General Interest Archives - Page 72 of 311

Feedback Sought On Window Safety Proposal

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

DPE Executive Director of Infrastructure Policy Jonathon Schipp has stated public input is crucial to inform any proposed new laws aimed at preventing small children accidentally falling from windows.

“We want to hear the community’s views on proposed changes requiring safety devices to be fitted in most homes on windows less than 1.7 metres from the floor, if the floor is two metres or more above ground level,” Mr Schipp said.

Since 2013, child-proof safety devices have been required for windows above a certain height in new bedrooms of most homes and all strata buildings in NSW, such as apartments and townhouses.

“We know that cost of living pressures means many people are doing it tough at the moment, and we want to hear from the community on this and other issues they feel should be examined.”

The discussion paper responds to the NSW Deputy State Coroner’s recommendations after the death of a three-year-old who fell from a third-floor residential apartment window which did not have a safety device.

To view the discussion paper and to provide feedback by 21 August 2023, visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/window-safety

Place-Based Cultural Immersion Opportunities

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has extended a statewide expression of interest to identify local Aboriginal service providers that can offer place based cultural immersion training for employees as part of the department’s Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework.

Expressions of interest will run until 7th August to identify potential Aboriginal service providers who will be shortlisted and invited to tender for the delivery of services based on their local cultural knowledge.

DPE Director of Aboriginal People and Cultural Affairs, Amanda McCarthy, said the framework will provide employees with comprehensive learning to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness and capabilities, enabling them to deliver the very best services in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

“Aboriginal people and cultures are so diverse that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to cultural learning won’t work,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Employees need to immerse themselves in their local communities or on Country with Traditional Custodians, knowledge holders and language speakers and understand their intrinsic connections with Country and the broader community.”

Through the expression of interest process, DPE aims to establish a panel of preferred Aboriginal suppliers across NSW who can provide cultural immersion experiences and share the richness and diversity of Aboriginal culture and history on Country.

With about 10,000 employees in the Department of Planning and Environment around NSW, the establishment of the panel represents real and tangible economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people, communities, and business.

Further information on the expression of interest can be found here https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/

Over $200,000 Raised For Flood Affected Communities

July 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Presenting a cheque to the Eugowra Bowls & Recreation Club was in no particular order Nathan Whiteside CEO at Orange Ex-Services’ Club, Annisa Smart Founder of Smart Exposure (event organiser), Carl Pozzato CEO at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, Michael Lavorato CEO at Campbelltown Catholic Club, Julien Bova CEO at Manly Leagues, Bryn Miller former CEO at Merrylands RSL Club and local Club members.

Back in February, Orange Ex Services Club hosted a wonderful industry luncheon that brought registered Clubs and industry suppliers together to raise much needed funds for flood affected areas and their community Clubs from across our local area.

This event saw a number of large donations and contributions made. Thanks to the incredible event organisers at Smart Exposure and all of the wonderful sponsors and volunteers, the event proudly raised over $200,000, and these funds have now made their way to the flood-affected communities via their community Clubs.

Last Thursday 20th July, the Orange Ex-Services’ Club and Smart Exposure brought some of the major donators including Mounties Group, Ryde-Eastwood Leagues, Campbelltown Catholic Club and Manly Leagues to the Central West on a day trip to Molong, Cudal and Eugowra. At the cheque presentations, they spoke to the Clubs’ mangement and met some local Club members and the community, to hear first hand the impact and devastation these floods have had and were able to brainstorm a number of initiatives that the funds raised can go towards.

It is critical that these small, flood affected communities continue to get support and funding to rebuild, and sharing this heartwarming news story is a part of ensuring they are not left behind to rebuild on their own.

Advanced Carpet Care

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sonya Robertson has recently relocated her established carpet cleaning business from Newcastle to Fobes to be closer to family.

“I know Parkes and Forbes, I lived in Parkes from the age of nine, and the community is so supportive and lovely,” said Sonya.

Advanced Carpet Care Forbes, Parkes and Surroundings offers the following services:

• Residential and commercial carpet steamcleaning
• Upholstery and mattresses
• Tile and grout cleaning
• Outdoor hard surface pressure cleaning
• Flood water extraction
• Deodorising and pet stain treatment
• End of lease flea and tick spraying

Find Advanced Carpet Care’s contact details in our fortnightly Trades and Services Guide, on page 11 of this paper.

Embrace The Magic Of Winter At The Orange Region Winter Fire Festival

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Orange360’s Winter Fire Festival showcases the best of what’s on offer in our communities in Winter.

This season, join us for the hottest winter celebration of the year – the Winter Fire Festival. Running across two weekends from the 4th – 13th August, the Winter Fire Festival showcases Orange and the villages of Blayney and Cabonne at their winter best! The festival program comprises a range of events in our region’s cellar doors, restaurants, villages, and other venues that celebrate the magic of winter.

The chill of winter is no match for the warmth of Orange’s hospitality. The region’s charming cafes, pubs, cellar doors, and restaurants offer cosy retreats complete with crackling fireplaces, comfortable armchairs, and friendly locals eager to share stories. Sample freshly roasted coffee, savour house-made specialties, or enjoy a warming glass of local award-winning red wine.

Close to home, is WoodFired Eugowra which is happening on Saturday, 5th August. Nothing ignites the soul like an afternoon with friends and family along the Mandagery Creek. Be warmed by the crackling fire as you take in local artisan food including woodfired pizza and low and slow meat. Sample regional wine, cider, and beer whilst you sit back and enjoy live music from local musicians. The kids will be entertained with a jumping castle, face painting and their own food options. Bring the family and venture to Eugowra for a cosy Saturday afternoon! This is a free event but registration is required to secure entry.

Orange360 General Manager, Ned Sweetapple commented, “We’re proud to showcase what we love about this region in winter. The Winter Fire Festival is our regions antidote to the cold and is the opportunity to celebrate all the good things about our Winter season and the fun to be had! Hearty, warming meals, sipping cold climate wine and artisan drinks around the bonfire, sharing stories, music, dance and laughter with friends and strangers under starry crystal-clear skies.

Bookings for all events during the festival can be made by visiting Orange360’s website, www.orange360.com.au

Stay On The Safe Side: Choose The Right Vehicle For The Job

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

By making informed decisions about equipment and vehicles prior to beginning a task, we can create safer working environments in the agricultural industry.

According to the 2023 Safer Farms Report, 64% of fatalities on Australian farms in 2022 were attributed to farm vehicles or mobile farm machinery. Since 2001, nearly 30% of all on farm fatalities can be attributed to two vehicles: tractors and quad bikes.

Farmers rely on different vehicles for a wide range of tasks, each task demands a specific vehicle with the necessary features and capabilities. Choosing the right vehicle significantly reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities. To select the right vehicle:

Assess Job Requirements: Begin by assessing the specific needs and requirements of the task and consider factors such as load capacity, terrain conditions, and manoeuvrability. Matching the vehicle’s capabilities to the job requirements is crucial for optimal safety.

Consider Operator Comfort and Familiarity: A comfortable and familiar vehicle promotes operator confidence and reduces the likelihood of incidents. Ensure that all operators, including contractors, receive appropriate information and training to handle the chosen vehicle safely and efficiently.

Evaluate Safety Features: Prioritise purchasing vehicles equipped with safety features designed to protect operators. Features such as seat belts, roll bars, and enclosed cabs offer crucial protection in the event of a rollover. Don’t compromise on safety and never circumvent safety mechanisms when selecting vehicles.

Maintain and Inspect Regularly: Establish a regular maintenance and inspection schedule. Routine checks of brakes, lights, tyres, and other essential mechanisms ensure that the vehicle remains in prime working condition. Promptly address any repair needs to prevent potential hazards.

Promote Communication and Training: Encourage open communication among farm workers to share insights and experiences related to vehicle safety. Check operators have the necessary licences. Provide comprehensive training to all operators, emphasising safe operating procedures, load limits, and any specific considerations related to the chosen vehicles such as speed limits, age limits and required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Registrations Open For 30th Annual Rural Women’s Gathering

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women from across rural, regional and remote NSW can register now to hear from and connect with an inspirational athlete, journalist and agricultural business woman at the 30th annual Rural Women’s Gathering held from 25th – 27th August.

The theme of the 2023 Gathering is “30 years, still going strong and getting stronger” and will see women convene in Orange, three decades after the city hosted the first Gathering in 1993.

Keynote speakers include Australian Rugby Union Player Grace Hamilton and ABC News rural reporter Sarah Hawke, who both hail from Orange. Joining them is Founder of Ability Agriculture and 2022 NSW ACT AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Winner, Josie Clarke.

“The Gathering brings women together to share experiences, learn and support one another. It is an important event to help regional women feel connected to each other, through friendship, mentorship and professional resources and services.”

The Gathering also provides a valuable opportunity for women to share their insights and ideas for their communities with key decision makers in the NSW Government.

The event is hosted by Australian National Field Days and organised by a committee of volunteers, with support from the NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Network. Register at: https://nswwomensgathering.com.au/

The New Parkes Elvis Festival Team Are Out Of This World!

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured left to right is Events and Festival’s Specialist, Rochelle, Festival Producer Julian and Event Sponsorship and Attraction Officer Charlotte. Missing from the photo is the Brand and Marketing Coordinator, Bec.

There will be no more “Suspicious Minds”, as the new Parkes Elvis Festival Team have been announced and they “Can’t Help Falling In Love” with Parkes.

Festival Director Julien Poluson was joined this week in Parkes by colleagues Rochelle Livingstone, Festivals and Events Manager and Charlotte Lepriere, Sponsorship and Marketing to discuss everything Elvis. Julian will be residing in Parkes, whilst Rochelle and Charlotte will be working remotely and returning to Parkes as needed.

Julian’s background is in arts, music production and public arts events. His career started at the Hobart Mercury Newspaper, in the 90’s he worked in the Australian Music Industry, before moving to East Timor and then Cambodia where he went working for three months and stayed for 12 years.

Julian went on to say that as a team they are all “Very much part of a transition, an evolution of the festival. It’s gone from being a conversation around a bar in a hotel, to a community committee run festival, to a semi council run, to now fully run within the corporate framework, and the framework is good, it secures it and means the investment of everyone’s time, sponsorship money, talent, patience and enthusiasm, it all pays off over the long term and way into the future”.

The team are busy collaborating with each other and Julian said they are excited to bring “More colour, more diversity, more youth, more culture, the Wall of Fame story, developing Theatre.”

Works Notification: Wyndham Ave, Forbes

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Relocation of gas services in the vicinity of Wyndham Avenue, Forbes will now take place in July and August.The gas relocation works will commence on Monday 31st July and be completed by Friday 11th August.

The works will occur during normal working hours of 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. There may be a requirement for night works.

Sites access roads used works will occur mostly within the existing rail corridor and road reserves. Site access will be via local roads and existing access tracks wherever possible.

Residents can expect:

• Temporary gas service interruptions may be required. Impacted residents will be notified in advance

• Construction machinery and equipment operating on site

• Delivery of materials and equipment to site

• Mitigation measures will be in place for works generating noise or dust.

• Machinery will include small and large trucks, water cart, vacuum trucks, hand tools, excavators, directional drilling/boring machine, light vehicles.

Impacts will be managed by:

• Traffic controls will be in place at each street and property access will be maintained for all impacted residents

• Some of these works may be noisy. If deemed necessary, mitigation measures will be in place during the works.

• Works can sometimes be cancelled at short notice depending on weather and other factors. Should this occur, works will be rescheduled.

Fanning The Embers Of Appreciation

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM thanked volunteers representing the Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes Rural Fire Service (l-r) Steve Campbell, Andrew Barnard, Ron Hocking and Ian Dollery, and Forbes SES unit Rocky Walshaw (third left) for their Frost and Fire assistance.

Forbes Shire Council has shown appreciation for the support of local emergency service organisations at the recent Frost and Fire event. Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, on behalf of Council, thanked volunteers and presented Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes HQ fire brigades with a $250 cheque each, and Forbes SES with a gas cooker and fittings in appreciation of their support.

“We greatly value the time these volunteers give us for events such as Frost and Fire, when our community can gather and connect in a relaxed social setting, to bring us closer together and make this town as strong a community as it is,” said Phyllis.

“Such events are also wonderful opportunities to show visitors just what we have to offer in our area and these visitors spend money in our town, contributing immensely to the local economy,” she said.

Frost and Fire is held each year around the time of the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Its popularity is growing each year, with a near capacity crowd filing through the gates for an impressive entertainment line up and great food and refreshments.

This year, guests were treated to Sneaky Sound System, Birdee, Clint, Em and Jo and Belinda Day on stage, with performances from Sydney Fire Dancers, Ice Queen and the Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group.

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