General Interest Archives - Page 45 of 311

New Parkes Roundabout To Be Biggest In The Central West

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

NSW Labor’s Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said “The Parkes Bypass is a project that will provide improve road safety, reduce travel times and increase efficiencies for the freight industry.

The biggest roundabout in central west New South Wales will be built on Condobolin road as a key feature of the Parkes Bypass.

The Newell Highway bypass of Parkes has been in planning for decades to alleviate the constant flow of heavy freight vehicles and visitor traffic passing through the town.

The Australian Government is contributing $229.7 million to the $287.2 million project, with the remaining contribution being made by the NSW Government.

The project is part of the $1.5 billion investment from the Australian and NSW governments into the Newell Highway Corridor, with the Australian Government committing $1.1 billion.

State Member for Orange Phil Donato said “It’s fantastic to see this once in a generation Parkes Bypass project progressing.

“Also importantly, this project is not only delivering road and transport benefits — it’s also supporting 350 jobs and injecting vital funds into small businesses in Parkes and the broader Central West region, which is bouncing back stronger than ever after unprecedented floods.”

Construction work to build the new 98-metre-diameter roundabout started during the July school holidays.

The large roundabout – which will allow motorists to travel at 80 km/h – will also feature a large sculpture in its centre, which has been designed in collaboration with Parkes Shire Council.

Motorists will be detoured around the site during work. For further information on the Parkes Bypass you can visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass

Less Than One Week To Go To Have Your Say On Telecommunications Issues

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote communities have under a week to have their say on telecommunications issues as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Telecommunications Review.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Chair, Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, has urged people to spread the word about the Review to friends, family and colleagues across regional Australia before it closes on Wednesday 31st July at 11:59pm.

People can have their say in a number of ways:

1. Making a submission online, or in writing to: Regional Telecommunications Review, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA ACT 2601

2. Completing a short survey which takes 10 minutes.

Previous Reviews have led to policy initiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage; all a result of community feedback.

For information on the Review, making a submission, or completing the survey, visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation

GRDC Urges Growers To Assess Farm Silos Ahead Of Harvest

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

GRDC grain storage specialist Chris Warrick is encouraging growers to consider if silos are safe and fit for purpose. Photo: Brenton Vanstone.

A series of high-risk incidents involving the collapse of on-farm silos has industry experts calling on grain growers across the country to assess and either maintain or decommission older silos.

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) grain storage extension team specialist Chris Warrick offered the warning in the wake of several serious, on-farm incidents involving the collapse of silos.

“Growers should be aware that the northern and western sides of silos often have lower moisture, with higher moisture in the southern side of the silo.

“This can present risks when out loading with the dry side generally emptying first in the worst-case scenario this can lead to silo collapse.”

In addition to structural integrity, Mr Warrick encouraged growers to consider safe operation as part of the assessment.

“Whether it be for maintenance or monitoring grain, access to the top of silos is necessary so safe access is a requirement,” he said.

“Many older silos have unsafe ladders, some silos have been purchased without ladders, so the decision is to install safe ladders or an elevated walkway or use a mobile boom lift. Silos being fit for purpose includes a safe way to access the top.”

GRDC has all of the information resources available via storedgrain.com.au with the national team of grain storage specialists available by phoning 1800 WEEVIL.

Nominate A Local Hero That Needs Support

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Do you know of a community member who deserves recognition and support? If you do, we encourage you to nominate them to win free Jim’s Group services.

Aussies are doing it tough at the moment.

The cost-of-living crisis is hurting a lot of people and yet despite this many people continue to soldier on helping out others across the local community demonstrating incredible kindness, fortitude and selflessness.

Jim Penman, founder and head of the nation’s largest franchise group, the Jim’s Group, wants to help our nation’s local heroes and he has launched a Local Heroes Program to give back to people who are struggling and acknowledge and reward them for their incredible contributions to the community.

The Jim’s Local Heroes Program is an extraordinary initiative that will give away over $100k worth of services this year to struggling Aussies across the country. The program is being delivered nationwide with members of the community invited to nominate a local hero who is doing it tough and deserves recognition and support.

The program officially kicked off in Melbourne and is now being rolled out across the entire country. Local heroes will receive any type of Jim’s Group service that they need. Every week, one winner will receive up to $2,000 worth of Jim’s Services. The program is being described as life changing.

“We are proud to help out Aussies in need and we are calling on people to nominate a local hero who deserves a helping hand and would benefit from the donation of Jim’s Group services,” Penman said.

“The Jim’s Group comprises over 50 divisions including lawn mowing, cleaning, painting, bathroom renovations and plumbing, landscaping and much more. With our broad and wonderful range of highly rated services and amazing group of franchisees, we are looking forward to helping out Aussies in need.”

The giveaway also includes Jim’s Healthcare services which launched this month.

Nominations are now open for the community to nominate via https://jims.net/jimslocalheroes/

Farmers Urged To Reach Out For Help

July 18, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Australia’s most trusted rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance this Farm Safety Week. “This year’s Farm Safety Week theme is ‘in safe hands’,” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said.

“Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers when they need it most. We’re encouraging farmers to register with Rural Aid, so that our organisation and its passionate donors, can support farmers’ wellbeing and safety with a hand-up.”

Rural Aid’s range of assistance measures help farmers improve their lives and businesses before, during and after disaster events – be it drought, bushfire or flood.

“Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing team do a fantastic job of heading on-farm to chat with primary producers, at no cost to the farmer,” Mr Warlters said.

Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, Myf Pitcher, said it takes strength to reach out for help.

“We want farmers to treat themselves as their most precious business asset and be open to receiving help with their busy workload,” Ms Pitcher said.

“Registering with Rural Aid means we can support farmers when they need it, now or in the future, and it helps us support rural communities as well.”

To register, visit www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624.

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Is Back Again For 2024

July 18, 2024 by Roxane Manley

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show committee members Andrew Kerr, Amy Slessor, Paul Bennett, Alistair Lunn, Ian Bartholomaeus, Judy Kerr, Adam McGregor, Janine Whitfield, Karryn McGregor, Pierre Dalle, Martine Dalle, Mark Watts, Jenny Watts and Paul Kay with the entries at the 2023 show.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show has entries rolling in for the 32nd annual event. Entries close next week, and the committee is expecting another great show with similar numbers of wines to be entered as last year.

President Mark Watts said there were also a number of wineries who hadn’t entered previously entering this year. “We are really looking forward to another successful event,” Mark said.

Mark Richardson is returning as chair of judges and judging will take place from Monday 19 August to Wednesday 21st August at the Forbes Town Hall.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show finishes with the Public Tasting held on Friday 23 August from 6.30pm at the Forbes Town Hall.

All the wines entered in the show will be available for patrons to taste and finger food will be provided. Tickets are $30 per person.

The next event is the Gourmet Wine Dinner, which will also be held at the Forbes Town Hall and celebrates the trophy winners of the show.

The dinner will be held Saturday 21st September from 7pm with a four-course meal catered by Eat Your Greens featuring trophy winning wines to complement the meal.

Tickets for this event are $130 per person.

If you purchase your tickets to both events in the same transaction, you will receive a $10 discount, making attending both events $150 per person.

Tickets are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show

Forbes Country Music Club July Muster

July 18, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Country Music Club July muster was held on Sunday 14th July 2024 at Club Forbes. Due to the weather, numbers were down but those who attended had a great afternoon. Thank you to all who attended and supported. A warm welcome to new members being Kathleen Guyer (22) and June McIntyre (32).

There were a number of walk up performances on the day, including Brett Petty, Bill Little, Sue Gillett, Keith Noakes, Benjamin Bx, Amanda Williams, Freda and Scott Drinkwater and Tina Podger. It has been a while since we have seen Tina so we were rapt to have her and her friends visit for the afternoon. All of the performances were fantastic and were enjoyed by all.

The guest artist, Forbes local and Forbes Country Music Club Life Member, Garry Hemming had many people hitting the dance floor and as always his music was amazing. Thank you to Garry for being our guest artist and for your continued support.

The band on the day consisted of Brett Petty, Wade Dixon, Jim Hodder, Pam Byrne (who was unwell at the last muster but who was well enough to join this month), Dave Parkin and Keith Noakes.

The MC Ronnie Turner was also back on deck and had everyone organised and ready to perform. A big thank you to our amazing band who make everyone sound fantastic. A special thank you to Tracey Charnock who assisted Steven and Joan on the door due to Julie being unable to attend.

The next muster will be held on Sunday 11th August at 1pm at Club Forbes. All welcome.

By Steven

Rolls Royce Derwent Turbojet Engine Arrives In Parkes

July 18, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Photo courtesy RAFM Hendon.

HARS Parkes Aviation Museum has a wide variety of military and commercial aircraft and aviation related items on display, and the latest to arrive is a 1940’s Rolls Royce Derwent centrifugal compressor turbojet engine.

The Derwent turbojet engine was developed from the original Whittle design of the late 30’s and 40’s and was the second jet engine to go into production. The RR Derwent powered the Gloster meteor aircraft, the first jet powered fighter aircraft to join RAF squadrons at the end of WW2. They were used extensively to down German V1 flying bombs.

In November 1945 the Gloster Meteor with a Derwent engine set a world speed record of 606 mph or 975 kmh. The Meteor was in service with the RAAF from 1946 to 1963 and saw service in the Korean War between July 1951 and July 1953, they were first used in a fighter role against the Chicom Mig 15’s and outclassed and then succeeded in a ground attack role using rockets and napalm. Australia lost 32 pilots and 53 Meteors during the conflict.

In addition to this iconic jet engine, you can also see the largest jet engine in the Central West, a Rolls Royce RB211 that powered the Boeing 747, Neptune engines, both piston and jet and the de Havilland Goblin engine that powered the Vampire.

The Museum is expanding and looking to recruit more volunteers to either be receptionists or tour guides or even in hands-on roles looking after the aircraft and exhibits.

Contact Mike on 0418 473 175 or speak to any one of the volunteers. Flexible shifts and training will be provided.

The Museum is located in a former RAAF hanger at the Parkes Regional Airport and is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm Thursdays and Sundays and entry is $30 per family.

Forbes Garden Club Notes

July 18, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

Denise Thurston, Irene Ford and Marie Langfield showing their prize winning entries in flower of the month.

Forbes Garden Club met on 25th June at the Men’s Shed for their monthly meeting whereby President Margaret welcomed 32 members.

The guest speakers on the day were David and Kate from Forbes Shire Council, who provided a great coverage in relation to the aspect of gardening, tree planting etc within the Shire. During the meeting there was discussion about the possibility of a day trip later in the year, with the Committee to meet before the next meeting to share ideas.

Elvy congratulated Denise Thurston on being the proud mother of a World Champion, with her daughter Haylee recently returning from a competition in Poland as the WKSF Kettlebell Sport World Champion.

The Friendship Luncheon is to be held at Young on 13th October at a cost of $60 per person, which includes lunch and an inspection of Clifton Gardens.

The raffle was won by Jan Stewart and second place went to Loris Molloy.

Flower of the month by popular vote of members was won by Denise Thurston with an Abraham Darby rose, second to Irene Ford with a beautiful yellow succulent and third to Marie Langfield with a Red Hot Poker. Please don’t forget that your contribution to flower of the month is an asset to the meeting. Please bring along one stem of a flower for entry into flower of the month, with your name and the name of the flower underneath the container.

The next meeting will be at the Men’s Shed on Tuesday 23rd July at 2pm. Please arrive by 1.45pm so you can secure a seat before the meeting starts. Please bring a mug for a shared afternoon tea.

By Elvy Quirk

No More: A National Rally Against Violence

July 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Earlier this year, after a spate of women were killed in violent attacks, What Were You Wearing organised the first No More rallies. Over three days in April, 100,000 people turned up and took to our nation’s streets to demand that our politicians and change-makers take decisive action. The rallies led to a national cabinet meeting and our government acknowledging that this is a national emergency.

This year alone, 48 women have lost their lives at the hands of men. In 2023, the toll had reached 64 women by the end of the year.

As part of these rallies, organisers are pushing for two national demands:

1. Mandatory trauma-informed training for first responders across Australia.

2. Funding for grassroots organisations in the domestic, family, and sexual violence sector, including men’s behaviour change programs and women’s refuges.

We encourage Australia to join us once again in taking a stand against the epidemic of gendered violence we are currently experiencing.

The Central West rally will be held on Sunday 28th July, in Robertson Park, Orange at 2:30pm.

For further information on the event please refer to the What Were You Wearing social media pages.

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