Roxane Manley

Snippets…

September 12, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council Works team members Lee and Blake.

Forbes Shire Council: Access to the Forbes Croquet Club at Lawler Street is now much easier and safer thanks to the work of Council’s Works team. Works completed include:
• Kerb cutting to create a new pathway.
• Installation of a ramp wide enough for prams.
• Digging out and installing wings.
• Installing fibre mesh.
• Concrete pouring.
• New topsoil to make the sides of the path neat and tidy.

R U OK? #RUOKDay2024 was on Thursday September 12th. But any day is the day to check in with those we care about and ask, ‘are you OK?’. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, try these four steps. 1) Ask R U OK?, 2) Listen, 3) Encourage action, 4) Check in. You can find conversation tips and download social tiles and posters of the four steps at www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Parkes Shire Council: Are you ready to kickstart your career in business? Looking for a role that offers hands-on experience and growth? Applications for the 2025 Traineeship Program are open now. Applications close 22nd September 2024 and successful applicants will begin their career with Parkes Shire Council in February 2025. Apply now bit.ly/PSCcareers

National BBQ Championships Forbes: Sponsorship opportunities are available. Join us in hosting the 2024 National BBQ Championships. Contact events@forbes.nsw.gov.au to be a part of this amazing event showcasing the fabulous produce of the central west. Team nominations are now also open at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2024/november-2024/2024-national-bbq-championships. Enter early for your chance to compete in the 2024 National BBQ Championships.

business.gov.au: You don’t need to be an adult to run a business in Australia. If you’re a young person with a great idea, you can go ahead and start your own business. You can follow the main steps to start a business, but there are some extra things to consider when you’re starting a business under 18 years old: http://spklr.io/6187tZcv

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: A massive thank you to Ellice, Bianca and the whole team at Worklocker Parkes. The Cinderella and the Crystal Slippers cast look amazing in their beautiful production jackets. Tickets for Cinderella & The Crystal Slipper are on sale now at www.parkesmandd.com.au

Worklocker did an amazing job on the cast jackets.

Mayoral Notes

September 12, 2024 by Mayoral Notes

It is another busy weeked in town with the Forbes and District Lions Club hosting the 2024 District Convention at the Forbes Golf Club. Welcome to the 150 Lions members who are in town attending the convention on Saturday and Sunday. Lions Clubs have been supporting communities in Australia for 77 years.

It is now the largest service club in Australia, here in Forbes we have first hand experience of the community service and commitment to helping others that the Lions Club are renowned for. The few, however very active members of the Forbes and District Lions Club are familiar faces in the post flood recovery, manning the Driver Reviver Van and everyone loves a Lions Club BBQ.

Thank you to the Forbes and District Lions Club for all that you do for our town.

Tonight I will be welcoming around 200 Bushtracker Caravan Owners as they host their annual muster here in Forbes. Several members of this wonderful committee arrived earlier in the week to set up camp for the muster. The group hosts in-house markets, a camp oven cook off and a photography competition. The members plan an active itinerary to enjoy the many sights and attractions our community has to offer.

Forbes Shire Council hosted the Netwaste Regional Waste Forum this week.

The event included a tour of our waste facility and then the regional update, learning and forum agenda. Netwaste is a voluntary waste group formed in 1995 to enable councils to collaborate the approach to waste and resource management. Now covering almost 40% of the state, there are currently 25 member councils in regional NSW. NetWaste is funded through the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Finally have you heard the exciting news? London based, New Zealand born celebrity chef Matt Burgess has been announced as our guest chef and presenter at the 2024 National BBQ Championships. This event is going to be bigger and better than ever with two days of competition on Saturday and Sunday 9 and 10 November.

As well as the National BBQ Championships (grilling) we have teamed up with the Australian Barbecue Alliance to include a smoking competition as part of this major event. Local and national teams will be competing for the titles and $20,000 in prize money.

Be Seen @ Forbes Tafe Campus

September 12, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes campus held a very successful morning tea to promote creating a supportive community for mental health and wellbeing.

Ask R U OK? any day. A conversation could change a life.

R U having suicidal thoughts, please seek assistance by contacting your trusted healthcare professional or calling Lifeline on 13 11 14. R U concerned for your safety or the safety of others, seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000)

’Tis The Season Tips For Your Itchy, Watery, Red Eyes This Spring

September 12, 2024 by Hansen’s Eyecare Plus

If you are one of the estimated 20% of Australians that suffer from hayfever, Spring is not a time for celebration but rather a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes! Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer, so what is the best way for you to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. Plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your allergy symptoms should be avoided. Try saving outdoor activities to the evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly washing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little allergen particles that accumulate.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. Over the counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief for the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid using the “red eye” drops. These will only temporarily hide the redness without actually addressing the cause of your red, itchy eyes. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabiliser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

Book an appointment at Hansens Optometrists where we can formulate a personalised plan. We can prescribe more effective eye drops and treat other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy symptoms.

Eye Health Brought to you by Hansen’s Eyecare Plus

Free Child Restraint Checks

September 12, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Have you had your child restraints checked to see if they are fitted correctly?

Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles, by offering free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Forbes on Wednesday 18 September and in Parkes on Friday 20 September 2024.

The Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that these free child restraint checking days are held bi-annually, are well patronised and are important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash.

“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child – such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe” Ms Suitor said.

The upcoming child restraint checking days will be held in Forbes on Wednesday 18th September from 11am – 3pm and in the carpark at Lions Park, and in Parkes on Friday 20th September from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Kelly Reserve. Bookings are essential, simply phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.

Information about the child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will also be available.

For further information about the free child restraint checking days or to book in, please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

New Primary Industries Training Trailer

September 12, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Students in years 9 to 12 from Peak Hill Central School, Yeoval Central School, Tottenham Central School, Tullamore Central School, Trundle Central School are set to benefit from the Western Access Program’s (WAP) Primary Industries (Training) Trailer launched in Peak Hill on Tuesday, 10th September.

The launch marks a significant milestone, providing a new opportunity for students to engage in agriculture as a subject and to explore career pathways in the sector.

It’s a versatile trailer that gives teachers and students the support they need to excel in teaching, learning, and practical assessment activities related to livestock, wool harvesting, fencing, and chemical and agriculture generalist units.

The trailer will also enable the delivery of Australian Wool Innovation courses and facilitate industry and career immersion activities and practical sessions on farms and other enterprises, creating stronger connections with the industry and potential career pathways for students.

Funded by Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and constructed by a local engineer and former WAP student from Dunn’s Welding and Fabrication Peak Hill, the launch of this trailer means less of a need for students to travel to get the agricultural skills and experience they need.

Fire Up Forbes

September 12, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Grab your mates and fire up for an unforgettable night of tasty food, ice cold beverages, live music and plenty of dancing – all in the name of charity.

The Nedd Brockmann Gala Ball, which is being held at the historic Forbes Town Hall on Friday 4th October, is set to be an event not to be missed.

The aim of the black-tie charity ball is to support Bedgerabong born and bred Nedd Brockmann’s past achievements whilst also getting right behind him and his next big challenge: which is to run 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) in 10 days!All proceeds from the ticket and bar sales plus the fundraiser auction will be donated to the charity: “We Are Mobilise” which aims at combating homelessness within Australia.

Sam Mackay, who is one of several young locals organising the event, said “We hope everyone gets around this event and supports the Brockmann Gala Ball.

There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to make it a really special evening”.

Head to the Forbes Gala Ball pages on either Facebook or Instagram or to 123tix.com.au get your ticket.

Your Vote Matters This Saturday

September 12, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Voters acoss the state will head to the polls this weekend for the 2024 NSW Local Government Elections.

The NSW Electoral Commission will be conducting local council elections on Saturday, 14th of September 2024, for the election of Councillors. If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or more, you are required to enrol and vote. If you do not vote, you may receive a penalty notice.

The NSW Local Government Elections are held every four years. Voting in this election is an opportunity to determine nine representatives who form the elected body In this election there are 10 individual candiates running for the nine available positions on Forbes Shire Council. The election in Parkes will be hotly contested with a massive line up of two groups and 18 individual candidates running for election.

If you can’t make it to a polling place on Election Day due to other commitments, pre-polling is open until 6pm Friday, 13th September at Forbes Town Hall, Harold Street, Forbes or The Coventry Room, Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre, 25 Bogan Street, Parkes. .

Whether you’re a returning voter or its your first time, head over to the NSW Electoral Commission website to find out more information: https://elections.nsw.gov.au

Forbes Croquet

September 12, 2024 by Pegging Out

We had 26 players come along and enjoy Aussie Croquet on a very nice sunny morning on Saturday 7th September. There were only two players who managed to win three games: Allan Jones and John Allegri. The big winners on the day were 14-9 John Allegri and Allan Jones.

The mid winners on the day were:

• 14-10 Kevin Rubie and Joan Littlejohn, Neville Spry and John Farah, Vince Roberts and John Job.

• 14-11 Colleen Liebich and John Farah, Enid Baker and Allan Jones, Colleen Liebich an Allan Jones.

A very sunny warm morning on Tuesday 10th September, saw 42 players ready to get started. There were five players who managed to win three games: John Allegri, Phillip Moran, Vince Roberts, Male Smith and Robin Pols.

The big winners on the day were: 11-2 Rex Toole and Noel Jolliffe, 10-3 John Farah and Enid Baker.

The mid winners on the day were: 9-4 Bruce Field and Peter West, Merv Langfield and Mal Smith, John Allegri, Frank Donohoe and Pam Thomson, Kevin Rubie and Wayne Wright, John Job and Mal Smith, Russell Anderson and Noel Jolliffe, Frank Donohoe and Sue Wade.

Croquet is a sport for young and old and should you be interested in trying a game, come down to Halpins flat on a Tuesday morning by 9.15am to get your name into the draw for a 9.30am start. Only $5 to play which includes morning cuppa and $20 to join the club. Croquet was first played in England in the early 1900 and is a game of skill, great for hand and eye co-ordination and that gentle exercise regime. The social atmosphere is amazing. Enquiries can be made by calling 0428 540 272

By Pegging Out

Be Seen @ Parkes High Reunion Class Of 1969-1974

September 12, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Old classmates enjoyed reconnecting over the weekend of 6, 7 and 8 September, some not having seen each other since school days, while others had attended past class reunions.

There was a meet and greet at Cambridge on Friday night, lunch at the Coachman on Saturday and dinner at the Hong Loch on Saturday night. We laughed as we shared old school memories, and listened with interest to each other’s stories of where their life had led them.

Some of us had been at school together from Kindergarten onwards. But no matter how long our years together were, there was a sense of gratitude for those years spent together as we were growing up and that had played a part in our formation as adults.

The event ended with coffee in Cooke Park on Sunday morning for those who were still in town. Others, had made an early start to return home; home being as far away as Queensland, Broken Hill, different parts of Sydney, up Newcastle way, and down Wollongong way, Canberra and Orange, and anywhere in between.

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