General Interest Archives - Page 90 of 326

Fresh Spark For Old Fire Station

July 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Some of the Parkes Antique Motor Club’s Executive are pictured at the handing over of the keys of the former Parkes Fire Station from Scott Tucker, of the NSW Dept of Planning and Environment, and Craig Gibson, Captain of Parkes Fire and Rescue. Behind them, and in the old Station’s driveway, is the Club’s 1926 Garford; the same as the first motorised Fire Appliance to be stationed in Parkes, when the former Station was opened in 1924.

The NSW Government is giving the old Parkes Fire Station building a new lease on life as a fire brigade museum, appointing the Parkes Antique Motor Club as Crown Land Managers.

The Parkes Antique Motor Club plans to revive the site as a museum to be opened to the community on special occasions, and on request of visiting tourist groups.

The Parkes Fire Brigade dates back to 1878 when it was first formed with a board of control headed by the town mayor, with a shed building erected in 1879 at the rear of the local courthouse to store fire brigade equipment.

The town’s first fire brigade station was built on land owned by the justice department and then a new, larger station was completed in 1924 at a cost of £1,564 at the corner of Court and Hill Streets.

In 2017 it was announced Parkes would get a new state-of-the-art fire station with two engine bays, which was completed in 2020 behind the former station that will now serve as a museum.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning and Environment has appointed the motor club as the Crown Land Manager for the Want Street reserve.

Parkes Antique Car Club President Phil Dixon said “The old fire station is a beautiful building and all of our members are very enthusiastic and happy to be able to showcase our historic equipment there to do something positive for the town.”

Tiny Home Co. Open Day Big Success

July 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Nearly 300 people attended the open day last weekend.

Last Saturday, 1st July, The Modular and Tiny Home Co. held its first ever Open Day in Parkes. Business owner, Daniel Relyea was happy to report the day was a smash thanks to the support of the community who helped him promote the event and the people who came along on the day.

The flow was non-stop with many great enquiries. The mood was relaxed with many positive comments. People were excited that there was a local manufacturer of Modular and Tiny Homes. It was encouraging for us to be able to engage with so many locals who are looking for accommodation alternatives.

Rural Aid Supports Food Education Campaign

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Wheat Grains at harvest.

Rural Aid has thrown its support behind a campaign to help Australians better understand where their food comes, how to eat seasonally and ways they can stretch their “food dollars”. The National Farmers Federation (NFF) inspired campaign featuring Sydney-based culinary experts Alex Elliott-Howery and Jaimee Edwards from Cornersmith will showcase a different Aussie-grown product every week for the next six weeks. Recent research commissioned by the NFF found that 51 per cent of the Australian population is “extremely” concerned about fresh food and grocery costs.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said it’s concerning that same number of people said they only “know a little” about Australian farming and agriculture, according to the new research.

Mr Warlters said while Australian farmers were world-renowned for the quality of their produce and their efficiency, closer to home many people were less familiar with how their food was grown and how to make the most of their food purchases.

The adventure begins this week on the Australian Farmers social media accounts. Tips, tricks, recipes and farmer profiles can be found at farmers.org.au

Red Meat Industry: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A research report released by CSIRO and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has shown that the Australian red meat and livestock industry has reduced its net greenhouse gas emissions by 65% since 2005.

According to MLA’s Managing Director, Jason Strong, the reduction in red meat industry GHG emissions in 2020 was partly explained by reductions in livestock numbers following the years of drought leading into 2020.

“The number of livestock on the ground has an influence on industry’s overall emissions, and we know these numbers will fluctuate with seasonal and market conditions,” Mr Strong said.

The new research report examined the production of beef cattle, sheep for meat, and goats, as well as the domestic processing of these animals.

Emissions were attributed to the red meat industry based on animal numbers, feed intake, livestock processed, and resource use. It’s part of the industry’s work in annually benchmarking its GHG footprint, which has been occurring since 2015.

“MLA and the red meat industry are ready to further reduce emissions” Mr Strong said.

Free Holiday Camps For Regional Kids

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

More than 300 kids from regional NSW will enjoy a free overnight camp at a sport and recreation centre these school holidays.

The NSW Office of Sport is offering the overnight camps at seven sport and recreation centres across the State.

Regional kids aged 12-15 are eligible for the program which includes all activities, meals and accommodation.

The camps feature a range of activities, including mountain biking and BMX, stand-up paddleboarding and survival skills with all activities supervised by qualified instructors. All sport and recreation centres also cater for special diets, medical conditions and allergies.

Camp dates and locations:

• Lake Burrendong: 3-5 July
• Broken Bay: 3-5 July
• Milson Island: 5-7 July
• Borambola: 5-7 July
• Lake Keepit: 5-7 July
• Point Wolonstoncroft: 10-12 July
• Berry: 10-12 July

The Holiday Break camps are funded through the Office of Regional Youth’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Holiday Break camps are an opportunity for kids to challenge themselves, learn new skills and have fun.

“And with camps from Borambola in the Riverina to Lake Keepit in the North West and Broken Bay on the Central Coast, we’ve got all corners of the State covered.

“So, if your kids love sport, adventure or nature, book them into one of the NSW Government’s free Holiday Break camps these school holidays.”

For further information and to register call 13 13 02 or visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/holiday-break-camps

Works Progressing On Safe Place For Women And Children

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Builder John Adams, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes business development manager Mark Noonan, Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, Condobolin parish representative Helen Atkinson, Condobolin parish priest Father Getulio Gonclaves, and Condobolin parish representative Tony Broadley at the project site.

An emergency accommodation project to support women and children leaving domestic violence is reaching major construction milestones at Condobolin.

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes and the Condobolin Catholic parish have united to transform a church property for the new purpose.

The planned facility will bring much-needed support to the Lachlan local government area (LGA), which ranked 14th highest in the state for domestic violence assaults in 2022 in NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data.

BOCSAR figures show the LGA recorded 54 reported incidents in 2022, but its largest town, Condobolin, is 100 kilometres away from the nearest women’s shelter at Forbes.

Project manager CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes secured $800,785 from the Australian government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program for the capital works and local builder John Adams was engaged to lead the project.

The Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes has made a generous in-kind contribution of the land and building at Condobolin. Renovations are on track for the church property to start its next chapter within the coming months.

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, parish priest Father Getulio Goncalves, and representatives from CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes and the Condobolin parish visited the property in March to view progress.

“Women and children experiencing domestic violence in western NSW need and deserve access to safe emergency accommodation, which is what this new facility will deliver,” CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche said.

Through the Condobolin project the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes seeks to welcome and care for the vulnerable and promote peace, and dignity.

Happy 106th Birthday To Isabella “Billie” Mattiske

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The birthday girl pictured with staff from Jemalong Residential Villiage, Helen Dumbrell, Sharmane Clarke, Lucy King, Merryl Morris, Sue Smith and Anita Rutherford.

Isabella “Billie” Mattiske is a much loved resident of the Jemaolng Residential Villiage in Forbes, and on 24th June she celebrated an impressive milestone, her 106th birthday.

Isabella earned the nickname “Billie” after Prime Minister Billie Hughes, as they were both seen to be avid talkers and lovers of a great debate.

Billie is an accomplished home economics teacher, and taught renowned chef Margaret Fulton how to cook; a story that she recounts quite fondly and proudly.

A few favorite hobbies she has enjoyed over the years are playing 500, tennis and a love of gardening.

Going to town on a Friday to have lunch with her friends was a beloved pastime, and two of the things Billie was renowned for were her Anzac Biscuits and ginger fluff sponge cake.

Billie moved to Forbes to continue with teaching career. When she arrived and stepped off of the train, was the exact moment she met Eddie, the man whom she would marry. Billie has one son named Brian, two grandsons and six great grandchildren.

Billie went on to report that she thoroughly enjoyed her birthday cake, and when asked how she felt, stated: “I can’t believe that I am 106!” She then proceeded to thank the staff of Jemalong Residential Village for singing happy birthday to her.

$61.7 Million Parkes-Peak Hill Water Project Underway

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Announcing the Water Supply Project from left to right is Parkes Shire Council General Manager Kent Boyd, Parkes Shire Councilor Niel Westcott, NSW Minister for Water The Hon Rose Jackson and Parkes Mayor Ken Kieth OAM.

Work has begun on one of the largest water infrastructure projects in New South Wales, with the Parkes-Peak Hill Water Supply Project designed to put the region in a stronger position to be able to manage water in a drier climate.

The $61.7 million project will deliver a suite of water infrastructure upgrades to safeguard water supply and boost drought resilience, funded in combined partnership between the Australian Government, the NSW Government and Parkes Shire Council.

The project is expected to be completed in 2025, with major construction on the pipeline expected to get underway later this year in or around september.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said “The Australian Government is proud to have committed $11 million to ensure this much-needed water infrastructure project becomes a reality, bolstering drinking water security for the Parkes and Peak Hill communities.“Our Government has an unwavering commitment to continuing to invest in Australia’s regions to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.”NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson was excited to tour the area and had this to say about the project “It is the priority of the NSW Government to ensure regional communities have access to safe and secure water. The $22 million investment is instrumental in getting this key project started.

“This is one of the largest investments in water infrastructure in the Central West region this century and it’s great to see that work is underway to deliver a stronger and more resilient water network for Parkes and Peak Hill.

“We’re putting in 39 kilometres of new pipelines, two new pump stations, an upgraded Lachlan River pump station, a new pre-treatment plant at Eugowra Road and a new raw water storage lagoon at the Parkes Water Treatment Plant.

“We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to shore-up water security for the community, especially during dry periods. The project will more than double Parkes’ current transfer capacity from the Lachlan River and bore fields, which is major win for the community as it will secure better access to safe, clean drinking water.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek was proud to play a part and said “The Albanese Labor Government knows how important water security and availability is for economic growth and building resilient communities.

“This is especially true in our regions as we continue to face increasingly uncertain climate conditions.

“That’s why we’re investing in critical water infrastructure project across the nation so central western communities such as Parkes and Peak Hill can benefit from increased water security and climate resilience both now and into the future.”

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith was on hand to comment and said “This project will help the region grow and thrive. We want to welcome more tourists and residents into Parkes Shire and this project is a key part of our long-term vision.

“We need to ensure a reliable supply of top-quality water for our residents and local businesses which will underpin our population and economic growth.”

Parkes Mayor Ken Kieth OAM and NSW Minister for Water The Hon Rose Jackson pictured together after making the exciting announcement.

Petition Launched To Save Regional Seniors Travel Card

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Upper House MP and Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway has launched a petition in the Central West and Western NSW to stop the NSW Labor government from cutting the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Mr Farraway said he hopes the petition will save the seniors travel card from being cut. “Travel cards allow seniors to take a trip to visit friends and family, travel for a doctor’s appointment, or visit the shops to pick up groceries”.

“We all know someone in our community who benefits from the Regional Seniors Travel Card, and we all have an important reason to sign this this petition,” Mr Farraway said.

“Over the coming weeks I will be asking people to share this petition far and wide to save our Regional Seniors Travel Card so seniors in our community can continue to do things they love and need to do.

“The NSW Labor Government has prioritised Sydney projects over regional seniors, and we hope this petition will convince the Minns government keep it in place,” Mr Farraway said.

To sign the petition go to: www.nswnationals.org.au/save-the-travel-card/

Term Two In Thomson Street

June 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes North Public School was privileged to welcome the Forbes Shire Council and executive staff to our school on Thursday 18 May. The FSC team toured our playground, library, oval, COLA area, infants’ playground, kitchen garden and enjoyed a delicious morning tea pre-pared by our talented students, Mrs Yapp and Mrs Hardy in the kitchen for morning tea.

What an incredible term here at Forbes North. As we reach the halfway point of 2023, we can celebrate an enormous number of achievements where our students participated in cultural, scholastic, artistic and sporting opportunities across Forbes and beyond.

Our great school has accumulated an impressive amount of meetings, excursions, and community events such as the ANZAC Day Service held in Victoria Park and a school commemoration at Forbes North.

Our school leaders attended the GRIP Leadership Day in Dubbo where all our school parliamentarians and leadership team came home inspired.

The FNPS Cross County held at Forbes Racecourse was a huge success and our school was then selected to host the Lachlan PSSA Small Schools Athletics Carnival welcoming Eugowra, Quandialla, Bogan Gate, Bedgerabong and Caragabal students to our school.

Forbes North were proud to attend the MADD Forbes High School musical extravaganza and concert the same week we participated in the Peachey Shield Rugby League gala day in Condobolin before receiving a musical incursion from Goobanji Indigenous performances.

Our school is a great place to host an occasion and the 2023 Biggest Morning Tea and Mother’s Day Breakfast raised over $1,000 for the NSW Cancer Council and made our deserving mums feel special.

The list of guests coming to our school continued with Forbes Shire Council executive staff coming for a school tour and morning tea hosted by Mr McGaw in our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden rooms.

We also hosted the Forbes Junior and Senior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group meeting in our new refurbished library space.

To reward great behaviour from our students we held two fun days, namely a PBL Pyjama Day and Crazy Hair Day either side of National Walk to School safety day.

One of the highlights of term two was the Doing it for Rural Aussie Kids concert by Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen in our school hall which was outstanding. This was followed by the visit of the Life Education Program starring Healthy Harold the famous giraffe.

Our community minded school hosted Launching Rocket Learners sessions for existing and future FNPS parents and our year 5 and year 6 visited the Junee Chocolate Factory with our senior girls then travelling to Dubbo for Girls in Aviation.

The Forbes Eisteddfod is a community highlight and Forbes North took out the overall point score, perpetual shield and $500 first prize with our commitment to the creative and performing arts giving our kids so many opportunities.

Forbes North is committed to Aboriginal Education and our successful Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week celebrations focusing on cultural immersion and Wiradjuri language leads the way in public education.

Term two was super, and we look forward to term three in Thomson Street.

Subscribe