General Interest Archives - Page 51 of 311

Connectivity Issues Spotlighted

April 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Communities across regional, rural, and remote Australia can now have their say on telecommunications issues as public submissions open on the Regional Telecommunications Review.

The input of local communities will form an essential part of the Review – held once every three years – which will see the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee deliver recommendations to Government.

The Review is closely examining the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.

Residents, businesses and community organisations can make a submission, with the Terms of Reference – announced by Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP – outlining key issues for the Committee to examine. An issues paper has been released to help frame ideas.

Feedback from the public has been essential in previous reviews to ensure the Committee’s recommendations are well-targeted and based on evidence. For this Review there are three options available to have your say: attending a face-to-face consultation, providing a formal submission or completing a survey. The survey will be published in May 2024.

Since March 2024, the Committee has visited Western Australia and Tasmania for face-to-face consultations with local issues also forming an important part of the Committee’s considerations. More locations for face-to-face consultations will be announced shortly.

The 2024 Review is being led by the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, former Western Australian Minister for Regional Development as Chair of the Review Committee. She is supported by the Hon Fiona Nash, Ms Kristy Sparrow, Dr Jessa Rogers and Mr Ian Kelly.

To have your say just visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024- regional-telecommunications-review

Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan went on to say “Access to telecommunications services is critical for regional residents and businesses across so many aspects of everyday life – and we want to understand the lived experience of these services so that future policy actions are well-targeted and backed up by evidence.

“We really encourage Australians in the bush to have their say via a submission or completing the survey in coming months, while we continue our face-to-face consultations across the country.

‘Waiting For Rain’ Finds New Home In Forbes Town Centre

April 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is the sculpture “Waiting For Rain” and the artist Jimmy Rix. For more information, visit www.sculpturedownthelachan.com

The latest addition to the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail has found a green oasis in the heart of Forbes to call home.

‘Waiting for Rain’ is now permanently located on the intersection of Rankin and Lachlan Streets (formerly known as the Pitt Stop takeaway site). The site has been transformed into a public greenspace in recent months.

Forbes Arts Society Chairperson, Trudy Mallick commended Forbes Shire Council for integrating the sculpture into its plans for the site and helping to make public art more accessible.

“Locals and visitors now have a greater opportunity to engage with world-class sculpture,” Trudy said.

“Art in public spaces plays an important role in regional communities. Public art provides economic, cultural and social benefits, and improves the aesthetic and overall experience of the built civic environment.”

Made from Corten steel and enamel paint, ‘Waiting for Rain’ represents the importance of seasonal rainfall for farming communities. Sculptor Jimmy Rix was compelled to create the piece following a trip to Forbes in 2018 amidst the then drought.

‘Waiting for Rain’ is Jimmy’s second sculpture to feature along the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail; ‘Road Kill’ is located at the 4 Mile Reserve, and was unveiled in 2021.

The Sculpture Down the Lachlan expansion is part of the $7.2 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

Five Tips For Growing High-Vigour Canola Seed

April 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Five tips for growing high-vigour canola seed is available on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre-crops/winter-crops/canola-and-safflower/five-tips-for-growing-high-vigour-canola-seed

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has released a new publication called Five tips for growing high-vigour canola seed to support producers using grower-retained seed for their canola establishment.

The publication outlines the key steps identified in a joint investment project between NSW DPI and Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to improve seed vigour.

Colin McMaster, NSW DPI Research and Development Agronomist said how growers manage this year’s seed-crop could well determine the success of next year’s establishment and financial return.

“The margin of error in establishing canola is much smaller than it used to be, as we are now sowing less seeds, it is costing growers more money, and we are placing those seeds in more hostile seed-beds due to earlier sowing.

“Canola seed has less energy reserves than larger-seeded crops and, as a result, is more sensitive to poor establishment across a range of seasonal conditions and agronomic management practices.

“Research and field surveys have identified that growers often only establish half of what is sown, and if the autumn break was less favourable its likely to be much less,” said Mr McMaster.

To reduce financial risk, some growers in the low to medium rainfall zone use open-pollinated (OP) canola varieties because the seed is cheap to buy, and it will grow true to the parent crop.

These traits allow growers to confidently retain seed which can increase flexibility and reduce financial risk within the farming system, for example, if sowing conditions are marginal then seeding rates can be increased, or in the event of a failed establishment growers can spray out for an alternative option.

The guide also covers other agronomic factors to improve canola establishment including reduced sowing speed, adequate fertiliser separation from the seed, reducing stubble loads and shallow/uniform seed placement.

All Ages Podiatry & Mobility – Now Open 5 Days

April 18, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Karen Thompson, pop down to 89 Lachlan St, Forbes and say hi.’

After 8 years of providing podiatry services to Forbes, Parkes and surrounding towns, All Ages Podiatry is now offering a wide range of mobility equipment, and as such has been rebranded All Ages Podiatry & Mobility.

The mobility showroom and podiatry clinic at 89 Lachlan Street, Forbes is now open weekdays from 9am-4pm.

Along with this new offering comes a new face who may be familiar to some. Karen Thompson has now joined the team and will be operating the mobility store. Karen has lived in Parkes for over 50 years and was previously a Senior Service Advisor with a local home care provider. With years of experience in health and aged care, Karen’s knowledge will be an asset to the community.

“We’re excited to make mobility equipment more accessible to the Forbes community! From walkers and shower chairs to mobility scooters, recliner lift chairs and adjustable beds, we know that Forbes is going to benefit from having access to these aids all in one place right on their doorstep,” Mrs Thompson said.

Studies show that a lifestyle that is too sedentary can lead to a number of chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. A mobility scooter can help you to maintain your mobility and independence as you age. With added accessories such as cane holders and rear walker holders, you can ride to your favourite park or waterfront, and park your scooter while you go for a walk. Visit our website to view our range of scooters and scooter accessories or phone 02 4396 5179 to enquire today! https://allagespodiatry.com.au/product-category/scooters/

“We have a range of equipment available for hire, and we will be offering delivery to Forbes, Parkes, and surrounding towns.”

To contact the store or to book a podiatry appointment, phone 02 6815 7123.

Parkes Painting Group Annual Art Exhibition Opening Night

April 18, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Three of the paintings that will be on display, from the following local artists from left to right Joan Ash, Carole Lowe and Kerry Davies.

Tonight, Friday April 19th, is the Opening of the Annual Art Exhibition from the Parkes Painting Group. The Parkes Painting Group have now been going for 22 years and the exhibition is a display of 23 artists from the group and also 12 potters from the Parkes Potters group.

This year there will be a special guest artist, Glenn Morton, who has brought along 14 paintings to display in his section of the exhibition. Parkes Painters have previously done a number of workshops with Glenn and Glenn also judged the art section of the last Parkes Show as well. Glenn is a professional artist and not only are we lucky to have him involved this year, but Glenn has kindly donated a piece of artwork which has been mounted and framed and it is the prize for the raffle that will run over the entire two weeks of the exhibition.

The exhibition kicks off with the opening tonight, from 6pm – 9pm, the cost is $20 (Pay at the door) and the cost includes wine and nibbles. For atmosphere we will have Steve Lyndsay on Piano and Mayor Niel Westcott will be delivering the Opening night speech. but then runs for another two weeks from Saturday 20th of April up until Sunday 5th of May. The exhibition is being held in the Coventry Room at the Parkes Library, open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday – Sunday 10am – 3pm. All are welcome to come along and entry is free after opening night.

Forbes Rotary Members Take Action To Save Their Rotary Club

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Club President Chris Finkel.

At their most recent meeting, the members of Forbes Rotary Club agreed to hold a special Rotary awareness meeting on Friday the 16th of April 2024 at 6pm for 6.15pm at the Forbes Services Club.

60 invitations have been sent out to potential new Rotarians in the 30 to 50 age group in an attempt to gain new membership to keep our club operating and solve the problem of the current lack of office bearers in the club who are willing to continue on as executive members to run the club.

A finger food menu for the meeting which will be provided at no charge for attending guests as this will be covered by donations from current members who are anxious to keep the Forbes Rotary Club continue its service work to the local, national and international communities.

The deadline for RSVPs for those wishing to attend this function is 6pm on Friday, 12 th April.

For those residents who would like to attend this evening and did not receive an invitation please phone, text or email our Forbes Rotary Secretary, Grahame Uphill on 0427 640 065 or email dorso@westserv.net.au. Current President, Chris Finkel also said he would like

RSVPs from all current members and Friends of Rotary to add to the total of attendees.

Chris then stated: “We can only hope that with the forthcoming Rotary Awareness evening we can gain enough new members to rejuvenate and reactivate our club to what it was when I first became a Rotarian at the age of 37. My request to our current members is to ask one or two of their younger associates or friends along to next week’s meeting and consider helping us out.”

Rotary International theme for 2023/24 is “Create Hope in the World”.

Final Week To Apply For $10,000 ‘Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship’

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy) one of the mentors involved in this year’s mentoring.

Time is running out for First Nations creatives to apply for the $10,000 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship, with applications closing next week.

The Façon Magazine initiative, which is sponsored by Greater Bank, will see nine NSW-based Indigenous storytellers receive guidance from some of their industry’s most successful First Nations artists with one overall recipient taking home $10,000.

In its second year, the scholarship supports a diverse range of mediums including writing, fashion design, accessory design, art painting, music, dance, digital art, film, and photography, with category finalists paired with a world-class industry mentor.

Façon Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Lara Lupish said “As the deadline approaches, we’re excited to start sifting through all of the incredible applications.

“It’s never an easy task, but we’re genuinely excited to see the level of talent this year,” Ms Lupish said.

Greater Bank Chief Retail Officer David Baker said that he was eager to see the artistry of the 2024 entrants.

“We know from last year that the quality of entries is going to be very high, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the final week brings,” Mr Baker said. “There’s still time to enter – you may just receive the opportunity of a lifetime!”

2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship mentors:

• Mitch Tambo (world musician)

• Samantha Harris (international supermodel)

• Sidney Saltner (Youth Program Director, Bangarra Dance)

• Professor Chelsea Watego (author of Another Day in the Colony)

• Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy)

• Stephen Page (Director of Spear)

• Nicole Chaffey (artist and Museum Gallery Director)

• Travis De Vries (digital artist and illustrator)

• Milly Hooper (photographer and exhibitor at Head On Photo Festival).

Applications for the 2024 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship close at midday on 18 April, with the recipient to be announced during NAIDOC Week on 11 July.

For information visit faconaustralia.com/scholarship or greater.com.au

Bjorn Again Are Coming To Canowindra In A One Night Only Even

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The internationally renowned act will perform at the Canowindra Sports Complex on April 26th.

In an energetic display of glitz and dance, Bjorn Again will bring the stage to life playing all the much loved ABBA hits, as part of the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Festival.

2024 marks fifty years since ABBA first burst onto the music scene with their Eurovision winning song, ‘Waterloo’. Their music and style changed the landscape of the music industry, and their impact still permeates today, with audiences young and old enjoying the vibe of the show.

Roundbox Events Director, Debra Clarke, said, “It is such a pleasure to be able to bring this renowned international performance to the Canowindra region. Bjorn Again’s show is spectacular, and for them to be here performing is a real coup. Whether you are an ABBA die hard fan or simply enjoy a great show, we truly believe this brings an additional layer of entertainment to the Balloon Festival we haven’t seen before and we hope the greater community gets behind it.”

Tickets are available at:

www.123tix.com.au,

Canowindra Services Club (cash only),

Balloon HQ at Canowindra Phoenix Office, 84 Gaskill Street, Canowindra

At the gate on the day (card only).

Aspiring Uni Students Explore Charles Sturt Wagga Wagga

April 11, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Country Education Foundation of Australia Manager of Partnerships, Hilary Matchett, second from the left, with CEF alumni, from left to right, Matthew Moorse, Kadee Gerhard-Scali and Laura Mannes, who are studying at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has made it possible for dozens of aspiring country university students to experience a university campus, with a fully subsidised trip to Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga as part of its Explore Day on Tuesday 19th March.

Twenty-five students, including four from Parkes High School, four from Forbes High School and four from Red Bend Catholic College in Forbes, took advantage of the opportunity given to them by the CEF, which covered their costs for transport, accommodation, and meals, thanks to funding from its partnership with Charles Sturt University.

Students were collected from Parkes, Forbes, Grenfell, Young and Cootamundra and transported to Wagga Wagga to learn about the university, the courses it offers, and the benefits of studying in a regional area.

CEF Manager of Partnerships Hilary Matchett, who organised the trip, said its aim was to build motivation and aspiration for students from targeted areas and to keep them engaged with exploring their tertiary study opportunities.

“It is important to deliver these sorts of opportunities for students in our regions, as with the rising cost of living, travelling to university events, such as an Explore Day, can have many barriers for a regional student,” she said.

“Students thoroughly enjoyed seeing learning facilities, learning about application processes, accommodation and scholarships, going on campus tours and hearing from current students about studying at a regional university.”

The university’s partnership with CEF demonstrated its commitment to improving access to university for rural and regional students.

Presenting Annie The Musical

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Photo of cast after rehearsing an orphan scene last Sunday. Photo credit Ruth Crowley.

Experience the beloved story of Little Orphan Annie as brought to life by the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society. Prepare to be enchanted by this timeless tale, offering a new generation the opportunity to embrace the essence of resilience and hope.

Annie presents a captivating musical journey, featuring an unforgettable score including classics like “It’s A Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.,” the poignant “Maybe,” and the ever-optimistic anthem “Tomorrow.”

In 2005, Annie was the first non-original musical Lyn Townsend directed. 19 years on, and she is once again directing this perennial favourite. Neil Westcott is Musical Director, promising a tight, entertaining music score, with choreography by the talented Gracie Townsend

The 2024 production of Annie has a cast of 45, including 16 orphans. Lexi Herden plays the irrepressible Annie with the perfect mix of poise and spunk. Joining her is Hannah Farrant Jayet as Grace, Andrew Francis as Oliver (Daddy) Warbucks, Ruth Barnes as Miss Hannigan, Aaron Kingham as Rooster and Kimberley Ryan as Lily.

The season of Annie runs from April 20th to May 11th, with performances every Friday and Saturday night, along with Sunday matinees. Thanks to Betta Electrical Parkes, Friday night attendees have the chance to win an exciting lucky door prize! All bookings over the season go into a draw to win a 56 inch television. Join us and discover why Annie remains one of the most cherished and awarded musicals of all time. Reserve your seats now for an unforgettable evening or afternoon of entertainment.

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