Roxane Manley

Sport Shorts

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Croquet News

Rain was again the winner on Saturday 4th May for Aussie Croquet. We had 40 players for Golf Croquet on a very comforting morning on Tuesday 7th. We had two visitors, Robin Polss daughter Catriona and granddaughter Emily Hunt. There were six players who managed to win three games: Ray Burridge, John Cole, Irene Ford, Kevin Rubie, Neville Spry and Peter West. The big winners were: 11-2 Neville Spry and Mal Smith and 10-3 Elvy Quirk and Catriona Hunt.

Forbes Junior AFL Club

Auskick and Superkick is back on and it kicks off today, 24th May! Sign up your kids and head down to Gaggin Oval every Friday 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Come meet the other kids, kick pass, run lots of fun.

Forbes Rugby Union Club

There were plenty of positives to take away from last Saturday. It was the first time the FRUC have had eight grades take the field on one day. Third grade is back after a 15 year hiatus. It was a big win for first grade, cementing them in 2nd place on the ladder after defeating Dubbo Roos 35-22.

Forbes Sports Person Of The Year Association

The CWCU Monthly Sport Achiever has been awarded to Sage King who recently competed at the NSW State and National Water Skiing titles with some great results and PBs. Sage came first in the Slalom and second in the Trick competitions and placed first overall in the Under 10 Girls division. Great effort and a worthy recipient of the Central West Credit Union Monthly Sports Achiever Award for February.

Eugowra’s Tribute To “Team Of The Century”

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Tony Dwyer depicted 6th from the left and Wayne Medlyn 8th in the freshly painted Eugowra Rugby League Football Club “Team of the Century” mural

The newly refurbished Eugowra Rugby League Football Club Team of the Century mural, which commemorates 100 years of Rugby League in Eugowra, features none other than Parkes own Spacemen President, Tony Dwyer.

Tony has a long association with rugby league across both the towns of Parkes and Eugowra. He started playing football for the Parkes under 12s in 1972 when they won the competition. However, he then did not return to the game until his first year in under 18s, saying: I stayed two years in 18s, then played for Parkes until 1983 when we won the competition under Ted Goodwin.

Despite playing the entire year for Parkes in 1983 at half-back, Tony was dropped for the semi-final and didnt get back on the field in the grand final, prompting the need for a change of scenery.

I went out to Eugowra, Jock Colley was the coach at the time, and he told me to come out for a run, so I had a run with him for a season and then Jock retired and I coached for the next two years.

Tonys first year in Eugowra was 1984, and he stayed with the team for three years until 1986. We got beat in the grand final in 1984, we won the competition in 1985 and were beat again in 1986, said Tony.

Following the 1986 competition, Tony took a year off football to fix an injured knee, before heading back onto the field with Parkes in 1988. We won the competition that year under Neil Moy, then I gave away playing football and started refereeing, said Tony.

Tony started off refereeing junior league, then stepped up to referee senior league in 1991, resulting in the next 10 years spent in Group 11.

Tony has also coached junior league in Parkes and has been President of The Parkes Rugby League Football Club, for the past four years, declaring that he is happily tied up with the club forever.

Tony never imagined he would one day be depicted larger than life on a mural to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Eugowra Rugby League Football Club.

Tony explains: That was out of the blue. They rang up one day and said – have you got a picture of yourself? They explained they were doing a mural of all the grand final coaches who had won the competition.

It worked out well, because my good mate Wayne Medlyn came out playing with me in 1985 and he stayed on when I got my knee fixed. He ended up coaching in 1988 and also won the competition.

Tony has fond memories of his time playing football for Eugowra. Eugowra is a great place, and the people, they are a great community, they always welcome you back. Each year there is an event and we all travel back to catch up, I look forward to it every year, concluded Tony.

Be Seen @ Nelson Park

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Families celebrated National Family Week in Forbes on 15th May.

This years theme was Celebrating Family, Diversity and Connections.

A big thank you to everyone who came along on the day and enjoyed all of the fun activities.

Have You Had Your Macula Checked?

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

May is Macula Month, and a good reminder that if you are over 50 you should be having regular macula health checks.

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina that deals with fine detail. A healthy macula is vital for good vision. Macular Degeneration is a disease affecting the macula causing central vision loss. This makes it very difficult to read, recognise faces, watch TV and even obtain a driver’s license.

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. It is more common as we age, and the risk of Macular Degeneration increases if there is a family history of macula problems, cardiovascular disease or you are a smoker.

DRY MD

Characterised by a slow, progressive loss of the RPE cells due to the build up of drusen at the macula. This makes up about 85% of moderate to advanced MD cases resulting in a gradual deterioration of the central vision. Diet and a special formulation of vitamins and high-dose antioxidants, such as MD eyes have been shown to slow down the progression of MD in those with moderate to advanced MD in at least one eye.

WET MD

This affects about two-thirds of advanced MD patients. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macular and these vessels can spontaneously bleed, leading to a sudden loss of vision requiring immediate medical treatment. Treatment often requires regular injections to shrink the blood vessels.

Like most diseases, early detection and treatment for Macular Degeneration is vital to maintain good vision throughout life.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is the gold standard for the early detection of Macular Degeneration. Unlike standard retinal photography, OCT enables detailed assessment of the deeper layers of the retina using optical ultrasound.

To have your macula thoroughly checked book online www.opticalbookings.com.au/hansen-optometrists-parkes/store, phone 6863 5577 or call in to make an appointment.

Be Seen @ Cooke Park Pavillion

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

This year, National Families Week ran from 13th – 19th May.

The theme for 2024 was “celebrating family diversity and connections”.

National Families Week is a chance to celebrate the vital role families play in Australian society.

All families in attendance had a great time, enjoying the planned activities and sausage sizzle.

Seeking Emerging Leaders In The Agricultural Industry

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has proudly launched applications for its flagship leadership and capability development program for young and emerging leaders in Australian agriculture.

The National Agricultural Leadership Program provides targeted activities and unique experiences in leadership, advocacy, policy development, governance, communications and media.

It uses a whole-of-agriculture perspective to build networks across industry and create the next generation of leaders for Australian agriculture.

Targeting participants under 35, the program provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to develop a policy project guided by NFF general managers and senior industry leaders.

NFF President David Jochinke highlighted the opportunities the program produces for those interested in the decision-making process and policy development in the agricultural industry.

“Participants have the opportunity to tour the Australian Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments,” Mr Jochinke said.

“By fostering a young person’s interest in advocacy, we are able to showcase the next generation to our political leaders and develop a network of skilled professionals to lead our industry into the future.”

Launched in 2021, the program has a proud alumni base of 20 graduates. 2023 alumnus Abbey O’Callaghan has used the experience to develop a policy that compliments her passion for strengthening the agricultural workforce. “The National Agricultural Leadership Program was a fantastic opportunity for a behind the scenes look at how policy decisions are made, best practice approaches to advocacy and the development of policies,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

The program will run for five months starting July 2024. Participants will come together for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra, work on a policy project, and are matched with an industry leader as part of an ongoing mentoring program.

Applications open until 3rd June. Find out more at nff.org.au/nalp/

Support To Help Small Businesses Thrive

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Beyond Blue welcomes renewed Federal Government funding to provide small business owners access to much needed mental health support.

The Federal Government’s investment of $7.7 million to extend Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) program is an acknowledgement that small business owners are struggling and are really doing it tough,” says Beyond Blue Chief Executive, Georgie Harman.

The NASBO program is available for free between from 8am to 8pm, to small and medium business owners nationally. The service uses evidence-based low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy and offers small business owners up to six sessions and two follow up sessions, working with a trained coach with a background in small business themselves.

Adapted specifically for small business owners, NASBO is based on Beyond Blue’s highly effective NewAccess program and is funded by Commonwealth Government. The program is not only effective at improving mental health but has also been independently determined to represent good value for money and delivers a positive return on investment.

Participation is free. Small business owners who are interested to know more can visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess-mental-health-coaching/small-business-owners or call 1300 945 301.

The Long Ride To Roll Through Forbes And Parkes This Weekend

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Long Ride is a biennial nationwide motorbike tour, which has raised more than $2 million for PCFA in the 17 years since its inception in 2007.

This month, approximately 120 motorcycle riders from around the country will be travelling through rural Australia, headed for Port Douglas, as part of the 2024 Long Ride.

The group will be departing from Hay and riding through both Forbes and Parkes between 12-2pm this Sunday 26th May, in small groups on their way to Dubbo, where they will spend the night. Long Ride founders, Chris and Gail Dunne, were both awarded an OAM for their dedication and tireless work for the ride.

The Long Ride is structured to raise awareness of prostate cancer and mens health in all communities, said Chris.

Riders will be stopping in towns that they pass through for a cuppa and a chat to locals about the importance of prostate check-ups.

Chris and his wife Gail have led 11 successful Long Rides across Australia, with the riders meeting extraordinary people and being welcomed into their communities.

Prostate cancer is Australias most commonly detected cancer with more than 25,000 men diagnosed each year. Tragically more than 10 men die each day from the disease, with 1 in 5 likely to be diagnosed by the age of 85.

PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, called on local communities to cheer the riders on. We would love to see the local Forbes and Parkes communities cheering them on or having a chat as they make their way to the 2024 finish line.

To follow the Long Ride, go to longrideaustralia.au or for more information on prostate cancer or to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au

Snippets…

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

One of the amazing pieces of student artwork that was on display at the PHS Naidoc assembly

PHS NAIDOC Celebrations: There was some amazing Indigenous art that was created by Parkes High School Year 7 students which was displayed at the schools recent NAIDOC assembly.

Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc: Do you have a passion for helping others? Are you looking for a career in the community services sector? The Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Support and Capacity Building Project have full scholarships on offer to complete a Certificate IV in Community Services. To see the full list of eligibility requirements, and to receive an information package go to lwrs.org.au

Neighbourhood Central: National Volunteer Week is Australias largest annual celebration of volunteering. At Neighbourhood Central, its an opportunity for us to highlight the important role of our volunteers. We are very grateful for all the work our volunteers do to help our communities in Parkes, Forbes, Peak Hill, Condobolin, Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo, and everywhere in between. Thank you. We couldnt do it without you.

R U OK?Day: Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle. Dont underestimate the impact a kind gesture can have for someone who needs it. It could be offering practical help with tasks, inviting them to an event or taking the time to have a chat and asking how they are going. R U OK? Day 2024 is Thursday 12th September. But every day is the day to start a meaningful conversation with those we care about and ask, are you OK?.

Parkes Shire Library: Waste 2 Art Opening. Saturday 1st June, 10.30am, Coventry Room. Waste 2 Art is open till the 29th June. Join us for the opening of Waste 2 Art and announcement of winners. Free event. Bookings through Humanitix. https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-crpdbdc5. Forbes Arts Society: As part of the Arts Outwest 50th Anniversary celebrations, Forbes Arts Society members are invited to showcase their work as part of the All Things P exhibition. This small-scale pop-up exhibition will be displayed in the Forbes Town Hall concourse on 1st and 2nd June to coincide with the Arts OutWest Anniversary Dinner. The exhibition will feature works on paper. Mediums can be paint, pastel, pencil or print. 2D works, such as pottery, will also be accepted. Entry forms can be downloaded via www.forbesartssociety.com and returned to hello@forbesartssociety.com by Thursday 30th May.

The All things “P” exhibition will be curated and installed by the Arts OutWest team.

Mayoral Notes

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes community turned out for the Volunteers Morning Tea in Victoria Park last week.

The General Manager and I met with the NSW Premier and current Cabinet Ministers at Community Cabinet meeting in Orange last week. The first time since 2007, the NSW Premier Chris Minns and his Cabinet came to Orange for a host of private meetings with councils and organisations before hosting a community forum to address issues from members of the public.

I was very pleased with our meeting with the Treasurer, the Hon Daniel Moohkey, he was open and interested and really listened to our reports and recommendations.

There were community speakers from Forbes in the forum and it was great to hear the Premier acknowledge Forbes’ projected growth.

Volunteers Week

It’s been a lovely chance to focus on our community volunteers – we hosted a Volunteers Moring Tea in Victoria Park last week to express our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful community volunteers.

Volunteers are such an important part of our town and our lives and we are grateful to each and every one of you for everythingyou do.

There are many so benefits to volunteering – you help the community and others, learn valuable skills and make new friends.

Here in Forbes we have volunteers and volunteer organisations covering all areas of our community from the arts, education, emergency services, sports and environment to health, community welfare, aged care and disability services.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

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