General Interest Archives - Page 73 of 326

Two Top Elvis Tribute Artists In Seven Feature Concerts

January 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured on the left is Cote Deonath and on the right is Taylor Rodrigues. The Feature Concert Series is proudly presented by Pacific National.

We are all shook up with excitement to be bringing fans two of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists to Parkes Elvis Festival. All the way from the USA, the 2023 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Cote Deonath and the 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner, Taylor Rodrigues will headline the Feature Concert Series.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday night with “The Ultimate Elvis Jukebox Request Show”.

Starring Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez, along with two of Australia’s best ETA’s, Jack Gatto and Mark Andrew, this jukebox-style concert spans the entirety of Elvis’s career, from the early rockabilly days to the iconic Vegas years.

On Thursday night, Taylor Rodriguez takes the stage in “Elvis #1s – All the Number #1 Hits from all around the World.” This will be an evening that transcends borders and generations, featuring Elvis’s global chart-topping hits that made him a legend. Friday afternoon brings a new feature concert as Cote Deonath pays tribute to Elvis’s famous 1972 Madison Square Concert. Backed by the TIC Band.

After the sun sets on Friday, immerse yourself in romance with Cote Deonath. “Love Letters by Elvis Presley” will take the audience on a soul-stirring journey through Elvis’s greatest love songs.

Saturday brings a double header with two chances to see “Jumpsuit MANIA!” Witness an Elvis extravaganza like never before as Cote Deonath and Taylor Rodriguez take the stage. Featuring the most jumpsuits ever seen on one stage at Parkes Elvis Festival, this dazzling performance is an absolute must for Elvis fans. Concluding the festival on Sunday is “Elvis Deep Cuts” a ticketed concert featuring John Collins, Damian Mullin, Dean Vegas, Greg Page, Jack Gatto, and Toki Toyokazu. This unique tribute goes beyond the classics, showcasing the hid-den gems and lesser-known songs that contributed to making Elvis a true legend.

Northparkes Rocks Elvis With Mining Moves!

January 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Northparkes has been a proud long-time supporter and participant of the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Each year the Northparkes Street Parade is a major highlight of the festival filled with Elvis themed floats, vintage and classic cars and motorbikes all lead by the Northparkes float.

Thousands of Elvis fans turn up to watch the parade each year. Our employees and their families are invited to dress up and jump on board the Northparkes float and join in on the fun.

The Parkes Elvis Festival is one of the many events Northparkes is involved with and reflects the great community spirit in the region, making it a great place to live and work. Things have been full steam ahead onsite, with our committee working hard preparing for the 2024 festival. We can’t wait for you to see what we have in store this year with our new owners – Evolution Mining.

In December, Evolution Mining took 80 per cent ownership of Northparkes and we are excited to continue our focus on being a part of and working with our local communities together. Evolution Mining is an Australian owned company with six mining operations in total. Cowal and Northparkes in New South Wales, Mungari in Western Australia, Mt Rawdon and Ernest Henry in Queensland and Red Lake in Ontario, Canada.

Evolution is focused on continually getting better at what we do and finding new opportunities to grow. Northparkes’ vision for a Century of mining together is one of the many reasons Evolution sees so much potential for our future together – alongside the communities we work in and with everyday.

Avoid Food Poisoning This Festive Season

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Don’t leave food which needs to be refrigerated out for more than two hours. If it has been out for longer or in warm conditions, it should be thrown away.

People celebrating the festive season are being reminded of measures to ensure food stays safe to eat this summer as temperatures heat up.

NSW Health’s Director in Health Protection NSW Keira Glasgow said the warmer weather and buffet-style eating at holiday events can create the perfect environment for the bacteria that cause food poisoning to grow.

“As the weather heats up, so does the risk of food poisoning. Each year around Christmas we see a rise in hospital presentations caused by accidental food poisoning,” Ms Glasgow said.

“It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meats and eggs because unclean hands can carry germs from these items to the food.

“What many people don’t know is how often eating contaminated raw foods themselves cause outbreaks. If the food you are preparing has been grown in soil, then it needs to be washed and dried before eating.

“The longer food is left out of the fridge, the faster bacteria will grow and multiply.

“This is particularly important to remember over Christmas when the weather is warm, and food is left out for people to graze on throughout the day.

For further information refer to NSW Health Salmonellosis fact sheet.

A Christmas Message From The Hon Michael McCormack

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Thank you to our farmers, who have been harvesting to ensure we have the cleanest and greenest food on our tables, also support local businesses and buy Australian-made products where you can this Christmas.

Every year Christmas seems to come around faster and faster, with our ever-increasingly busy lives mere passengers in a greater machine.

It is difficult to slow down, particularly amongst last-minute shopping and navigating the hustle and bustle of Christmas and holiday preparations.

As I say every year, please take care if travelling on our regional roads over the holidays and, if you plan on using our beautiful waterways, please remember to be sun smart and water wise.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who give their time to support and serve others, often having to work instead of spending time with loved ones – our health care workers, emergency service and defence force personnel, aged care and disability workers. Thank you for being exemplary, community- minded members.

Remain cognisant that, for many, this time of the year is associated with painful feelings of loneliness and loss. It is important to display compassion, understanding and, most of all, patience to all we encounter – we never can fully understand what another person is going through. To those who spend time with the homeless and less fortunate – your kindness and selflessness is always appreciated.

It is always important to remember the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. It is about spending time with family and friends – winding back and focusing on the things which really matter. Catherine, my family, my staff and I extend our best wishes to all for a happy Christmas and a safe and healthy 2024.

National First – NHVR Launches National Network Map

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has reached a significant milestone with the release of the National Network Map on the 20th of December 2023.

In a national first, the heavy vehicle industry can see national road network information in one central location, with the map information that is currently held within each jurisdiction now available through the NHVR’s National Network Map.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said the transition of these maps onto the NHVR Portal has been in the works since December 2022, and is the result of strategic planning, digital product development and delivery, and rigorous testing.

“The NHVR’s National Network Map supports improved heavy vehicle access efficiency and decision-making, by bringing together the state-based heavy vehicle networks and displaying them in one location.

NHVR Chief Data and Technology Officer Cameron Stone said the new technology enables industry to more precisely determine access-availability across vehicle combinations.

“Our new mapping solution provides the ability to search and view available networks for more than 1,000 heavy vehicle configurations, providing a level of detail that has never been available before through jurisdictional websites.

“In addition to having the ability to see maps for all gazetted networks across the country, it is possible to apply individual layers to the map to identify points of interest, such as rest areas, height restrictions and road disruptions.

Throughout December the NHVR has been educating industry, road managers and state police agencies on how to use the National Network Map through webinars and training sessions. Recordings of these webinars, as well as an instructional video, can be viewed on the NHVR website.

For more information please refer to the National Network Map Fact Sheet.

How To Get Your Home Bushfire Ready

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Shed with FSA Firecoat paint vs shed without in controlled real life burn situation.

With Australians being warned about one of the deadliest Bushfire seasons approaching, residents are being urged to get their homes bushfire ready now.

The top tips to protect Australian homes from Chartered Professional Fire Engineer Ben Ignis are:

Clear vegetation and trees – Reducing the vegetation around your home is one of the most important things you can do. The best place to start is to remove dead branches, leaves and undercoat. Depending on where you live though permits may have to be obtained. Contacting your local council is the best way to determine what you can clear.

Use the world first fireproof paint, FIRECOAT – Use FIRECOAT, the first paint to protect in extreme bush fire conditions. Paint you your house, sheds, decking, fences or any other property you need to protect. This product has been created in Australia in conjunction with world leading scientists and engineers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Pre-pack for an emergency and know your location – Pack an emergency survival kit for yourself and your family. This may include fresh clothing, which include portable battery-operated radio and waterproof torch with spare batteries, candles and waterproof matches, first aid kit and manual, at least 3 litres of water per person, waterproof bags ready for valuables, cash and ATM or credit cards, medications, and toiletries, mobile phone charger. Also, draw up an evacuation plan for family and pets.

Check windows and screens – Your home is your safe haven and a place that does not welcome fire. Fire can creep in though, quite literally through cracks in window and door fittings. Assuage unwanted cinder with wire screens that are not only fire resistant but also block impinging fire threats. A good screen installation company will be able to fit out your windows and doors within a day.

Forbes North Public School 2023 In Thompson St

December 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Some of the new gardens at Forbes North Public School.

Forbes North has completed major beautification of our school grounds and infrastructure with our ornamental gardens and green spaces entering the Forbes Garden Society open gardens in 2024. Our school resembles a botanical garden and major landscaping projects including the centre playground at the heart of the school, the main Thomson Street entrance and gardens located in the northern playground are now all complete. The renovation of 8 classrooms is also complete with painting, carpet and furnishing added to learning spaces to ensure our students have the best facilities on offer for a 21st century primary school. The library is now fully refurbished with the addition of 40 new mobile devices supporting our students in inquiry-based learning and research while visiting and learning in lessons in the library. The recently added branding and signage proudly boasts of our ever-increasing relationship with Forbes High School.

New accessibility ramps constructed this year now see wheelchair access provided to every section of the school and artist Lakkari Pitt returns in 2024 for more First Nations cultural work near our Facey Street entrance. Two new areas are now home to extensive seating to support morning and afternoon gathering locations for our parents and community entering the school. The wellbeing practices at our school are improving and academic aspirations will continue to accelerate in 2024 with the implementation of the high potential gifted education policy and new curriculum reform agenda, supporting a range of new scholastic and sporting opportunities offered to our students, side by side with community expertise regularly providing a positive impact within our school. Our school has now produced a 2nd edition of the FNPS school magazine, to be known as Giralung Bindaya or Shooting Star, a 76-page colour record of the year that was. Our students successfully hosted the first Community Art Show and participated and performed in School Spectacular in Sydney for the first time. What a year 2024 is now going to be in Thomson Street with our anticipated enrolment of 260 students and another 40 pre-Kindergarten children engaging in Link Up to School which sees our school continue to grow and prosper

11 Days Of Double Demerits For The Christmas Holidays

December 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

“We want everyone to make it to and from their holiday destinations safely this Christmas,” Acting Sergeant Tolley said.

Double demerit points will be in force for 11 days over the Christmas and New Year period.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that double demerit points would run from Friday 22 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Ms Suitor said double demerit points have proven to be an effective road safety initiative to make holiday travel safer for everyone.

“Traffic on roads to popular holiday destinations, increases by up to 50% during the Christmas and the New Year holiday period, so it is important to obey all the road rules and drive safely.

“Drivers should ensure they are well rested and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol before they get behind the wheel. While driving, focus on driving. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable for conditions. Make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.

Parkes Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Joshua Tolley is warning drivers that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this period.

“There will be more Police on the roads which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.

About Forbes North Public School

December 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Students at Forbes North Public School this year.

Forbes North Public School is located on the lands of the Galari river people within the Wiradjuri nation on an expansive eleven-acre site, naturally decorated with stands of established endemic trees hosting a variety of native birds and animals, coupled with a large orchard and commercial kitchen which is part of one of Australia’s first schools to pilot the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. Since 2009, our expansive ornamental gardens have been maintained and harvested by our students and staff.

Since 1957, the school has offered quality education in a safe and engaging learning environment from Kindergarten to Year 6. This is inclusive of our best practice Link Up to School program, enabling young children to prepare for school on the same site. Our playground is spacious containing an all-weather undercover court for multiple sports and games, a common playground leading to our Wiradjuri room and Yarning circle shaded by the Aboriginal flag at the heart of the school representing a focus on first nations’ people and culture and supporting the cultural traditions of our 118 Aboriginal students.

Our new library now contains hundreds of titles in children’s literature and our multi-purpose hall is home to Forbes Learning Ladder after school care and is used four days per week hosting a variety of community engagement events and gatherings. Each day, we offer after school care and school holiday vacation is present all year round. Playground equipment on a large scale has been added in 2023 including a tractor, boat and kitchen café in the infants’ playgrounds next to our canteen preparing nutritious meals five days per week and the Cove where a large indoor play-based area was opened in June.

Forbes North is a School as Community Centre site offering supported playgroup, transition programs, parenting programs and adult learning courses for our diverse and growing community. Forbes North is consistently praised for its welcoming and inclusive teaching and learning environment with dedicated staff, community volunteers organising programs such as Brekky Club 5 days per week and an energetic Parents and Citizens Association. In 2023, we partnered with Forbes Bus Lines to initiate a first in the Central West with a daily attendance bus which has boosted overall school attendance to above average levels.

Forbes Country Music Club

December 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Photo courtesy of President Wendy Dixon.

Our December muster was held on Sunday the 10th, 2023. It was hot so our numbers were down on the day.

Nevertheless we had a great time and it was great to be able to catch up.

Walk up artists on the day included Garry Hemming, Freda and Scotty Drinkwater, Sue Gillett, Jan Hurst, Lyn Eccleston, Lyall Strudwick, Keith Noakes, Dave Parkin and Brett Petty.

Our band consisted of Brett Petty, Wade Dixon, John Roberts (with an appearance by keen drummer Phil Quirk), Dave Parkin and Keith Noakes. Unfortunately our bass drummer Pam Byrne was unable to join us as she was feeling unwell (who could blame her in this heat!!). Thank you to the band for their hard efforts on the day.

A huge thank you to those who braved the heat and came and supported us.

Congratulations to all and a huge thank you to Members who donated goods for the Christmas hamper. Thank you to Members for their support and generosity and for buying so many tickets on the day!

Our first Muster for next year will be held on Sunday the 14th of January 2024 1pm at Club Forbes – All are welcome to come along

– Steven

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