General Interest Archives - Page 116 of 326

Local Legend Inspires Whole Country!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HISTORY MADE… Nedd Brockmann (23) from Forbes grabbed the headlines this week when he finished an incredible feat running 3,952km in 47 days to raise money for homelessness. Thousands welcomed him at Bondi Beach on Monday. (photo: Sky News Australia)

It is the story we were all longing to hear, and the fact that the hero is a sparkie from Forbes made it so much more inspirational.

Nedd Brockman took our spirit on his superhuman challenge and we soared above the daily grind of floods and rising costs to believe in kindness, generosity and perseverance again as he battled through almost 100km per day for 47 days.

He grabbed the attention of the whole country as he made his way from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to the finish at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Monday where thousands of supporters gave him a rapturous welcome breaking the tape after 3,952km and raising over $1.8 million for homelessness.

“I am absolutely blown away,” he said. “I don’t think I can explain the depths I’ve had to go to. To have all this support is absolutely mind-blowing. I am speechless,” he said before doing a celebratory shoey.

His incredible run has been named one of the greatest athletic feats in Australian history, and many call for Nedd to be named Australian of the Year.

In Forbes Nedd has gained a huge fan base with several fundraising efforts in the community to support him. His former primary school, Bedgerabong Public School, followed him every step of the way and raised $770. On Monday students at St Laurence’s Parish School held a Hats for Homelessness fundraiser and raised $522.20, while the Forbes Community Hub came together last Friday and sold egg and bacon rolls raising $2,620, to name but some of the local support.

The good news for local fans is that a welcome is being planned for the local hero with details to be announced soon.

Rural Aid For Livestock, Crops Lost To Floods

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, has stepped up to help farmers across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania as they face devastating, widespread flooding.

The team of counsellors are also conducting welfare checks on Rural Aid’s registered farmers and has counsellors on the ground in Forbes.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers with crops nearing harvest were increasingly anxious as flood water and continuing rain caused costly downgrading.

“Months of hard work and investment has now been written off, alongside people’s homes, fences, sheds and machinery,” he said.

Registered primary producers are also being offered financial assistance as they deal with the devastating effects of the flood.

More than 70 local government areas (LGAs) across the three states are directly affected, impacting thousands of families.

Rural Aid counsellors are expecting an increase in calls to its new, dedicated 1300 175 594 counselling line, as the extent of the current flooding situation becomes more apparent.

Farmers registered with Rural Aid can access counselling support and request financial assistance and fodder for livestock.

Producers that aren’t registered are encouraged to do so immediately via www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

Help To Count Our Feathered Friends

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Become a citizen scientist and take part in the Aussie Bird Count.

It is National Bird Week and residents can still make a difference for bird conservation by participating in the 2022 Aussie Bird Count until Sunday.

All you need to do is pick a spot outside and count birds for at least 20 minutes to help researchers create a snapshot of Australia’s urban and more common bird species. Data collected is submitted through the Aussie Bird Count app or through an online web form.

“The annual Aussie Bird Count is a great way for residents to enjoy the outdoors and learn about birds in our shire,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Officer, Michael Chambers.

“Last year 112 residents took part, and we would love to see even greater participation this year.”

Starting in 2014, the Aussie Bird Count has become one of the largest citizen science projects in Australia. The 2021 Aussie Bird Count saw more than 100,000 Australians take to their local green spaces to count nearly 5 million individual birds. Across the Parkes Shire, residents recorded a total of 5,013 individual birds across 86 species. The most recorded species in the Parkes Shire was the Galah, followed by Crested Pigeons, House Sparrows, Apostlebirds and Australian Magpies. Several species listed as ‘vulnerable’ under federal legislation were also sighted, including Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo), Grey-Crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Dusky Wood Swallow, Superb Parrot and the Speckled Warbler.

Data obtained from annual Aussie Bird Counts helps Council increase environmental engagement among residents, informs land management decisions and can indicate the impacts of tree planting efforts across the Shire.

For residents interested in attracting more wildlife to their gardens, Council will be giving away native shrubs and trees at the Spring Fling Market that has been postponed to Saturday, 19th November.

You can download the Aussie Bird Count app for free, or use the online form at https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/submit-a-count/

Fashion Parade And Afternoon Tea To Celebrate CWA Centenary

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The CWA was successful in obtaining a Forbes Shire Council grant for their special anniversary celebration, which will include an amazing raffle available at the afternoon tea on 30th October. Pictured are some of the models in a selection of the outfits from yesteryear. They are at the back (L-R) Jess, Charlotte, Avril, Izzy and Drew, and in front are Marnie and Annaliese.

The Country Women’s Association of NSW is celebrating its centenary this year after it was established in 1922 at the Bushwomen’s Conference held in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Show in Sydney.

The CWA focused on fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities. Members worked on setting up baby health care centres, funding more bush nurses, and building and staffing maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes and holiday getaways for rural and remote families.

These women were initiators, fighters and lobbyists, who were passionate about making rural and regional NSW better for those who lived there. For 100 years the members of the CWA of NSW have continued this legacy by improving the social, educational, recreational and medical realities for their communities. The CWA has grown to be the largest women’s organisation in Australia.

The Forbes Evening Branch CWA will be holding a fashion parade and afternoon tea in the Forbes Town Hall on Sunday, 30th October from 2 to 5pm to mark this important anniversary.

Models will be showcasing clothing from every decade of the last 100 years, with a local story and CWA connection for each clothing item. A delicious afternoon tea will also be provided. Tickets, priced at $15; are selling fast and are limited. Go to www.123tix.com.au/events/35268/forbes-cwa-100-year-celebration to buy a ticker or phone President Robyn Miller on 0419 975 652.

Mamma Mia What A Great Night!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The world’s number one ABBA tribute band Björn Again had fans on their feet all night on Saturday at the Parkes Leagues Club. The band played in Parkes after the Trundle ABBA Festival had to be cancelled because of the unfortunate weather situation the region is currently experiencing.

Parkes Shire Council’s Visitor Economy & Major Events Specialist Cathy Treasure (left) and Trundle ABBA Festival Manager Hayley Roach (second right) with the Björn Again band members.

Donna Shaw celebrated her birthday at the show with Steve Ridley.

ABBA fanatic Wendy Boschetti and her friend Margi Smith had a great night out.

Prime Minister And Premier Visit Flooded Forbes

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets the Principal of Forbes Public School Meg Staples.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Forbes on Monday a mere 11 months after his predecessor was in town to once again see first-hand the effects of the fifth flood in 12 years for this region.

He was accompanied by NSW Premier Dom Perrottet and other senior politicians meeting with the SES, flood affected residents, farmers, principals, community organisation representatives and councillors.

The raising of the Wyangala dam wall took prominence during question time with Member for Riverina Michael McCormack issuing a statement afterwards to reaffirm his support for the raising of the wall.

In his response, the PM said commitments and funding in the budget could only be made once the business case for the project was completed. He gave his assurance that infrastructure investments would continue under his government in NSW and the regions.

The PM acknowledged the impact of the flood on the community “as well as the ongoing impact it will have on infrastructure, including local roads, and the farming community who were expecting bumper crops and many have now been devastated and ruined. We are living in very dangerous times with more events forecast for the coming days and weeks.

“The work that will continue is beyond politics, and all levels of government will work together to get resources to people in need,” the PM said.

As for the loss of up to 60% of crops in some parts of the Forbes Shire, Agriculture and Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said he was in discussion with the state governments about extra support for farmers.

The PM said all levels of government would work together to get resources to people in need.

You can find out more here if you’re eligible for a disaster relief payment and how you can claim it: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-events

Lachlan’s Water Strategy On Public Display

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/water/plans-and-programs/regional-water-strategies/public-exhibition/lachlan-regional-water-strategy

The community is invited to have their say on the draft Lachlan Regional Water Strategy. The plan aims to deliver a reliable, sustainable and resilient water supply for towns and communities including Forbes, Parkes, Cowra and Young, and the industries that support the region’s economy, over the next two decades and beyond.

It is the second time the strategy is on public exhibition, and the community can provide feedback on the shortlisted options before 1 November.

“We worked closely with Aboriginal groups, local governments, residents, businesses, and all stakeholders to understand the Lachlan’s water challenges and needs during the first round of consultation in 2020,” said Kaia Hodge, Executive Director Water Strategy and Policy for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

“Their feedback helped refine the strategy and narrow down the options to a shortlist that will best support communities, industry and the environment and deliver a more secure water future for the Lachlan.

“The Strategy is being developed alongside two major infrastructure business cases in the region, the Wyangala Dam Wall Raising Project and the Belubula Water Security Project.

Kaia said water planning needed to support all water users, including Aboriginal communities, towns, industries and the environment, especially as we faced a drier and more variable climate and a higher demand on water resources.

“This is a strategy for the whole Lachlan which is why we want to hear your views to help finalise it.”

Due to flooding in the area public meetings have been postponed until further notice – visit the website for the most up to date information: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/lachlan-regional-water-strategy

Bali Bombings Display At Australian War Memoria

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

People attending the memorial service held in Forbes on Wednesday. (All photos on this page taken by Kate Howarth.)

A new photographic display detailing the Australian response to the Bali terrorist attack will be on show at the Australian War Memorial.

“The Bali bombings will be remembered as the date that terrorism hit home,” Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson said.

The Royal Australian Air Force evacuated critically injured people out of Indonesia as part of Operation Bali Assist – the largest Australian aeromedical evacuation since the Vietnam War.

The Australian Federal Police were invited to assist the Indonesian National Police and played a key role in investigation breakthroughs that led to the arrest, trial and execution of some of the perpetrators.

A display detailing the aftermath, co-curated with the Australian Federal Police Museum, is dedicated to the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings and the government agencies, including the Australian Defence Force and Consular Officers who put themselves in harm’s way in the immediate aftermath of the bombing, and the Australian Federal Police, who sought justice for victims and their families.

The exhibition includes images taken by AFP members in the aftermath of the attack, including a photograph of former Prime Minister John Howard inspecting the site of the bombing.

Images taken inside Paddy’s Bar show where Australian Federal Police investigators were able to source several pieces of tartan fabric and other matter that made up the explosive vest used in the first detonation.

Visitors will need a free ticket to the Australian War Memorial to see this display, which will be on show until 20 November 2022.

Elvis Movie Sets On Exhibit At 30th Anniversary Festival

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

This year’s winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition Paul Fenech performed at the official launch of the 30th anniversary festival in 2023. He had three young supporters Reginald (8), Lottie (7) and Alfred (5) Dixon from Parkes.

It might be a good idea to get to see Baz Luhrman’s Elvis movie before the 30th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival next year from 4th to 8th January.

The exciting news announced at the official launch of the festival last Wednesday was that the new exhibition at next year’s festival will feature a number of the movie sets, including the famous jungle room.

“Every year we try and get something new, and thanks to Warner Brothers and Baz Luhrman we’ve been gifted some of the movie sets,” said Festival Director Tiffany Steel. “You will actually get to see the full movie set of the jungle room, as well as the carnival house of mirrors, the world’s largest hound dog and some neon signs.

“We also have a number of items from the Bendigo Art Gallery Elvis exhibition.” These include the giant Elvis letters, the Elvis portico, and the giant neon sign that was at the front. “These items will all be on display with some of our own memorabilia of previous Elvis festivals.”

The other great announcement was the special concert to kick off the 30th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, 4th January. The Elvis Wall of Fame event will take place at 10am with Ross Wilson as inductee. Ross will then join three previous inductees, Brian Cadd, Joe Camilleri and Russel Morris at 12:30pm for a fantastic opening concert.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith thanked all the volunteers who have been involved over the past 30 years for their hard work and contribution to the event. Also attending was Deputy Premier Paul Tool who said the festival had become a regional product and was a showcase for people to see what is great about living in regional NSW.

The festival has more than 350 events and tickets are available to purchase online at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au. The festival also has a new website to make navigation of the five-day event easier.

The partnership between the Parkes Elvis Festival and the Forbes Shire Council is growing with another event put on in Forbes for next year, the Lakeside Luau: Hawaiian Fest with the Australian Beach Boys Show. The launch was attended by Forbes Mayor and Deputy Mayor last week. Also at the launch were (L-R) Al(vis) Gersbach, Anthony McGrath, Tiffany Steel, Paul Tool, Phyllis Miller, Ken Keith and Paul Fenech.

Premium Pet Food ‘Made In Parkes’

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PROUD PARKES PRODUCT… Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith and Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott hold a bag of Black Hawk kibble showing off the ‘Made in Parkes’ label printed on every bag at the state-of-the-art Petcare Kitchen facility in Parkes.

Pet owners in Australia and across the world now have the opportunity to buy premium pet food made in Parkes at the very first business to open its doors in the Special Activation Precinct (SAP).

The $82 million state-of-the-art Pet Care Kitchen manufacturing facility, officially opened last Wednesday, uses the latest technology and up to 50% locally sourced ingredients within a 200km radius to produce premium Black Hawk kibble.

“Partnerships with local farmers will ensure crops are grown to the company’s exacting specifications and provide primary producers a guaranteed market for their product,” said EBOS Group Chief Executive Officer John Cullity.

The pet food bags, ranging from 400g to 25kg, all bear the inscription “Proudly made in Parkes, NSW Australia” in the top right hand corner. “These bags are incredible, and it means wherever the pet food is sold a bit of Parkes is going right across the country and the world,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole, at the opening.

The very large and complex project, measuring 12,800 square metres, took over four years to build with all the challenges of the COVID pandemic, and employs 60 people from Parkes and the region and is in production 24 hours per day, five days per week.

“We will take thousands of trucks off the roads as we leverage the benefits of Parkes and its rail hub to move our pet food to all parts of Australia and other parts of the world,” said John.

For the Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM the opening of the pet food facility is a significant milestone for the Parkes SAP and a very exciting time for Parkes.

“This is the start of a new era for the region. The SAP will ensure that Parkes continues to boast a strong diverse economy and will create jobs and opportunities for the whole region when completed, particularly efficiently linking agricultural value-added products to world markets.”

Inside the $82 million state-of-the-art Pet Care Kitchen manufacturing facility are (L-R) General Manager Parkes Shire Council Kent Boyd, Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM, CEO EBOS Animal Care Julie Dillon, Deputy Premier Paul Tool and CEO EBOS Group Ltd John Cullity.

NORTHERN GATEWAY PRECINCT

Work on the game changing Northern Gateway Precinct is also kicking off, which will connect the Parkes SAP to the town centre and the Newell Highway. The Stevens Group will invest $18 million to develop the project that will create hundreds of jobs during construction. “The 20-hectare Northern Gateway will include a new highway service centre, as well as a future commercial and business park,” said Paul Toole.

Parkes Mayor said the connecting road from the bypass to the CBD presented an opportunity for Parkes to tempt them to turn at the large round-about and spend time and money in town.

NORTHERN GATEWAY PRECINCT

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