Roxane Manley

World Teachers’ Day Approaches

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

New research by the Australian Institute for Teaching and Schools Leadership (AITSL) reveals almost 9 in 10 (87%) Australians believe teachers deserve more recognition.

The research comes ahead of World Teachers’ Day on Friday 31 October where people from all ages across Australia will take part in a National “Hats off to Teachers” moment.

In a country that deeply values its teachers, there’s a growing sense that we’re not doing enough to show our appreciation.

To celebrate teachers, AITSL is inviting Australians everywhere to join the “Hats Off to Teachers” initiative this World Teachers’ Day. To help schools and communities get involved, AITSL has also developed a free downloadable Celebration Kit packed with hat props, posters, thank you cards and activities to spark ideas.

AITSL’s Australian Teacher Workforce Survey highlighted that teachers find their work deeply rewarding – but the challenges are real too. Heavy workloads, time pressure and emotional demands are the top stressors and more than half report some level of burnout.

Tim Bullard, CEO of AITSL, said: “We know quality teaching is the most significant in-school factor influencing student learning.

On Friday 31 October for World Teachers’ Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the expertise and dedication of our teachers and encourage everyone across Australia to tip their hat in recognition of the vital work they do. Teachers wear many hats and quality teaching shapes who we become, from sparking curiosity to guiding us through life.

World Teachers’ Day reminds us to recognise that impact.”

To find out more about how you can get involved this World Teachers’ Day, visit: https://www.aitsl.edu.au/worldteachersday

Be Seen @ Red Bend Catholic College

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

RBCC welcomed their students back.

Everyone looks excited for term four.

Looking forward to ending the year on a high.

Giving Day To The Arts Can Save Vital Small Grants Program

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A national giving day to the arts may be the lifeline needed to save a cherished small grants program in the NSW Central West.

Arts OutWest wants to raise $10,000 this month to continue offering microgrants in 2026.

Creative Australia has named Thursday 23 October as AusArt Day, a new initiative encouraging donations to support artists and arts organisations nationwide. For Arts OutWest, it’s a crucial opportunity to fund the grassroots projects that enrich the region’s cultural life.

“Normally we would be opening our annual CASP small grants program now,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead. “But CASP was one of the casualties of the NSW government’s new arts funding model. The coffers are dry for 2026.”

In response, Arts OutWest is urging the Central West community to contribute to its Cultural Fund. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organisation, up to $10,000.

Over the past 30 years, Arts OutWest has awarded more than 350 CASP grants and 50 emergency microgrants. These small investments have supported transformative projects across the region.

“The need for small, flexible, easy-toapply-for local arts grants grows every year. The quality of ideas keeps improving, but there’s never enough money. A pool of $20,000 could fund a dozen or more projects or artists in 2026,” Ms Shead said.

Microgrants empower communities and artists to lead their own initiatives. “They’re incredibly cost-effective,” Ms Shead added.

“An impactful way of doing a lot with a little—something we excel at in the arts.”

AusArt Day aims to expand the donor base and elevate the public value of the arts in Australia. Arts OutWest is one of over 300 participating organisations.

Donations to the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund (tax-deductible over $2) can be made anytime through to 23 October at artsoutwest.org.au/donate

More Than 40 Per Cent Of Western NSW Women Overdue For Breast Screening

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, eligible women from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book a free mammogram, with 42 per cent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years, through a population based screening program like BreastScreen NSW, is still the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt.

Deon Adamson Manager, Breastscreen NSW (Greater Western), said with more than 250 local women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, women need to put themselves first and book a screening.

“If you’re aged 50 to 74, make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed,” Ms Adamson said. “Early detection significantly increases a person’s chance of survival and can greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BreastScreen NSW is encouraging clients, staff and the community to Tell a Friend about the importance of regular screening and how to book an appointment.

A record 36,500 women booked their breast screen in October 2024. This year, the Be A Friend, Tell A Friend promotion will encourage more conversations so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.

For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

NSW Government Sows The Seeds For A Plant-Based Protein Manufacturing Boom In Regional NSW

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Minns Labor Government is planting the seeds for a new wave of primary production manufacturing across regional NSW, unveiling a prospectus designed to harvest the economic benefits of the growing plant-based protein sector.

This prospectus is part of the Government’s plans to strengthen regional economies, build new industries and drive jobs and investment.

The prospectus is aimed at metropolitan and international food manufacturers and is designed to encourage them to consider regional NSW as a base for their operations.

The prospectus highlights the competitive advantages regional NSW has including:

• Access to premium raw commodities suitable for plant-based protein food and beverage manufacturing with the ability to scale and meet growing demand.

• Consumer market access with regional NSW ideally positioned and able to deliver goods to 81 percent of Australia’s domestic market overnight.

• Skilled workforce with relevant educational backgrounds, export-ready ports, and affordable industrial land.

• Research and development ecosystem that actively encourages collaboration between researchers across universities, DPIRD, CSIRO, Government and agribusiness.

The Prospectus also identifies five key regions particularly suited to plant-based protein manufacturing: Riverina Murray, New England North West, Central West Orana, North Coast and Hunter Central Coast.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: “Regional NSW offers the ideal combination of resources and advantages, from efficient transport networks and export-ready ports to skilled workforces and affordable industrial land, creating a compelling case for investors and manufacturers.

Forbes Croquet Club Report

October 16, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

Morning tea is the social time at Forbes Croquet Club.

On Saturday 11 October Aussie Croquet was played with an attendance of 33 players. It was a very warm morning and all enjoyed the game. On Saturday we also welcomed Howard Hawke who enjoyed his first game of croquet. There were close scores of 14/13 when Geoff Coles and Harley Stewart trailed Kevin Rubie and Frank Donohoe, likewise John Browne and May Jones were behind to Tony Bernardi and John Farah. Congratulations to all the winners on the day.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 14 October with only a small number in attendance. Some close scores were recorded on the day in addition to a runaway score. Recorded was a massive win for Peter West playing solo when he defeated Ray Martin and David Nock. On the day all three games were won by Bill Scott, Allan Jones, Sue Jolliffe, Rex Toole, Geoff Coles, Ray Burridge, Graham Falconer, Peter West and Kevin Rubie.

It was good to see David West come and enjoy a game of Golf Croquet as he normally is only able to play on Saturdays.

Croquet must have taken precedence over work commitments. Congratulations to all of our winners on the day.

Just a reminder, the Forbes Croquet Club General meeting will be held on Tuesday 21 October after play in the shade area. Members be sure to attend so that you have a say in who is looking after your Club for the next year. All positions are declared vacant.

The upcoming Christmas and holiday arrangements have been discussed by the Committee at a recent meeting and the dates and places are displayed for viewing on the notice board at the Club.

By Elvy Quirk

Reel In The Fishing Fun This Gone Fishing Day

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A Free community event is being held at Forbes Lake Forbes Waterpark this Sunday, 19 October with activities kicking off at 9am.

Gone Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, cast a line, and make the most of NSW’s world-class fishing locations.

Whether you are a first-time fisher or chasing your next big catch, we want everyone to get involved in Gone Fishing Day to enjoy the benefits and thrill of fishing.

Aspiring fishers are invited to come along to one of the free events hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) this Sunday to take part in a beginner-friendly workshop, get your hands on some helpful resources from the Fishcare advisory trailer, and even a few free giveaways, to help build a lifelong hobby.

Gone Fishing Day is supported by the DPIRD and with funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, as part of the ‘Fish for life – Building a healthy fishing future’ initiative.

To find out more on the DPIRD Gone Fishing Day community event or book your place in one of the free fishing sessions, go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/go-fishing-nsw

Bathurst Supercars Experience An Eye Opener For Zac

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Described as a typical “out-west country lad”, third-year agricultural machinery apprentice, Zac Payseno, took his skills to the fast lane when he joined the Red Bull Ampol Racing team at the Repco Bathurst 1000 last weekend (9-12 October).Zac’s dedication through his apprenticeship at McPhersons Parts and Service in Parkes earned him top honours and the opportunity to experience motorsport action up close at one of Australia’s most iconic events.

Zac joined the pit lane crew on the tools as part of New Holland’s apprenticeship program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.

Zac said it was a big personal achievement to be recognised as part of New Holland’s apprentice program.

“I felt pretty honoured to be named, and joining the Red Bull pit crew for the weekend was a massive eye opener,” he said.

“Their attention to detail and professionalism was mind blowing, I can see why they are one of the top teams, everything is done 100 percent effort at 100 percent speed.”

Zac said he had always been interested in becoming a mechanic and started by doing after-school work. “I found out that I really liked it, and just thought that’s what I wanted to do as a career.

“I really enjoy working on combines. I’m doing header repairs at the moment, which means doing header checks at the start of the year, identifying what needs replacing, and carrying out preseason repairs to get the machines ready for harvest.

“Getting ready for harvest is like getting ready for race day, but on a much bigger scale.”

Zac is one of six apprentice service technicians that experienced race day action at Supercars races across Australia and New Zealand this year thanks to New Holland’s sponsorship of the Red Bull Ampol Racing team.

The Forecast Is Looking Perfect For Homegrown Parkes On Saturday

October 9, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Cooke Park is where you will find all the Parkes Homegrown action this Saturday.

If you haven’t already planned your day, now is the time to check out what is happening at Cooke Park, with proceedings kicking off at 9am and wrapping up at 2pm.

Parkes Shire Concert Band will be welcoming everyone to the Park at 9.10am.

Event organisers look forward to welcoming Parkes Dance Co to Homegrown Parkes for the first time. They will be taking the stage at 10.30am, followed by Parkes M&D with a preview of their upcoming production Little Shop of Horrors at 11am.

Unfortunately the coffee roasting workshop has to be cancelled. There will still be giveaways and goodies that will be drawn at the workshop with Phil and Nadia Donato, being held at 12.30pm. Join them to learn how to make Tiramisu! Registrations essential.

Our Fijian friends will be performing on the main stage at 1.30pm to send everyone off. What a fantastic way to finish the day at Homegrown Parkes!As part of the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town’s weekend, Homegrown Parkes attendees will have the opportunity to join one of three bus trips leaving from Cooke Park at 2pm.

This event is made possible with funding and in-kind support from Parkes Shire Council, Evolution Mining Northparkes operations and Central West Lachlan Landcare.

We look forward to seeing you between 9am and 2pm on Saturday at Cooke Park.

Mayoral Notes

October 9, 2025 by Roxane Manley

I’m delighted to invite everyone to join us for the second annual Meet the Makers, happening at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre on Sunday 12 October from 10am unitl 2pm.

This event is a wonderful celebration of local talent and regional produce, giving you the chance to go behind the scenes, discover the homegrown delights, and chat with our passionate producers.

There will be free samples, food tastings and giveaways, showcasing the best of what our local area has to offer. I encourage everyone, locals and visitors, to come along, meet the makers, and enjoy a taste of our region.

Here in Forbes, we love nothing more than great food, good company, and a dash of healthy competition. The National BBQ Championships Forbes is returning to Grinsted Oval on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025 for two sizzling days of competition, entertainment and fun.

For the first time, the Grilling Prize Pool has been split into two exciting categories:

Local Legends Grilling for our homegrown talent, and General Grilling open to all BBQenthusiasts. This change creates even more chances for competitors to claim a share of the prize pool.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbeque legend, there’s a chance you could be crowned this year’s BBQ champion. Head to Council’s website to sign up.

Our community is filled with people who go above and beyond, whether through volunteering, leadership, or offering a helping hand when it’s needed most. The Forbes Shire Australia Day Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge and thank these remarkable individuals.

Nominations are now open for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year.

Forms can be downloaded via Council’s website. Nominations close Friday 16 January 2026. Winners will be announced at the 2026 Australia Day celebrations in Forbes. It’s a simple way to say thank you and celebrate their incredible contribution to our community.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

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