General Interest Archives - Page 59 of 326

$24 Million To Rebuild Flood Affected Central West

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

A total of 21 projects to repair community infrastructure in four severely flood impacted Central West NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) have received assistance thanks to an almost $24 million investment by the Australian and NSW Governments. The Community Assets Program 2024 has supported the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes Shire Councils to repair, restore and improve the resilience of community infrastructure directly damaged by storms and floods from August and September 2022.

Successful projects across the four councils include the repair of flood damaged parks, showgrounds, footpaths, pools, sporting fields and sport amenities.

More than $8 million being invested in Cabonne Shire Council for projects such as the relocation of the Molong hockey fields and the restoration of Eugowra’s pre-school, Memorial Park and pool.

Forbes is also set to receive over $8 million for projects in the Forbes lake area, including improvements to amenities and upgraded footpaths that will ensure the community can continue to enjoy this much-loved precinct.

For information and a list of successful projects visit: www.nsw.gov.au/communityassetsprogram2024

Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The recent “Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day” held at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange was a success with approximately 60 people attending.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network, NSW Police, SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers and the Australian Custom Harvesters Association.

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

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period. Thanks to Forbes Machinery Centre, Hutcheon and Pearce, O’Connors, Bob Wythes, Luke Magill and Nina Hooper who were very generous in loaning equipment for the display.”

If you missed the field day, there will be free satellite events:

• Tuesday 27 August: Tottenham War Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Wednesday 28 August: Parkes Show Farmer’s Day 1.30pm – 3.45pm (please note: you will be required to pay the gate admission)

• Thursday 29 August: Wirrinya Community Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Friday 30 August: Bogan Gate Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

“the Magic Of Reading” Parkes Annual Community Reading Day

August 15, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Children (and adults) enjoying one of the many activities that were held last year for Reading Day.

In line with this year’s book to be featured in the National Book Week, th Paint Parkes REaD committee chose a magical Reading Day.

Excitement among the organising committee continues to grow as news of the wonderful, community-minded, local Talents have once again so readily accepted the invitation to participate.

The committee is delighted to announce the participation of the outstanding storyteller and decorator, Martina Hribar, courtesy of Penrith Council Library. Martina will operate in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Martina was a major contributor to the 9th National Conference held in Parkes last year, providing one of the activities in the main street with her “suitcase fairy tales”, Martina created the most extraordinary display in the auditorium and foyer at the RSL, much to the delight of the Governor General and Lady Hurley who sat in a small teepee and read.

Another added attraction is that of Pooka the Entertainer from Dubbo who will be performing “magic” tricks, referencing reading and its importance. Pooka will be holding shows in an open-sided tent near the astronaut in the park.

On the 23rd of August, performances will be held in Cooke Park, the pavilion and in Clarinda Street, from Discount Dave’s to the park, the Reading Bug invites you all to come along.

Coordinator, Shonel Redfern from Neighbourhood Central, said “It is so gratifying to see our towns commitment to promoting the need to read, sing, talk and rhyme to children from birth.”

Time Is Running Out To Complete Your Farm Census

August 15, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Time is running out for NSW farmers to report their livestock numbers and agricultural land use before the annual land and stock return portal closes on 31 August.

Local Land Services Executive Director Regional Delivery Rob Kelly said around 170,000 land managers were taking part in the 2024 farm census.

“This is the last chance farmers have to lodge returns before the reporting portal closes,” Mr Kelly said.

“Understanding what landholders use their land for also plays a role influencing the fit-for-purpose services we deliver to our NSW farming customers.”

Completing returns is an easy process, with two options available, you can submit returns online via www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or return the paper form via mail or to a Local Land Services office.

Mr Kelly said it was important all landholders completed their annual land and stock return even if they carried no livestock.

“The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to their next rates notice if they fail to complete their return.”

For information visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or phone a Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.

Donation To Havannah House

August 15, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Jenny Watts, Mark Watts, Julie Virtue from Havannah House, Alistair Lunn and Amy Slessor.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show has donated $1,000 to Havannah House in Forbes to assist with their 2024 Christmas Lunch, which they provide for the less fortunate people that live in our community.

Pastor Julie Virtue received the cheque this year and thanked the committee members in attendance for the continued support.

Organisers have received a great response to entries for this year’s show, with 585 wines entered from 99 wineries. Judging taking place from Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st August.

The Public Tasting is on Friday 23rd August from 6.30pm at The Forbes Town Hall. All the wines entered will be available for patrons to taste and finger food will be provided. Tickets are $30 per person. The annual Gourmet Wine Dinner will be held on Saturday 21 September from 7pm at the Forbes Town Hall.Tickets are $130 per person. If you buy both tickets in one transaction, the bundle is $150 per person. Tickets are available online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wineshow but get in quick as they are limited.

Galari River Arts ‘Ripple’ Festival

August 15, 2024 by Roxane Manley

One of the many families who attended on the day.

On Saturday 10th August Forbes hosted a free community festival of arts, creativity and wellness. In keeping with the theme ‘Ripple’ Forbes Public School created a Healing Through Art installation to showcase how we utilised art to recover from the devastating 2022 floods. Ivy and Lauren, who are both in stage 3, created a movie that included Emily reading a beautiful poem that was written by Ms Staples.

These are our Healing Dots®

Each dot is a hug, soft and warm, Helping to heal after the storm.

When we’re sad or feeling blue, These dots are there, like friends, it’s true. They glow so softly, whispering low, “You’re not alone; let your worries go.”

Healing is like a long, gentle walk, Step by step, like a quiet talk. Like stars above they show the way, Guiding us to a brighter day.

Every dot is like a magic stitch, Mending our hearts, making us rich. They tell a story, bright and true, Of courage, love, and what we can do. With each bump, they help us feel and see That healing is possible for you and me.

The poem was played over images from our whole-school Healing Dots® workshops with Aunty Cheree Stokes. They then played a recording of two songs performed by FPS Year 2 choir at the Forbes Eisteddfod (2023/2024) over images of students creating our Bush Tucker Garden, Coolamon Indigenous tool, Bee and butterfly habitat boxes and NAIDOC Community event art.

It was great to see numerous families come along to visit the art installation and watch the seven minute video while their child pointed out their Healing Dots®. The large painting in the picture was created by Auntee Cheree using symbols and words provided by the FPS community to represent our Journey Story.

Phil Donato Visits The Hars Parkes Aviation Museum

August 8, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Member for Orange Mr Phil Donato MP pictured being led on a tour of the HARS Aviation Museum in Parkes.

The HARS Parkes Aviation Museum welcomed Member for Orange Mr Phil Donato MP last Thursday to see museum progress and to view plans to construct a world class aviation museum in the central west.

Mr Donato said about his visit “Last week I made a return visit to this unique tourist attraction. Mike De La Hunty and his volunteer crew do an amazing job with the wide display of aircraft, aviation artifacts and memorabilia.”

The collection of aircraft and aviation related items continues to grow and with plans to house the aircraft in a purpose built structure to protect them from the elements, and ensure the aircraft be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Of particular interest to Mr Donato was the participation of Parkes High School students, who for the past 8 years have undertaken a full range of activities that will assist them in their eventual move into the workforce. Over the years the students have participated in the reassembly of aircraft, preparation for painting, mechanical work, carpentry and general upkeep of the museum.

The museum is looking forward to the arrival of two Bofors anti-aircraft guns that have been refurbished and will go on display. The Bofors anti-aircraft gun was widely manufactured and used by Commonwealth countries during WW2. Some were built in Australia and used in Darwin, New Guinea and Tobruk.

The HARS Aviation Museum is located at Parkes airport, open Thursdays and Sundays.

John Anderson, AC, Speaking In Parkes

August 8, 2024 by Roxane Manley

A rare opportunity has presented itself to hear John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister, speak in Parkes. John will be speaking on the topic “Does the West Need a Spiritual Reawakening?” on Friday, 16th August from 6pm – 7.15pm at the Parkes Services Club.

Since leaving politics John is internationally known for his conversations with leaders, public figures, and thinkers around the world. With over 203 million views on YouTube, and over 600,000 subscribers, John discusses the social, cultural and political landscape we live in today.

Are you concerned about the state of the world? Do you wonder what the future holds for your children in our western society? This event will clarify your thinking with John’s common sense, reasoning and incisive spiritual and social wisdom for the future.

These events are held in pubs/clubs as they are casual get-togethers where people buy a drink, hear an inspirational speaker, stay on for conversation and some even stay for dinner. All are welcome to this free event hosted by Holy Family Parish, Parkes.

RSVP to Lynn at 0439 934 667 lynnandwayne@bigpond.com.

Western Nsw Councils Secure $64 Million In Disaster Road Repair Funding

August 8, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Labor Government has sped up delivery of more than $64 million to councils in western NSW to repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged during natural disasters.

This funding comes as Lithgow, Cabonne, Weddin, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes local government areas were among the first in the state to sign a pioneering pilot funding agreement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, streamlining the distribution of disaster recovery funds.

Through the newly established Tripartite Agreements, councils can access advance funding, from the NSW and Australian Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), at the onset of each reconstruction phase.

The Tripartite Agreements mean less financial pressure on councils, faster road repairs for communities and enhance collaboration between government agencies.

Councils receiving funding under this initiative include:

• Lithgow City Council: $33.75 million

• Cabonne Council: $10.86 million

• Weddin Shire Council: $4.59 million

• Forbes Shire Council: $3.43 million

• Lachlan Shire Council: $9.05 million

• Parkes Shire Council: $2.51 millionThe Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said “For too long councils have struggled to get timely access to disaster road recovery funding.

“The Tripartite Agreements have been a huge success as Transport for NSW was able to deliver $296 million into councils’ bank accounts in the last three months alone. Prior to the 2022 natural disasters, a normal budget would have around $190 million per year for natural disaster road recovery funding.

“With the $3.3 billion in the budget allocated over the next four years for natural disaster road recovery funding, we will be rolling out funding faster than ever before.

“Regional communities will be able to rebuild roads and restore vital transport links more quickly thanks to the collaborative efforts of councils, Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.”

Put Tradies Health First This August

August 8, 2024 by Roxane Manley

August is Tradie Health Month, which SafeWork NSW says is the perfect time for tradies to review and speak up about any work health and safety (WHS) concerns to ensure they can have a long and healthy career.

Young tradies need appropriate training, support and supervision. From 2017-2021, approximately 20 percent of incidents reported to SafeWork NSW were the result of an injury to a young worker. Just last month, a 19-year-old cabinetry apprentice fell approximately three meters in a stair void, breaking his ribs.

Construction businesses must ensure they are creating environments where workers are protected and where young tradies receive the correct training, supervision and are empowered to speak up.

For young workers, SafeWork’s message is that if you are not sure about something, stop and check – it’s the safe way, or no way. If you see something that isn’t safe on a worksite and are worried about raising it, you can speak up anonymously using the Speak Up Save Lives app.

SafeWork has also developed a Young Worker eToolkit for employees and workers, containing tips and training materials about work safety rights and responsibilities.

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