General Interest Archives - Page 71 of 311

Final Push To Save The Regional Seniors Travel Card

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway MLC stands up to try and save the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are calling all residents across regional communities to sign the petition to save the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Coalition launched the petition to stop Labor from cutting the program in the upcoming budget.

“The Regional Seniors Travel Card has become a local lifeline right across the bush,helping our seniors maintain their independence,” Mr Farraway said.

“We have already had a strong response but there is only a month left to get behind the petition, so I would encourage as many people as possible to sign it to convince the Minns Government to keep funding this important cost-of-living measure.”

“It would be devastating to see another great regional initiative sacrificed to prioritise another city project, so I would ask everyone to share this petition as far and wide as you can to show Labor just how important it is.”

Since 2020 more than one million cards have been issued, easing expenses for seniors who need to travel longer distances for their everyday tasks.

Sarah Smith from Parkes Taxis said “It has been a valuable asset for our customers at Parkes taxis over the last 12 months. Passengers have been able to use the transport card for both social, medical appointments, shopping and many other day to day activities. Many passengers have expressed that it will be a great loss to them if transport card does not continue given the hard times along with many other rising expenses.

You can help save the card by signing the petition at www.savethetravelcard.com.au

Prevalence Of Financial Abuse In NSW

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Next Chapter Innovation partners will have access to grants of $50,000, $100,000 or $200,000 plus executive support and mentoring, access to a think tank to leverage corporate expertise, and involvement in an inaugural conference to be hosted by CommBank.

This announcement coincides with the release of the latest CommBank Community Awareness Survey which included 2,951 people living in NSW, found:

• 22% of people living in NSW have experienced financial abuse from a partner, while 19% have experienced it from a family member

• 20% know or suspect someone they know is currently experiencing financial abuse

The most common behaviours include:

• 44%: Used/is using all wages earned by you for household expenses, while spending their own money only on themselves

• 43%: Has hidden/is hiding assets from you

• 42%: Provided/is providing you with only an inadequate ‘allowance’

• 42%: Has destroyed, damaged or stolen something that belongs to you or a family member

• 41%: Refused/ is refusing to contribute financially to you or to your family

To be eligible to apply for Next Chapter Innovation, organisations must be Australian based and operated with services providing direct funding to Australian based programs. Applications will close on Friday, 25th August.

For any further details on Next Chapter Innovation, visit: commbank.com.au/nextchapter

“North Bogabigal” Historic Forbes

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

North Bogabigal is being offered for public sale ‘as a whole’ as well as in three separate lots, by Expressions of Interest (EOI) with expressions closing at 12 noon AEST Thursday 14th September 2023.

Forbes based rural property specialists Johnston Rural Group are pleased to present to market North Bogabigal – an exceptionally well-located, mixed farm in the heart of the Lachlan Valley.

The property, which today comprises approx. 547.5 hectares (1,352 acres), boasts a prime location just 11km west of the historic township of Forbes and Newell Highway. The productive mixed farm, which is approx. 90% arable, is a versatile holding suited to both livestock and cropping having successfully grown high yielding cereal crops and produced prime lambs, goats & lucerne hay. The offering is underpinned by a combination of soil types ranging from highly fertile alluvial creek flats adjacent to the Broad Creek to sandy loams and heavy grey clays through the middle.

Key features include Lachlan River access via a pumping station and underground water supply pipeline, 1.3km frontage to the Broad Creek, 510 MgL General Security River Water Access Licence, near new 60ha (150ac) Bauer centre pivot and a dedicated internal drainage system which diverts local water off the property after heavy rainfall events.

The main improvements consist of a 3 / 4 BR homestead, 3 BR cottage, hay shed, 2 machinery sheds, workshop, older style shearing shed with adjoining sheep yards, wash down bay, chemical shed, piggery / wet weather livestock shed and old shearers quarters.

The Vendor’s Phillip (Australian Olympian and highly decorated Commonwealth Games Medallist) & Ann Adams have made the decision to sell in order finalise their full-time retirement objective after initially moving into town several years ago and overseeing the farm remotely. North Bogabigal has been in the Adam’s Family for over 70 years, after it was initially purchased by the Adam’s Brothers Partnership (a partnership between Phillip’s father and uncle).

Under Phillip and Ann’s ownership there has been a focus on lucerne and livestock production (including a goat embryo transfer program), improving on-farm drainage, and more recently on a spray irrigation development project on North Bogabigal (South) in 2019.

Marketing Agent Sam Johnston of Johnston Rural Group said that “North Bogabigal will no doubt appeal to a large spectrum of the active buyer pool due to its prime location, combination of underlying soil types, access to the Lachlan River and Broad Creek, 510MgL irrigation water and near new 60 ha (150 ac) centre pivot, and more importantly its scope for future development and investment upside.” Further reinforcing that: “This fundamentally sound asset is primed for additional development and is ready to be taken to the next level through progressive management coupled with a prudent capital injection.”

The Vendor’s are fully committed to the sales process and have recently had the property independently valued which has assisted them is formulating a realistic price guide of $6.5m to $7.0m which includes the land, water, and fixed improvements.

For additional commentary, a detailed information memorandum or photos please contact: Sam Johnston 0412 896 602 sam@johnstongroup.com.au or Gary Johnston 0427 574 270 gary@johnstongroup.com.au

Forbes’ Newest Australian Citizens

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Three new citizens were welcomed as Australian citizens in a ceremony presided over by Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM on 21st July.

Last Friday, 21st July, the Forbes Council Chambers were once again full, as friends and family witnessed Emily Newham (Vanuatu), Amy Smith (New Zealand) and Fionnuala Young (Ireland and United Kingdom) officially become Australian citizens.

Mayor Miller conducted the ceremony and presented the three women with a welcome gift and their Certificate of Citizenship in front of guests and a number of councillors.

“Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, as well as home to the oldest surviving culture in the world. Since 1949 Australia has welcomed over 5.7 million new citizens to our shores. We are proud to say that 13.4 per cent of Forbes’ population are born overseas and have chosen Forbes as their home,” Mayor Miller said.

Australian Citizenship symbolises our unity as a nation. Making the Australian citizenship pledge represents commitment to Australia and its people, the values we share and our common future. It also symbolises the sense of belonging to the country where new citizens have decided to make their home.

Choosing to become an Australian citizen is a very important commitment to make, and a significant part of Australia’s future. Forbes Shire Council places high importance on Australian Citizenship and hosts several ceremonies throughout the year.

“Welcoming Australia’s newest citizens, and welcoming them to Forbes especially, is one of my favourite roles as Mayor of Forbes.

“I can appreciate the fact that living in Forbes is enough to make anyone want to make living here permanent!” said Mayor Miller.

Australian Citizenship Day is held annually on September 17, a day to celebrate what unites us as Australians, whether we are citizens through birth or by choice.

NSW Farmers Welcome New Board Member

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

During the Annual Conference this week, Oscar Pearse a Moree based cropper, has been elected to the NSW Farmers Board.

The father of three, who has deep family roots in the states North West, stated a sustainable future for farming was critical to feed families and protect the country. Mr Pearse explained that farmers are esteemed for safeguarding useful resources of soils, pastures, and key natural areas, yet regularly the financial returns aren’t there and expressed his hopes this will soon change.

“I’m honoured to be elected to the NSW Farmers Board and look forward to making a positive contribution to the future of our Association and our industry,” Mr Pearse said.

Helen Carrigan, retiring Board member and wool producer explained that she would be moving interstate to be closer to family. She thanked NSW Farmers members for their support and wished Mr Pearse all the best.

Mrs Carrigan went on to say that it was a tremendous pleasure to work with NSW Farmers and although she will no longer be actively involved with the organisation, she will continue to be keenly interested in the Association’s work.

Diamond Celebration For Ladies’ Bowls

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Celebrating 70 years! The Central Western District Women’s Bowling Association recently gathered to mark the grand occasion at the Canowindra Bowling Club.

The Central Western District Women’s Bowling Association celebrated their 70th anniversary, with 18 ends of Triples Bowls and a special luncheon at the Canowindra Bowling Club on Tuesday, 18th July.

Both events of the day were attended by official guests including Sandra Jowett, Director of Bowls NSW, Roger Traves, President of the Canowindra Club, and A. Whyburn, President of the Canowindra Men’s Bowling Association. The history of the Central Western Women’s Bowling Association from 1953 until 2023 was presented to the visitors in addition to the cake cutting.

The Central Western District Women’s Bowling Association held its first official meeting on 9th October 1953, which was attended by Canowindra, Eugowra, Forbes, and Parkes clubs, with Cudal an apology for the first event. Gwynn Rice was appointed the first President at that meeting. The association started playing Pennants a month later.

In 1955, the assocaition elected a President, three Vice-Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer, along with three delegates to represent each of the Clubs. Cudal and Manildra merged in 1957, followed by the Forbes, Parkes and Parkes Railway Clubs in 1958. Woodstock joined the association in 1959. In 1970, Gooloogong joined, bringing the District’s total number of Clubs to 12.

One of the favourite competitions held for the association is the Taber Shield. An inter -district competition that is contested annually in early September in Stella Taber’shonor. Stella Taber served as District President from 1956 to 1963 and again from1964 to 1967.

The District currently has nine Clubs: Cowra, Canowindra, Forbes, Parkes, Manildra, Molong, Millthorpe, Orange City, and Orange Ex-Services.

The Central Western Districts Women’s Bowling association is a very important part of our community, and we wish them great success for a further 70 years.

Parkes RSL Sub Branch Month Of Remembrance

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Korean Veteran Gordon Dickson about to lay a wreath at Remembrance Day last year.

Parkes RSL Sub Branch, at its July meeting decided it would honour the Korean Veterans in our community. The hardship of overseas service extends to the family and friends, our servicemen and women leave behind and we should commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Two dates have been set aside for the 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

On Thursday, 3rd August members of the Parkes RSL Sub Branch will conduct a Remembrance Service honouring the servicemen who lost their lives during the 10-year war. 536 servicemen will be remembered across Australia at services at all Australian towns and cities at graves or places of Remembrance.

The Parkes RSL Sub Branch will be honouring three former residents; Anatoly Danilenko who was killed on 25th April, 1968, Douglas Roy Powter, who died on 7th February, 1967 and Denis John Donnelly who died on the 9th August, 1967. Both Danilenko and Powter are buried at the Parkes Cemetery whilst Donnelly is buried at Mudgee.

The service will be held at the Cenotaph in Cooke Park commencing at 11am and it is hoped that as many Parkes and district ex-service personnel can attend as possible, especially those who served in Vietnam.

The fiannual Vietnam Veterans Day service will be held on Friday 18th August at the Vietnam Memorial on Memorial Hill commencing at 11am.

Following the Memorial Service, the Parkes RSL Sub Branch will be conducting a Commemorative Luncheon at the Parkes Services & Citizens Club commencing at 12 noon and tickets can be obtained from the Secretary, Mr Paul Thomas on 0427 624 683 for the cost of $40, which covers the Luncheon and drinks which are limited to beer, wine or soft drinks.

Elvis Revival INC Donate Funds To Parkes CanAssist

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Who doesn’t love a giant cheque? Members of Parkes CanAssist receive cheque for $6,870.07.

On Tuesday 25th July, members of Parkes CanAssist were delighted to gather at their store in Court Street, where they were presented with a cheque from the Parkes Elvis Revival INC committee.

The cheque was for the amount of $6,870.07, the total amount of funds remaining in an account being held by Elvis Revival INC. The committee is regrettably folding, following the toll resulting from COVID combined with the devastating loss of a number of key members.

Elvis Revival Inc (ERI) were a group of dedicated Elvis fans who rallied with the common goal to manage and grow the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Formed in 1992 with a few members and Festival Co-founder Bob Steel as President, the committee went on to have a hand in the Elvis Wall of Fame, Tent City, Home Hosting program, Elvis Central, Renewal of Vows, Miss Priscilla Dinner and finding for a dedicated Festival Manager in 2007.

The Elvis Revival INC committee discussed what to do with their remaining funds and it was agreed the entire amount should be donated to Parkes CanAssist, who provide much needed assistance to our local community and people who find themselves in desperate need of help. It was improtant to the committee that the funds filter back into the community to help local people.

Bake To Fight Animal Cruelty

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Preheat your ovens and set your timers for the sweetest fundraiser for animals in need, RSPCA’s Cupcake Day, is back this August!

Each year, close to 100,000 animals turn to the RSPCA looking for help, and you have the power to serve a platter of kindness to each one. Sign-up to bake for an ‘amazing paws’ via the RSPCA Cupcake Day website and host your Cupcake Day any day in August.

Your Cupcake Day event can be held at home, school, or work, giving you the purrfect reason to get out your cooking utensils and bake a real change for vulnerable animals. The funds you raise will help rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need all over the country.

“This August you have an excuse to indulge, as each sweet treat can make a real difference to the lives of every animal coming into our care every single day”, said RSPCA NSW Community Fundraising Manager, Ben Wilheim.

Sign up to be a Cupcake Day host and you will go into the draw to win succulent Cupcake Day prizes, including the RSPCA’s brand-new recipe book, vouchers from ‘The Good Guys’ and even a 6-month supply of ‘Dilmah Tea’ as you hit fundraising targets.

Visit rspcacupcakeday.com.au today to become a host and find delectable resources, including a host guide, decorations, and posters to get your event started.

Innovative Climate Tool Expands To Support More Farmers

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO have unveiled a new name for their digital information product ‘My Climate View’, along with useful updates to help more farmers make informed decisions now to build climate resilience for decades to come.

Previously known as the Climate Services for Agriculture online platform, My Climate View is unique in providing farmers with critical data to assess how climate trends, including changes to temperature and rainfall, might impact their business for specific commodities and date ranges in their location, to a 5 km2 resolution.

My Climate View has been updated with: The Australian Government’s Climate Services for Agriculture program is a collaboration between the Bureau of Meteorology and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

Bureau of Meteorology Program Director, Climate Services for Agriculture, Elizabeth Johnston said My Climate View is a product that has been designed by farmers for farmers.

“The Climate Services for Agriculture team has engaged extensively with Australia’s agricultural sector to understand what climate information and services the sector needs and how it is best presented,” Ms Johnston said.

My Climate View is free to all users. CSAEnquiries@csiro.au.

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