General Interest Archives - Page 71 of 326

Forbes Garden Club Seeking New Executive

February 1, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

Good morning to all our Garden Club members and friends, Hope everyone enjoyed the Festive season and things have gotten off to a good start for 2024 with some lovely rain to help the gardens, some having suffered from the heat.

Our 70th Birthday celebration for the Forbes Garden Club was a great success last November as was our Open Gardens during October and because our Garden Club has been active for all those years it is hoped members realise what a wonderful Club we have had and hoping it can continue but we all must be prepared to do a little work.

Our Executives, many of whom have been in their roles for a considerable period of time, are unfortunately not able to continue and we are asking other members if they would step up into

Executive positions to keep the Club afloat.

Of course those wishing to take an active role can always look to the previous Executive for help and advice. You will not be alone!!

Our Annual General meeting is scheduled for Thursday 22 nd February 2024 at the Mens shed commencing at 2 pm. You will only need to bring along a mug, Flower of the month and any little gardening tips you may have would be appreciated.

Please give thought as to what you can do to help our Club stay afloat.

Members, enjoy your garden, start thinking about what you might like to plant for the spring.

Happy Gardening.

Contributed by Elvy Quirk

Regional Drought Plan

February 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is joining forces with Lachlan and Parkes to develop a drought resilience plan for the future. The plan acknowledges that drought events are part of the future of any area reliant on the agricultural sector.

With funding from the Australian and NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund, the project will allow Council to use the learnings from previous droughts and implement an evidence based strategy to assist the community to adapt to or mitigate future drought impacts.

“Working together with neighbouring shires makes a lot of sense for this far-reaching issue” explained Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The impacts of flood are close to mind now, but we need to be ready for inevitable drought conditions that may just be around the corner. We will again work very closely with our community to make sure that this plan is practical and relevant and grows our already strong resilience.”

The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is managed by the Department of Regional NSW and was started as a pilot with three groups of local governments.

Rounds one and two are supporting 59 local Councils and regional areas to prepare 22 regional drought plans. The NSW Model for regional drought resilience planning program involves neighbouring councils working together to develop regional drought resilience plans. These plans will be provided to the CSIRO for independent review and completed plans from across the country will be published on the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

“Planning such as this is critical for Council to be able to access funding support for the implementation of these plans”, added Mayor Miller.

“We look forward to working with Parkes and Lachlan on a regional plan that will really make a difference”.

Regional NSW Needs Life-Saving Level Crossings Upgrades

February 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Paul Toole MP is calling for action on dangerous rail level crossings across regional NSW. Critical safety
upgrades are needed to prevent further near misses and fatalities.

State Member and Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole MP is calling on the Federal and NSW Labor Governments to work together immediately to provide major upgrades to railway crossings across NSW.

The upgrades needed are about improving railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

These upgrades should include installation of the latest technology and safety equipment such as retro-reflective boom gates, audible warning devices, updated signage and LED flashing lights increasing the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.

Over the past 13 years there have been more than 80 collisions involving trains and vehicles at level crossings in NSW alone.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has said this should be a priority for the Government.

“The Labor Government needs to look at improving railway crossings across regional areas before someone else dies,” Mr Toole said.

“It is time for the west to get its fair share of investment from the Government. I call on NSW and Federal Labor Governments to take some action immediately.

“Wherever you travel across the west, be it Taree, Parkes, Molong, Forbes or Wellington, there are rail crossings simply not up to standard.”

Mr Toole said “The need for these improvements has become increasingly evident, given the growing volume of rail and road traffic and the critical role that railways play in the state’s economy.”

Forbes Library Storytime Returns

February 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Join in Birth to Kinder Rhyme Time during School Term each Friday morning at Forbes Library at 10.30am.

During Birth to Kinder Rhyme Time we read books, sing songs and play to encourage engagement with language and literacy.

We use nursery rhymes, action songs, finger plays and stories in a fun and interactive way. Sessions are lively and stimulating for both children and adults.

Rhyme Time is held during the school term for children from birth – 5 years old.

Rhyme Time is free and each session lasts approximately 40 minutes. Rhyme Time is held every Friday during school term time.

Evidence shows that reading regularly to a child from birth gives them a head start once they start school.

Reading stimulates brain development, builds confidence and communication skills, and helps create stronger resilience and adaptability as they grow and develop.

That’s why the library is passionate about their early childhood reading programs.

Rhyme Time is supported by the Forbes Birth to Kinder. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForbesBirthtoKinder/

Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow the event to be able to run on time.

Please bring your enthusiasm, but leave your mobile phone in your bag – turned off or down. For more information, please call Forbes Library on 6852 1463.

Forbes Library Opening Hours:

Monday – Thursday 10am – 12 noon, 1pm – 5.30pm.

Friday: 10am – 12 noon, 1pm – 5pm.

Saturday: 10am – 12 noon.

Event Booking Link: http://tinyurl.com/ForbesLibraryFridayMornings

Nine New By Country Arts Support Program

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Nine arts activities across the NSW Central West will share $17,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s annual Country Arts Support Program (CASP).

Regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest, who deliver CASP locally, have announced the Central West recipients of this long-running small grants program.

Applicants could apply for up to $3000, with groups, councils, individuals, collectives and arts businesses eligible. Funds are primarily for the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake locally-developed arts activities.

Funded activities in 2024 will be spread across the region, including in many smaller communities, and include:

• Grenfell Artists Inc, who have been recruiting new and younger members, will run with a range of half price workshops to help these emerging local artists to help them discover new skills and explore new mediums; helping them to become confident enough to exhibit their work in their newly developed ‘Little Gallery’ in Grenfell.

• Parkes School of Dance will implement formal training for student dance assistants, through the DanceStep syllabus, to develop future dance teachers.

• The Artists of Cowra East collective will send three artists to the CORRIDOR Project’s ERTHWRX residency and industry mentorship program for National Science Week in 2024, with collaborative work being developed for exhibition in the new ‘Cowra Micro Gallery’.

• Five different workshops with professional artists for the Parkes Multicultural Art Group during regular monthly meet ups will broaden the group’s skill base and give them a range of creative experiences.

• Lachlan Arts Council in Condobolin will host a one-day writing workshop with author Kim Kelly. This will involve the Condobolin Writers Group and will be inclusive of those living with a disability.

Make Your Voice Heard In NSW Youth Parliament

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

IMAGES: Pictured is Hamani Tanginoa, he said “Youth Parliament provides a unique platform for young people to actively learn about the democratic process and how to advocate for issues that they are passionate about.”.

There are just three weeks remaining for local young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age) to apply for this year’s Youth Parliament run by the Y NSW.

The Y (formerly YMCA) Youth Parliament provides a unique platform for individuals to actively participate in the democratic process and advocate for issues that they are passionate about. Participants will have the chance to draft, debate, and advocate for mock youth-focused legislation, gaining invaluable insights into the workings of government and policy development.

Hamani Tanginoa is a proud Wiradjuri, Dharug, Dunghutti, Gooreng Gooreng and Tongan man, and past Youth Parliament participant who is now part of the Youth Parliament team as Youth Voice Coordinator. A passionate trailblazer, unafraid to stand up for the rights of marginalised young people, Hamani Tanginoa began his Y journey as a Youth Parliament representative in 2018 at just 16. As a Y NSW and Camden Council Young Leader Hamani made history as the first Aboriginal Youth Premier for NSW. “I entered Youth Parliament six years ago with a burning desire to effect change. As a young, gay, Aboriginal man, I have endured discrimination. I wanted to support others with similar experiences by introducing legislation that would empower and educate,” said Hamani. Each committee is paired with an industry expert and mentored and supported by Y staff and the volunteer taskforce. To apply to take part in the 2024 Youth Parliament, visit ymcansw.org.au/community-services/youth/youth-parliament/ and submit applications before 9 February 2024.

Red Bend Rail Siding Open For Business

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Cr Maria Willis, Member for Orange Phil Donato, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison, Cr Michele* Herbert, Cr Chris Roylance, Cr Brian Mattiske and TfNSW’s Regional Director West Alistair Lunn

Farmers in the Central West of NSW will benefit from faster and safer grain transport with the opening of a new $6.2 million rail siding upgrade at Red Bend.

Located just south of Forbes, the siding upgrade allows larger trains to exit the main line to load and unload tonnes of vital grains such as wheat, barley and canola.

The recently completed project has delivered an extra 400 metres to the siding, allowing a 48-wagon train to be loaded in two 24-wagon sections without encroaching on the main line.

Previously, the shorter siding length could only accommodate a 20-wagon train.

It’s estimated the Red Bend upgrade will divert 26,000 tonnes of grain annually from trucks to trains, which would remove an estimated 660 truck movements from Central West roads, contributing to safer journeys for everyone.

The Red Bend rail improvement project was supported by a $5.14 million investment from GrainCorp, $970,000 from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Rail Program and an in-kind contribution of $90,000 from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said “This is a clear example of how investing in the NSW rail network has numerous practical advantages. In simple terms, a more efficient and sustainable freight transport helps everyone in the supply chain to reduce costs. This will ultimately benefit the consumer and their hip pockets.

Red Bend is the latest rail siding project, located in southern NSW, that has received funding from the state government.

This included the $2.15 million rail siding at Temora West, the $14.4 million Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub siding, and the $11.7 million Coolamon siding extension – all of which benefits the $23.1 billion primary industries economy.”

Quotes attributable to Nigel Lotz, General Manager of Operations at GrainCorp:

“The region is a significant grain growing area in NSW and the GrainCorp site receives on average 120,000 tonnes per harvest season.

“It’s important for local growers to have access to critical export markets as well as domestic customers in bigger years, and to be able to take advantage of the pricing benefits of a quick train cycle to the ports.

“This can only be achieved through efficient rail services, which is why this rail loading capability is so important to the grain supply chain.

“Ultimately, when the industry can cut down transport costs this benefits consumers as well as growers.

“The project has also increased our loading capacity and improved the cycle times of trains from up to 72 hours down to 36 hours, improving the safety outcomes and overall site experience for our teams and growers alike.”

Simon Ormsby from ARTC said “ARTC is pleased to support farmers to get their produce to local and international markets more efficiently.

“It’s good business for farmers and great for the community because it means more freight on rail and less trucks on our roads.”

Community Centre Of Recovery

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Recovery efforts in the Central West will be boosted under the joint Commonwealth and State Government $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package with a range of programs set to get underway next month.

NSW Premier Chris Minns joined Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Member for Orange Phil Donato in Eugowra on Tuesday to make the announcement and update the community on the package.

Community consultation sessions across the flood affected communities of the Central West will commence in February ensuring local community members have the opportunity to influence the design of the $40 million housing program.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority, working with the four local councils, will lead the consultation stage of the housing program, engaging with communities through information sessions, workshops and online communication tools.

Community members will be briefed on technical data and flood modelling and will be asked to share their experiences and insights from the November 2022 floods to help build a shared understanding of risk in the region.

The $40 million housing program could offer a range of products to eligible households, including raisings and retrofits to floodproof existing dwellings as well as buybacks and relocations.

$57 million of the funding will be used for a Community Asset Program and a Regional Transport Resilience Fund – funding allocations for both will be released in February and both will also be open for applications from local councils. The Regional Transport Resilience Fund will see vital transport infrastructure like bridges and flood crossings replaced and roads improved while the Community Assets Program will focus on places that bring communities together, like sporting fields, parks and playgrounds, recreational centres and libraries.

Importantly, both programs focus on building back better to ensure communities are better prepared in the face of natural disasters. To help oversee delivery of the landmark $100 million package, Mayors from Cabonne Shire, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan will join representatives from the NSW and Federal Governments at a Community Leaders Forum, to be chaired by the Member for Orange Phil Donato.

Nickyra Prepares To Hand Over The Miss Priscilla Crown

January 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Parting ways with the Elvis Express Train after being crowned Miss Priscilla in 2023.

Nickyra Burley, was the Parkes Elvis Festival 2023 Miss Priscilla. Nickyra is a 19 year old Apprentice Hairdresser at Mica Hair Traralgon. Born in Sale and raised in Stratford Victoria. Nickyra is also a Rock n Roll Dancer at Lakeside Rockers, who has a huge passion for anything vintage pinup or retro style in hair and clothing. I have always been a big fan of Elvis and Priscilla Presley

Q. What and who were your influences growing up?

My first influencers were my parents who I used to watch as they danced at rock n roll dances. It was there I discovered my love for Elvis’ music and was inspired to learn rock n roll dancing, trained by Andrew Camp at Lakeside Rockers.

Q. When was your first visit and/or performance at the Parkes Elvis Festival?

My first visit to Parkes Elvis Festival was Speedway 2022 and I was amazed by the huge crowds. I entered the dance competition with Andrew Camp and we ended up winning the dance category. I also participated in the street Parade dressed in a chequered jumpsuit, with white gogo boots. Whilst seated on the back of a trike bike waving a chequered flag with friends.

Q. What was the path you took (in career/life) that led you to the Parkes Elvis Festival?

My passion for rock n roll dancing, dressing up and hairdressing led me here to Parkes. I first met my stylist Vicky Sheild at cooly rocks 2019. She held A Vintage Pinup Hairstyle Workshop that I attended in 2022. From that moment on we were convinced that I would be a good candidate for the Miss Priscilla Competition.

Q. How many Festivals have you been to/performed at and what brings you back?

This will be my 3 rd year in a row returning to Parkes Elvis Festival. I keep returning because of the overwhelming energy that vibrates from within the crowds and the friendships that we all create.

It’s a fantastic environment for my family and I to start The New Year. It’s amazing to be around so many people who also share the love of Elvis.

Q. What was your first memory of Elvis and what makes him so memorable?

My first memory of Elvis was at a Lakeside Rockers Elvis Dance, where I had my first dance with my beautiful loving Dad. Who now watches me from heaven continuing with my love for Rock n Roll and endeavouring in my passions and dreams.

Q. Describe the atmosphere that the crowds bring when you are performing on stage?

I have been told I have a natural stage presence and look very similar to the young Priscilla. The crowds become more engaged when I’m up on stage with Elvis Tribute Artists. I hear the audience singing with passion and all I see is an ocean of bright lights and cameras capturing the moment.

Q. If you had to pick an Elvis song that lifts the crowd more than any other what would it be?

After experiencing the Parkes Elvis Festival After Party, I can now say that Viva Las Vegas is the song to get the crowd up on their feet dancing and singing loud and proud.

Q. Give us a shout out to the people of Parkes or the Festival goers?

I would like to thank my beautiful and amazingly talented stylist Vicky Sheild. The totally cool Tony Fisher for being my Escort at Parkes. Shout out to Anne, Bob and Tiffany Steel for all there dedicated hard work and passion for making this spectacular Elvis event. My biggest thank you goes to my Mum, Family and Friends for all the hard work and effort that goes on behind the scenes.

This experience has been an amazing honor and a wonderful journey. It has allowed me to be a guest speaker at The Kids Foundation Charity Fundraising Event, Followed by a Charity Fundraiser Limo cruise around Melbourne. I joined the Elvis Tribute Artists On Stage whilst I was on the P&O cruise that I won. I personally received a recognition letter from Tim Bull Member for Gippsland East. I attended a live radio interview with ABC News. I was interviewed by The Gippsland Times and local Stratford Town Crier who published a story about my Miss Priscilla win. I also participated in the Maffra Mardi Gras Parade and the Sale Christmas Parade promoting Parkes Elvis Festival. I recently attended the preview screening of the new ‘Priscilla’ movie at the Astor theatre at St Kilda Melbourne.

The advice I give to future Miss Priscillas is the quote the king himself once said “You’ve got to follow that dream, wherever that dream may Lead…”

Parkes Painters Elvis Exhibition

January 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Painter hold their exhibition at the Uniting Church in Court Street

The Parkes Painters group are excited to be holding their 3rd annual Elvis Art Exhibition at the Uniting Church in Parkes for this years 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival.

The Exhibition will be open from 9am to 5pm Wed 10th through to Sunday 14th. Kerrie Davis from the Parkes Painters said “We have about 15 artists featuring and we have all put in anywhere from 5-10 artworks each. Featuring a section with Elvis inspired artwork, and all other artworks that the group has been working on for the last 12 months.”

All of the artwork that is on display is also for sale. We offer a postage service. We know that carrying around artwork may be a hindrance so people can purchase any artwork they like and we can post it to them at the conclusion of the Exhibition.

All artwork, even sold artwork, is to remain in the exhibition for the entirety of the Festival, so that festival goers can come to view the artwork and appreciate it All sold artworks will be marked as such.

We have a People’s Choice Vote happening as well, everyone needs to come in and grab a ticket and vote for their favourite artwork.

Kerrie also went on to say “This year we have invited the Parkes Pottery group also, so they will be exhibiting. We also have a lady that does resin pouring and she will have a stall set up, a lady that does mosaic tiles, she will also have a stall.

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