General Interest Archives - Page 76 of 317

First Temporary Pod Resident Returns Home As Central West Recovery Continues

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Eugowra resident Grace Katon celebrates returning to her home and also her 83rd birthday.

Long-term Eugowra resident Grace Katon is the first Central West resident to move out of a temporary housing pod and back into her own home. She was met by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib who were able to welcome her home.

Following catastrophic floods last year, Grace and her dog Honey lived in the temporary housing pod while her home’s kitchen, bathroom and walls were repaired.

As part of the free Pods on Private Property Program across the Cabonne, Forbes and Parkes Local Government Areas, 98 temporary pods were installed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

As of today, 88 households have been able to take advantage of the program, with another 10 pods in the final stages of fit-out.

The pod program provides people with a safe and comfortable place to live in their own community, while they rebuild or repair their homes, relocate or secure a rental property.

More than 130 pods in total are expected to be installed across the Central West by the end of August, while decommissioned pods will be used again in the area or across NSW as part of future disaster recovery efforts.

The NSW Government has also established an At-Home Caravan Program for eligible Central West residents with 129 caravans delivered and in use.

The NSW Government has provided more than $42 million in grants and subsidies to individuals, households, small businesses and primary producers across the Central West impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Almost 3,000 people have received practical assistance at Recovery Assistant Points across the Central West since November 2022 including accommodation assistance, mental health support and access to clean-up services.

Danielle McDonald Is Riding High Following International Selection

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonald has just been selected to compete in the International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE) in Argentina.

Local Parkes girl, 16 year old Danielle McDonald has been dominating the junior girls division in Australian offroad and motocross for many years now. She has just been selected to step up to the senior category and compete in the International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE), being held from 6th- 11th November in San Jaun, Argentina.

Each year, three women from Team Australia head overseas to compete against the best women in the world. Each riders time is accumulated to score a team result, fighting for the top step on the podium.

The Team Australia women have won six world ISDE titles, they have scored multiple podiums over the years and are in a great position for 2023.

Joining Danielle McDonald in Argentina to represent Australia will be Tayla Jones and Jessica Gardiner, who have both been a part of the previous six consecutive ISDE wins.

We met up with Danielle and her dad Jason at their family property in Parkes where Jason has set up a mini motocross track for training purposes. Danielle is only 16 years old but she has already been riding motorcycles for 14 years and competing for 11 years.

“I was two years old when I first started riding, and about five years old when I started racing against the boys at our local track over at Condobolin,” said Danielle.

To say Danielle is dominating the Junior Girls competition in Australia it is no understatement; Danielle has won four Junior Girl HATTAH Titles, one of the biggest desert races in Australia. She won the MX Junior Title and has also won two Offroad Championships.

“My major goal is to get to the world stage, and hopefully win it one day,” said Danielle.

Racing motorcycles is a family affair for the McDonalds, with Danielle’s brother Dylan also a competitive rider who is currently placed second in the Australian Offroad competition.

Proud dad and number one supporter, Jason McDonald said, “She was picked up a few years ago by champion rider Jessica Gardner, and since then Danielle has gotten quicker and quicker. We’ve just returned from the Australian Junior Motocross in Darwin where Danielle won, so that means she is the Australian Junior champion.”

Danielle races with YAMAHA JGR Ballards Offroad Racing and is set to compete in the last round of the World Enduro Series, the competition that Jessica Gardner is currently placedsecond. Danielle will be competing in the last round of that competition as a taste-test to her debut on the international stage for the ISDE.

Tayla, 27 and Jess, 30, are both extremely accomplished in the sport are excited to race alongside Danielle who is the future of the sport. As a team, their goal is to represent the Australian colours to the highest standard and level in Motorcycling and showing that women in sport are powerful. The team are focussed on continuing to achieve great results and once again return to Australian soil with the perpetual ISDE women’s cup trophy.

A Go Fund Me page is currently being set up to to help get the team get to South America. Details will be published when available.

Danielle pictured out on the track doing what she loves, riding and competing.

Visit Inland Rail At Local Agricultural Shows

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Local residents and businesses will be able to find out all they need to know about the Inland Rail project by catching up with the Inland Rail teams attending any of the five upcoming agricultural shows and market days in southern New South Wales.

In the coming months Inland Rail staff will be out and about from Henty to Forbes and will be available to answer any queries about upcoming projects in local communities on the Albury to Parkes sections of the project. Inland Rail Information stands will be at the following locations:

• Forbes Rotary Market Day, 12th August

• Grenfell Show, 1st – 2nd September

• Forbes Show, 8th – 9th September

The Australian Government is taking a staged approach to delivering Inland Rail, with construction between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales prioritised for completion by 2027.

Martinus Rail was awarded a $403.5 million contract to design and construct enhancement works on the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) and Albury to Illabo (A2I) sections of Inland Rail.

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director of Program Delivery for Albury to Parkes, said: “Show day stands are a chance for local community members to meet members of our Stakeholder Engagement teams and other Inland Rail staff to talk about the project and upcoming opportunities to be involved with Inland Rail.

“We encourage community members to drop by and ask any questions they have about the project. Many of our staff on these stalls also live in these communities and would love to have a chat.”

Legacy Centenary Torch Relay In Forbes

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Students at Forbes Public School cheered on, and saw the exchange of torch lighting during the Legacy Relay.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, presented by Defence Health arrived in Forbes, Monday 31st July, as part of its Australian journey to commemorate Legacy’s Centenary. The Forbes tour began at Lake Forbes Water Park at 11am, travelled a 2.5 kilometre route before culminating at Forbes Legacy Club for lighting of the cauldron.

Torch Bearers included Legacy beneficiaries, Legatees and Defence Personnel. The relay also featured an Australian Defence Force tri-service escort. Official Torch Bearers include Martin Cunningham, Frank Hanns, Michael Walker, Pam Bellhouse, Phyllis Miller, Diana Morris, Margaret Simmonds and Paul Findley.

Start An Exciting Career In Mining With A CMOC Northparkes Mines Apprenticeship

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

This is a four year program including on-the-job training, coaching from experienced trades people and a qualification through a Registered Training Organisation.

The Northparkes Mines Apprenticeship Program has been in place since 2005 and offers employment opportunities to a diverse selection of local people, the roles start date is in January of each year.

We currently employ eleven apprentices who are at various stages of their trades which include welding and fabrication, fitting and machining, electrical, light vehicle, mobile plant (heavy vehicle), and automotive electrical. The apprenticeships are a four-year program including on-the-job training, coaching from experienced trades people and a national trade qualification through a Registered Training Organisation.

You will get exposure to all aspects of mining throughout your time onsite and have the opportunity to specialise in an area of your choice in your fourth year.

In addition, Northparkes Mines apprentices are provided with all tools required to complete their trade, free accommodation while attending TAFE, and extra tutor support for TAFE courses if needed.

Northparkes Mines is very proud of the success of the Apprentice Program since it’s introduction which has provided a trade pathway for locals into the mining industry.

Our program combines theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience in the mining industry.

With Northparkes Mines apprenticeship completion rates sitting at 82% and 30% of those still currently working at CMOC Northparkes in both trade and leadership roles, the apprenticeship provide a great opportunity for career progression and longevity.

To view our current 2024 Apprenticeship vacancies and to apply, visit our website at www.northparkes.com/work-with-us/make-your-mark

Sounds Of Country On Lake Forbes

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rising stars of Australian country music – and the new backing band for Lee Kernaghan – Hurricane Fall is the headlining act at Sundown Sounds

Forbes’ inaugural Sundown Sounds will take place at the picturesque Lions Park on 5th August, with music starting at 5:45pm.

Hurricane Fall, a high energy country rock band will be joined by the amazing Katie Jayne and band, and the town’s very own Gracey Denham-Jones.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “This is an exciting and free event we are hosting on the lake at Lions Park, the perfect setting to dine at one of our amazing food vans, BYO esky and attempt the bucking bull with friends and family,” Mayor Miller said.

“I am looking forward to pulling on the boots for an evening of good food, good music and great times with old and new friends.”

For those wishing to do their homework before the event, check out Council’s Facebook event to listen to the Sundown Sounds Spotify Playlist.

Sundown Sounds is a free community event that has been funded by the NSW Government.

“We thank the government for their support to help our precious regional communities stay connected and build new connections. These connections are so important when we are faced with so many challenges in our livelihoods, grab your mates, grab your esky and join us by the lake for what is sure to be an epic evening of live music” said Mayor Miller.

All ages are welcome. Tickets are free, but essential and are available at www.123tix.com.au/events/37984/forbes-sundown-sound

Prepare Now For Bushfire Season

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

This year’s bushfire season has potential to be especially dangerous according to a UNSW fire expert, who is urging people to get prepared and mitigate the risks. It is forecast the southern hemisphere is entering into an El Niño climate cycle and a surge in global temperatures.

1. Clean out gutters

Leaves and other vegetation can easily accumulate in gutters around your house. Cleaning gutters is one of the main ways to ensure that your house does not catch fire in a bushfire situation.

2. Get your water tank ready

After clearing the gutters, it’s good to hose them with water, which reduces the chances of hot embers sparking a fire. This should also prompt you to ensure you have a reliable supply of water should it be needed to dampen down approaching flames.

3. Clear bushland around your home

This means trimming overhanging trees and shrubs, mowing long grass and removing the cuttings. It’s also important to remove any flammable materials around your house such as outdoor furniture, paint cans, and even door mats.

4. Be evacuation-ready

Have a clear and concise plan to evacuate if conditions become too dangerous. Prepare fully by keeping up to date with local bushfire information via TV, radio, websites, social media, and special apps such as ‘Fires Near Me’.

5. Fireproof your property

Fire retardant paints are available which could prevent your house from being badly damaged or even destroyed in a bushfire. Such paint could help protect you and your family in the house if evacuation from a bushfire proved impossible.

3 Million Loaves And 2 Million Tins Of Milo – All In A Year’s Work For Our Grain Farmers

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sweeping paddocks of grain crops are a familiar sight across much of regional Australia, but how many stop to think that those crops end up in their sandwich or breakfast bowl?

In fact, the average Aussie wheat farmer produces enough grain to make 3 million loaves of bread and 2 million tins of Milo.

In the final week of a crusade to better connect consumers with where their food comes from – and to value that food – the NFF-led campaign under the Australians Farmers platform aims to connect those dots.

NFF President Fiona Simson, hoped the Australian Farmers campaign had opened people’s eyes to the work farmers invested into growing food sustainably.

“This week we’re putting the spotlight on a household staple – bread. It’s main ingredient, wheat, is also a staple in the farming world,” she said.

Australia produces 23 million tonnes of wheat each year. This is used in bread, pasta, pizza dough, cake, instant noodles, dumpling skins and even animal feed.

Bread is one of the most wasted foods in Australia, bread is too precious to waste, store it properly and learn what to do if it goes stale

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

Subscribe