The 2026 School Leavers’ Guide is now available across the Parkes electorate with the information that will help young people as they make the transition from school to their next step.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP said for young people finishing school, the months ahead would bring plenty of big decisions. “There are so many choices for school leavers that it can feel confronting,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Whether it is university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, work, a gap year or something completely different. There is no single right path, and working out what comes next is not always easy.

“As your local Member of Parliament, I want young people in our community to have the information they need to make the choice that is right for them. That’s why I’ve put together a School Leaver’s Guide, bringing together practical information and resources to help young people plan their next step after school.”

It includes information such as:

• Education and training options

• Financial and other support

• Finding employment

• Keeping good mental health

• Useful websites and information such as enrolling to vote and Medicare.

The School Leaver’s Guide is available on Mr Chaffey’s website at: www.jamiechaffey.com.au/school-leavers-guide/

Free child restraint checking events held in Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin by local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters, in partnership with Transport for NSW and local councils, found that 81% of child restraints inspected were incorrectly fitted.

Twenty-seven child restraints were brought in by parents and grandparents for checking – mostly rearward/forward facing converter child restraints or forward facingbooster converter child restraints.

There were also three installations.

The most common errors were: twisted harness straps, the seatbelt anchoring the child restraint was loose, the ISOfix connectors anchoring the child restraint were loose, extension straps were needed to anchor the top tether strap, gated buckles were needed to ensure a tighter fit and top tether straps were loose and/or twisted.

While these were free bi-annual events, local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters can install and check child restraints all year-round for a small fee. The local fitter in Forbes is Jelbart. Dawson. The fitter in Parkes are Parkes Ford and Parkes Tyrepower. The local fitter in Condobolin is Central West Tyre Service.

National child restraint laws have been in effect since 2010. All children must be safely fastened into the correct child restraint for their age and size. Children need to be at least 145cm or taller to use an adult lap sash seatbelt.

Research shows children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured.

Visit www.childcarseats.com.au for more information about child restraint rules, types, FAQs and to view the rating results. The ratings indicate the comparative safety a child restraint provided its occupant.

The Forbes community is invited to come together on Wednesday 25 November 2026 for the annual White Ribbon Day event, raising awareness and showing support for ending violence against women.

Observed on November 25 each year, White Ribbon Day is a national day of action, aimed at raising awareness and preventing violence against women and girls.

Member of the Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee, Sally Nayda said the statistics remain confronting.

“In Australia, every seven days, a woman is killed by her current or former partner.

One in four women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15, and one in two women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15.

“Whether it’s challenging disrespectful behaviour, speaking up when something isn’t right, supporting someone who may be experiencing violence, or modelling respectful relationships – we all have a role to play,” Ms Nayda added.

The day will begin with a community march through the CBD, assembling at 9.45am in Spring Street, followed by an official ceremony in Victoria Park commencing at 10.15am.

Local services and community groups will host stalls and activities, providing valuable information and connections for attendees.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said this year’s theme, Gender Equality and the Role We Play, is about empowering individuals to help influence the people, relationships and communities around us.

“Sexist jokes, rigid gender expectations, disrespect, controlling behaviours and the dismissal of women’s experiences can all contribute to a culture in which violence is more likely to occur.”

“Creating change starts with recognising these behaviours and challenging them when we see them. By promoting respect, inclusion and equality.”