Hello Readers!

One of my favourite things about owning a bookshop is the conversations.

Not just the ones about books (although I could happily talk about those all day), but the stories people share when they walk through the door. The parent looking for something that might finally tempt a reluc­tant reader away from a screen. The cus­tomer who pops in “just for a quick look” but leaves an hour later with a growing pile of books and three new recommendations or the lady who saw a book advertised and rushed in to see if we could order it (of course we can!)I received a card last week from some­one who recently had to move away from Parkes back to Ireland. In that card they thanked me for creating Inkwood & Ivy, de­scribing it as a home away from home and place they felt comfort in books and likeminded people. Books have a wonderful way of connecting people and creating a community.

If you’d love to experience the space we have created here, come for a browse, play the piano, place a few pieces in our com­munity puzzle or drop into Silent Book Club on Thursday nights at 7pm.

As winter settles into Parkes, there seems no better time to curl up with a good book. Whether you’re discovering a new favourite, revisiting an old classic, or in­troducing a young reader to the magic of stories, I hope you’ll find a reason to visit us soon.

Until next time, happy reading.

Deb
Inkwood & Ivy Books & Curiosities
www.inkwoodandivy.com.au
Shop 1/250-268 Clarinda Street, Parkes

 

Heavy vehicle safety was in the spotlight recently at a breakfast forum hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.

Around 60 delegates from across the region, attended the Central West NSW Heavy Ve­hicle Breakfast Forum in Forbes, to explore the current road safety and freight issues af­fecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the forum has become a regular fixture on the road safety calendar since its inception in 2012.

“Events like this forum are essential in providing opportunities to share informa­tion, network and discuss local issues,” Ms Suitor said.

The forum was attended by local transport companies, truck drivers and farmers along with various associations and government agencies. The topics covered included poli­cy updates, NHVL reforms, access improve­ments, a case study on electronic braking systems, first aid, mental health and a Q & A with NSW Police.

Presenters were from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, Parkes Shire Council, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council, Air Brake Systems, NatRoad, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police.

“We recorded the forum, and the videos of each session can be viewed online in the coming weeks – keep your eyes on the Councils’ Facebook pages for details,” Ms Suitor said.

Organisers are now turning their attention to the annual Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day which will return on Thursday 30 July at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange.

There will also be Field Days held In Con­dobolin and Parkes in late August and early September. Watch this space for more in­formation.

Men’s Health Week is an important reminder for all blokes to check in on their physical and mental wellbeing and to stay connected with those around them. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at my GEIN’-A-GRIP event, which brought together community members, health professionals and sporting identities for a day focused on men’s health, connection and conversation. Through friendly competition, health information sessions and plenty of laughs, the event highlighted the positive impact that mateship, support and meaningful connections can have on our wellbeing.

Thank you  to everyone who attended, volunteered and helped make the day such a success. Together, we sent a powerful message: men’s health matters, connection matters, and no man should have to face life’s challenges alone. And a reminder, blokes – the next Mr Perfect Men’s Health BBQ is on Sunday 5 July at Cook Park, Orange and Sunday 12th July at Memorial Hill, Parkes.

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY CLOSURE CONTINUES …

Over 12,000 vehicles rely on this vital corridor every day, yet over 100 days on, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Despite almost 60,000 voters in the Orange electorate alone, the NSW Parliament ePetition has attracted just 6,362 signatures. If you’re frustrated by the ongoing disruption, now is the time to act. Sign the petition, make your voice count, and help send a clear message to the Government: Regional NSW deserves better. Sign the petition via link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/Pages/ePetition-details.aspx?q=ePgxgO_S2ZIo-lr1dUByuw

Country Hope Camp is back this Septem­ber school holidays, and preparations are well underway. Country Hope is looking for enthusiastic volunteers ready to bring fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories to some truly amazing kids.

The annual Camp supports local children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threat­ening illnesses, along with their siblings. For many, Camp offers them something won­derfully simple, time to have fun and just be a kid.

Country Hope is calling for more Camp Buddies and would especially love to see more men step up. Buddies have a special role, as they’re paired one-on-one with a child for the week, providing friendship, sup­port and encouragement every step of the way. This relationship is at the heart of what makes Camp so special.

Country Hope is currently supporting 28 children battling childhood cancer or a lifethreatening illness in our region, including kids in Dubbo, Forbes, Parkes, Mudgee, Yeoval, Wellington, Guerie, Gulgong, Coon­amble and Gulargambone.

Country Hope Chief Executive Officer Jo Esler said the ongoing need for volunteers highlights the important role a Camp Buddy plays in helping children feel supported, un­derstood and included throughout the Camp experience.”

Prospective volunteers will need to attend a training weekend in Wagga on 25–26 July, where they will learn more about the role and receive the support needed to become a Camp Buddy. Volunteers must be aged 18 years or older.

Country Hope Camp is being held Sunday 27 September to Friday 2 October at Bo­rambola Sport and Recreation Centre near Wagga. Apply to be a Camp Buddy at www.countryhope.com.au/country-hope-camp

Local Forbes businesses are turning up the heat ahead of the highly anticipated Frost & Fire on Saturday 20 June at the Forbes Ski Dam.

Shopfronts are starting to sparkle with frosty flair and fiery creativity, as businesses get into the spirit to help create a warm and welcoming shopping experience for locals and visitors.

Businesses are encouraged to activate their spaces through themed window dis­plays, in-store styling and special promo­tions or offers.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “Winter is traditionally a quieter time for visitation. By transforming Forbes into a vibrant winter wonderland, it creates a welcoming experi­ence that encourages visitors to stay a little longer, explore, shop local and truly experi­ence everything our region has to offer.”

“Seeing our local businesses get behind Frost & Fire in such a creative way is amaz­ing,” the Mayor added.

With creativity heating up across the CBD, the competition for Best Dressed Window Display is set to be fierce.

The winning shop front display will be an­nounced on Wednesday 17 June, taking home a ROK FM radio advertising package valued at $750, proudly sponsored by the Super Radio Network.

Businesses are encouraged to snap a photo of their shop window display and tag @AmazingForbesNSW on social media.

Fire Up for Frost and Fire Gates open from 3.30pm, with live music and entertain­ment kicking off at 4pm until 10pm.

There is no onsite parking, so free shuttle buses will be running all night from 10 bus stops throughout Forbes to the Forbes Ski Dam. Bus timetables and tickets are avail­able from 123tix.com.

Get in touch with the Forbes Visitor In­formation team on 6852 4155 to help you plan your Frost and Fire weekend. For more information about Frost and Fire 2026, you can visit www.amazingforbesnsw.com or follow @amazingforbesnsw for updates.

In a new episode of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) What’s Your 20? podcast, veteran truck driver Damien Black talks candidly about his struggles with physical and mental health and how the long-haul lifestyle made it difficult to change his habits.  

Airing ahead of Men’s Health Week, the episode explores the many challenges heavy vehicle drivers face when trying to maintain good mental health and how positive physical health habits can help.  

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Sal­vati said the timing of the episode in the lead up to Men’s Health Week was perfect given the predominantly male workforce in the heavy vehicle industry. 

“We know that 98% of truck drivers are male and data shows men have a shorter life expectancy than women and die more often from preventable causes,” Mr Salvati said. 

“Working as a truck driver presents unique challenges to physical and mental health – factors like disrupted sleep schedules, isolation from family and friends, limited ac­cess to health food choices all take a toll. 

“We hope all men working in the heavy vehicle industry get something out of listen­ing to Damien’s first-hand account of how he hit rock bottom with his health and man­aged to turn things around so inspiringly.”  

Damien shares that at his lowest point  he weighed in at 116 kilograms, was strug­gling with his mental health, and not able to see a way forward in his life. 

Fast forward and Damien is running Iron­man races and sharing health and cook­ing tips on his social media channels to show truckies everywhere that the journey to change your life starts with a first step. 

And while Damien now stands as an in­spiration for anyone wanting to improve their mental and physical health, he admits it was not an easy, or fast, journey.  

The NHVR has resources to help organi­sations ensure they are taking the neces­sary steps to manage the physical and mental health of their teams at: www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/chain-of-responsibility/regulatory-advice.

Forbes Shire Council has cooked up a plan to give the old barbecues at Apex Park a second life, following their decommission­ing as part of the Park’s redevelopment.

The former BBQ shelter has come down to make way for a new, accessible shelter and modern cooking facilities. In a win for sustainability, the still-functional barbecues have been relocated to Forbes Pool, where they can continue to be enjoyed by the community and visitors.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said “It’s all part of Council’s ongoing efforts to be more sustainable and reduce waste across its projects.”

Council has also donated the decommis­sioned play equipment to the Rotary Over­seas Relocated Playgrounds Program, helping give structurally sound equipment a second life in communities across Sri Lan­ka, Nepal and Papua New Guinea.

The much-loved flying fox, accessible roundabout and nest swing has been re­tained as part of the upgrade. The existing shade sails will also remain, ensuring the park continues to provide comfort and func­tionality for families and visitors.

“We’re always looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to deliver projects, and this is a fantastic outcome,” the Mayor said.

The Apex Park redevelopment will deliver a range of new features, including:

• New play equipment featuring an impres­sive 8.7-metre tower with three slides

• Rubber soft fall surface for improved safety

• Accessible and inclusive play options, including an All-Abilities Harness Swing and a Skippy Swing

• New pathways, seating and landscaping

• New amenities block to enhance con­venience for visitors

• Improved drainage and car park facili­ties.

The project aims to enhance accessibility, improve amenities and ensure the play­ground is designed to withstand major flood events.

The redevelopment is expected to be fin­ished in time for summer. For more informa­tion about the project, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au