Greg Ballantyne. “We are committed to providing real-world experiences for our students rather than just burying them in textbooks and theory. It’s a far better way for students to learn and they share an experience they will never forget.”

According to Greg there might be more exciting projects on the way for the school. “We have a project that Google is very interested in, and another that I have to keep under wraps for now,” he said. “But when that one hopefully takes place later this year, it will be out of this world!”

As the event is a charity fundraiser too, the PCS team is supporting Currajong Disability Services this year. If you would like to sponsor them, go to https://birdmanrally.gofundraise.com.au/page/JasonWynstra