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Forbes Phoenix

Ten years ago I fell in love with a farmer who lived near Yeoval

August 8, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Ten years ago I fell in love with a farmer who lived near Yeoval. As a fresh-faced Physiotherapist, I had concerns about what this new location could mean for my career.

I remember a conversation with an elderly gentleman, “Where is Yeoval?” He asked.

“The middle of nowhere,” I quipped with an impending sense of doom. “It’s about an hour from Dubbo, Parkes, and an hour and a bit from Orange.”

His eyes crinkled into a smile, he looked at me, then slowly said, “Well that sounds to me like it’s in the middle of everywhere..”

I thought about that comment often, then a few years later I decided to start my own business. I traveled to each of the sur­rounding towns, spending one day a week in each. Working out of GP clinics, church halls and client homes, slowly building my business. I started to employ other allied health professionals in these locations, working alongside me to meet the health­care needs of these regional locations. Cuphalf-full people who loved a challenge, and grew the business, constantly coming up with ideas to deliver high quality healthcare, inspiring me with their passion and drive.

Today, Kerin Health proudly services a 800km diameter across the Central West, with outreach teams going even further to locations like Tottenham and Lake Cargel­ligo.

I wonder what would have happened if I didn’t change my perspective. If that lovely man didn’t gently remind me to seize the opportunity, not be blinded by the obstacle.

And to surround myself with people who did the same.

I don’t know where he is now. But I hope he’s smiling.

Interested in knowing more about what services we offer? Contact us today or check out our website. www.kerinhealth.com.au

Get To Know “get Glossed”

August 8, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Thomas and Aimey Ward with their two children Reggie and Josie.

Parkes locals Tom and Aimey Ward opened their business Get Glossed Detailing in June 2020 with an aim to deliver a modern detailing service to the Parkes community. “We wanted to show people that there’s a whole different level of detailing out there. Tom has always been passionate about showing people the right way to take care of their cars,” said Aimey Ward.

“Detailing is a skills-based industry, with knowledge, experience, techniques and product quality all having an impact on the overall quality of work produced and we strive to keep all these points at the highest possible standards.”

Three years ago, Get Glossed Detailing was recognised as an accredited detailer by ‘Gtechniq’ a world leader in Vehicle Protec­tion Products, gaining access to their limited use paint protection.

“In the wrong hands these products could be detrimental to some­one’s paint, they’re not something that’s available to the public. We feel very fortunate that our training and experience have allowed this highly renowned brand to become available to us,” said Aimey.

Thanks to the support of the Parkes community, the business has exceeded Tom and Aimey’s expectations, allowing them to recently start operating full-time. They offer a variety of detailing services, but are particularly passionate about paint protection and educat­ing clients about correct maintenance techniques. When Tom and Aimey aren’t detailing, they’re spending time with their two children.

Five year old Reggie says he’d love to run Get Glossed one day! You can find Get Glossed Detailing on Facebook to view their work or contact 0437 963 512 or info@getglosseddetailing.com.au

CWA Breaking Down Rural Isolation

August 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Parkes, Forbes, Canowindra, Eugowra and Forbes Evening CWA Branches attending a combined lunch at Eugowra Bowling Club.

With the growing numbers of mental health issues in our communities we need to think of ways we can support each other. One simple way to do this is to provide oppor­tunities for social gatherings where people can connect with each other and reduce the feelings of isolation.

In fact, one of the important aims of the Country Women’s Association of NSW is to reduce the isolation of women in rural, re­gional and remote communities.

That’s exactly what happened on Sat­urday 27th July, when members from five local CWA branches met at Eugowra Bowl­ing Club for a social get together.

CWA members came from Parkes, Forbes, Forbes Evening Branches in the Oxley Group and from Canowindra and Eu­gowra in the Central Western CWA Group.

The lunch was organised in response to the success of last year’s morning tea generously sponsored by the Virtual CWA Branch as a thank you to Forbes, Forbes Evening and Eugowra CWA members for their efforts in supporting these commu­nities following the devastating floods of 2022.

This 2024 gathering was expanded to include Canowindra and Parkes, as they too, were adversely affected by the same flooding.

The day also provided a wonderful op­portunity to surprise Shirley Heinzel of Eugowra Branch with a Life Membership.

Jan Kerr, CWA State Vice President from Canowindra Branch presented Shirley with a certificate and badge to acknowledge the tireless work she has done for her com­munity and the CWA since joining in the 1950s.

Regional Connections Up In The Air

August 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Opposition is calling on the State and Federal Labor Governments to ensure regional communities won’t be cut off after REX Airlines went into administration.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it’s the second regional carrier facing the possibility of collapse, after Bonza sus­pended operations in April.

“This news is very concerning and will have a flow on effect for anyone who lives and works in the bush,” Mr Saunders said.

“Being a regional MP, I’m one of the sev­en million Australians that relies on com­panies like REX to access the services we need.”

“The Premier needs to pick up the phone to his federal counterparts and make sure there’s a clear plan to mitigate the impact this will have on our communities.”

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport Dave Layzell said the move could impact connections between the most remote parts of NSW and the rest of the State.

“Around 2.5 million people fly with REX every year,for work trips, to see loved ones or tgo on holidays,” Mr Layzell said.

“It’s also played a role in freight and the aerial transport of medical personnel and patients.”

Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day

August 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Attendees at the 2023 pre-harvest field day.

Farmers, contract harvesters, truck drivers, transport companies, pilots and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend this year’s Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day on Thursday 8th August at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange.

Breakfast will be provided from 7.30am, with the official program kicking off at 8am.

There will be a hands-on machinery dis­play and other interactive activities from 10.30am.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Of­ficer, Melanie Suitor, said that this year’s event will focus on the rules and regulations for safely and legally moving agricultural ve­hicles, combinations and trucks on the road.

“This year we will discuss conditional reg­istration, notices, access, fatigue, load re­straint and much more. There will be a deep dive into dimensions, signage and other travel conditions.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.”

Registration is free but spaces are limited.

Register via the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Councils’ Facebook pages or this link: https://forms.office.com/r/akBJumLfwD

“We’ll also be running four satellite events to provide the same information to more farmers across the three local government areas. You can register for these events us­ing the above link,” Ms Suitor said.

The satellite events will be held on:

• Tuesday 27th August at Tottenham War Memorial Hal, 7.30am – 10.15am

• Wednesday 28th August at the Parkes Show Farmer’s Day, 1.30pm – 3.45pm

• Thursday 29th August at Wirrinya Com­munity Hall, 7.30am – 10.15am

• Friday 30th August at Bogan Gate Me­morial Hall, 7.30am – 10.15am

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

August 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Have you seen the Parkes Trishaw getting around town with happy passengers?

Neighbourhood Central’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is teaming up with Cycling Without Age, Parkes Trishaw, to help continue reducing social isolation for the elderly in Parkes.

Most locals would be familiar with the sight of the Parkes Trishaw taking passengers sightseeing around our beautiful town. Cycling Without Age is a not-for-profit charity that connects those no longer able to ride for themselves with the Parkes community, by providing free rides on trishaw ebikes, piloted by amazing volunteer cyclists.

The aim is to bring something to the elderly that they may no longer be able to do, all while creating meaningful friendships.

The ACVVS is a free program that supports volunteer visits to provide friendship and companionship to older people. Visits are available to anyone receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Package (HCP) services who are socially isolated or lonely. This includes care recipients approved or on the National Priority System.

ACVVS accepts referrals from aged care service providers, health professionals, family members and friends. Older people can also refer themselves. While the program excludes those accessing ser­vices from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), we have all bases covered, as Neighbourhood Central can help through our Social Support (Individual and Group) aged care ser­vices.

Neighbourhood Central are also in need of more volunteers across both Parkes and Forbes. If you would like to brighten the days of older people as a valued volunteer, you are invited to join us as we bring this opportunity to those who need a visitor. If you would like any further information, to request a visitor, or know of someone who would benefit from this service, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Brooke at Neighbourhood Central on phone: 1300 810 771 or email: admin@ncentral.org.au

New Parkes Roundabout To Be Biggest In The Central West

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

NSW Labor’s Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said “The Parkes Bypass is a project that will provide improve road safety, reduce travel times and increase efficiencies for the freight industry.

The biggest roundabout in central west New South Wales will be built on Condobolin road as a key feature of the Parkes Bypass.

The Newell Highway bypass of Parkes has been in planning for decades to allevi­ate the constant flow of heavy freight vehi­cles and visitor traffic passing through the town.

The Australian Government is contribut­ing $229.7 million to the $287.2 million pro­ject, with the remaining contribution being made by the NSW Government.

The project is part of the $1.5 billion in­vestment from the Australian and NSW gov­ernments into the Newell Highway Corridor, with the Australian Government committing $1.1 billion.

State Member for Orange Phil Donato said “It’s fantastic to see this once in a gen­eration Parkes Bypass project progressing.

“Also importantly, this project is not only delivering road and transport benefits — it’s also supporting 350 jobs and injecting vital funds into small businesses in Parkes and the broader Central West region, which is bouncing back stronger than ever after un­precedented floods.”

Construction work to build the new 98-me­tre-diameter roundabout started during the July school holidays.

The large roundabout – which will allow motorists to travel at 80 km/h – will also fea­ture a large sculpture in its centre, which has been designed in collaboration with Parkes Shire Council.

Motorists will be detoured around the site during work. For further information on the Parkes Bypass you can visit www.trans­port.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass

Less Than One Week To Go To Have Your Say On Telecommunications Issues

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote communities have under a week to have their say on telecommu­nications issues as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Telecommunica­tions Review.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Chair, Regional Telecommunications Independ­ent Review Committee, has urged peo­ple to spread the word about the Review to friends, family and colleagues across regional Australia before it closes on Wednesday 31st July at 11:59pm.

People can have their say in a number of ways:

1. Making a submission online, or in writing to: Regional Telecommunications Re­view, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA ACT 2601

2. Completing a short survey which takes 10 minutes.

Previous Reviews have led to policy ini­tiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage; all a ­result of commu­nity feedback.

For information on the Review, making a submission, or completing the survey, visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation

GRDC Urges Growers To Assess Farm Silos Ahead Of Harvest

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

GRDC grain storage specialist Chris Warrick is encour­aging growers to consider if silos are safe and fit for purpose. Photo: Brenton Vanstone.

A series of high-risk incidents involving the collapse of on-farm silos has industry ex­perts calling on grain growers across the country to assess and either maintain or decommission older silos.

Grains Research and Development Cor­poration (GRDC) grain storage extension team specialist Chris Warrick offered the warning in the wake of several serious, on-farm incidents involving the collapse of silos.

“Growers should be aware that the north­ern and western sides of silos often have lower moisture, with higher moisture in the southern side of the silo.

“This can present risks when out loading with the dry side generally emptying first in the worst-case scenario this can lead to silo collapse.”

In addition to structural integrity, Mr Warrick encouraged growers to consider safe operation as part of the assessment.

“Whether it be for maintenance or monitor­ing grain, access to the top of silos is nec­essary so safe access is a requirement,” he said.

“Many older silos have unsafe ladders, some silos have been purchased without ladders, so the decision is to install safe ladders or an elevated walkway or use a mobile boom lift. Silos being fit for purpose includes a safe way to access the top.”

GRDC has all of the information resourc­es available via storedgrain.com.au with the national team of grain storage special­ists available by phoning 1800 WEEVIL.

Nominate A Local Hero That Needs Support

July 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Do you know of a community member who deserves recognition and support? If you do, we encourage you to nominate them to win free Jim’s Group services.

Aussies are doing it tough at the moment.

The cost-of-living crisis is hurting a lot of people and yet despite this many people continue to soldier on helping out others across the local community demonstrating incredible kindness, fortitude and selfless­ness.

Jim Penman, founder and head of the nation’s largest franchise group, the Jim’s Group, wants to help our nation’s local he­roes and he has launched a Local Heroes Program to give back to people who are struggling and acknowledge and reward them for their incredible contributions to the community.

The Jim’s Local Heroes Program is an extraordinary initiative that will give away over $100k worth of services this year to struggling Aussies across the country. The program is being delivered nationwide with members of the community invited to nomi­nate a local hero who is doing it tough and deserves recognition and support.

The program officially kicked off in Mel­bourne and is now being rolled out across the entire country. Local heroes will receive any type of Jim’s Group service that they need. Every week, one winner will receive up to $2,000 worth of Jim’s Services. The program is being described as life chang­ing.

“We are proud to help out Aussies in need and we are calling on people to nomi­nate a local hero who deserves a helping hand and would benefit from the donation of Jim’s Group services,” Penman said.

“The Jim’s Group comprises over 50 di­visions including lawn mowing, cleaning, painting, bathroom renovations and plumb­ing, landscaping and much more. With our broad and wonderful range of highly rated services and amazing group of fran­chisees, we are looking forward to helping out Aussies in need.”

The giveaway also includes Jim’s Health­care services which launched this month.

Nominations are now open for the com­munity to nominate via https://jims.net/jimslocalheroes/

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