Roxane Manley

$61.7 Million Parkes-Peak Hill Water Project Underway

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Announcing the Water Supply Project from left to right is Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd, Parkes Shire Councilor Niel Westcott, NSW Minister for Water The Hon Rose Jackson and Parkes Mayor Ken Kieth OAM.

Work has begun on one of the largest water infrastructure projects in New South Wales, with the Parkes-Peak Hill Water Supply Project designed to put the region in a stronger position to be able to manage water in a drier climate.

The $61.7 million project will deliver a suite of water infrastructure upgrades to safeguard water supply and boost drought resilience, funded in combined partnership between the Australian Government, the NSW Government and Parkes Shire Council.

The project is expected to be completed in 2025, with major construction on the pipeline expected to get underway later this year in or around september.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said “The Australian Government is proud to have committed $11 million to ensure this much-needed water infrastructure project becomes a reality, bolstering drinking water security for the Parkes and Peak Hill communities.“Our Government has an unwavering commitment to continuing to invest in Australia’s regions to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.”NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson was excited to tour the area and had this to say about the project “It is the priority of the NSW Government to ensure regional communities have access to safe and secure water. The $22 million investment is instrumental in getting this key project started.

“This is one of the largest investments in water infrastructure in the Central West region this century and it’s great to see that work is underway to deliver a stronger and more resilient water network for Parkes and Peak Hill.

“We’re putting in 39 kilometres of new pipelines, two new pump stations, an upgraded Lachlan River pump station, a new pre-treatment plant at Eugowra Road and a new raw water storage lagoon at the Parkes Water Treatment Plant.

“We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to shore-up water security for the community, especially during dry periods. The project will more than double Parkes’ current transfer capacity from the Lachlan River and bore fields, which is major win for the community as it will secure better access to safe, clean drinking water.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek was proud to play a part and said “The Albanese Labor Government knows how important water security and availability is for economic growth and building resilient communities.

“This is especially true in our regions as we continue to face increasingly uncertain climate conditions.

“That’s why we’re investing in critical water infrastructure project across the nation so central western communities such as Parkes and Peak Hill can benefit from increased water security and climate resilience both now and into the future.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith was on hand to comment and said “This project will help the region grow and thrive. We want to welcome more tourists and residents into Parkes Shire and this project is a key part of our long-term vision.

“We need to ensure a reliable supply of top-quality water for our residents and local businesses which will underpin our population and economic growth.”

Parkes Mayor Ken Kieth OAM and NSW Minister for Water The Hon Rose Jackson pictured together after making the exciting announcement.

The Mighty Seconds Too Hot For Bathurst On A Bitterly Cold Saturday Afternoon

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The first score of the match went to Sam Ryan on the wing, with a 15m run to go over the line and score next to the posts. Brendan Bennett added the extras.

Jack Byrne as breakaway tackled with clinical efficacy. Toby Baigent and Tom Woods combined in the forwards to interrupt the CSU set moves.

Brendan Bennett was next to score bolting across the line and then he converted it.

CSU crossed with three minutes to go in the half. At the half time break Parkes held a 14-7 lead.

Returning to the field for the second half CSU had a change of pace and got the ball across the line. Parkes 14 – CSU 12.

Jonetani Koriovui used his leg strength to cross next to the posts. Again Bennett added the extras. Parkes 21 – CSU 12.

A penalty goal to CSU inch them closer to the Boars score Parkes 21 – CSU 15.

In the final minutes the Boars as a team rushed the line and were awarded for their efforts with a try to Rohan Kopp. Brendan Bennett converted. Final score Parkes 28 –CSU 15.

Next Saturday the Boars travel to GlenWillow Oval to face the Mudgee Wombats.

Petition Launched To Save Regional Seniors Travel Card

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Upper House MP and Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway has launched a petition in the Central West and Western NSW to stop the NSW Labor government from cutting the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Mr Farraway said he hopes the petition will save the seniors travel card from being cut. “Travel cards allow seniors to take a trip to visit friends and family, travel for a doctor’s appointment, or visit the shops to pick up groceries”.

“We all know someone in our community who benefits from the Regional Seniors Travel Card, and we all have an important reason to sign this this petition,” Mr Farraway said.

“Over the coming weeks I will be asking people to share this petition far and wide to save our Regional Seniors Travel Card so seniors in our community can continue to do things they love and need to do.

“The NSW Labor Government has prioritised Sydney projects over regional seniors, and we hope this petition will convince the Minns government keep it in place,” Mr Farraway said.

To sign the petition go to: www.nswnationals.org.au/save-the-travel-card/

Cudal Testing Centre Making Roads Safer For Motorcyclists

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

FMTRC motorcyclist detection testing at Cudal will benefit Central West Motorcyclist.

Cutting-edge motorcycle detection testing technology has been introduced at Transport for NSW’s vehicle testing and research centre to help make our roads safer for both drivers and motorcyclists across the state.

The newest and most advanced testing technology is aimed at preventing motorcycle collisions and has been rolled out alongside the completion of a new 400 metre intersection at the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal.

The new technology can assess how well a car detects and avoids collisions with motorcyclists. In NSW, motorcycle registrations have jumped by 20 per cent to nearly 280,000 in the last five years, and tragically, on average, 58 motorcyclists are killed and almost 1000 seriously injured on NSW roads every year.

“This new technology upgrade will allow ANCAP to advance to the latest, most sophisticated set of criteria for its vehicle safety ratings in NSW and cements this facility as a world-class autonomous technology testing site.

“The safety testing carried out at this site benefits all road users from families to freight operators, and importantly keeps jobs and knowledge in Australia.” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

The NSW Government’s expansion of its testing capabilities and on-site expertise in Cudal is critical to the work of Australasia’s independent vehicle safety testing organisation, ANCAP.

The world-class site is helping the automotive industry and developers realise the next generation of safety enhancements that will benefit all road users.

The new crossroad intersects the existing 1.6-kilometre runway at the former Hazelton airport site. The $1.2 million intersection was constructed by TfNSW teams from across the Central West, along with a contractor’s local crews.

To date the Cudal site has delivered more than 80 test and research programs. Other recent upgrades to the FMTRC include the installation of EV charging facilities, refurbishment of the existing house with fit-for-purpose office spaces for testing teams, and an upgrade to 5G connectivity across the site to facilitate advanced vehicle testing.

Be Seen @ Parkes U8s Rugby League Game Day

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Term Two In Thomson Street

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes North Public School was privileged to welcome the Forbes Shire Council and executive staff to our school on Thursday 18 May. The FSC team toured our playground, library, oval, COLA area, infants’ playground, kitchen garden and enjoyed a delicious morning tea pre-pared by our talented students, Mrs Yapp and Mrs Hardy in the kitchen for morning tea.

What an incredible term here at Forbes North. As we reach the halfway point of 2023, we can celebrate an enormous number of achievements where our students participated in cultural, scholastic, artistic and sporting opportunities across Forbes and beyond.

Our great school has accumulated an impressive amount of meetings, excursions, and community events such as the ANZAC Day Service held in Victoria Park and a school commemoration at Forbes North.

Our school leaders attended the GRIP Leadership Day in Dubbo where all our school parliamentarians and leadership team came home inspired.

The FNPS Cross County held at Forbes Racecourse was a huge success and our school was then selected to host the Lachlan PSSA Small Schools Athletics Carnival welcoming Eugowra, Quandialla, Bogan Gate, Bedgerabong and Caragabal students to our school.

Forbes North were proud to attend the MADD Forbes High School musical extravaganza and concert the same week we participated in the Peachey Shield Rugby League gala day in Condobolin before receiving a musical incursion from Goobanji Indigenous performances.

Our school is a great place to host an occasion and the 2023 Biggest Morning Tea and Mother’s Day Breakfast raised over $1,000 for the NSW Cancer Council and made our deserving mums feel special.

The list of guests coming to our school continued with Forbes Shire Council executive staff coming for a school tour and morning tea hosted by Mr McGaw in our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden rooms.

We also hosted the Forbes Junior and Senior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group meeting in our new refurbished library space.

To reward great behaviour from our students we held two fun days, namely a PBL Pyjama Day and Crazy Hair Day either side of National Walk to School safety day.

One of the highlights of term two was the Doing it for Rural Aussie Kids concert by Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen in our school hall which was outstanding. This was followed by the visit of the Life Education Program starring Healthy Harold the famous giraffe.

Our community minded school hosted Launching Rocket Learners sessions for existing and future FNPS parents and our year 5 and year 6 visited the Junee Chocolate Factory with our senior girls then travelling to Dubbo for Girls in Aviation.

The Forbes Eisteddfod is a community highlight and Forbes North took out the overall point score, perpetual shield and $500 first prize with our commitment to the creative and performing arts giving our kids so many opportunities.

Forbes North is committed to Aboriginal Education and our successful Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week celebrations focusing on cultural immersion and Wiradjuri language leads the way in public education.

Term two was super, and we look forward to term three in Thomson Street.

Forbes Heated Pool Set To Open

June 22, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The wait is almost over, with Forbes Shire Council handing over the pool to the organising committee.

This week, Forbes Shire Council completed the final handover of the newly upgraded indoor heated pool to the Committee.

Membership forms will be released on 1st July and the pool open day will be Thursday, 6th July between 4pm to 6pm for all the community to have a look. A BBQ will be open available on the day. Memberships can also be paid for at the open day and prices will be released early next week.

Thanks go to Forbes Shire Council staff and all of the local tradespeople for the work they put in over the past few months to get this fantastic facility completed for winter.

Special mention go to the following people; the late Mr Ian Macallum and his associates who founded the Heated Pool and worked tirelessly to keep this facility operating. To the late Mr Andrew McDonald who brought a wealth of knowledge to the committee, a well respected member that worked hard behind the scenes with grant funding and compliance. Also the biggest voice for the committee Mrs Dianne Decker OAM. Di would not take no for an answer from anyone wanting to ensure the upgrade suited all age groups and could be used for years to come. Due to health reasons Di had to step down from her role as President but played a big role with this upgrade.

Congratulations to the small committee of local residents who have worked really hard, and spent hours to ensure this facility was a fresh, functional space for our community.

If the community can be patient while the last few finishing touches are completed, we can’t wait to see you on opening day.

Fourth Annual Frost And Fire A Blazing Success

June 22, 2023 by Roxane Manley

As the embers die down on another successful Frost and Fire, is it time yet to ponder next year’s headline acts.

A near capacity crowd from around the region and interstate passed through the Forbes Ski Dam gates during the Fosy and Fire event. The vibe was pumping, fire pits were roaring, food, refreshment vendors were busy and social media was bombarded with amazing images. There was no better place to be.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said improvements made to the format this year, including a new layout, were well received.

“It was a great crowd, great weather, great vendors and I thank all for your support. It was fantastic to see local vendors and businesses take advantage of this opportunity, and our guests really enjoyed what was on offer,” Mayor Miller said.

She especially thanked the RFS and SES volunteers for their role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all those in attendance.

“Birdee, an amazing musician born in Parkes and schooled in Forbes, was so impressed with the event, saying it was bigger and better than she expected,” Mayor Miller said.

“I have only heard positive feedback from those in attendance. Just looking around at the crowd on the night, at the groups gathered around the firepits, it was truly heartwarming to see the coming-together and friendships, the putting aside of worries for one special evening,” she said.

“The entertainment was phenomenal, and I am so proud of our local and regional talent holding their own with Sneaky Sound System, a group with international acclaim. Each just set the scene, got the crowd pumping, it was amazing.”

Entertainment was provided by Grenfell’s Belinda Day, locals Em, Jo and Cler, the Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group, Birdee, Sneaky Sound System, Sydney Fire Dancers and of course the breath-taking moment the Frost and Fire effigy was lit. The effigy was created by Rick’s Timberworks and photography by Rachael Lenehan.

New Certification Scheme To Protect Farm Data

June 22, 2023 by Roxane Manley

National Farmers Federation, Vice President and Chair of the new Certification Panel, David Jochinke.

National Farmers’ Federation has released a new certification scheme, aimed at helping farmers choose tools and services which protect their farm data.

NFF Vice President and Chair of the new Certification Panel, David Jochinke, says the scheme is about informing farmers and lifting industry standards.

“We’re in the digital farming era, and the volume and value of our data is growing every day. There’s a gold mine of industry data held with service providers.

“The certification has been developed over an 18-month period with support from the Australian Government and in consultation with farmers and product providers.

“What we’ve learned is that farmers want a simple answer: do providers meet the standard or not? That means to get certified under the code is a high threshold, with providers having to meet 100% of the requirements.

“Those that don’t meet the standard will be offered an assessment report, made public on the NFF website, so farmers can dig into the detail for themselves.”

“If you’re a business that holds farmers’ data, now’s the time to get in touch.”

“Farmers should start looking for the certification tick and asking their providers whether they’re certified against the Code. As a voluntary scheme, it’s that market pressure that will ultimately lift standards and keep everyone accountable.”

For more information go to https://nff.org.au/programs/australian-farm-data-code/

Our Gal – Cathy Ryan

June 22, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Cathy Ryan

Where were you born: Wagga Wagga.

Were you named after anybody: My grandmother was Kathleen and there were several Catherine’s in my family tree.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Personally: my family as it grows and flourishes. Professionally – the difference I can make in woman’s pregnancy and birthing journeys.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The bombing of the twin towers on 11th September 2001. Changed the face of global safety.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Be true to yourself”.

What is the greatest risk you have ever taken? I boarded a plane in 1985 headed to Europe with a one way ticket.

What are three things you would take to a deserted island? Fresh water, fire source and Allan.

If you had to spend $10,000 today how would you spend it? Replace our home air conditioner that drowned in the November floods.

When are you happiest? When the sun is out, my family are around me, the wine is chilled and the food is good.

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