The Parkes Phoenix Issue 180

SPECIAL EDITION

Friday 20 September 2019

ISSUE 180

DREAM TEAM… The ten Parkes students who helped to build a BushCat aircraft in record time this week are at the back (L-R) Shaun Stewart, Ethan Pay, Ryan Pusterla, Douglas Butt-Anderson and Scott Green. In front are Tom Unger, Joel Hall-Matthews, Ella Ross, Caleb Hill and William Greenland.

World First For Aviation Youth Program

There was an air of excitement in Parkes this week as a passionate group of 25 high school students managed to set a new world record building a BushCat aircraft in less than a week.

The grand finale of the first ever youth aviation engagement program put on by AirVenture Australia at the Parkes Airport will end in a grand finale on Sunday when the aircraft takes its maiden flight at the airshow.

“It is a great program and the kids’ enthusiasm has just blown me away,” said Errol van Rensburg, who supplied the aircraft kit.

“It is a fantastic career building program and has so much to offer.” Errol said he would love to see schools taking it up by

buying a plane for students to build.

For technical consultant Darren Barnfield, who was also responsible for signing the plane off and licencing it, it had been an exciting week. “The aircraft kit is really just like a Meccano set that needs to be assembled following a manual. The kids have been brilliant to deal with.”

Ten of the 25 students selected from all over Australia are from Parkes. Ella Ross, the only girl in the team, said it was a great new experience. “I wanted to be part of it as I am learning to fly, and am very excited to see the BushCat fly on Sunday.”

For Scott Green it was a pretty good experience as he was learning a lot.

Continued on page 6

CUNNINGHAM’S 362 Clarinda St Parkes 6862 2522 Monday to Friday 7am-7.30pm Saturday to Sunday 7am-7pm

Page 2 Friday 20 September 2019

Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes...shop

OUR Gal Brenda Hart

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? For about five years, but grew up in the area. I love that Parkes has so many opportunities for our children to participate in, such as sports, dancing, music, art, and lots more.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work with the Department of Communities and Justice as a Caseworker. I am passionate about child protection and the importance of community involvement.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I like to spend time with my family, slow things down and really enjoy our time together.

What makes you proud? I feel such a sense of pride when I see someone achieve something that they have been working towards or they have been trying hard to make a change or learn something new.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Possibly a cat living the life with a person who loves them. Cats have such personality, they know how to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

They are resourceful and fast!

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? I really love “Gone with the Wind”. I like the story of survival, determination and romance. Music from the 80’s is so much fun.

Tell us about your best holiday. My best holidays are ones spent on the coast. To watch and hear the ocean is one of my favourite things to do and where I feel most at ease.

What is on your bucket list? To travel and see parts of the world, and to live on our beautiful coastline.

RURAL

Rural Fencing Contractor 0439 029 204

www.southernstarrural.com.au

phone l (02) 6344 1846 web l www.parkesphoenix.com.au Postal Address PO Box 251 Canowindra NSW 2804

Publisher Sarah Maynard | Publisher | 0403 270 995 publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

Editorial Maggi Barnard | Editor | 0403 080 085 editor@parkesphoenix.com.au Advertising Sylvie Maloney | Sales | 0406 769 227 sales@parkesphoenix.com.au Advertising Deadline Tuesday 4pm if you require design Wednesday 3pm for pre-designed ads Editorial Deadline | Wednesday 10am

FREE community newspaper published every Friday

locally first!

THUMBS UP...

THUMBS DOWN

THUMBS UP

To the heavenly rain that fell this week!

THUMBS UP To the awesome group of high school students building a BushCat aircraft from a kit in record time at the AirVenture youth program this week.

THUMBS UP To everyone doing acts of kindness every day.

Please sign up on our website to receive the Phoenix via email each week.

The 29 members of the Parkes Public School Choir in Sydney.

Parkes Public Students On Stage At Sydney Opera House

Going on stage at the Sydney Opera House is an experience not many of us can boast about, but 29 Parkes Public School Choir members have a story they will probably tell the rest of their lives.

The Year 3 to 6 students were part of more than 3,000 NSW public school students who participated in the 2019 Festival of Choral Music recently.

It is one of the largest musical events held at the Opera House each year with students from more than 120 schools across NSW performing to sell-out crowds over four days.

A requirement for participating choirs is that they should be able to sing two-part

harmony when they audition to get a placement in the Choral Festival. The Parkes Public Choir had been practising since the beginning of the year for the big event.

For the students it was not just the excitement of going on stage in the Opera House, but also meant an exciting excursion to Sydney that included a walk across the harbour bridge, eating ice creams at Circular Quay and exploring the botanical gardens.

The day ended on a ‘high note’ when the group became part of a 700 strong choir for their performance in the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House. What an amazing experience for the students!

Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes...shop

locally first!

SNIPPETS...

LEGAL Eagle

Congratulations to Hansen Optometrists on winning The Parkes Phoenix Footy Tipping Competition! Here is Jason Gould receiving the hamper sponsored by D’Aquinos on behalf of the Hansen Optometrists team.

Lower Clarinda Still Open For Business: Despite three major construction projects currently underway in the Parkes CBD, it is still business as usual for the shops and companies in lower Clarinda Street. The first sod has been turned on the Parkes Library Expansion project, the foundations for the new multipurpose centre in Cooke Park have been set, and the Main Street Revitalisation project is progressing along Clarinda Street. “These projects will ultimately improve the amenity of our Central Business District, and transform Lower Clarinda Street into a vibrant and pleasant public space,” said Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM. “I encourage residents to continue to support these businesses while these projects are taking shape.” Work began on the Main Street Revitalisation Project in August where a new stormwater line is being installed. This will be followed by footpath, kerb and gutter refurbishment.

Additional parking is now available along Dalton and Browne Streets to offset the restricted parking in the main street. Pedestrian detours will be in place to allow access to shopfronts as the construction works progress.

Winner: Congratulations to Michael Coates on winning a family pass to AirVenture Australia!

Competitions: Keep on entering the popular Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition to win a $150 gift certificate! Send your photos on our Facebook page or email to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au by 31st October. With the school holidays around the corner, you can win a family pass to Questacon Canberra. Enter on The Parkes Phoenix website www.parkesphoenix.com. au by 25th September at 2pm.

Currajong Best In Show Again: The Currajong Disability Services Sewing Group once again scooped the pool at the 2019 Parkes Show. “We have some amazing people in our sewing group,” said founder of the group and CDS support worker Deitre Jackson. Dearnne Callaghan again claimed overall honours for the second successive year, while Karen Willis was a bolt from the blue taking second. Shannon Miller and Cherie Lovett grabbed Highly Commended certificates for their wonderful pieces to complete a domination of the section for Currajong. “I am very proud of all of them and I know everyone at Currajong feels the same,” said Deitre. The CDS Sewing Group relies largely on community donations to operate. “So many groups in the community have supported us and we are eternally grateful,” said Deitre.

The “best in show” CDS Sewing Group are Cherie Lovett, Dearnne Callaghan, Shannon Miller and Karen Willis.

g n i r Sp tition

PHOt

e p m o c o

Friday 20 September 2019 Page 3

The Parkes Phoenix has teamed up with local business Greenparkes Garden Centre to launch a spring photo competition

All photos will be judged by Greenparkes Garden Centre with the winner receiving a $150 Gift Certificate.

Greenparkes Garden Centre

Enter via our facebook page or email your pictures to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au Entries close Thursday 31 October

What is a ‘Vexatious Litigant’?

Certain people continually issue more than a usual number of statements of claim summons, writs or other court documents, usually against those in close proximity to them. These actions are sometimes started either in bad faith, or deliberately designed to settle an old score or to annoy or embarrass a neighbour.

Someone who habitually drags defendants to court with frivolous claims, which are more of a nuisance to the defendants than of benefit to themselves, is referred to as a “vexatious litigant.” Such a person is a nuisance to society.

The court will not listen to a person who makes trivial or scandalous claims. If someone is declared a “vexatious litigant”, he or she may not continue with the claim or start a new court action, without getting permission from the court beforehand. This may well be refused.

The medical profession has recently become aware of a particular character trait in people who display this uncontrollable urge to fight in court. The phrase is “querulous paranoia” and it is used to describe such types of people.

It is sometimes difficult for a person receiving a summons from, say, an unfriendly neighbour, to know whether the claim is frivolous or vexatious. A solicitor will be able to advise you of this.

If we at Matthews Williams can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.

PARKES Buying or selling a house or land Buying or selling rural property Business Transfers and Leases Liquor/Hotel Transfers Water License Transfers SOLICITORS:

Mark Olson Peter Martin

Danielle Cartwright Ben Ward

Contact us: 5 Court Street, Parkes 2870 P: (02) 6862 1766 E: parkes@matthewswilliams.com.au

Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes...shop

Page 4 Friday 20 September 2019

locally first!

Dream Come True For Budding Artist A dream has come true for a budding artist of Parkes when he donated a very special painting to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope where it will be displayed in the visitors centre.

In a bid to raise awareness about autism and to acknowledge the outstanding contribution CSIRO Parkes Observatory makes towards Autism Awareness Month every April, Sebastian Sadgrove created an artwork entitled ‘The Blue Dish’ for display at The Dish.

“As someone who has autism it is important to me and others who also have it and their families. It is another way of keeping the light shone on autism and keeping people talking about it,” said Sebastian.

“The support shown to me and autism in the Parkes and Central West by the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope has been phenomenal.”

“I am hoping it inspires people everywhere to give a shining example that anyone can do anything they want if they put their mind to it,” he said.

CSIRO Operations Scientist John Sarkissian could not be more pleased by the initiative shown by Sebastian and CDS. “We

Mal Smith, Sebastian Sadgrove with his painting and John Sarkissian.

try to do our bit for the local community, especially when it comes to the support of important local charities like Currajong”.

Site Leader at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Mal Smith said: “We love supporting local groups. This is a unique painting and we love it!”

WIN A FAMILY PASS TO QUESTACON CANBERRA Enter on The Parkes Phoenix website www.parkesphoenix.com.au Entries Close Wednesday 25th September 2pm

REQUEST FOR COMMENT ON SHOW DAYS Council invites public comment on a proposed Public Holiday Declaration or Local Event Day for the 2020 and 2021 Shire Shows.

TRUNDLE Public Holiday from 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday 12 August 2020 and Wednesday 11 August 2021 to be declared for Suburb of Trundle along with neighbouring Suburb of Bogan Gate and Suburb Bruie Plains.

PEAK HILL Public Holiday from 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday 26 August 2020 and Wednesday 25 August 2021 to be declared for Suburb of Peak Hill.

PARKES Public Holiday from 12 noon - 5.00pm Tuesday 01 September 2020 and Tuesday 31 August 2021 to be declared for Parkes Suburb, Suburb Tichborne, Suburb Nelungaloo, Suburb Gunningbland, Suburb Cooks Myall, Suburb Goonumbla, Suburb Alectown: along with neighbouring part Suburb Mandagery and part Suburb Cookamidgera within the Parkes Local Government Area.

Detailed maps of the proposed boundaries are on the Parkes Shire Council website. www.parkes.nsw.gov.au Your comments are requested no later than Friday 27 September 2019.

Please forward any comments to The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council PO Box 337 Parkes NSW 2870.

Or council@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Kent Boyd GENERAL MANAGER

Participants received their prizes from Allan Spencer of the Australian National Busking Championships and Betty Rosser on the left. The primary and secondary category winners were (L-R) Annabelle van Wyk and Gemma Ellis, Hannah Dunn, Gracey DenhamJones and Imogen Hall from Muswellbrook.

Win For Parkes Buskers

The third ANBC Peak Hill Busking Championships were a huge success last weekend with two Parkes students qualifying for the grand finals in Cooma in November. Hannah Dunn and Annabelle van Wyk won the secondary and primary categories respectively to see them go forward to the big event on 16th November. Hannah also won the Peoples Choice Award and Jazz Music Award.

More Parkes talent was rewarded with Gracey Denham-Jones getting second place in the secondary category, and Gemma Ellis placed second in the primary category.

“It was an excellent event and the standard was exceptional this year,” said Peak Hill organiser Betty Zdan. She made special mention of the open category winner Alex Eldred from Tuross on the NSW South Coast, who also received the Rising Star trophy. “He is a very talented young man who writes a lot of his own material.”

Participants came from all over including Queanbeyan, Maitland, Berry and Mudgee bringing a great cross section of styles and instruments with them.

Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes...shop

locally first!

Friday 20 September 2019 Page 5

CLASSIFIEDS

Sam Groth was impressed with the letter young tennis player Lachlan Orr had written to him.

Sam Serves Up A Lot More Than Just Tennis

Many primary students in Parkes got to meet a real tennis hero last Friday when the world’s record holder for the fastest serve came to town.

Sam Groth, whose 2012 record for the fastest serve ever of 263km/h still stands, visited Parkes as Tennis Country Ambassador for NSW Tennis.

He had a quick stop at Parkes Christian School before heading to Parkes Public and Holy Family.

Sam said growing up in country NSW he really enjoyed coming to Parkes. “It is great getting out and meeting the kids. Hopefully it will inspire the next generation of tennis players, but also just to give the kids a role model to look up to and give them something to aspire to.”

At Parkes Public he handed over racquets to all the Kindergarten students. He said it was great handing out the racquets to get more kids to play tennis. “You never know the next super star might be out there.”

In return the students handed him letters they had written. “I did not know that you were the fastest server in the whole world,” wrote six-year-old Lachlan Orr. “What does it feel like to be famous?”

Sam also had a hit with some of the older students with some powerful shots leaving the students overwhelmed at times. He also met the school’s tennis teams who are the Regional PSSA champions and took second place in the Hot Shots Day. At Holy Family Sam received a warm welcome and played tennis with the school’s champion team in front of the whole school.

Everyone moved into the hall for a Q&A with Sam. He also presented medals to the Todd Woodbridge Cup Regional Champion Team, who will be going to Sydney in November for the State finals, and left them with some inspiration to practise hard and play well.

By Maggi Barnard

Claim Back What Is Yours The Voice of a Survivor is a unique project that grew out of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Sexual Abuse.

After four years of harrowing investigation and testimony, the final report was delivered in December of 2017, and in so doing discovered ‘Another Australia’ – one that many struggle to recognise or acknowledge, even today.

It was found that the sexual and physical abuse of children, prisoners, patients, churchgoers and many other vulnerable people, was endemic across Australian society. Crossing boundaries of colour, sex, age and type, the commission found noth-

ing less than abuse, and the covering up of abuse, on a breathtaking scale.

As a response, The Voice of a Survivor began to find justice for the many survivors of abuse in institutions, in the form of letters of apology and financial reparations.

The Voice of a Survivor believes in justice for all Australians who have been abused and dispossessed, including members of the Stolen Generation. If you identify as a survivor of abuse or as a member of the Stolen Generation, now is the time to act.

Claim back what is yours and move on to a brighter, better day. Call 02 8091 0978 or email admin@thevoiceofasurvivor.com

Parkes Bowling and Sports Club Monthly Market Day Sunday the 29th September 10am - 2pm.

Inside stalls $20. Outside stall/car boot $10.

Non for profit stalls free of charge.

Bookings at the Club 6862 1446.

Enquiries to Rhona 0427 468 220.

A coffee van in attendance, Sausage sizzle, Jumping Castle for the kids. Art & Crafts, Bric a Brac Mosaics, Crochet, Vintage Clothing, Fresh Produce, Home Cooking, Honey, Pickles & Jams and much more.

GARAGE SALE Saturday 21st September 13 Willbe Street, Eugowra Tools, outdoor gear, lounge furniture, bed and household items.

Not before 7am please.

WINE BARRELS FOR SALE Half wine barrels $130 each Full wine barrels $250 each Ph: Parkes Brick & Pavers 6862 2253

LITTLEBlack Book QUALIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Phone Elaine to book your lesson

The Voice of a Survivor works with survivors of institutional abuse and members of the Stolen Generation to achieve letters of apology and reparations If you identify as a survivor of abuse then contact us today for a confidential discussion on how we can help

The Voice of a Survivor Own the past, claim the future 02 8091 0978

admin@thevoiceofasurvivor.com

Page 6 Friday 20 September 2019

CLADDING from $8,990* FITTED Based on 80m2 Conditions Apply (area 1)

Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes...shop

WHAT’S On Now to 6 Oct

WEATHERLITE ROOMS from $10,990*

5m x 2.5m

20-22 Sep

Conditions Apply Glass Extra (area 1)

PATIOS

6m x 2.7m from * $ , Conditions Apply Insulation Extra (area 1)

4 990

Call Now • FREE On-Site DESIGN & QUOTE

www.panelspan.com.au

PARKES 6862 5886

Continued from page 1 AirVenture’s Event Director David Young, who has brought the event to Parkes for the first time, said the interest in the program was huge from all over Australia. “We could have filled it twice with the amount of applications we received. It is an outstanding addition to our program, and we would definitely continue with it.”

David is very happy to make Parkes the new home of the annual event that is expected to attract hundreds of aircraft and thousands of visitors this weekend. “The Parkes Shire Council has been fantastic to work with. They’ve made it seamless and worked very hard for us.”

Parkes Shire Councillor and Chair of Economic Development - Airport Sub Committee Alan Ward said he was proud that the Parkes Regional Airport was chosen to host AirVenture.

“Hosting major events such as AirVenture in Parkes all adds up to building a robust and diverse visitor economy for the Shire.”

Sunday’s airshow has a full line of high energy aircraft supported by The Airplane Company and the RAAF including an FA18 Hornet. Find the full AirVenture program at www.visitparkes.com.au To avoid long queues and go in the draw to win a Bushcat, make sure to buy your tickets online at www.airventureaustralia.com.au

locally first!

23 Sep

Les Miserables by Parkes M & D at the Little Theatre. Tickets at www.parkesmandd.com. au or Regional Business Supplies.

AirVenture Australia at Parkes Regional Airport. All things aviation on display including a high energy air show, joy flights, kids’ activities, food, drinks and entertainment, trade and exhibition displays, aviation-based STEM and careers program, BushCat Aircraft Build project. Visit airventureaustralia.com.au.

Free computer skills workshop for farmers at the Trundle Library from 10am to 4pm.

Numbers limited to 20 per session. Register by calling Roger Kitson on 0428 868 200.

24 Sep

Free computer skills workshop for farmers at the Tullamore Library from 10am to 4pm.

Numbers limited to 20 per session. Register by calling Roger Kitson on 0428 868 200.

24 Sep

Arthritis Support Group meets at Pink Orchid Cafe, Bushman Street, at 10am for social support. All Welcome. Purchase your own refreshments.

Guitar concert by Grigoryan Brothers at the Southern Cross Cinema, 96 Main Street, Young at 7:30pm. Book tickets at trybooking.com

26 Sep 27 Sep 27 Sep 29 Sep 30 Sep 2 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 28 Oct 29-30 Oct 31 Oct Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

National Police Remembrance Day service at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Parkes at 10am.

Parkes Meet and Greet Group invite you to a shared lunch at Neighbourhood Central, 80 Currajong Street at 12 noon. For more Information or to RSVP contact Anni Gallagher, on 6393 8625 or Pam Symonds on 6862 3757.

Monthly Market Day at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club from 10am – 2pm. Inside stall $20, outside/car boot $10, not-for-profit stalls free. Bookings at 6862 1446.

The mobile blood bank at the Little Theatre carpark in Parkes from 9:45am – 3 pm each day. Make an appointment by calling 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au Foodies Night Markets at the Parkes Showground from 11am – 9pm. Food & Desserts Stalls, Beverages, Shopping, Kids Amusement, Live Music. Admission: $2 per person.

Parkes Pink Morning Tea Mini Field Of Women at Lions Park Parkes from 9:30am to 12noon. Pink silhouettes on display as tribute to those diagnosed with breast cancer.

Come show your support and enjoy a free morning tea. Merchandise on sale.

Free computer skills workshop for farmers at the Peak Hill Neighbourhood Central Hub from 10am to 4pm. Numbers limited to 20 per session. Register by calling Roger Kitson on 0428 868 200.

Free computer skills workshop for farmers at Parkes Neighbourhood Central from 10am to 4pm. Numbers limited to 20 per session. Register by calling Roger Kitson on 0428 868 200. Parkes Neighbourhood Central 29 & 30 October.

Closing date for The Parkes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition. Send us your Spring photos on our Facebook page or email your photos to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au

The Library Book Clubs read fiction and non-fiction books. Meeting times: Parkes Library: 3pm - 4pm, last Wednesday of the month or 6pm - 7pm, last Thursday of the month.

Call Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or email library@parkes.nsw.gov.au Parkes Evening VIEW Club meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm for 7pm at various venues. Contact Janet Offner on 6862 950 for all enquiries.

Friends of the Parkes Hospital, a not-for-profit group raising funds to benefit the Lachlan Health Service Parkes Hospital, meet on the fourth Thursday of the month upstairs at the Parkes Hospital at 7 pm. All welcome!

The Henry Parkes Museum at 66 – 78 Peak Hill Road is open 9am – 3:45pm on week days and 9am – 3pm on weekends and houses many items of historical significance, plus the current display of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing.

Parkes Painting Group meet at Northparkes Oval at 10am every Wednesday.

SEASONAL CROSSROAD FORUMS

Preparing for the Spring & Summer Seasons Central West Livestock Exchange Reservations made via stickytickets or contact Coordinator Marg Applebee at cwllpo@hotmail.com or text 0418 611 053.

Book ticket by 5pm Sunday, 22 September 2019 and go in the draw for a $100 fuel voucher. One available per workshop ....Conditions Apply.

FREE EVENT: Morning Tea & Lunch Included

FORUM 1: FERAL CONTROL & DISEASE PREVENTION Wednesday, 25 September 2019 | 9am - 3pm

www.stickytickets.com.au/92765

Thursday, 26 September 2019 | 9am - 3pm

www.stickytickets.com.au/92767

FORUM 2: WEED MANAGEMENT & STOCK PRECAUTIONS

Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes...shop

locally first!

Friday 20 September 2019 Page 7

Your free weekly guide to what’s happening in and around Parkes...shop

Page 8 Friday 13 September 2019

locally first!

HIGH ENERGY AIR-SHOW! 10AM SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER

THE AIRSHOW COMPANY incorporating HARS, RAAF & MATT HALL

PARKES REGIONAL AIRPORT 20th – 22nd September

• SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS • STATIC DISPLAYS • YOUTH EXPERIENCE FLIGHTS • KIDS ACTIVITIES • JOY FLIGHTS • FULL MOTION SIMULATOR • STEM & CAREERS EXPO • BUSHCAT AIRCRAFT BUILD PROJECT • FOOD, DRINK & ENTERTAINMENT • FACEPAINT • BALLOONS • PEDDLE PLANES • TRAIN • POOKA THE CLOWN

Tickets on Sale NOW! st mu d s t e cke as *Ti purchto go ! be line drawns on the nditiosite o intorms & cee weibls.

Te ply. S deta ap for

EVERY ELIGIBLE ONLINE TICKET PURCHASED GOES INTO THE DRAW TO WIN A BUSHCAT!*

*Photo courtesy of Henry Howard

Check our website! airventureaustralia.com.au

18aug37

reat Thsesige fly in Au