Articles Archives - Page 360 of 436

Enter The Henrys Before 23rd August

August 10, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Henrys – Parkes Business Awards is generating a lot of interest and is set to become a major annual event on the Parkes calendar with the launch of brand new categories, a new independent judging system and new modern branding.

The Parkes Chamber of Commerce awards sub-committee has been determined to invigorate the business awards to
become a much easier, more relevant and more encompassing to cover all industries and individuals in business.

The aim is to allow every Parkes business and businessperson the platform to not only receive local recognition, but also the opportunity to move forward as an award winner to regional and state awards.

The awards are aligned with the NSW Business Chamber so all judging will be facilitated by them with independent judges overseeing the nominations and deciding on the winner in each category. The online entry system and judging process is totally removed from the local level allowing complete confidentiality and impartiality throughout the whole process.

Nominations close on 23rd August; enter online at http://www.businessannualawards.com.au/loginchamber=parkes

Enquiries to Chamber@parkeschamber.com.au or through the Facebook page: The Henrys – Parkes Business Awards. The gala black tie awards presentation event will be held in Parkes on Friday, 20th October.

Middleton Kindies Celebrate 100 Days

August 10, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Middleton Public School Kindergarten students recently celebrated a major milestone celebrating 100 days of school.
The day consisted of 100th day of school activities. “We also incorporated reading, writing, language and mathematical activities focusing on this all important number,” said Stacey Jones.

From day one at school, each day was marked off, which initiated discussion around numeral identification. As the
school days grew, mathematical language was used to develop understanding of number arrays of 5, 10, 15 up to 100.

On the 100th day it was time to celebrate! The students experienced and explored different opportunities to see, touch and display 100 using materials, such as building a tower using 100 cups, counting 100 and what 100 looks like in a variety of objects.

Does Golf Make Your Back Hurt?

August 10, 2017 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 8 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 backswing down. Make sure your weight properly shifts to your back foot and your hips rotate during the backswing. 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

Acquire A Taste For The Station

August 10, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Whether you consider yourself a foodie or just enjoy eating out, make sure to head to the Station Motel Restaurant in Parkes in September.

The new chef, Peter Wilkinson, and manager Ian Wade-Parker, have more than 80 years combined experience in hospitality, and they are busy creating a new spring menu. The theme is going to be rustic food, sourced locally as much as possible, with lots of flavour. “We have an ever-expanding herb and vegetable garden at the back,” said Peter.

He has just moved to Parkes, and enjoys his new working environment with such a beautiful view. “I just love the country as I grew up in country New Zealand.”

It was in New Zealand where Peter won a trip to London for eight weeks to work with Jamie Oliver. “I am a great fan of his style. What has stuck with me is his focus on rustic, spontaneous food. That is what we want to achieve with our new menu: fresh, local and different.” Peter is also a big fan of Cajun and creole cuisine.

Peter will be able to let his creativity flow as Ian plans to host special theme nights and fine dining events to make the Station Motel one of the must eat places in Parkes. Not that it is already.

The Parkes Phoenix team was treated to a meal recently and vowed to be back for the spring menu. With Peter’s focus on flavour, and Ian’s talent to match just the right wine with a meal, the Station Motel Restaurant definitely needs to be on your to do list.

By Maggi Barnard

Field Day In Forbes Next Week

August 3, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day on Thursday, 10th August at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange.

The Field Day, supported by the Australian Custom Harvesters Association, NSW Farmers, WFI, Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Police and the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, will kick off with a free breakfast at 8am.

Local Australian Custom Harvesters Association Member Bob Wythes, says the aim of the Field Day is to provide information about the current regulations for safely and legally moving agricultural vehicles and combinations on the road.

NSW Farmers Parkes/Forbes Branch Chair Gavin Tom says: “NSW Farmers continuously work with RMS to ensure the needs of farmers are understood, and this hands on Field Day is a perfect way to get everyone together with the machinery that is the subject of this work.” The highlight of the day will be an interactive machinery inspection session conducted by Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Police. This session allows people to clarify what the requirements are for various vehicle and combination dimensions, safety equipment and pilot/escort vehicles.

Attendees will receive a copy of the 2017 Moving Harvest Machinery Information Kit, with all the relevant notices and information about moving agricultural machinery on the road. If the machinery or combination doesn’t comply with the dimensions set out in the general notices, a specific permit may have to be applied for.

The Field Day will also feature presentations from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator about the National Agricultural Notice, Chain of Responsibility and other access issues.

Snippets…

August 3, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Knit and Natter: More than 40 people attended the 10th Knit and Natter Morning Tea at Craft Corner last Thursday. A group of 18 travelled from Orange for the event and took back 15 big bags of finished rugs and squares. Irene Lally from the Peak Hill Knitters Group brought nine rugs. Craft Corner members would like to thank everyone who donated 8ply yarn and knitted squares for this year’s Wrap with Love project. In its 25th year, the non-profit organisation provides wraps to ward off hypothermia for millions of people during winter in 75 countries.

Science, Art & Children’s Literature: Parkes Library has something for everyone during August. On 17th August at 6pm you can learn about Wildlife Spotter and help save threatened species and preserve Australia’s wildlife! The application is used as part of the National Science Week celebrations. Parkes Library is also hosting a special Australian Museum travelling mini-exhibition for National Science Week, 14th – 20th August. Museum2You looks at the impact of how we live on our planet’s future. On 24th August at 10am a Library Officer Dan Fredericks will demonstrate how to surf the internet, use email and apps in safety. RSVP by 22nd August on 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw.gov.au. Come dressed as your favourite book, nursery rhyme or super hero character for Storytime and Rhyme Time to celebrate Book Week. Storytime: 23rd August at 10.30am; Rhyme Time: 22nd August at 10.15am and 25th August at 11am.

Love our locals: Parkes Shire Council launched the Love Our Locals campaign last week. It features the success stories of local business operators and why it all adds up in Parkes for business. The aim is to raise the profile of the Parkes region with diverse business opportunities and showcasing the range of innovative and progressive businesses operating across the shire, their owners and what they bring to the community. In partnership with the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, the campaign centres around online and social platforms and profiles over 80 local businesses of which seven are showcased through video content. Residents and visitors are encouraged to show some love for our local businesses by liking, sharing and commenting on the campaign by using the hashtag #loveourlocals. For details visit visitparkes.com.au

Parkes Hockey Sticks With State Title Third Time

August 3, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes and hockey almost became synonyms last weekend at the Women’s Masters Southern State Hockey Championships. Bringing 61 teams with over 1,000 players to town, it was time for Parkes to shine. And sparkle we did – not only was the event hailed as a huge success, two teams were crowned as state champions, and it was a
very special occasion for a Parkes mum and her three daughters.

Parkes 1 became state champions for a third consecutive year after defeating Newcastle 1-0 in the final on Sunday afternoon. Parkes 3 was named joint champions with Goulburn 2 after a 0-0 draw in the final. For Fran Dixon and her three daughters, Kylie Butler, Deanna Dollery and Tracy Hambridge it was a very special occasion. All four played for Parkes 2 for the second year at the tournament. “This year is more special because it is at home,” said Fran.

The three daughters had travelled from Port Macquarie, Orange and Canberra respectively to play with Mum. “It is a fantastic opportunity for us to do this,” said Kylie Fran said although the state tournaments were usually very competitive, she loved the camaraderie and meeting up with friends every year. “It is also great to see all the junior girls I used to coach now playing in this tournament.

With another milestone coming up next year when she turns 70, Fran was not daunted by the fact she had to play six games over the three days of the tournament.

Mayoral Notes…

August 3, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who dug deep for National Tree Day 2017 on Sunday 30 July. Over 40 participants planted 350 trees at the northern end of Danilenko Street in Parkes, a tremendous effort by all involved.
This week, residents are invited to learn more about the programs, services and activities Council provides to the community as part of Local Government Week 2017, held 31 July until 6 August. Check out the diverse range of projects Council is planning and delivering on our website which include major infrastructure projects including
the Water and Sewage Treatment Plants, Advanced Water Recycling Facility, Parkes and Peak Hill Waste Facility upgrades, and the Parkes Regional Airport Business Park, as well as the ongoing upgrades and maintenance of our road and footpath assets. To find out more about Council’s works, services and activities, head to www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

In only its first week, the Love Our Locals campaign has seen tremendous traction on social media thanks to the support of our local community. The campaign, launched last Thursday, will see around 80 local businesses profiled across the Visit Parkes social media platforms with the aim of raising the profile of the Parkes region by showcasing the diverse business opportunities, the range of innovative and progressive local businesses, their respective owners and what they each bring to the community. I encourage everyone to share the love by getting behind the campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #LoveOurLocals.

Council invites local tourism and business operators to come along to a Visitor Economy Workshop on Monday, 7th August at the Astro Dish Motor Inn. The workshop will incorporate an update on the current state of the tourism industry and opportunities for local business. For workshop details, head to visitparkes.com.au or phone 6862 6000.

Have an enjoyable weekend.
Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

How Did Grandma Do Her Washing?

August 3, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The household of the previous century was a vastly different place compared to our modern kitchens with all its amenities and gadgets. The Parkes Historical Society has been offering local and out of town students a peek back in time with a fascinating display of more than 200 different household items.

Through the society’s education programme with Australian Charities and Notfor- profits Commission (ACNC) status, students are able to visit the Henry Parkes Museum. This year the focus is on grandma’s daily chores. The first school to visit was Holy Family Primary School who spent a day discovering the many treasures at the museum with staff.

“They walked to the museum via Bushmans Hill,” said Yvonne Hutton, President of the Parkes Historical Society.
Students visited the machinery area where they could run around, climb on and sit in the driver’s seat of the old tractors and trucks, while the Silver City Comet carriage and Big Four were very popular too.

After lunch they sat down to learn more about the households of yester year. “Many of the objects shown were a complete mystery to them, while some objects they remembered grandma having one of them,” said Yvonne. “In those days there were no stoves or washing machines, let alone microwave ovens.”

“It was a very happy and enjoyable day for the museum staff, teachers and students.” Following on the success of the Holy Family day, the next visit came all the way from St Raphael’s School Cowra. According to Yvonne the next group due to visit is Parkes Public School with the other primary schools to hopefully follow.

The museum’s education program also caters for two Parkes High Year 12 students who visit once per week to help out.

To Green Habits And A Greener Environment

August 3, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Over 60 students from Parkes and Forbes celebrated Schools Tree Day at Eco Day 2017 last week. Through Eco Day, Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) offers workshops and bus travel to year 5 and 6 students for a day of environmental and rural activities.

The workshops included creating Net- Waste worm farms, plant care and propagation with Bunnings, soils with Local Land Services, Parkes Shire Council weeds demonstration and talk, lantern making with recycled products with Ro Burns and a saleyards tour with Cooper Byrnes from Langlands Hanlon. The lanterns will be used at the Forbes River Arts Festival in September.

The day finished with workshops from Paul Kirk, The Snake Man, and an interactive workshop with Chris Dart from Netwaste on how to reduce waste to landfill. Paul Kirk allowed the kids to get up close with reptiles. He talked about snake safety and how to handle non-venomous snakes.

The students also learned what to do if they were bitten. “I loved how the Snake Man just gave us the snakes to hold,” said Ava Hayes from Parkes Public School. “We want the kids to go away thinking about what they can do in their own homes and schools that can make a difference and prevent needless wastage. We hope that students leave the day with a wider perspective of the connection between humans and the environment that we live in,” said Margot Jolly, CWLL Chairperson.

Following on from Eco Day, National Tree Day on Sunday saw more than 40 people in Parkes planting 350 trees in the picturesque setting just off Danilenko Street. The portion of land will provide screening for residents near the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and extend the wildlife corridor from existing bushland in the area,
with native eucalypts and wattles being planted on the day.

CWLL Co-ordinator, Marg Applebee said: “We are thrilled to have over 40 people volunteering for National Tree Day.” The Skillset Green Army Team will continue planting work on the site over the next few weeks.

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