Articles Archives - Page 421 of 448

Second Year 12 Class Graduates At Christian School

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The last day of term 3 was also the last day for the second Year 12 class to graduate at Parkes Christian School. The graduating class received their final reports and prizes at the Founders’ Service held on Friday night. Bethany Magill won the Dux Award for Year 12. She also won the Long Tan Youth Award for Leadership and the Caltex All-Rounder Award. The Rueben F Scarf Award for Commitment to Learning was presented to Kaitlyn Strudwick.

Rachel Thorncroft and James Simpson were announced as the School Captains for 2017. They will head up the newly formed Student Representative Council from the start of term 4.

Ostini Wool Weekly Market Update

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Further strength in the finer microns was somewhat overshadowed last week by weakness in the broader types. 19.5-microns was the pivot point with finer microns gaining 20 to 40 cents whilst the broader microns fell 20 cents.
Over the past month the finer microns have firmed slightly whilst 21 to 23-microns have lost ground, resulting in the Northern Region 19 – 21 micron price differential jumping from 25 cents in early August to 134 cents this week. Thursday provided a strong finish to the week, with all fleece categories closing in front. Lots with a low CVH found good support attracting significant premiums to the rest of the market. The skirting market followed a similar trend with finer microns holding up reasonably well. While the medium to broader microns were generally 10 to 20 cents cheaper.

Crossbreds were reasonably limited in supply but managed to post increases for the broader microns, while the finer end eased. Oddments also firmed slightly on a limited selection.

Auctions Versus Private Treaty

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

We are a month into Spring but are yet to see a break in the weather. This has lead to a slow start to property sales, as it is too wet to get onto most prospective properties. This gives us time to look at the options of auction or private treaty. In many cases there are neighbours or parties that might be interested, but it is also important to advertise the sale of your largest asset, in many cases.

These days there are many different options, from traditional newspaper to varied online advertising. Your agent will know which is best for your property. With values where they are, advertising is a small marketing cost that could bring large returns. We are constantly receiving enquiries from outside our local area, showing how much
demand there is for property from Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

An auction may come with a definite end day, depending on whether the property sells. Auctions come with a higher advertising cost due to the need to push your property onto prospective buyers. It must also be noted that all properties are not right for auction. If your property has been on the market for a while to turn around and put it up for auction isn’t necessarily going to bring buyers out. It may be better to consider where you are advertising or how you are promoting the property’s assets.

Private treaty combined with the right marketing is a good option with rural property due to the many varied considerations, for example the inclusion of crop, sale of livestock, organisation of clearing sales and walk-in, walk-out options. It is easy to say that commission is a cost, as is advertising, but remember this is the sale of your largest and in many cases your final asset. It costs nothing to talk to us and discuss your options.

Our livestock markets have been heavily affected by the weather in recent weeks with numbers varying as roads opened and closed. The sucker market has been solid until last week when we saw numbers increase
and prices fall to between $5.50/kg/dw to $6.00/kg/dw. The weather has meant that many lambs booked in direct have been unable to be delivered and are waiting on farms for a break in the weather. Old sheep have remained strong on minimal supply.

The cattle market has seen feeder steers and heifers fall slightly while cows and heavy cattle remain very solid. We need to consider what numbers are out there waiting to hit the market. Our markets are still very good and even with corrections will still remain solid.

By Geoff Rice

Southern Star Rural Bull Achieves Top Price

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

A senepol bull of the Southern Star Rural Senepol stud at Canowindra achieved a top price of $12,000 at the 14th annual 5 Star Senepol and African Hybrid Bull Sale held at Rockhampton recently. Clayton and Sarah Maynard own Southern Star. Their bull was sold to the Goodard family from Bollon, Queensland. With 81 lots auctioned, the sale grossed a total of $545,000 with an average of $7,569 and the top lot going for $16,000. Buyers came from Queensland and northern NSW. What sets these bulls apart from other Senepol bulls is that they are selected from over 500 male progeny. Selection is done whilst running on ticky forest country at Mt. Eugene, Jambin and Belmont Research Station, Rockhampton.

They have to perform on grass, adapting to heat, ticks, flies and Lantana, with minimal chemical treatment. Geoff Maynard, stud principal for 5 Star Senepol, said there had not been a better time for the cattle industry with record prices throughout the country. Clayton and Sarah also produce Senegus Bulls (Senepol Angus cross) which were all sold at the auction for an average of $6,000. The Senegus bulls are small birth weight and suited to heifer matings.
They also have many more variables that affect ease of calving, namely gestation, length, muscle pattern, and nutrition especially in the third trimester.

By Cheryl Newsom

A.A. Blatch Will Help Your Harvest Run Smooth

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

A.A.Blatch has been an icon of the Central West farming community since 1952 and is now operated by third generation owners, Allan and Susannah Blatch. Not only is A.A.Blatch your exclusive supplier of “Black Bearings” from NTN, the world’s finest agricultural ball bearings, it is also your official distributor of Timken-Fafnir and NSK bearings to name a few. If this is not enough, A.A.Blatch is the only place you can buy Tsubaki chain, the world’s number 1 roller chain.

This harvest, for bearings, belts, roller chain, feeder house slat chains, filters, idler pulleys, flame-hardened tooth sprockets, industrial hosing, clutch and much, much more, remember A.A.Blatch has been serving the Central West since 1952. A.A.Blatch is open from 7am-5pm Monday to Friday and 7am-12pm on Saturdays. Call them on 6862 2666 with any queries.

Dedication And Talent Creates Success

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Former Parkes resident Douglas Keith has shown he’s a chip off the old block, carving out success early in his career. The son of Sue and Ken Keith is the recent recipient of two awards for his craftsmanship in fine furniture making.
Douglas moved from the family home in Parkes all the way to Tharwa, an historic village outside of Canberra, in order to pursue his passion for making fine timber furniture.

He was fortunate enough to secure a fouryear apprenticeship with well-respected furniture designer Myles Gostelow. Myles is a master-craftsman specialising in creating beautiful yet functional furniture from Australian hardwood. Myles has had work commissioned by the ACT government and various private clients. His pieces range from chapel furniture, to presentation boxes, to artfully crafted walking sticks.

Douglas is currently in the third year of his apprenticeship with Myles, and was recently named the 2016 NSW/ACT Apprentice of the Year by the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (FIAA). Aside from the accolades, the Apprentice of the Year is also awarded a $500 cash prize. The apprentices had to provide an example of their recent work as part for the judging process. Douglas submitted a bedside cabinet he had handcrafted from Tasmanian
Blackwood and celery top pine. The cabinet had a smoothly curved door and drawer front, and was made with hand-cut dovetails and mortise and tenons. Recognising his talent, FIAA stated that Douglas demonstrated exceptional skills and that his knowledge of his trade and his commitment for woodwork is clearly evident throughout his project.

Not long after his first win Douglas scored another victory, and was named a recipient of the 2016 John Tiddy Memorial Award. The award was presented at the 2016 Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association (AWISA) Exhibition, which was held in Melbourne in July. The prize included an all-expenses paid trip to the exhibition, plus $2,000 towards his training course fees.
By Raen Fraser

Hard Work Rewards Lachlan Dragons

September 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club (FDBC) has a superb new shed to house its new racing boats. It is no easy feat acquiring a mammoth $28,000 shed when you are a small club with very little funds, but President Bill Thomas has vowed: “While I am president we will build a boat shed!”

Many members took Bill’s promise seriously and helped him to work towards this goal. It was largely thanks to a very dedicated committee and many hours given by Bill Thomas and Claire Davis that the club was able to reach the goal. The first donation of $2,500 came from the Forbes Rugby Club, and once on a roll there was no stopping the FDBC. Claire spent long hours looking for every possible opportunity until MP Andrew Gee came forward with $10,000 through the Community Building Partnership Grant.

Bill approached the Forbes Sports & Recreation Club and it was generously agreed by their board that the shed could be built on land belonging to their club. More money was needed, and the club raised more funds by organising a corporate day and a merchandise stall at the Camel Races to reach the target. It was not the end of the good news when the Forbes Shire Council was looking for a place to store their pedal-boats. In exchange for a spot in the FDBC shed they offered to provide a concrete slab for the building as a wonderful bonus.

The Lachlan Dragons would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who helped to make this goal a reality. The club would like welcome new members on Sunday at 8:15am and Thursdays at 5:45pm. Our Shed is along the walking track behind the Sport and Recreation Club in Lachlan Street.
By Beth Thomas

Snippets…

September 29, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Old Favourites and a Country Garden: The 2016 Open Gardens gives you the opportunity to visit 6 of the most beautiful private gardens around Parkes. The gardens will be open from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 23rd October. Entry is $15, and pre-sale wrist bands and maps are available at Greenparkes Garden Centre. Enjoy these magnificent gardens in their full spring glory, and indulge in a delicious Devonshire tea for just $5 at one of the gardens. The event is organised by QUOTA International of Parkes, a global non-profit organisation that empowers women and children, and supports deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired people in communities around the world. For more information and updates visit their facebook page: Parkes OPEN Gardens, or contact Lynn on
02 68634667 or parkesquota@gmail.com

Census Wraps Up: The Australian Bureau of Statistics has wrapped up the formal collection period for the 2016 Census. Around 95% of households have completed the Census this year. This participation is essential to the future of our communities and without this information, the government, organisations and community groups aren’t able to plan and provide vital services for your local community and your area.

Parkes Pony Club: are hosting a mini Olympics for their young equestrian enthusiasts. The Olympics themed event will have a dressage arena with music for young riders of all abilities to test their show skills, a mini show jumping course that will be run both mounted and unmounted, and a pole obstacle course for the younger riders
to gain confidence. The event is scheduled for Sunday the 9th of October, weather conditions permitting.

Double Demerits October Long Weekend: Don’t forget that double demerit points will be in force again over the October long weekend. They come into place from Friday 30th September and finish on Monday 3rd October (inclusive). School holidays, football finals and all of the recent wet weather conditions will mean increased
traffic on our roads, however drivers need to be warned they are at risk of losing their licence during this period if they do not obey the road rules.

Award Finalist: Local Rural and Lifestyle Sales Specialist Ned Hamilton, from Ian Simpson & Co, Forbes and Condobolin is a finalist in the NSW Real Estate Industry of NSW Rural Marketer of the Year. This is
an Award for Excellence which recognises outstanding achievements by individuals in rural property marketing. The Gala Dinner where the winners will be announced will be held in Sydney on Thursday 13th October. Good luck to Ned from everybody at Ian Simpson & Co.

Parkes High Achievers

September 29, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes High School students have again achieved great results in the 2016 academic competitions. The elective exams see the children testing their knowledge in a selection of different subjects, such as science, mathematics, writing and technology. Thousands of students participate in the exams across Australia and twenty other countries.

Forty Parkes students participated this year, some in only one, and others in up to six competitions. All students who participate should be congratulated, even if they didn’t win an award. Parkes High received three High Distinctions:
Christopher Cox, Tynan Matthews and Janelle Richards. 16 distinctions: Julia Williams, Janelle Richards, Trefor Robinson, Chris Cox, Madison Bland, Tynan Matthews, Alex Williams, Libby Hoyle, Alley Gaut. 43 credits: Janelle Maranon, Simon Ostler, Julia Williams, Janelle Richards, Meaghan Bedggood, Kaitlyn Leigo, Trefor Robinson, Ethan Pay, Madison Bland, Tynan Matthews, Archie Lickess, Calvin Matthews, Alley Gaut, Bridget Mrak, Libby
Hoyle, Rachel Ostler, Zara Marshall, Chris Cox, Kyah Turnbull.

Northparkes Celebrates 1,000 Hours Of Volunteering

September 29, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Employees of CMOC-Northparkes Mines have reached 1,000 hours of volunteering in the community. Northparkes designed its volunteer leave program in 2013 on the principle that the best contribution to the community could be made by its people. Northparkes Manager People, Safety and Environment Angus Wyllie said: “Northparkes
employees have taken ownership of the program; it’s great to see people proactively organising their own volunteer
projects and giving back to the community in which they live and work.”

Recent volunteer work included employees helping to prepare the Parkes and Forbes showgrounds ahead of the annual agricultural shows. Donna Shaw, who coordinated the Parkes showground cleanup, said: “There are a lot of not-for-profit organisations that need help. It makes me feel proud to know I have helped out in some way.”
Eighteen employees and six family members volunteered at the Trundle Bush Tucker day recently. Coordinator Cathy O’Grady said: “I especially like volunteering at Trundle Bush Tucker Day as this is the community that I grew up in; I feel I am giving back to this wonderful little town.”

A group of Northparkes volunteers also helped with sandbagging ahead of the Forbes floods. The mine plans to provide a group of volunteers to assist with the cleanup too. For more information about the Program or to request volunteer support, visit the Northparkes website or Facebook page, or call 6861 3621.

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