General Interest Archives - Page 85 of 317

Regional NSW Set To Celebrate With Big Hearted Bashers

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spectacular is an understatement, for the larger-than-life event that will see 130 mad-cap vintage vehicles roll into Eugowra, on day one of the 2023 NSW Bash on Sunday 21st May. They will also visit Eugowra Public School with a very special grant.

Now in its 31st year on the road, the Variety NSW Bash is set to be exceptional with more than 300 Bashers in 100 weird and wonderful cars set to visit 16 regional towns.

The colourful convoy of fun vehicles is set to delight little and big kids alike and will include nine NRL team themed cars, Team Tonka, Spongebob Squarepants, Toy Story Crocodile Dundee, Scooby Doo, Transformers, Shrek, Star Wars, Dark Lords, Minions, Trolls, Flintstones and Thomas the Tank Engine themed vehicles.

The convoy will roll into 12 schools along the way, delivering more than $80,000 in grants to meet each school’s wish list; ranging from a food van for hospitality training, chicken coop and chicken run, cubby house, sandpit, shade sail, netball and baseball tower and trikes to a 3D printer, podcast equipment, laptops, iPads, Lego, science apparatus and library refurbishment.

The bighearted convoy will start the seven day 2,160km journey in Dubbo and travel to Eugowra, Greenthorpe, Stockinbingal, Leeton, Conargo, Bunnaloo, Echuca, Lowesdale, Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Thirlmere, and St Marys before returning to Newcastle’s Foreshore for the Variety Family Fun Day. A special event where the public can welcome the Variety Bash cars back from their outback adventure, enjoy free live entertainment and for a small $5 cost, kids can enjoy unlimited amusement rides, face painting, petting zoo, fairy floss, balloon sculptures and plenty more.

2023 Variety NSW Bash route:

• Day 1: 21 May Dubbo, Eugowra, Cowra

• Day 2: 22 May Greenethorpe, Stockingbingal, Leeton

• Day 3: 23 May Leeton, Conargo,Euchuca

• Day 4: 24 May Bunnaloo, Lowesdale, Narrandera

• Day 5: 25 May Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Goulburn

• Day 6: 26 May Tirranna, Thirlmere, St Marys

• Day 7: 27 May St Marys, Newcastle Foreshore.

Budget A Disappointment For Forbes Region: McCormack

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says this week’s Federal Budget will hurt those living in regional and rural communities, including those living in Forbes Shire.

The Labor Government’s Budget will introduce a new food tax on Australian families. Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, said the new tax on farmers to pay for the biosecurity risk of international importers was senseless and would be passed on to consumers, which means even higher grocery prices Australians.

“It is quite rude that the Labor Government would ask farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers from other countries, especially considering the power of work they do to keep our economy strong” Mr McCormack said.

The Albanese Government is also increasing the road user charge on truckies by 6 per cent, compounding each year, that will add to grocery bills for families, because transport companies can’t absorb that cost.

“The very popular Stronger Communities Program, which delivered $150,000 to every electorate for smaller-scale infrastructure projects – up to $20,000 – has been scrapped by this Labor Government,” Mr McCormack said.

Labor will also force local communities to wait two years to access regional grant programs, with funding that was available in 2022 under the Coalition now delayed until well into 2024.

“Cramorie” Offers A Refined Rural Lifestyle

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes based rural and lifestyle property specialists Johnston Rural Group are excited to bring to market Cramorie – a refined rural lifestyle holding in an idyllic location on the edge of historic Forbes – with access to the Lachlan River.

Cramorie is a special rural lifestyle package that enjoys a prime location just 3km southeast of the historic Forbes town centre in an accessible albeit private and secluded setting. The focal point of the property is undoubtedly the stylish 4 bedroom weatherboard homestead (c.1900’s) which has commanding views out towards the Lachlan River over its small farming and grazing paddocks.

The property comprises of approximately 5.357 hectares (13.23 acres) of gently undulating and highly productive river flats which occupy five separate land parcels. Cramorie not only provides a wonderful place to live but is also a functioning small agricultural asset with a strong catalogue of ancillary improvements including a large fully enclosed machinery / storage shed with mezzanine, horse stable complex, set of cattle yards, three bay carport, workshop, dog kennel and chook run.

Marketing agent Sam Johnston stated that “Cramorie has already generated a significant amount of enquiry after being on the market for less than a week. Enquiry has come from a number of places including Forbes and its surrounding towns, Sydney, Melbourne, the South Coast and Central Tablelands.”

He then went on to say that “Given Forbes’ recently reported population growth projections and emerging business opportunities within the shire, it is clear that Forbes is now being seen as a ‘go to area’ with investment upside on the horizon.”

Cramorie is being offered for sale by Expressions of Interest (EOI) with expressions closing at 12 noon AEST Thursday 15th June 2023. A detailed information memorandum and price guide are available on request with inspections by appointment only.

Parkes Shire Library 2023 Student Library Ambassadors Announced

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Standing are L to R are Isaiah Stokes and Lachlan Watt from Parkes Christian School, Ned Hewes from Holy Family school, Sam Hunt and Corban Cunningham from Middleton Public School, Jacob Swindle and Sophie Francis from Parkes East Public school. Sitting L to R are Mary Gray from Holy Family School, Isla McLeod and Beth Deland from Parkes Public School, Sarah Knowling from Home School Community.

Parkes Shire Library received a whopping 40 applications from eager year five students to become Library Ambassadors this year. All of the 40 applications received were extremely well written, making the decision very difficult.

This week, Parkes students attended a small presentation ceremony and afternoon tea at Parkes Library. Library staff also visited branch libraries and schools to present the 2023 Ambassadors with their official badges.

The role of a Library Ambassador is to inform their school community of upcoming events, programs, exhibitions and activities that are taking place at the Libraries in Parkes Shire and Marramarra Makerspace.

The Library Ambassador Program has successfully run in Parkes for several years, and this year, the smaller towns within Parkes Shire were invited to participate in the program. Interested students were asked to apply for the position of Library Ambassador for their town, and a total of 16 applications were received from four schools. As a result, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Peak Hill now also have their very own Library Ambassadors.

Parkes Shire Library Ambassadors for 2023

Lili Stephenson and Harry Quade from St Patricks School Trundle.

Billy Zerafa and Tom Walter from Trundle Central School.

Jawarn Read, Jodi Sant (Peak Hill Library) Kyanna Dargin from St Josephs at Peak Hill.

Marshall Roach from Bogan Gate Public School.

Micro Grants For Creative Sector Impacted By Floods

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Arts OutWest are offering micro grants to arts, heritage and creative industries practitioners, groups and businesses impacted by floods or other natural disasters.

The Arts OutWest Rescue Restart Micro Grants are to help affected artists and creatives to re-open doors, restart regular activities, reach new audiences or continue trading as creatives.

The funding comes from the NSW Government as part of a broader package to the arts sector to support audience development and recovery.

Arts OutWest has been in ongoing conversation with many across the region since the flooding events in 2022.

“We’ve identified the need for very flexible small grants to cover practical things that either physically help with rebuilding or in rebuilding audiences,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead.

Grants are for up to $1000 each, open to those in the Arts OutWest service area.

“People might use funds for repairs, replacement of equipment, re-making or restocking of artwork but also for activities that bring back customers and visitors or build new audiences. The funding is open in terms of what people need cash for but is specifically targeted to those directly impacted by flood and natural disaster and to the arts, heritage and creative industries,” Ms Shead said.

Grant applications are now open and close on Monday 5 June 2023, with applications assessed regularly throughout this period. There is a very simple application process. Details on the Arts OutWest website at https://artsoutwest.org.au/pf/microgrants2023apply/ or call Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657.

Arts OutWest is the Regional Arts Development Organisation of Central West NSW servicing the local government areas of Bathurst Region, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Regional, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.

Arts OutWest is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, the Australian Government through Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support and by Charles Sturt University.

Charitable Flowers For Mother’s Day

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Marion Unger in her amazing home garden that she has spent 20 years finessing.

Show your love and appreciation for your mother and support a local initiative to raise funds for a charity.

Parkes resident Marion Unger will be selling flowers from her garden on the front lawn of the Lutheran Church in Currajong Street (opposite Parkes Public School) from 8:30am tomorrow, Saturday 13th May. Her bunches start from $5 for the smallest size. The bunches of chrysanthemums, the traditional Mother’s Day flower, come mostly from Marion’s garden. She will be donating the money to a children’s ministry in Cambodia. She has attached a small card with information about the ministry to every bunch. Contact Marion on 0447 165 229 for more information.

It’s Time To Care About Aged Care Workers

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Australia’s largest provider network, UnitingCare Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement to give more than 250,000 aged care workers a much needed pay rise.

“Older people and their families, workers providing care, and the families who rely on those workers. This overdue pay rise will go a long way toward dealing with the cost-of-living crisis the lowest paid workers are currently facing,” said UnitingCare Australia National Director, Claerwen Little.

“We know that investing in our aged care workforce is essential for the well-being of older Australians. This increase will help attract and retain skilled workers and we reaffirm our pledge to pass on this additional funding to staff.

“UnitingCare Australia was the first national aged care body to publicly support a 25% pay rise for workers in March 2022. We boldly costed the ask and put our support behind our workforce.

“Millions of Australians depend on the care sector every day to provide vital services that support individuals and communities to thrive. As the largest and fastest growing employer in the country, the opportunity for the care sector to be transformational for Australia’s future is boldly evident. We have an historic opportunity to advance gender equality through a strengthened care workforce,” said Ms Little.

Ensure The Safety Of Your Precious Cargo With A Free Child Restraint Check

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Authorised Child Restraint Fitters will be in Parkes on Friday 12th May and Forbes on Saturday 13th May.

Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles with free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Parkes on Friday 12 May 2023 and Forbes on Saturday 13th May.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that these free child restraint checking days will now be held bi-annually as they are usually well patronised and are important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

“Due to the success of previous events, we’ve received funding to offer this service twice a year to residents in Parkes and Forbes – one round of checking days will be held in late November/early December and the other round will be in April/May,” Ms Suitor said.

The upcoming child restraint checking days will be held in Parkes on Friday 12 May from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Kelly Reserve and in Forbes on Saturday 13 May from 10am – 2pm in the Bunnings carpark.

The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash.

“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child – such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe,” Ms Suitor said.

Bookings are essential – phone 6861 2364 to secure your place. Information about the child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will also be available.

One Library One Book Community Read

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Central West Libraries staff read the One Library One Book Community Read, The Wakes by Dianne Yarwood.

Central West Libraries has announced the chosen book for this year’s One Library One Book community read.

Dianne Yarwood’s bestselling novel The Wakes has been chosen for the innovative program in the Central West that takes the traditional book club concept to the next level. Named One Library One Book, the program aims to have everyone in the region read and discuss the same book.

“I’m thrilled that The Wakes has been chosen for the One Library One Book community read for 2023. What a wonderful program! Travelling through the Central West and talking to book-loving community members will be such a pleasure for me. I can’t wait,” Dianne Yarwood said.

Central West Libraries has distributed multiple copies of The Wakes across the Central West Libraries footprint – Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes and Orange. These copies have been added to the catalogues of the Library branches.

Author Dianne Yarwood will be touring the Central West in May to discuss the book with audiences. Dianne will be speaking at:

• Cowra Library on Monday 22 May at 10.30am

• Blayney Library on Monday 22 May at 2.30pm

• Forbes Library on Tuesday 23 May 11am

• Orange City Library on Tuesday 23 May at 5.30pm – 7pm

• Canowindra at Montrose House on Wednesday 24 May at 11am.

“The One Library, One Book program takes the idea of a book club and expands it to cover an entire region,” Central West Libraries Manager, Roslyn Cousins, said.

“The book is a heartfelt, funny and uplifting debut about two failing marriages, two strangers falling in love, two friends embarking on a catering business – and the four funerals that connect them all.”

“We are pleased to bring this book to readers of the Central West. It is already making a name for itself as a bestseller and will be filmed for TV, ” she said.

Supporting Small Businesses Across NSW To Prosper

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Service NSW Business Connect program, which provides small businesses with free, tailored business advice from independent advisors who have experience running their own business, is supporting the City of Sydney’s Reboot webinar series to help small businesses and people across NSW looking to learn, innovate and grow a business.

Leaders from some of Australia’s most successful companies will share their inspiring stories, valuable insights and practical tips across a range of business topics in free, weekly webinars from 2–30 May.

The free webinars will include The Man Cave and STUFF CEO Hunter Johnson on setting up a purpose-driven business and Snuggle Honey CEO Julie Mathers and Birdsnest founder Jane Cay on the secrets to rapid online growth. Other webinars in the Reboot series will focus on building a brand, engaging with audiences, storytelling, networking and growing a customer base.

For more information about Service NSW Business Connect, call 13 77 88 or go online at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/business-connect

Parkes Shire Library Ambassadors for 2023

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