General Interest Archives - Page 76 of 311

“For Our Elders” NAIDOC Week At Forbes North

June 22, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes North Students participate in a Yarning Circle in 2022 NAIDOC celebration.

Staff and students at Forbes North Public School will be recognising the role Aboriginal Elders play within our community through a range of activities planned for our School NAIDOC week which will run from June 26th to 30th. Across all generations Elders have played, and continue to play, important roles as they share knowledge, culture, singing and dancing, land management and politics to name a few.

The week of activities begins with a smoking ceremony on Monday. On Tuesday students will take part in a range of activities including art, storytelling, games, beading and weaving, and caring for land and water activities. Students will be wearing their sporting house colours and take part in creating an image of the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag.

Wednesday will see all students visiting the School Kitchen to make and sample Johnny Cakes. Thursday the Forbes North Wiradjuri Choir will perform at local schools. Friday will see Forbes High School and Forbes North come together to take part in Girri-Girri sports.

Families and communities are encouraged to keep an eye on the School newsletter for information about opportunities to visit their children and take part in NAIDOC activities during the week. The newsletter can be viewed on the Schools Facebook page, online on the School website or by contacting the School 6852 2187.

Forbes Garden Club Report

June 16, 2023 by Green Thumb

Tuppy Drabsch and Pam Baass at the recent Forbes Garden Club meeting.

The May meeting of the Forbes Garden Club was well attended by 24 members at the home of Trudy and Mark Mallick. A country home, situated in a lovely setting with many large trees to wander around. Guest speaker, Dennis Irvine provided tips on pruning of hydrangeas and roses and demonstrated how to take cuttings and grow your own plants.

A report was given on our recent trip to Dubbo Gardens which was enjoyed by all. A donation of $100 is to be given to the PA&H Society towards the Flower Show. There will be eight gardens to be viewed for the Open Gardens weekend in October, so many volunteers will be needed.

A special thankyou by Denise Thurston was extended to Mark Mallick for hosting our meeting. The raffle was won by Margaret West, 2nd prize went to Sylvia Glasson.

Flower of the month winners were 1st Denise Thurston a chrysanthemum, 2nd John Browne a chrysanthemum and 3rd Dorelle Scott a bird of paradise, Sylvia Glasson a rose and Annette Thornton a camellia.

The next meeting will be held at the Forbes Mens Shed on Thursday, 22nd June at 2pm with a speaker from Bunnings. No need to bring chairs, hoping to see you all there.

By Green Thumb

Financial Support For Rural Patients

June 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Do you travel long distances for specialised healthcare?

If you travel more than 100km one way, or 200km in a week, for specialised treatment that is not available locally, you can claim financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs.

The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) is designed to support patients from rural and regional NSW when they need it most.

People who travel to places like Sydney or Canberra for treatment can benefit from the extra assistance provided by the IPTAAS scheme.

Increased subsidies for travel and accommodation are now available for appointments or treatment. Patients attending high-risk foot clinics, non-commercial clinical trials, highly specialised publicly funded oral health clinics in NSW and ocularists are now also eligible to claim.

If your travels for specialist medical treatment have been impacted by the recent flooding situation in NSW, please contact the IPTAAS team to talk about your individual situation and how we may be able to assist you with your IPTAAS application.

To find out if you are eligible, ask your social worker or healthcare team, call 1800 478 227 or visit: www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au

Australia Post Grants Delivering Mental Health Benefits

June 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Applications have opened for Australia Post’s 2023 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects that connect individuals and communities to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Eligible not-for-profit groups across Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities.

Last year’s program saw half of all grants, totalling over $200,000, awarded to organisations located across regional and remote Australia.

The Community Grants program illustrates Australia Post’s commitment to mental health, which includes a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered mental health resources to more than seven million letterboxes across Australia.

Australia Post is also a founding member of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the transport and logistics industries.

Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the Community Grant guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible community organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on 2 July 2023 at auspost.com.au/grants.

Funding For Little, Local Environmental Champions

June 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Goodstart Early Learning In Forbes has been awarded a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant.

Students at the Goodstart Early Learning Centre are on their way to becoming the next generation of environmental champions with new funds from the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program.

This year, the program also officially included First Nations perspectives projects for the first time. Woolworths and Landcare Australia are excited to award more than 320 grants as part of this year’s funding to projects that focus on expanding students’ First Nations education and deepening their connection to Country.

Forbes Woolworths Store Manager, Grant Eyles, said: “Bringing the classroom to the great outdoors and encouraging kids to get hands-on with nature is always something we’re excited to see, and we hope all of the schools across Forbes will have fun working on their new projects.”

With their projects up and running, Junior Landcare’s online Learning Centre, supported by Woolworths, offers a range of free online resources to help students of all ages build their knowledge of biodiversity, sustainable food production, waste management and more.

Proud Wiradjuri man and First Nations educator for Junior Landcare, Adam Shipp said: “The knowledge from our Elders and ancestors that have come before us is extremely important to capture and keep alive “From creating a yarning circle to learning about bush tucker – these are valuable experiences that can help our kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture and knowledge systems.”

Australians Urged To Roll Up Their Sleeves For World Blood Donor Day

June 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

If you are 18-75 years old and are feeling well, you may be able to give blood.

Recent reports from Lifeblood confirm an alarmingly low (3.5 per cent) number of Australians regularly donate blood, prompting the Leukaemia Foundation and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to join forces to urge Australians to roll up their sleeves and make life-saving blood donations this World Blood Donor Day on 14th June.

With one third of all red blood cell donations nationally going to cancer patients, the Leukaemia Foundation’s CEO Chris Tanti said increasing the number of Australians donating by a mere 1.5 per cent, will make a monumental difference to blood cancer patients across the country.

“53 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day, and this number is predicted to double by 2035. Consequently, the number of blood donations required to support blood cancer patients will also double,” explained Mr Tanti.

“3.5 per cent of Australians donate blood, and that means there could be more than 13 million Australians who may be able to donate, but don’t. The reality is if 18 of these Australians signed up today to become a monthly blood donor, that would be enough donated blood to treat just one person diagnosed with blood cancer, so we really are relying on everyday Australians to lend the blood cancer community a helping arm as often as they can,” Mr Tanti said.

Lifeblood’s CEO, Stephen Cornelissen AM, said World Blood Donor Day provided an opportunity to raise awareness and recognise the impact blood and plasma donors have on helping save the lives of cancer patients.

“Australia’s blood and plasma donors are unsung heroes. By donating blood and plasma, individuals have the power to make a life-saving difference for someone in need. This World Blood Donor Day please consider giving blood or plasma with the knowledge you’re providing an invaluable lifeline to the growing number of Australians living with blood cancer,” Mr Cornelissen said.

To check if you are eligibile and book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.

Forbes Frost And Fire This Saturday

June 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sneaky Sound System will be headlining this years Frost and Fire event.

Forbes Ski Dam has closed to the general public as preparations ramp up for this Saturday’s Frost and Fire winter solstice celebration.

Loads of wood are being delivered, the finishing touches are being put on the Ski Dam site, food and an exciting entertainment program is organised – all that is left now is for ticketholders to arrive, put their feet up and celebrate the long nights of winter with family and friends.

Frost and Fire boasts an impressive entertainment bill, starting with the talents of Grenfell musician Belinda Day and Forbes musical royalty Cler, Em and Jo. Indie sensation Birdee will take to the stage ahead of nationally renowned Sneaky Sound System.

Sydney Fire Dancers, Ice Queen and cultural performers Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group will wow their audiences – and who could forget the dramatic lighting of the Frost and Fire effigy.

What has fast become one of Forbes’ masthead events, Frost and Fire is about celebrating the change in season at an affordable family friendly event. Tickets are $15 per adult with children under 18 free.

Secure your Frost and Fire tickets through 123tix.com.au. Parking at the event has sold out, so please be aware that buses will run between the Ski Dam and Town Hall and Renfree Street every 20 minutes for the duration of the event.

First fires will be lit at 4pm, and gates close at 10pm – Pack a picnic rug or chair.

National Parks Association Of NSW Lachlan Valley Branch Walks

June 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The National Parks Association of NSW, Lachlan Valley Branch Walks always welcome new walkers. If you are interested, following are the upcoming planned walks.

Wednesday, 21st June: Property of Clive Hawken, 1035 Cookamidgera Rd, Cookamidgera. Leader Clive and Graeme MacRaild 0474 041 082. Medium 3-4kms, some climbing. Time to be confirmed, check with Graeme the night before.

Wednesday, 19th July: Conimbla National Park. Meet 9.30am at Gooloogong Memorial Park, corner Main St (Lachlan Valley Way) and King St (Warraderry Way). Hard 6-8kms climbing, scrambling. Leaders Liz and Graeme MacRaild. Contact Liz 0455 915 989.

Wednesday 16th August: 16 Gunning Gap, Forbes. Meet 9.30am at Forbes Railway Station. Easy 4kms. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.

Saturday 9th September: Goobang National Park, Bumberry Ridge Trail. Meet at Lions Park, Molong Rd Parkes 9am or at Bumberry Ridge Trail rest area 9.20am. Medium on track and off track 6 kilometres, steep sections. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Please contact the walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to join. A $2 donation for each walker is appreciated. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post-walk cuppa.

Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post-walk cuppa.

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Walks are mostly on tracks or fire trails and of moderate distance. Walk suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. May involve some off track walking. Walk may involve shorter distance overall due to rougher conditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Cat In The Hat Winners Announced

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat will be live on stage at the Dubbo Regional Theatre on 6th July in the school
holidays.

We are excited to announce winners of five family passes to see Dr Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat stage show at the Dubbo Regional Theatre on 6th July. There were a large number of entries received, but the lucky winners are:

• Emily Westcott of Alectown

• Aaron Clarke of Bogan Gate

• Kirrah Smede of Parkes

• Debbie Robb of Forbes

• Hannah Palmer of Forbes

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and we hope the winners enjoy the show.

Don’t Miss The Social Event Of The Year

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Who will win the coveted Coradgery Cup in 2023? Pictured is last years winner Neon Moon with jockey Tony Cavallo. Inset: Local band Foxxy Cleopatra will once again be entertaining the crowds this Saturday.

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held this Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

Fashions on the Field is one of the highlights of the day offering an array of prizes and prestige to the glamourous colts and fillies. The Fashions on the Field categories this year will once again include: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Millinery and Best Dressed couple.

The spectator area is looking great and the track is in top notch condition for the day’s five-race program. The renovated grandstand and covered bookies rink complete the excellent facilities for punters and a relaxed environment offers something for everyone, making this venue one of the best in the Central West.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise a group and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets before the event from 123tix or at the gate on the day.

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