General Interest Archives - Page 46 of 326

Quorn Park Hybrid: Project Update

January 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Our team enjoyed the Parkes Elvis Festival atmosphere and fully embraced it by dressing up, and stepping back in time to celebrate his iconic influence.

The Quorn Park Hybrid Farm, on Back Trundle Road, Parkes NSW, is progressing the construction phase of the project.

Initial construction activities started with material import for temporary tracks and working pads, soon to transition for permanent internal access roads. Vehicle movements towards the solar farm have remained monitored and under control, whilst the final road upgrade in Henry Parkes Way and McGrath Lane are completed. Once the upgrade is underway, additional construction activities will begin, including piling (support structures for the photovoltaic panels), perimeter security fencing and foundations.

Light and heavy vehicles are transiting on Henry Parkes Way, Mc Grath Lane, Back Trundle Road as goods and personnel are transported to site, generally between 7.00am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday.

Quorn Park project team recently took part in the Parkes Elvis Festival in January 2025.

Potentia Energy had a stall at Cooke Park from 8-11 January 2025, where our team was able to share information about Quorn Park Hybrid and solar and renewable energy more generally, answering questions about our project, who we are and what we do, while giving away resources on renewable energy, and Potentia Energy branded merchandise.

Potentia Energy and Beon Energy Solutions (EPC contractor for the project) aim to maximise opportunities for local contractors and suppliers to participate in the project through the provision of goods and services to the project site and workforce.

Beon Energy Solutions will seek to employ a local workforce to support the construction of the project. Opportunities will include labourers, truck drivers, cleaners and plant operators. The specifics of these roles will be made publicly available in early 2025For further queries or feedback about Quorn Park Hybrid we encourage you to reach out via email quornparkhybrid@potentiaenergy.com.au

Coalition To Cut Red Tape To Support Small Businesses

January 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Michael with Gaylene Crabtree at the Olde School T-house in Bethungra.

Small businesses across the Central West, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes and Southern Tablelands are set to benefit from a new Coalition policy that will cut red tape.

A future Liberal-Nationals Government will introduce a capped tax deduction of $20,000 for business-related meal and entertainment expenses – excluding alcohol – for small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the policy would help boost small businesses and stimulate the hospitality industry. “As a former Minister for Small Business and as a former business owner, I can certainly attest to the tangible benefits cutting red tape can have on helping a business survive and thrive,” Mr McCormack said.

“This announcement will also give the hospitality industry a much-needed boost – with many cafés, pubs, restaurants, clubs and entertainment facilities themselves small or family-owned enterprises.”

The measure, which will run for an initial two years, will be exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax. “This is about supporting small businesses that have felt the brunt of a cost-of-living crisis completely mismanaged by the Labor Government over the past three years,” Mr McCormack said.

“Small businesses are the engine room of the economy, particularly in regional and rural communities.

“The Liberals and Nationals understand this important symbiotic relationship between small and family-owned businesses and the local communities they serve and live in, which is why a future Coalition Government will always have their backs.”

Under this Labor Government, more than 26,000 small businesses have fallen into insolvency, with more than 4,000 of those in the hospitality sector.

This measure builds on the Coalition’s commitment to rebuild small business by making the Instant Asset Write-Off permanent.

Farmers Welcome Plans To Attract More Vets To Regional Nsw

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The state’s peak farm body has welcomed a new government initiative to address acute shortages of vets across rural NSW.

Under the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program, vets, vet nurses, vet technicians and their families are now eligible to receive assistance with sourcing housing, childcare and other services when moving to rural NSW.

NSW Farmers’ Member Dr Robyn Alders AO said news of the initiative had been warmly welcomed by farming communities across the state, as they continued to grapple with critical workforce shortages.

“Farmers know that healthy animals are productive animals and they need to have access to vets if they are to successfully protect animal health on-farm.”

“If we want to build a sustainable veterinary workforce here in rural NSW, then we need a range of solutions that address the complex challenges that have caused this shortage in the first place,” Dr Alders said.

“Globally, governments are supporting a range of initiatives to ensure the availability of appropriate, affordable veterinary services to livestock producers, and it’s critical our government does the same.”

Ange Clarke Announced Forbes Australia Day Ambassador

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Ange Clarke, left, with her son Will, second from the right, former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, right, and artist Ben Quilty, second from left.

Forbes Shire Council is excited to announce advocate for inclusion and Where There’s a Will Founder and CEO, Ms Ange Clarke, as its 2025 Australia Day Ambassador.

Ms Clarke will take part in Forbes Shire Council’s official Australia Day proceedings at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Saturday 25 January, and the Community Breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday 26 January.

Ms Clarke’s son, Will, lives with autism, and during his childhood he often struggled to be included in activities most children would fit into easily.

Determined to break the stigma around people with disabilities and be a champion for inclusion, Ms Clarke created Where There’s a Will in his name – a business that re-purposes donated cricket bats into works of art and symbols for inclusion and kindness. It has been so successful some bats now appear at celebrity’s homes in Hollywood and Australia House in London.

Ms Clarke is no stranger to Forbes, having grown up in nearby Orange. She said “I’m very keen to share my story and passions with the Forbes community and I can’t wait to get involved in the events over the weekend to celebrate Australia Day.”

“It’s an honour to be an Australia Day Ambassador. You get the privilege of meeting inspiring people who have achieved great things in their community and inspired others around them to be better.”

The Australia Day Community Breakfast will run from 8am – 10am at Lions Park.

It’s Back To School Time: Remember Road Safety

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Most school zones are operational between 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing.

The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students in the coming weeks and the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around school zones.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5 – 14 years old.

“Please obey the parking signs around schools. They are there to keep children safe. There are 40km/h school speed zones around all schools in NSW. The school zone in Bushman Street, Parkes, is operational all day from 8am – 4pm. Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns,” she said.

Child restraint laws require children up to seven years old to be restrained in an approved child restraint. For more information visit www.childcarseats.com.au

Some road safety rules to follow

• Where possible, drop-off and pick-up your children on the school side of the road.

• Make sure children use the footpathside door when getting in and out of a car – this is called the safety door

• Use a pedestrian crossing where possible and avoid being distracted by friends, mobile phones or listening to music through headphones whilst walking.

• Children aged up to 10 years old should always be supervised when near traffic.

• Children aged up to eight years old should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road or walking near traffic.

• Make sure your children always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or Skateboard.

• If your children catch a bus, always walk with them to the bus stop.

“Road safety around schools is everybody’s responsibility – students, teachers,parents, carers and drivers. We all have a part to play” Ms Suitor said.

Spooner Oval Works Reach Milestone

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The new grandstand project at Spooner Oval is starting to take shape after the project reached a significant milestone this week with the concrete pour for the foundation.

Part of stage 1 of the Spooner Oval Masterplan, the project is set to deliver a stateof-the-art grandstand that will feature 210 seats, two levels with lift access to the upper level, dressing rooms, a club room, bar and a canteen.

The project began after extensive community consultation, with the first sod turned in December 2023.

Works completed so far include:

• New water and sewer connections to the grandstand;

• Connections from the grandstand to the NBN, electricity and gas network;

• Earth and concrete works for the water tanks that will be constructed;

• Formwork and reinforcement of grandstand foundations.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said the new grandstand would be a game-changer for sport in Forbes. “This will give us a modern facility that will be able to attract and host larger, regional events andboost the local economy,” she said.

“The existing facilities are outdated and not at a true usable standard, so this upgrade will ensure Spooner Oval can be used by sporting groups for many years to come.”

Works commencing in 2025 include:

• Structural steel erection;

• Lift shaft installation;

• Roof and walls to be installed;

• Perimeter concrete and concrete stairs installed;

• Internal linings and fit out.

The project is being funded through the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund.

It is expected that the project will be completed in, or around September 2025.

Inspiring Locals Nominated For Awards

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire residents who have made significant contributions or outstanding achievements to the community over the last 12 months have been recognised by being nominated for the Forbes Shire Council 2025 Australia Day Awards. The official ceremony at the Gala Dinner will start at 7pm and include the speeches from Mayor Miller and Australia Day Ambassador, Ange Clarke, and the presentation of the awards.

Young Citizen of the Year Nominees

Sam Mackay: Sam is a 23-year-old local stock and station agent who is heavily involved in the Forbes community.

Freya Hooper: Freya is an 18-year-old local who achieved equal first place in NSW for Primary Industries in the 2024 HSC.

Grace Barbary: Grace is an 18-year-old local girl who has achieved academic success at Forbes High School, Aurora College and the NSW School of Languages.

Isabella Brown: Isabella is an 18-year-old student who was awarded Dux of Forbes High School in 2024, achieving an impressive ATAR score of 92.75.

Annika Dukes: Annika, a 20-year-old local has worked at Life Pharmacy over the last two years, studying in a Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensing.

Indrie O’Connell: Indrie, 12 years old, was elected as the first Youth Chairperson of the Forbes Youth Action Team, demonstrating leadership and commitment.

Senior Citizen of the Year Nominees

Bob and Freda Drinkwater: Bob and Freda have cared for their son, Scott, who is totally blind and needs care and assistance from them 24 hours per day.

Peter and Elaine Bright: Peter and Elaine are stalwarts of volunteer organisations in Forbes and are driving forces of the Forbes Lions Club.

Kevin Dwyer: Kevin is best known for his many years steering the ship for local community radio station Valley FM.

Lloyd Gerdes: Lloyd contributes significantly to the Forbes community by volunteering for a number of local organisations, including 40 years with Forbes Probus.

Helen Smith: Helen has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul in Forbes for over 20 years, helping locals facing poverty and making herself available to help people in need.

Citizen of the Year Nominees

Tami Hanley (Stewart): Tami is an integral part of the family business, Michael Hanley Funerals. She shows compassion and care, assisting families during emotional times.

Rosie Johnston: Rosie’s vision and enthusiasm have shaped the legacy of art and tourism in Forbes. She created the concept for Somewhere Down the Lachlan.

Jack Buckley: Jack is the owner and pharmacist at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes. He was awarded 2024 Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia Excellence Awards.

Donna Bliss: Donna has made a meaningful impact on the Aboriginal community of Forbes in her work at Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre and Binaal Billa Family Violence and Prevention Legal Service.

Tim West: Tim has played a pivotal role in developing programs for vulnerable and disconnected males in his work as the Forbes Location Manager for Boys to the Bush.

Maree Yapp: Maree is passionate about young people in the Forbes community, working as the Schools as Community Facilitator at Forbes North Public School.

Kim Muffet: Kim is well known in the local arts scene through his volunteer work with the Forbes Arts Society.

Keith Mullette: Keith has had a huge influence on the local art scene and the tourism economy in Forbes through his many years of dedication to the Forbes Arts Society.

Evolution Mining Continues To Give Back

January 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Cheers to 30 Years Festival held by Northparkes in Cooke Park to celebrate 30 years of operations and give back to the community.

Throughout 2024 Northparkes Operations has directly or in partnership contributed nearly 900 thousand dollars to communities in the central west.

One of the recipients of that funding was the Eugowra Community Children’s Centre that received over $400,000 from Evolution Mining to contribute to their new purposebuilt day care centre. The donation will help to fund the long day care room in the new centre – that is set to open in 2026.

This is an extremely important facility for Eugowra as the original centre was destroyed in the 2022 floods and now operates out of a temporary location. With more space, there will be more children who can benefit from the centre as Eugowra continues to rebuild to be better than ever following the devastating floods.

The Eugowra Community Children’s Centre Management Committee said this donation will allow our community owned service to continue to provide long day care for working families in a new, purposebuilt facility. “We are absolutely certain that the impacts of this donation will be long lasting as we can now ensure that future generations of local families will have access to this critical service for many years to come.”

Northparkes Operations General Manager Rob Cunningham said that this is an outstanding project for Evolution to be involved in and really reinforces the strong commitment to support communities where we operate. “Childcare is a need throughout Australia, but Eugowra, as it recovers from the 2022 floods, is such a worthy recipient.

We are thrilled to partner with the team at Eugowra Community Children’s Centre and we’re looking forward to seeing the final results as the build progresses,” he said.

Welcome To The Gates Of Graceland

January 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Founders of The Parkes Elvis Festival, Anne and Bob Steel standing in front of the newly built Gates of Graceland.

This year will mark a significant milestone in the Wall of Fame’s history, with the Wall of Fame plaques being relocated from the original wall in Kelly Reserve to the newly built Gates of Graceland, located at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre.

Parkes Shire Council successfully applied for a grant to build the replica Gates of Elvis Presley’s Graceland that would display the plaques and become the new Wall of Fame. In addition, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winners will be honoured on the Parkes Elvis Festival Walk of Fame with a Hollywood style star.

The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix caught up with Parkes Elvis Festival Founders Bob and Anne Steel at the new Gates of Graceland, and asked them where the idea for the Wall of Fame originally came from? Bob said, “Husband and wife members of ERI, Laurie and Roma Wicks, suggested we honour an Australian musician each year.”

The Gates of Graceland were constructed thanks to the generosity of local tradesmen and businesses. “The gates were built by Bill Sheriff, the bricks were donated by the Potts Group and laid by John Sullivan and the earthworks and concreting by Ken McGrath,” explained Bob.

“At one point the wall was knocked down by vandals and again, the same group came to our aid to rebuild the wall.”Bob and Anne are very pleased with how the festival has grown. “Every new addition just helps to increase the appeal of the festival,” said Bob. The new attraction is open 365 days a year, free and accessible to all.

Welcome To The 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival!

January 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Cr Neil Westcott, Mayor of Parkes Shire.

It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Elvis fans from across the globe to our vibrant community. Now in its 32nd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival continues to grow as a premier event on the Australian calendar, bringing together thousands of fans to honour the timeless legacy of Elvis Presley.

This year is particularly special, marking what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday. Our new theme, “Easy Come, Easy Go,” promises to bring a fresh energy to the festival. Whether you’re dressing up in your best jumpsuit, A-line mod dress or simply soaking in the electric atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We’re thrilled to bring back many beloved festival highlights, including the Miss Priscilla Dinner—a glamorous evening celebrating the elegance and style of Priscilla Presley. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of our Elvis Wall of Fame, now refreshed as the “Gates of Graceland” tribute. This iconic event celebrates those who have made significant contributions to Elvis’ legacy and is a must-see at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre.

In 2025, we are also introducing a brandnew festival app. Designed to enhance your experience, this app puts Elvis in your pocket, helping you plan your days and ensure you don’t miss any of your favourite activities, performances, or events. Additionally, we’ve worked hard to make the festival more accessible and affordable in light of rising living costs, including reducing ticket prices for Leagues Club shows and offering more free and interactive experiences along Clarinda Street.

To our incredible local community—thank you for the warmth and hospitality you show to visitors year after year. To our visitors—please take the time to explore the beautiful Parkes Shire region and experience the charm of our towns and villages.

On behalf of Parkes Shire Council, I extend a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, local businesses, Council staff, and community members, whose passion and dedication shine through in every aspect of the event. A thank you also goes to our generous sponsors and partners—your contributions play an invaluable role in bringing the magic of this festival to life.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning visitor, I hope your time in the Parkes Shire is filled with unforgettable moments, and may The King live on in our hearts. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary celebration. Enjoy the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival!Cr Neil WestcottMayor of Parkes Shire

Young Citizen of the Year Nominees

Senior Citizen of the Year Nominees

Citizen of the Year Nominees

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