Roxane Manley

Luna Roo Leaps Into National Storytime

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

This is a call out to all story lovers to join Parkes Shire Library for National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 (NSS) as we come together to read Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 12pm.

Parkes Shire Library is proud to be part of this much-loved national tradition for its 26th year, hosting a free event featuring a live performance of this year’s chosen book, Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller.

Written by football veterans Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, and illustrated by Jake Minton, the story follows rookie captain Luna Roo as she leaves nothing on the pitch while leading FC Outback in a thrilling face-off against Bush United. Faced with a spider goalkeeper, snakes in attack and bubbling nerves, Luna must trust her skills and her teammates to soar to victory. Luna Roo theKangaroo Baller captures the excitement of the game while sharing a heartwarming message about courage, teamwork and determination.

“Come and cheer for Luna Roo as she finds her inner strength on the field in this energetic underdog story,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Cultural, Education and Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones.

NSS is held annually. Each year, a picture book written and illustrated by Australian creators is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other locations across the nation.

To join the live performance at Parkes Shire Library, RSVP via events.humanitix.com/national-simultaneous-storytime-2026-parkes-library or contact the Library on 6861 2309. A reminder that the Peak Hill Library will celebrate National Simultaneous Storytime on Tuesday, 26 May at 11:30am with an extra special Storytime planned for local families.

Building With Parkes In Mind: The Story Behind Bushmans Ridge

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

On the edge of Parkes, just minutes from town, a new lifestyle estate has quietly taken shape.

Bushmans Ridge, developed by Giles Land Development, is more than a land release. It is the result of careful planning, local knowledge, hands-on work, and a simple idea: create large, practical lifestyle blocks where families can build with confidence and room to grow.

Located on Jones Street, Bushmans Ridge offers generous residential lifestyle lots with wide open space, big horizons, and the convenience of being close to the Parkes town centre. With seven lots currently available, priced from $310,000 to $360,000, the estate has been designed for buyers who want more than a small suburban block, but still want access to town services, schools, shops, sport, health services and community life.

For Peter and Nartayliah Giles, the project is also personal. We are a family building estates for families, Peter said.

Our background is in mining, engineering and property development, so we approach land a bit differently. We do not just look at a block and think about how it can be sold. We think about what it will be like for the family who builds there, what problems we can solve early, and how we can make the process easier for the next person. That mindset has shaped Bushmans Ridge from the start.

Giles Land Development’s first subdivision, Old Pine Estate, was a 29-lot lifestyle development that gave the team a strong understanding of what buyers are really looking for when they choose larger residential blocks in Parkes.

The lessons from that project have carried into Bushmans Ridge – particularly around access, services, drainage, fencing, compliance, and making the lots as build-ready as possible.

At Bushmans Ridge, the major groundwork has already been completed. giving buyers a clearer starting point when planning their future home. For many families, that preparation matters.

Buying land can feel overwhelming, especially when there are unknowns around services, drainage, approvals, site preparation and future building costs. Bushmans Ridge has been developed to reduce those unknowns as much as possible.

We have tried to do the hard thinking up front, Peter said. A lifestyle block should feel exciting, not confusing. Buyers still need to do their own due diligence and work with their builder, but our goal has been to present a clean, practical, well-prepared estate where people can see the opportunity clearly.

The estate sits within an R5 Large Lot Residential zoning, which supports the type of lifestyle many Parkes families are looking for – space for a shed, gardens, pets, room for children to play, and a bit more breathing room, while still staying connected to town. That balance is one of the key attractions of Bushmans Ridge.

Parkes continues to be a regional centre with strong longterm prospects. Major investment connected to Inland Rail, the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, transport, logistics, agriculture and local business is helping position the town for continued growth. As Parkes develops, housing choice becomes more important – not just more houses, but different types of housing and land options for different stages of life.

Large lifestyle lots play a role in that mix. Some buyers want a place to raise a family. Some want room for a workshop or shed. Some are looking for a quieter block with views and space around them. Others are thinking long term and want to secure land while Parkes continues to grow. Bushmans Ridge has been created with those buyers in mind.

The available lots range from approximately 3,081sqm through to 15,000sqm, giving buyers a range of options depending on the type of lifestyle they are looking for. While the estate is now sale ready, the project has taken significant work behind the scenes. Stormwater, boundary fencing, services, approvals, building pads and final compliance all form part of the development process, much of it unseen once the estate is finished.

Because we live here, our projects matter to us, Peter said. We drive past them. We see the families who buy in them. Our kids are growing up in this town. So we care about doing things properly and creating something we can be proud of in ten years’ time, not just on settlement day.

Bushmans Ridge is now open for enquiry, with seven lots available. For buyers considering building in Parkes, it offers a chance to secure land with space, services and a clear path forward.

Peter and Nartayliah Giles pictured with their children,River and Mila.

Forbes High Host 80 School Leaders For 2026 NSW Schools Roadshow

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

L-R: NSW Department of Education Secretary – Murat Dizdar, Forbes High School Students – Indigo, Payton, Adelaide, Jamal and Forbes High School Principal – Kathleen Maksymczuk.

Forbes High School hosted more than 80 principals and school leaders from across Central West NSW as part of the 2026 Schools Roadshow, on Tuesday May 19. 

The NSW Department of Education’s annual roadshow is travelling across the state, serving as a key platform to engage directly with school leaders and bring the NSW Plan for Public Education to life in every community.  

Leaders from Forbes to Canowindra and Cowra to Cudal all came together to share insights from their unique school contexts ensuring local voices shape the future of public education in NSW.  

NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar, said the roadshow plays a critical role in strengthening the system by listening to those closest to students.  

“It’s inspiring to see so many school leaders coming together with a shared purpose to improve outcomes for every student,” he said.  

“When we listen to the experiences of principals and leaders on the ground, we build policies that are more responsive, more effective, and more deeply connected to the communities we serve.”  

The department’s senior executive team attends each roadshow stop to engage directly with principals and deepen understanding of local opportunities and challenges.  

“This is about genuine partnership. We listen, we learn, and we lead together,” Mr Dizdar said.  

At the Forbes event, Mr Dizdar highlighted key achievements made across NSW public schools, including strong student growth in NAPLAN and the successful expansion of the Inspire program for high potential and gifted students.  

“We are committed to ensuring every student-regardless of their postcode or background-has access to a world-class public education,” he said.  

“Bringing leaders together like this strengthens professional networks and builds a more connected, resilient public education system.”

Forbes Garden Club Report

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club held their April meeting at the home of Neil and Jane Gilmour with a great attendance of 38 members and apologies from ten. President Marg Dent welcomed all, with birthday wishes extended. Secretary Robin Lyall read the minutes of the previous meeting with Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes informing us of the financial situation. A big thank you was given to Elvy Quirk for making the Anzac Day wreath that was laid by Marg.

Guest Speaker at the April meeting was Kylie Matthews who spoke on Dynamics.

She had everybody amazed at some of her methods to improve the soil on her property at Wirrinya using cow horns and manure buried as rich fertiliser, watered down and spread on the pastures with the use of Bio products, she has visibly noticed the difference this has made to her farm. Robyn Mattiske presented a gift of thanks to Kylie.

Host Neil Gilmour then spoke on the preparation he had to do to his property to establish a healthy lawn with trailer loads of manure from the farm.

Flower of the month winners were 1st Marie Langfield Alec Red Rose, 2nd Elvy Quirk (Magenta), equal 3rd Joy Hocking (Petunia), John Browne (Pope Paul Rose), and David Sanderson (Yellow Gerbera). The raffle was won by Pam Baass, 2nd place went to Meg Butler and 3rd place to John Browne.

Forbes Garden Club’s next meeting will be at 34 Wambat Street on Tuesday 26May at 2pm. Please bring a chair, a hat and cup and also a flower for the competition. The guest speaker will be Tony McManus who is an Arbourist.

Red Bend Catholic College Students Raise $1,000 For Vinnies

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Vinnies Central & Far West NSW sends a huge thank you to the students and staff at Red Bend Catholic College for their incredible $1,000 donation to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. The 40+ students involved spent many hours fundraising, through activities such as Zooper Dooper sales at the swimming carnival, the mega easter egg raffle, Thursday bacon and egg roll sales and their ongoing Friday lolly shop.

Through their fundraising efforts, the school’s Youth Conference is making a real difference for people doing it tough this winter, and earning their first Bronze Award in the Vinnies Service Medallion Program along the way!The Vinnies Service Medallion (VSM) is an initiative developed by the St Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Society NSW which caters for secondary students. The VSM enhances students’ knowledge regarding key social justice issues and provides practical opportunities through volunteering that align to meet the needs of their community.

Does your local high school participate in the Service Medallion Program? Get in touch with Vinnies today to learn how your students can make a difference in their community at: www.vinnies.org.au/nsw/get-involved/vinnies-service-medallion

Riders Visit Eugowra On Way To Forbes Finale

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Royal Far West riders took on their final leg – riding through Eugowra, with a special stop to connect with the local community. Pictured with Eugowra Public School kids who are proud of their partnership with Royal Far West and we are appreciative of the support they provide.

Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids made its way from Parkes to Forbes, taking 64 cyclists on a journey. They started in Parkes, and then traveled through Trundle and Eugowra, before finishing in Forbes.

At 12pm on Tuesday 19 May, on their 3rd and final day of riding, the cyclists visited the Eugowra Community Hall to meet Raewyn Molloy and her team, and the local schools being supported by Royal Far West.

Raewyn Molloy knows all too well about needing the services of Royal Far West, as she herself required their assistance when she was just five years of age, after a grass seed shot into her ear and began to grow. An operation that followed caused her to lose the ability to speak clearly. The Sunshine Club at Parkes supported her to travel from Eugowra to Royal Far West in Manly for treatment, where she spent one year undertaking speech therapy. On her return to Eugowra, she changed schools and repeated kindergarten and was well on her way to succeeding.

Royal Far West’s vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of children living in rural and remote communities. In FY25, we supported 512 children, 302 parents and carers and 496 educators across 29 primary schools and 5 early childhood centres in Western and Far West NSW – delivering services including speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work.

Each year, cyclists head out on a threeday ride across regional NSW as part of Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids. The annual event raises vital funds and awareness for developmental, behavioural and mental health services, to help transform the lives of Australia’s country children. For more information visit www.royalfarwest.org.au

Get Your Yellow Ribbon For National Road Safety Week 2026

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be getting behind National Road Safety Week 2026 from 17 to 24 May.

During the week, road users are encouraged to take the pledge to Drive So Others Survive – including not being distracted while driving, not speeding and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the Councils’ have been supporting the initiative since 2017.

“During National Road Safety Week 2026, yellow ribbons will be displayed all across the country to remember those we have lost on the roads and to remind us to drive safely.

“The trauma caused by road crashes echoes through our community and is felt by so many – family and friends, work colleagues, community groups, emergency service workers and local communities.

“Our fleet vehicles and staff will proudly display yellow ribbons, and you are encouraged to pick up a vehicle sticker and/or lapel ribbon for free from our administration offices in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo,” Ms Suitor said.

Forbes Town Hall will be lit yellow for the week along with the monument on Memorial Hill and the Sir Henry Parkes statue in Parkes.

Lachlan Children Services and Central West Family Day Care will be focusing on road safety during the week too.

You can sign the pledge to Drive So Others Survive online at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au.

Snippets…

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

EOI’s for Parkes Elvis Festival 2027 close 31 July 2026.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Want to be part of one of Australia’s most iconic celebrations of The King? We’re inviting Expressions of Interest for: local, regional and national businesses, corporate partners and major sponsors, creative agencies and experience providers, community groups and organisations. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, create an experience, connect with audiences or simply be part of something special – there’s a place for you. Send your EOI to elvis@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Royal Flying Doctor Service: Every year, the Royal Flying Doctor Service reaches over 330,000 Australians in need. But these aren’t just numbers, every single one is a person with family, friends – a story. Your donation is the blanket around a cold child’s shoulders, the life-saving care hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital, the hope when all else is lost. Donate at: supportnswact.flyingdoctor.org.au/

Dog Walk For Cancer: Dog lovers, this one’s for you. Walk 50km with your pup this June for Cancer Council. That’s less than 2km a day, easy. It’s free to join and you’ll receive a free doggy bandana. Sign up now: www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/dog-walk-for-cancer-26. Doggy bandanas available to the first 3,000 participants.

The Centre for Volunteering: Every day, volunteers strengthen our communities through their dedication and generosity. Now’s the perfect time to recognise their contributions and showcase the meaningful role volunteering plays throughout NSW. Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominate a local volunteer today https://buff.ly/uEGBsJu

Creat A Bright Future For First Nations Children: Wear it Yellow is almost here! National Reconciliation Week kicks off 27 May – there’s still time to sign up. Wear a touch of yellow, raise funds for First Nations-led education and wellbeing programs for children on Country, and be part of something that truly matters. Don’t miss it. Sign up at: wearityellow.org.au/

Raise the Wings Dinner: Secure your tickets now for the 2026 Raise Wings Dinner at Club Forbes on Saturday, 25 July. Enjoy an incredible evening featuring dinner, live entertainment, guest speakers, auctions and raffles with amazing prizes, and inspiring stories from families supported by Little Wings. Every ticket helps Little Wings continue providing free flights and ground transport for children in regional NSW to access life-saving medical treatment. Tickets are limited: https://events.humanitix.com/raise-the-wings-forbes-2026

Help keep sick kids flying and support Little Wings.

Healthy Vision Month

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Eye health is not just about seeing clearly, it’s also about protecting your long-term eye health. Many eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, often develop without obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision changes are noticeable, damage may already have occurred.

That’s why regular eye examinations are so important, even if your vision seems “fine.”

A comprehensive eye test doesn’t just check if you need glasses; it allows us to assess the overall health of your eyes and detect early signs of disease.

Simple habits can also support lifelong eye health:

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against UV damage

• Take regular breaks from screens.

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s.

• Stay up to date with your eye examinations.

• Good general health has a positive flow on effect for our eyes.

At our Parkes practice, we provide advanced imaging technology that allows us to look deeper into the eye than ever before enabling us to detect issues before they affect vision.

Book an eye examination, encourage a family member to do the same, and remember early detection is the best protection.

Grants Available To Support LALCS In Caring For Country

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has partnered with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to offer funding to Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) from across the State through a new grant program called Together on Country.

The Together on Country grants are aimed at supporting LALCs across NSW in managing their land holdings. This includes improving waste management and caring for Country within their local communities.

NSWALC Chairperson, Dr Raymond Kelly, said the Together on Country grant program will help Aboriginal communities safely dispose of waste, care for Country and support Aboriginal participation in the circular economy.

Through this program, LALCs are encouraged to apply for up to $150,000 per project to improve waste management and sustainable practices within their communities.

The grant funding is available to all LALCs; successful projects should address a specific waste issue and provide sustainable, long-term solutions.

Further details are available at https://alc.org.au/t-o-c-grant/.

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