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Smilin Orion Declared Winner Of Heavenly Photography

July 21, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Troy Casswell has won the 2016 Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS) Astrophotography competition for the second year in a row. The astrophotographer from Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland was declared the overall winner with his entry called Smilin Orion. The image covers the entire constellation of Orion, which is rich in stellar dust and bright nebulae. The red nebulae are hydrogen rich clouds. The giant red arc is Barnard’s Loop, and is 500 light years from Earth.

Troy, who uses a Canon 60 camera, 135mm lens and an astro track tripod, enjoys astrophotography as a hobby. He said he got his first telescope for Haley’s Comet in 1996, but it was the solar eclipse in 2012 in Cairns that opened the door for him to a new world.

The astrophotography competition, with a total prize money of $10,000 and open to all amateur astronomers in Australia, received 250 entries. Dr David Malin, the worldrenowned astrophotographer, judged the entries for the 13th time this year.

The 2016 CWAS David Malin Awards were presented at a special ceremony at the AstroFest held on Saturday for the first prize overall, eight category prizes and ten honourable mentions. Dr Malin said he judged several similar
competitions around the world, and the standard of the Australian astrophotographers’ work stood up internationally. “There are some splendid examples of modern astrophotography among the finalists.”

Dr Pete Woden, Chairman, Breakthrough Prize Foundation, said he was very impressed with the work of the photographers. “Their work has given me an idea to enlist their help in detecting optical signals.” He said photographers were able to pick up flashes of laser light on camera. “These flashes could be from aliens sending signals to us.”

An exhibition of the best photographs was opened at the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre on Sunday as part of the 2016 Astro-Fest. Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith, said it was the best festival yet and he was happy to see it going from strength to strength. All the winning entries can be viewed on the David Malin Awards web page at http:// www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/news_events/astrofest/awards/

The CWAS AstroFest team has produced a 2017 astronomy calendar of images from the shortlisted and winning entries. The calendar is available at the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre for $19.95.

By Maggi Barnard

Could You Be The 2016 Parkes Showgirl?

July 21, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Show Society is looking for young ladies aged 18 to 24 to be in the 2016 Showgirl Competition. All entrants will be presented to the Parkes community at the Presentation Evening on Saturday, 13th August at 6pm at the Parkes Golf Club.

The 2016 Parkes Showgirl will be announced at the official opening of the Parkes Show on Tuesday, 30th August 2016. Although the title might sound like it is another pageant, the Showgirl competition is not a beauty show. The most important quality of the Showgirl is that she must have a genuine interest in and some knowledge of rural NSW.

The competition encourages the participation and subsequent awareness of rural woman’s contribution and involvement in both local communities and rural NSW as a whole. Participation in the Parkes Showgirl Competition
opens up personal, professional and networking opportunities for the winner as they will progress on to the Zone judging in Cowra in February 2017, followed by The Land Royal Showgirl Competition Finals at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

The 2016 Parkes Showgirl will win approximately $1,500 in prizes donated by local businesses. Contact Lisa Bicket on 0427 652 262 for more information, or check out the Parkes Show website – parkesshow.org.au.

Do You Want To Be A Parkes Shire Councillor?

July 21, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Council is running pre-election information sessions on 27th July and 3rd August at the Parkes Shire Council Administration Office at 2 Cecile Street. Mayor Cr Ken Keith said this was an opportunity for potential council election candidates and community members to learn more about the role of local government.

“The role of a councillor is considerably varied. It’s a wonderful way to make a positive impact on your community and provide great leadership and advocacy at a local level,” Cr Keith said. “Even for people who are just looking for information about Council, I encourage you to come along and ask questions to better understand the process of local government.

“Casting a vote in the upcoming election means voting for someone who you think is best going to represent you and the interests of the community.” “Senior Council staff and councillors will facilitate the sessions and will speak about
the benefits and challenges of local government and hopefully encourage people to consider nominating for the next council elections,” the Mayor said.

“Even if you have had some local government experience or association before, I urge you to come along as the local government industry has undergone considerable change in the last few years and the process is continuing. These changes will be discussed as well,” said the Mayor.

The sessions start at 5.30pm and will run for approximately two hours. The election will be held on Saturday, 10th September. Nominations to become a Councillor close with the Returning Officer at 12 Noon on 10th August. More information including nomination forms can be obtained by visiting the election web page at www.votensw.info

What’s Hot

July 21, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Shannon Bermingham from Forbes Central Butchery is making prize winner sausages. He has won the continental category with his German Bratwurst and Australian Lamb Sausage at the Central West Sausage King and Best Butcher competition held at the Orange College of TAFE. Shannon said:

“The secret is good quality meat, including good local lamb and the addition of great herbs and spices.” Shannon has new ‘sausage flavours of the week’ every week. Follow his Facebook page to stay up to date with more specials, including steaks, lambchops, cutlets, roasting portions, and chicken and pork. This week’s $50 pack includes two large breast schnitzels, two large blade steaks, four marinated pork chops, nine thin snags, six rissoles and six rashers of bacon.

The next round of competition for Shannon is the State Final in Bathurst on Saturday, 24th September. Good Luck Shannon!

Heritage Fund Program Now Open

July 21, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Council is inviting owners and leasees of significant land and buildings to apply for dollar for dollar matched funding under their Local Heritage Fund Program. Council’s Heritage Committee Chair, Cr Alan Ward said since the program was implemented in 2000 it has achieved great results. “The program has successfully delivered 69 heritage projects valued at more than $400,000 with $133,000 provided through local heritage funding.”

“A number of significant heritage places and items have been restored including the Old Post Office building, St George’s Anglican Church, Trundle Hotel, Bogan Gate Uniting Church and Peak Hill and Trundle Main Streets,” Cr Ward said.

Last financial year, Council’s Local Heritage Program successfully completed more than $58,000 worth of heritage projects. More than $41,000 was contributed by the applicants with $17,000 provided through local heritage funding.

Work included the repair and repointing of a brick wall at the Parkes Old Post Office, the reinstatement and repainting of Balmoral House, the reinstatement of the bar and pressed metal ceiling at Peak Hill’s Carrington Hotel, and the repainting of the Tullamore Hotel in period style colours. Applications for the 2016/17 Heritage
Fund close on Friday, 26th August 2016. Application forms, conditions and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Administration Centre. Council encourages anyone interested in maintaining their heritage building to make an appointment with Council’s Heritage Advisor.

Free professional advice is available to owners who want to renovate or redevelop private homes or commercial buildings. The advice is of a general nature. For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact Council’s Planning & Environment Department on (02) 6861 2373.

Wedding Feature…

July 21, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Make Your Dream Wedding A Reality
When it comes to weddings, Cowra Hire have everything you need to organise your special day with ease. They have the right equipment to help you pull off the perfect event with everything from cutlery, linen and glasses to marquees, a cool room, dance floors and a jukebox. The list goes on.

Charlie has been in the business for 30 years so has plenty of experience in organising everything you need and making your dream a reality. As well as having an extensive range on offer, the team at Cowra Hire will deliver your equipment as well as assemble and dissemble your marquee to save you the stress and hassle, and allow you to enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Visit the store at 76 Redfern Street, Cowra or their website www.cowrahire.com.au or give Charlie and the team a call on 6342 3498 to see the fantastic range they have available for hire.

Fresh Pickings at Native Botanical
Following in the footsteps of her mother Marie, Steph Cooke has taken her passion for fresh flowers to become the Central West region’s most stylistic florist. What began with just Steph and her Mum in 2008 working from a studio in Temora, has now grown in to three gorgeous studios with a talented team all working together to bring their clients beautiful floral artistry. The three stores are located in Temora, Cootamundra and Young.

“My vision has been brought to life through our gorgeous studios,” Steph says. “Every day we find ourselves surrounded by over 100 varieties of the most beautiful, fresh flowers and foliage from Australian growers as passionate as we are about creating beautiful, long lasting designs.”

Native Botanical has beautiful arrangements to choose from, especially when it comes to weddings. They have a massive range of bouquets specifically dedicated to weddings. By supplying a stunning range of flowers, those who are looking for something different will also be satisfied by what Native Botanical has to offer. To see the latest designs and creations, follow Native Botanical on Facebook.

By Debra Clarke

Mayoral Notes…

July 14, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

This year’s annual trip to Weberek in East Timor was a success despite the constant rain. We installed new solar panels and replaced the meter on the water bore, doubling the capacity of the village water supply. We also held a fencing demonstration day teaching locals how to use strainer posts by erecting a fence around the health clinic. We continued the good rapport with the villagers enjoying a community volleyball game, which the locals won convincingly.

The container of hospital equipment is yet to arrive in Dilli but when it does Bill Shalvey the coordinator of the operation will head back with a few others to receive and distribute the items. Geoff Steventon needs congratulations for his organisation of this and previous trips to East Timor. Parkes welcomes world renowned astronomers for AstroFest this weekend. The annual conference and astrophotography festival endeavours to expose the people of the Central West to the wonders of modern astronomy.

Local Government Elections will be held on Saturday 10th September. Anyone wishing to find out more about becoming a Parkes Shire Councillor is invited to attend an information session. The information sessions will be held on Wednesday 27th July and Wednesday 3rd August at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Centre from 5.30pm. Visit parkes.nsw.gov.au for details.

Enjoy a happy and safe weekend.
Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM

Letters to the Editor…

July 14, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Dear Editor,
It will be a very sad day if Parkes Ladies Gym, Curves, has to close at the end of August after operating for nearly 10 years in the town.

Many members have been attending for 9 plus years and many have come and gone only to return again as they realise the benefits of the exercise circuit in calm, secure and friendly surrounds. For me, I consider it as a prescription to help manage my health and wellbeing, others have found it helps them lose weight and keep fit. All this will be lost if someone does not come forward to take on the gym from its current owner who is wanting to retire.

With sadness but with much appreciation we will be farewelling Barb who has done a wonderful job in setting up and managing Curves in various locations in Parkes. It would be great if a new owner could be found soon.

A very grateful Curves Member

Dear Editor,
Essential Energy would like to remind tradespeople, scaffolders and other construction workers to be aware of the potential for electrical hazards on the worksite and stay safe around electricity. Regional manager Northern, Mark Summers, said plant equipment and temporary structures should be kept well clear of the electricity network.

“Powerlines can be situated underground and overhead and workers should be aware of their location before picking up a jackhammer, operating machinery or excavating an area,” Mark said; “We recommend every worker, from the foreman through to the apprentice complete an onsite safety induction before commencing work – identifying the location of all electrical hazards.”

The Electricity Supply Act requires any excavation work to be logged with the free Dial before you dig referral service at www.1100.com.au, to identify the location of underground utility assets. The safe operating distance for workers and their equipment from overhead powerlines is three metres for distribution and transmission lines up to 132kV and four metres for scaffolding.

If scaffolding has the potential to encroach within four metres of powerlines, builders must contact Essential Energy to ensure safety controls are implemented to keep workers safe.
“We also recommend a competent safety observer be assigned to each worksite to monitor work teams and guide machinery movements near overhead powerlines,” Mark said. For more information contact 13 23 91.

Northparkes Indigenous Scholarships Awarded

July 14, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

On Wednesday 29th June, the 2016 Northparkes Mines Indigenous Scholarships were awarded to Gabrielle Ebsworth and Kerrod Griffiths. Gabrielle is from Narromine and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. Kerrod, who is from Condobolin, is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Indigenous) at the University of Wollongong.

The scholarship presentation was held at Northparkes and attended by scholarship holders, their families and Ralph Smith and Rob Clegg from the Northparkes Wiradjuri Executive Committee. The Welcome to Country was delivered by Rob Clegg to open the proceedings, who said; “I’m so happy to see young Indigenous people going to university and moving forward.”

Northparkes Managing Director Stefanie Loader welcomed the scholarship holders and their families to Northparkes, “You are a part of our future, and we hope you find your place at Northparkes,” she said. Kerrod said he appreciated the financial support provided by the scholarship. “Down the road I see myself moving back to the country and working in public health, helping Indigenous people.” Gabrielle Ebsworth said; “I might work in Indigenous Affairs when I’m older, I think it’s important and more effective when Indigenous people help each other.”

In addition to financial support, students receive work placements on site at Northparkes and throughout Australia. Gabrielle and Kerrod join a cohort of eight Indigenous tertiary students across NSW who study in a variety of fields including electrical engineering, environmental science, social work, and communication and media. The program is in its fifth year and is available to Indigenous students aged 30 years or younger who have been accepted into a tertiary degree.

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring…

July 14, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

“Isn’t the weather just horrible?” is a common greeting around Parkes these days. The deluge of rain over the past couple of weeks has pushed the total recorded over eight days of rain to 45.8mm. This is 1mm more than the long-term average of 44.8mm recorded over 12.6 days for July. The wettest day so far this month was last Friday when 17mm was recorded, according to the Weatherzone website. This lead to the closure of the Eugowra Road as the Billabong Creek was running over the road. The weir at PAC Park on East Street was flowing very fast and provided some fun for kids on holiday when the rain stopped. School children have been housebound most of the holiday so far with the wet weather. Every bit of sunshine is a good opportunity to get out for fresh air and some exercise. Although it feels like it is raining non-stop, we still need a lot more rain to reach the record of 2010 when 110.8mm fell during July.

To make the wet weather more intense, the average maximum temperature of 12.9°C for this month so far is also lower than the long-term average of 14.3°C. The highest temperature this month was 16°C on the 7th and the lowest temperature recorded this month so far was on 4th July when it dropped to -0.4°C.

According to the weather forecast we might be getting some warmer weather next week with a maximum of 18°C on Monday, hooray! Many communities in the Central West have surpassed seasonal rainfall averages including Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Wellington, Mudgee and Cowra. The widespread rain has increased many dam levels significantly with some even overflowing.

By Maggi Barnard

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