Roxane Manley

Parkes Stakeholders And Community Members Voice Their Concerns

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Upper House Select Committee members pictured at the conclusion of the public forum in Parkes. Nichole Overall MLC (Chair) is pictured in the centre.

The Upper House Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities visited Parkes on Tuesday, 14 April for a hearing and a public forum. Through this inquiry the committee is examining the potential impacts of the proposed facility in Parkes (and Tarago).During this week’s hearing, the committee heard evidence from stakeholders and during the afternoon’s public forum, the committee heard directly from members of the community.

Chair of the Committee Nichole Overall MLC said, “It’s incredibly important to be here with the community to hear from them directly. Receiving submissions as part of the inquiry process is one thing, but having that direct engagement, and the community having the opportunity to present their points of view, their questions, their concerns, is really powerful from the perspective of the inquiry.”

“I know the emotion around this issue, which is why we, the NSW Nationals called for the inquiry, we understand how important it is and it’s far better to be here, and present and listening, so that we can take that message back to Macquarie Street in Sydney and ensure that our regional voices are truly being heard.”

Local Parkes farmer Sarah Townsend, who attended the public forum had this message for the decision makers, “If it is so safe, just keep it in Sydney. Why waste the money sending it here.”

Find out more at https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=337 The full hearing recording is available at: www.youtube.com/@NSWParliamentOfficial

Mayoral Notes

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

I am proud to share that Forbes has been officially nominated for the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards, recognising destinations that excel in welcoming visitors, delivering memorable experiences and showcasing what makes their community unique.

Forbes is nominated in the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards in the category for towns with a population over 5,000, alongside Ballina, Moree, Shellharbour, Coffs Harbour, Kiama, Orange and Wollongong.

Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and jobs. I encourage everyone to get behind Forbes by voting. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Maitland. Head to Council’s website to vote.

It’s been fantastic to see such strong attendance at the first week of Council’s School Holiday and Youth Week program, with activities proving very popular among local young people and families.

There’s still plenty to look forward to, with a great range of activities coming up including a family movie night, interactive

makeup class, mural painting, Youth Leadership Summit and the Course Anglers Fishing Workshop. These activities offer opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, and are a wonderful way for young people to stay engaged during the holidays. Places are limited, so bookings are essential. Head to Council’s website to book in and secure your spot.

Young people aged 16+ from Forbes are invited to audition for this year’s Mock Crash Demonstration. Running since 2009, the program has helped reduce crashes involving young drivers by 27%, showing the real‐life consequences of unsafe driving.

Auditions will be held on Tuesday 12 May from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkes SES Shed on Boyd Circuit in Parkes. To register, contact our Road Safety Officer on 6861 2364.

If you’re successful, you’ll take part in both pre‐recorded videos and a live mock crash demonstration alongside local emergency services at Parkes High School on Monday 17 August 2026.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Fuel supply in NSW remains secure.

NSW Government: If you’re storing fuel at home, only store small quantities. Fuel vapours are highly flammable, it is best to keep only what you need for things like the mower or generator. Overbuying for any reason or use means friends, neighbours and regional communities could go without. Find out more about fuel security nsw.gov.au/fuel

Sheep Producers Australia: From concept to on-farm decisions, through the Green Sheep Project, Glenelg Hopkins CMA is helping producers understand their natural capital, improve grazing systems and access future market opportunities.

Need more Green Sheep Project information? Register for the Sheep Producers Australia newsletter: https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/updates

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council advises there will be temporary road closures and parking restrictions in place for the Light Up Parkes Event and Fireworks Display on Saturday, 18 April 2026. Affected areas include parts of Clarinda Street and nearby carparks/laneways in the CBD. View the closure details here: bit.ly/4tuoHpo or contact Council on 02 6861 2333.

Cancer Council’s Do It For Cancer: Get fit and raise funds with just 31 minutes of exercise a day throughout the month of May. To support Aussies impacted by cancer sign up today to the F Cancer Fitness Challenge at www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/f-cancer-fitness-challenge.

The Forbes Inn: The Forbes Inn is now serving dinner 7 nights a week at Sylo. Head along for a relaxed evening, great food and good company.

Landcare Australia: Want to receive the next Landcare in Focus newsletter straight to your inbox? Subscribe to get your copy of this online publication and read inspiring stories from across the landcare movement. Subscribe today: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/subscribe/

R U OK?: You can care deeply and still worry about getting it wrong. But being there for someone isn’t about having the perfect words or solutions to their challenges. It’s about giving them the space to talk about what they’re going through and reminding them they’re not alone. For tips on how to have supportive conversations visit: ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Let them know you’re there for them.

Be Seen @ Generosity Church Parkes

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Sunday’s Easter service and egg hunt at Cooke Park was amazing.

A huge thank you to all who helped make this such a key event on our calendar.

It is such a joy to be able to share the love of Jesus in a real and practical way.

Labor’s Energy Crisis Hits Families In Parkes Electorate

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

New data has revealed the impact the Albanese Labor Government’s disastrous energy policies are having on local families.

According to the Australian Energy Regulator, over 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December 2025.

Since Labor was elected in 2022, 72,914 households have recorded hardship. Nationally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just 3.5 years, the highest level of hardship on record.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the energy crisis was heaping pressure on local households.

“It is heartbreaking to hear of the impact rising power bills, together with inflation, climbing interest rates and the fuel crisis, is having on families in the Parkes electorate. Many are at breaking point,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Behind this new data are people in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet, yet all they get from the federal government are broken promises.

“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Australians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve.”

New Vaccination Alternatives Ahead Of Flu Season

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured are two of Flannery’s Forbes Pharmacists : Pharmacy intern Sami Duggan and Pharmacist Brooke Young.

It’s hoped a new nasal spray influenza vaccine will provide a needle-free alternative for children and help increase the vaccination uptake.

The NSW Government’s Intranasal Influenza Vaccination Program, for children aged two years to under five years, commences in April for a short period of time.

NSW Health will assess whether a needle free alternative increases influenza vaccination coverage. FluMist is also available as a patient funded vaccine for patients 5-18 years old.

“Understandably many young children don’t like receiving vaccinations, so we hope this new nasal spray provides a needle free alternative,” Managing Partner at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy Forbes, Sarah Hazell, said.

“We have already seen many cases of influenza in our community the past month and it was a severe flu season across Australia last year. Thousands of children under the age of five presented to emergency departments across NSW with the flu. Our priority is to help prevent this and ensure we’re protecting the youngest members of our community in the best possible way.”

Adult influenza vaccinations have now l also been updated following last year’s flu season, which saw Australia record the highest number of deaths involving influenza this century.

There were 1,701 deaths where influenza was the direct cause, or a contributor, registered for 2025 compared to 1,045 in 2024 and 611 in 2023. Flu vaccines have been updated for 2026 with two new A strains, and National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines will be available from April.

Both Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy are taking bookings and accepting walk-ins for influenza vaccination.

$2 Million Investment To Support Climate-smart Flock Management

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Sheep producers across NSW and Victoria facing increasing climate variability will benefit from a new $2 million project delivering demonstration sites, workshops and case studies showcasing climate-smart flock management.

Led by Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), in partnership with Riverine Plains, Holbrook Landcare Network, Monaro Farming Systems, Tablelands Farming Systems, Local Land Services, Birchip Cropping Group, and Agriculture Victoria, the initiative will engage more than 500 producers over the next three years.

The project will trial a range of precision livestock technologies including in-paddock livestock weighing and satellite-based pasture monitoring, which can provide producers with real-time insights into flock performance and feed availability.

Combined with strategic grazing and nutrition practices, these tools can support informed decisions on stocking rates and feed allocation, helping producers reduce methane emissions, improve soil health and water retention, enhance animal productivity, and build resilience in their businesses.

CWFS Executive Officer Diana Fear said the project is an important opportunity to bring the latest innovations directly to farming communities. “This project will establish demonstration sites across different farming systems, backed by workshops and extension activities that give producers the confidence to trial and adopt climate-smart practices themselves.”

“Ultimately, we hope this project empowers producers to improve productivity and resilience while contributing to a low-emissions future for the sheep industry.”

The project runs from October 2025 to June 2028 and is funded from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Be Seen @ Trundle Children’s Centre Disco

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Trundle Children’s Centre’s first Easter disco was great fun with games, dancing, hair braiding, and chocolate.

We loved seeing so many of our primary school friends.

Thank you to the Trundle Golf Club for supporting the event and to all the wonderful helpers.

Currajong Disability Services Hosts Successful Super Tag Gala Day

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Currajong Disability Services, in partnership with Parkes Spacemen and the NSWRL hosted a successful Super Tag Gala Day at Pioneer Oval on Tuesday 14 April.

Parkes players were joined by players who travelled from Orange, Forbes, Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.

The idea for the gala day began when Andrew Thomas, President of Parkes Spacemen was in Dubbo watching a Super Tag game and sent a video of it to Douglas Pout, from Currajong Disability Services.

The rest is now history.

Andrew Thomas said, “At the moment there are three clubs in the PMP playing Super Tag, and we are hoping Parkes will be the fourth.”

The participants were taken through warm ups and skill drills by NSWRL to start off, learning what you have to do, how to move the ball around and how you run with each other. After that players took part in a few games, running 15 minutes each way.

Douglas Pout from Currajong Disability Services said he hoped this event will be the first of many. “What I’d love to see is for this to become a multiday event, where we can have teams come from all over and come here to play.”

Brooke Mallison, NSWRL Club and Competition Co-ordinator said, “We will come out and support these days in co-ordinating them and working with all the disability services in the local areas. We will get on board with the NRL guys that come out and they will run different skills and drills to the ability levels of all the participants.”

Thanks to everyone involved in making the day such a success, including major sponsor Parkes Fitness4All, BRITT Physiotherapy, Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining and all of the staff at Currajong Disability Services along with the other service providers who helped make the day possible.

Brooke Mallison, Douglas Pout, Andy Thomas and Toby Kable.

Volunteers from Parkes Spacemen and training staff from NSWRL.

The Lake Macquarie/Hunter Region team who travelled to Parkes to partake in the gala day.

Mason Wild Takes Home Australian Dirt Track Title

April 9, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A challenging weekend at the Australian Dirt Track Titles in Albury-Wodonga turned into a moment of triumph for young rider Mason Wild, who claimed the 80 Modified Australian Dirt Track Title after a hard-fought final.

The weekend didn’t start smoothly for the W15 rider, with gate starts proving difficult across multiple classes from the outset of practice. Wild struggled to get clean launches off the line throughout the early stages of the weekend, forcing him to fight from the back of the field in several races.

While the Albury Wodonga track had its challenges, Wild left with the ultimate prize and the Australian Title.

Adding to the team’s strong weekend was brother Reed Wild, who stepped up into one of the most competitive grids in the sport for his first race in the division. Reed impressed, taking third place in his opening heat and earning a direct transfer to the final in the 65cc class. His performance marked a significant milestone and highlighted the depth of talent within the Wild racing team.

The Wild boys also acknowledged the amazing support network behind their racing efforts, thanking their sponsors who help make competing possible, including Beard Brothers MC, JR Mechanical Services, ProMoto Suspension, Ringmaster Images, Little Ripperz, Extra Mile MC, White Race Tuning, Flemmings Roofing and Central West Funerals.

After a tough weekend of racing, one thing is certain the young W15 machine and Mason Wild delivered when it counted most.