Roxane Manley

Spaceman’s First Trial Match For 2023

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Spacemen players are ready for the 2023 season.

Rugby League fans should head to Pioneer Oval in Parkes, this Saturday, 18th February, to get behind the Parkes Spaceman in their first trial match of the season. The Parkes Spaceman will take on the Thilmere Tahmoor Roosters.

Players and coaches are excited to for the 2023 season with home games always a big draw card for local footy fans.

The coaches for this years season are:
• League Tag: Michael Dumesny
• U18s: Will Wardle,
• Reserve Grade: Jimmy Clyburn
• First Grade: Chad Porter

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we get to know the Parkes Spaceman coaching team in the lead up to the start of the season.

President of The Parkes Spaceman, Tony Dwyer said of the upcoming 2023 season, “There is a great vibe around the club. The boys have been in full training since the middle of January and with the addition of a couple of front rowers everyone is excited for the season ahead.”

Community Tennis Evening Held On Friday Night

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The ladies enjoy a thrilling hit out.

Boys To The Bush serving up a delicious BBQ and food supplied by Forbes Shire Council at last Friday’s community tennis evening.

Everyone enjoyed some on court action and so much fun was had by all.

These local Forbes girls enjoyed the view from the umpires chair.

On Friday Night The Forbes Town and District Tennis Club and Boys to the Bush hosted an evening of fun with plenty of tennis and novelty games for families to enjoy. It was a great way of promoting all that the club has to offer and encourage locals to use the facilities. The evening was very well supported all who attended enjoyed their night. The Boys to the Bush team cooked a cracking BBQ with food supplied by Forbes Shire Council. Thanks to all who helped out and gave up their time to support this event.

Our Gal – Barb Chislett

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Barb Chislett

Where were you born? Trundle.

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Man landing on the moon.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? To be honest.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Coming to Hay’s Hardware LOL!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A boat, food, and water.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On a nice holiday.

When are you happiest? At home with my family.

$1 Billion To Build Better Bush Roads And Rail

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured at the billion dollar announcement from L-R Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole and NSW premier Dominic Perrottet.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $1 billion in the regions to upgrade the roads communities use every day, fast-track freight and rebuild transport infrastructure after disaster.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the landmark commitment would improve the resilience of the road and rail network right across NSW, benefitting the regions.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that there’s more to do which is why we’ll inject an extra $400 million into the Fixing Local Roads program so we can help councils turbocharge their efforts on road maintenance.

“We’ll also invest a further $600 million in the road and rail network through a new Fast Tracking Freight program and a Build Back Better program.

“As anyone in the bush knows, we can’t keep replacing these roads and rail lines and expecting something different the next time a disaster rolls through – we have to put in the money now to keep our State moving forward.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods, forward thinking was needed to strengthen the state’s supply chain.

“Betterment isn’t a last minute thought bubble or cash splash. This has been a 12-month journey since I signed the firstco funded betterment pilot in the country torebuild infrastructure in the northern NSWpost floods,” Mr Farraway said.

Snippets…

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured in the front row on the left is Cate Plink, the Fellowship of Writer’s special guest who will be attending the free writing workshop for seniors at the Parkes Library.

Workshop For Seniors: Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing? All Seniors Card Holders are invited to head along on Monday, 20th February, to a special free writing workshop in the Makerspace at Parkes Shire Library.

Join the Fellowship of Australian Writers to learn the skills needed to enter the annual Seniors Card Short Story Competition. Special guest Cate Plink will be attending the event and everyone is encouraged to paricipate in the workshop and prepare an entry for the short story competition. To book please call Maureen Kelly OAM on 0417 403 720.

Helping Homeowners Build Better: Building a new home in NSW just got easier with a new digital tool released this week to help guide homeowners through the process from start to finish.

Deputy Secretary of Delivery, Coordination, Digital and Insights at the Department of Planning and Environment, Amanda Fairley said, “From laying the foundations to finessing the finishing touches, we want to help people to get their dream project off the ground and reduce some of the stress.”

To use the tool, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/myhome-planner

Open Mic Now On At The Mersh: The Commercial Hotel in Forbes has always been a well-run family pub and Lindee Colvin, who has recently taken over from mum Debbie, is bringing the revamped establishment into a bright new era with a treasure trove of great ideas, development and promotions throughout 2023!

One of the regular fixtures on the calendar will be the Open Mic Day every second Sunday from 19th February. Following the first event two weeks ago, it is certain to prove popular.

“We want all types of local and regional talent here,” said Lindee. “Musicians who play and sing, karaoke, poets, comedians – whatever. It is about encouraging people who may not have been on stage before to get up and have a go!”

The first event attracted a packed house and included a number of performers including crowd favourite Lara Constable, who wowed the audience with her great singing voice. “The day is all about fun and discovering new talent and having a crack at it – you never know what might happen,” said Lindee.

For regular updates head to the Commercial Hotel Facebook page.

Daniel Miller and Dane Millerd are rocking and ready for the Mersh Open Mic Night this Sunday from 4pm at the Commercial Hotel, Forbes.

Student Wellbeing Programs Get Tick Of Approval

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Students at New South Wales public schools are set to benefit from a new range of evidence-based wellbeing programs that have been reviewed and quality assured.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the new quality assured student wellbeing catalogue now available to schools was part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s ongoing work to provide greater mental health and wellbeing support for young people.

“The Liberal and Nationals are building an education system in which students thrive. Supporting students’ wellbeing is essential to supporting them in their academic achievement,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Sourcing appropriate and high-quality programs is not always easy for schools, taking time and often requiring specialist knowledge. This catalogue takes out the guesswork and administrative burden, giving school leaders more confidence in their decisions around what external providers they use to support students.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said we are yet to see the full impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing on children.

“By continuing to prioritise and invest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students, we help build and strengthen their resilience and ability to adapt and cope with challenging situations,” Mrs Taylor said.

Life Saving Defibs For Local Sporting Clubs

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Fantastic news for grassroots sport which will be safer for players, spectators and volunteers as part of a $500,000 push to install life-saving defibrillators at community facilities across NSW.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said 191 devices will be installed thanks to the latest round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

“With more than 8,500 people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW, this program provides sports with early access to a defibrillator in the worst case scenario,” Mr Henskens said.

“Since the Liberal and Nationals Government introduced this program in 2017, more than 2,000 defibrillators have been installed at sports facilities across NSW.”

The grants cover the full cost of equipment under the program with several sporting organisations receiving multiple devices.

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said nine out of every 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital don’t survive.

“We want to change that statistic so it’s vital that we get as many defibrillators installed across NSW,” Mr Vandenberg said.

More information about the program is available at www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/

$240,000 To Balance The Scales For Wheelchair Sports In Parkes

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said, “It is a fundamental right of all Australians to have access to play sport, and no-one should need to travel more than 60 minutes to do so.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway was recently joined by the NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto to announce that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government are providing $242,000 in funding to establish a Wheelchair Multi-Sport Hub for both Orange and Parkes.

“This project will address that issue by establishing a hub in Orange and Parkes, where the community can not only store sports wheelchairs but also come together to enjoy the physical, social, and mental health benefits of sport.”

CEO of Wheelchair Sports NSW ACT Inc Mick Garnett thanked the NSW Government for their support and said that the project would make a real difference to locals.

“A wheelchair multi-sport hub in Orange and Parkes will provide a much-needed resource for people with disabilities in the region, and we are looking forward to working with the community to promote accessibility and inclusion through sport.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said “It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday life right across regional NSW, from Byron Bay to Bega to Broken Hill.”

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf

Wheelchair Sports NSW ACT Inc. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the physical, social, and mental health benefits of sport for people with disabilities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the organisation aims to promote accessibility and inclusion in the community.

Beyond Blue Welcomes New Closing The Gap National Plan And Funding

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Beyond blue

Beyond Blue welcomes the Australian Government’s second Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, which injects $424 million into initiatives aimed at improving life outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

The plan, released on the 15th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, invests in measures that many non-Indigenous people take for granted, such as access to safe drinking water, food security, housing and family violence support and education.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said progress had been appallingly slow in closing the gap over the past 16 years, since the campaign began. “It’s unacceptable that today, in 2023, there remains a significant gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rates of suicide, incarceration and child removal,” Ms Harman said.

“It’s time for Australia to learn from previous policy failures and work together with First Nations Peoples to address these shocking realities.”

“Beyond Blue is a proud member of the Close the Gap Campaign Alliance and is committed to walking together in friendship with First Nations communities and organisations to promote healing, unity and improved social and emotional wellbeing.

“The upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament is an important step in accepting the invitation extended to all of us in the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” Ms Harman said.

13YARN is a crisis support line for First Nations Peoples. Call 13 92 76 or go to 13yarn.org.au

Housing Pods Hit The Ground In Eugowra

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Flood-impacted residents across the Cabonne Shire can now apply for modular homes, with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government expanding its temporary accommodation program following last year’s successful caravan rollout.

Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said modular homes are now being installed. “These pods will complement the 110 caravans we already have in place, giving residents more options and more support while they continue their recovery journey.”

“It’s important people remain as close as possible to their own home and connected with their community while they undertake the difficult clean-up and rebuilding process, that’s what the modular homes will allow,” said Steph.

Flood-impacted residents in the Cabonne Shire can apply for the Pods on Private Property Program by visiting their local Recovery Assistance Point, calling Service NSW on 13 77 88 or sending an email to: housingtaskforce@resilience.nsw.gov.au.

Caravans are continuing to be provided through a partnership between the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government and accommodation provider Camplify. Flood-impacted residents who have previously received a caravan and are eligible for a modular home will be able to transition.

More information at: www.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery/temporary-housing.

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