General Interest Archives - Page 33 of 326

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.

Grand Opening Of The Lachie Cafe

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Head along to Forbes’ newest eatery, The Lachie Cafe next Monday 4 August, and meet the owners Kenneth and Christine. The couple started Just Eat Me Grazing in November last year, with Christine saying: “It was purely because my baby was very attached and I needed to ensure our bills were getting paid. We expected so little, but it just blossomed to the point we needed to find a permanent shop.”

The Lachie Cafe is situated inside the Forbes Lachlan Vintage Village Information Centre. “The Lachie Cafe has always been a dream of mine. Driving past the Lachlan Vintage Village for the last three years after moving here from Canberra, I’ve always loved the space. So when the opportunity came up, we took it and ran with it! Opening the cafe door on Monday is beyond exciting and I’m eager to show Forbes what we offer,” said Christine.

Locals and visitors who experience The Lachie Cafe can expect friendly faces, freshly prepared food in the grab and go, a carefully thought-out menu, along with daily specials. Customer service is a priority for Kenneth, Christine and the staff, and serving spectacular food and beverages to customers is their first and foremost goal.

Cristine lives by the philosophy of ‘good food done well’ and that’s exactly what customers will find at The Lachie Cafe. Everyone is invited to the grand opening on Monday 4 August from 7am – 4pm, with 20% off everything on the day!

Forbes Evening Branch Of CWA Soup And Slice Kitchen

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Lesley Teale (member), Nic Little (President of Forbes Evening CWA Branch) and Lorraine Everest (member), will all be involved in the preparation for the upcoming walk-in soup and slice kitchen.

The first winter walk-in soup kitchen presented by the Evening Branch of CWA was received favourably by patrons and financially successful with $235 raised from soup sales. It was such a success that patrons requested the event be repeated, so a soup and slice walk-in kitchen has been organised for Wednesday, 6 August.

It was wonderful to see steady stream of patrons enjoy a bowl of soup and beverage over much chatter with known or new faces from our Forbes community. There was much warmth felt within the hall not only from the warm soup but also a friendly welcome and happy atmosphere.

The next walk-in soup and slice kitchen is to be held on Wednesday 6 August, 12pm at the CWA Hall in Lachlan Street, Forbes. The cost will be $10 per head, this will include: a bowl of soup of your choice with a bread roll, finishing with a beverage served with a home created slice or biscuit prepared by the CWA Evening Branch members.

The two most requested soup varieties from the July Kitchen, pumpkin plus potato, bacon and corn chowder will be repeated, along with several different varieties. This can also be prepared and sold as a takeaway serve. Funds raised from sales will be utilised by the Forbes Evening Branch to support further causes in our community.

Push For Inquiry Into Energy From Waste Projects

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Mayor of Parkes Shire, Neil Westcott, has expressed strong support for the NSW Nationals’ push to establish another Parliamentary inquiry into Energy-from-Waste.

The previous 2017 inquiry, which included participation from the current Environment Minister Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC along with representatives from the Greens and Liberals, led to several recommendations. One of the recommendations was for the Chief Scientist and Engineer to ensure that international best practices were followed in Energy-from-Waste initiatives, which was addressed in the subsequent Chief Scientists report. However, many of these recommendations appear to remain unaddressed.

The Mayor said; “While the 2017 inquiry provided a foundation, there remains important questions that are yet to be fully addressed. A renewed Parliamentary inquiry could help clarify these issues and provide the transparency our community is seeking.”

Mayor Westcott has raised the question about the rationale behind the proposed location of Energy-from-Waste facilities and that it needs to be clearly explained to the community. Further, Mayor Westcott applauded Geoff Rice’s call for respectful debate which was timely and necessary. “Whether someone holds a different opinion on EfW or simply is not ready to form a view at this stage, that position deserves to be respected. People should feel safe to ask questions, seek information and take the time they need to understand the issue without fear of judgement or pressure.”

To view all correspondence with the State Government on the concerns of Parkes Shire Council regarding this development, please visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-mediaand-projects/Projects-and-works/Energy-From-Waste-Facility and refer to the State Liaison section.

Parkes Clean Future Alliance Community Information Night

July 24, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Clean Future Alliance (PCFA) is a local, community-led group that formed in April 2025 in response to the proposed (EfW) incinerator in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct which plans to incinerate 600,000 tonnes of red bin waste from Sydney per year right here in Parkes.

The Parkes Clean Future Alliance consists of farmers, business owners, professionals and residents, who are all concerned about the long-term health, environmental, agricultural and economic impacts of the proposed Energy-from-Waste project. Their goal as a committee is to inform the community, demand transparency, and advocate for better, safer alternatives.

The PCFA are hosting a free Community Information Night to be held at the Parkes Leagues Club on Saturday 26 July. Doors will open at 5:45pm and the event is for anyone who wants to try and understand what the Energy-from-Waste proposal really means for Parkes, our farms, environment, health and future.

Guest speakers on the night will include qualified professionals in health, science, agriculture, and policy who understand the risks of incineration. Dr Amanda Cohn MLC and Chris Hanson, a Chemical Engineer, will provide key insights, along with local farmer Geoff Rice and regenerative agriculture specialist Bruce Maynard.

Community presence will send a powerful message, and everyone is encouraged to attend. This is your chance to get the facts, ask questions, and stand together.

”We need to be the voice for the future of Parkes” said event organiser Ben Stead.

Complacency Is One Of Agriculture’s Most Dangerous Habits

July 24, 2025 by Roxane Manley

We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it. “It’s fine, I’ve done it a hundred times before.” As National Farm Safety Week continues, Farmsafe Australia is turning its attention to one of the most stubborn, and underestimated, risks in agriculture: complacency.

Farmsafe Chair Felicity Richards says complacency often doesn’t look like a risk at all because it wears the mask of routine, experience, and efficiency.

“Complacency isn’t about being careless,” says Richards. “It’s about being too comfortable. Too familiar. Too confident that things will go as they always have. And that’s when the cracks start to show.”

This year’s Safer Farms Report shows the confronting truth: despite new tech, better gear and more awareness, serious injuries and near misses are not going down.

In 2024, 72 people lost their lives on Australian farms which is more than double the year before, and the highest fatality figure in over two decades.

Many of those incidents involved common, everyday jobs; moving vehicles and equipment, operating tractors, handling stock. “These aren’t extreme, one-in-a-million scenarios,” says Richards. “They’re ordinary jobs. The kind we do all the time. And that’s exactly what makes them dangerous.”

Fly High For Mental Health In Memory Of Corey Woodhouse

July 24, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Jason and Michelle Woodhouse with Corey Woodhouse (back right) and Kaylee and Jaxon in front.

During the month of August, Jason Woodhouse of Forbes will be fundraising in memory of his son Corey Woodhouse, who he lost almost two years ago to suicide. All funds raised will be donated to Kids Helpline and Headspace.

Corey was only 14 years old when he tragically took his own life and Jason said to his wife Michelle, “We need to do something. No one should feel this pain.” Jason wants Corey’s short time in this world to mean something and he wants to show Corey’s siblings, Kaylee and Jaxon, and other young kids, that help is out there.

“It took too long to get the help Corey needed in the year prior to Corey taking his life, and as parents we didn’t know where to get help. So, I need to help educate parents and kids where to go if they need help,” said Jason.

Corey loved everything about planes – he was always making paper planes and even started flying lessons at the age of 13. The people of Forbes and Parkes can assist during August by purchasing paper planes to write their name on, from their local Bernardi’s Marketplace, Discount Daves Parkes or Coles Parkes. People can also donate raffle or auction items and drop them to Bernardi Forbes (Kathrine Wright) and Coles Parkes (Hope Ross).

The community is invited to an auction being held Saturday 23 August at 5pm for 6pm start at the Forbes Bowling Club, on the bowling ground. Businesses can help by donating items to the auction; all money raised will go to Kids Helpline and Headspace. Forbes Livestock will be assisting on the evening as auctioneer.

Then, on Sunday 24 August, Jason will be holding a free mental health event, where kids and parents, can be educated on the range of services available if they need help. Local service providers will be set up on the day to provide information and speak to people.

It will be a great family day out with giveaways, face painting, bracelet making, rock painting, a paper plane making and throwing activity, and a BBQ run by the Forbes Lion’s Club.

Purchase a paper plane from from Bernardi’s Marketplace, Discount Daves Parkes or Coles Parkes to raise funds for kids mental health and suicide prevention charities, Kids Helpline and Headspace.

Natasha Harris Is Forbes Indigenous Person Of The Year

July 24, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Aboriginal early childhood educator Natasha Harris is the 2025 Indigenous Person of the Year over 18, an award announced by the Forbes NAIDOC Committee on 4 July. Natasha, who works in CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes’s Aboriginal Families as Teachers program, was honoured to receive the accolade.

“I am passionate about my work and deeply committed to supporting families and strengthening our community,” she said.

“My role [with CatholicCare WilcanniaForbes] allows me to walk alongside families, providing meaningful support in their everyday lives.

“I run playgroup sessions in family homes to create safe, engaging spaces for children and parents to connect and learn.

“I also founded Little Boori Playgroup — a culturally grounded playgroup held on Country for our Aboriginal families.

“This space helps children and their families connect with culture, language, and land in a meaningful and respectful way.

“I work closely with Elders and local services to provide holistic support for our families, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and empowered.”

Natasha has been part of the CCWF team for more than nine years and shares her knowledge and insight with colleagues across the organisation. This year she helped organise a Reconciliation Week event for the Forbes branch to get together to yarn and eat. “I demonstrated how to make johnny cakes, so everyone there on the day got to make their own johnny cakes,” Natasha said.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Chief Executive Officer Anne-Marie Mioche congratulated Natasha, saying: “At CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, we know Tash as a passionate advocate for her clients, and someone with a calm and gentle approach.”

Local Residents Take The Plungeto Fight MND

July 24, 2025 by Roxane Manley

For a decade now, Parkes local Kristy Berry and her extended group of friends and family have been raising funds and awareness for MND through The Big Freeze. For the last nine years the group have taken to Kristy’s family pool, with the family donating for each person brave enough to take the plunge.

Kristy’s grandfather, great grandmother and a cousin all passed away from MND.

Kristy said “I have very vivid memories of what this beast actually puts sufferers through.”

“I mainly wanted to help not only raise money but awareness of MND. Prior to Neale Denier and the AFL starting the Big Freeze 11 years ago, there wasn’t much awareness around MND”.This year Kristy wanted to up the ante, so she spoke to Terri and Tony from The Coachman Hotel and both were on board to get involved, and make a night of it.

“Then we approached Bella Thomson and Sammy Dwyer from the Parkes Spacemen to see if they would take to the ice water, and neither hesitated. We auctioned off a 2025 signed Spacemen Jersey and a framed Saint George photo collage.

The Parkes Spacemen Old Boys held their meat raffles and donated the takings on the night,” said Kristy.

There evening was well supported by the Parkes Spacemen, family, friends and the community. Bella, Sam, John and Tony all took to the iced pool and freezing water was poured over them. It was topped off with the band Hope Held Hostage. An impressive $2,750 was raised and plans are already in place for a bigger event in 2026.

If you want to help you can still donate to the cause by following the link https://support.fightmnd.org.au/s/5655/6228.

John, Tony and Krisy on Friday 11 July at The Coachman Hotel. Tony and John both put their hands up and braved the ice cold.

The Breastscreen NSW Van Is Coming To Forbes

July 17, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The BreastScreen NSW mobile screening van will be in Forbes from Monday 18 August to Monday 13 October, 2025. BreastScreen NSW provides free breast screening to all women over 40 to support the early detection of breast cancer.

Deon Adamson, Manager, BreastScreen NSW (Greater Western) says a regular breast screen is one of the most important things women can do for their health.

“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment.”

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.

This is why breast cancer screening is so important.”

Ms Adamson says having a BreastScreen NSW van in Forbes makes it easier for women to attend their recommended twoyearly screening.

“Bringing these vital services to Forbes means more local women can be screened.

Life gets busy and we want women to make their health a priority.”

The BreastScreen NSW van will be located in Harold Street (near the Cenotaph), Forbes NSW 2871. An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free, takes less than 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed. BreastScreen NSW provides free screening mammograms to women over the age of 40. Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their specific needs with their GP. Anyone with breast symptoms should contact their GP or health worker without delay.

The mobile clinic visiting Forbes is equipped with a lift system to support women with health conditions or disability to have their mammogram. Women with additional needs are encouraged to let us know when booking.

Have your breast screen at our mobile BreastScreen NSW van in Forbes and you will be entered in the draw to win a delicious hamper.

To book a free mammogram visit book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50.

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