General Interest Archives - Page 62 of 311

Dr Richard Draper Awarded Australian GP Of The Year

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dr Draper pictured with Dr Nicole Higgins, RACGP President

Dr Richard Draper is the Principal GP at Medicine & Mind in Forbes, and also now the RACGP GP of the Year. He is a Parkes local with over 29 years experience working in the Central West in both the private and public sector in general practice, emergency medicine, obstetrics and anaesthetics.

Dr Draper had no idea he had even been nominated at the State level when he received a call from the RACGP, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, to inform him that he had taken out the top award for NSW/ACT (combined) GP of the Year. It was that award that placed him in the running for the National GP of the Year award. Dr Draper said when he heard that he had actually won the national award “I was genuinely stunned”.

Dr Draper is passionate about improving access for patients to quality mental health services in rural areas and has implemented a unique model of care at Forbes Medicine & Mind that sees clinicians working collaboratively with many providers to improve the health and wellbeing of patients.

As GP of the Year, Dr Draper hopes to use his platform over the next 12 months to highlight the needs for more support from Government for General Practitioners to be able to continue to provide such essential services, especially in rural communities and in the wake of natural disasters such as the recent flooding that affected the Forbes community

Minister Moriarty’s Drought Mix Up

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Government has failed to provide clarity around drought support for farmers, after a Budget Estimates hearing revealed the Minister in charge does not know the extent of the dry conditions plaguing the State.

Nationals Committee Member Sam Farraway asked Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty “how much of NSW is currently considered to be in some form of drought?” when she faced questioning today.

The Minister responded with “the last statistic I have is three per cent but if that’s changed, I’m happy to get more details”.

The Department of Primary Industries’ Combined Drought Indicator shows a very different reality, with 44.7 per cent of NSW categorised as drought affected, in drought or in intense drought.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the Minister will be recalled for a supplementary hearing after a motion was put forward by the Opposition.

“Today we saw a disgraceful response from a Minister who has once again shown just how out of touch she is with Regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said

Karen Ritchie’s First Solo Exhibition – Natural Connections

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is artist Karen Ritchie setting up in the Coventry room ahead of Opening night which is this evening at 6pm.

Karen Ritchie is an artist who has lived in Parkes for over 30 years. Karen had always been interested in art and went to TAFE to study art and started exhibiting and selling her art before full time work and family life got in the way.

But since retiring a couple of years ago Karen has happily returned to her passion.

“Council has been very supportive of local artists and provided me with an opportunity to have my first solo exhibition, so I’m really thrilled” said Karen.

Opening night of Karen’s exhibition of paintings kicks off at 6pm in the Coventry room. $10 entry payable at door.

RSVP via Parkes Library 6861 2309. The exhibition closes on 12th November with free entry for everyone after opening night. The exhibition will be open during library hours and Karen herself may be in attendance on weekends between the hours of 1 0am – 2pm. All the exhibited works are also available for purchase

Karen went on to say “My work is inspired by the local environment, I’m happiest painting landscapes, florals or animals. I called the exhibition Natural Connections to highlight our relationship with nature and our need to have that as a focus”.

Forbes Stock And Station Agent Wins Beef Cattle Judging Title

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is KMWL stock and station agent Sam Parish who took out the top prize at the National Beef Cattle Young Judges Championships

Australia’s most promising young beef cattle, dairy cattle and alpaca judges have been revealed by Agricultural Shows Australia through the prestigious national competition.

The competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. This year, the event was hosted by Tasmanian Ag Shows and held at the Launceston Royal Show.

Dr. Rob Wilson is chairman of ASA, the peak body overseeing 572 agricultural shows in Australia which attract six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1 billion to the national economy. Rob says the competition is designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging nationwide.

“It is an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested,” Dr. Wilson explains.

Sam Parish, a 22-year-old local stock and station agent from KMWL in Forbes, secured the top spot at the National Beef Cattle Young Judges Championship.

“My parents were involved in stud and show cattle so I was always running around bull sales as a kid. I competed at the National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show when I was five-years-old and got the reserve pee wee champion,” he reminisced. “I have been involved in shows my whole life and it’s the ability to give your judgment and give credibility to your judgment that I love. It’s a massive learning curve, and you take in a lot from the opinions of peers and fellow competitors,” Sam stated.

He reflected on his participation in two national finals: “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to compete in two national finals, Beef Paraders and Beef Young Judges across Perth Royal Show in 2019 and Launceston Royal Show in 2023. These two wins have enabled me to create a network amongst the industry which I love.”

Release Safety Data To Cut Regional NSW Road Deaths

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics data shows in the 12 months to 30 September 2023, 240 Australians died on the roads – up 4.6 percent on the corresponding period a year earlier.

The NSW toll rose even more – up by 17.2% (340 deaths, up from 290). Two-thirds of those NSW deaths occurred in regional areas which have suffered high road death tolls for many years.

Australia’s peak motoring body says governments must respond to the crisis by publishing data about the causes of crashes, the condition of our roads, and patterns of law enforcement.

“This would enhance transparency and give experts the information needed to create more effective road safety policies,’’ said AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley.

“The NSW Government holds the data we need to understand these figures, but like other states and territories, it’s not making it public.

The AAA’s Data Saves Lives campaign calls on the Federal Government to compel state and territory governments to publish more road safety data as a condition of receiving their share of the $10 billion a year the Commonwealth spends on road grants.

The Commonwealth could achieve this by writing data transparency into the next five-year National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects, which is now under negotiation and due to take effect from July 2024.

The AAA’s Data Saves Lives campaign has already won the support of 61 federal MPs – or 40% of the House of Representatives.

For more detail follow the link datasaveslives.org.au.

Calls For Labor To Come Clean On Live Sheep Export Ban

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is calling on Labor to release the findings of an Independent Panel Report into the ban of live sheep exports.

Mr Littleproud said Labor must be transparent about the report, which Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is due to receive. It comes after a live sheep export phase out panel travelled around WA but failed to properly consult with the industry.

“Minister Watt should have the courage of his convictions and immediately release the scientific and economic modelling behind his decision,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Minister Watt didn’t have the courage to travel with the panel and look farmers in the eye himself to say he was stopping the trade – so the least he can do is release the report.”

“The trade has actually increased by 41 per cent since 2021/2022.

“But Minister Watt made decisions based on what animal activists wanted”.

Snippets…

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pair them up with our mini wooden cars for the ultimate gift for this Christmas

Buy From a Bush Business: These are one of our most popular items for Christmas! Our roads are so versatile for open ended play allowing little ones to use them inside, outside, in the mud, taken to the beach, with sensory play e.g. with jelly, shaving cream, rice or even just in the bath!

These join together just like a puzzle and when dirty are easily cleaned to be packed up and ready to play again next time. These are one of our best selling items for Christmas, so don’t miss out! www.spendwithus.com.au/product/connecting-roads/

Flannery’s Pharmacy: On Thursday 26th October Alice Flannery Naturopath will be visiting the Pharmacy conducting free appointments. Your consultation will involve ‘comprehensive holistic assessment of your health, including an assessment of any current pathology, medical history, dietary intake and lifestyle factors. She will work with you to determine attainable health goals that will optimise your health and wellbeing.’ For more Information go to www.aliceflannerynaturopath.com/

Lifeline: To mark Lifeline Australia’s 60th anniversary we’re really excited to reveal ‘The Release Line’ a world first phone line, where music lovers can donate to listen to exclusive music. We’ve teamed up with ARIA Award winning singer songwriter Ruel to release a never-before-heard track. ‘The Weight’ is an acoustic song that encourages all Australians to reach out to loved ones, and the only way you can hear it is through the phone. Get your copy of the The Weight at www.releaseline.com.au

Farewell: It is with great sadness that this week the Parkes & Forbes Phoenix farewell our designer, Lisa Brien of LB Graphic Design. Lisa has been with the Forbes & Parkes Phoenix since the very first editions in 2015 and over the past eight years has designed 721 editions of the paper. We wish Lisa the very best of luck in the future, she will be greatly missed!

Pink Up Parkes: The Pink Up Parkes Raffle will be selling at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 21st October between 9am and 2pm. First prize: Handmade quilt valued at $800, second prize: gift basket from Parkes News & Gifts, third prize: $100 gift voucher from Cunningham’s IGA.

The Roasted Kombi are pinking up during October to raise funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation. The Kombi have donated a pink cricket ball signed by Glen McGrath displayed in a glass and wooden box holder to be auctioned at the Pink Up Parkes Charity Dinner on 28th October.

Australian Unity have pinked up their window in support of Pink Up Parkes and the McGrath Foundation.

Danielle McDonald – 2023 Australian Off Road Champion X3

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonald is a three time Australian Off Road Champion, Australian MX Champion, and four time Hattah Desert Race Champion.

Local Parkes girl Danielle McDonald has just secured her third Australian Off Road Championship. What a way for Danielle to finish off her impressive racing career in the junior ranks.

Danielle said, “My very last junior race, I’m sad to say my junior years have come to an end. I have learnt and achieved a lot throughout juniors but I am overall excited to start a new chapter in my racing journey in the women’s class!

“A massive thanks to my family, team, sponsors and everyone in my corner wouldn’t be where I am without any of you”.

Endruo GP In Portugal

Earlier in October Danielle got her first taste racing in the senior women division in her first endruo GP in Portugal, experiencing some very hot and dry conditions.

Danielle reported, “The trials and tests were gnarly! Definitely one to remember. I raced my first supertest on Friday night. I was the first rider on track and opened alone, I had nerves I have never experienced before. I ended the night with a P6 leading into the next day.

“Race day nerves were just as high but pushed through. The other three tests I really enjoyed and started to pull some pretty good results. Coming top three in most and even winning a couple of them.

“Sunday was a better day for me. I was running third all day, then unfortunately a mechanical issue in the sand test caused me to lose all back brake, and a heap of time. Still really happy to come away with 4th overallfor the day.

Now To Get Ready For The ISDE 6 Days

Danielle is now preparing to race the International Six-Day Endruo which runs from 6th to 11th November in San Juan, Argentina, South America. The ISDE is one of the most prestigious events on the offroad calendar in motorcycle racing. The Team Aus women have won 6x World ISDE titles. Representing Australia will be Tayla Jones and Jessica Gardiner, who have both been part of the previous six wins, but the newest member of the Australian Women’s Team is Danielle McDonald who dominated the Junior motocross and offroad racing for years.

Help Support Danielle Compete In Europe

Danielle and the Australian Women’s team need your support. They are raising money to fund their trip to race the ISDE in November.

Make a donation: You can show yoursupport by donating to their Gofundmepage. https://gofund.me/5e80e56f

Become a Major Sponsor: The teamare still seeking a major sponsor, contact Jess Gardener at jessgardiner77@gmail.com

Purchase from the MXStore: This yearBallard’s and MXstore are proud to besponsoring Team Australia to help themget to Argentina for the 2023 ISDE, donating 20% of all sales every Ballard’sproduct purchased from Tuesday 17th tomidnight the 22nd October.

Danielle stepping up to race with the seniors in her first endruo GP in Portugal.

Danielle had a great weekend when she raced the first ever @gncc_racing_aus Coming away with the win.

Danielle thanks her family, team, sponsors and everyone in her corner, whom she credits for helping her where she is today.

Danielle competing in and winning her first ever Austral-ian Junior MX Championship title.

The Competition Is Heating Up For The National BBQ Championships

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Celebrity chef Hayden Quinn has graced our television screens with his show Taste of Australia airing on Channel 10 and of course made his debut on Masterchef in 2012.

The National BBQ Championships are just around the corner, being held at Grinsted Oval, Forbes, on Saturday 28th October 12 noon – 8pm.

Celebrity guest chef Hayden Quinn will be accompanied by three local judges in deciding who is the best on the barbecue!

Forbes’ BBQ Championships promise something for everyone with a range of entertainment by local favourites Em, Jo and Cler and Georgia Sideris, along with market stalls, children’s entertainment and bar.

“The competition is the real focus of this event and judges will be looking for winners in four cooking sections – beef, pork, chicken and lamb, as well as the best dressed team, tent, and best team name,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“This event is about food, but it is also about having fun – make a day of it, dress up, come up with a great name – put all your culinary and creative skills to the test!” Mayor Miller said.

The $10,000 prize pool is just as enticing as the aroma of a good steak on the chargrill, including Why Leave Town Cards, a Weber and so much more lined up for the day’s winners.

Registration forms, information and rules can be found on Council’s website; www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events. Spectator tickets are free but must be booked online at 123tix.com.au. This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government via the Reconnecting Regional Communities Event Funding.

Pamela Cook And Penelope Janu: A Country Vet Christmas

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pamela Cook and Penelope Janu, co-authors of A Country Vet Christmas, have independently sold tens of thousands of books across several genres

You are invited to meet two fantastic authors, Pamela Cook and Penelope Janu, when they launch their latest book, A Country Vet Christma at Forbes Library on Wednesday 25th October at 2pm.

Pamela Cook is an author, podcaster and teacher who writes page-turning contemporary women’s fiction, delving deep into the psychology of her characters and the complexity of relationships in all their forms. She has had four novels published traditionally and two independent titles.

Pamela writes women’s fiction set in locations you’ll want to escape to, and stories that will keep you turning the page. Her novels feature tangled family relationships, the ups and downs of friendship, and explore issues like grief and loss, belonging and love. They aim to tug at your heart-strings so if you cry while you’re reading Pamela’s books, her goal is achieved! But don’t worry – there will also be a hopeful ending.

And author Penelope Janu writes stories about clever and adventurous women who don’t mean to fall in love, but do.

Penelope Janu has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities. Her first novel, In at the Deep End, came out with HarperCollins/ HQ in 2017. Since then, she’s had a novella and six novels published, the most recent being her January 2023 release, Shelter from the Storm.

Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming up challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous characters.

Their latest project is A Country Vet Christmas – a heartwarming collection of five brand-new festive stories from favourite Australian authors about country vets, love and small-town Christmas charm.
Come to meet these fascinating women supported by The Book Dispensary, Forbes.

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