General Interest Archives - Page 84 of 311

Keeping It In The Family

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Ben is supported by his sister Claudia, brother Kurt and proud parents Fiona and John.

According to his mother, Fiona, when Ben Lovett was younger he wasn’t a gifted athlete like some, but he worked very hard to achieve his dream.

Fiona describes him as a very determined and level headed young man. “He’s the most level headed in the family, and he keeps his composure very well,” said Fiona.

Parkes Spacemen Under 18’s Coach, Sam Dwyer descibes Ben as a standout player. “In terms of leadership he was second to none. It’s a big achievement and everyone who knows him knows how hard he worked,” said Sam.

Both of Ben’s parents are extremely proud of how well he has handled his NRL debut and are grateful he signed with the Rabbitohs, who they consider to be a great club.

When Ben ran on in the 60th minute of Saturday’s game, the atmosphere was lifted by the roar of the Parkes supporters in crowd who were all there to cheer Ben on. The game swung around and the Rabittohs were able to secure the win, 13-12.

Fiona and John extend their sincere thanks to everyone who travelled to watch Ben play , in addition to those who supported him from afar.

The Lovett family have strong connections with the South Sydney Rabbitohs Club. Ben’s older sister Claudia works for the club as events manager, and his brother Kurt, is in training and has been named part of the NSW Cup Competition.

Ben has not yet been named in the line-up for this weeks game, but anything can change in the lead up to a game. The Rabbitohs then have the bye, so Ben will be afforded a rest after his massive debut. Without a doubt, people in Parkes will be keeping an eye on our local superstar, Benny Lovett.

Ben embracing his mum Fiona after the game.

Ben after being presented his no 18 game jersey.

Benny’s Burrow was full of Parkes locals in full cheer squad mode.

Ben looks at home on the field in the red and green colours of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

More Support For Flood-Impacted Communities

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Good news for communities that were flood affected with the announcement more financial support will be made available, including Medium Size Business Support grants, as the recovery from flooding which began in August, 2022 continues. The latest round of support includes:

Funding for community and volunteer non-government-organisations (NGO) to support community-led recovery projects.

The Medium Sized Business grant will be available in the LGAs of Balranald, Berrigan, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Carrathool, Central Darling, Cobar, Cowra, Dubbo Regional, Edward River, Federation, Forbes, Griffith, Gunnedah, Hay, Junee, Lachlan, Leeton, Moree Plains, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrabri, Narrandera, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle and Wentworth.

The Back Home grant provides payments of up to $20,000 for owner-occupiers, $15,000 for landlords and $5,000 for renters, while the Rental Support payment covers the cost of 16 weeks of rent.

The extended disaster recovery packages are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

For more about disaster recovery assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au. Information is also available on the Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Assist website at: www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Schools Spectacular On The Hunt For Regional Gems

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Whether it’s a flautist from Forbes, a tenor from Tibooburra or a rapper from the Riverina, the Schools Spectacular team is aiming to unearth the talent of regional and remote public school students.

Schools Spectacular executive producer Richard Spiewak said this year there was a particular focus on encouraging participation from all corners of the State and increasing the range of activities students could be involved with.

Mr Spiewak said this would include work experience opportunities for students studying hospitality, entertainment, construction and design. “Often our more remote and rural students think Schools Spectacular is an event for those near Sydney,” Mr Spiewak said.

“We want to unearth and encourage students and schools with a passion for the performing arts and theatre to be part of Schools Spectacular, no matter where they live.

“So whether you live on a farm at the back of Bourke or in Blacktown we want to encourage students to nominate.”

Nominations are now open until April 6 for students and schools wanting to be involved with the show that will be held on 24th and 25th November. Full details can be found on the website.

NRL Debut For Parkes’ Ben Lovett

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

“Benny’s Burrow” filled with approx 160 of Ben Lovett’s friends and family from Parkes who travelled to watch him play last week after being named in the starting line up for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Twenty one year old Ben Lovett, from Parkes, started playing rugby league when he was just five years old. His hard work and sheer determination over the years has secured a him a spot with one of the NRL’s top rugby league teams, the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix spoke to Ben’s parents, John and Fiona Lovett about Ben’s debut.

Proud mother Fiona said, “We’re still quite overwhelmed and excited. We had hoped that he would debut sometime this year because he is in the first grade squad, had been named in reserve for the past few weeks and he was doing quite well.”

Describing the moment Ben first told them he was going to make his debut, Fiona said, “Ben face timed us both separately and it was quite emotional.”

Last Saturday, 25th March, on the day of Ben’s debut, an excited John and Fiona arrived early and watched the three games prior to the main event.

“We watched the crowd build up, and all the people that had come from Parkes to watch. It was an exciting build up to the moment when Ben came on in the 60th minute,” said Fiona.

During last Saturday’s game against the Manly Sea Eagles, South Sydney paid tribute to one of rugby leagues greats who recently passed away, four time premiership winning captain, John Satler. Ben was honoured to be presented his jersey by John Satlers son, Scott Satler.

Do You Have Something To Contribute To The Forbes Vintage & Collectables Fair?

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Following a successful innaugural event last year, the Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea will again host the Forbes Vintage & Collectables Fair on Saturday, 6th May at the Forbes Town Hall.

Head along to view displays and collections from eras past. Travel through time looking at items for display and for sale and remember things from your childhood or your grandparent’s lives.

There will be a large selection of items for viewing and as well for sale, ranging from dolls to bears, crockery to kitchen containers, glassware to bottles, vintage giftware and a mystery item competition where festival goers have to guess and vote on the origin or use of a mystery item. Fair goers will also be treated with tea and scones all day. Entry is by gold coin donation.

For more information or to express your interest in adding to the displays or trading tables ph 0413 274 735 or 0439 708 456.

Forbes Heritage Celebrations is a beloved event on the Forbes calendar each year. Held during the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival: 10th April – 14th May. Forbes Heritage is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate all the wonderful aspects of heritage and history that colour our community.

Urgent Need For Supply Chain Inquiry As Farmers Lose Billions

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Farmers is calling for an immediate ACCC inquiry into the grain supply chain following reports of billions of dollars bleeding from the economy.

According to GrainGrowers, ‘large pricing anomalies’ last year saw farmers underpaid for their grains and oilseeds despite high global prices and constrained supply due to the war in Ukraine.

NSW Farmers Grains Committee chair Justin Everitt said farmers were bleeding billions of dollars a year – hurting the economy – and the Australian Government must immediately act and direct the ACCC to review the grain supply chain, the market, and pricing fairness.

“There are market failures occurring across the supply chain due to a lack of competition, and there is the real possibility of monopolistic behaviour because of bottlenecks in the system,” Mr Everitt said.

“We’re out there in the paddock trying to grow food for Australia and the world, but then we’re forced to take lower prices because we don’t have the supply chains or markets that would allow real competition.

“Failure to act on this issue will see our economy continue to bleed billions of dollars when we can least afford it, we need immediate action.”

Local Voters Head To The Polls

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

MP Phil Donato retained his seat as an independant for the Orange electorate following Saturday’s NSW State election.

Saturday, 25 March saw the NSW elections run with more democratic sausages sold across the state than ever before.

The Labor Party took the lead early in the count and in record time, was deemed to take the leadership of NSW, winning 46 seats. There is a requirement to hold a majority government of 47 seats and at the time of printing, there were still 6 seats yet to be decided across NSW.

In the electorates of Orange, MP Phil Donato retained his seat as an independant. Mr Donato, won the Orange electorate comfortably and had this to say to the electorate. “I am truly humbled and honoured to be re-elected as the State Member for Orange.

“The level of support from the community I received was amazing. Being your local state representative is a responsibility and commitment I take seriously to represent this beautiful part of NSW and its people for another term.

“I would also like to thank all my supporters, and the hundreds of volunteers who helped across the electorate last weekend. It was a mammoth effort, of which I am sincerely appreciative.

It doesn’t matter where you live across the electorate, I will continue my style of representation, being accessible, available and approachable to help with any issues you need assistance with.

Thank you again for placing your trust in me to continue representing you as your local State Member. It is a privilege and an absolute honour.”

Spiralling Business Costs Lead To Job Cuts

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

One in five businesses are looking to cut staff because of the spiraling cost of doing business.

The survey of more than 1,200 businesses has revealed 59% of owners will maintain the same headcount while only 19% are looking to bring people on.

The remaining 22% of business owners intend to cut staff, with the highly casualised workforces of arts and recreation, accommodation and food services and retail most likely to be the sectors hardest hit by job cuts.

Business NSW, Regional Director – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe said enterprises are feeling the pinch.

“It’s worrying to see staff cuts emerge as a response to the cost increases.

“Locally, Western NSW businesses are showing similar results to the overall state results, with 24% of businesses advising they are planning to cut staff.

“At the moment, 26% of Western NSW businesses consider themselves to not have enough business activity to survive 2023 and the rising cost of business is regarded as the biggest barrier to operating at full potential, said Ms Seccombe.

Housing shortages continue to impact business, more than one in three (35%) of business owners refer to affordability of housing for workers as the biggest barrier to hiring new employees.

More BreastScreen Vans To Save Lives In Regional Areas

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Four new lifesaving BreastScreen NSW vans will roll into regional and remote communities under a $21.7 million investment by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government to make breast cancer screening more accessible.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to improving health services for women, with re-election announcements of $16.3 million for new endometriosis and pelvic pain services, $7 million in research grants for gynaecological cancers, a $4 million expansion of the $80 million Affordable IVF Initiative, $2 million to help women suffering miscarriage, pregnancy loss, stillbirth and a $95 million infrastructure overhaul for The Royal Hospital for Women’s Newborn Care Centre and Birthing Unit at Randwick.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government have also committed $40 million as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget to establish four Menopause Hubs and 12 specialised services across the state.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new BreastScreen NSW vans will visit up to 50 more communities for the first time, including in Northern and Western NSW, saving women significant travel time. “Making sure that every woman in NSW has the opportunity to detect breast cancer early,” Mr Hazzard said.

$1 Billion To Support Farm Innovation, Resilience And Sustainability

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will double the amount farmers can access under a $1 billion expansion of the successful Farm Innovation Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said farmers will now be able to borrow up to $2 million to identify and address risks to their businesses, improve on-farm infrastructure and ensure long-term productivity and sustainable land use.

“For almost a decade, the Farm Innovation Fund has given farmers access to long-term, low-interest loans of up to $1 million to finance projects that contribute to productivity and resilience – now we are doubling that,” said Mr Toole.

“To date, more than $840 million in loans under the Farm Innovation Fund, Seafood Innovation Fund and Drought Assistance Fund have been approved, assisting more than 8,600 NSW farmers to help launch crucial innovation and infrastructure.”

“Not only are we planning to increase the maximum loan amount from $1 million to $2 million, we also want to expand the program so the loan can be accessed for the adoption of new technologies, usage of automation and robotics to address labour shortages and carbon farming infrastructure.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said farm productivity will always be a priority for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

“The fund will no longer be limited to on farm infrastructure but rather the imagination of farmers who want to future proof their land, their operations and their businesses.

“Through this boost, farmers will be able to invest in a range of initiatives to become more profitable, resilient and sustainable such as new energy generation, automation, boosting soil carbon, reducing emissions and increasing vegetation.”

Chief Winemaker at Robert Stein Winery Jacob Stein said he’s excited for what this support will mean for the future of his business.

“I have always been keen to look at opportunities for automation within our winery and our vineyard but haven’t had the cash flow to do so,” Mr Stein said.

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