Articles Archives - Page 364 of 436

NDIS Has Landed In Parkes

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Now that Western NSW and the Far West have rolled out the NDIS roll on 1st July, services providers and eligible recipients of the NDIS will work with the National Disability Insurance Agency over the coming months to ensure participants are supported with an individualised plan to meet their needs.

It is an exciting time and arguably the biggest change to the health system in Aus- tralia since the introduction of Medicare in 1975. Despite some challenges thus far with the implementation of the NDIS, the general consensus has been extremely positive and by 2019 the NDIS is expected to support about 460,000 Australians.

For Currajong Disability Services, the new scheme is a welcome change and has enabled the organisation to expand and explore avenues previously unavailable. Likewise, it has also given more control to clients who now have more choice about their supports than at any other time before.

Currajong Disability Services Client Program Co-ordinator Jonty Ralph is excited by the NDIS.

“The NDIS will provide clients and their families with more choices and flexibility,” he said. “Over a period of time we will see the undoubted benefits. This should make things easier for everyone.”

As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.

While not applicable to everyone, most people within their lifetime have had some exposure to disability.

“The industry is growing as demand for more resources also grows – especially support workers,” said Ralph. “The NDIS has also opened up the national conversa- tion on disability and has everyone talking so this is also a good thing,” he said.

“With so many people impacted by disability the discussion is also an important one because you never know how it may impact you.”

More info here – http://currajong.org.au/ndis/

By Dane Millerd

Parkes Aviation Museum Reaches New Heights

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The collaboration between Parkes Aviation Museum and Parkes High School students is really starting to take off. The museum’s volunteer staff have been working with the students to restore and prepare exhibits to go on display to the public. The students have been refurbishing old planes and engines and have developed some special- ised skills including mechanical, hydraulic, panel beating and spray painting.

The latest project undertaken by the stu- dents has been to remove the cargo handling fittings from the Convair aircraft and to reconfigure the aircraft back to a passenger aircraft with the refitting of seats, overhead lockers, lighting and carpet. Their progress on the conversion was shown on the Prime TV news, which featured the students work- ing to convert the interior back to a passen- ger aircraft.

Convairs first came to Australia in 1948 and were operated by TAA, Ansett, Airlines of NSW, formerly Butler Air Transport, Air- lines of South Australia and the RAAF. The Parkes Convair aircraft arrived in Parkes in April this year when retired after 10 years carrying freight all over Australia. The air- craft was built in 1959 and operated with many US airlines as a passenger aircraft until converted to a freighter in 1967. It was part of a Canadian fleet, where it car- ried freight throughout Canada and north- ern USA, until it was brought to Australia in 2007.

The Parkes Aviation Museum is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm Thursdays and Sundays. Come out to the airport to see what Parkes High School students have achieved, or to talk with our volunteers about becoming in- volved with Parkes Aviation Museum as a tour guide, or to work on actual aircraft res- torations.

Meniscus Tears Part 2

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Whether due to trauma or degenerative changes a torn meniscus will often present with pain and swelling in the knee joint and difficulty straightening the knee. Sometimes there may also be a history of painful clicking or locking. Manual testing and MRI can confirm the diagnosis of a meniscus tear.

Whenever possible, physiotherapy is considered the first line of treatment when there are symptoms of a meniscal tear. This involves strengthening exercises, icing to reduce swelling and avoiding activities that put pressure on the joint such as pivoting, squatting or repetitive bending of the knee.

One of the main functions of the knee joint meniscus is to absorb shock. Luckily, the muscles around the knee also function as shock absorbers. Research has shown that as muscle strength around the knee in- creases bone stress decreases and therefore pain and dynamic stability improve.

If, after a few weeks of conservative man- agement, pain and dysfunction are still present your doctor may recommend surgery. This is usually day surgery and involves arthroscopic repair or removal of the torn piece of cartilage. As part of the recovery process the muscles around the knee must be strengthened in order to minimise sec- ondary degenerative changes.

If osteoarthritis is also present in the affected knee, as is often the case with degenera- tive meniscus tears, surgical treatment may not provide the pain relief or return to optimal function normally expected of arthro- scopic repair. In fact the research indicates that arthroscopic surgery for this population offers no advantage over physiotherapy for relief of symptoms or improvement in func- tion.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly

Snippets…

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A Busy Weekend At The Showground: The Parkes Showground was a bustling hive of activity last weekend. The famous CanAssist Garage Sale – the biggest and best in the Central West – was held in the Pavilion over two days. It was another hugely popular event. Hundreds of savvy locals not only bagged a bargain while raising money for a worthy cause, but they also made a difference to the environment. Buying second hand goods helps keep quality items out of the landfill and lessens the burden on our planet. The box sale was very popular, and the furniture auction managed to move quite a few items. The volunteer’s efforts over the weekend raised $10,000 for CanAssist. Don’t worry if you didn’t make it, the next sale will be held in early August.

The National Limousin Junior Show was held at the Parkes Showground from Friday – Sunday. The event attracted 106 young competitors and their families from all around Australia. Livestock handlers aged between 6 years to 25 years compet- ed for ribbons and trophies at the annual competition, which gives the youngsters the chance to develop and showcase skills that will set them up for a future in the beef industry.

The Parkes Harness Racing Club race meeting was also held at the showground on Sunday. Dozens of racing enthusiasts enjoyed the trackside sunshine for some family friendly fun as part of the club’s winter racing program that started in June.

Kids’ Day Out TODAY: Kids across the Parkes Shire are invited to the Parkes Visitor Information Centre today between 11am – 3pm for a day full of school holi- day fun, with plenty of free and affordably priced entertainment.

Parkes Shire Council’s Tourism Leader, Jaimee Timmins said, “last school holidays, over 400 children took part in the first Kids Day Out. Given its success we wanted to bring the event back bigger and better, with new activities to keep the kids entertained.”

“And not to forget the big kids – adults can also join the fun! Browse the range of mar- ket stalls selling local produce and goods throughout the day.”

Patrons can look forward to free entry to the Kings Castle and motor museum, jumping castle, outdoor games and kids activities, performance by Parkes School of Dance at 11am, a Fidget Spinner Challenge at 1pm, Market Stalls, with many more exciting things on offer.

Mayoral Notes

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

With the commission of the Water Treatment Plant before the end of September, Coun- cil contractors Clearflow have commenced cleaning of the water mains by air scouring in Peak Hill this week. It’s expected that the crew will commence work in Cookamidgera from Sunday 16 July, before moving onto Parkes next week. During the cleaning process residents will experience loss of supply for a short time and may experience discol- oured water coming through taps temporarily. The cleaning process will ensure con- sumers experience optimal water pressure, taste and quality upon commissioning of the Water Treatment Facility. Residents will be notified at least 24 hours prior to works taking place in their area.

The Parkes Visitor Information Centre’s Kids Day Out kicks off at 11am today, Friday 14 July with a full day of school holiday fun planned. Kids of all ages are invited to join

n the fun, which includes outdoor games, jumping castles, NRL games and giveaways, a fidget spinner challenge, sand-sational art, as well as an appearance by Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol! While the kids play, the adults can browse the

range of market stalls selling local produce and goods through- out the day.

The sky’s the limit this weekend for As- trofest 2017. The annual festival of astronomy endeavours

to bring together astronomers, both profes- sional and amateur to foster, encourage and promote astronomy in the Parkes region.

It’s just over two weeks to go until National Tree Day. This year, we’ll be planting at the northern end of Danilenko Street and I en- courage residents and visitors to come along on Sunday 30 July at 11am and do some- thing positive for our local environment. For more information on these programs and events visit Council’s website or follow us on social media. Enjoy your weekend.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

The Station Restaurant Now Caters For The Early Risers

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Great news from the The Station Restau- rant! Now opening even earlier for breakfast from 6.00am to 8.30am, Monday to Friday. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 7:30am to 9am. Offering both a la carte and continental breakfast options, The Station Restaurant is open to the public as well as its in house guests. Choose from the hearty Bacon & Egg Roll or if you are looking for something a bit different to start your day with, try the Station Melt – grilled chicken, avocado and sundried tomato all topped with cheese and grilled.

The Station Restaurant also welcomes takeaway customers the full breakfast menu as well as a great selection of Merlo coffee and hot chocolates created by the Station’s own barista Krista Hansen.

You will find the Station Restaurant on the Newell Highway, just past the Visitors Information Centre, on your way to Peak Hill/ Dubbo.

If you are on the move early and looking for a quality breakfast option, book a table or order a takeaway, phone the Station on 6862 8444 or SMS your order through to 0437 970 193. See you at the Station!

Veteran’s Outreach Program

July 13, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

An officer from the Veterans Outreach Pro- gram will visit Parkes on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th July.

Any veteran, service or ex-service personnel who would like to seek individual assistance with any Service, Disability, War Widow and/or an MCRS Claim from any confrontation is welcomed to make an appointment.

All appointments are for a one hour pe- riod and will be held in the Parkes RSL Sub-Branch office at the Parkes Services and Citizens Club and persons are urged to make appointments with the Parkes RSL

Sub-Branch Secretary Paul Thomas on 0427 624 683.

A strictly limited number of evening appointments are available and this service is free to all ex-service personnel.

When announcing the visit, Mr Thomas stressed that this service is available to assist all veterans as well as service and ex-service personnel irrespective of when or where they served. The program also allows any matter of contention that may require the lodgement of a claim or applica- tion to the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Golden Jubilee For Parkes Boars

July 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

“It’s not all about winning; it’s about turning up, and trying your best. It’s about mates and friendship.”

This philosophy has seen the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club endure through generations.

The Boars celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a gala dinner at the Parkes Ser- vices Club last weekend. Mayor Ken Keith officially welcomed the 185 strong crowd, which was made up of team mates young and old, as well as partners, families and supporters. Geoff Rice emceed the event, and called on former players to share their (sometimes dubious) memories of their glory days.

Special guests, former Wallaby Jon White and current Wallaby Tom Robertson helped celebrate the golden milestone. Both have a connection to the region, and an enviable career in rugby union.

Jon, who grew-up in Yeoval, agreed that country rugby punches above its weight. “There used to be pathways there for country boys,” he said, “but now country boys have to play in the cities to be seen by selectors. It really is a retrograde step.”

Tom was born in Wellington, and deferred his medical studies to focus on football. “People talk about overnight success,” he said, “but they don’t see the hours and hours of training that you put into it and all of the sacrifices that you make.”

The evening was a jovial celebration of the kind of mateship that the club has shared for the past 50 years, confirming that, for the Boars, it is more than just football.

By Raen Fraser

VIP’s Work For Greener Energy At Parkes Solar Farm

July 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

It was all hands on deck for last week’s solar panel installation ceremony. Mayor Ken Keith and Wiradjuri elder Robert Clegg donned hi-vis and hard hats to help install solar panels at the Parkes Solar Farm.

They were joined by a handful of other VIP’s, or Very Important Panel-installers; Ian Learmonth, CEO of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and senior executives from the Australian Renewably Energy Agency, French renewable energy firm Neoen, and construction company Bouygues were made honorary solar panel technicians for the ceremonial event.

Construction on the Parkes Solar Farm is already well-underway, with acres of piles and panels already erected. The solar farm is situated on 240 hectares of land to the west of Parkes, and is the largest of Neoen’s four Australian solar plants.

Ultimately it will be connected to the future solar farm substation, and will produce up to 80MW of renewable energy – or enough to power more than 20,000 homes.

Bouyges CEO Jean-Chrisophe Perraud said that he’s excited to be part of a project that will bring the green power our planet deserves. He credited the local and international crew with the project’s successful progress. “We have the right people on the ground and are tremendously engaged with the local people,” he said. “We’re us- ing an ambitious mix of local know-how and global skills.”

Do You Want To Be Financially Successful?

July 6, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Not quite sure how to make it happen? Are you between 25 and 45? Great! Then you’re the perfect age to put in place the strategies you need to have a fantastic financial future. Don’t wait until you’re in your fifties… It’s too late by then and you’ll be chasing your tail trying to play catch up.

You’re only ever going to be answerable to your future self, so do your future self a favour and get started NOW.

But where do you start? That’s usually the hardest part for most people, as there are so many options to choose from and it all gets very confusing… in many cases people find it easier to put their head in the sand and hope for the best. Hope is not a strategy!

So, here’s the good news – there is a pro- vider of independent, unbiased financial education just waiting to help: WEALTH TRAIN. It’s a lot easier than you think and training can be done in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.

Head to our website – wealthtrain.com.au – to watch the first of our 14 training videos for free. And if you like what you see then Phoenix readers can get a 20% discount by using the coupon code NEWFINYEAR2017 in the checkout area.

Get on board and start your journey to financial freedom! Cheers, Daniel

Daniel McGregor is a founding partner of Wealth Train, an Australian Financial Services Licence Holder (474966) empowering Australians with financial education. Any advice given is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional advice before making any financial deci- sions.

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