General Interest Archives - Page 36 of 311

Parkes Crowned NSW Tidiest Town

November 7, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee and Cr Bill Jayet who were presented the prestigious KAB NSW 2024 Overall Tidy Towns Award on behalf of Parkes Shire Council. Also pictured is Kelly Reserve Water Play Space.

Recognised for our commitment to sustainability and community spirit, Parkes Shire Council will now represent NSW at the Australian Tidy Towns Awards in Beechworth, Victoria, in May 2025.

KAB NSW has been running the Tidy Towns program since 1981 which celebrates, recognises and rewards projects that reduce litter, minimise waste, encourage recycling, promote heritage and culture, biodiversity, and waterways protection, celebrate community spirit and many other environmental areas.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, expressed pride in Council’s achievement, “This award demonstrates the hard work and vision of everyone in the Parkes Shire. It reflects our community’s shared commitment to sustainability and resilience, from Council initiatives to the dedication of individuals, businesses, and local organisations. We are proud to bring this recognition back to the Parkes Shire and are excited to represent NSW at the national level.”

Cr Bill Jayet also shared: “This award is a proud moment for the Parkes Shire, as it acknowledges the forward-thinking approach of our Council teams, community groups, and residents. Each project, no matter how big or small, has contributed to this achievement. We look forward to continuing our journey toward sustainability and setting new standards for environmental care and community engagement,” Cr Jayet said.

In addition to the Overall Tidy Towns Award, Parkes received top honours in the Liveable Towns, Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Community Spirit and Inclusion categories.

Galing Gindhay Water Play: Liveable Town Award, Population Category C Joint Winner. This inclusive space combines water play, adventure elements, and shaded seating, making it enjoyable for all ages. The project integrates Wiradjuri cultural knowledge and highlights the local water story through design and storytelling.

Lake Endeavour Places To Swim Project: Liveable Town Award, Population Category C Joint Winner. Lake Endeavour was transformed into the first developed natural water location for recreational use in the Parkes Shire. The installation of new recreational infrastructure encourages people to get active in, on and around Lake Endeavour – from swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding, to fishing, walking and relaxing by the water.

Waders and Woodlands: Biodiversity Conservation Award Population Category C Winner. Parkes Shire Council rehabilitated 25 hectares into a thriving wetland ecosystem, supporting native flora and fauna, serving as an essential habitat for migratory and threatened bird species, featuring more than 3,000 native plants and macrophytes. This site is attracting a range of bird species, marking significant ecological restoration and fulfilling community desire for accessible green spaces.

Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL): Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Award, Population Category C Winner. The RWSL is a key water security project, storing and managing water using solar energy and gravity. It ensures reliable water supply for the Shire while reducing CO2 emissions by over 900 tons annually.

Homegrown Parkes: Community Events Community Spirit and Inclusion Award, Population Category C Winner. Homegrown Parkes is a free, community-driven event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate local food, art, and sustainability, fostering community engagement and promotes sustainable living.

One of the many stallholders at the Award Winning Community Event – Homegrown Parkes.

Christmas Card Competition Closing Soon

November 7, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is reminding schools and students across the Riverina and Central West his 2024 Christmas card design competition is closing soon.

“This year’s Christmas card design competition theme is “We Wish You a Riverina Christmas,” Mr McCormack said.

“The top three designs will be featured on my personal Christmas card, which will be sent to key stakeholders and parliamentary colleagues.

“Schools have until Friday 8th November 2024 to submit their entries to my Wagga Wagga office.

“Last year more than 1,700 entries were sent in from eligible students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2.

“Unfortunately, this year will be the last opportunity for some schools to enter the competition, as schools in Bland, Forbes and Parkes Shires will no longer be in the Riverina electorate after the next election.

“I urge schools and students in these shires to make the fullest of this opportunity.

Submissions from schools are requested to be enclosed and posted in a single package to Suite 2/11-15 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, or alternatively, submissions can be scanned and emailed to michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au

2024 National Bbq Championships Fires Up Forbes

November 7, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Over 20 teams will line up over two actionpacked days to cook for the championship and over $20,000 in prize money, with the Grilling competition on Saturday and, for the first time, the Smoking competition on Sunday.

There will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family, with live music, food stalls, a bar, a jumping castle for the kids and the Forbes Ipomoea Rotary Club markets on both days.

Not to be missed will be special guest chef Matt Burgess, popularly known as Mat Blak, who has worked for celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver. He will be showcasing his amazing flavours with cooking demonstrations Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a giveaway on each day, with two Weber “BabyQ” Barbeques up for grabs. To enter the draw head to the Forbes Shire Council tent at the event to receive a free raffle ticket. Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, encourages everyone to get down to Grinsted Oval.

Saturday 9 November:
Grilling Competition
12pm – Cameron Sharpe playing throughout the day
12:30pm – Official opening
12:45pm – Cooking demonstration, Mat Blak
1:45pm – ABA Overview
2:15pm – Cooking demonstration, Mat Blak
3:45pm – Cooking demonstration, Mat Blak
5:30pm – Grilling prizewinner presentations
6:00pm – Josie Laver performs
6:45pm – Katie Jayne performs

Sunday 10 November:
Smoking Competition
10am – Event opens
10am – Cameron Sharpe playing throughout the day
10:30am – Official opening
11:00am – Cooking demonstration, Mat Blak
12:45pm – Cooking demonstration, Mat Blak
2:00pm – Cooking demonstration, Mat Blak
3:30pm – Smoking competition prizewinners presentations

Forbes Garden Club Notes

November 7, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

On Tuesday 22nd October the Forbes Garden Club held their last meeting for the year at the home of Evelyn Mahlo. Evelyn spoke on her garden and how she and her late husband Peter moved into their new home in 2007, started planning their garden, and with the help of the late Denis Irvine in some aspects it came together.

The garden consists of many rooms and is picture perfect with plantings of Buxus hedges etcElvy, spoke on the recent Friendship Day hosted by the Young Garden Club, held in the beautiful setting at Clifton Gardens. Four of our members Therese Davis, Janette Thomas, Joyce Morrison and Elvy Quirk attended. Our final speakers on the day were Michelle and David Mahlo. Michelle firstly spoke on how she and her husband David have started their own business named Daves Yard Care which provides all aspects of garden maintenance, David later spoke on the control of weeds such as Winter grass etc.

Flower of the month was won by Anne Reade with a beautiful red rose, 2nd to Robyn Mattiske with a geranium and 3rd to Denise Thurston with a bearded Iris. Raffle prizes went to Robin Lyell, Sylvia Glasson, Annette Thornton and Gail McKay.

Our final get together for the year will be the Christmas luncheon which will be held at the Vandenberg Hotel on Tuesday 26th November commencing 12pm. If you are wishing to attend the cost is $40 for a two course meal and you should have your money to Lloyd our Treasurer before or on 15th November.

By Elvy Quirk

You’re one point away from postnatal depression

November 7, 2024 by Roxane Manley

“You’re one point away from postnatal depression” said the family health care nurse scoring the questionnaire I had just completed in her office.

I was on the verge of breaking point. My baby, our third addition, was breastfeeding every 40 minutes overnight and would not take a bottle.

The nurse explained that I was in a zone called postnatal depletion. My hair was falling out, my nails were cracked, my mind was playing tricks on me. I was depleted.

Being pregnant, breastfeeding, caring for other humans, not getting enough sleep had taken its toll.

Fast forward a few weeks as I now sit in front of Laura, my Nutritionist, as she reviews the results of my blood test. The numbers on the page in front of us tell the story of how I feel.

I was a tired Mum, so exhausted that I was surviving on frozen pizza and dino chicken nuggets. I’m sure many of you can relate!With the help of Laura I began to reincorporate foods into my diet that were rich in the vitamins and minerals my body was lacking and pretty quickly, my nails healed up and grew. My hair stopped clogging the shower drain, and I didn’t feel exhausted every time I woke up in the morning.

We’re thrilled to share that Laura is now offering her Nutrition Consultation services to our community in Parkes or via Telehealth to any location. If you are seeking support to feel your best, reach out to our team to book an appointment with Laura today on 0437 749 746 or learn more at www.kerinhealth.com.au

Illabo To Stockinbingal Takes Final Step On Approvals

November 7, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has received Federal Government approval, green-lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

The Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of Inland Rail has received Australian Government approval, green-lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

The project was assessed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which focuses on the avoidance, minimisation and management of impacts on biodiversity matters of national significance.

The Commonwealth’s conditions of approval supplement the NSW approval to protect threatened species and habitats in the project area. The approval is available online in the EPBC public portal.

The 39-kilometre Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail will create a new direct route from east of Illabo tracking north to Stockinbingal in New South Wales and is the only new section of track from Beveridge to Parkes.

The route will bypass the townships of Cootamundra and Bethungra and the winding, steep section of track known as the Bethungra Spiral on the Main South line, opening a more efficient way to transport freight.

Works on the Illabo to Stockinbingal section will be carried out by construction partner John Holland, which has been awarded the Design and Construct (D&C) contract.

The work will include the construction of several bridges and level crossings, numerous culverts, as well as a new crossing loop.

I2S forms part of the Inland Rail section in NSW from Albury to Parkes which has provided considerable employment and business opportunities. Since July 2023 Inland Rail has spent $7.4 million with 86 local businesses on the project between Albury and Parkes. On the same section, Inland Rail has employed a total of 434 people. 135 of the total are local residents, and 40 of the total are women. 40 of the total are First Nations people. Of the 135 local residents, 24 are First Nations people.

For information please visit https://inlandrail.com.au/where-we-go/projects/illabo-to-stockinbingal/

Women’s Health Services Transformation

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Australian women in every state and territory can now access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at a community pharmacy, without a prescriptionIt follows a decision to empower community pharmacists to do more for their female patients. UTIs are the second most frequent preventable cause of hospitalisation and on average 1 in 2 women develop a UTI in their lifetime.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey said “Women are busy mothers, carers, bosses who need timely easy-to-access access relief to get on with their day and prevent long-term health complications.”

Professor Twomey said increased access to UTI treatment was part of a larger evolution of women’s health services in community pharmacies across Australia.

There are more than 6000 community pharmacies across Australia that have the opportunity to provide additional services and prescriptions for everyday health conditions.

“The widening of the services provided in community pharmacy is meeting the expectation of the modern patient and is relieving the pressure on other parts of the health system.

“Community pharmacists are highly skilled health professionals and we’re ready, willing and able to deliver more for our patients,” Professor Twomey said.

Forbes’ Jack Buckley Announced Pharmacist Of The Year

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Pharmacist Jack Buckley has been named the Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

The part owner of Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy in Forbes received the accolade for his dedication to rural healthcare. A trained pilot, Jack’s innovative approach to healthcare delivery was first recognised during the NSW flood crisis in November 2022, when he utilised his flying skills to transport medical supplies and pharmacy staff to towns along the Lachlan River.

By combining his professional expertise as a pharmacist, with his passion for flying, Jack has revolutionised the delivery of essential medical services to remote communities.

Jack said “I think the key message is, don’t underestimate what community pharmacy can offer patients, particularly in regional centres. We are very service based and place a huge emphasis on patient management and, the great thing is, we are making a difference to the community.”

The award is one of Australia’s most prestigious and regarded pharmacy accolades, with LPG CEO, Michael Flannery saying “This award is a credit to Jack and all the work he puts into the Forbes stores and his local community. He has been a wonderful addition to LPG since joining us over 12 years ago”.

Jack has embraced the Forbes community, and is an excellent Pharmacist. The impact he has made in recent years, particularly utilising his love of flying, highlights his dedication and commitment to community health.”

Inland Rail Generating Jobs And Economic Boost For Regional Nsw Communities

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Newly released figures from Inland Rail show the project is creating jobs and driving economic growth in regional NSW communities.

Delivering Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes has resulted in $7.4 million spent across 86 local businesses between July 2023 and August 2024 and 135 workers employed on the project this year, taking total numbers of workers employed to 434.

Construction has been progressing strongly on the section from Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) and the latest data shows how that is boosting employment and local economies. First Nations business across Australia are contributing to the S2P project, supplying more than $161,000 worth of services. Of the 135 local workers, 24 are First Nations people, making up more than half of the 40 First Nations people who have relocated to the area to work on Inland Rail.

And women make up almost 10% of the workforce, with 40 employed on the project in the period July 2023 to August 2024.

From July 2023 to August 2024, Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes

• 434 people employed, of whom 40 are First Nations

• 135 local residents employed, of whom 24 are First Nations

• 40 women employed

• 33 tradespeople employed

• 86 local businesses engaged

• $7.4 million spent with local businesses

• $161,860 spent with First Nations businesses Australia-wide

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director Program Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability, said: “Inland Rail is bringing benefits to regional communities throughout construction, with local content key to the program’s success.

“A major focus of Inland Rail has been to build skills in communities along the alignment, so local communities can participate and benefit from in this once-in-a-generation project and others in the future.”

Forbes High School 1984: 40 Year Reunion

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Year 8 School Photo 1982.

Did you or someone you know attend Forbes High School back in 1984? This year marks 40 years since the Forbes High School ‘class of 1984’ completed Year 10.

To help celebrate this milestone, some ex-students have gotten together to organise a reunion so that everyone can reunite and have a chance to renew old, and dear friendships. The reunion is open to anyone who was in this school year – whether or not you completed Year 10 in 1984 or Year 12 in 1986 – or even if you were there for just part of it.

The hope is that as many people as possible will attend and partners are more than welcome to come along, in fact it is encouraged. The weekend will kick off with casual drinks at the Globe Hotel in Dowling St from 6pm on Friday 15th November. The official reunion will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 6pm on the veranda of the Forbes Sport and Recreation (Bowling) Club. The cost to attend is $15 per person, which covers a delicious grazing table which is being catered by Bec Tarrant and is payable on the night.

If anyone has their school uniform or any other memorabilia from back in the day then we would love for it to be brought along. To round off the weekend there will be a tour of Forbes High, our old stomping ground, on Sunday 17th November.

Help spread the word and if you plan on coming along please RSVP as soon as you can to Mark “Squizzy” Taylor on 0419 247 972.

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