General Interest Archives - Page 68 of 311

Labor Makes More Cuts To The National Soil Strategy

August 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Federal Labor Government has scrapped the National Soils Advocate and cut funding to programs that previously had bipartisan support.

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has said that the decision was disappointing and it showed Labor was turning its back on agriculture, with National Soils Advocate, the Hon Penelope Wensley AC, having now finished her term.

“Once again, Labor is cutting corners and costs when it comes to soils. There is no detail on who or what will replace the National Soils Advocate, even though the Government has had nearly 18 months to plan and this is a crucial position.”

The former Coalition Government set up the National Soil Strategy back in May 2021 and committed $196.9 million.

“We invested in soils because we know soils are imperative for the environment, the economy and our food security and costs. The strategy was to prioritise soil health, empower soil innovation and stewards, and strengthen soil knowledge and capability.”

Can We Trust The Food We’re Eating?

August 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

When you think fake products, you’d be forgiven for not having food items like honey at the top of your list, from meat and seafood to dairy – not even herbs are safe.

There are six types of food fraud practices in the food industry: mislabelling, adulteration, substitution, counterfeiting, dilution and concealment. The goal is to deceive the consumer into paying a higher price for a product that is not what it claims to be.

What can we do about it? Government intervention can protect the industry. Policies around minimum prices for materials. Thankfully, now we have DNA technology which makes it easy to take a quick extract of tissue of meat to determine if it’s really what it’s labelled as. In some cases, we have low-tech options. For example, the freezing point is a very old test that industry can use. For example, the freezing point of milk can indicate if water has been added.

Recognising The Resilience Of Our Communities

August 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has identified and responded to needs in central western NSW flood affected communities with the Wellbeing and Resilience grants.

In the recent Spring of 2022, communities in central western NSW were devastated with record breaking floods which resulted in destructive and damaging ongoing impacts to people, property, harvests, and the general mental health and wellbeing of communities.

Residents of these communities have shown incredible and inspiring resilience as they continuously work to rebuild and manage the lasting affects of such an event. WNSW PHN has worked with these communities to undertake a needs assessment post the flooding event and determine where the greatest areas of need lie.

WNSW PHN is pleased to offer Wellbeing and Resilience grants to flood affected

communities in central western NSW. The grants will facilitate the delivery of community led and focused wellbeing initiatives. Funding of up to $20,000 is available per application.

WNSW PHN welcomes initiatives that will help improve mental health and support community resilience and encourage local businesses and community groups to apply. Community initiatives should address the immediate needs of affected communities and focus on community health and wellbeing, resilience and/or build the capacity of volunteer and paid workforce.

Our focus is patients who are at risk of poor health outcomes and working to improve the coordination of their care, so they receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

We acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of many Aboriginal clans, tribes, and nations. We are committed to working in collaboration with our region’s Aboriginal communities and peoples to improve their health, emotional and social well-being in the spirit of partnership.

For further information, eligibility and the application pack, please visit https://wnswphn.org.au/tenders

Put One Foot Forward For The Black Dog Institute This October

August 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Walk in solidarity with the 1 in 5 Australians experiencing mental illness each year.

The Black Dog Institute is calling on Australians to take a stand in solidarity for the 1 in 5 Australians experiencing symptoms of mental illness each year by participating in One Foot Forward – a national virtual challenge taking place in October – Mental Health Month.

The challenge is to walk, run, or roll 40km, 60km, 100km, 150km, or a distance that suits them throughout October, to show people experiencing symptoms of mental illness that they are not alone and to raise funds for Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research and support services in Australia. One in five Australians experience a mental illness each year which means around 5 million people are personally affected.

One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health and show Australians impacted by mental illness that they’re not alone. You can take part solo, with a team or with your colleagues.

With mental illness costing Australian businesses $39 billion in lost revenue each year, Black Dog Institute is calling on corporate groups and businesses to join in.

This national virtual event is a great team building exercise for colleagues, can increase staff morale and help promote mental wellbeing in the workplace.

In 2022, over 28,000 participants walked, ran and rolled over 2,286,105km during Mental Health Month and joined in on the fun, got active, and raised funds to help Black Dog Institute.

Funds raised by One Foot Forward participants this year can assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs, and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools and how to get support.

Our Bloke – Dylan McDonald

August 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dylan McDonald

Where were you born? Parkes, NSW.

Were you named after anyone? I wasn’t named after anyone.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Coming second in the Australian off-roads.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? When we travelled to Sweden and Finland for the world enduro.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Always tell the truth and send it.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Lying to dad.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Toilet paper, a lighter and Barbecue sauce.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Upgrade my plane ticket to first class when we go to worlds.

When are you happiest? When on the dirtbike.

Farmers Urged To Have Say On Fresh Food Tax

August 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Federal Member Michael McCormack is urging farmers and families in the Central West to have their say on Labor’s fresh food tax. The new tax is set at a rate equivalent of 10 per cent of the 2020-21 industry-led levies. Consultation has now opened into the Sustainable Funding to Strengthen Biosecurity Budget measures.

Mr McCormack said “Farmers throughout the Central West will likely be slugged by this new tax, which comes into effect on July 1, 2024,” Mr McCormack said.

“The new tax on farmers will inevitably be passed on to consumers, meaning even higher grocery bills for Riverina and Central West residents already suffering from higher cost-of-living pressures.

“Those who are concerned about this potential impost on their livelihoods to register on the website and have your say.”

For more information go to http://www.haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-funding

Fourth Consecutive Trophy For The Mighty Parkes Boars

August 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Boars 1st Grade team celebrating just moments after becoming the New Holland Cup Premiers for 2023.

Week to week throughout the 2023 season, the Parkes Boars struggled to get all grades on the field. Yet despite heading into the finals as the underdogs, the Boars took the honours from the fancied Mudgee Wombats last weekend.

Led by their Captain, and possibly the hardest working man in New Holland Cup rugby, Ben Ryan, the team streamed onto the Glen Willow rugby pitch.

Mudgee took the first points of the game after the Boars were penalised on the 15m line. But the conversion was spread wide.

Return of play saw Boars gifted a penalty attempt on the 22m in front, with Luke Bevan putting the Boars on the scoreboard.

The players settled, and the Boars gathered a pod and worked the ball down the field with a well executed pick and drive to within 10m. The ball was passed to Soropepeli Soqe, who scored next to the posts. Luke Bevan added the extras and the Boars took the lead 10 points to five.

The second half saw a lift in both sides but Boars Luke Bevan found a small gap in the Mudgee defence and put the ball over for a try, following with a successful conversion.

Mudgee found their rhythm and crossed the line twice to chase the Boars down, evening the scores at 17 a piece. Discipline let Mudgee down, and at the 57 minute mark, Luke Bevan was gifted another shot putting the Boars in front by three points.

With seven minutes left in the match, another penalty was awarded to Parkes, Bevan took the shot and scored the three points.

Moments before regular time was up Mudgee found a gap running on the wing and added another seven points to the tally, taking the score to Mudgee 24 to Parkes 23.

The Mudgee crowds went wild, but from somewhere deep, the Boars held tight and kept their discipline, focused on their own game and worked the ball down to within 15m. Mudgee couldn’t help but take that step too far and on the fourth minute of injury time, Luke Bevan took the penalty kick of his life right in front of goals, to give the Boars a two point lead and the win. The final score was Parkes 26 to Mudgee 24.

This was a record breaking match for the Boars, being the fourth Championship in as many years.

The whole team worked harder than ever for this honour and it was difficult to single out any individual player. The front row Jason Lowe, Rory Nock and Lewis Gravatt, although monstered by a much bigger pack, held their own making tackle after tackle to disrupt the Wombats flow.

Chris Parker and Mitchell Westcott as flankers kept running all game, Mackenzie Green and Jacob Hardy in the second row put in the hard yards to keep the forward momentum.

The whole forward pack was locked together by their Captain Ben Ryan both physically and emotionally.

Callum Reed in half back, Will Bevan and Mick Watt on the wings were well supported by Tupou Verti, Soropepeli Soqe and Mesake Kurukitoga.

Congratulations to the finishers, Dylan Hood, Jackson Guy, Rohan Kopp, Dyllan Philips, Tom Woods, Will Woods, Will Smith and Uraia “Junior” Sartibau.

A massive thank you is extended to team Manager Brendan Guy, Club President Kev Oliver and the families, friends and fellow Boars who came and supported the team throughout the year.

Left: Brendan Guy, Ben Ryan, Mick Watt, Kevin Oliver. Right: Nock family, Monique, Rory, Amarlie and Alani.

Domestic And Stock Water Rights Review

August 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Department of Planning and Environment is launching its first survey on domestic and stock rights to get a clearer snapshot of how water extracted under these rights is being used, and whether any changes are needed to improve the way it’s regulated or managed.

“The more we know about how water is being taken and used under these rights, the better we can manage it, that’s why I encourage all water users to fill out this survey,” Executive Director Strategy and Policy Kaia Hodge said.

“Understanding how people use their basic water rights for domestic and stock purposes helps us to effectively manage water across NSW. This can have flow on benefits such as boosting drought resilience and creating healthier river systems.

“We want to hear about how landholders are using their domestic and stock rights and if they, or other people have any concerns around the current approach to regulation and management.”

In parallel with the survey, the Department is offering to hold meetings with stakeholder

groups and organisations to hear directly about the experiences of these water users. “We are using the current engagement with domestic and stock water users to remind them of the requirements under the Water Management Act 2000,” Ms Hodge said.

“When water users understand their rights, they can be confident they are taking water within the rules. That’s a win for everyone who relies on water from rivers and aquifers.”

People have until 21 November to complete the survey. To learn more about domestic and stock rights and complete the survey visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/licensing-and-trade/basic-landholder-rights/domestic-and-stock-rights

Big Plans For Forbes NAIDOC Week Celebrations

August 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NAIDOC Week Celebration will be held at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, Forbes.

Each year the Forbes Community marks NAIDOC Week and 2023 is gearing up to be an amazing celebration and display of culture.

The NAIDOC Committee and Forbes Shire Council has organised a day of workshops, demonstrations, activities and more, all aimed at celebrating the local culture to be held on Thursday 7th September.

The day will kick off with an official ceremony at 10am during which the 2023 NAIDOC Award winners will be announced, along with the winner of the NAIDOC design competition.

Forbes Preschool will be performing, whilst Dinawan’s Connection will complete the smoking ceremony and opening dance.

“Come and see the completion of the Yarning Circle mural, join in weaving, cultural dance and language workshops, make damper, see demonstrations for making clapsticks and hand carving,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said.

There will also be tools and weapons, and reptile displays, amusement rides, and girri girri grown at Forbes High School, just to name a few.

“Everyone is welcome to come and learn more about the Indigenous culture of this region. Forbes Shire Council would like to thank the NAIDOC Committee and the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre for their organisation and support,” Mayor Miller said.

NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect and celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and recognising them as ongoing custodians of the land. The theme for this year’s event is ‘For Our Elders’.

It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nation cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures in the world.

NAIDOC Celebrations will be held at Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from 10am until 2pm. So save the date, 7th September in your calendar and make sure to come along and enjoy NAIDOC.

Goonigal Poll Dorsets Stud Ram Sale

August 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Goonigal Poll Dorset owners Charles, Kylie, Maureen and Robbie Lawrence.

With a combined 48 years of farming experience behind them, Robbie and Maureen Lawrence purchased the established Goonigal Poll Dorset Stud in 2006. Since then, they have developed it into a major farming operation, with their son Charles and his wife Kylie also working on the property to make this family owned business complete.

Goonigal Poll Dorset Stud will be holding their annual Ram sale on Friday, 8th September, commencing at 1pm at the Canowindra Showground. The rams will be penned by 11:30am ready for inspection and the Lawrence’s welcome everybody to come have a look at their livestock and to have a bid.

A total of 100 top quality rams will be on offer, with the stud receiving fantastic feedback from clients regarding the quality of lambs these studs rams produce. Offspring go on to make impeccable export or sucker lambs, typically they are sold at 14-16 weeks and weighing 24kg which always impresses the studs clientele.

The family noted that the drop in the lamb market may affect the overall prices, however, they are hopeful that they will receive what the rams are valued for, leaving them with an impressive outcome.

All rams to be presented for sale on the day have been vet checked from a reputable vet and have been brucellosis accredited and are footrot free.

Stock scan figures will be available on the Goonigal Poll Dorsets Stud facebook on Monday 4th sept or by emailing a request to goonigal@bigpond.net.au.

For further information contact the selling agent, Rory Brien from Allan Gray & Co on 0423 212 529.

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