General Interest Archives - Page 50 of 311

InKredible event Raises Much Needed Money For Mental Health

May 16, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Young Parkes boy Creed enjoying the street party.

On Sunday May 5th, InKredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barber hosted their fourth annual Flash Bash and Street Party in celebration of their 14th year in business.

The crowds were entertained by local artists, including the fabulous Gracie Denham Jones, and the energetic and easy going Hunter Rawson who also provided the equipment and ran the music on behalf of EJS. Spuddy Buddy and Smoking Brother’s kept everyone well fed and Ems Fancy Faces had the kids happy with some cool face painting!

The tattoo team was flat out, tattooing some of the amazing flash designs they had available on the day.

The team at InKredible would like to thank their wonderful volunteers and sponsors who made the day possible, including: Parkes Shire Council, Bugman, PDF, Visual Apparel, Parkes Caravans, Switch Signs and Tattoo Numbing Cream.

This year was the most successful event to date, raising an impressive $3,000 to be shared between two local mental health charities. There were a number of mental health charities and support services present on the day to provide information and advice regarding mental health.

The InKredible team are passionate about mental health awareness. Please reach out and ask for support if you ever need help, or call into the shop and they will give you information to point you in the right direction. Dates are in the works for May 2025, keep an eye out for more information.

National Simultaneous Storytime Is On Again

May 16, 2024 by Roxane Manley

2023 Forbes Library National Simultaneous Storytime Emmy & Matilda’s Mum Letitia reading The Speedy Sloth written by Rebecca Young and illustrated by Heath McKenzie.

The Australian Library and Information Association has revealed this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) shared story. People across the nation will be reading Bowerbird Blues by Australian author and illustrator Aura Parker, on the same day, at the same time.

Join in the fun on Wednesday, 22nd May at 12 noon when Forbes Library will be sharing the story, followed by a craft session.

Bowerbird Blues stars a beautiful bowerbird on the search for (you guessed it) blue! It’s a moving story of longing and connection, that unfolds as the bowerbird’s search sends him soaring across the sea, sky and city. He swoops and snatches vibrant treasures for his collection, and soon his bower – a mix of natural and unnatural objects – attracts something greater and more fulfilling than he could ever have imagined.

When learning of her book being selected as this year’s NSS story, author Aura Parker said, “National Simultaneous Storytime brings us together and makes us smile, and the shared experience can send imaginations soaring to new heights. I am surprised and blown away with excitement that Bowerbird Blues has been chosen as the book for 2024.”

In 2023, NSS saw over 2 million children reading on the day. For 2024, organisers have adjusted the time slightly, with the goal of further supporting librarians, teachers, parents, and caregivers to get millions of kids in Australia, New Zealand, and around the world reading together.

NSS throws an international spotlight on the important work that libraries do every day. “When we read together it helps language development, learning and literacy, all while building community. It’s a lot of fun,” said ALIA Acting CEO Trish Hepworth.

Find out more about National Simultaneous Storytime at www.alia.org.au/nss

Kerin Health Opens New Clinical Facility

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

For the past two years, the team at Kerin Health have been dreaming, planning and finally building a brand new state of the art clinical facility. It is the first of its kind in the whole of New South Wales and you are invited to help celebrate its grand opening on Friday 17th May from 5:00pm at 28 Armstrong Street, Parkes.

Rachel Kerin, Director and Physiotherapist said, “This facility increases our service capacity – meaning we can treat more clients, support more families, and bring more specialised clinicians to the local area.”

Head along, as Kerin Health showcase their wide range of services, and how they can support you and your family. It will be a night of celebration, including goodie bags, live music, nibbles, a raffle, and a whole lot of free resources.

Marion Jones’ Mothers Day Flowers

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Marion Jones busily working in her garden.

Each year for the past 15 years, Parkes woman Marion Jones has been selling flowers from her garden in order to raise money for charity.

She previously donated the proceeds to the local Uniting Church to go towards their Monthly Monday Meal, but recently Marion has been raising funds to donate to a Ministry in Cambodia that is printing children’s books for local children to learn bible stories. This year Marion is being helped by the wonderful women from the Que Club.

Bunches of flowers will be available for sale at the front of the Uniting Church, this Saturday 11th May from 9am.

Inland Rail Provides Real Opportunities For Regional Businesses

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Inland Rail Skills Academy in partnership with Deborah Wilson Consulting Services have facilitated a five-part series over the past year. The program helps regional businesses understand how to engage with buyers, prepare compliant tender submissions, and manage contracts for work on major projects, such as Inland Rail.

Since July 2023, more than 95 businesses including fifteen First Nations business have participated in four rounds of workshops in Albury, Wagga Wagga, Parkes, and Forbes. Local businesses have benefitted from learning what major project buyers want from suppliers.

Workshops also included presentations from major buyers in the region, including Inland Rail Albury to Parkes prime contractor Martinus, local government, and project proponents within the mining, recycling, and energy industries.

The fifth and final session is a half day ‘Meet the Buyer’ workshop, providing a rare opportunity for suppliers to gain a better understanding of buyer expectations, identify potential opportunities and network directly with major project buyers in the region.

Local businesses interested are encouraged to register at: https://inlandrail.com.au/supplier-capability-development-program-registration-of-interest/.

John Abraham, Inland Rail Local Content Principal, said “Inland Rail projects spanning from Albury to Parkes present real opportunities for local and First Nations businesses to get involved.

“Local content is key to the program’s success. This is a social investment into these communities by Inland Rail. It doesn’t matter if businesses out here are small or large, they’ve all got an opportunity to participate in major supply chains.”

Molly Mattered

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The tight knit Forbes community, along with the rest of Australia are still mourning the loss of local woman Molly Ticehurst.

Molly, a 28 year old mother, lost her life so tragically it is hard to come to terms with. The Forbes community continues to remember Molly and speak out against domestic violence.

On May 1st, Forbes residents, and people across the nation were encouraged to leave their porch lights on for Molly, as a tribute. On May 3rd, a community gathering was held in Forbes where thousands came to farewell the local woman.

This Sunday, 12th May, Forbes Shire Council and Boys to the Bush invite the community to join in a walk around Lake Forbes to honour the life of Molly Ticehurst. Everyone is asked to come along to honour the life of Molly and to show a united stance that domestic violence is not tolerated, and that we as a community will fight for Molly’s Law, so we may see a change in bail laws in order to keep victims of domestic violence protected.

The walk will begin at 8.30am from Lions Park and will loop back around at 10am. The community is encouraged to wear something bright.

Do It For Dolly, And Help End Bullying

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Dolly Everett, who we remember each year on Do it for Dolly Day and her parents, Tick and Kate Everett who are determined no other family should suffer the loss they did.

Dolly Everett was only 14 years old when she tragically took her life in January 2018, following relentless and sustained bullying and cyberbullying. Sadly, six years later the problem is not going away.

A recent report from the eSafety Commissioner has shed light on a troubling trend: cyberbullying is on the rise. There has been a staggering 40% increase in cyberbullying reports. What is particularly worrying is that two-thirds (67%) of these reports were concerning children aged 12-15 years old – just like Dolly – highlighting the vulnerability of young people to online harassment and abuse.

Determined that no other family would suffer from the same devastation, Dolly’s parents Tick and Kate Everett established the anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream. They have committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide, through awareness, education and direct support to young people and families.

“We don’t want other families to ever have to go through the heartache we have experienced. We are proud that Beacon provides easily accessible support and information to families, especially in our rural, regional, and remote communities, that we wish we had,” Kate Everett.

Each year in May thousands of wonderful communities come together to remember Dolly by going blue, donating and participating in fundraising activities to help support the important anti-bullying work of Dolly’s Dream, sharing the message to be kind and speak even if your voice shakes.

To register, donate or to find out more visit www.doitfordollyday.org.au

Domestic Violence Service Calls For Urgent Action

May 2, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) has called for urgent intervention from the NSW Government to address men’s violence against women following the horrific murder of Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst.

RANSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said it is critically important that domestic violence services are adequately and sustainably funded to address the growing rate of violence against women.

“My heart breaks to hear the news of yet another victim of alleged domestic violence,” Ms Shaw said.

“Our country is facing a systemic issue of men’s violence against women, and we need urgent intervention to address this issue at the core.

“We know that Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) can be an effective intervention to help men stop using violence in their relationships – but these programs are chronically underfunded.

“Our organisation currently has 235 men on a waitlist for our Men’s Behaviour Change Programs – these are men who want to stop using violence, but cannot access the help they need.

“We would not say that a behaviour change program would have saved Molly’s life. Some men would never put themselves forward to look at their own actions. However, for those that do, we have to seize that moment and move in fast.

“The NSW Labor Party committed to longer-term funding for the social services sector during the election, and has a strong commitment to addressing domestic violence – now is the time the Government makes good on its promise and delivers fulsome, generous funding for domestic violence services.

“We cannot keep lurching from one crisis to another. It’s time for action.”

To access more information on RANSW’s MBCPs you can visit www.relationshipsnsw.org.au

Author And Illustrator Of All Things Weird And Wonderful

May 2, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Sami Bayly is pictured with children who took part in a workshop at Trundle Library.

Parkes Shire Libraries had the pleasure during April school holidays of hosting Illustration Workshops with author and illustrator, Sami Bayly.

Nearly 50 children and young people at Parkes and Trundle Libraries enjoyed hearing some fascinating, fun, and revolting facts from Sami’s vast knowledge of animals, birds and insects. Sami then walked our young library members step by step through the process of illustrating different interesting animals.

Sami’s works include The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals and Creatures of Camouflage and Mimicry. She is also the feature artist for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge promotion.

This was Sami;s very first visit to the Central West and many young fans were excited to meet her, have a photo and have their books autographed. Call in to Parkes and Trundle Libraries to borrow Sami’s beautifully illustrated Junior Non Fiction books.

One young person who attended commented that the workshops were “very unique and gave a lot of information about what is in the world.” Another said “My favourite part of the activity was hearing the disgusting stories, but I didn’t think they were disgusting!”

Sami commented that she had a fun and joyous trip to Parkes and Trundle and will be sure to visit again. “I really had a wonderful time!” she said.

These illustration workshops were generously funded by NSW Office of Regional Youth for the benefit of young people in regional and remote communities. Keep an eye out for more children and youth activities hosted by Parkes Shire Libraries.

Double Demerits Are In Force

April 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Speeding, fatigue and drink and drug driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads and the NSW Police Force will be out in numbers ensuring that if you do the wrong thing.

Shadow Minister for Police and the NSW Police Force are advising motorists that double demerits came into force for ANZAC Day and will continue over the weekend.

Double demerits began Wednesday morning, 24 April, at 12:01am and end at 11:59pm on Sunday 28 April.

Higher fines and double demerit points will apply for those offences committed such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence or using a mobile phone illegally.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said there will be a focus on drink and drug driving.

“If you plan on drinking, don’t drive, make a plan B. Leave the car at home and use public transport.”

It’s anticipated many residents of NSW will stretch the ANZAC Day public holiday into a long weekend by taking Friday off work. It is also the final weekend of school holidays. This will result in higher traffic on roads across the state.

“The ANZAC Day public holiday coincides with the end of school holidays, and we anticipate a very busy few days on our roads,” Mr Toole said.

“Every time that you get behind the wheel of a car, please be responsible and think of those passengers in the car with you and other motorists on our roads so that everyone is able to reach their destination.

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