Roxane Manley

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers Go Full Throttle For Prostate Cancer

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers are ready to rev up their engines From August 11 to 22. Contributions, big or small, will go a long way. Together, we can support the PCFA’s life-saving work and show our support for the men in our lives.

Parkes local Richard Jefferay is gearing up to drive more than 1,240km from Bourke to Birdsville on a Massey Ferguson tractor with a top speed of just 23km/h. He’ll be joined by eight mates, navigating remote dirt tracks and stopping in small towns to spark life-saving conversations about early detection and prostate cancer awareness.

With just days to go until the trek kicks off on 11 August, Richard has smashed his $100,000 fundraising goal – and still climbing. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support. Every kilometre counts in raising awareness and saving lives,” says Richard.

This is a deeply personal mission for Richard, whose father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over the past two years, he’s raised over $90,000 for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. This year Richard’s father and his son are both trekking alongside him.

The Tractor Trek is proudly backed by Tyrepower, which has raised over $1.3 million for PCFA over the past 11 years.

At their recent International Conference, a charity auction in support of the trek pulled in more than $150,000.

Richard would like to thank local sponsors Potts Removals and Storage, Steve Magill Earthmoving, Magill Transport, Hoys Heavy Haulage, Oils Plus, Parkes Liquid Nitrogen, Wrights Farming, Moss and Sons, Power Tools Plus, Signs U See, Tyrepower, Parkes Auto Wreckers and Central West Car Club.

Follow the Parkes Tractor Trekkers and donate at https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/richardjefferay

Mayoral Notes

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

This week marks Local Government Week (LG Week) 2025. The annual celebration is designed to showcase the full range of services, programs, and infrastructure provided by local councils. We have used the week to highlight some of our dedicated staff. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more about their roles and contributions.

We have also involved our future representatives in Local Government Week too! On Thursday, around 130 local primary students spent a hands-on day with Council, meeting teams from Landscaping, Waste, Planning, Tourism and Rangers, and even learning what it takes to become a future Councillor. What a great thought that some of these young children will grow up to be a part of Council!If you’re new to Forbes, I’d like to extend a warm invitation to our upcoming Welcome to Forbes event on Thursday 28th August at SYLO Cafe and Eatery, Rankin Street from 5.30pm. Whether you’ve just arrived or have been settling in over the past few months, this is a great opportunity to meet some new people, chat with local sporting and interest groups and service providers and discover everything Forbes has to offer. Council is proud to host events like Welcome to Forbes because we know howimportant it is to feel connected and welcomed when moving to a new town. Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly evening with light refreshments. Please RSVP by Thursday 14th August to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.

I encourage all residents impacted by recent flooding events to attend the upcoming Resilient Homes Expo at the Eugowra Showground next month. Hosted by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Expo is designed to support homeowners by connecting them with expert advice and practical information on rebuilding stronger, safer and smarter.

The event will run from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday 3rd September and will feature representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, local councils, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and a range of industry experts and service providers.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Are you new to town?

Forbes Shire Council: Come along to our Welcome to Town event – a great chance to connect with locals, learn about services and activities, and discover everything our town has to offer. Please RSVP by Thursday 14 August to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.

Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia: Join Oceans to Outback and walk 87km to keep the Flying Doctor flying. That’s just 2.8km a day. It’s a rewarding fitness challenge that saves lives. Walk 87km during October to keep the Flying Doctor flying to Aussies in remote, rural and regional areas. Plus, they’ll send you a free t-shirt as a reward for fundraising. Imagine how incredible you’ll feel. Sign up today: www.oceanstooutback.org.au

Rural Women’s Network: Know an inspiring woman making a real difference? Now’s the time to shine a spotlight on them! Nominations are open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026. Celebrating trailblazers, change makers, quiet achievers and role models from every walk of life. Nominate someone for one of these categories: NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations close 9 September 2025. The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony, Thursday 5 March. Don’t miss the chance to recognise someone extraordinary: nsw.gov.au/wotya26

RSL NSW: The RSL NSW Wellbeing Support Officer Program is a statewide strategic initiative to reach more veterans and families than ever before, providing connection, camaraderie and support services to the community. More than 350 people have completed their WSO training, with more than 150 being authorised by their sub-Branch to work in their local community. Here are the five steps to become a WSO: https://rslnsw.org.au/news/infographic-5-steps-to-become-a-wellbeing-support-officer/

Parkes Elvis Festival: Entries are now open for the Busking Championships. Come and cheer on your favourite busker while they are being scored on Friday & Saturday afternoon. The top three buskers perform for the title of Busking Champion in the finals on the Cooke Park Main Stage on Sunday afternoon. Enter here: bit.ly/PEFbusking

Calling all local musicians.

Be Seen @ Forbes Public School

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Public School Kindergarten students recently celebrated the milestone of reaching 100 days of school.

Students made 100 biscuits, wrote about what they will look like/eat at 100, built towers using 100 cups and made self portrait of themselves at 100 years old.

FPS is proud of our littlest learners and all of their achievements so far. Keep up the great work Kindergarten.

Opening Of The Blacksmith Shop At The Henry Parkes Museum

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

You are all invited to join Mr Phil Donato MP, Patron of the Henry Parkes Museum, for the official opening of the newly restored Blacksmith Shop. Come along on Wednesday he 13 August from 10:30am to 11:30am at he Henry Parkes Museum, 66-78 Peak Hill Road. Entry is just a gold coin donation.

Step back into Parkes’ early foundry days as you explore some of the historical significance, such as, Earl Symonds, who estabished the original blacksmith shop on this very site, Richard Venables, of Venables & Co, a pioneering blacksmith engineer, Iron ounder John Westcott, Carriage & Coachbuilding Factory contributions to regional transport and many other local blacksmiths, foundries and carriage builders, including Arthur Cheney, Robert Turnbull and Charles Smart to name a few.

Our exhibit features authentic tools, period-correct machinery and the fascinating stories behind each artifact and the opportunity to participate in an interactive ropemaking display.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers whose tireless efforts have brought the Blacksmith Shop back to life. Their dedication has made this project possible.

Please confirm your attendance by Friday, 8 August by email: shpm15@outlook.com

Successful Grants Funding Announced

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP, hosting his annual grant writing workshops.

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP, has announced grants funding for a total of 16 infrastructure projects courtesy of the NSW Government’s 2025 Community Building Partnership Program (CBP) – totalling $450,000.

The annual grants program ensures local organisations and councils across the state have the facilities to support more vibrant and inclusive communities.

This year, the CBP grants will help bring to life a variety of projects including:

1. Forbes Shire Council: $43,076 for Ninja Park Shade Structure.

2. Canowindra Connections Centre: $54,016 for refurbishment of existing stables for food pantry storage.

3. Lions Club Of Canowindra Incorporated $15,000 for driving the safety of volunteers.

4. Lidster Public Hall Incorporated: $13,000 for replacement of Nashdale Hall and Community noticeboard with a more visible electronic noticeboard.

5. Boys to the Bush Pty Ltd: $20,000 for boosting Boys to the Bush in Orange.

6. Life Education NSW Limited: $14,152 for enhanced children’s learning environment – upgrading Healthy Harold Mobile Learning Centre with air-conditioning, carpet, and access steps.

7. Eugowra Community Bowls & Recreation Club: $40,000 for the rebuilding flood affected disabled toilets.

8. Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange: $48,000 for a new roof.

9. River Dreaming Aboriginal Corporation: $26,505 for the fitment of ENDUROCO lift kit to their existing bus.

10. Anglican Property Trust: $25,000 for maintenance to the roof of St John’s Anglican Church, Forbes.

11. Orange City Rugby Club Ltd: $36,500 for disabled concrete paths and spectator fencing.

12. Orange City Croquet Club: $25,000 for a ride-on greens mower for croquet courts.

13. Tullamore PA & H Association Incorporated: $13,031 for cementing the future of the Tullamore Showgrounds.

14. Cudal Community Children’s Centre: $22,720 for a shed, shade and safety.

15. Cancer Council NSW: $44,000 for Cancer Council transport to treatment for people affected by cancer living in Orange.

16. Gowrie NSW: $10,000 Newstead EEC – movable outdoor climbing equipment for children’s gross motor development.

“I wish to congratulate this year’s successful Community Building Partnership grants program applicants,” Mr Donato said.

“This annual grant program has been an important financial support mechanism, helping to grow and sustain many local community organisations.

“I look forward to visiting each of the successful applicants in the coming months, to personally congratulate them and learn more about the projects being undertaken with this funding.

“Given the funding cap for each electorate and being a highly competitive grants program, there certain to be some applicants who were unsuccessful – but they shouldn’t be discouraged from trying again next year.

“I have been hosting annual grant writing workshops to assist local organisations achieve funding success, and I encourage local grant applicants to participate in my next workshop,” said Mr Donato.

Local not-for-profit community organisations and councils were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 up to $100,000.

For more information you can visit the Community Building Partnership website: nsw.gov.au/cbp

Be Seen @ Parkes East Public School

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The 3-6 High Potential Art Class enjoyed their second lesson with Miss Massey.

Each week, students will learn a new artistic skill to build upon their natural ability.

The students used colours, tones and blending to start the background on their canvases.

Rural Ambassador Information Afternoon

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The call out is for entrants between 18 and 29 years of age with a passion for rural and regional Australia.

The Rural Ambassador Award is a National Competition that highlights and celebrates young people who have a genuine interest in rural and regional Australia.

The Parkes Rural Ambassador competition has been running since 2022. The three previous winners of the competition were Jess Kinsela in 2024, Joel Maguire in 2023 and Sally Wright in 2022.

The competition aims to build and develop the skills of our future leaders, volunteers and community members through a professional development series.

Ali Hall from The Parkes Show Committee said “Anyone that is interested in what the competition is and is considering doing something to develop their professional skills and get involved in the Parkes community or the local show. Bring a friend and enjoy a chat, over a beer and pizza, with some of the committee members and other potential entrants.”

Participation in the Parkes Show Rural Ambassador competition offers more than just a chance to win a title. It provides an opportunity to connect with like minded individuals who share a passion for agriculture and community involvement.

“The information afternoon will be an informal gathering. There will be information and entry forms available and the opportunity for those considering the opportunity to ask questions or get a better feel for the event. Organised as a light hearted, drop in and bump out as works for each person from 6pm until 8pm,” said Ali.

Event organisers are hugely thankful for the sponsors of the competition, Sunrise Energy, Worklocker, Tanswell Transport, The Corner Office Co, Parkes Decor Shoppe, Double J Angus and Somewhere…in Parkes.

The Rural Ambassador Information Afternoon is being held Friday 8th August from 6pm at ‘Somewhere In Parkes’ 310-314 Clarinda St. You can call the Show Office on 0467 622 580 or just pop into the Show office at 61 Welcome St.

Elizabeth Macgregor Excels On Debut In The NRLW

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The moment captured when Elixabeth MacGregor flew over the line for her first of two tries on debut with the CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs NRLW team.

Parkes local Elizabeth MacGregor is the youngest member of the Bulldogs’ inaugural squad, at only 18 years of age, the fullback earned an NRLW call up in Round 4 and scored a double on debut.

We spoke to Elizabeth about her football journey: “I have played football for as long as I can remember, most of it being club football up until I was 16 when I played representative footy for Western Rams and NSWCCC through school.

“At 17 I began training with the Sydney Roosters under 19s Tarsha Gale team and played my first year of under 19s with them.

This involved a lot of travel to and from Sydney three times a week in order to live my dream of playing football as well as still living in my home town and completing school.

“Halfway through 2024 I received a phone call and it was an offer to be in the Bulldogs top 24 squad. At the time I was on bed rest after having ankle surgery so I couldn’t believe it. Fast forward to the start of 2025 and I played my second year of 19s with Bulldogs and when that season finished I continued training with the NRLW team.

“When Brayden (NRLW coach) told me I would be making my debut against the Roosters I was quite nervous, but he has instilled a huge amount of confidence in me which helped with my preparation significantly.

“Going over for my first try was so surreal.

The first half didn’t go well for our team so to score our first try was amazing but the cutout pass from Ash Quinlan was unreal to get me over in the corner. Everyone in the team was so happy for me and I couldn’t ask for more supportive team mates. I was happy with one try but the second one just topped it all off, looking over at my family and friends cheering for me, some even crying. It was unreal and I feel so blessed to have people who care about me and my success in rugby league.

“I had so many family and friends at the game to support me and lots of people watching from home. I can’t thank them enough for all their support, especially my parents for all the effort, especially the travel, they have put in to get me to where I am today.”

After such a thrilling debut, its no surprise that Elizabeth came out scoring first for the Bulldogs in her second game. Her stats speak for themselves – four tries in just two appearances, eight tackle breaks and four line breaks and only one missed tackle.

Elizabeth was personally identified by Head Coach Blake Cavallaro in Parkes, NSW as a 15-year-old, and despite being just 18 years old, Cavallaro believes the fledgling fullback will have plenty of impact on the Club’s inaugural NRLW squad. “Elizabeth is six-foot, she’s fast and she’s athletic,” Cavallaro said.

“She can play anywhere between fullback, wing and centre and her arrival to the squad will help to inject a spark that will positively influence her teammates.”

President of The Parkes Spacemen RLFC Tony Dwyer said of Elizabeth: “She’s a terrific girl, she deserves every success she gets because she trains very hard.

She’s put so much time and effort into getting to where she is, we’re so proud of her, and she’s just a terrific person too.”

Elizabeth pictured with her extremely proud parents Paul and Charlene.

Incineration Is Not The Answer To Sydney’s Waste Crisis

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Greens reiterated their call for a statewide moratorium on waste-to-energy incinerators as concerned members of the Parkes community came together for an information night hosted by the Parkes Clean Future Alliance.

Greens spokesperson for Health and for Waste Dr Amanda Cohn MLC spent the weekend in the region listening to the community and speaking at the event which drew in more than 5 per cent of the town’s population.

Dr Cohn met with PCFA representatives and local farmer Graeme Somers, who neighbours the site where the incinerator would be built. She said “It was incredible to see how engaged the Parkes community is with this issue and hear their deep concerns about this so-called energy-fromwaste incinerator.

During her speech, Dr Cohn highlighted the Public Health Association of Australia’s recommendation that food grown near an incinerator should be avoided.

The Greens introduced a bill in 2020 that would have prevented the current Parkes proposal from proceeding. However, MPs from the then government and opposition voted it down, arguing it would risk jobs and international investment and that there was no evidence the bill was necessary or appropriate.

“This is not and never was about energy production. If incineration was an effective, clean and renewable way of producing electricity the Greens would be its strongest backers – but it’s not. This proposal is because of Sydney’s waste crisis, with the Greater Sydney basin set to run out of landfill space by 2030.

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