Roxane Manley

Prepare Now For Bushfire Season

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

This year’s bushfire season has potential to be especially dangerous according to a UNSW fire expert, who is urging people to get prepared and mitigate the risks. It is forecast the southern hemisphere is entering into an El Niño climate cycle and a surge in global temperatures.

1. Clean out gutters

Leaves and other vegetation can easily accumulate in gutters around your house. Cleaning gutters is one of the main ways to ensure that your house does not catch fire in a bushfire situation.

2. Get your water tank ready

After clearing the gutters, it’s good to hose them with water, which reduces the chances of hot embers sparking a fire. This should also prompt you to ensure you have a reliable supply of water should it be needed to dampen down approaching flames.

3. Clear bushland around your home

This means trimming overhanging trees and shrubs, mowing long grass and removing the cuttings. It’s also important to remove any flammable materials around your house such as outdoor furniture, paint cans, and even door mats.

4. Be evacuation-ready

Have a clear and concise plan to evacuate if conditions become too dangerous. Prepare fully by keeping up to date with local bushfire information via TV, radio, websites, social media, and special apps such as ‘Fires Near Me’.

5. Fireproof your property

Fire retardant paints are available which could prevent your house from being badly damaged or even destroyed in a bushfire. Such paint could help protect you and your family in the house if evacuation from a bushfire proved impossible.

Parkes Railway Bowling Club

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Phil Barnard pictured far left and Paul Lewin second from right at State Championships in Woolongong.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Phil Barnard and Paul Lewin went to Wollongong last week representing our club in the State Reserve Pairs. They both played well with two wins from three games in their section but wasn’t quite enough to get them through to the finals. We are proud of their achievements and representation of the club.

MENS DIVISIONAL PENNANTS

Start this weekend 5th/6th August with all three teams at home for rounds one and two. Names need to be in by 12:30pm and everyone is welcome to have a roll – loan bowls are available. Head down and watch some quality bowls and show your support.

3 Million Loaves And 2 Million Tins Of Milo – All In A Year’s Work For Our Grain Farmers

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sweeping paddocks of grain crops are a familiar sight across much of regional Australia, but how many stop to think that those crops end up in their sandwich or breakfast bowl?

In fact, the average Aussie wheat farmer produces enough grain to make 3 million loaves of bread and 2 million tins of Milo.

In the final week of a crusade to better connect consumers with where their food comes from – and to value that food – the NFF-led campaign under the Australians Farmers platform aims to connect those dots.

NFF President Fiona Simson, hoped the Australian Farmers campaign had opened people’s eyes to the work farmers invested into growing food sustainably.

“This week we’re putting the spotlight on a household staple – bread. It’s main ingredient, wheat, is also a staple in the farming world,” she said.

Australia produces 23 million tonnes of wheat each year. This is used in bread, pasta, pizza dough, cake, instant noodles, dumpling skins and even animal feed.

Bread is one of the most wasted foods in Australia, bread is too precious to waste, store it properly and learn what to do if it goes stale

Final Push To Save The Regional Seniors Travel Card

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway MLC stands up to try and save the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are calling all residents across regional communities to sign the petition to save the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Coalition launched the petition to stop Labor from cutting the program in the upcoming budget.

“The Regional Seniors Travel Card has become a local lifeline right across the bush,helping our seniors maintain their independence,” Mr Farraway said.

“We have already had a strong response but there is only a month left to get behind the petition, so I would encourage as many people as possible to sign it to convince the Minns Government to keep funding this important cost-of-living measure.”

“It would be devastating to see another great regional initiative sacrificed to prioritise another city project, so I would ask everyone to share this petition as far and wide as you can to show Labor just how important it is.”

Since 2020 more than one million cards have been issued, easing expenses for seniors who need to travel longer distances for their everyday tasks.

Sarah Smith from Parkes Taxis said “It has been a valuable asset for our customers at Parkes taxis over the last 12 months. Passengers have been able to use the transport card for both social, medical appointments, shopping and many other day to day activities. Many passengers have expressed that it will be a great loss to them if transport card does not continue given the hard times along with many other rising expenses.

You can help save the card by signing the petition at www.savethetravelcard.com.au

Forbes Junior AFL Club

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A week is a long time in football. After the high of the win over Dubbo a week ago the 14’s came back to earth with a thud. The good news was the 17’s squared the ledger with a close win over the Giants and under 14 Zain Clark was judged best on ground despite being in the losing side – a testament to how well he played on the weekend.

Parkes Boars Clean Sweep At Home

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

From the kick off, the first Grade Boars gathered the ball and sent it wide to Tupou Vereti (Pictured) on the wing. Bringing the ball back into the centre he crossed the line to give the Boars the first points within 30 seconds off the start.

UNDER 16’S

U16 took on the Orange Emus/Wellington team who travelled to Parkes. The strong combinations lead to a well-earned 43-12 win. Next week they travel to Orange to face the OEW again – on their home turf.

LADIES

The Boars Ladies ran on against CSU Mitchell. The Boars forward pack defence interrupted all forward movements of the CSU team. Boars ladies taking the match 24-7. Now the ladies start the challenge ofthe finals series and will face the MudgeeWombats at Glen Willow oval this Saturday5th August, kicking off at 12:20pm.

SECOND GRADE

CSU Mitchell were unable to field a team for the last round of the series so the Boars Seconds had a well earned break.The team finished in third place on the competition ladder so start their finals journey on Sunday 6th August in Narromine against the Dubbo Rhinos. The elimination final commences at 1:30pm at Cale Oval.

FIRST GRADE

Jake Elliott led the team out in his 150th game for the Parkes Boars. Elliott was presented with his jumper by his father Stuart Elliott prior to the match. The Boars outclassed the students in all areas of the match. Jacob Hardy’s boot was on fire, kicking 16 points for the team in a confident display. Final score was a blow out 92-14 Try scorers: Boars Dyllan Phillips x 4, Mesake Kurukitoga x 3, Tupou Vereti, Lewis Gravatt, Ben Ryan and Jason Lowe. Conversions: Jacob Hardy x 8, Brendon Bennet x 2, Soropepeli Bainivalu. CSU: Jonah Ruzgas, Oliver William-Hamilton. Conversions Oliver Willian-Hamilton x 2. The win seals the Boars second place on the CWRU New Holland Cup first grade ladder. Next Saturday the team travel to Mudgee to face the minor premiers Mudgee Wombats at Glen Willow stadium. Kick off is 3:15pm.

Forbes Rugby Union Club

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured in the centre is April Townsend following her 50th game for FRUC.

Congratulations to Charlie French for making the 2023 NSW Country Rugby Cockatoos and to Harrison Corke for making the 2023 NSW Country Rugby Cockatoo Colts. A huge congratulations also to April Townsend for reaching the 50 games milestone at FRUC. Players awarded Best & Fairest from Round 14 games against Orange Emus were: 1st Grade Peni Gaunimeke, 2nd Grade Josh Morrison, Womens April Townsend.

Be Seen @ the new Parkes Wetlands site

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Over 80 volunteers planted 500 trees and shrubs at the new Parkes Wetlands site.

Parkes Shire Council was proud to partner with Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc, and Fulton Hogan, who donated 500 jute planting squares, stakes, and biodegradable guards.

Local residents turned out in record-breaking numbers on Sunday for National Tree Day.

Prevalence Of Financial Abuse In NSW

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Next Chapter Innovation partners will have access to grants of $50,000, $100,000 or $200,000 plus executive support and mentoring, access to a think tank to leverage corporate expertise, and involvement in an inaugural conference to be hosted by CommBank.

This announcement coincides with the release of the latest CommBank Community Awareness Survey which included 2,951 people living in NSW, found:

• 22% of people living in NSW have experienced financial abuse from a partner, while 19% have experienced it from a family member

• 20% know or suspect someone they know is currently experiencing financial abuse

The most common behaviours include:

• 44%: Used/is using all wages earned by you for household expenses, while spending their own money only on themselves

• 43%: Has hidden/is hiding assets from you

• 42%: Provided/is providing you with only an inadequate ‘allowance’

• 42%: Has destroyed, damaged or stolen something that belongs to you or a family member

• 41%: Refused/ is refusing to contribute financially to you or to your family

To be eligible to apply for Next Chapter Innovation, organisations must be Australian based and operated with services providing direct funding to Australian based programs. Applications will close on Friday, 25th August.

For any further details on Next Chapter Innovation, visit: commbank.com.au/nextchapter

Mayoral Notes

August 3, 2023 by Phyllis Miller, OAM

I am looking forward to seeing firsthand the Big Map experience being brought to Forbes by Disaster Resilience Australia (DRA). The Big Map is literally that – a map that will cover the entire Town Hall floor and allows a community to take off their shoes, stand on their chosen location, whether it be home or business or area, and talk about their experiences. It will enable our community to be heard, feel valued and take ownership of the disaster and prepare for future events. More information about the Big Map is available on our Facebook page and website, so please take the opportunity to register and be a part of this cathartic experience.

Nominations for the 2023 NAIDOC Awards have opened and provide the opportunity to recognise achievements of individuals within our Indigenous community and to foster greater understanding of Indigenous culture. I encourage you to make a nomination, forms are available on our website at; Wiradjuri Culture | Forbes Shire Council (nsw.gov.au). Once completed, these can be mailed to, or dropped off at, Council offices or emailed to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Finally, there is a huge weekend ahead of us with something for everyone. Aside from all the traditional plans of sport, washing and garage sale spotting, take advantage of the Central West Bird Expo, the exciting first ever staging of Sundown Sounds at Lions Park and then the Forbes Cup races on Sunday – birds, music, food, horses, great company – it is all happening in Forbes!!

Till next week, God bless,

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

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