Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

Golf Attracts Small Numbers

September 16, 2022 by Short Putt

Only a handful of Forbes golfers endured the conditions on the weekend to play their competition games. On Saturday the Men’s comp was changed to an 18-hole Individual Stableford. Division 1 was won by Phil Wells with 31 points. Runner-up was Dave Earl on count back from Neil McMillan after both scored 29 points.

The Division 2 players had the advantage of more handicap to play with. The winner was Nick Ryan with a scorching 42 points. A long way back was runner-up Bede Tooth with 35 points.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Glen Hooper; 18th – Phil Wells. The 3rd Hole Super Pin went to Nick Ryan. The Ball Sweep went to: Rob Scott (31), Dennis McGroder (30) and Neil McMillan (29).

The Sunday Stableford Medley winner was Walter Bergmann with 30 points. There was no ball sweep. The NTP’s were a mix with nobody hitting the 9th, but Jesse Hamilton grabbing the 18th.

It is the Parkes Open this weekend, and hopefully the weather will not affect it.

At Forbes it is the Golf NSW 2-P Ambrose Medley tomorrow, and a Stableford Medley on Sunday.

By Short Putt

Antique Cars Visit Central West

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Graham cars lined up at the Parkes Visitors Information Centre last Monday.

The Australian branch of the Graham Owners Club International paid a visit to the Central West last week.

You might have noticed the 11 antique cars on the road as they visited several tourist attractions in the region. They visited the Henry Parkes Museum, the Visitors Information Centre and the Elvis Collection last Monday and had lunch at the Parkes Radio Telescope. In Forbes they went to the McFeeters Motor Museum and visited Ben Hall’s grave. They also visited Eugowra, Peak Hill, Trundle and Bogan Gate.

Last Saturday locals had the opportunity to see all the cars at the Parkes Racecourse where they were on exhibition.

The members of the Graham Owners Club are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of all Graham built vehicles and to the bringing together, in good fellowship, of those who admire them.

Parkes First Ever Regional Host Of Hockey One Match

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Two players fight for the ball during a Hockey One League match. (Photo: Hockey One)

Parkes will become the first regional host ever for a Hockey One match this November with Parkes hockey stars in action.

The NSW Pride vs Canberra Chill hockey match will take place on the 12th of November at the McGlynn Sports Complex. The game is expected to bring over 1,000 visitors and spectators to town, providing a welcomed boost to the local tourism, hospitality and retail industries.

Parkes Shire Council has received an Australian Sports Commission grant of $50,000 to help host the match in conjunction with Parkes Hockey Inc, Hockey NSW and Hockey Australia.

The Sultana Bran Hockey One League is Australia’s new national hockey league, pitching seven state teams containing both men’s and women’s leagues, in a season of fast and exciting games.

“This event will provide a fantastic opportunity for the regional community to reconnect and celebrate through one of the most popular sports in the Parkes Shire,” said Parkes Shire Councillor Louise O’Leary.

“With a number of highly skilled athletes travelling here for the special clash, this will give local fans a rare opportunity to watch their idols play hockey live,” she said. The NSW Pride team will bring a superstar line-up of players from the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, including Parkes’ very own Mariah Williams and Kurt Lovett. The Parkes game is one of three huge home matches for the NSW Pride teams. The other two will be played at Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre.

The event will be live streamed on Kayo, providing an international sporting audience for those unable to attend in person.

Council is also working with Parkes Hockey Incorporated to leverage this game within the region with planning underway for a coaching clinic on Saturday prior to the televised games, along with the potential for a sportspersons’ dinner that evening.

Tickets for the game are on sale now. Visit www.hockeyone.com.au for more information and to purchase your tickets.

30th Anniversary Fever Starts For Elvis

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The 30th anniversary Feature Concert Series has Dean Z and Victor Trevino Jr. (inset) performing combined and separate shows at the Parkes Elvis Festival next year.

The build-up to celebrate 30 years of rockin’ and rollin’ at the Parkes Elvis Festival started this week with ticket sales going crazy from the very first day.

The official launch of the program planned for Monday had to be postponed because of the official mourning period for the Queen, but Festival Director Tiffany Steel said locals could look forward to a program sprinkled with things from the past 30 years, plus some new events.

She did not want to give away too much until the launch early next month but said: “We are bringing back the original minister who did the very first gospel service, as well as the Elvis Tribute Artist.”

Tiffany said with the special anniversary they wanted locals to think about having their holiday at home. “Invite your friends and family to come and stay with you, or consider doing home hosting. We have a great program lined up and we really want the community to get out and experience the festival and show off our town.”

As the festival will be back to its summer spot from 4th to 8th January, the Blue Hawaii theme lends itself to some great dressing up ideas. The 2023 program features plenty of Blue Hawaii-themed events, plus some new and adventurous ones. The Parkes PCYC will be offering Climb Me a Mountain Rock Climbing, while the thrill-seeking fans of The King can skydive over Parkes decked out in their finest Elvis costume. The Feature Concert Series has two artists with Dean Z returning for his fourth time and newly crowned world’s best Elvis Tribute Artists Victor Trevino Jr.

Fans of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock will rejoice to hear that Ross Wilson will be inducted to the Wall of Fame and perform a special concert on the opening day of the festival.

Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows are available online at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Parkes Family Run Out For NSW On Hockey Field

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Westcott hockey family in their NSW colours are (L-R) Jack, Sam, Mandy and Ian.

You can say sport takes precedence in the Westcott family home and this year they reached a singular achievement with all four members representing NSW on the hockey field.

Ian and Mandy and their two sons Jack and Sam have all been selected for NSW this year, and next week three of them will be playing for their respective teams all over Australia. “It is pretty exciting for all of us,” said Mandy.

Jack took first honours playing for NSW at the 2022 Australian Under 18 Hockey Championships in Cairns in April. He has been selected in the NSW team every year since U13.

Both Ian and Mandy had been selected for NSW last year, but COVID put a stop to all tournaments and they had to go through the selection process again this year.

Next week Mandy will be playing for NSW 50s in Cairns at the 2022 Hockey Australia Women’s Masters Championships, while Ian is heading to the Gold Coast for the 2022 Hockey Australia Men’s Masters Championships playing for NSW over 45s.

The pressure was on Sam, the youngest, to complete the picture and he delivered making it into the NSW U13 team, his first selection for NSW. He is heading to Hobart, Tasmania next week for the Under 13 Boys National Championships.

Once all the action is over the hockey conversation in the Westcott household is sure to continue for much longer.

By Maggi Barnard

Eating For Healthy Eyes

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

We have all heard the adage that carrots are good for our eyes but why is that exactly and what other foods can improve the health of our eyes?

Carrots are high in beta carotene that our bodies can convert to vitamin A which is important for the light detecting cells of our retina.

Other important nutrients for our eyes are the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin which naturally occur in our retina as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc. These antioxidants may help protect against free radical damage in diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

You will be able to get a good supply all of these in your diet if you incorporate dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli and peas; bright coloured vegetables like corn, capsicum, sweet potato, squash; fruits like oranges, grapes, kiwifruit and berries and healthy nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds and peanut butter. Finally, red meat, whole grains, baked beans and eggs will assist with getting your zinc quota.

Omega 3 fatty acids have shown in some studies to help with dry eyes. This may be because omega 3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and improve the makeup of our tears. If you suffer with dry eye disease, try to incorporate non fried, cold water fatty fish like salmon, tuna or sardines two to four times per week. Choosing grass fed over grain fed meat sources will also increase omega 3 intake.

Good nutrition at all ages is important for overall health and wellbeing including that of our eyes. Come in and see one of our optometrists if you have any concerns about your eye health. Contact us at Eyecare Plus Parkes, 267A Clarinda Street or call us on 6863 5577.

The Day I Saw The Queen…

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Alison Grady: My father Jack Scoble (Mayor of Parkes 1960 to 1979) met her in Orange in 1970 and had a conversation with her. He commented on how easy she was to talk to, saying that she thought the children would be happy with her visit as it gave them a day off school.

Graham Nash: I travelled to Orange to see her when she visited in 1970. It was all very flag-waving exciting for a small boy and the Queen came close enough that I could have reached out and touched her. I clearly remember she had a lovely green-yellow dress and hat, and that I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of a crown.

John Wakefield: I remember going on the train to Dubbo with the Parkes schools to see her during her first visit to Australia.

Joan Fletcher: I was on the train with school friends in early primary school. I remember standing in the hot sun for ages till a car drove through and we had a two-second glimpse of the Queen and Prince Phillip.

Fred Deeks: I travelled by train to Broken Hill with my school in 1954, and waved as her motorcade passed by.

Gael Adams-Wright: I saw the Queen in Canberra in 1961. We travelled from boarding school in Goulburn. I was only 11 and started crying.

Richard Miche: My mom Lila (Kingham) Miche met my dad (an American farm ex-change student) at the show in Dubbo as they were preparing competing club exhibits next to each other. She was from Parkes and he was staying with a family in Forbes. She was introduced to the Queen when she viewed the exhibition.

Christine Moldrich: I was born in Parkes but left when I was 18. I met the Queen just prior to the Sydney Olympics with some of my students who were in the Olympic Ambassador Program. Very moving as she looked exactly like my grandmother.

Lesley Crowe: My parents met the Queen on Friday, 24th March 1954 at Red Cliffs, Victoria. Proudly watched with family members to see them up the dias when dad’s cousin made a presentation to the Queen.

How will you remember Queen Elizabeth II?

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Michele Quigley: She was just always there at everything, and she’s always been a calming force, especially in troublesome times. I was very happy to have seen Prince Charles plant a tree in Victoria Park here in Forbes in 1994.

Judy Kopp: She was well loved by many people, and she came to Australia so many times to meet the people. She was always well dressed and loved her corgis and horses. I also had a corgi for over 14 years called Oscar Arthur William Harry.

Leigh Bartholomaeus: Her kindness, compassion and stability for the monarchy. She was a very stylish woman with a beautiful smile. She was an amazing woman.

Parkes Pennants Champs

September 9, 2022 by Lea Orr & Marty Tighe

September, aka Liptember is upon us at the Parkes Bowling Club!

This month, our lady bowlers and friends are invited to purchase bright lipsticks in support of Women’s Mental Health and Lifeline. Come along next Tuesday, a normal social bowls day, and join in!

Pennants continued on Tuesday, the 4s feeling blue after a solid defeat by Orange Ex-Services. The highlight of the day was a resounding win by Parkes 3s over Orange City. All players applied themselves well, setting the foundation for their win, and blushing bright pink upon hearing that they are this year’s Central West District Grade 3 Pennants Champions!

Congratulations to both teams for a polished performance over the past few weeks. Next stop Mudgee in October!

We must thank all umpires (Gwenda and Tony) and score-keepers (George, Trevor, Steve, Maureen and Brenda) for their time, ground control gents for the amazing greens, as well as our well-organised player/managers, Lynn and Maria, for all your extra efforts.

The Central West District Mixed Pairs competition will be at our club on 8th and 9th October.

Sunday, 25th September at 11am is the AGM of Parkes B & S C.

By Lea Orr

MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES

An intriguing quarter final minor singles match was played on Thursday. Greg Townsend totally dominated Brian Hampton to be halfway to victory after leading 13 shots to 3. Brian came to life and won 6 consecutive ends to be trailing 18 shots to Greg’s 19. Greg remained composed to grind out winners over 4 consecutive ends to nearly have the match wrapped up at 23 to 18. Brian collected 6 shots over the next 3 ends to lead 24 to 23, but he fell agonisingly short as Greg played 2 ends of great draw bowls to win 25 to 24.

PENNANTS

The Parkes Pirates Division 2 pennants teams played West Dubbo in Dubbo on Sunday, and were winners across each of the 3 rinks. Brian Townsend again played brilliantly to win the ‘Matey’ award. The Pirates Division 3 teams played against the division’s top side, Grenfell in Grenfell, and won only 1 of the 3 rinks.

By Marty Tighe

Mayoral Notes

September 9, 2022 by Mayor Phillis Miller

If any eagle-eyed residents noticed some extra scaffolding on the Vampire Jet it has been recommended to support the tail when work commences on the nose. The jet has now been inspected by a structural engineer and we are expecting the jet’s condition report and suggested best practice to repair it soon.

Our hearts are with the poor family whose child was attacked by a dog last week. We send our support and well wishes for the child’s recovery. Our rangers are working hard to educate and enforce our rules around dog ownership. If you are a pet owner, please make sure you take this responsibility very seriously. Just as our very diligent rangers do.

What a busy few weeks we have coming up. The town will be buzzing next weekend with Grazing and the first ever Amazing Grazing breakfast as well as the 2022 Australian Senior Track Motorbike Championships.

On Monday, following these fabulous events we are honoured to be hosting the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour. You are invited to don your Melbourne finery and join us for lunch in the Forbes Town Hall. You must RSVP to Jolene Jones at Council by Monday, 13th September. This is your chance to have your photo taken with Australia’s most famous trophy made from locally sourced gold. Very exciting. Hope to see you all out and about.

Your Mayor
Phillis Miller

Parkes Phoenix Editor

MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES

PENNANTS

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