Arts OutWest, the peak arts body and regional arts development organisation for the NSW Central West, has been working across the region for 50 years.

“As the oldest regional arts program in NSW, Arts OutWest has a strong legacy of high quality arts activities coupled with support for arts, heritage and culture across all artforms and all interests,” said Arts OutWest chair Margot Jolly.

“The organisation is highly regarded in the state and national arts sectors, and is a leader in areas like arts and health – something our region can be proud of.” A special 50th anniversary dinner will be held at Forbes Town Hall on Saturday June 1st. Whilst the dinner is sold out, you can still attend the opening of three new art exhibitions on Saturday afternoon, 2-3pm at Forbes Town Hall.

The exhibitions showcase recent work by members of the Forbes Arts Society, work by Arts OutWest staff, board and advisory council members, and photography from Arts OutWest’s Media Associates. The exhibitions will be open to the public Sunday 2nd June, and then across the long weekend June 8th-10th, from 10am-2pm at Forbes Town Hall and next door at St Andrews Hall. Work by Wiradjuri artist Rhonda Sharp will also show at Forbes Visitor Information Centre for the month of June.

“Arts OutWest has played a pivotal role in nurturing artistic talent, promoting community engagement, and enhancing the cultural vitality on a regional level,” said Mrs Jolly.

Arts OutWest is one of 15 regional arts development organisations across the state, receiving funding from state, local and federal government and working with a wide range of partners to deliver support and run strategic arts projects in their region.

Saturday’s Men’s Individual Stroke competition saw 53 men compete.

In the Men Div 1, Barry Parker compiled a nett 69 to take the honours. While the runner-up was Andrew Grierson with 71 nett. He was looking good after the front-9 but a couple of bogeys coming home dented his efforts.

In the Men Div 2 Laurie O’Connor played some good golf to score a 69 nett. His played well except for a calamitous 11th hole. Runner-up was Fons Melisi with an even par 72 nett. His was a day of steady golf. The NTP’s were: 9th – Stuart Thomas; 18th – Paul Pymont. The Pro Shop Superpin, played on the 9th hole, went to Stuart Thomas who was getting ready to celebrate but his ball stopped 80 cm short of the hole. The ball sweep went to 74 nett.

On Sunday the Final leg of the ‘Trilogy of Golf’ was played at West Wyalong. Again Forbes players figured prominently among the prizes. The Trilogy Scratch was a joint win by Caleb Hanrahan and Ecky Dawson, with Shane Sallaway taking 3rd. The Trilogy Nett had Forbes players in 2nd (Josh Coulthurst) and 4 th (Jordan Wright).

Josh Coulthurst also took the B-Grade Scratch honours, with Ecky Dawson the A-Grade Scratch runner-up and the Vets Scratch Runner-up.

This weekend the Men’s comp is the June Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. There is a Stableford Medley on this Sunday.

Contributed by Short Putt

 

Tuesday 21 May saw hosting the CWA Oxley Group CWA Public Speaking for Schools Contest at the Wiradjuri Study Centre in Condobolin. Approximately eighty students from twenty schools across the Oxley Group area competed. They travelled from as far afield as Parkes, Forbes, Trundle, Tottenham, Ungarie, Tullibigeal, Bedgerebong, Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin.

Ros Edwards, CWA Oxley Group Public Speaking Officer said, “A big thank you to should be given to Evolution Mining for supporting this annual Oxley CWA Group event. They [Evolution Mining] really help in promoting student skills in speaking up and communicating their ideas in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.” Students from Years 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, as well as 9 and 10 showcased their public speaking skills through prepared speeches entertaining parents, teachers, fellow students and the judges on a wide variety of topics.

This year students presented hilarious and creative ways to explore ideas from riding bikes, cleaning teeth, ghost stories, pet’s perspectives to sea mysteries, Lego, artificial intelligence, manners, making wishes and laughing to present entertaining and unusual perspectives to grab the audiences’ attention.

The Winner and the three Highly Commended students from each section are invited to participate in the CWA Intergroup Public Speaking Competition to be held in Trundle on Monday 17th June.

Thank you to all six judges Mick Hanlon, Paul Lukin, Tess Kelly, Sue Thomas, Carmel Berry (CWA) and Sue Baxter (CWA Oxley Group President). Thanks to Ros Edwards, CWA Oxley Group Public Speaking Officer and the many CWA volunteers who assisted on the day. Thanks also to parents and teachers for transporting our talented students.

Congratulations to all students for their efforts in presenting their differing perspectives on the topics in creative and interesting ways. All students were outstanding which made the Judges work difficult.

 

 

 

Friday 31 st May marks the 2024 Fatality Free Friday. A community driven initiative where all drivers in NSW are encouraged to focus on their own individual behaviour in an effort to reduce road trauma.

The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has released new data to mark the occasion showing that almost 2 in 3 (64%) New South Wales drivers admit to breaking road laws, with 1 in 4 (25%) drivers committing an offence at least monthly 1 .

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety should be front of mind.

“One day of conscious driving resulting in no fatalities could turn into one week, one month and even one year of no deaths on our roads,” Mr Toole said.

“NSW Police are present on all our streets, highways and back roads but it is you as the driver who can end preventable fatalities and injuries.

“Despite our best efforts, road trauma is still on the rise and it is our family, friends and communities who suffer the most from these tragedies.

“We have seen 17 road deaths in NSW in the past 13 days alone. This steering NSW towards one of the deadliest years on record.”

2023 ended with shocking road statistics that labelled 2023 as one of the deadliest years on NSW roads.

The NSW road toll for 2023 was 353. Already in 2024 we have seen 147 lives lost on NSW roads, 23 more than this time last year.

NSW Police Inspector Peter Foran said road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“One death on our roads is one too many, NSW Police are doing everything we can to keep road users safe but the key to reducing accidents lies in taking responsibility for yourself, your family, your passengers, and every other road user,” Mr Foran said.

“This is a fresh chance for drivers to reevaluate their driving and rectify some bad habits.

“Whether it be doing a few kilometres over the speed limit or glancing at a mobile phone, each and every driver needs to think about the consequences these simple mistakes can have.”

According to the ARSF research, over 8 in 10 New South Wales residents say road safety messages have had a positive impact on their behaviour.

ARSF Founder and Chief Executive Officer Russell White said the research reiterated that a future free from road fatalities could only be achieved if people acknowledged their role within the bigger picture.

“At the end of the day, the fatal five – speeding, driving inhibited, driving fatigued, not wearing a seat belt and being distracted – are choices that an individual makes,” Mr White said.

“Fatality Free Friday works to tackle the big picture vision of a New South Wales where not one person has their life cut short because of a preventable road crash.”