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Forbes Phoenix

Doing It For Dolly

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Do it for Dolly Day encourages parents to strike up the conversation with their kids.

One in four Australian school students between years 4 and 9 are being bullied. One in seven of them won’t tell anyone. That’s over 340,000 young people staying silent. 

Dolly Everett was one of those students being bullied. Tragically, she was only 14 when she took her life in January 2018, following relentless and sustained bullying and cyber bullying. 

Determined that no other family would suffer from the same devastation, Dolly’s parents, Tick and Kate Everett, established the anti-bullying organisation, Dolly’s Dream. They are committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide, through awareness, education and direct support to young people and families.

This May on Do It For Dolly Day the Everett family are encouraging everyone to help break the silence around bullying.

Psychologist and Dolly’s Dream advisory board member, Dr Charlotte Keating agreed that “As parents, carers, educators or concerned family or friends, each one of us can choose to have the critical conversations that will help end the cycle of bullying.”

This is why resources such as the Dolly’s Dream Support Line are critical. This free, 24-hour telephone service provides a way for young people anywhere across Australia to connect with a trained counsellor who is ready to listen and help.

This invaluable support service was only made possible with the funds raised by our generous supporters and the wider community.

Every year in May we see thousands of wonderful communities come together to remember Dolly, participate in fundraising activities to help support the important anti-bullying work of Dolly’s Dream, and share the message to be kind and speak even if your voice shakes.

On Friday 12 May, Do It For Dolly and donate to help make Dolly’s own dream of a kinder and safer world for Australia’s kids and communities a reality.

For more information visit: www.doitfordollyday.org.au

New Fencing Has Tails Wagging

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Phil Donato MP, Member for Orange with Parkes District Kennel Club member Fiona Watts and Fiona’s dog Willow, in front of the newly erected fencing.

Earlier this week, Member for Orange Philip Donato MP caught up with Parkes District Kennel Club Inc to inspect their newly completed fencing, funded by a $24,910 grant under the 2022 NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership.

Funding was allocated for the removal of existing ring pipework, construction of new post and rail, chain, wire and mesh fencing and construction of entry and exit gates for competition rings. All works have now been completed.

Parkes District Kennel Club member Fiona Watts was on hand to show Phil the completed works, saying, “An enclosed fence was a pipe dream for us. We’ve received a few smaller grants from Council for equipment, as that can be expensive, but the cost of the enclosed fencing seemed unobtainable.”

The club applied for a grant and under the Community Partnership Program. Phil explained the process, “The applications come to my office, I asses them, score them and rank them, whhich accounts for 60% of the overall ratings of the scores. Applications then go to an independent review panel where they get scored again and the scores are collated before funding is allocated.”

The new fencing was erected by local contactor, Matt Clarke from Central West Fencing. 

The Parkes District Kennel Club has been operating for 60 years, predominantly as a confirmation club for breeders. However, for the past six years, they have been focusing on sporting.

Successful Royce Simmons Big Walk Fundraiser For PMJRLC

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

PMJRLC Secretary Kate Thomas and Club President Andrew Thomas alongside the legend himself, Royce Simmons.

The Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club (PMJRLC) are extremely grateful to everyone who attended, or in any way supported, the PMJRLC Sportsmans Dinner held in conjunction with Royce Simmons’s Big Walk for Dementia.

Planning for the event kicked into gear back in January and there was a lot of behind the scenes work that went into organising the event. 

Club President Andrew Thomas was pleased to report, 210 people attended the night, reaching full capacity. “We try to do one major fundraiser throughout the year. Having Royce and the old footballers come and share their stories was great, it was really entertaining,” said Andrew.

The evening raised over $18,000, and feedback from Royce was that it was one of the more successful events he has attended along his walk. 

A portion of the funds raised will go towards Royce’s cause, Dementia Australia and the remaining funds to the PMJRLC.

Andrew would like to thank everyone involved, fincluding those who purchased tickets, those who bid on items, businesses who donated items and people who donated time to organise and set up the event. Following are a few special mentions, but if your name has been missed please know your support was greatly appreciated. Thanks to Reece Plumbing, Power Tools Plus, Mortimer Wines, NSW Rugby League, Alliance Pharmacy, Southern Cross Village and honorable mentions to Royce and his entire committee, to Meg from the Parkes Services Club and last but most definitely not least, Kate Thomas.

Last year Royce raised over $1M to raise awareness of dementia and help fund much needed trials to help better understand the illness and its effects. 

Mothers Day Cheesecake Recipe

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

INGREDIENTS

Crust Ingredients

1½ cups roughly chopped dates

½ cup roughly chopped almonds/cashews

½ cup shredded coconut

½ tsp vanilla essence (optional)

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

4 drops Young Living’s Lemon essential oil

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

2 cups raw soaked cashews

½ cup coconut milk

½ cup maple syrup or honey (to taste)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup melted coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla essence

4 – 6 drops Young Living’s Lemon essential oil (to taste)

1 cup sliced strawberries 

Strawberries for decorating (optional)

Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend all the crust ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.

2. Press the crust into the bottom of silicone cupcake moulds, then place in the fridge to set while you make the cheesecake filling.

3. To make the filling, blend together all the filling ingredients except for the strawberries in a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. You may add more sweetener and/or Lemon essential oil to taste and blend again.

4. Spoon half the mixture (leaving the rest to make the strawberry layer) into the cupcake moulds and smooth leaving room in each mold for the pink strawberry layer.

5. Add the sliced strawberries into the remaining filling mixture and blend until smooth. Spoon the strawberry layer on top of the first layer, smooth the top, add strawberry slices, if using and place in the freezer to set for at least 4 hours to overnight.

6. When ready to serve, remove the cheesecakes from the moulds, let them thaw for 5 – 10 minutes and then enjoy! 

Snippets…

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM says activating Lake Endeavour for recreational use has been a long-held desire of many in our community.

$1 Million Boost For Recreational Infrastructure At Lake Endeavour: Lake Endeavour is set to be transformed into the first developed natural water location for recreational use in the Shire thanks to $1 million in funding from the NSW Government.

Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM, said the exciting developments will enable locals and visitors alike to enjoy the fantastic natural beauty of Lake Endeavour. “The Parkes Shire has little in the way of natural outdoor spaces that can be used for water-based recreation, and as a result, residents often travel elsewhere throughout the year,” Cr Keith said.

The project design is being finalised, with works on this project expected to be completed in mid-2024. Proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Places to Swim grant program as part of the Open Spaces Program.

Free Flood Recovery Sessions For Bedgerabong Residents: Forbes Shire Council is pleased to provide free one-on-one information sessions on re-establishing your home or business after the November 2022 flood events. Meetings will be held with one of the professional development staff of Council to tailored and specific advice navigating the planning approval process or the NSW Planning Portal. This could include for house raising, demolition, rebuilding or relocating your home or business. Appointments are available upon request. For any enquiries please call the Development and Planning Team on (02) 6850 2300 (Option 1) or development@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Tetanus On The Rise – Update Your Vaccinations: NSW Health is urging people to make sure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations after three cases in NSW, including one death.

Dr Christine Selvey, Director of Communicable Diseases, NSW Health, urged the community, particularly older Australians, to ensure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations. 

“In Australia, the disease mostly occurs in older people, usually women, who are inadequately immunised.”

These are the first tetanus cases reported in NSW since 2019, and the death is the first due to tetanus since 1993.

For more information on tetanus, please visit:www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/tetanus.

NSW residents are being urged to ensure they are up-to-date with their tetanus vaccinations.

A Great Time Had By All At The Show

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Milarni 8, Isabelle 6 and Khan 4 from Forbes, had a great time at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

We have received glowing reports from our Royal Easter Show competition winners. 

Forbes winner, Joanne Holmes was excited to win and took her three grandchildren to the Show, saying “The grandkids and I had a great time, as you can see by the smiles on their faces.” 

Parkes winner Theresa Byrnes was equally excited and took, daughter Rebecca Byrnes and two of her grandchildren along with her. “We had an absolute blast adventuring around the show,” said Theresa.

Be Seen @ Parkes Services Club on ANZAC Day

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Graham Coleman and Janet Hibbs.

 

Kirsty Eshman, Laylah Logan and Kelly Logan.

 

Leah Barber and Allison Jones.

Our Bloke – Jack Hodges-Lockwood

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Jack Hodges-Lockwood

Where were you born? Orange, NSW.

Were you named after anyone? My great grandfather.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Completing my apprenticeship.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Covid-19.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never put your hand where you wouldn’t put your willy.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Swimming in waters with tiger sharks around Moreton Island.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My misses to cook, a fishing rod and a pallet of longnecks.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Upgrading my second love Barbara (my ute).

When are you happiest? Putting my feet up on a Friday arvo. 

The Boars Bring Home The Points In Their Return To Spicer Oval

April 28, 2023 by Cath Ryan

Parkes defeated Narromine 40-3 and secure the Red Cross shield. Parkes Boars player Dan Ryan and son (left); Marika Koroivui celebrated his 100th game with two tries (right).

From the kick-off, the Boars bustled Narromine, with Soropepeli Bainivalu taking the ball over the line on the wing for the first points of the match, Luke Bevan had the extras taking the score Parkes seven Narromine nil. Narromine then put points on the board with a penalty kick, Parkes seven to Narromine three.

A big, bustling try to Soropepeli gave Parkes, another five points and Luke Bevan successfully converted to add the extras, 

Narromine put up a brave fight but the Parkes forward pack lead by Ben Ryan, Rory Nock and Jacob Hardy just shut down their plays.

In his 100th senior game for the Parkes Boars, Marika Koroivui scored a try under the posts much to the delight of the crowd. Luke Bevan’s converts, took the score to Parkes 21, Narromine three.

The second half was no better for Narromine when Calum Reeves crossed the line on the wing for the Boars . A massive kick from the sideline by Luke Bevan added the extra points.

Narromine lifted, but again their play wasshut down. Mahe Fangupo on his return match to the Parkes Boars was in devastating form in the halfback position.

With 12 minutes to go Parkes scored another try when Soropepeli crossed the line for the third time. Luke Bevan followed up with a successful conversion.

But there was still more to come. Marika Koroivui gathered the ball and bolted 65m down the field in an amazing individual try to put the ball down under the posts. The crowd went off, clapping and stamping in appreciation for this man. Luke Bevan converted to take the final score to Parkes 40 to Narromine three.

Three points and players player went to Marika Koroivui, two points went to George Taylorand one point to Soropepeli Bainivalu.

By Cath Ryan

BreastScreen NSW Now Recruiting

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

BreastScreen NSW (Greater Western) is recruiting representatives for its Consumer Advisory Committee, including a primary care provider, and women aged 40 and above who are clients of the service.

Women who speak a language other than English at home, or who are Aboriginal, are encouraged to apply. Committee members need to live or work in areas covered by Western NSW and Far West Local Health Districts.

Ms Deon Adamson, Manager, BreastScreen NSW (Greater Western) says the committee’s role is to provide consumer input, advice and feedback in order to enhance access, planning and development of screening and assessment services. 

“Members of our Consumer Advisory Committee are our eyes and ears on the ground, providing us with valuable local insights that help us to continually monitor and improve our services,” Ms Adamson says.

“Breast screening saves lives, so please consider joining us, knowing you will make an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of your community, helping to shape the services we provide.”

Committee meetings are held twice yearly and it is possible to attend remotely. 

For further information or to apply please email: kay.smith@health.nsw.gov.au

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