General Interest Archives - Page 45 of 317

Parkes Community Grieves The Loss Of Local Couple

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Pakes community is in shock, after learning local husband and wife Graeme and Sue Tait, both 57, were fatally injured in a tragic two car collision on the Newell Highway in Tomingley, just south of Dubbo around 9:20pm on Friday 30th September.

Graeme and Sue have left behind five children aged between 16 and 26. The couple were well known and much loved local residents. Graham was an experienced, well respected coach driver and fundraiser, while Sue was a beloved teacher and assistant director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre, having worked there for 17 years.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organised by Amii Marchant on behalf of Bernadette Tait to support the children of Graham and Sue Tait. Please get behind this fundraiser for the five Tait children who now require a large amount of support. You can show your support by making a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/graham-and-sue-tait

The two other fatalities from the horror crash were Lochie Jacobs 19 and Joey Urban 18. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss. Support the boys families at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lochie-jacobs-and-joey-urban

The sole survivor was a 23 year old driver of one of the two vehicles involved in the crash. On Monday he was charged and granted bail, and will appear before Dubbo Local Court on 21st October.

Be Alert This Bushfire Season

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Farming communities across NSW are encouraged to stay alert to fire risks as the state’s rural Bush Fire Danger Period begins today.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee member Garry Grant said the danger period is set to be in force until at least 31 March, with landholders urged to remain vigilant.

“If you’re planning on lighting an open fire anytime soon, it’s also critical that you seek a Fire Permit and notify your local fire authorities and neighbours well before you burn.

“Awareness, preparedness and communication will be key to stopping bushfires in their tracks this summer, so we can all stay safe.”

Residents in rural communities across the state are encouraged to prepare themselves for this year’s bushfire season, Mr Grant said, with a few simple measures critical to ensuring safety during a bushfire event.

“Downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app is an easy way to stay up to date with fires that are in your region or other regions if you’re travelling around the state this summer,” Mr Grant said.

“Bushfires always spread faster than we think they will, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Forty Per Cent Of Women From Western Nsw Overdue For Breast Screening

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women aged 50-74 from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book in for a free mammogram, with more than 40 (41.4) percent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is also encouraging women to Be A Friend, Tell A Friend about the importance of having regular mammograms. Be A Friend, Tell A Friend encourages word of mouth and social media promotion among women to their friends, family and colleagues about the need to have regular mammograms.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with age and being female the biggest risk factors – not family history. Women aged 50 – 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years.

BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years, with evidence showing that they are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, have more advanced cancer at diagnosis and poorer survival rates compared to the overall female population.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay. Make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed.

For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, you can call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

Inland Rail Completes Major Works Blitz

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The awning at Forbes Station was trimmed by 300mm and the track was slewed laterally by more than half a metre during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.

After more than 100 hours of round-the-clock activity, Inland Rail has completed a gruelling schedule of work which puts the Stockinbingal to Parkes section well on the path towards completion.

Starting last Saturday, 13 September, at 6am and finishing on Thursday 19 September, at 10am, teams from Inland Rail and principal contractor Martinus Rail completed work at four key sites during a 100-hour shut down of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goobang Junction.

To get this work finished on time, up to 240 rail workers across the four sites completed shifts which began ahead of the shutdown and finished after the line reopened.

James Kennedy, Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes (A2P), Inland Rail, said “The work we have carried out this week can only be done safely when the line is closed.

“Safety is our highest priority and so we make the most of the two available track possessions which take place each year.

“To do that we undertake rigorous and methodical planning, working hand in hand with Martinus Rail, to ensure we complete our work and return the line to the operators on time.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while we carried out these construction tasks.”Treaven Martinus, Martinus Rail CEO and founder, said “The successful completion of this super possession is a testament to the dedication and planning of both the Inland Rail and Martinus teams.

“Across multiple locations, from the installation of turnouts to extensive earthworks and track formation reconstruction, every task was executed with safety and efficiency as our top priorities.

“We are grateful for the community’s support and patience.

“Martinus remains steadfast in our mission to deliver this landmark project safely, effectively, and with a focus on creating lasting value for Australia’s future.”

A tamper packs down the ballast supporting the newly installed rails at the Wyndham Avenue road bridge, where the rail line was lowered by two metres during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.

Our Nurses Are Overworked And Underpaid

September 26, 2024 by Roxane Manley

NSW Public Health is in the midst of a staffing crisis, which is why you may have seen members of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, gathered on Tuesday morning in the main street of Parkes from 10am to 12pm. These members were part of an organised strike that also took place at various locations across the state.

Our nurses and midwives are burnt-out and exhausted. Shockingly, NSW nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in Australia, with other states paying nurses a significant 18 per cent more. NSW nurses are asking the NSW government for an immediate 15 per cent pay increase, so they can afford to stay in the professions and the towns they love.

Tracy Boney, President of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said: “We love our profession, we care, we want to make a difference for our patients and our communities.”

Tracy wants people to know that they aren’t just striking for more money. The increase in pay will also help with other worrying factors such as unsafe staffing levels, nurse to patient ratios and staff retention.

“We are living in 2024 on 2008 wages,” said Tracy, who is outraged that NSW has lost around 16,000 nurses last year alone.

To show your support for our amazing nurses and midwives, go to: https://www.nswnma.asn.au/campaigns/ratios4nsw/

Unicef Australia Seeking Young Ambassadors

September 26, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Applications are now open for all young people aged 16-24 who are interested in representing their state as a UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador.

The 2025 Young Ambassador program is an 18-month initiative for aspiring young advocates, where they will be trained in leadership and advocacy, while engaging in meaningful consultations with other young people on issues that impact them.

Current Young Ambassador, Luke McNamara said the program has been “an amazing experience on all fronts”, especially the opportunities to advocate to the highest levels of government.

Along with his fellow Young Ambassadors, Luke presented the National Child and Youth Statement on Climate Change to MPs and Ministers in Canberra. But this advocacy also went beyond Australian borders.

“Another key – and almost unbelievable – moment was officially launching that Statement at COP28 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Dubai at the Australian Pavilion,” Luke said.

UNICEF Australia will select at least one Young Ambassador from each state and territory to amplify the voices of their peers, with nine positions up for grabs across the nation.

Applications close on Sunday 6th October 2024. To apply, go to https://www.unicef.org.au/our-people/young-ambassadors

Successful Be Road Ready For Harvest Satellite Events

September 26, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Participants at the Be Road Ready for Harvest Satellite Event that took place in Bogan Gate.

Over 50 farmers, contract harvesters, truck drivers and grain brokers attended the recent Be Road Ready for Harvest Satellite Events in Tottenham, Parkes, Wirrinya and Bogan Gate.

The events were supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network (GTSN), NSW Police, SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Local Lands Services, NSW Farmers and the Parkes Show Society.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said anecdotal feedback from attendees was very positive.

“Regulations are constantly changing, so events like these are important to ensure we provide information about how to safely and legally move agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road network in the lead up to the busy harvest period.

“We had presentations about conditional registration, auxiliary plates, fatigue, load restraint, mobile phone rules, chain of responsibility, access, compliance as well as the Grain Harvest Management Scheme, last mile access to silos and the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice.

“The highlight of the morning was the interactive activity, where we showed participants how to use the quick reference guide for Class 1 Agricultural Notice to work out what the travel requirements would be for a header towing a front as well as various sized tractors towing implements.

“Participants took home windscreen stickers that can be attached to their machinery that acts as a quick reference for travel requirements such as pilots, lights and signage.

“Harvest USBs and windscreen stickers will be distributed to local agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in late October” Ms Suitor said.

‘Central West Is Best’ Photo Competition Is Back

September 26, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) is excited to announce the launch of the annual Central West is Best Photography Competition for 2024. With this year’s theme, “Location, Location, Location”, the competition invites photographers of all ages to capture the unique landscapes, landmarks, and hidden gems that showcase the magic of our region as a location to host an event or film a movie.

The competition is open to all residents of the Central West, with categories for all ages to enter: Open (over 18 years), Junior (under 18 years) and Mini (under 10 years).

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together again for this year’s competition,” said Josh Gordon, Director of Regional Development for RDA Central West. “The theme, ‘Location, Location, Location,’ perfectly highlights the pride we have in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of our region. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this competition offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Central West’s diverse and stunning locations.”

Participants are encouraged to submit images that reflect the essence of what makes the Central West a remarkable place to live, work, and explore. From sweeping landscapes to the heart of our local towns, each photo will celebrate the unique character of the area.

Submissions for the 2024 competition are open until 5pm, October 20, 2024, and winners in each category will receive exciting prizes, including opportunities for their work to be featured in RDA Central West publications and online channels.

Entrants can submit photographs via https://rdacentralwest.org.au/ Winners to be announced early November.

Four Days Of Double Demerits

September 26, 2024 by Roxane Manley

People may think that it is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do every day.

Motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over this coming October long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 4th October 2024 and ending on Monday 7th October 2024 (inclusive).

Acting Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Joshua Tolley said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules. They occur on select holiday periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent. Statistics show that there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crashes when double demerit points are operational.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Acting Sergeant Tolley said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

“During double demerit point periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are more severe. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Ms Suitor said.

Celebrate Spring In Canowindra With Spring Fling Fling

September 26, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Get ready to embrace the vibrant colors and rejuvenating spirit of spring at Canowindra’s much-anticipated Spring Fling. From 25th – 27th October, Canowindra will play host to a delightful array of activities and events designed to celebrate the season and showcase the best of our community.

Stargazing with Donna The Astronomer

As a special highlight of the weekend, prepare for an extraordinary stargazing experience with renowned science boffin, Donna The Astronomer. Donna will lead an insightful and awe-inspiring session under the stars, providing fascinating insights into the night sky. It’s a rare chance to deepen your understanding of the cosmos and marvel at the celestial wonders above. To book your tickets to the Stargazing experience, go to www.123tix.com.au

Accommodation Packages at Eddy’s Of Canowindra

Eddy’s Of Canowindra is rolling out the red carpet for Spring Fling with special accommodation packages. Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of their charming rooms and take advantage of their exclusive Spring Fling rates. Perfectly located, Eddy’s offers easy access to all the activities organised in Canowindra while providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploring.

Edellen Flowers Workshop

Immerse yourself in the floral beauty of spring with Edellen Flowers. Join their flower workshop to learn how to create stunning floral arrangements that capture the essence of the season. This hands-on experience is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their floral skills or simply enjoy the art of flower arranging.

Finns Store Pop-Up Market

On Saturday, Finns Store will host their popular Pop-Up Market, featuring a fantastic selection of local products, artisanal goods, and unique finds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans and discover one-of-a-kind items. Don’t miss out on the chance to shop and explore the pop up market and the vibrant offerings.

Garden Club Plant Stall

Spring is synonymous with blooming flowers and thriving plants, and the Canowindra Garden Club is here to help you green up your space. Visit their plant stall, outside IGA, to pick up a variety of spring plants, seedlings, flowers and gardening tips. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a budding enthusiast, this stall is sure to inspire your green thumb.

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