The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has extended a statewide expression of interest to identify local Aboriginal service providers that can offer place based cultural immersion training for employees as part of the department’s Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework. 

Expressions of interest will run until 7th August to identify potential Aboriginal service providers who will be shortlisted and invited to tender for the delivery of services based on their local cultural knowledge.

DPE Director of Aboriginal People and Cultural Affairs, Amanda McCarthy, said the framework will provide employees with comprehensive learning to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness and capabilities, enabling them to deliver the very best services in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

“Aboriginal people and cultures are so diverse that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to cultural learning won’t work,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Employees need to immerse themselves in their local communities or on Country with Traditional Custodians, knowledge holders and language speakers and understand their intrinsic connections with Country and the broader community.”

Through the expression of interest process, DPE aims to establish a panel of preferred Aboriginal suppliers across NSW who can provide cultural immersion experiences and share the richness and diversity of Aboriginal culture and history on Country.

With about 10,000 employees in the Department of Planning and Environment around NSW, the establishment of the panel represents real and tangible economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people, communities, and business.

Further information on the expression of interest can be found here https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/

Back in February, Orange Ex Services Club hosted a wonderful industry luncheon that brought registered Clubs and industry suppliers together to raise much needed funds for flood affected areas and their community Clubs from across our local area.

This event saw a number of large donations and contributions made. Thanks to the incredible event organisers at Smart Exposure and all of the wonderful sponsors and volunteers, the event proudly raised over $200,000, and these funds have now made their way to the flood-affected communities via their community Clubs.

Last Thursday 20th July, the Orange Ex-Services’ Club and Smart Exposure brought some of the major donators including Mounties Group, Ryde-Eastwood Leagues, Campbelltown Catholic Club and Manly Leagues to the Central West on a day trip to Molong, Cudal and Eugowra. At the cheque presentations, they spoke to the Clubs’ mangement and met some local Club members and the community, to hear first hand the impact and devastation these floods have had and were able to brainstorm a number of initiatives that the funds raised can go towards.

It is critical that these small, flood affected communities continue to get support and funding to rebuild, and sharing this heartwarming news story is a part of ensuring they are not left behind to rebuild on their own. 

Sonya Robertson has recently relocated her established carpet cleaning business from Newcastle to Fobes to be closer to family. 

“I know Parkes and Forbes, I lived in Parkes from the age of nine, and the community is so supportive and lovely,” said Sonya.

Advanced Carpet Care Forbes, Parkes and Surroundings offers the following services:

• Residential and commercial carpet steamcleaning
• Upholstery and mattresses
• Tile and grout cleaning
• Outdoor hard surface pressure cleaning
• Flood water extraction
• Deodorising and pet stain treatment
• End of lease flea and tick spraying

Find Advanced Carpet Care’s contact details in our fortnightly Trades and Services Guide, on page 11 of this paper.

Relocation of gas services in the vicinity of Wyndham Avenue, Forbes will now take place in July and August.The gas relocation works will commence on Monday 31st July and be completed by Friday 11th August.

The works will occur during normal working hours of 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. There may be a requirement for night works. 

Sites access roads used works will occur mostly within the existing rail corridor and road reserves. Site access will be via local roads and existing access tracks wherever possible.

Residents can expect:

• Temporary gas service interruptions may be required. Impacted residents will be notified in advance

• Construction machinery and equipment operating on site

• Delivery of materials and equipment to site

• Mitigation measures will be in place for works generating noise or dust.

• Machinery will include small and large trucks, water cart, vacuum trucks, hand tools, excavators, directional drilling/boring machine, light vehicles.

Impacts will be managed by:

• Traffic controls will be in place at each street and property access will be maintained for all impacted residents

• Some of these works may be noisy. If deemed necessary, mitigation measures will be in place during the works.

• Works can sometimes be cancelled at short notice depending on weather and other factors. Should this occur, works will be rescheduled. 

Forbes Shire Council has shown appreciation for the support of local emergency service organisations at the recent Frost and Fire event. Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, on behalf of Council, thanked volunteers and presented Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes HQ fire brigades with a $250 cheque each, and Forbes SES with a gas cooker and fittings in appreciation of their support.

“We greatly value the time these volunteers give us for events such as Frost and Fire, when our community can gather and connect in a relaxed social setting, to bring us closer together and make this town as strong a community as it is,” said Phyllis.

“Such events are also wonderful opportunities to show visitors just what we have to offer in our area and these visitors spend money in our town, contributing immensely to the local economy,” she said. 

Frost and Fire is held each year around the time of the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Its popularity is growing each year, with a near capacity crowd filing through the gates for an impressive entertainment line up and great food and refreshments. 

This year, guests were treated to Sneaky Sound System, Birdee, Clint, Em and Jo and Belinda Day on stage, with performances from Sydney Fire Dancers, Ice Queen and the Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group.