General Interest Archives - Page 2 of 329

Explore The Path To Becoming A Doctor At Dubbo Open Day

September 17, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The University of Sydney School of Rural Health in Dubbo will open its doors to the community on Saturday, 19 September, offering the opportunity to explore Dubbo’s very own medical school.

Now offering the University of Sydney’s entire four-year postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program, the Open Day will give visitors the chance to tour the campus, meet staff, learn about entry pathways and admissions, and discover what it’s like to study medicine in Dubbo.

Visitors will be able to explore the School’s state-of-the-art teaching facilities including learning studios, tutorial and lecture rooms, anatomy lab, simulation teaching rooms and recreational amenities such as the new Student Centre.

Almost 100 medical students are currently studying through the School of Rural Health in Dubbo. The program provides students with a broad understanding of rural life, the health needs of rural communities, and the organisation and delivery of rural and remote health services.

With the goal of encouraging more practitioners to pursue careers in rural and remote medicine, the University offers dedicated pathways for Indigenous students and those from rural backgrounds.

Only 24 students are admitted each year offering a more personalised study experience. Dubbo students gain as much handson experience as possible, encounter a diverse range of clinical cases, and have greater opportunities to become involved in patient care.

The School of Rural Health Open Day will be held from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 19 September. The School is located at 4 Moran Drive, Dubbo, opposite Dubbo Private Hospital.

Tractor Trekkers Making A Positive Difference For Local Families

September 17, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Central West Charity Tractor Trek is a group of approximately 60 volunteers that formed in 2017, with the objective to raise funds that assist families with children suffering from illness and/or disabilities.

All money rasised by the group directly supports children in the Central West of NSW. Their current beneficiary is the charity Little Wings, who fly sick children and their family to Sydney for medical treatment free of charge.

The group has an upcoming Trek being held from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, that will be travelling in the Parkes area.

The people of Parkes and Forbes can support the Trek by cheering the team on as they pass, making a donation, sponsoring a tractor or buying a raffle ticket.

Long-standing group members Ray and Laurie McMahon will be in Parkes this week and in Forbes next week selling raffle tickets and merchandise, and raising awareness. If you see them, please show your support.

The public are also invited to attend the the fundraising dinner on Saturday, 26 September at the Parkes Leagues Club. Highlights will include a guest speaker whose family who has benefitted from Little Wings, an auction and the drawing of the major raffle. For ticket availability email cwctractortrek@outlook.com or phone 0417 447 790.

Dig Into Something Delicious At Street Dreams

September 17, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Street Dreams 2026 will be serving up a mouth-watering lineup of food and beverage vendors on Friday 25 September 2026 from 5pm to 9pm.

Set to complement an evening of free entertainment, live music, light installations and family fun on Harold Street and Court Street in the Forbes CBD, there will be something to satisfy every craving. This year’s food vendor lineup includes: Dippin’ Dots, Drovers Choice Saltbush Lamb, Epic Wedges, Mr Whippy, Woodfire Pizza, Shandong Style Dumplings and Sweet Streets.

Grab some popcorn or fairy floss from the Forbes Youth Action Team’s (FYAT) stall and settle in for a movie at the outdoor cinema. Street Dreams also provides the perfect opportunity to support Forbes’ local hospitality businesses.

The free, all-ages event will feature live music, illuminated artworks, interactive light installations, roving entertainment, outdoor cinema, market stalls and activities for all ages.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Street Dreams transforms the heart of Forbes into a vibrant, accessible space for everyone to enjoy. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the town centre in a different way, with free entertainment, great food and activities for all ages.”

The 2026 festival marks the second year of a three-year Street Dreams series, proudly funded through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. The program supports projects that create vibrant public spaces, encourage community connection and increase visitation to local centres.

Forbes Shire Council received a grant of $108,550 grant through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025-28.

For more information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShireCouncil for updates.

Pooka The Clown Magic Show At Forbes Library

September 17, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Join the Forbes Library these School Holidays for magic, laughs and plenty of surprises! Pooka the Clown is ready to entertain with hilarious tricks, balloons, and lots of smiles.

The fun won’t end when the show does, with every child receiving their very own friendship turtle balloon to take home. Pooka may also have a few extra tricks up his sleeve, with some close-up magic following the performance.

The show is suitable for families and is a great opportunity to enjoy some free school holiday entertainment at the library. This is a free family event for all ages, but please note that children under the age of 10, require adult supervision at all times.

Bring the kids along this school holidays to Forbes Library on Thursday 1 October from 10am – 10.45am. Pooka is looking forward to seeing you all there. So make sure you stop and say hello, get a free balloon and he might even do a magic trick for you. He is ready to wow audiences young and old Please book your spot online via Eventbrite or call the Forbes Library on 6852 1463

Forbes Garden Club Report

September 17, 2026 by By Green Thumb

President Marg Dent welcomed 32 members to our August meeting which was held at the Men’s Shed due to wet weather. Apologies were received from five members.

The meeting proceeded with minutes and reports and birthday wishes.

It was decided not to renew the PO box instead use Secretary Robin’s as very few letters come through this way, mostly now by email. The Christmas Meeting was discussed amongst the members and will be finalised next meeting.

Loris Stewart spoke on the history of the Garden Club which was started many years ago and held at the RSL, but was declining in numbers. Loris recalled being elected President when she moved to Forbes and decided on a new direction for the Club, holding meetings in different gardens. This proved to be a good move as the Club soon had over 100 members, who were mostly ladies with beautiful gardens who hosted meetings, and monies raised from open garden weekends and flower shows were given to local charities. Meg Scholefield thanked Loris for her interesting talk with a gift.

A beautiful display of flowers were judged for flower of the month with first John Browne – Gum, second Marie Langfield – Iris and third Elvy Quirk – Hellebore, Colleen Liebich – Iris and Margo Rath – Camelia.

The raffle winners were first Janette Thomas, second Denise Thurston and third Evelyn Mahlo.

The next meeting will be held at the home of Sue Ann Nixon, 24 Kent Street on Tuesday 22 September at 2pm. Please bring a flower for the competition a chair hat and cup. See you there!

By Green Thumb

You Can Help Make A Meaningful Difference

September 17, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A beautiful Woodstock family are currently facing unfathomable times; with the loss of their home and their precious four-year-old son.

This family of five need the support of our communities; as much as they need their privacy. No possession or dollar will ever be enough to rebuild the life this family should be enjoying, but all donations will be kindly accepted.

A team of their friends are also coordinating a cattle drive on Tuesday 29 September at CTLX, Carcoar and a lamb drive at Cowra Saleyards on Wednesday 30 September. All stock donations will be greatly appreciated.

In these coming days, weeks, months and beyond, these funds will be used to help this family take the time they need to heal.

Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/648b2095e.

Dusty Inspires The Nation By Walking To Help Little Wings Fly

September 17, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Dusty Langby is a 12 year old boy, who has this week, completed a 540km walk from Warren to Canberra with the aim of raising $1 million for Little Wings so they can fly more paediatricians out to the bush. Dusty and his team left Warren on 30 August, and after five days and 184 kms of walking, Dusty arrived in Parkes on 3 August where he had already raised approximately $270,000.

While in Parkes, we caught up with Dusty and his team, which included his mum Sarah, who is a nurse, and fellow nurses Nikki from Little Wings and Chris from Warren.

We learned Dusty was actually only 11 years old when he came up with the idea to walk to Canberra.

Dusty, who lives on a farm in Warren, one afternoon noticed his mum Sarah had had a hard day, and said to her, “Come on mum lets go out the back, I’ll get you in the dam to have a swim and get you a ‘lemonade’ from the coolroom.”

It was then, that the pair got talking and Dusty stated he wanted to do something to help support Little Wings, saying, “Well I’ll walk.” Mum Sarah replied, “How far will you walk? Where will you walk?” To which Dusty responded, “Parliament House.” When his mum asked how much he would raise he confidently said, “One million dollars.”

Dusty completed his walk and arrived in Canberra on 15 August, meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who confirmed, “We’re matching Dusty’s fundraising dollar for dollar and backing Little Wings so they can keep flying and supporting regional families”.

Dusty absolutely smashed his goal of raising $1 million dollars, but the Dollar for Dusty fundraising account will be open for approximately one month post walk, so you can still donate at: www.givenow.com.au/dollar-for-dusty

A Celebration Of Local Food, Creativity, Entertainment, And Community

September 10, 2026 by Roxane Manley

In recent years, Homegrown Parkes has grown into one of Parkes’ favourite community events, showcasing the people, skills, and produce that make our region unique.

Delivered by Central West Lachlan Landcare in partnership with Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council, the event is about supporting local growers, makers, artists, and small businesses while enjoying a relaxed day in the heart of town.

One of this year’s featured activities will be a workshop hosted by Chandra Lyer from Green Microbes Australia. Running from 12pm to 1pm, attendees will gain practical tips for improving soil quality at home and learn more about the links between agriculture and wellbeing.

The popular Crop Swap will return from 10am to 11am, with residents encouraged to bring along excess fruit, vegetables and other homegrown produce to exchange with fellow community members.

This year’s entertainment lineup is set to keep visitors entertained throughout the day. The much-loved Parkes Shire Concert Band will officially open proceedings, performing from 10am to 11am, followed by a performance by Parkes Dance Co on the main stage from 11am to 11:30am. Organisers also look forward to welcoming local singer-songwriter Aleah Fisher.

There will also be plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, including a jumping castle and face painting throughout the day.

So gather your family and friends and join the community at Homegrown Parkes this Saturday 12 September. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate local talent, support local businesses, and enjoy everything that makes our region special.

Dive Into Street Dreams 2026

September 10, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The highly anticipated Street Dreams Festival returns to Forbes on Friday 25 September from 5pm to 9pm with a brand-new live music stage, interactive light installations and an expanded program of underwater-inspired creative experiences.

Taking place across Harold St, Court St and Victoria Park, the free event will once again bring thousands of people into the town centre to experience a vibrant evening of immersive art, entertainment, light and creativity.

A major new addition for 2026 is the Street Dreams Stage, which will showcase local musical talent throughout the evening.

Performances begin with students from the Forbes Guitar Academy from 6pm to 8pm. From 8pm to 9pm, local country artist Gracey Denham-Jones will headline the stage, delivering a special live performance for festival-goers.

The precinct will be illuminated with stunning visual displays and creative installations designed to inspire wonder and exploration. This year, Court St will come alive with expanded activations, including interactive light installations and a dedicated art exhibition space.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Last year’s Street Dreams Festival exceeded all expectations, attracting more than 2,000 people into the Forbes CBD.

And this year we’re elevating the experience even further”.

“Street Dreams is not only great for the local economy and community connection, it also allows us to activate and reimagine spaces that we don’t traditionally use for events.”

Forbes Shire Council received a $108,550 grant through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025-28, led by Transport for NSW.

For more information, visit https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Talk2MeBro Ladies Catchup

September 10, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Calling all Forbes ladies – Talk2mebro is bringing you another Ladies Catch Up on Saturday 12 September at the Forbes Ski Dam (meet at grassed area). The event will start at 7am and run until approximately 8:30am.

Nine Australians die from suicide everyday, and Talk2MeBro are determined to bring that number to zero. Their purpose is to start and support healing. They deliver initiatives focused around giving men and women the tools to feel comfortable having effective, meaningful conversations around mental health.

On the day participants can expect to engage in soothing and invigorating breathwork, to connect with others on a deeper level, and take a refreshing dip in our exhilarating ice baths.

Don’t forget to bring along some warm clothes, swimmers (for ice baths), a towel or yoga mat (optional), and if you like bring a pillow (optional).

This event is dedicated to fostering wellness, connection, and mutual support. Whether you’re joining us alone or with family, we’re excited to welcome you. Let’s check in with ourselves and each other.

This event is sponsored by Evolution Mining, Forbes Shire Council and Bernardis.

Please be sure to register. Registration is available by following the link www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbesladies

If you are suicidal or there is immediate risk of harm, call 000. If you need to talk to someone reach out to a service provider such as Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, 13YARN 13 92 76 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

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