Living & Lifestyle

Crime

April 17, 2020 By editor

What is a crime? There are many crimes or offences. A lot are contained in the Crimes Act but many more are contained in other statutes both of the State and Federal Parliaments. The range of offences vary from murder down to parking.

Most criminal matters are commenced by the Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions by way of court attendance notices (formerly known as Police charges/summonses). Those charged with an offence will appear firstly before a magistrate in a local court. In some cases, issues of bail may need to be considered.

Magistrates deal with over 90% of criminal matters summarily, but the more serious offences are committed to the district court or supreme court for trial before a judge and/ or jury.

Unlike civil matters, criminal matters must be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ having regard to the elements of the offence. This is when a solicitor’s professional knowledge becomes essential for the client (ie the person charged with an offence).

It should be noted that in civil matters the standard of proof is much less in that the plaintiff usually has to prove their case ‘on the balance of probabilities’.

Police will have a fact sheet (which is not evidence but outlines the Police case) on the first appearance before the court. The fact sheet and instructions from the client will help the solicitor in deciding whether to advise the client to plead guilty or not guilty. Sometimes an adjournment is necessary to obtain further information.

Once a plea is entered, the magistrate may adjourn the matter for hearing, sentence the client, commit the client for trial in a higher court or other options, depending on the seriousness of the offence, and the previous criminal history of the client. For further information contact us.

A Power Of Attorney That Endures

February 21, 2020 By editor

An enduring power of attorney authorises another person chosen by you to make decisions for you on legal and financial matters. You give that person full authority to act on your behalf. An enduring power of attorney is that it remains valid even if you become mentally incompetent.

You can limit the powers that you give to your attorney in the document. You can also limit it in time, and it can be revoked at any time, provided that you are mentally competent to do so.

You can appoint one or more persons. If you choose more than one attorney, you must decide whether they can act ‘jointly’ or ‘severally’. Jointly means that they must act together. Severally means that each attorney can make decisions by themselves and bind all other appointed attorneys. There are no set rules on whom you can appoint.

Unlike a general power of attorney, an enduring power must be witnessed by a solicitor, barrister or the registrar of the local court. In each case the witness must not work for, or have any close connection with, the person appointed as the attorney.

The power of attorney lasts until:
• You die
• You cancel it (and you have to be mentally competent to do this) by tearing it up and notifying the attorney that it is cancelled
• You become bankrupt
• A court cancels it

This is a complex legal field. If we at Matthews Williams can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.

By Mark Olson

Almost Time For The Picnic Races

May 17, 2018 By editor

If you do not want to miss out on the social highlight of the year, make sure to start planning for the Parkes Picnic Races on the June long weekend – there is less than a month to go!

The event offers loads of entertainment with a great day of racing, live music, children’s entertainment and the popular Fashions on the Field.

The racecourse provides full bar and betting facilities, as well as a range of catering services, while a range of catered marquees will offer packaged food and beverage tickets with seating. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food hampers and picnic on the grass, however the racecourse is a licensed venue so no alcohol is to be brought onto the grounds.

One of the Central West’s most prestigious Fashions on the Field competitions will take place once again with fantastic cash and prizes on offer.

A team of ‘Fashions on the Field’ spotters will be keeping a close eye on the crowd for race wear that expresses style and originality, selecting semi-finalists. As the crowd on Picnic Race Day is large, suitably dressed candidates are invited to present themselves at the semi-final judging before 2pm.

All judging commences at 2pm at the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Amateur Racing Club Committee Tent, near the track. Judging starts at 2pm for all categories, and the finals are at approximately 3.30pm. Fashionable fillies, stylish gents and chic kids have the opportunity to be crowned the highly sought after Fashions on the Field winner, with the following categories: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Contemporary and Millinery.

New Cruelty Free Product Line At Kindred

August 17, 2017 By editor

Cherry Blooms brush on fibre eyelash extensions is hitting the beauty world by storm! This revolutionary product has the ability to extend and thicken your natural lashes by up to 600%. The formula contains natural high grade potent beeswax and black fibres which deliver dramatically longer and thicker lashes. The fibres do not fall on your
face unlike other brands; and it looks freshly applied even at the end of a long day. They look natural when you apply and does not clump or smudge.

Contact Kindred Beauty Lounge in Parkes to try out these new exciting products.

Massage Is More Than Just A Treat

July 20, 2017 By editor

While it might seem like a luxurious indulgence that most of us only pamper ourselves with on those special occasions when someone gifts us a voucher, massage is not only a therapeutic treatment, it is one of the oldest healing traditions. Many ancient cultures used massage to treat a range of disorders, and developed massage
practice or styles to take advantage of its therapeutic qualities.

Massage manipulates the body’s soft tissue to reduce muscle tension, maintain flexibility and improve circulation. One of the most obvious benefits is the reduction of self-sustaining pain postures. For instance, tension headaches can be caused by tight muscles, and the pain increases the tension, creating a self-sustaining pain loop. In these cases neck and shoulder massage provides an obvious benefit, reducing muscle tension and breaking the cycle.

Current research has shown massage can treat a variety of conditions, ranging from soft-tissue injuries, to anxiety, insomnia, and even arthritis. Relaxation is one of the most popular reasons people use massage, and there is a reason that people find a good massage so relaxing. Massage prompts the release of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that produce feelings of wellbeing, while simultaneously reducing the levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin and cortisol.

But it is important to note that there are different types of massage. These can range from therapeutic massage, which is focussed on relaxation, to more rigorous remedial styles that encourage healing of injured soft-tissue. Myotherapy treats pain and reduced joint movement, and is used for musculoskeletal conditions and occupational injuries. Reflexology, shiatsu and aromatherapy each use wholistic concepts of wellness to promote health and
recovery, and sports massage might use a blend of techniques to enhance performance or to encourage a faster recovery for overworked muscles.

But it’s not just elite athletes who benefit from massage. Desk workers are prone to a range of postural complaints caused by prolonged periods of sitting, with the more advanced forms of postural stress manifesting as pain or weakness in the lower back and gluteals, or tension in the neck and shoulders. Regular massage can help to counteract all that sitting, giving you improved posture, and less physical tension and stress.

In Australia massage practitioners undergo comprehensive training, where they not only learn different practical techniques, but also study physiology so they understand musculoskeletal structure, lymphatic and nervous systems. A qualified masseuse offers more than a relaxing pamper session, they are a trained health professional and can work with you to reduce or eliminate a range of ailments.

Qualified masseuse Leanne Vazzoler is available for appointments in Parkes on Fridays from 9am to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am til 4pm.

A Big Weekend Of Fluffing

June 15, 2017 By editor

Some of the items that will be used in the make over.

Tomorrow we have some very special VIP guests visiting our store. TV stars and Brand Ambassadors for Furniture One, Ayden and Jess are visiting the Central West for two special reasons.

Firstly, they will make their in store appearance in Parkes, but the second event brought them all the way from the Gold Coast.

Furniture One ran a nationwide competition offering the winner a $10,000 room makeover and a barbeque with Ayden and Jess and 12 of their family and friends. The lucky winners come from Dubbo, and as we are the nearest Furniture One store, I had the pleasure of organising the logistics of the day. The truck will be loaded with all the goodies that Jess has selected and we will arrive in Dubbo tomorrow for an afternoon of fluffing! Once the room is complete we will be continuing on to the family barbeque
and media commitments with the Dubbo press.

The lucky couple were so excited and I can’t wait to see the smile on their faces when we have worked some magic in their room. They beat a huge array of entrants that came from all over the Eastern States of the country.

I will feature the final results in the next column and on Facebook.

To give you a sneak peek of the pieces Jess has selected. We are going for a peaceful, relaxing and tranquil feel for this busy couple’s bedroom to give them a sanctuary from the outside world. They will be enjoying a new AH Beard king size mattress and a beautiful upholstered bed with underbed storage. Large chests and a huge tallboy will complete the look. Two lovely lamps and a plethora of bedding, quilts, pillows and cushions will add extra luxury and style to the room.

By Karen Creith

Find Kind Beauty At Kindred

May 18, 2017 By editor

Kindred is about kind beauty. Every Kindred ritual is designed to take clients on a journey and show that beauty is more than skin deep.

“After 13 years in traditional beauty, there came a point where I could no longer go on,” said owner of Kindred, Kim Board- man. “I needed to take responsibility for the message I was sending about beauty and for what I was putting on my clients skin. I start work each morning excited to educate my clients that there is another way and that a bathroom full of products does not equal beautiful skin!”

Kim’s warm, caring nature and her passion for what she does shine through offering clients a true vision of just what Kindred stands for.

“Kindred is to be kind to yourself – allowing yourself to reconnect and be taken care of; to be kind to the environment by using toxin-free products and to be kind to others.”

All Kindred’s treatments are designed by Kim from her more than 13 years experience in the skincare and beauty industry. Offering clients holistic professional treat- ments using only small batch products, carefully selected by Kim, a Kindred ritual is prepared to get your skin glowing.

There’s not one product in Kim’s treatments and in salon that she herself wouldn’t use.

Scared Of The Dentist?

May 18, 2017 By editor

Are you petrified to make that dreaded trip to the dentist?

If you know Richardson Dental, you will put an end to your anxieties.

“At Richardson Dental surgery we are revolutionised!” said Dr Khazima Riaz. “We can show you that it is not always a miserable experience. In fact, we can teach you how to dodge most dental problems before they occur. We have the experience and technology to make your visit comfortable and even painless.”

When you make your first appointment at Richardson Dental they will educate you on how to help you relax and wipe out your fears. They will also show you how to take steps to prevent and correct possible is- sues that may transpire with your dental care.

There are many ways to alleviate the anxiety, the pain and the necessity of more extensive procedures at the dentist. Think for a moment how relieved you would be to arrive at your next appointment and feel no anxiety and no stress. Ensure to get the education you need to stop future problems and walk out thanking yourself for addressing your dental fears.

You simply have to go and meet the Rich- ardson Dental surgery team or call them on 6862 1261.

Restaurant With A View

March 16, 2017 By editor

Most of us have driven past it countless times without ever stopping to explore, but the new managers of the Station Motel are set on getting the locals back. The first bait Ian and Karyn Wade-Parker have put out to attract people is an Indian buffet every Saturday night. “Our newly appointed professional chef prepares a different set of curries every Saturday, making all the food and sauces from scratch,” said Ian. “With his extensive experience in authentic Indian cuisine, Chef Guna does not use any packaged items.”

According to Ian many people assume all Indian food is hot, but he would like to encourage locals to try out the buffet that includes starters, two different curries, salads and dessert. Only ten years old, the Station Motel with its steel, glass and stone features, had unfortunately suffered some neglect under many different managers. Ian and Karyn, who both have extensive experience in running five-star hotels, believe they can bring life back to it.

Their first focus is the restaurant – being on the edge of town, it has a spectacular view that often includes kangaroos, horses and even sheep. “We have turned it from a café into a restaurant with a new menu, new wine list and proper table cloths,” said Ian. Be adventurous and try out the Indian buffet on your next free Saturday. If you
really do not like Indian, you can still order from the a la carte menu too!

Is Your Family Free Time Used Up By Screen Time?

February 16, 2017 By editor

Screen time is the time you spend each day using devices with screens like TVs, video consoles, smartphones and tablets. There are benefits and risks to screen time, so a healthy family lifestyle includes limits on daily screen time.

Child development experts recommend limiting children’s daily screen time as real life interactions with you and others are much better for your child’s wellbeing, learning and development.

• children under 18 months should avoid screen time, other than video-chatting

children aged 18 months to two years can watch or use high-quality programs or apps if adults watch or play with them to help them understand what they’re seeing
children aged 2-5 years should have no more than one hour a day of screen time with adults watching or playing with them
children aged 6 years and older should have consistent limits on screen time. These limits are about making sure your child enjoys lots of healthy, fun activities – both with and without screens.

Limits mean looking at the time your children spend on screens and making sure it doesn’t get in the way of sleep and activities that are good for their development, such as physical play, reading, drawing and social time.

Limits don’t mean you should stop your child from watching TV or playing video games.

These guidelines aim to help you manage your family’s media use. A good way is by creating a family media plan. Your plan could cover things like screen-free areas in your house, screen-free times, and programs and apps that are OK for your children to use.

Television, movies, video games and the internet can be a positive influence on your child, especially when you get involved and help your child make good choices and talk about what’s going on.

For further reading and guidelines on screen time go to raisingchildren.net.au.