Parkes Phoenix Editor

Farmers around Forbes will benefit from a $70,000 boost, with the Nationals’ Member for Riverina Michael McCormack securing a grant through round one of the Building Better Regions Fund – Community Investments Stream.

Forbes Shire Council’s application to develop an agricultural strategic plan for the region was one of the 147 successful applicants among a total of 392. The total value of projects approved was $6.9 million.
The money will go towards developing an agricultural strategic plan for the Forbes Shire, focusing on livestock production, dairy, hemp, forestry, horticulture, biofuel, aquaculture, agri-tourism, cropping, and the Central West Livestock Exchange.

The study is set to be undertaken during the 2017/18 financial year and will tackle a number of important issues and challenges in the rural industry.

Mr McCormack said the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) focused on creating jobs, driving economic growth and building stronger regional communities into the future.

“It is a pleasure to be able to deliver this money to organisations so that they can further enhance our communities and make them even better places to live and work,” Mr McCormack said. “The Liberals and Nationals in Government will continue to work hard to provide regional and rural Australians the economic tools to boost their vibrant communities.”

Forbes Shire Mayor Graeme Miller thanked the Federal Government for supporting regional Australia. “These grants are so important to rural communities, especially of this size,” Councillor Miller said. “This money will go towards strengthening the rural industry in the Forbes region.”

The announcement comes on the back of a $210,000 Building Better Regions Fund grant last month for the expansion of Forbes small business Aussie Biscuits. Applicants that were unsuccessful may consider applying for funding under Round Two, which is likely to open towards the end of the year.

Organisers of the award-winning ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme are inviting local businesses to register for phase eight of the driver fatigue awareness campaign which will run from 1st March to 31st May next year.

Drivers are encouraged to stop at participating businesses for a free cup of tea or coffee to take a break from driving.

Through the scheme partnerships are formed between participating councils and local businesses. The councils provide marketing and resources while the businesses provide free tea and coffee.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that the scheme is a win for everyone involved.

“Participating businesses have reported an almost 30% increase in sales and with almost three-quarters of vehicles participating in the scheme containing two or more passengers it was clear that other purchases were evident above the driver’s free cuppa.

“The scheme will operate in at least 24 local government areas in western and south western NSW stretching from the Victorian border to the Queensland border.”

Since its 256 participating businesses has given away 6,784 free cuppas in 187 cities, towns and villages in NSW, which included 17 participating businesses across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas.

The closing date for registrations is Friday, 6th October. Contact Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Families had a great day out at the annual Wirrinya Family Picnic Day last Sunday.

Unlike the previous year’s wash-out, this year’s almost 200 picnic-goers were blessed with beautiful weather. The event was held in conjunction with the official opening of the revamped tennis courts at The Shed in Wirrinya.

There was more than enough fun to go around for all the enthusiastic children and grown-ups with this year’s theme the Commonwealth Games. From designing a medal to other events such as billy boil, paper plane flying, smash the jaffa, running races, coin toss and gumboot relay, family members had an action-packed day.

Wirrinya Progress and Sports Association president Monica Langfield said: “The Wirrinya Family Picnic Day has been going for at least 75 years. It’s a chance for the community to get together and have a bit of fun.

“The tennis courts were built around 1930 and they have always been played. We were lucky enough to get funding to contribute towards the new fence. Everyone is really excited about it and believes the courts have never looked so good.”

MP for Orange, Philip Donato, also attended the picnic and partook in some of the day’s events. Philip officially opened the new tennis court fence constructed by SLR Contracting Forbes.

“We were glad to support the local community’s application for funding under the Community Building Partnership grant to replace the old fencing around the tennis court. It’s a great focal point for the local community and brings people together,” said Philip.

Other sponsors who helped were GrainCorp and Evolution Mining.

Enjoyed by many generations over the years, the picnic day is a significant event in the Wirrinya community calendar.

By Gizell van Wyk

The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre celebrated NAIDOC and Aboriginal day along with the community. Various schools, community members and supporters gathered to celebrate culture and the importance of language last Friday.

The event was opened with a smoking ceremony followed by the flag raising ceremony.

There were also Aboriginal games and song and dance workshops to help better explain the language for attendees.

Rhonda Ryan specialist trauma councillor and volunteer for the event said, “We are here today to share culture and knowledge. The theme this year for NAIDOC is songlines and language. Today we would like to share the language.”

By Gizell van Wyk