Articles Archives - Page 367 of 460

What is Your Plan B?

December 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Determined to do their bit to reduce drink driving in Parkes, pubs, clubs and bottle shops have joined forces to promote the Plan B campaign.

Plan B is a statewide initiative encouraging punters to think about an alternative to driving home after a night out. Drink driving is one of the biggest causes of death and injury on NSW roads. Country people are at particular risk given the lack of public transport or other options for getting home.

In the Western Region over the last five years, 2012 to 2016, there were 362 casualty crashes where alcohol was a contributing factor. This resulted in 34 people being killed, 209 seriously injured and 222 with moderate or minor injuries.

During December, patrons at participating pubs, clubs and bottle shops will be invited to enter a competition to nominate a Plan B for getting home.

“Catch a cab, walk home or throw a swag out on a mate’s floor – We don’t mind what your Plan B is, so long as it’s not driving home” said A Liquor Accord Spokesperson. “Every entry puts patrons in the running to win a Swag valued at over $250”.

The promotion coincides with an increase in Police RBTs across the state making it even more likely that anyone drink driving will get caught. Local punters are being asked to not ignore the message to leave their car at home.

In NSW, drink-driving is a criminal offence, which can result in hefty fines, licence disqualification and/or custodial sentences.

Successful Year for Parkes Christian School Year 12

December 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School Year 12 students have received their HSC results, with the school branding their efforts as a success. In just their third year of delivering the HSC, the 2017 cohort has produced some of the best results seen at the school so far. Greg Ballantyne, High School Head of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, was very pleased with the performance of the students. “The students can all be very proud of their efforts,” Greg said.

“The HSC is a massive undertaking and competing against every student in the state can be very tough. But some of our students have really stepped up this year. While some of the results are great, it is the overall achievements of our students that we are most proud of,” said Greg.

Mr Ballantyne said “Every student who wants to study a University Course next year has already gained early entry. This maintains our 100% record of students gaining early entry.” “Our school is very focused on developing the overall skills and abilities of each student, and this really shows when students apply for early entry, traineeships, apprenticeships and jobs.

In terms of results, School Dux, Rachel Thorncroft, performed extremely well in all her subjects with the highlight being her Music result in which she achieved a Band 5. She also ranked highly in Advanced English and Business Studies.

Emma Greenland and Elly Collins are both accelerated students who completed Advanced English as Year 11 students. Both performed exceptionally well in this verytough course, finishing among the top third of the state, while Emma had a similar result in Extension 1 English.

“We are really proud of our students who achieved Band 5s and Emma for receiving an E3 in Extension English,” Greg said. “But our focus is on much more than the marks. As a small school we can work really closely with all our students on achieving their goals, no matter how big or small,” said Greg.

By Greg Ballantyne

Mayoral Notes…

December 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to Parkes News and Gifts on winning this year’s Sparkles Best Dressed Shop Window for their dazzling display. For their efforts, they will receive a $500 marketing package to promote their business as part of next year’s Shop Parkes Christmas campaign. Thank you to all the local businesses who contributed to the festive spirit by decorating their windows.

Our local lifeguards are reminding locals to keep watch this summer, as kids flock to the pool, dams and the beach to keep cool. It is fantastic to see so many local children enrolled in the Learn to Swim program, with 436 students completing session one and 134 enrolled to take part in the intensive lessons to be held in January. This is only the second year Council has run the program, proving to be popular among our community. Swimming is a fundamental skill for a child’s safety and I encourage all families to take up this opportunity. Enrolments for Session 2 close on 25 January 2018.

Parkes Aquatic Centre have gone on break, but will return in 2018 on Tuesday 2 January.

I would like to thank the Parkes Shire community for their support throughout 2017. This year has been an exciting year for Council, having delivered a new Water Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant and Advanced Recycled Water Facility, skate park extension, upgrades of the Parkes Waste Facility, Peak Hill Open Cut experience, and footpath and road infrastructure renewal projects – just to name a few. With the announcement of $8.4 billion funding for the Inland Rail, I look forward to what 2018 will bring for our region.

Finally, for those travelling over the Christmas/New Year period, please do so safely.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy and healthy New Year.

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

Snippets…

December 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes True Blue Line Dancers: Are now in holiday mode after another great year of boot scooting, vines, weaves, pivots and strutting their way through numerous dances that have been taught through the last 11 months. Our friendly group ranges from young to oldish, able and disabled, but all there for the love of a good toe tapping tune. The group are looking forward to the new year, when they start again every Monday morning from 5th February 2018. Everyone is welcome to come along, join in and enjoy the dances, music, exercise and company. A big thankyou to the Parkes Services Club for the use of the great dancefloor upstairs. Two left footed people are also welcome.

Double Demerit Points: Will be in force for 11 days over the Christmas and New Year period from Friday 22 December 2017 to Monday 1 January 2018 (inclusive) for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

And the Winner Of the Best Dressed Shop Window Is: Parkes News and Gifts! Congratulations to Greg, Christine and the team for putting together such a dazzling Christmas window display! Parkes News and Gifts will receive a $500 marketing package to promote their business as part of next year’s Christmas Campaign coordinated by Council and the Parkes Chamber of Commerce.

Inland Rail Update: The Parkes to Narromine section of the $8.4 billion inland rail project will be the first to receive Australian produced steel rail, the Nationals’ Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has announced. “Liberty OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks will soon start rolling out approximately 14,000 tonnes of steel required for the Parkes to Narromine section of this nation-building project,” Mr McCormack said. “There will be many opportunities for local businesses and job seekers in the Riverina and Central West as progress continues, with inland rail supporting thousands of jobs at the peak of construction.”

Jonty Ralph: Has been a regular at Currajong Disability Services for nearly 9 years. In that time, Jonty has worked as a Carer as well as Programs Team Leader. He has also spent time in Parkes and Condobolin and if you ask any client, he is arguably one of the most well-liked and respected employers at CDS. December 18 was his last day at Currajong as he pursues a new career in the mining industry. “If I don’t get around to saying bye to everyone I will take the opportunity now to say thank you to all and sundry for their support, effort and assistance which has allowed me to be a better person and carer,” said Jonty.

Letter to the Editor…

December 20, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Dear Maggi,
I was delighted to win the “Get it Sorted” competition in the Phoenix. The $100 gift card is very welcome at this time of year!

Thank you for running the competition. Hopefully it will raise people’s awareness about recycling.

We do enjoy your informative paper each week.

Wishing you a happy and safe Christmas.
Yours sincerely,
Nancy Kingham

India Plays For Australia

December 14, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Taking a break from hockey proved to be a good strategy for a young Parkes player who was selected to play for Australia last weekend.

Sixteen-year-old India Draper played for the NSW U16 team at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide in the grand final against Queensland. The strong NSW side unfortunately did not walk away with gold as Queensland won the title with extra strokes after a 1-1 draw.

This disappointment did not last very long as India was selected for the Australian U16 side with six of her NSW team mates straight after the final. “I did not expect it, as I have just got back into hockey again playing my first carnival for a long time.”

The Australian team is touring to South Africa next year in June for an international hockey test match series. “I am very scared of going on planes, but I’ve never been overseas and feel very excited about the trip,” said India.
Her mum Amanda, who is one of the 19 Parkes torch bearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay, will be joining the supporters tour to South Africa. She said India had trained very hard under the excellent coaching and support of Glen Johnston and Aaron Hubbard.

“They have always believed in her.” India, who went to the same primary school as Mariah Williams at Middleton,
looks up at her for inspiration. “I always watch her games on TV.”

Going into Year 12 at Red Bend Catholic College next year, India plans to take it slowly with hockey. “After the South Africa tour, I want to come back and rep for Parkes, and try out for state teams.” Her biggest concern is that it is too long to wait for the hockey season to start again in April next year. “I can’t wait, I just love playing hockey!”

By Maggi Barnard

Mayoral Notes…

December 14, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Council is delighted to have been successful in its application for $1.2 million in funding to facilitate the completion of the Bogan Way (MR350) and Middle Trundle Road projects. The Bogan Way will receive $710,000 to widen 6.2 kilometres, 2 kilometres of shoulder upgrades and replacing and strengthening drainage structure for road train access. The Middle Trundle Road will receive $500,000 for widening and sealing works along the final 6 kilometre section.

This week Council staff reached a major project milestone, placing the 14 bearing beams on the piers and abutments of the Kadina Bridge. Each beam is 12m long and weighs approximately 6.3 tonnes each. Today is the last opportunity for residents to join the conversation about the planned projects for Peak Hill. Residents can view the proposals and take the survey online, via the Public Notice section on Council’s website until 5pm today www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

The much anticipated Sparkles Markets and Movie Night will take place tomorrow. I encourage all residents and visitors to join the festive celebrations from 5pm in Cooke Park, with Santa Claus 2 playing on the big screen once the sun goes down. The Sparkles Illuminations will be on every night until Christmas.

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

Carols and Candles For Christmas

December 14, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

While hundreds of people flocked to the annual Carols in Cooke Park on Sunday night, a much smaller and more solemn gathering took place in Lions Park.

With beautiful weather in abundance, the Carols event had the biggest crowd ever to attend. As usual families had their picnic blankets out, children in Christmas colours ran around and the Parkes Shire Concert Band, school choirs and other singers performed.

Across town, the Parkes Chapter of the Compassionate Friends welcomed over 65 people to their annual Candle Lighting for a wonderful night of sharing in a safe place. A wooden Christmas tree was covered with loved one’s photos.

Sadly, many new faces joined in from Parkes and areas around Orange, Dubbo, Canowindra, Trundle and Eugowra to remember their children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, husbands and friends who will not be at the Christmas table.

Special poems were read and candles were lit from Mary McPhees’s special candle. (Mary started the Parkes chapter.) Faith Setiawan and her sister Savannah-Lee sang a special song that Faith wrote for their friend Michael Meluish whom they lost this year.

Whether it is one year or many years the pain at times like Christmas or birthdays or anniversaries can be immense.
Special thanks to Judy and Tony Fisher for organising the night with a lovely booklet of poems and angels with a meaningful verse to hang on their Christmas tree in memory of loved ones.

Snippets…

December 14, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Leagues Club: was filled almost to capacity for Cinderella – A Night to Remember, as the students of
Twinkle Toes Dance Studio presented the story of Cinderella through dance on Sunday. Pictured are Cinderella (Gracey Denham-Jones) with her dog (Alana Finnegan) and mice Chelsea Hall, Charlotte Francis, Peggy Swift,
Calantha Knott, Mila Ballantyne and Eliza Davis.

Nine Lessons and Carols: In what has become an institution in Parkes, a service of Nine Lessons and carols will again take place at St George’s Anglican Church this Sunday at 7:30pm. Music from across the ages will accompany nine readings from the Bible. The congregation will join in with the singing of traditional carols, while the a capella
group Tapestry will perform a series of medieval carols and rearrangements of popular carols. Former Parkes resident, Richard Morgan, will delight with his playing of the organ. The evening will conclude with supper, and a retiring collection for the annual Christmas Bowl Appeal.

Gift a Book: The Parkes Shire community is invited to gift a book under the libraries Christmas trees. “Parkes Shire Library has partnered with the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation for this project because we believe every child should have books to read,” said Parkes Branch Librarian Andrea Lovell.

The process is simple: Purchase a book for a child between birth and 12 years, wrap the book in Christmas paper, put a tag on with the child’s age the book is suitable for, and take it to the library and put it under the Christmas tree.
Books will be accepted until Friday, 22nd December after which the library team will pack them up to send them to the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation. The books will be distributed to 200 schools in remote areas of northern Australia. “The books will go to parents and educators who are passionate about educating young people in their communities. An example is a one-teacher school that only has 16 books in the classroom. The aim is to provide 300 books to this classroom and to follow it up with a grant so a library can be developed,” said Andrea.

Random Acts Of Christmas Kindness (RACK): Have you joined our challenge on Facebook? We are posting a RACK every day for you to do. It is great fun and a real feel good activity. Go on give it a try, all you need is kindness. And please let us know of any results – if you’ve been on the receiving end of a RACK, or have performed a RACK!

Phil Donato: Attended presentation night at St Joseph’s Primary School in Peak Hill this week. “It was a privilege to meet current principal Dean Colmer (left), who is retiring next week after more than 40 years of teaching. Regina Goodridge (right) will be taking over in 2018 as principal.” Phil said he was impressed with the school, teachers and the students who put on a fantastic evening of awards, fun and entertainment.

A Pantry Stocked For The Community

December 14, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Christmas spirit of giving brought a lot of joy to the volunteers at Georgie’s Pantry this week with a big donation of food from the Christian School. Bill Dudley, who has volunteered at the shop for the past four years, was very grateful for the donation that boosted the shop’s supplies tremendously.

The shop was started by St George’s Anglican Church, and opens every Thursday for Parkes residents on pension and health care cards. “We have up to 30 people coming in every week,” said Bill. “They are able to fill up a big basket of groceries for $25 and also buy a meat tray at cost price.”

The money earned is used to buy new stock for the shop. According to Bill the project would not have been viable without the donations from Aldi and Woolworths of fresh produce, the meat trays Buttabeef Butchery provides at cost price and occasional donations from the public. Bill also buys stock from the Foodbank in Sydney.

“We made 70 Christmas hampers for distribution to needy families this year,” said Bill. His dream is to one day get a caravan to provide a free meal every night to those in need. “But we first need a lot more volunteers,” was his Christmas wish.

Georgie’s Pantry at 45 Currajong Street is open every Thursday from 10am to 4pm. The last day this year will be Thursday, 21st December and reopens the first Thursday after the Elvis Festival.

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