General Interest Archives - Page 85 of 311

The Masters Of The Mandagery Put On A Show For Forbes

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

In excess of 1,000 people flowed through the gates on game day last Saturday in Forbes.

This year saw the fifth annual Masters of the Mandagery, however due to the devastaing flood last year, it was forced to move from its usual homeground in Eugowra to Forbes, where the event was warmly received.

Event organiser, Andrew Barnes said the day was a massive success despite a few of the regular teams from Woolongong and Cootamundra unable to attend. A total of 15 teams registered to play in the event and over 1,000 people went through the gates.

“Teams travelled from far and wide to enjoy some good old fashioned footy, and that’s what it is all about. It’s a massive social event,” said Andrew.

Andrew set the goal of raising $500,000 and so far the total has reached $102,880, including proceeds from Saturday. If you would like to support Andrews efforts then you still have time to jump online and purchase some raffle tickets.

A massive thank you goes out to Forbes for hosting The Masters of the Mandagery event, to all of the players and officials involved in the event and to the supporters who came along on the day and made it such a great event.

Come Down To The Postie To Meet Liz And Daz

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Behind the bar at the Post Office Hotel in Forbes are new licensees, Liz and Daz.

Meet the new Licensees of the Post Office Hotel (Postie) in Forbes, Elizabeth Power and Darren Phillips. Elizabeth is a Forbes local having been born and raised in the town, while Darren is from Canberra, but has lived in Forbes for the last two years.

Elizabeth (Liz) has a background in nursing and Darren (Daz) worked in Canberra for Qantas before COVID struck.

The two have spent the last few years working in disability support, but the constant travelling was wearing them both down. That’s when Liz saw that the Postie was up for lease and they decided to go for it.

“We’ve hit the ground running, it was such a great opportunity, the pub was really run down and needed a lot of TLC, so hopefully we are giving it that,” said Liz.

Liz also has three sons who are all local farmers, who she is very proud of.

Liz and Daz will be introducing more live entertainment to the hotel are interested in having a DJ/Karaoke in addition to providing the opportunity for local bands to perform. If you are in a local band and would like to perform at the Post Office Hotel, please reach out.

Chef Bee is the new head chef at the Postie and was British Army trained. She describes her experience as being “Pubs, pubs, clubs and pubs.”

We asked her what made her relocate from Sydney to Forbes for the role, she said, “It just felt right, Liz and Darren are two of the finest people you will ever meet.”

Bee went on to say, “I’m building a great team and the locals have all been so kind. I’m extremely adamant about using local suppliers as much as we possibly can, the meat out here is astounding, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Björn Again – The World’s Number One ABBA Show

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Thank ABBA For The Music 2023 Tour.

ABBA fans get excited as Björn Again bring ABBA’s timeless hits back to the stage in a sing-along, dance-along extravaganza. Heading to Cowra for the very first time, the show will be absolute not to be missed!

Björn Again are “One of the most entertaining rock shows in the world today” (Time Out, New York) and will play all the biggest ABBA hits from Waterloo, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Fernando to Take a Chance, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, and more!! With all the glitzy 70s costumes, Swenglish banter and hilarious stage antics, you will have the ‘time of your life’.

Their critically acclaimed shows have been attended by Tom Jones, Dave Grohl, Paul Kelly, Metallica, Robert Plant, Bill Gates and Nirvana just to name a few.

“Björn Again are Phonomenal in every sense of the word!” – The Stage UK

“I like Björn Againbecause they are the ABBA for this generation. Why should we miss out?” – David Lawrence UK.

Björn Again have performed over 7,000 shows in more than 120 countries worldwide, are endorsed by the members of ABBA and are regarded as the most successful tribute show of all time.

So what are you waiting for? Dust off those flares, platform shoes and satins and send out an SOS and Ring Rin and come along to Björn Again’s Thank ABBA For The Music 2023 Tour.

The concert will be held on Friday, 14th April at Sid Kallas Oval, Cowra. Gates open at 5:30pm. Tickets will be on sale soon via www.123tix.com.au.

20,000 Fingerlings Released Into Lake Endeavour

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

20,000 fingerlings were released, consisting of 14,000 Murray Cod and 6,000 Golden Perch.

Parkes Shire Council recently released thousands of fingerlings into Lake Endeavour, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the health and biodiversity of our region’s waterways.

In total, 20,000 fingerlings were released, consisting of 14,000 Murray Cod and 6,000 Golden Perch. The release was made possible by the Recreational Fishing (Freshwater) Trust through a native fish stocking initiative run by the Department of Primary Industries Fisheries.

Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Michael Chambers, said fish stocking supports native fish populations, benefitting our community in several ways.

However, recreational fishermen will need to wait some time before these fish are ready to be caught. “Generally, it takes at least two years before fingerlings reach a catchable size.”

“However, Parkes Shire Council has regularly carried out fish stocking at Lake Endeavour since 2016, making the site theoretically ideal for fishing now,” added Mr Chambers.

Murray Cod and Golden Perch usually occur together in Australian freshwater ways. Both species are widespread throughout the Murray Darling Basin but have declined or completely disappeared in many areas. The decline of these fish, like so many freshwater species, is due to several human drivers, namely river regulation, disrupted migrations and spawning behaviour, cold-water pollution under large dams, and barriers to migration and recolonisation created by weirds and dams.

Anglers wishing to fish at Lake Endeavour must apply for a recreational fishing licence through the Service NSW website and pay the associated fee. Access permits for Lake Endeavour are available from Council for recreational activities such as bushwalking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking.

Do You Want To Join The Parkes Shire Concert Band?

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The story of Bogan Gate has been commemorated on a plaque.

The town of Bogan Gate celebrated its 125th anniversary on Tuesday, 11th March. The Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) were invited to lead the vintage car parade. They marched, playing Colonel Bogey before setting up beside the ‘gate’ to entertain the crowd after the speeches and the unveiling of the plaque.

PSCB member Elly Tom said, “It was a privilege to be part of this historic occasion.”

PSCB is a committed community band, always ready to welcome new members. If you want to play music again, dust off that instrument, join in and give it a try. At present the band has two members who are new to Parkes and here for a work period, it’s a great way to make friends.

Don’t fret if you no longer have an instrument, the band have a range of instruments for hire and if you’re a beginner, don’t let that stop you, as PSCB offer group beginners lessons.

The PSCB rehearse every Tuesday during the school terms, above the Parkes Aquatic Centre. Head along to Homegrown this weekend between 10am – 11am to meet the members of the PSCB.

The PSCB leading the vintage car parade to the Bogan Gate 125th Anniversary.

The PSCB entertaining the crowd after the official unveiling of the plaque.

Tony Mileto – There For You

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Tony Mileto loves nothing more than delivering on promises for regional communities.

As someone who’s called the Central West home since I was 12, I want to ensure young people living in regional NSW can look to a future filled with endless opportunity. Not despite the fact they live in the regions, but because of it.

That’s why, four years ago, the NSW Nationals appointed a dedicated Minister for Regional Youth and set up a youth taskforce to inject young voices from the bush into government decision-making.

It’s why we asked 2,000 young people from the regions about what mattered to them and created a $40 million fund to invest in their ideas.

No young person in the regions should have to leave their home community because there are no high-tech or high-paying jobs there.

It’s why we’re helping regional businesses grow, and why we’re attracting interstate and international businesses to relocate to the bush.

We’re offering real help – like rebates for energy bills and tools to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, subsidised training to help you get the job you want, and vouchers for those with young families to help with extra costs like school and sport.

There is always more to do, but we have seen a 60 per-cent reduction in regional youth suicide from 2019 to 2022. As a former police officer who worked as a police/student liaison officer in Forbes and who continued that role with the PCYC in Orange, I know the importance of giving our young people a hand. It’s why I undertook community work in the fields of mental health and suicide prevention.

Only The Nationals are committed to putting regional people first – from their first steps to their first job and onwards.

Before you vote in the Central West on March 25, consider which party is there for you.

A Rural Medical Experience

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

School of Rural Health student Amy Malligan will complete her entire 4-year Doctor of Medicine degree in Dubbo.

Amy Malligan has recently started her journey to becoming a doctor, studying the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo. Amy will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree in Dubbo with clinical training centered on Dubbo Hospital.

Amy studied an undergraduate degree in science in Sydney, unsure of what to do when she finished school. After living in Sydney for her degree she moved back home to Bathurst for her final year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

It was a friend’s medical emergency and spending time in the hospital that inspired Amy to pursue a career in medicine. She began working in Bathurst Hospital as a Patient Experience Officer while applying to study medicine at rural clinical schools.

“My brother had a great experience studying medicine at a rural clinical school and training in a rural hospital, so I knew that I wanted that experience too. When I found out I could study the entire Doctor of Medicine in Dubbo, I knew that was where I wanted to be. I love living in the country and I love that I’m still so close to family in Bathurst,” she says.

Amy is part of the second cohort of students now studying the University of Sydney’s entire four-year Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. Students in Dubbo study the same world-class medical education as in Sydney, while gaining hands-on experience in rural and remote medical practice.

The Dubbo Stream is only available to students eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and pathways are available for First Nations students and those with rural backgrounds.

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo features state-of-the-art medical education facilities including learning studios, anatomy teaching lab, and six-suite simulation training centre.

For information visit sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/dubbo

Bringing Regional Communities Closer To Specialist Care

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Regional patients will be able to access specialist follow-up care closer to home with a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government announcing more than $7 million to establish virtual consultation spaces in every Multipurpose Service (MPS) across the State.

You shouldn’t have to drive hundreds of kilometres for a follow-up specialist appointment if you can have it face–to-face but via video in your local community.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said setting up virtual consultation spaces in the MPS meant support was available for patients, both to assist with navigating the technology and to help them plan for further treatments.

“This is about providing choice to our rural and regional patients who may not want to travel outside their community and don’t have access to the necessary technology at home or feel at ease using Telehealth on their own,” Mrs Taylor said.

Mrs Taylor said the hubs will help our smaller health facilities access enhanced medical coverage and support staff through remote monitoring, specialist advice where needed, 24/7 General Practitioner care, and better access to patient records.

“Our rural virtual hubs will be based in regional locations and staffed with regionally-based clinicians who will bring with them a wealth of knowledge,” Mrs Taylor said.

“There is no one quick fix solution to Australia’s medical workforce shortage, but by building rural hubs with clinicians who live and breathe regional health care, we’re adding another layer of support in our rural and regional communities.

Help Support Pop-Up Op Shop This Weekend

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Craft and clothing being sorted for the Pop-Up Shop this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Fat Parcel in Eugowra received donations of barista Almond Milk from Islamic Council of Queensland.

The Forbes CWA Evening Branch has received a container full of donations for flood affected communities. The donations have been very generously collected by the Islamic Council of Queensland. Forbes Shire Council asked Forbes CWA Evening Branch to take on the job of distributing the items.

“We are ready to open our Pop-Up Op Shop this Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March at the Forbes Showground Commercial Pavilion,” said Ms Robyn Miller, President of Oxley CWA Group.

Doors will open on Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. If there are enough volunteers and items to sell, the Pop-Up Op Shop may run the same days next week as well. If you would like to assist, please head along.

Prices will range from $2, with designer clothing from $10. All proceeds of the Op-Shop will stay within the area. “It would be fantastic if we could sell all these donations and give those who are flood affected some vouchers to help them return to their homes,” said Ms Miller.

Local Fundraiser Planned For Royce Simmons “Big Walk” For Dementia

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A sign that was made to encourage Royce on his “Big Walk” last year when he raised over $1M.

In 2022, at the age of just 61, Penrith Panthers’ rugby league legend Royce Simmons announced that he had been diagnosed with Dementia.

The diagnosis sent shock waves through the rugby league and broader community. However, Royce wasted no time at all, throwing himself behind the “Big Walk” to raise money for Dementia Australia to fund further research.

“I’ve got dementia, but not too bad at the moment, I’m just trying to make people aware of how bad dementia is,” said Royce.

“I don’t think people realise how bad it is, over 400,000 people are currently living with dementia in Australia and experts say that is expected to double in the next few years.”

Royce has gathered a huge amount of support from the rugby league community that he was a part of for decades and has many supporters on board sponsoring the walk.

Royces “Big Walk” kicks off on Tuesday, 18th April in Dubbo. He will travel through Parkes on Thursday, 20th April, and is scheduled to arrive in Bathurst on Saturday, 29th of April where the Panthers Vs Wests Tigers will be playing for the Royce Simmons Cup.

Royce has called upon fellow footy and sporting legends to join him on his walk through regional towns including Parkes and Eugowra. Part of Royces initiative is for the junior footy clubs in the towns they pass through to utilise the opportunity to raise funds for their own clubs, in addition to helping Royce raise money for Dementia Australia

Royce went on to explain, “We organise and supply a couple of guest speakers for the local fundraisers, we supply some memorabilia for the auctions and we are happy that it helps raise money for Dementia Australia and local junior footy.”

Local President of the Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club, Andrew Thomas spoke to The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix about why this is such an important fundraising event for people to get behind. “Royce is so driven by junior league and grassroots football, they’ve asked the clubs to hold an event and we have decided to hold a fundraising dinner.”

Royce’s Big Walk, and the Fundraiser to coincide with his walk, will be on Thursday, 20th April. The Fundraiser will be held at the Parkes Services Club and tickets will be $35 each, which will include dinner. On the night there will be a number of guest speakers, an auction, raffle, and lucky door prizes.

The Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club will put any funds that they receive from the “Big Walk” fundraising event towards upgrading the outdated facilities.

“We are pushing for a new grandstand, that’s the biggest ticket item that we are working towards. Parkes Council has been great, they funded a $76,000 Master Plan that was designed by an architect from Newcastle. He has submitted a design that has already been approved and its sitting there ready to go once we find enough funding. It’s up to us to be the driving force to make it happen,” said Andrew Thomas.

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