The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has partnered with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to offer funding to Local Aboriginal Land Coun­cils (LALCs) from across the State through a new grant program called Together on Country.

The Together on Country grants are aimed at supporting LALCs across NSW in managing their land holdings. This includes improving waste management and caring for Country within their local communities.

NSWALC Chairperson, Dr Raymond Kelly, said the Together on Country grant program will help Aboriginal communities safely dispose of waste, care for Country and support Aboriginal participation in the circular economy.

Through this program, LALCs are encour­aged to apply for up to $150,000 per project to improve waste management and sustain­able practices within their communities.

The grant funding is available to all LA­LCs; successful projects should address a specific waste issue and provide sustain­able, long-term solutions.

Further details are available at https://alc.org.au/t-o-c-grant/.

All proceeds from Maddy’s recent Trivia Night will go towards supporting a village community in the Philippines, helping provide essential resources, education and daily necessities.Inset: Maddy Morrison.

In July this year, 16 year old, Maddy Mor­rison will be travelling to the Philippines as part of an international volunteer pro­gram for teenagers, (www.volunteerhq.org) where she will be volunteering in Tigman Village, alongside other young volunteers, helping with community projects and sup­porting local families and children. Maddy attends Red Bend Catholic College and is also a member of the Forbes Youth Action Team.

“Volunteering overseas is something I have dreamt of since I was little and it is so surreal that it is all coming together. I’ve always hoped to make a meaningful differ­ence while learning more about another culture and day to day life. I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to contribute to the community and gain valu­able life experiences.”

So far, Maddy has organised various fun­draising activities, with the support of local businesses, family, friends and the wider community. Recently, hosting a Trivia Night at the Forbes Town Hall, which was an amazing success. There were around 130 attendees, across 13 tables and together they raised approximately $3,400. The night included five rounds of trivia, raffles and games.

“I would especially like to thank every­one who attended the Trivia Night, donated prizes, bought raffle tickets or helped in any way. The support from the local business­es and community members has already made a huge difference in my fundraising,” said Maddy.

There are still multiple ways individuals and businesses can support future fund­raising efforts, whether it be through do­nations, sponsorships or simply attending events and spreading awareness. Maddy is currently in the process of setting up a donation portal, but for now she can be con­tacted via her email maddymrr@gmail.com

Dianne holds an annual mini field of women event at the Lions park in Parkes on Sunday of the October long weekend.

International Nurses Day was celebrated on 12 May, and we want to take the oppor­tunity to recognise one of our local nurses Dianne Green, a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse at Parkes Health Service.

Dianne’s mum was a nurse and Dianne said, “From when I was little it was all I wanted to be. I completed my training and commenced working as a registered nurse at Prince of Wales Hospital Sydney in 1988.

“I then returned to work at Dubbo base in emergency for 12 months until I moved home to marry my husband Rowan in 1990 and have remained working for Parkes Health Service and this area for 36 years.”

Dianne has been a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse specialising in breast cancer since 2011. “I moved into this area after looking after multiple women as a commu­nity nurse and seeing there was a need to be able to explain their pathology to them and their treatment plan as they struggle to take in what they are told.”

“Nursing can take all you have to give, but the rewards of the difference you can make and the variety of areas you can work in, is life changing and well worth it.”

Each year on the Sunday of the October long weekend, Dianne holds a mini field of women event at the Lions park in Parkes to honour those women and men diagnosed with early and metastatic breast cancer and remember those we have lost.

“My family and I all cook to provide a morning tea for the public for a gold coin donation which goes to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia,” said Dianne.

Dianne expressed extreme pride to be a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse and part of our team of local cancer services. Learn more at https://mcgfdn.com/IND2026

Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids – a three-day ride across regional NSW – is coming to Parkes, starting at 7am on Sun­day, 17 May at Cooke Park Pavilion. All are welcome to cheer on the riders.

The Ride will travel through Molong, Ma­nildra, Trundle, and Eugowra, before finish­ing in Forbes, raising funds to improve the health and wellbeing of children in rural and remote areas. Children with developmen­tal, behavioural, and mental health needs can wait up to six years for diagnoses be­cause care is too far away, too fragmented, or impossible to access. Royal Far West is aiming to bridge that gap.

Michael Gibbons, father of five and a lo­cal Parkes resident, has seen first-hand the benefits of Royal Far West’s speech pathology services. His nine-year-old son, Finley, is now flourishing due to his once weekly telehealth speech pathology ses­sions that were held over two years. Finley has gone on to win two inter-town public speaking competitions.

“Accessing paediatric support was ex­tremely difficult in Parkes. There were long waitlists. And when we did manage to see a paediatrician, it was very sporadic. There was also limited staff to assist us. Royal Far West was introduced to us through our school. We jumped on board when an availability came up for Finley to see a speech pathologist,” Michael Gibbons said.

The support from Royal Far West has had a dramatic positive impact on Finley’s life. “His literacy and reading have taken off. His confidence and social skills have improved, and he now experiences the joy of communicating with other people and being understood – something that we take for granted.” said Michael Gibbons.

Royal Far West is aiming to raise $500,000. They need your help to give these children the best start in life. To sup­port the riders go to: www.rideforcoun­trykids.com.au

MAJOR FUNDING WINS 

Two organisations in the Orange electorate have secured a combined $599,757 through the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund!  Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve Land  Manager has been awarded $299,757 to  redevelop the Bogan Gate Sportsground.  Forbes Rugby Union Club will receive  $300,000 to install new lighting. Congratulations to both organisations on this fantastic achievement. These upgrades will support local sport, strengthen community connections, and deliver lasting benefits for years to come. Well done to all involved. 

SIGN THE E-PETITION – FIX THE GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY 

The ongoing closure at Victoria Pass is hitting our region hard – disrupting freight, hurting local businesses, increasing safety risks, and adding pressure on families and volunteers. I’ve taken this directly to the NSW Government. This isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s exposed a major failure. A critical corridor carrying over 12,000 vehicles a day should never be this vulnerable. 

I’m pushing for immediate support, proper transport alternatives beyond Bathurst, action on fuel costs, and a long-term solution, not a temporary fix. 

Regional communities are tired of being an afterthought. We deserve safe, reliable infrastructure, and I will continue holding the Government to account.  Sign the ePetition. Share it with others. Visit https://shorturl.at/GKly8 

MEN’S HEALTH WEEK EVENT:  GETTIN’ ·A·GRIP

Men’s health remains an issue that doesn’t get the attention it deserves and that needs to change. That’s why I’m launching Gettin’ a Grip, a major event to kick off Men’s Health Week in June, in Orange. 

This isn’t just an event, it’s about starting conversations and saving lives. With high­profile participants, health professionals, and strong community engagement, the goal is simple: 
Get men talking 
Get men checked 
Get men connected 

This builds on years of work supporting mental health initiatives across our region, and I’m proud to continue that advocacy.  For more details visit: 
https://www.facebook.com/Gettinagrip