General Interest Archives - Page 87 of 311

NSW Government Supporting Growth In Aboriginal Businesses

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Aboriginal businesses in NSW received $92 million in direct Government contracts in 2019-20. This soared to almost $480 million in 2021-22. The NSW Aboriginal Procurement Policy came into effect in January 2021 with the aim for Aboriginal-owned businesses to be awarded at least 3 per cent of the total number of domestic contracts for goods and services issued by NSW Government agencies

Treasurer Matt Kean welcomed the increased volume of contracts with Aboriginal businesses as proof of the collaborative approach taken by the Government with Aboriginal community leaders. “The NSW Government is committed to driving greater partnership and shared decision-making with Aboriginal communities,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the policy’s success reflected the expertise and quality of the products and services provided by Aboriginal businesses in NSW. “The Aboriginal Procurement Policy had a target of 200 contracts worth a total of $136.7 million for the 2021-22 financial year. We can report there have been 694 contracts worth $479.6 million,” Mr Tudehope said.

For information go to https://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/aboriginal-procurement-policy.

Families Set To Save With Voucher Swap Scheme

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parents will have more choice when it comes to cost of living support thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher swap initiative.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said families would be able to use the two vouchers interchangeably from Term 2, letting kids do more of what they love.

“Our Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers have been incredibly popular with parents across the state, with almost 7 million vouchers already downloaded and redeemed saving families $694 million,” Mr Perrottet said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the change would allow families to lean into the activities their kids loved.

“Whether it’s playing netball, footy or the violin, we want kids to be able to extract the most out of every day. Helping families with costs like these means they can focus on seeing their kids grow and kick goals, no matter what they love doing,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said families across the State could use the digital voucher in just a few clicks through the Service NSW app.

The voucher swap program will commence from the start of Term 2, 26th Apriland only apply to:

• $100 Active Kids voucher for sport and recreation costs including school holiday programs.

• $100 Creative Kids voucher for arts and cultural activities costs including school holiday classes and workshops.

Families can download their child’s vouchers via the Service NSW app or website and by calling 13 77 88.

Boosting Mobile Reception In The Bush

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $250 million to boost mobile reception in the bush in small communities, tourism hotspots and along key transport corridors through the Mobile Coverage Program.

• The new program will target three key areas:

• Small regional communities with little tono existing coverage;

• Key transport corridors, where a boostto coverage can help drive increasedproductivity and improved safety; and

• Visitor economies where major eventsdraw large crowds.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government had already invested in more than 120 mobile towers across regional NSW to boost coverage in known blackspot areas.

“Our $250 million investment in this program shifts away from traditional ‘one tower, one provider’ model thinking in favour of a nation-leading approach to deliver shared infrastructure available for use by all carriers,” said Paul Toole.

The Mobile Coverage project is part of the Regional Digital Connectivity program and funded through the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund. For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalnsw

Proud Forbes Chef A Rising ‘Star’

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Star Annandale’s competition dish was a red rice coconut arancini with a mango filling, coconut wafer pandan pearls and mango gel.

Local apprentice chef, Star Annandale was recently selected as one of only 32 finalists Australia-wide to compete in the Proud To Be A Chef competition.

The local, 23 year old is employeed as an apprentice chef at the popular Club Forbes and was extremely honoured and proud to represent NSW in the competition.

Held in Victoria over four days, the thrilling competition involved tuition and paddock to plate experiences such as milking cows, farms visits, markets and various tastings in addition to dining experiences and cooking lessons with renowned Melbourne based chefs.

Participants received mentoring and competed in a ‘Master Chef’ style cookoff in which they were judged on their dishes. An absolute trip of a lifetime for any young, up and coming chef.

Speaking of her experience, Star said, “The whole opportunity to be part of the program was an experience that was truly rewarding in both knowledge and self growth.”

“It was amazing to have been able to experience beautiful food at up and coming restaurants with Melbourne’s best Chefs. It’s not something that often presents itself as an opportunity living in rural NSW,” said Star.

Star said her favourite part of the trip was milking a cow, learning where and how dairy products come from and where they are processed. She was inspired by the passion of the the dairy farmers towards the production of their products.

“Getting to know other people who are going through and sharing the same chefing journey I am, made me feel part of a bigger community,” said Star.

“I guess taking away from the program, I want to continue developing myself and refining my skills as a chef. I would like to do more in the community and give similar opportunities to others as this program gave to me,” said Star.

Club Forbes CEO, Adam McGregor said, “Star started over 12 months ago with us, after a few months she moved into the kitchen as an apprentice chef. Star has found her feet within this area of Club Forbes and proved herself a reliable employee willing to work hard and show initiative.”

“Our Head Chef Damian Scott is keen to mentor and provide opportunities for our staff to grow and learn. He encouraged Star to enter the Proud To Be A Chef competition. We are all so very proud of Stars efforts within the competition,” said Adam.

Star is pictured with the other finalists in the Proud to be a Chef competition.

Starting Medicine At 40

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Suzie Hill is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program, which is on offer in Dubbo.

Becoming a doctor was never a lifelong dream for Suzie Hill, but with two children who are now adults and have left home, she began looking at the next stage of her life.

Suzie is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. She will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo with clinical training centered on Dubbo Hospital.

Suzie had previously been practicing as a Radiographer for over 15 years. Like many rural residents, she is acutely aware of the impact the shortage of doctors has on our communities. She has been inspired by the care and support her son received by a specialist and the efforts he went to in bringing treatment closer to home as well as some gentle encouragement from Radiologists she has worked with over the years.

“Being able to study in Dubbo has been a huge attraction in maintaining my family life. I love that I’ll be learning in a smaller cohort and the opportunity to develop relationships with teaching and clinical staff that, hopefully I’ll be working with one day as a doctor.”

Suzie 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 their peers 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 more information visit sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/dubbo

Marramarra Youth Summer Sessions A Resounding Success

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Local youth enjoying the Marramarra youth summer sessions workshops.

Parkes Shire Council was lucky to receive a $12,600 grant for 2022-23 school holiday activities for youth aged 12-24 years in the Parkes Shire from the NSW Government Holiday Break Program. Parkes youth had the opportunity to:

Develop new creative skills in Resin Pouring and Bali Batik ink techniques in flag making.

Learn about stand-up comedy and develop their own routine with Aussie comedian Anthony Lamond; and

Team up together to complete a photo scavenger hunt around the Parkes CBD.

“Diversity in our offerings for youth is so important”, said Creative Learning Programs Coordinator Roxanne Gallacher, the Summer Sessions Project Manager.

“Being able to access grant funding to deliver these sessions to the youth of Parkes is a privilege, and we are extremely grateful to the Office of Regional Youth for the opportunity to bring something different this year,” Roxanne said.

As a result we had 92 young people attend across the seven events. Feedback that the programs were giving youth opportunities not readily available, with a good variety and comparable, or exceeding those of larger regional centres.

Ability to reach youth who had not been to library events or workshops before and they have been willing to connect into the library as a source of creativity and information.

There has been an increase in bookings for other library programs and events, bringing new youth into the Library spaces and connecting youth from different schools together in a relaxed environment.

Molly Is Conquering 86K For A Cure

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Local girl Molly is running in honour of her late sister Phoebe to conquer 86km during the month of March for the 86 children diagnosed with cancer in Australia every month.

Children’s Cancer Institute’s 86K for a Cure is a free national fitness challenge that kicked off this week on Wednesday, 1st March. People are being encouraged to walk, run, cycle, swim or roll 86km throughout March and raise vital funds to help children with cancer.

In Australia, 86 children are diagnosed with cancer every month and sadly one in three will lose their life. Every dollar raised by 86K for a Cure will help fund life-saving research to provide better outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer.

Inspirational eight year-old local girl Molly, has taken up the challenge and is running in honour of her sister, Phoebe, who died of cancer as a baby.

Baby Phoebe’s brain tumour initially went undetected. It grew to 2/3 the size of her head and she tragically died during surgery.

Inspired by Andre Jones, who set out to run around Australia to raise money for charity, Molly decided to do something special for Phoebe by participating the Children’s Cancer Institute’s 86K for a Cure.

Check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mollysrunforphoebe/

ABOUT 86K FOR A CURE:

Now in its second year, 86K for a Cure is a virtual national fundraiser calling for participants to conquer 86km throughout March in any way they can – walk, run, swim, roll or cycle! All money raised will go directly to fund life-saving research to provide better outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer in Australia. To register or donate visit www.86kforacure.org.au.

$137,000 Awarded To Upgrade Trundle Showground

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway announced that the Central West community has secured close to $330,000 under the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to upgrade two showgrounds across the electorate.

Mr Farraway said the funding would support both the Canowindra and Trundle Showgrounds in making essential upgrades to their facilities.

The local funding in Orange under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will provide $137,000 to the Trundle Showground for upgrades to the Sheep Pavilion, including the installation of a water tank and replacement of trees, providing much-needed improvements to this important community asset.

“I am delighted to see the NSW Nationals delivering this funding to support the Central West community and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our region,” said Mr Farraway.

The grants are part of $16.48 million being offered to support 264 projects on Crown land reserves across NSW to benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.

Life Pharmacy Group Make Annual Trip To Forbes

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Earlier this month, Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) gathered in Forbes for its 8th annual conference, to review the group’s strategy and plan for the year ahead.

This year, attendees had the opportunity to hear great bush poetry and stories by local identity “Tractor” Rennick hosted by Debbie Prior at The Book Dispensary. The team were lucky to enjoy a delicious meal at the soon to open Donna’s Table restaurant!

CEO Michael Flannery awarded Shannon Nash from Life Pharmacy Forbes the LPG 2023 Pharmacist in Charge of the Year award. Shannon has taken on extra responsibilities as PIC throughout the year and been a fantastic leader to the team and community during not one, but two devastating floods in Forbes at the end of 2022.

The LPG 2023 Pharmacy of the Year award was presented to joint winners Life Pharmacy Forbes and Flannery’s Pharmacy. Both pharmacies showed resilience and amazing support to the local community during the Forbes floods.

Forbes CanAssist hosted a BBQ breakfast at the picturesque Forbes Golf Club. Life Pharmacy Group proudly donated $2,500 to CanAssist.

Almost $8 Million For New Bridge At McGrane Way

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Cr Tony Mileto, Parkes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Neil Westcott, MR354 Committee Member Fiona Aveyard, President of the MR354 Committee Gary Langley, Parkes Shire Council Director of Operations Ben Howard, Transport for NSW Western Manager Kristine Boggs and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway.

The long awaited announcement has been made that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest almost $8 million to build a new bridge at Graddle Creek on The McGrane Way through the latest round of the Fixing Country Roads Program.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the new bridge will improve safety and ensure the community and truckies have better access during times of extreme wet weather events.

“This will ensure local freight operators and farmers in the region can get our region’s great produce to international and domestic markets sooner and more safely, which will keep our state moving forward,” said Sam Farraway.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM said the community is very excited and very grateful for the near $8 million that has been allocated for a new bridge at Graddle Creek and realignment works on The McGrane Way through the Fixing Country Roads Program.

“This road is a vital route for transporters connecting the west to Narromine and Dubbo, producers to grain silos, saleyards and mining operations,” Ken said.

“The new bridge will be more resilient, replacing a narrow causeway that is subject to frequent flash flooding which has posed a serious safety risk for the community.

“This project will deliver safer and more reliable journeys for all road users across the region, helping to keep moving the more than 800,000 tonnes of freight transported each year along The McGrane Way.”

Member of the MR354 Committee and local farmer Fiona Aveyard thanked the NSW Government and said the investment was a big win for the community.

“We are grateful to the NSW Government for this investment of close to $8 million,” Fiona said.

“This investment will keep freight moving, get families home safe and will keep Tullamore, Parkes and regional NSW moving forward.”

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