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Parkes Phoenix

Snippets…

October 16, 2020 By editor

Cr Pat Smith (with flowers) was recognised for her 13 years of services at at the Parkes/Forbes Community Housing Inc as treasurer. With Pat are (L-R) Cr Bill Jayet, Cr Graeme Miller, Margaret Robinson and Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton.

$1.2 Million For Infrastructure: Parkes Shire Council will receive an extra $1,281,760 under an extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program as part of the 2020 Budget, bringing the total funding to more than $2.6 million. “Local councils understand the immediate needs in their communities which is why this money is so important to support local jobs and local businesses in Parkes and the wider region,” said member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

2020 Vision: Eye checks for children at the age of four years are essential for the early identification and treatment of vision problems and to reduce the likelihood of permanent vision loss. NSW was first to implement universal screening for preschoolers – the Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program. Western NSW LHD StEPS Coordinator Sandy Ford said early screening led to optimal vision. “It is critical that this screening is provided to four-year- olds before they start school.” Free screening is available to all four-year-old children. StEPS screeners visit preschools and long day care centres, and children who do not attend centres or are in home care can also access the free service. Find out how by visiting https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/paediatric-services. Families can also ask their GP to test their child’s vision or refer their child to an eye health professional.

Culture Maps Central NSW: An exciting new resource was recently launched by Arts OutWest, in partnership with RDA Central West and the Central NSW Joint Organisation of Councils. As an interactive online map, the culture maps feature 400 pinned places, including museums, galleries and artist studios, heritage sites and trails, places to shop for handmade things, Aboriginal cultural places and experiences, and for the first time – a comprehensive regional map of public art. The maps are themed so you can search by category or location within the Central NSW region that includes the Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin Local Government Areas.

COVID-19 Testing: Book a COVID-19 test if you have, or recently had: fever, short- ness of breath, sore throat, and cough. Contact the Parkes COVID-19 testing clinic by calling 6861 2455 between 7:30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. For any concerns outside these hours call Healthdirect 1800 022 222, Western Public Health Helpline 1300 066 055 or Emergencies 000.

Snippets…

October 9, 2020 By editor

Keeping the show spirit alive. Show societies in NSW are encouraged to create a No Show Scarecrow in solidarity with all the cancelled shows.

No Show Scarecrow: Many agricultural shows have been cancelled this year. The Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) is encouraging every show society to create a No Show Scarecrow as a sign of solidarity across NSW for cancelled shows. “Agricultural shows in Australia attract six million visitors annually and the volunteer hours required to run the 580 shows makes the show movement the largest volunteer network in the country,” said ASC CEO, Tim Capp.The ASC of NSW has asked all shows to display their No Show Scarecrow throughout the month of October. “Shows are unique reflections of their local community, and we recommend each show society puts a local spin on their No Show Scarecrow to be displayed proudly in a prominent location as a reminder that the show will go on and put a smile on local faces in the process.”

Youth Have Their Say: Young leaders and youth organisations are invited to provide their views by completing a survey ahead of the implementation of the National Youth Policy framework, which will provide a pathway of continued support for young people around Australia. “Many young Australians are dealing with disruptions to their education, sudden unemployment, mental health issues and economic insecurity within the family,” said Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP. The Youth Taskforce is in the process of developing a whole-of-government approach to supporting young people. The survey can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/the-national-youth-policy-framework#have-your-say

Aussie Backyard Bird Count: BirdLife Australia are calling all Australians to take part in their Aussie Backyard Bird Count from 19-25th October – the nation’s largest conservation event. Following a devastating year so far – with the Black Summer fires and COVID-19 pandemic – this count is a chance for all Aussies to take a break, connect with nature and do something peaceful in your own backyard. Studies estimate that at least 180 million birds were wiped out by the destructive bushfires, but a significant number of wild birds sought refuge in gardens and parks. Data from the Bird Count will help BirdLife Australia track how bird populations are faring across the country. The Aussie Bird Count app allows you to take part anywhere – not just backyards, but in local parks, gardens, schoolyards, bushland or beaches. To register and find out more, visit www.aussiebirdcount.org.au

The Visitors Centre at the Parkes Radio Telescope has been madly busy the past two weeks with so many people travelling regionally in the holidays.

Snippets…

October 2, 2020 By editor

Congratulations to the Parkes Services Club on winning The Parkes Phoenix Footy Tipping Competition by one point with 114 points. It was a very close competition with Sportspower in second place with 113 points and Parkes Decor and Hays Hardware tied in third place with 112 points each. Jenny Jewell (middle) of Greenparkes Garden Centre sponsored a $100 gift voucher prize and handed it Chloe Dean (left) and Meg Hunter of Parkes Services Club.

Double Demerits: Double demerits will be in place from today, Friday, 2nd October until Monday, 5th October (inclusive). Police will target speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Airbag Check: Car manufacturers are urging regional and rural Australians to immediately check their vehicles to determine if they are affected by the Takata airbag recall. A wide range of passenger cars, light trucks and vans are affected by the recall. There are currently more than 150,000 vehicles still requiring faulty airbags to be replaced. A faulty Takata airbag can kill or seriously injure any occupant of the vehicle regardless of whether they are a driver or passenger. You can check the recall status of your vehicles by going to www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au or by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224). A check is quick and repairs are free.

Free Remembrance Day Resources: Schools and community groups in the Central West are receiving free resources to help them commemorate Remembrance Day 2020 on 11th November. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. The mail-out to schools includes posters, educational activities and other great resources that tell the story of Australia’s wartime history. Mail out resources are available for free download on the Anzac Portal or by emailing education@dva.gov.au

Funding For Veterans’ Health Week: Funding is available for Central West ex- service organisations and other community groups to host an event during Veterans’ Health Week from 24th October to 1st November. Funding of $720 is available for a creative social activity, within local restrictions. The funding would help veterans stay socially connected with their community through innovative event ideas such as meditation or yoga sessions, local catch-ups and creative workshops, all in-person or virtually. For more information on Veterans’ Health Week and the funding available, visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website. Call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au Applications close 9th October.

The long wait will be over on Monday, 12th October when the doors to the newly refurbished Parkes Library will open. The new Parkes Library hours will be 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 9:30 to noon on Saturdays.

Snippets…

September 25, 2020 By editor

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling and his of- ficers will be more visible on the roads this school holiday period and the October long weekend.

Double Demerits: With school holidays approaching, motorists are reminded that double demerits will be in place over the October long weekend for four days commencing on Friday, 2nd October and ending on Monday, 5th October (inclusive). Police will target speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said there would be more police on the road which meant a greater chance of drivers being caught if they were doing the wrong thing. “With alcohol, seatbelts and speeding being the biggest factors in serious injury and fatal crashes this year in the Central West, my staff and I will be targeting these offences. We will take your licence for drink driving and the higher speeding offences, no question,” Sergeant Ling said.

Keep COVID-19 safe: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has urged organisers of community events to be aware of their COVID-19 responsibilities and to have comprehensive COVID-19 plans in place. Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley said: “Despite several months with no active cases, the threat of a confirmed case is ever present. There may be people in our communities or visiting our communities that have returned from areas with confirmed cases. We also have many vulnerable people living in our communities that we need to be extra considerate of.” She said complying with the Public Health Orders was up to each individual, business and event organiser, and reminded people that fines could be issued for a breach of the Public Health Orders. For more information on COVID Safe Business Plans go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Deductible Gift Status: Men’s and Women’s Sheds have been granted access to Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status by the Federal Government. This means you can claim an income tax deduction when donating $2 or more to your local shed, provided they register with the Australian Tax Office for this status. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said: “I have been to many sheds around the Riverina and Central West and I am always impressed by the fantastic work they do for our communities. They are not only great organisations working hard for our cities, towns and villages, they also are places where people go for friendship and support,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Have you seen the new street art at Cooke Park? Local artist Jac Clark added more work to her existing panels recently.

Snippets…

September 18, 2020 By editor

Students at Parkes Public School celebrated a week of kindness. Here is Kaiden Lord at the kindness wall.

Christmas Parade and Carnival Cancelled: At the recent Parkes Action Club meeting members voted to cancel the annual Parkes Street Parade and Christmas Carnival. The members recognise that the Parkes community has been very supportive of this event in the past. However, due to COVID-19 concerns the members felt this is the safest way forward for our community.

Last Day To Have Your Say: Today, 18th September is the last day to take part in the survey to have your say on whether the Parkes Elvis Festival should take place next year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Parkes Elvis Festival has been moved from January to 10-14 March 2021, but the final decision will be made by 28th September. Your contribution will help make the decision regarding the festival proceeding in March 2021. Complete the survey via the Your Say Parkes platform – https://yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au/2021-parkes-elvis-festival

Power Outage on Sunday: Bogan Gate, Tottenham, Trundle, Tullamore and the surrounding area will have a power outage on Sunday, 20th September from 7am to 4pm to enable work to be safely completed on the electricity network. According to Essential Energy the planned power outage was required to enable an authorised contractor, working for a customer, to undertake work on the electricity network. Essential Energy crews will also undertake maintenance work on the electricity network at the same time replacing more than 20 power poles, and other electricity network equipment including cross-arms, which have reached end of life. Affected homes and businesses have been notified of the power outage. The scheduled works are reliant on suitable weather conditions and may be postponed if the conditions are unfavourable or any unforeseen circumstances arise.

Grants To Support Youth: The Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme have grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 available for projects which respond to the social challenges facing those aged 15 to 24. Projects need to be either new initiatives that recognise and respond to the hardship young people face now and will face in the future, or existing initiatives which already provide a valuable on-going service to young people, but which need further funding to continue. There will be a particular focus on employment, transportation, mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 and last summer’s bushfires. The grant round closes 7th October. Visit www.fya.org.au/yapgs

Have you seen what the renovated part of the CBD looks like at night? Why not make use of the good weather at the moment and take a night time stroll around town? (Photo: Les Finn)

Snippets…

September 11, 2020 By editor

Spring Photo Competition: The Parkes Phoenix is once again running its very popular competition, and this year Spring is magnificent after all the rain. So, go out and get snapping, we would love to see what you see! Ivey Lane Photography has sponsored a $50 gift voucher as prize. Enter via our Facebook page or email your photos to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. Entries close 30th October.

No Evidence Of Community Transmission: The whole community were relieved by the news last week from Western NSW Health Local Health District that there has been no evidence of community transmission following an initial positive result reported in Parkes on 2nd September. After an initial positive test result, a rapid response was set in motion, including a mobile testing clinic attended by more than 430 people over two days. Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM thanked the community for their response and attendance at the clinics for testing. He reminded everyone to remain vigilant, and to rely on information from the Health Service and not unofficial commentary from social media. “We fully understand the desire of residents to have the most up-to-date information available however much of the information on social media was speculative and at times caused great distress to those families affected. These are difficult times and I know that our community would prefer that we support each other rather than escalate concerns. I am sure that the Parkes Shire community will join me in this request,” he said. The Parkes airport terminal will continue to be closed outside of scheduled flight times. The terminal will open for 45 minutes either side of arrival and departure flights.

Arts funding open for 2021: Arts OutWest is encouraging local groups to apply for the 2021 round of Country Arts Support Program (CASP) funding. Applications close on 29th September. CASP grants of up to $3,000 are available. Projects could include (but are not limited to) workshops, arts activities as part of festivals or events, artist-in-residence programs, public art and design projects, exhibitions, forums or seminars or other local arts initiatives. Projects can be designed to be face-to-face or online. To apply groups must discuss their project with Arts OutWest before submitting an online application. Read the full criteria at https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/arts-and-cultural-funding-program/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Betty McAnalen enjoyed the special Show Day held at Southern Cross Village recently when the Parkes Show was cancelled.

Snippets…

September 4, 2020 By editor

St George’s Anglican Church was a previous recipient of the Parkes Shire Local Heritage Fund Program, using the funds to replace and paint the front windows, replace flooring and paint the internal foyer.

Applications For Heritage Fund Open: Parkes Shire Council is inviting owners and lessees to apply for dollar for dollar matched funding under the Parkes Shire Local Heritage Fund Program. “The program has successfully delivered heritage projects valued at more than $470,000 including projects such as the Old Trundle Post Office building, the Tullamore Hotel, the Carrington Hotel and Trundle Main Streets,” said Council’s Heritage Committee Chair, Cr Alan Ward. Last financial year the program successfully completed more than $23,000 worth of heritage projects. More than $13,500 was contributed by the applicants with more than $8,000 provided through local heritage funding. Applications for the 2020/21 Heritage Fund must be completed by the close of business on Friday, 11th September. Application forms, conditions and guidelines are available on Council’s website or from Council’s Administration Centre. Council’s Heritage Advisor visits Parkes each month and gives free professional advice. For more information, or to make an appointment, contact Council’s Planning & Environment Department on 6861 2373.

One giant leap for Aussie Golden Wattle: Seeds of Australia’s national floral emblem Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) will be launched into space next month to the International Space Station on a Space X flight. They will spend around six months on the International Space Station before beginning their long journey home. Back on earth the seeds will be grown by school students under the inaugural Australian Seeds in Space educational program. The project was made possible by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and its cooperation with Japan’s space agency. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will launch Golden Wattle seeds into orbit as part of an international space research mission.

The seeds were collected by CSIRO from a wild population in Victoria. They are held in the National Research Collections Australia at CSIRO as part of a unique resource alongside representative seeds of Australian tree species. For more details about One Giant Leap Australia Foundation visit https://onegiantleapaustralia.com/ · For more details about Wattle Day visit http://www.wattleday.asn.au/

It was National Wattle Day on Tuesday, 1st September. The wattle is particularly beautiful this season, like this one at Lake Endeavour.

Snippets…

August 28, 2020 By editor

Slow down is the message from NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole for Rural Road Safety Month.

Slow Down To Save Lives: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole launched Rural Road Safety Month last week. Drivers in the Orange Electorate are urged to slow down as more than two-thirds of the lives lost on NSW roads occur in the country. NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said preliminary figures show 252 people were killed or injured in crashes on roads in the electorate last year. Sam said speed and fatigue were the most common factors for fatalities, contributing to about 70% per cent of people killed. “Every one of these deaths and serious injuries has had a devastating impact on families, friends and communities.” The NSW Government is investing more than $640 million in the Safer Roads Program for regional NSW, along with $140 million from the Federal Government to roll out lifesaving projects.

COVID-19 And School Attendance: The latest update on school attendance requires that students and staff with flu like symptoms provide a copy of a negative COVID-19 test result before they are permitted to return to school. In accordance with advice from NSW Health, parents and carers are reminded NOT to send children to school if they are unwell, even if they have the mildest flu-like symptoms. Schools will make arrangements for students who present as unwell or have flu like symptoms to be sent home. NSW Health have requested that schools encourage anyone who is unwell or has even mild flu-like symptoms, to arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

National Scams Awareness Week: The ACCC’s ‘Targeting Scams’ report noted that nbn themed scams were the most commonly reported scam type with the ‘Nicole from nbn’ robocall scam the most prolific example. Recent reports indicate ‘Nicole’ has been joined by ‘Carol’. There are also two new nbn themed scams: residents receiving a fraudulent nbn invoice for payment after they were offered a nbn upgrade over the phone; and scammers claiming radiation or harmful UV rays will come from the computer and instructing the individual to move away from or cover the screen, allowing the scammer unmonitored remote access to the device. It is important to note that NBN Co does not issue invoices direct to customers unless work has been agreed to by nbn and the customer.

Interesting snow apparel were observed at Mount Canobolas on Sunday with these guys getting very creative with black garbage bags and oven mittens.

Snippets…

August 21, 2020 By editor

Lindt Café siege survivor Selina Win Pe paid a courtesy call to Parkes recently as part of her endeavour to support farmers, country kids and communities. She met with Mayor Ken Keith at the Parkes Visitors Centre.

Library Expands Online Collection: Parkes Shire Libraries has expanded its digital collection to include more than 3,000 online resources. This is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a huge influx in website traffic. The expansion includes the addition of Beamafilm allowing members to stream their favourite feature films and documentaries for free with their library card. Other additions include eBooks and eAudiobooks, more than 3,000 eMagazines, Storybox for preschool and primary aged children, and Learning & Training links. To access the online collection, go to the My Online Library page on Council’s website, and enter the barcode number on the back of your library card. Contact the Library team via email library@parkes.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6861 2309, or visit to join for free.

COVID-19 Testing: Book a COVID-19 test if you have, or have recently had any of the following symptoms: fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, and cough. Contact the Parkes COVID-19 testing clinic by calling 6861 2455 between 7:30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. For any concerns outside these hours call Healthdirect 1800 022 222, Western Public Health Helpline 1300 066 055 or Emergencies 000.

Face Masks: It is recommended in NSW to wear a face mask when in indoor settings such as on public transport and supermarkets; in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs; during attendance at places of worship. Note: a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing – remember to keep a distance of 1.5m in public.

Endangered Shrub Sightings: The search is on for an endangered plant, the beautiful Zieria obcordata, and residents are urged to report any sightings of this threatened species. Native to NSW Zieria obcordata is found in only two small populations near Wellington and Bathurst and are about to bloom. This plant is found nowhere else in the world, and has been hit hard by the drought with less than 200 left in the wild. It is a small shrub, 10 – 40cm high, has dark green leaves composed of three wedge-shaped leaflets and flowers, complete with four very small pale pink petals that fade rapidly to white. Sightings can be reported to – savingourspecies@environment.nsw.gov.au. For more information visit: https://savingourspecies.online/zieria-obcordata

The public is encouraged to report any sightings of the Zieria obcordate, a threatened species with only 200 plants left in the wild. (Photo: DPIE)

Snippets…

August 14, 2020 By editor

Parkes Shire Council took out top honours in two categories at the 2020 Local Government Week RH Dougherty Awards for the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival Communications Strategy and Council’s event activations for the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Parkes’ role in the Apollo 11 mission in July 2019. Here are Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM and General Manager, Kent Boyd with the awards.

Inland Rail Grants: Seven community groups in the Riverina and Central West received grants in round five of the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program. Two of the groups are from Parkes: Central West Astronomical Society received $2,837 for the purchase of a data projector and batteries and $1,100 went to the Parkes Que Club to provide domestic violence bags for women and children.

Bush Photo Competition: Rural Aid is calling all photographers for their inaugural life on the land or in the bush competition open until 3rd September. “We want to see images, ground level or aerial, of our Aussie farmers and their families and a depiction of what their life is like on the land or in the bush,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters. If you need inspiration, check out their Facebook page @ruralaidaustralia and Instagram @ruralaid filled with great images of rural Australia and the farmers Rural Aid supports, who support us. There are great prizes to be won too. The competition will run from 10th August to 3rd September. Submit a high-resolution image by either posting the image on Instagram with the hashtags #RAPhotoContest & #SpiritoftheBush and tagging @ruralaid in the picture, or by emailing submissions to images@ruralaid.org.au.

Go Past Page 1 On Google: Do you want to support small business during this time of upheaval? Then, head past page 1 on Google. In fact, about page 6 or 7 is where you find the gold when it comes to small business. New websites have sprung up in the tens of thousands since the panic of COVID-19. There’s been a rise in “marketplace” websites like Spend With Us – Buy From a Bush Business Marketplace, that offers web stores to small rural and regional business owners for free or for a small investment. Small business owners have the products that customers want but not the know how or people power to ensure a consistent flow of traffic can open a store on a marketplace website, manage their stock and not worry about all the complicated tech needed to make sales online.

With all the rain there has been some spectacular cloud formations in the sky over the Parkes Shire lately.

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