Parkes Phoenix Editor

School students from across drought-affected NSW have the opportunity to take a break and spend a night with the stars.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell encouraged Principals to nominate students for the first ‘Wish Upon a Star’ initiative, which will bring 150 students from drought-affected schools to see the Schools Spectacular and enjoy a fun weekend away.

Wish Upon a Star is an initiative of the NSW Government, involving the Department of Education, Transport for NSW and the Office of Sport, and will be a no-cost treat to families battling the unrelenting drought.

“We want to give 150 kids a fun weekend to take their minds off the challenges of the drought for a few days,” said Sarah.

“They will share the exhilaration of the Schools Spectacular and have a mini holiday at our Sport and Recreation centres.”

The students will travel from hubs at Dubbo, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga on Friday, 22 November, to stay at Sport and Recreation Centres at Narrabeen, Broken Bay and Berry, and attend the Schools Spectacular matinee on Saturday, 23 November.

“It will also be a rare chance for these country kids to splash at the beach and try water sports and other activities at the Sport and Recreation Centres,” said Sarah.

School Principals are encouraged to select students who would benefit most from this initiative. Nominations for this weekend away close today, 8th November through the Department of Education.

Schools can nominate up to four drought-affected students, who have been experiencing particularly challenging times.

The Minister acknowledged the support of RØDE Microphones, who will assist with accommodation and catering costs as Rural Initiative of Schools Spectacular 2019.

The Schools Spectacular will be staged over four performances at the Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, 22 November (11am and 7.30pm) and Saturday, 23 November (1pm and 7.30pm).

Regional NSW remains the hardest hit when it comes to operating a business, according to the latest Business Conditions Survey, released by the state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber.

“While this survey reveals some signs of stabilisation compared to previous quarters, business conditions remain challenging across the state,” said Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager, Western NSW Business Chamber, “our survey shows industries such as construction, retail and food services are among the weakest.”

“Record low interest rates, a more competitive exchange rate and income tax cuts may eventually boost growth, however business conditions remain subdued and are clearly being affected by the drought and concerns with respect to international trade. The drought also continues to highly impact our supply chains and communities right across Western NSW.”

“The Chamber is again calling on all levels of government to recognise the challenges of drought affected areas of regional NSW. We need measures and initiatives to ad- dress immediate water requirements, but also investment in measures that ensures greater water security and economic sustainability.”

“It’s why the Chamber has advocated that the full 30% of funds raised from the long- term leasing of the poles and wires and promised to be spent in regional areas actually happens.”

“The cost of energy for businesses is one reason the NSW Business Chamber is pleased to partner with the Australian Government on the recently launched Business Energy Advice Program (BEAP), which helps businesses find a better energy deal, and then uses data to advise on best practice energy efficiency. NSW is an economy that depends on small business so we need to heed the warnings from those on the frontline,” Ms Seccombe said.

Beginning on 4th November, Forbes Shire Council will be undertaking ongoing improvement works at the Forbes Cemetery.

These works are vital to ensure the cemetery is kept in optimal condition despite the current drought conditions facing the Shire. Every care will be taken to ensure minimal disruption throughout this period.

“The Cemetery is such an important place for many of our residents,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller. “It is so important that our loved ones have a wellcared for place to rest. These works will ensure our cemetery looks and feels beautiful despite the tough times many of us are facing at the moment.”

The works to be undertaken include filling of sunken graves with additional top soil throughout the lawn cemetery to improve appearance and safety, the utilisation of a

travelling irrigator, top dressing and fertilising lawn areas to improve turf cover and health, replacement of dead rose plants and installation of paved edgings to beds and replacement of damaged beam to repair cracking and allow for the installation of memorial plaques.

“Every care will be taken to ensure these works are as unobtrusive as possible,” Mayor Miller said. “As always, our team will schedule their work around funerals to make sure no disruption to families fare- welling their loved ones.”

Cemetery works are anticipated to be completed before Christmas, however irrigation will continue throughout the summer months. All queries around these works should be directed to Urban Services Supervisor David Ramsay on 02 6850 2300.