Articles Archives - Page 11 of 405

Tips For Itchy, Watery, Red Eyes This Spring

October 30, 2025 by Eyecare Plus

If you’re one of the estimated 20% of Australians that suffer with hayfever, Spring is not a time for celebration but rather a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes! Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer so what is the best way to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. Plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your allergy symptoms should be avoided. Try saving outdoor activities to evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly washing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little allergen particles that accumulate.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. Over the counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief for the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid using the “red eye” drops. These temporarily hide the redness without addressing the cause of your red, itchy eyes. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabiliser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

Book an appointment at Hansens Optometrists where we can formulate a personalised plan. We can prescribe more effective eye drops and treat other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy symptoms.

Three Mates Going The ‘Uncomfortable’ Distance For Homelessness

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pictured about to cross the finish line after running 100km from Condobolin to Forbes is mates Sam Parish, Bill Ryan and Sam Johnston.

Local lads Sam Parish, Bill Ryan and Sam Johnston were so inspired by Nedd Brockman’s thousand mile run in Oct 2024 that they set themselves the goal of doing 10% of his 161km a day (16.1km). After completing that goal, they started to think “what’s next?”.Sam Parish said, “Someone suggested, ‘how far is it from Condo to Forbes?’ It was pretty hard to back down from the crazy idea once it has been said out loud, so the preparations began.”

A lot of training was involved – 15 weeks of running three times a week, with various types of running including easy runs, long runs and tempo runs.

“On the day itself, the support we had from friends, family and partners was unbelievable and quite frankly the only way we finished,” said Sam.

The three are raising money and awareness for homelessness, through a charity called We are Mobilise. Sam said, “The three of us, with our close friends group also ran the Nedd Brockmann Gala Ball last year to really support Nedd from his hometown and celebrate the amazing movement he has started.

“Through that we all got to meet Noah Yang, Founder/CEO of We are Mobilise, so we got to form a personal connection to We are Mobilise and the amazing team.”

The trio have raised $18,800. You can still make a donation or even start your own challenge at: www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/fundraisers/FRC.

Snippets…

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Be sure to see JW in the sponsors tent in 2026.

Forbes Rodeo: Forbes Rodeo Committee honoured one of their original legends with a Life Membership. JW has been on the committee right from the beginning and has helped to make Forbes Rodeo what it is today. Forbes Rodeo are planning for the new year in the new MEC.

R U OK? Exam time can be tough. If a school or uni friend doesn’t seem themselves – maybe they’re stressing, procrastinating, or shutting down – check in with them. A simple ‘are you OK? can go a long way. For more tips and helpful study resources visit: ruok.org.au/academic-pressure Don’t forget, if it’s all feeling too much, support is available. ReachOut Australia provides peer support, or get in touch with Kids Helpline Official 1800 55 1800 (24/7) or headspace 1800 650 890.

NSW Government: From 10 December 2025, children under 16 won’t be able to create or keep accounts on platforms where age restrictions are likely to apply, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube. This is to help protect kids from harmful content and give them more time to learn safe online habits. Read the full FAQ here: bit.ly/social-media-age-restrictions

Parkes Clean Future Alliance: Check out the Parkes Plume Plotter. https://plumeplotter.com/parkes/ The Parkes plume plotter shows a prediction of the current amount of air pollution (at ground level) caused by emissions from the proposed incinerator at Parkes, NSW. This is an indicative plume plotter. Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Energy from Waste facilities in Regional NSW close on Friday, 31 October. More information at: www.parkescleanfuture.org

The Great Aussie Bird Count: Join Australia’s biggest citizen-science event – the Aussie Bird Count. This week, take part in the Aussie Bird Count and help track our feathered friends across the country! All it takes is 20 minutes in your backyard, local park, or favourite outdoor spot to count the birds you see. Submit your sightings via the Aussie Bird Count app or online. https://bit.ly/3Liyi1G

Local Spotlight – Great Inland Glossy Count: Want to do more? Join the Great Inland Glossy Count at Goobang National Park on Saturday 25 October. Help us monitor the stunning Glossy Black-Cockatoo and make a real impact. Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/47xLF6T

Let’s put our local birds on the map.

Fresh Fight For Right To Repair

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

NSW Farmers has welcomed calls from the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh to introduce a legislated right to repair for agricultural machinery.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said commitment to legislate this was long overdue. “Right now, much of our modern farm machinery can only be fixed by an ‘authorised repairer’, but this often costs a fortune and there’s the likelihood of costly delays,” Mr Martin said.

“We can choose who fixes our cars and trucks, but can’t choose who fixes the ag machines that help us feed and clothe the nation – and that’s costing our industry time, money and productivity.

“Farmers should be able to choose to use and support a qualified local repairer or do repairs and maintenance work themselves if they’re qualified, so they can get their machinery fixed without huge costs or wait times.”

According to the Productivity Commission, legislating a right to repair agricultural machinery would boost agricultural productivity by $97 million annually.

“We need our tractors, headers and other machines to be fixed efficiently if we’re to keep putting clothes on backs and food on tables,” Mr Martin said.

Forbes Garden Club: September Report

October 23, 2025 by Green Thumb

Noel and Joy Hocking were hosts for the September meeting.

Forbes Garden Club President Marg Dent welcomed 42 members to the September meeting with nine apologies. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Robin Lyell, and Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes presented us with his report.

Michelle Mahlo informed members that we have two Facebook pages and encouraged members to share their pictures on the Forbes Garden Club page. Show flower convenor, Bev Green acknowledged many members who had won prizes at the recent Forbes Show which added to make a beautiful display.

Our hosts were Noel and Joy Hocking who made their garden open for our meeting. Members were amazed to see this beautiful garden of irises, roses and flowers in bloom of all colours. Several times it has been hit with floods and is very well cared for with lots of fertilizer. Noel gave us tips on pruning and white fly control. Noel and Joy will also be opening their garden twice more during the month of October for those wishing to view more iris flowers in bloom. Janette Thomas thanked our hosts with a small gift.

Flower of the month winners were first Denise Thurston (Ranunculi), second Lee Sanderson (Freesia) and third Robyn Liebich (yellow Tulip).There was plenty of raffle winners drawn, winners included Lee Sanderson, Meg Scholefield, Loris Stewart, Denise Thurston, Marian Murray and Robin Lyell.

Our next meeting will be held in the garden of Jane and Darryl Burley at 11 Church Street on Tuesday 28 October at 2pm. Our guest speaker on the day will be Elsie Mahon. Everyone is invited to come along, and new members are always encouraged. Please bring along a chair, hat and cup and have a cuppa with members after the meeting. See you all there.

By Green Thumb

New Stock Management Tool For Farmers

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are continuing to ensure regional communities are able to thrive with a new powerful online tool to help NSW farmers better prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters including fire, flood, and drought.

The agriculture industry is the engine room of the New South Wales economy, contributing around $20 billion each year. This tool will help farmers safeguard their livelihoods during the climatic variations impacting their farming operations.

The platform, called myStockPlanner, enables farmers to provide details of their farm, risks and resources so they then in return can access tailored actionable response options to consider and implement with their feed and livestock.

myStockPlanner enhances and brings together the functions that previously existed in a suite of existing tools so they are upgraded into a smarter and single platform. The old tools such as the Drought and Supplementary Calculator, DroughtPack, Feed Cost Calculator and Drought Feed Calculator have been collated into a one stop shop myStockPlanner.

This platform is designed to empower farmers with real-time insights, scenario planning, and recovery tracking so they can make better and quicker decisions. Importantly, myStockPlanner allows users to save their business information to a farm profile, which they can access and update anywhere, anytime even if their business records are destroyed in floods or fires.

Farmers use the free platform to calculate livestock requirements, develop feed plans and evaluate projected annual costs of livestock sale and retention options to improve the farm’s performance. To learn more or sign up – myStockPlanner – https://mystockplanner.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Serving Up A Day Of Tennis And “Fun”draising

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The 2024 event – people coming along this Sunday are encouraged to wear pink.

Seventeen year-old Parkes girl, and talented tennis player Asha Munodawafa hosted her first fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation last year. Asha wanted to find a way to support the incredible work the McGrath Foundation does and to make a difference within her own community while inspiring others to do the same.

Asha said “The event went really well. We had such a positive response from the community and managed to raise $1,594.05, which was actually over my original goal.

I was so proud of that achievement for a first-time event.”

This Sunday, Asha is excited to be hosting a second event, which includes a ladies and girls cardio session and the Doubles for a Difference tennis tournament.

The amazing Helen Magill will be running the ladies cardio tennis session, a fun, energetic workout that’s suitable for all fitness levels and all about getting active, connecting with others, and having a great time for a great cause.

Meanwhile, junior coaches Tia Dunn, Ella McColl, and Asha will be running the girls cardio tennis session. For the younger girls, the aim is to create an environment that’s less about competition and more about having fun, feeling confident, and making new friends while being part of something meaningful.

The Doubles for a Difference competition will be loads of fun, so grab a partner and register to play, or just come along in support and have some fun. Everyone is welcome to get involved, you don’t need to know how to play tennis to take part. The day is all about community, fun, and supporting a great cause.

To register, please contact Asha on 0466 417 716. It is just $5 per person, and you can also pay with cash on the day. Just come along, bring your friends and family, everyone is welcome!“The McGrath Foundation is such an important cause because of the vital role their cancer care nurses play in helping individuals and families navigate one of the toughest times in their lives.

“The message I’d love to share is that even small efforts can make a big impact, by coming together as a community, we can help ensure that no one faces cancer alone,” said Asha.

Donations can also be made directly through Asha’s fundraising page www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/s/7277/9508

“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, truly helps make a difference. I’m so grateful for the community’s support,” concluded Asha.

The talented and inspiring Asha Munodawafa, is pictured on the left.

Parkes Council Supports Submission To Parliamentary Inquiry On Energy From Waste

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is lodging a formal submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Energy from Waste (EfW), calling for immediate referral of the proposed Parkes EfW facility to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), updated scientific review, and stronger government engagement.

The proposed EfW facility in Parkes represents a critical moment for our region, one that demands immediate and decisive leadership from all levels of government.

If EfW technology is safe, then the NSW Government must demonstrate that safety transparently and scientifically. If it is not safe, it must be prohibited.

In the absence of clarity, Council has taken a principled and proactive stance, preparing for all outcomes, protecting our community, and ensuring that if the project does proceed, it does so under the highest standards of safety, integrity, and fairness.

The submission is not an endorsement of the project, it is a precautionary framework designed to uphold transparency, safety, and community benefit.

Mayor Westcott acknowledged the strong and vocal opposition within the community and reiterated that Council shares many of the concerns raised.

“Council has heard the community loud and clear. We should not be passive hosts in the state’s waste strategy – we are partners, and we expect to be treated as such.

“Council would not be acting responsibly if it failed to prepare for the possibility that this project proceeds.

“Our submission reflects both the community’s concerns and the need to ensure safeguards, transparency, and benefits are in place should the development move forward,” said Mayor Neil Westcott.

Council’s submission outlines 34 recommendations, including immediate referral of the proposal to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to ensure an independent and transparent assessment process, separate from the NSW Government. An urgent update of the Chief Scientist and Engineers Report on EfW, which is now two (2) years overdue, particularly emission standards. Immediate establishment of a whole-of-government taskforce to lead community engagement and oversight and a requirement that the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) explicitly incorporate key matters raised in Council’s submission, including agricultural risk, cumulative impacts, community engagement protocols, and binding benefit agreements.

Council has made its position on independent oversight unequivocally clear, if the Parkes EfW proposal is not referred to the IPC prior to public exhibition, Council will lodge a formal objection. Such an objection as Council understands, triggers a mandatory legislative referral to the IPC, reinforcing the importance of transparency and impartiality in the assessment process.

Council has also formally requested that the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Heritage, the Hon. Penny SharpMLC refer the Parkes EfW proposal to the Chief Scientist and Engineer for immediate review, not only of the 2020 Energy fromWaste report, which was due for reassessment within three years and is now overdue but also of the growing body of community circulated reports raising concerns about adverse health and environmental impactsCouncil believes this review must specifically assess the safety of the proposed facility near sensitive receptors such as school and agricultural land.

Council has also requested that a public hearing of the parliamentary inquiry be held in Parkes to ensure local voices are heard directly. “This is about our future. Our community deserves clarity, respect, and a seat at the table,” the Mayor concluded.

Forbes Set To Sizzle This Weekend

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Make the BBQ Championships a family affair – the two days are free to attend. Bring the whole crew down.

Forbes is set to sizzle as the National BBQ Championships return to Grinstead Oval on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October. The two day event promises a feast of flavour, fun and fierce competition, drawing top grillers and smokers from across Australia.

There’s no better time to come and celebrate Australian BBQ culture while spending some time in the recently awarded Tidy Town Forbes, NSW, an AMAZING regional destination? This year’s National BBQ Championship’s highlight guest chef is the world renowned live fire chef Patrick De Leon, known for his fusion of American, South American and South African BBQ styles.

Chef Patrick will host live demonstrations, showcasing his mastery of coal and wood fire cooking.

Local and Australian competitors will battle it out across protein categories including brisket, chicken, lamb and pork in the grilling and smoking competitions. Saturday’s Grilling Champions will be declared Australia’s National Champions while Sunday’s smoking competition is sanctioned by the Australian Barbecue Alliance, so smokers can gain national circuit points. There is a total $20,000 prize pool up for grabs.

Beyond the grill, attendees can enjoy food trucks, market stalls, live music and children’s entertainment.

Mayor Phyllis Miller says the event “Celebrates the flavours and passion that make BBQ such a beloved tradition.” Come and enjoy Forbes for one of our trademark events on Saturday 18 October noon to 6pm and Sunday 19 October 10am to 4pm Location: Grinstead Oval, Forbes. Entry is Free.

Snippets…

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

We’re backing you all the way – absolute legends!

AgriWest Rural: This October, AgriWest’s very own Bill Ryan is lacing up for a 100km run from Condobolin to Forbes – joined by his two top mates, Sam Johnston and Sam Parish. Together, they’re hoping to raise funds to help fight homelessness in Australia. It’s a huge challenge for an incredible cause, and every donation helps make a real impact. Support their run here: www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/fundraisers/FRC

CanAssist Forbes Branch: The CanAssist Forbes Branch were fortunate to be the recipient of $5,000 in the latest round of grants. This money will be a tremendous help in allowing the group to continue to assist Forbes and district residents and families undergoing treatment for cancer. Forbes CanAssist thanked Club Forbes for their generous donation.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the Draft Code of Meeting Practice, on public exhibition until 5:00pm, Sunday 3 November 2025. This important document outlines how Council meetings are conducted, including proposed changes, and more. Your input helps shape how Council operates and ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making. View the draft document and key changes and provide feedback: https://bit.ly/48A8U16

Act For Kids: Talking to children about personal safety is one of the most important conversations you will have as a parent. But where do you start? How do you make it clear but not scary? We have free, age-appropriate resources to help kids (0–10 years) and their adults learn about personal safety in safe, simple ways. Explore the Emmy & Friends book https://emmyandfriends.com.au/

Teddy Bears Picnic – New Location Alert: Don’t forget – this year’s Teddy Bears Picnic will be held at a new location. Join us on 1 November from 10am – 1pm at Frogs Hollow, right on the corner of Riley and Lawler Street. It’s a beautiful spot and perfect for a day of teddy bear fun!

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: We love it when the youngest of our community get involved in our shows. The kids had a great time watching the show with their favourite parts being: “All the dancing” – Bryce, “The body parts” – Stephanie, “Watching the plant move as it was so real” – Lila and Danielle, “All of it” – Lucy. Opening night this Friday – www.parkesmandd.com.au

It is not too late to grab your tickets to The Little Shop Of Horrors.

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