Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard has been with the Parkes Phoenix since it was established in March 2016 and loves writing about her community.

Drought Forum For Shire

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire Council invites farmers, residents and business operators to attend the Parkes Shire Drought Forum on Tuesday, 11th September at Parkes Services Club at 5:30pm. The Australian Government recently announced
an additional drought assistance package, which includes an allocation of $1 million to 60 Councils across Australia
of which 36 are in NSW, including Parkes Shire.

Council will host a drought forum to gain input from the community on how the money can be applied for best effect across the Parkes Shire, in line with the funding guidelines.

“We will be looking for community insight as to where the Federal Government funding may be best utilised across the Shire, as well as develop a meaningful short, medium and long-term action plan for the drought affecting our community,” said Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Keith OAM.

“The forum will also ensure Council is well informed of the administrative obstacles and barriers that farmers and affected businesses are experiencing with regard to drought-based support initiatives.”

The forum will also provide an opportunity to communicate what other relief programs and support are on offer.
Register your attendance for the Parkes Shire Drought Forum via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parkes-shire-droughtforum-tickets-49460556857

For further enquiries contact Parkes Shire Council on 6861 2333.

Parkes Slips On Slow Clothing Revolution

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The global slow food movement has been making inroads since 1989, but have you heard of slow clothing? Last weekend the Parkes Library’s Curiosity + Wonder 2018 started with a community talk on rethinking our clothing culture.

Australian social entrepreneur and author Jane Milburn presented a compelling case for why we need to change the way we dress through everyday practice. “Slow Clothing is a holistic approach – it starts with: think, natural, quality, local, few and moves through to: care, make, revive, adapt and salvage for those who have time and energy for these more engaged actions” said Jane.

Jane challenged those who attended the talk to pay more for quality local natural garments and have fewer of them.

Woolerina, a local business based in Forbes, provided a wonderful example of slow clothing – their garments are simple styles made from local wool that will last for years or until they literally wear out.

The two workshops held by Jane over the weekend continued with the themes of reviving, adapting and salvaging.
Participants spent Saturday exploring the art and creativity of using everyday items to dye natural fibre materials and clothing.

Rusty tools, horseshoes, strawberries, gum leaves, passionfruit skins and tea were used to transform old items ready for a new life. Many of the participants enjoyed the unrestrained nature of eco dyeing – trying something and seeing how it turned out.

Many participants returned on Sunday for the snip, stitch and upcycling workshop turning their dyed items into new wearable pieces of clothing. They also created a new piece of clothing from something old, including pinnies, t-shirts, jackets and skirts, while some made a functional piece such as a phone bag.

The aim was to revive and adapt wardrobe and op shop surpluses to suit themselves, while exploring their unique style.

Participant Mirella found the workshop great. “It gave me lots of ideas to use and inspired me to have greater confidence and just try things,” said Mirella.

Parkes Library’s Curiosity + Wonder opening weekend encouraged the community to be part of the change to consciously live lightly, buying less (or nothing) and making more.

By Shellie Buckle

Our Bloke – George Pratt

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

George Pratt

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here?
All my life, except two years I worked for NSW Ambulance Services in Sydney. I came back to Parkes around 1977 andin 1987 I became officer in charge of the Parkes Ambulance station

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I retired in 2002 and have been a Councillor since 2004. I am president of the Men’s Shed, help out with the Memorial Hill project and do volunteer work at various venues. I enjoy spending time with the elderly in our town as they have such a wealth of knowledge, stories and lessons I can learn from.

What do you do in your spare time and on weekends? I enjoy going to my son’s property at Yeoval. I also enjoy outdoor activities like shooting and fishing. I restore and clean vintage motorcycles.

What are you really good at? I like doing a proper job with the right equipment. There is no half-hearted way of doing things for me.

If you could have a superpower what would it be? I would like to have a power to look after the well-being of all the elderly and homeless people in Australia.

What is your pet hate? Inconsiderate and overbearing people, and people wearing mirror sunglasses who get into your face.

Tell us about your best holiday. I went on a 14-day cruise around the islands of New Caledonia. Once I got over being sea sick, I enjoyed the native culture and there was so much to see.

Snippets…

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

CanTeen Fundraiser: Parkes High School Captains Emeline Lavaka and Gordon Richter are holding a fundraising event for CanTeen. They will be dying their hair if they reach a $1,000 benchmark. The campaign will promote awareness in the community about the importance of strong support systems for families, especially teenagers, impacted by cancer. Their aim is to get sponsorship from local businesses. “Once we have reached $1,000, anyone who makes a donation of $15 or more will be eligible to vote towards what colour we dye our hair,” they said. The reveal will take place 26th September at Parkes High School LP Johnson Hall at 6pm.

New 40km/h Speed Zones: A 12-month trial has started for 40 km/h speed zones imposed on NSW roads where emergency services are performing vital functions. “Too many of our professional and volunteer emergency services workers have experienced close calls with speeding vehicles, when trying to do their job,” said Member for Orange Phil Donato, who campaigned for the legislation. “The safety of emergency services staff far outweighs the inconvenience of having to slow down to 40 km/h as we pass them. Let’s do our bit to protect them while they’re trying to protect all of us.”

Heavy Vehicle Safety: Government has contributed $860,000 to a $1.87 million project to widen and seal a 6.2 kilometre section of the Bogan Way. The upgrade will cater for the growing number of heavy vehicles on the road, and address a number of bottlenecks along the route.

Hello! From Australia: Indigenous children’s books and illustrations feature at a travelling exhibition hosted by Parkes Library until 22nd September. This exhibition from Books Illustrated in Melbourne showcases the contemporary publishing of indigenous books in Australia, and features 20 picture book illustration prints including
two large illustrations on canvas from Steve goes to Carnival by Joshua Button and Robyn Wells and Lisa Kennedy Welcome to Country.

Be REaDiculous! PAINT Parkes REaD is on Friday, 14th September from 9:30am at Cooke Park. This community project encourages families to read, talk, sing and rhyme to their babies from birth. It is a morning filled with action packed fun including dancing and singing in the main street, performances by community members, reading in stores, games and much more! Don’t forget to dress to the REaDiculous theme, and keep your eyes open for REaDiculous things around town.

Mayoral Notes…

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Shire residents and affected business operators are invited to attend the Parkes Shire Drought Forum on Tuesday, 11th September at Parkes Services Club at 5:30pm. Council wants to gain input from the community on how the Federal Government’s allocation of $1 million of drought funding can be applied for best effect. The forum is also an opportunity to communicate what other relief programs and support are on offer. Register your attendance
via www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

The Parkes Ministers Association are inviting residents to attend the Parkes Prays for our Farming Community on Sunday, 9th September at St George’s Church lawn.

We are delighted at the Federal Government’s announcement of $860,000 funding towards the widening and seal of the final 6.2 kilometre section of the Bogan Way (MR350) to address a number of bottlenecks, and complement the new two-lane Kadina Bridge near Bogan Gate delivered earlier this year.

Tickets for the 2019 Parkes Elvis Festival will go on sale next week after the official program launch on Monday. For the first time ever, over 40 events will go on sale via the Festival website www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

Residents are encouraged to do a spring clean ahead of the 2018 Bulky Waste Clean-up between Monday, 17th September and Friday, 21st September. Residents can place waste neatly next to the edge of the kerb. For more information visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

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

Parke’s Womens Bowling

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Games played this week:
Kay Craft, Audrey Jones, Gwenda Carty def Jan McPhee, Valmai Westcott, Maureen Baillee; Lea Orr, Merilyn Rodgers, Margaret Hawken def Ros Taylor, Marja Iffland, Minnie Riordan; and Lorraine Baker, Kate Keogh, Betsy Johnstone def Maureen Miller, Frances Charlton, Rhona Went.

A game of consistency with Di Howell, Eileen Bradley and Brenda Davies with Brenda the winner. Winners for the day were Kay, Audrey and Gwenda and runners-up Ros, Marja and Minnie.

The $30 meat tray raffle from Forbes Central Butchery was won by a Margaret Hawken. The next Trading Table is on 18th September and will be pick-a-box prizes. The draw for the Club Championship Fours to be played Tuesday, 11th September are: M Miller, M Riordan, M Hawken, A Jones v E Miller, B Davies, R Went, L Byrne. The following teams have a bye: J McPhee, H Harvey, L Baker, K Evans; M Iffland, V Westcott, G Carty, C Frame; and M Rodgers, L Orr, M Grant, P Cooney.

To play social bowls please ring table selectors Brenda Davies and Di Howell on 6621446. Social roster Wendy Hendry. New Members and visitors always welcome.

Hockey Players Bring Back World Cup Bling

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes was well represented at the recent Hockey Masters World Cup in Spain with two local players running out for Australia. Maureen Massey and Graeme Tanswell played in Barcelona last month where 23 nations competed in men’s and women’s teams from over 35 to over 60 years.

Graeme played for the Australian Over 50s Men’s team who came home undefeated with the gold medal. Maureen Massey was goalkeeper of the Australian Over 60s women’s team and they won bronze. “It was a brilliant experience and to come home with some bling was an extra bonus,” said Maureen, who played in her third World Cup event, and represented Australia for the sixth time in her age division. It was Graeme’s first time in the Australian jersey.

Despite extremely hot conditions in Barcelona with the temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius on some days, the Australian teams performed very well. “We played six games and finished up playing off for third and fourth position
against a Wattles Australian team,” said Maureen. This game finished with a one all draw so the bronze medal was decided upon by a penalty shootout won by our team 2 goals to 1.”

According to Maureen the best part of the experience was wearing the green and gold. “To represent your country is a huge honour at any age, although it does not come easily. There is a lot of time put into training, on fitness and skills. The levels of fitness of the women in this team is absolutely remarkable considering our ages.”

After a short break, Maureen will be flying to Perth at the end of September to participate in the Australian Women’s Masters Championships at Bunbury as goalkeeper for the NSW over 65 years women’s team.

By Maggi Barnard

What’s On @ The Library

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

SATURDAY STORYTIME!
8 and 15 September from 11am – 12pm
For families with school aged kids. Families are invited to find the hidden library treasures! Fun, Play, Games, Stories, Make, Discover

PARKES FUN PALACE
Saturday, 22nd September, 9am – 3pm, Parkes Library ALL DAY!
Join the Parkes Library team for a family day of science, play, art and games! Activities include: fingerprinting, dancing ballerinas, stortyime with pets, community art collage, sausage sizzle and more…

ADVENTURE QUEST
9:30 – 10:30am AND 11am – 12pm Free. Book please.
All you need is a little imagination! Families are invited to join this interactive show based on the ideals in the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. Music, storytelling, drama and dance in one all-inclusive show!

TRASH PERCUSSION
1pm – 3pm Free. Bookings required.
This workshop is a whole lot of LOUD fun! Anything and everything can be used as a musical instrument and everyone can play music. Kids aged 8 and older can join this music workshop hosted by Ian from Fun Day Out.

Who Is Doing What For Drought Assistance

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The Salvation Army has released resources to help farmers and regional communities. Farmers needing assistance, can call (02) 8757 8088 to book an assessment, or complete an online assistance form at salvos.org.au/drought.
If you would like to donate to help farmers go to salvos.org.au/ruralsupport or donate at Westpac (Salvos or Rotary). All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Cash is preferred to benefit fringe businesses in the affected area also.

The CWA of NSW offers assistance to help meet household expenses for drought affected families up to a maximum of $3,000 per family/household. Expenses can include grocery bills, vehicle maintenance, school fees, electricity, rates, telephone, dental and medical (gap payments or cost of travel to access treatment) etc. To access drought aid grants contact drought@cwaofnsw.org.au or (02) 8337 0210. The information provided will remain confidential.

To discover if you are in an “intense drought” or “drought” area according to the DPI Combined Drought Indicator go to https://edis.dpi.nsw.gov.au For those who wish to donate, go to https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate and select Disaster Relief Fund from the Donate To drop down menu.

Vinnies has launched a state-wide fundraising campaign for NSW Drought Assistance to help farmers affected. To find out more call 6862 5758 or email wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au All queries will remain in complete confidence.

Information on all current drought funding and farm assistance packages is available at the NSW Government Drought Hub with information on services and support to prepare for and manage drought conditions. Visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593.

The hub has information on the following: Farm Innovation Fund; Drought Assistance Fund; Transport Costs for Donated Fodder; Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy; Farm Business Skills Professional Development Program; Rural Financial Counselling Service; NSW Farm Debt Mediation; Farm Household Allowance; Local Land Services; Drought Feed Calculator; NSW Rural Resilience Program; Farm Management Deposits; Drought Loans; and Don’t Self-Assess.

Ostini Wool Weekly Market Update

September 6, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Thursday’s Melbourne sale was postponed by one day, due to a warehouse fire near the selling facility, making it one of only three Friday sales in the history of AWEX (since 1995).

The market increased progressively over the series, resulting in rises of 10-50 cents for Merino types, leaving the NRI 28 cents dearer for the week.

The designated Superfine sale in Sydney saw significant premiums being paid for Spinners styles and high nkt types in the ultrafine range.

Merino Skirtings were in similar demand, particularly the well-classed better types with low vm and good length. The smallest Crossbred catalogue for the season saw prices firm by around 10 cents over the three days. Merino Carding types also added to their recent gains with further rises this week. Improvements of 40-60 cents pushed all three Merino Carding Indicators into record territory, beating the previous benchmark made in January.

Source:AWEX

Maggi Barnard

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