The Parkes Phoenix Issue 166 by Phoenix Group of Newspapers

FASHIONISTAS… The Fashions on the Field winners and organisers are (L-R) MC Bill Jayet, Parkes Picnic Races President Tim Keith, Millinery winner Josie Anderson, Stylish Man Tommy Jeffs, Elegant Lady Michelle Meyers, Contemporary winner Nic Dolbel, guest judge Anna Barwick and organiser Natalie Johnston.

A Day Of Fashion, Fun And Racing

The weather played along for last Saturday’s premier social event on the Parkes calendar when 1,500 patrons attended the Parkes Picnic Races in their finest winter racing outfits. People flocked to Parkes from all over Australia, with the Fashions on the Field competition drawing entrants from Canberra, Sydney, Mudgee, Dubbo, Orange and closer to home. “I am amazed at the high quality of entries today,” said Fashions on the Field guest judge Anna Barwick. “It was very difficult to choose the winners, especially in the Elegant Lady category.” She said the men had also gone to a lot of trouble for the Elegant Man category.

For reservations, full menu and gallery visit our website.

16 Bogan St, Parkes NSW 2870

Phone 6862 3000

“I just love winter racing for all the different fabrics like velvet, wool and furs,” said Anna, a former Peak Hill local and winner of several titles at country race meets, and the Miss Royal Easter Showgirl 2008 title. Parkes local Nic Dolbel won the Contemporary category, with Josie Anderson from Cobar taking out the Millinery title, Elegant Lady was won by Michelle Meyers from Mudgee, and Stylish Man by Tommy Jeffs from Canowindra. The event had three commercial tents and numerous private tents. The Railway Hotel’s theme was Woodstock and won the prize for the Best Private Tent. Terry Bros Parkes took out the Best Corporate Tent prize. Continued on page 2

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THUMBS... POSITION VACANT FULL TIME STORE SALES ASSISTANT/ GRAPHIC ART APPLICATION/ MACHINE OPERATOR Totally Workwear Parkes is seeking an enthusiastic team member to assist with sales and customer enquiries, stock management and visual merchandising. This position can also expand to assist with the preparation of Vinyl Heat Pressing to garments, Embroidery & Engraving machine operation. Representing a diverse, rewarding role for the person that can demonstrate the necessary skills.

Applicants will be well presented, confident with a pleasant outgoing nature, possess excellent verbal and written communication and strong computer skills. This is a full time position incorporating some Saturday mornings.

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 | 0490 517 590 sales@parkesphoenix.com.au Advertising Deadline Tuesday 4pm if you require design Wednesday 3pm for pre-designed ads Editorial Deadline | Wednesday 10am

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THUMBS UP To the Southern Cross Village in Parkes for the lovely morning tea and generous gift they gave to the volunteers. Thank you very much! THUMBS DOWN To the doctors who are only interested in making money out of you and not really taking time to find out what is really wrong with you. THUMBS UP A massive thank you to the Parkes Shire Libraries for everything you do with our students and the community!

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

Retail/Workshop experience particularly within the same industry would be considered advantageous. Applications together with letter of introduction are to be forwarded to: Area: Sales & HR Manager

Totally Workwear Parkes 16-20 Court St PARKES NSW 2870 Email: admin@twwparkes.com.au

Closing Date: Friday 28th June 2019

Winners of the best tent prizes were Ben Terry from Terry Bros for Best Commercial Tent and Kasie Ferguson from the Railway Hotel for the best private tent.

Continued from page 1 President of the Picnic Races Tim Keith was very happy with the “fantastic attendance” and the excellent condition of the facilities at the track. He thanked all the sponsors for their support saying “it is good to see so many people having a good time and enjoying the day”. The day’s program featured five races. The Minstaff Survey Maiden Plate was won by Madam Ruby ridden by Tiffany Jeffries. Simon Miller on Snipps Parade took out the Telescope Tyres Class 1 Handicap. The feature race of the day, the Mcdonalds Coradgery Cup, was won by Waldo Waldorf ridden by Bryan Murphy and trained by Darryl Rolfe. The Parkes Services Club Handicap was won by Wispadah with jockey Aaron Sweeney, while the final race of the day, the Agriwest Maiden handicap, went to Rufio ridden by Anthony Cavallo.

Kerryn Jones (right) opened the new art gallery of the Craft Corner at 257 Clarinda Street at its 45th anniversary celebration last week. With Kerryn is Shirley Michalk.

Craft Corner Opens Art Gallery

The Craft Corner celebrated its 45th anniversary with a special event last week opening its very own art gallery. “It is a beautiful space for paintings in the main street,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones. “Congratulations on recognising the need for this space.” Craft Corner President Margaret Tanner said over the past 45 years Craft Corner had not only become a hub for talented local artists and crafts people, but it had also become a tourist destination and a gathering place for happy people. Kerryn said reaching 45 years was an extraordinary achievement for the commu-

nity. “The Craft Corner is a cultural institution in this town. She took out Octopussy, a hand made soft toy she had bought at the shop in its early days, saying it had lasted so long because it was hand made with love and care. Members knit, crochet and make a wide variety of items from toys, beanies, rugs and scarves to doing patchwork, pottery items and spectacular mosaics. The decision to establish a craft shop was made at a public meeting in April 1974, and on 14th June the same year Mayor Jack Scoble officially opened the first shop on the corner of Bogan and Dalton Street. By Maggi Barnard

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SNIPPETS...

Ten student leaders from Middleton Public School travelled to Dubbo to participate in the GRIP leadership training day recently. Pictured are standing (L -R) Harry Kennedy, Riley McMaster, Elsie Orr and Mackenzie Pabis; kneeling are Kaleb Gould and Sally Medlyn, and sitting Ryan Snyman, Jaylen Kelly, Georgie MacGregor and Nell Smith.

Six months to Christmas: The Christmas Parade and Cooke Park Christmas Carnival will take place on Friday, 13th December at 6pm. This year there will be something new and something old. The Action Club Christmas Parade will go for the whole length of the Parkes business centre starting in Clarinda Street at Bushman Street and finishing in Short Street. All schools, businesses, sporting clubs, associations and community groups are invited to take part with a $330 prize each for best business float, best school float and best community float. The new addition will be a carnival in the park with entertainment on stage and the opportunity for local clubs and associations to show the Parkes community what is available in their town. There will also be food stalls run by Parkes clubs and retailers. Contact parkesactionclub@gmail.com to take part in these events. Operation Armour: The NSW Police Force launched Operation Armour recently to target firearm theft across regional NSW. General duties officers will be assisted by specialist police from the Firearms Registry, Rural Crime Prevention Team, the Drug and Firearms Squad, and the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor

Friday 14 June 2019 Page 3

BE Seen throughout the operation and focus on preventing, disrupting and reducing firearm thefts. Firearms Prohibition Orders and Weapons Prohibition Orders will be conducted, as well as safe storage inspections. There are hefty penalties for those who possess unregistered or illicit firearms. Information on the responsibilities, licences, permits, sale and purchase, and safe storage of fire arms can be found at the Firearms Registry page on the NSW Police Force website https://www.police.nsw.gov. au/online_services/firearms Anyone with information concerning gun crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Masterplan For Parkes: The state’s leading town planners and industry experts converged on Parkes recently for an enquiry by design (EBD) workshop led by the NSW Government’s Department of Planning to develop the masterplan for a Special Activation Precinct in Parkes (SAP). It is a new way of helping businesses establish in specific regional locations in NSW. Each location is chosen for its unique regional offering, services and competitive advantage. The Parkes SAP is the first to be declared in NSW and is designed to take advantage of the unique economic opportunities of its strategic location at the epicentre of the national freight and logistics network.

Rhonda Brain (right) and Barbie Bates made it to the east coast after starting the Perth to Pacific Book Relay in March travelling over 7,000km spreading the all important message of reading to your baby from birth.

President of the Craft Corner, Margaret Tanner (left) with founding member Judy Kinsela, who cut the Craft Corner’s 45th anniversary cake last week.

Also attending the 45th anniversary of the Craft Corner were Dorothy Leary, Margaret Crowley and Irene Ross.

Goldie Lambourn and Wendy Gosper at the Craft Corner celebration last week.

OAM Honour For A Special Talent Parkes resident and master cake decorator Kath Swansbra has been named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for service to decorative food arts. Kath has made some iconic cakes depicting various themes including VillersBretonneux, World War 1 and various other commemorative cakes on display at the Henry Parkes Museum. She also makes a special cake for the Parkes Elvis Festival every year. Kath started decorating more than 34 years ago and has been national champion at the Royal Easter Show many times.

Kath Swansbra with a creation she made in 2017.

Hotel Gracelands 30 and 31 August $85 per ticket includes 2 course meal and show Call Allison on 0400 012 111 or 02 6862 3459

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Wellness Wise What Does Fluoride Do? Fluoride is probably an ingredient in your toothpaste or mouthwash. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral often found in drinking water and certain foods. It protects teeth in two ways: 1. By aiding your tooth enamel to be produced in a more decay-resistant form. 2. By protecting the enamel from being attacked by acid from bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria are made even more potent when there is sugar in your diet. Bacteria love sugar. The resulting acid attacks your enamel and can cause tooth decay. Fluoride is available in several forms: • Fluoride treatments during a visit to the dentist. • Over-the-counter and prescription tooth-

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pastes and rinses. • Supplements prescribed by a dentist or medical doctor. If you drink bottled water or have a higher risk of tooth decay, you may not be getting enough fluoride in your diet. For all your dental needs call Riaz Dental on 6862 1261 or www.riazdental.com.au

Men Need Healthy And Strong Hearts Heart disease is responsible for nearly 13% of deaths in Australian men. The theme of this year’s Men’s Health Week is keeping boys and men healthy focusing on what males of any age can do to minimise their risk of developing heart problems later in life. Over 30% of men in Australia have high cholesterol and almost 75% are overweight or obese. One-quarter of males have high to severe blood pressure levels. The good news is that walking is a great way for men to reduce these risk factors. Steps to take to reduce the risk of developing heart disease: • Get a heart health check. A new Medicare-funded heart health check is available to all Australians. • Be more active more often – aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. • Eat a heart-healthy diet of food low in saturated and trans fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in wholegrains, fibre, antioxidants and unsaturated fats. • Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, not to mention a host of other health problems.

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YOUR HEALTH Matters

Health Benefits Of Pro-biotics

What are probiotics? Probiotics are live microorganisms, also known as bacteria and yeasts. Many people often think of bacteria and other live microorganisms as harmful, however many help our bodies function correctly. For example, they help us digest food, destroy disease-causing microorganisms and produce vitamins. What are the benefits of taking a probiotic? The growing evidence for probiotics suggests that you can treat and even prevent some illnesses by eating probiotic foods or taking a supplement. Not all probiotics are the same and different strains have many different effects. For example, what may help for gut health may not be beneficial for someone with eczema. While there is still a lot unknown about probiotics, research has shown benefits in the treatment and prevention of many conditions. These conditions include: • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) • Diarrhea; infectious or antibiotic induced There has also been proven benefits in other parts of the body. For example, they have helped with: • Skin conditions, like eczema • Urinary and vaginal health • Preventing allergies and colds Probiotics have a range of benefits in the treatment and prevention of these conditions; however, they are also very useful when taking antibiotics! When taking antibiotics, your good bacteria is also affected and can throw your body out of whack. Taking a probiotic while sick can help replace those good bacteria, making you feel better quicker! Come and have a chat to our lovely staff to see which probiotics may be beneficial to your health!

Parkes Pharmacy Parkes

Pharmacy

Speak to us for health advice and assistance. Come in and see us today! Metro Plaza, Parkes Ph: 6862 2411 www.parkespharmacy.com.au

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Live From The Moon

Think of Apollo 11 and you think of that famous first footstep on the Moon, watched by 600 million people around the world. Getting that image to Earth took some doing. In 1969, Australia had more NASA tracking stations than any country except the USA. These included a 26-metre antenna at Honeysuckle Creek near Canberra that was purpose-built for the Apollo program. Opened in 1961, CSIRO’s 64-metre Parkes telescope was intended for radio astronomy, but CSIRO agreed to help NASA track spacecraft. The job of receiving Apollo 11’s TV signals from the Moon fell to NASA’s station at Goldstone, California, and in Australia at Honeysuckle Creek and Parkes, because they had the Moon in view at the scheduled time of the moonwalk. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon at 6:17am AEST on Monday, 21st July. By the time they opened the door of the lunar module, the Moon was just rising at Parkes. Aldrin flipped the switch on the TV camera and the broadcast began. At first, NASA switched between signals from Goldstone and Honeysuckle Creek – the latter capturing the first footstep on the

A fantastic weekend of celebrations are planned at the CSIRO’s Parkes Radio Telescope for the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing next month.

Moon. Eight minutes and 51 seconds in, the signals from Parkes came through. These were so good NASA stayed with them for the rest of the two-and-a-half-hour broadcast, cementing Australia’s place in one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Free open days at Parkes Observatory On 21st July, it will be 50 years since that first step onto another world. Celebrate the Apollo 11 Moon landing by heading to the Dish on Saturday, 20th and Sunday, 21st July, to: • Take a rare tour of the world-famous telescope

• Discover the latest in Australian astronomy and space science • Explore the brightest stars, planets and the Sun • Have fun with science activities for kids, and more On Saturday evening, watch the movie The Dish under the stars, introduced by actor Roy Billing who played the Mayor of Parkes in the film. On Sunday, hear from special guest Adelaide-born NASA astronaut Dr Andrew Thomas and watch the original broadcast of the moonwalk as it happened from 12:56pm.

Visit the Dish! It’s been 50 years since Australia helped send images of humankind’s first steps on the Moon around the world. To celebrate we’re holding FREE open days at our Parkes Observatory.

FREE Open Days WHEN: SAT 20 & SUN 21 JULY 2019 WHERE: CSIRO PARKES OBSERVATORY

www.csiro.au/apollo11 Australia’s National Science Agency

Image credit: NASA

B&M | 19-00186

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BE SEEN Parkes Picnic Races

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WHAT’S On 31 May Mid Jul 15 Jun 17 Jun

19 Jun Megan Torrens, Rebecca Rawsthorne and Kate McCabe had a good time on Saturday.

22 Jun

22 Jun 22-23 Jun 25 Jun Katie Cheney, Jordie Dwyer, Taylor Norrie and Ali Standen.

28 Jun 29 Jun

29 Jun 30 Jun

Rachael Sladden of Parkes took part in the Contemporary category of the Fashions on the Field event.

Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

Entrants in the Stylish Man category were (L-R) Angus Wyllie of Parkes, Geoff Rice of Parkes, Greg Brown of Parkes, Tommy Jeffs of Canowindra (winner), Thomas Pearce of Parkes and Michael Thomas of Parkes.

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Ongoing

BreastScreen NSW in Parkes at The Little Theatre Carpark, cnr of Bogan & Dalton Streets. If you’re 50-74, book your free breast screen now on 13 20 50. It’s important, it’s free and it could save your life. Autism friendly performance of Shrek The Musical JR at the Parkes Little Theatre at 2pm. Spirituality in the Pub, organised by Holy Family Parish at the Commercial Hotel at 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Share a drink and/or dinner and hear Rev Crystal Spindler and Sr Elizabeth Young speak on their experiences on our topic Women in Ministry. For more information contact Frances on 0412 103 597. Amanda Hampson Author Workshop and Author Talk at the Parkes Library at 10am – midday and 6 – 7pm. Bookings required due to limited places at Parkes Library, library@parkes.nsw.gov.au or call 6861 2309 Bat Out Of Hell - The Ultimate Meatloaf Tribute at Parkes Services Club from 9-11.30pm. Tickets at the club or online at : https://www.123tix.com.au/ events/2704/bat-out-of-hell-the-ultimate-meatloaf-tribute Contact 6862 1966 for more info. Joe Cocker Tribute by Australia's greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson at the Regional Theatre in Dubbo. Call 6801 4378 to book. To The Moon And Back Art Workshops at the Parkes Library from midday – 4pm for 12 – 17-year-old students creating a canvas artwork for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing mission. Cost $20 per student. Places limited, book early at Parkes Library. Arthritis Support Group Education Meeting at 10am at AOG church hall, Rees Street. Speaker Dr Chris Carroll will share helpful hints on communicating with your GP and keeping healthy. All Welcome! National Parks Association of NSW 8km bush walk graded medium at Conimbla National Park, Wallaby and Ironbark Trails. Meet at Gooloogong Park at 9:15am. Walk leader Peter Cannon on 6866 1225. All things Teapots and Tea Towels with soup and slices lunch at St George's Hall, Church St. If you wish to display your teapot and/or tea towel, come after 8:30am on 29th June. For more information contact Norma on 6862 2880 or 0409 622 888. Bogan Gate CWA Branch is hosting a free barbeque night for farmers and their families from Bogan Gate and Gunningbland at the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate at 6:30pm. Monthly Market at Parkes Bowling and Sports Club from 10am-2pm. Inside stall holders $20; outside stall holders $10. Non-for-profit stalls free of charge. Book your stall at 6862 1446. Inquiries to Rhona 0427468220. Parkes Painting Group meet at Northparkes Oval at 10am every Wednesday. The Parkes Branch of the Red Cross offers a plate of homemade slices and cakes, sandwiches and tea or coffee for $6 every Friday from 10am to 3pm. Parkes Shire Concert Band rehearses every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm during school term in the music room above the pool complex in Dalton Street. Contact music director Duncan Clement on 0405 035 164. St George’s Soul Café is open the first two Saturdays of the month from 2 – 5pm in the church hall. Enjoy home-made food at very reasonable prices and good conversation. Parkes Community Choir every Thursday at a new venue: the new Community Centre on the corner of Rose St and Coleman Rd on the old hospital grounds from 7 – 8:30pm. All welcome!

Parkes Rd, Forbes (next to Hozpots) PO Box 586, Forbes NSW 2871 Phone: 02 6852 4288 Fax: 02 6851 1151 Email: a97.9fm@outlook.com Website: www.valleyfm.org.au

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OUR Bloke Jacob Foran

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How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes my whole life. I love the sense of community and being close to family and friends. Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I have worked at Byrne Clothing for over nine years and love it! I work with a bunch of total legends who are dedicated to making every day enjoyable while delivering a high standard of product quality and knowledge. What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Spending time with family and friends, playing cricket with the Honey Badgers, playing drums and watching basketball. What makes you proud? To be my mother’s son. Sharon is an incredibly strong, kind, loving and generous human that inspires every part of my life. Watching my son, Kyuss, learn, grow and create makes me immensely proud. If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Does a Wookie count? Tearing round the galaxy with Han Solo would be epic! If not, a tiger... they are pretty epic. What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Movie: Mad Max Fury Road - the cinematography, the score, the acting. It’s just perfect. Closely followed by Blade Runner 2049, Empire Strikes Back, Ironman and Endgame. Song: Muse - Knights of Cydonia. It’s just an epic, climatic masterpiece. Book: Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Tell us about your best holiday. Close call between Europe and the USA, but I have to go with America. As a huge Lakers fan, seeing them play, plus ice hockey, Broadway shows, Disneyland, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Food...the food...yep... USA. What is on your bucket list? Be an awesome dad and husband; travel China, Japan, Peru and Iceland; live to experience scientific evidence of extraterrestrial life; go to Coachella.

Farm Army Rural Aid’s Farm Army will roll into Trundle this Sunday for a week to revitalise the rural community and support farmers experiencing hardship on the land. More than 70 volunteers will set up camp at the Trundle Showgrounds to work on four farms, at schools and various community projects. Trundle farmer Rhonda Milgate’s family has lived and worked on the farm for 140 years with sheep, cattle and cropping, and is now experiencing the worse drought of her lifetime. “It touches my heart to know the Farm Army are coming out for a week to help out and it’s unbelievable that people are giving up their time and putting their lives on hold to help us out,” she said. “Sometimes it gets so overwhelming with so much to do and the Farm Army are helping with fencing, carrying out mechanical repairs to the truck, installing a water tank, painting and doing handy work inside the house.” The volunteers from throughout Australia are from all walks of life with the common goal to make a difference working to reinvigorate the community lifting people’s spirits and forming lasting connections with country folk. Rural Aid will also provide school children with musical instruments through its Gift of Music program, boxes of Lego, stationery and an iPad. Foresythes Recruitment will sponsor the event with 36 employees on the ground lending a helping hand. Rural Aid will also provide country cards to help farmers purchase food for their families and much-needed goods. A Rural Aid counsellor will reach out to farmers during the visit and offer mental health support. The community also received a recent boost with a hay drop, with fodder going to local farmers to feed their livestock. If you are interested in making a donation to Rural Aid or to get involved with an upcoming project visit: ruralaid.org.au

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

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PARKES SPORT

Dragons On The Wing

Seven Parkes locals had the experience of a lifetime last Thursday at Parkes Airport when they hurtled through the sky in tandem jumps with Skydive Oz. Three ‘crazy’ members of Parkes Dragon Boat Club, Suzie Griffey and Bill and Beth Thomas, used the opportunity to raise just over $800 for their club. What does it actually feel like to plunge from a plane at 14,000 feet? Let me tell you what the ride of my life felt like. We arrived at the airport to the smiling faces of the Skydive Oz team. They sensed my nervous fear immediately and gave calm and relaxed instructions. We would ascend for 20 minutes to reach a height more than 4 kilometres above terra firma. My instructor Richie, whose honest face and trustworthy eyes put me at ease, had done over 6,000 jumps. This gave me the confidence to stay and not run out the door. We were loaded into the small plane sitting on the floor facing backwards in front of our instructor with our harnesses clipped securely to theirs. A note on the back wall said ‘Relax’. I tried taking deep breaths, but

they sounded more like shudders as I tried to quash my nerves. After what seemed an hour Richie said: “You doing OK Beth? We’re half way.” Bill was beside me cool as ever giving me a reassuring squeeze now and then. Richie reminded me that when the window rolled up and we slid to the edge I was to tuck my feet under, hang onto to the harness at my shoulders, and head back – shape myself like a banana. The window opened. The photographer flew out. Richie and I sidled along until my legs were out in the open sky and nothingness opened up before me. This was the biggest moment of fear I had ever known in all my 66 years. Then in a flash we were gone, free falling in the most amazing minute of my life. The rush of adrenaline, the wonder of everything around us, the sheer absolute joy. There was no room for fear. It had totally dissipated. I spread my arms and I was flying. After this glorious minute of free-fall, we floated for four more minutes enjoying the amazing feeling of freedom. The landing

BRAVE HEARTS… Shana Harris from Skydive Oz (second left) with members of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club Suzie Griffey, and Bill and Beth Thomas.

was perfect. The glorious thing about a skydive, apart from conquering your own fear, is that you live the elation of every single, vibrant instant of the experience to the utmost. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! By Beth Thomas