Articles Archives - Page 12 of 424

Llew O’Brien MP Appointed Shadow Special Envoy For Men And Boys

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Coalition is committed to addressing the unique issues facing men, boys and fathers, and is pleased to announce the appointment of MP Llew O’Brien as Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys.

Mr O’Brien said the new position was a privilege, enabling Australian men to overcome entrenched disadvantages and new and emerging challenges where men and boys are falling behind.

The announcement comes after The Nationals recently hosted a Men, Boys and Dads Forum to address the issues that are often overlooked.

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said men and boys were facing real challenges in all aspects of life, such as health, family law, education and the workforce, but too often these issues go unaddressed in the public debate.

“There are issues across all areas and all ages – men’s health doesn’t discriminate.

“It is vital men and boys can access the services they need.

“This is why the Coalition appointed Llew O’Brien as the Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys. Llew will be tasked with developing a comprehensive approach that ensures that our brothers, sons and dads are not left behind.”

Help Your Community By Joining Vra Rescue Nsw

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

See yourself in Green? VRA Rescue NSW is recruiting volunteers for squads in western NSW and a State Rescue Group.

VRA Rescue NSW State Rescue Team – western, celebrated its first birthday in February with some great achievements along the way. Members have worked hard to complete many skills that now see 14 members with State rescue Board accreditation as General land rescue operators and there are seven more in training.

Now is your chance to join this amazing team. VRA Rescue NSW is currently recruiting across western NSW in an effort to recruit Volunteers for Squads in the western area as well as a State Rescue Group.

VRA Rescue NSW is a leading volunteer-based organisation dedicated to providing emergency rescue services throughout New South Wales 24/7/365. The State Rescue Group consists of multi-skilled Volunteers from communities across NSW western area.

Formerly known as the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, VRA Rescue plays a vital role in emergency management and response.

Focusing on community safety and support, VRA plays a crucial role in emergency management and response in the region.

Composed of volunteer members who dedicate their time and skills to assist the community in times of need. They offer a diverse range of rescue services, including motor vehicle accidents, maritime incidents, wilderness and cave searches, and more.

If you have ever thought about giving back to your community, learning real rescue skills, and being part of an awesome team, now is your chance. Full training is provided and no experience is needed.

People of ages 18 and over are welcome.

It doesn’t matter whether you are keen to get hands on or want to help behind the scenes, there is a role for you.

If you live in the western area and you are interested in finding out about becoming a volunteer then you can place an expression of interest by visiting the VRA website www.rescue.org.au

Stop Illegal Dumping

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

If you see illegal dumping report it immediately.

Forbes Shire Council is urging the community to help curb illegal dumping after receiving 50 reports in 2025, costing ratepayers more than $8,000 for cleanup and disposal.

Last year, illegally dumped waste around the Forbes Shire included tyres, household waste, furniture, animal carcasses, green waste and even asbestos. These materials not only harm the environment but also divert valuable Council resources away from other important community services.

As part of a new campaign to help stamp out illegal dumping across the Shire, Council will install four CCTV cameras in known hotspots to help monitor and deter illegal dumping. Council Rangers investigate every report of illegal dumping. This often requires Rangers to sift through the dumped rubbish by hand to find any identifying information that may help locate the person responsible.

In instances where the person responsible is identified, Council prefers that they clean up the waste themselves and an official warning will be issued. When offenders are uncooperative, Rangers will issue fines or issue them with an invoice for the cost of cleanup and disposal.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM is urging residents to remain vigilant. Residents can report illegal dumping by contacting Forbes Shire Council or lodging a report through the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Report Illegal Dumping online platform.

Forbes Shire residents have access to a wide range of recycling, reuse and disposal services through the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot (FRWD) located at Lot 1 Calarie, Daroobalgie Road, open 7 days from 8.30am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Forbes Shire Council on (02) 6850 2300.

Forbes Garden Club Report

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club recently held a meeting at the Riverside Community Gardens.

President Marg Dent welcomed 38 members with eight apologies. In general business, it was suggested that the club donate $200 to the Forbes Show as this year which will be its 150th year – all members were in agreement.

Marg thanked Gail Irvine for allowing us to hold our meeting at the gardens and donating raffle prizes for the day. Gail extended an invitation to hold future meetings at the Riverside Community Gardens.

Diane Buckman then spoke on the history of the gardens. Originally owned by the Forestry Commission Department, the area was rezoned, allowing council to purchase it. A small band of volunteers formed a committee and by 2012, individual plots were started and developed into a meeting of like-minded gardeners growing their vegetables and meeting socially.

We had the largest display of flower of the month with Marie Langfield first with a Rose. Equal second went to Elvy Quirk with a Dahlia and John Browne with a Boganvillea and Pam Baass with a Bromeliad. Equal third went to Anne Reade with a Rose, Joy Hocking with a Salvia and Marion Murray with a Nerine. The raffle winners were first Jennifer Purdie, second Colleen Liebich and third Lorraine Everest.

Sometimes We Forget That Rest Matters Too

April 30, 2026 by Rachel Kerin

I made an impractical decision as a farmer’s wife. But I am too far in to let him know that he was right and I was wrong.

I bought a gorgeous outdoor furniture set for our verandah, with cream white cushions.

“How do you think that will stay clean?” he asked, eyeing it off as it arrived.

And so it began.

My ongoing mission to prove him wrong.

The work dogs would take full advantage of not being tied up at night, and I’d find them curled up there in the morning, their black bodies a stark contrast against the cream cushions.

But there was one kelpie I felt had earned the right to a little luxury.

Pete. He was retired, and my favourite.

He could shoot around a mob of sheep at record speed, then stand quietly while my baby sprawled all over him, using his back as a cushion.

He’d mustered goats in Queensland. Burnt his paws on hot ground moving thirsty stock closer to water. Found lambs alone

and hungry beside a creek bed. Taught pup after pup how to work. Then shared his kennel with them at night to keep them warm.

And so, I let him have his warm patch of sun on my outdoor lounge.

To sleepily gaze over hills he knew well.

The white dots of sheep he’d moved up the laneway.

The glimmer of dams he’d swum in at the end of a hot day.

At sunset, I’d often walk past the window and see a tired farmer and his trusty dog sitting together, on the outdoor lounge.

A hand gently stroking a soft ear. An easy silence.

A decade of shared moments between them.

A fading pink sky stretched above them.

Deep green hills before them.

And cushions, that used to be cream white, beneath them.

And I think there’s something in that for us too.

We are very good at admiring hard work.

Especially in the country.

We respect grit.

We notice endurance.

We get on with it.

But sometimes we forget that rest matters too.

Not because all the work is done.

But because bodies need it. Minds need it.

Hearts need it.

Sometimes health looks like movement.

Sometimes it looks like strength.

And sometimes it looks like sitting on the verandah at sunset, beside someone who knows the road you’ve walked.

And so I am learning that;Maybe wellbeing isn’t always found in doing more.

Maybe sometimes it’s found in the pause.

Let’s make room for that kind of health too.

The kind that knows real rest is not laziness,It’s part of being well.

I hope you find a moment this weekend to sit, and just be.

By Rachel Kerin

Old Girls Nursing Provide Personalised In-home Support

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured in pink are Elita Coughlan and Dayle Penny from Old Girls Nursing.

Old Girls Nursing aims to provide dedicated in-home nursing and support specifically for rural clients, with a mission to deliver high quality care through a team of highly trained, professional staff.

The business was started in April 2025, by Registered Nurse Dayle Penny. Based in Eugowra, this venture began after hearing many concerns throughout the region regarding the lack of available support services.

Dayle Penny is a registered nurse of twenty years; with the bulk of her nursing completed in residential aged care/nursing homes. Aged care is a specialised field of nursing and Dayle is extremely compassionate to the elderly.

“As a small business, we truly feel that we can make a positive impact by providing dedicated and personalised support.

We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the professional support, assistance and care the need, within the comfort of their own home,” said Dayle.

Elita Coughlan has worked in the aged care and NDIS sector for only a few years but finds it extremely rewarding.

“Aged care, NDIS and mental health support has been a very rewarding career choice emotionally. We have absolutely amazing clients and I love being able to help people as a job,” said Elita.

Old Girl Nursing services include medication management, complex clinical care, wound care, diabetes management, and support for those living with dementia, age related illnesses, behavioral challenges and mental health conditions.

They also provide respite care, giving families and carers peace of mind while ensuring their loved ones receive atten

tive, high-quality support and care. Support services extend to transport to and from appointments or social outings, domestic assistance, and personal care such as showering and toiletingContact Old Girls Nursing to discuss how they can help you. Call Dayle Penny RN 0425 411 122, Elita Coughlan 0423 910 011 or email oldgirlsnursing@gmail.com

Snippets…

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is the Parkes Community Choir and The Reading Bug at Inkwood & Ivy.

Inkwood & Ivy Books & Curiosities: On Saturday 18 April, Parkes Community Choir, The Reading Bug and Inkwood & Ivy Bookstore performed a sing-along featuring songs from the war era, timeless melodies that honour courage, history and remembrance.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: A massive thank you to our amazing Peak Hill volunteers who shared some of their experiences as part of the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communities Challenge, with Western NSW Local Health District staff. This project wouldn’t have come to life without your contributions. We can’t wait to see the finished product.

Neighbourhood Central: Parkes — don’t miss out on an upcoming two day community event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A Free Wills Workshop will be held on 13 and 14 May at Neighbourhood Central. Get your Will done at no cost. Bookings are essential, call 4704 0207. Plus: Free birth certificates and legal advice (no booking needed).

Talk2MeBro: Join us for our Guys Catch Up in Forbes on Sunday 3 May for a 7.30am start⁠ at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre⁠. Engage in soothing and invigorating breathwork, take a dip in our exhilarating ice baths and connect with others on a deeper level. ⁠Register at: www.talk2mebro.org.au/event/forbes-guys

Legal Aid NSW: The Legal Aid NSW Youth Hotline gives young people under 18 who are living in NSW free legal advice. Find out what to do if police want to speak with you, your right to stay silent, and options to avoid going to court. It’s open late and 24/7 on weekends. Save the number: 1800 10 18 10 Learn more about the hotline: https://loom.ly/p5vwG2c

Dolly’s Dream: Bullying doesn’t just hurt kids, it can devastate families, friends and whole communities. Stand with us against bullying – register now to fundraise on Do It For Dolly Day, Friday 8 May. Go Blue to end bullying, register at https://support.dollysdream.org.au/event/do-it-for-dollyday/register-your-fundraiser⁠

Forbes Automotive Services: How cool is this! A Forbes Automotive Services hat was not only on set for the filming of Balls Up, it was worn by director Peter Farrelly! Made in Queensland, the larger-than-life comedy follows rival employees, played by Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser. Balls Up was released on Prime Video on 15 April.

Balls Up was released on Prime Video on 15 April.

Four Days Of Double Demerits This Anzac Day Long Weekend

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Double demerit points will be in place for four days this ANZAC Day long weekend.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging people to drive safely and take care on the roads.

“Double demerit points will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences between Friday 24 April and Monday 27 April 2026 inclusive.

“This will be a busy period on local roads.

The increase in traffic leads to an increased risk of crashes occurring. We all have a part to play in keeping the roads safe.

“Watch your speed, drive to conditions, limit distractions in the car, ensure you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelt and don’t drive if you have been drinking or consuming drugs.

“Pay attention to your fatigue levels, plan your trip and if you are experiencing any of the early warning signs (tired eyes, yawning, poor concentration) stop and have a break,” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage is reminding drivers that there will be extra Police in the area over the four days.

“Police will be focusing on the fatal five – speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phones and seatbelts.

“People may think that a crash is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do every day.

“Please take care on the roads, we want everyone to make it home safely,” Sergeant Gage said.

Forbes Marks Anzac Day With Services And Special Town Hall Tribute

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes will come together this ANZAC Day to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women, with traditional commemorative services and a striking week‐long illumination projected onto the historic Forbes Town Hall.

ANZAC Day Services Residents and visitors are warmly invited to attend and take part in the commemoration events on Saturday 25 April.

Dawn Service

• 5.15am – Assemble at Club Forbes

• 5.20am – March to the Victoria Park Cenotaph, Harold Street

• 5.30am – Dawn Service commences

Mid‐Morning March and Service

• 10.15am – Assemble in Cross Street

• 10.30am – March commences

• Approx. 10.45am – Service and wreath laying at Victoria Park Cenotaph

• Approx. 11.30am – Service concludes

Lest We Forget Illuminations

Complementing the ANZAC Day services, the historic Forbes Town Hall will become a powerful symbol of remembrance through the Lest We Forget Illuminations, become a glowing tribute to our region’s servicemen and women this ANZAC Day, with a week‐long illumination project celebrating their stories and sacrifices.

Thanks to funding through the Australian Government’s 2025-26 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, Forbes Shire Council will deliver a moving night time projection honouring those who have served. The Town Hall façade will is illuminated with evocative ANZAC imagery and veterans from the Forbes community.

The illuminations will incorporate elements inspired by the RSL’s nightly ode, alongside symbolic visuals such as poppies and specially curated commemorative artwork. Council has worked closely with community groups, the Forbes Museum, the RSL Sub‐Branch and Club Forbes to curate the visuals featured in the illumination.

The display is complemented with music and broadcast on local radio, allowing residents to tune in for the complete experience.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Honouring our ANZACs is not only an act of remembrance, but a commitment to preserving the stories that shaped our community.”

For more information about the ANZAC Day services and Lest We Forget Illuminations, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShireCouncil for updates.

Celebrating Our Stories, Places And People

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Step back in time and celebrate the history of the region during Forbes Heritage Week 2026, running from Monday 11 May to Friday 15 May. The week features a diverse program of special events designed to educate, entertain and connect people with Forbes’ past.

The week begins on Monday 11 May with the Heritage QR Trail Tour, from 2pm to 5pm. This guided bus tour of the Forbes Heritage Trail will explore key historic sites, incorporating QR technology to bring stories to life. Afternoon tea will be provided.

On Tuesday 12 May, a Heritage Presentation by Forbes’ Heritage Advisor will be held at the Forbes Town Hall from 12pm to 2pm.

The presentation will provide insights into local heritage and conservation, followed by afternoon tea.

The Forbes Heritage Awards will be held on Tuesday evening at the Forbes Town Hall concourse from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will celebrate outstanding contributions to heritage conservation, including the presentation of the prestigious Forbes Heritage Medal, with canapés and drinks served.

History takes a haunting turn on Wednesday 13 May with the Forbes Cemetery Ghost Tour, from 5pm to 7.30pm. Participants will travel by bus from Town Hall for a lanternlit guided tour of notable graves, including bushranger Ben Hall and Kate Kelly. Canapés and guided commentary are included.

Forbes Historical Museum will wrap up Forbes Heritage Week, offering free entry from 11am to 2pm on Thursday 14 May, with guided tours showcasing the town’s history through artefacts, photographs and local stories. For more information go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Council.

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