General Interest Archives - Page 47 of 311

Ben Lovett Has A Passion For Regional Communities

June 27, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Ben recently visited Brewarrina alongside Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell and Jack Wighton. Representing the Winmarra foundation founded by Latrell, the boys spent time engaging with the local community and assisting at-risk youth.

Former Parkes Spacemen and current South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett has been nominated for the The Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year, which recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects. A player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support.

The 2024 Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year nominees form the NRL Community Team of the Year. Fans have the chance to vote for their favourite nominee and we are urging everyone to vote for former Parkes local Ben Lovett who was selected as a nominee from South Sydney Rabbitohs. Souths have won the award for the last two years, in 2023 with Latrell Mitchell and in 2022 with Cody Walker. Lets help Ben make it three in a row

Ben had this to say about being nominated: “I’m honoured to be nominated for an award that represents something bigger than football. Giving back to the community and inspiring kids to achieve their dreams has always been my passion.

“I am grateful for Parkes, the Spacemen and the Rabbitohs for giving me the platform to make a difference, and for their support throughout.”

To vote for Ben go to: www.nrl.com/community/awards/ken-stephen-medal/

Haylee Redfern Is Now A WKSF World Champion

June 20, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Haylee is pictured competing in the Long Cycle 16kg + 16kg.

Forbes woman Haylee Redfern has returned from a four day competition in Poland, 6th – 9th June, as the WKSF Kettlebell Sport World Champion. Hayley was a winner in the following categories, Amateur Long Cycle Champion 16kg + 16kg, Master OALC Champion 16kg, Amateur 30min OALC Champion 16kg, Master 30min OALC Champion 16kg, New World Record Masters 30min One Arm Long Cycle (OALC), Silver medalist in Masters Long Cycle and Bronze in Amateur OALC.

When asked when she first set her sights on becoming a World Champion, Haylee said: “I’ve always set my own standards quite high. I qualified for the Australian Team back in 2019 – my first year of Kettlebell Sport, however due to Covid was unable to travel to Spain for the 2020 World Championships.”

Haylee said of the moment she realised she had won: “It was a very emotional experience standing on that platform when the National Anthem started playing. It was so surreal and such an honour to think of what I had achieved for my country and myself.”

“The importance of being the best role model I can be to my children is highly valued to me and for them to say they are proud, reassures me I must be doing something right in the parenting department. They are 7 and 11.”

Haylee is back on the platform this weekend as part of the re-qualification process; before competing at State of Origin in August then onto the GSAA Nationals in Melbourne in September.

2024 Parkes Yard Dog Trials

June 20, 2024 by Roxane Manley

All results for the weekend are available on the NSW Yard Dog Association website.

The fourth annual yard dog trials were a successful weekend, with entries up on last year. Competitors travelled from across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. The open section attracted handlers and dogs that have won many Australian championships between them. The weekend catered for a variety of classes including Novice, Maiden, Encouragement, Junior, Local and Open. The results for the Local section were First Danail Day with South Stormy, second Bernard Dwyer and Annie, third place Donna Lindley and Bonnie.

Frost And Fire Returns For Fifth Year

June 20, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes’ own Celia Pavey, known professionally as Vera Blue, will be headlining Frost and Fire 2024.

Forbes is gearing up for a spectacular evening as the highly anticipated Frost and Fire Festival returns this Saturday 22nd June.

This year promises to be the best yet, featuring an incredible lineup of artists headlined by Forbes’ own Vera Blue, who has taken the world by storm with her soulful performances. In a long awaited official return Vera will captivate her hometown audience once again.

Frost and Fire offers a family friendly experience with free entry for children under 18. Attendees can look forward to fireworks display that will light up the winter sky, accompanied by the warmth of fire buckets scattered throughout the venue. The festival also boasts an array of hearty food trucks.

“Having Vera Blue, a homegrown talent, headlining our festival is a tremendous honour and a testament to the incredible talent that emerges from our community,” Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“We have watched Vera – who we then knew as Celia Pavey – grow from a young girl with a dream to an international sensation and we are thrilled to welcome her back to where it all began.”

Entertainment at this year’s event includes cultural performances, bubble magic shows, and mesmerising fire performers. A special appearance from the Ice Queen will enchant children and add a touch of magic to the evening.

Forbes Shire Council and Evolution Mining proudly sponsor this community-driven event showcasing the region’s resilience and spirit. The festival promises a night of unforgettable entertainment, supports local businesses, and fosters community growth.

Join us at the Forbes Ski Dam this Saturday for a night of music, magic, and memories at the Frost and Fire Festival. Tickets are available exclusively at 123tix.com.au.

Forbes Magpies Take The Main Game On Derby Day

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Magpies took the two points on Derby Day with a 22-18 win over Parkes Spacemen. Image credit: Parkes Spacemen Facebook page.

The biggest day on our local rugby league calendar is the June long weekend Parkes versus Forbes Derby Day, which has become a long standing tradition between the twin towns.

A massive crowd flocked to Pioneer Oval in Parkes on Sunday 7th June, to witness the clash between Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies.

Parkes started the day strong, and were off to a thrilling start, taking out the League Tag 10-4, 18s 20-18 and Reserves 20-16, but it was Forbes who were victorious in the first grade battle, winning 22-18.

Forbes Magpies Coach Cameron Greenhalgh said, “We haven’t beaten Parkes on Derby Day since 2018, it was good to get the win over there. We let a substantial first half lead slip away, it was 22-4 at half time and they came back to 22-18, but we hung on and got the two points.”

Each year, a massive Forbes crowd travels across to Parkes to support the team, and always get the players pumped up.

Parkes Spacemen President Tony Dwyer said, “This particular round between Parkes and Forbes is known as one of the best local derbies in country rugby league.

It’s great to see Forbes enjoy it as much as us, you see how many people it brings over and how pumped up they get for it, they just love beating us over here.”

Mental Health In Young Men – More To Do

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Kids Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health this week, as part of International Men’s Health Week.

yourtown CEO Tracy Adams says this week is important for all members of the community, but particularly young men and those with young men in their lives, to build a positive culture around mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Data from Kids Helpline highlights that young males are less likely to engage in help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with females. On average during May Kids Helpline recorded 57 responses a day from young males compared with 195 females.

Counsellors at Kids Helpline respond to 21% males and 79% females on any given day, with males aged between 19 to 25 years of age representing the largest (37%) male help-seeking group.

Kids Helpline offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to connect with professional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Kids Helpline is Australia’s only national 24/7 counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years – free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

Funding Announced For Community Building Partnership Projects

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Phil Donato MP pictured with students from Eugowra Public School.

Member for Orange Phil Donato is looking forward to Eugowra Public School students training and playing on refurbished sports courts following the allocation of funding through the Community Building Partnership program.

Mr Donato was delighted to announce $297,658 for the electorate with Eugowra P and C heading the list, securing $131,450 to repair the school’s tennis and basketball/netball courts and cricket pitch with resurfacing and the installation of lighting.

In all, Mr Donato was pleased to announce 13 projects covered by the 2023 Community Building Partnership Program funding.

“The State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities and it’s great to see the kids of Eugowra are among those to benefit,” Mr Donato said.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.”

Along with Eugowra P and C, successful projects in the local area for the 2023 round were:

• Trundle Children’s Centre, Shade Sail installation – $11,770

• Forbes Shire Council, Lions Park Shade Sale – $37,692

• Sporting Shooters Association Forbes, Clay Target Trap Replacement Program – $5,000

• Tullamore Inc, Tullamore Preschool Kitchen Refurbishment – $16,185

• Parkes Shire Food Service Inc, Kitchen Equipment Upgrade – $25,000

• Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society Inc, Upgrade to Stage Curtains and Lighting Equipment – $14,000

• Trundle War Memorial School of Arts, Trundle War Memorial Hall Hearing Loop Installation – $10,000

For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/cbp.

Double Demerits This June Long Weekend

June 6, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Motorists across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.

Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 7th June until Monday 10th June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

Parkes Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant, Joshua Tolley has indicated that Police will also be targeting the “four Ds” of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

“Around 95% of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour – like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

“Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend,” said Act ing Sergeant, Joshua Tolley Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said, “Drivers should make sure they are fit to drive before get ting behind the wheel, are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.” Ensure you are well rested and not un der the influence of drugs or alcohol, focus on driving. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable to conditions. Please make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.

Snippets…

June 6, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Power Tools Plus Show Support For Tradies Under Construction In Parkes: Congratulations to the official Parkes High School Year 10 RIEP crew for completing your 5 week Introduction to Construction course. All the best for your future tradie careers. A recent article in The Parkes Phoenix about the course inspired us to drop in on their last day with a surprise bag of goodies to support the students as they consider their futures as apprentices. A dedicated, focused and well behaved bunch, the future is sure looking bright.

Professional Development Day – Central West NSW: Central West tourism and hospitality operators are invited to discover how to position their business as an employer of choice at a free, one-day seminar.

The seminar will be held at The Remington, Orange, on Monday 17th June, 9am to 5pm which includes one hour of networking.

Australian College of Physical Education: The Australian College of Physical Education’s Open Day on 22nd June is your chance to explore your child’s potential in the sports industry. Register your child now to start their sport career journey. For more information visit acpe.edu.au/openday

Amazing Forbes NSW: 2024 Frost & Fire Food Foodies, you’re in for a treat! From smoked meats to gourmet desserts, what ever your heart desires, we assure you that this year’s Frost and Fire won’t disappoint. Stalls include Smoking Brothers, The Cheesecake Co, Trang Hue, Cameron Herbert, Forbes Netball Association, The Frisky BriskeT, Sweeet Street, Mr Pizza Van, Dip N Dots, Cook Wook Wong, Spuddy Buddy, Ridgeys Delights, Simply k8terinG. Tickets are on sale now, but hurry, they won’t last www.123tix.com.au/events/42630/frostandfire

Cheers To 30 Years Festival: To celebrate 30 years of Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations, we want to thank the community for their support. So we are hosting a free festival with Daryl Braithwaite as the headline act. More acts will be announced soon. You can register for your free tickets at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44118/northparkes-cheers-to-30-years-festival

Forbes High School P&C Association: The transformation of the school canteen space has been exciting to watch, and the students now have an inviting area to sit and eat, while catching up with their mates. The Forbes High School P&C Association can celebrate their fundraising efforts knowing the new space benefits all students.

Be Seen @ Arts Outwest 50th Anniversary Celebrations

June 6, 2024 by Roxane Manley

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