Articles Archives - Page 124 of 424

Grand Cars For A Grand Opening

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Some of the hottest cars around will be on show at the Kustom Auto Spa Grand Opening on Saturday, 11th February, including the 2023 Summernats winner for Best Paint.

Are you a car enthusiast? Then get your motor running and get along to Kustom Auto Spa on Saturday, 11th of February for their Official Grand Opening.

Kustom Autospa owner, Jason Kennedy has planned a fantastic day for everyone to enjoy. There will be a number of red hot show cars on display, with Jason also enlisting two of his mates from Sydney to bring their cars along. On display will be the 2022 Street Machine of the Year owned by Chad Ribbons and the 2020 Street Machine of the Year owned by Aaron Gregory.

Of notable mention, will be the personal vehicle of Kyle Smith from Smiths Concepts. Kyle is responsible for the paint work on Jason’s car that just won Best Paint at this years 2023 Summernats.

Jason said,“The purpose of the grand opening is to give back to the community and say thank you for the support that we have received since we opened. We have built such a good client base and we just want everyone to come down on Saturday.”

All services will be free to use on the day and there will be something for all of the family with giveaways, free ice cream and face painting for the kids and smoked meats by Pitmaster, Big Ash Turner. It is sure to be a great atmosphere, so head along.

2022 Street Machine of the Year.

2020 Street Machine of the Year.

Snippets…

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured on Australia Day in Forbes were: (Back row) NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway, Austral-ia Day Ambassador Akash Arora and Forbes Shire Coun-cil General Manager Steve Loane. (Front row) Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance Shirley Dukes Senior Citizen of the Year, Max Reid Young Citizen of the Year, Paul Faulkner Citizen of the Year and Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards: The annual Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards are about honoring those who selflessly dedicate themselves to supporting and enriching our local communities. Winners were recently announced and congratulations go to Forbes Citizen of the Year Paul Faulkner and Parkes Citizen of the Year Robert Stricklan. Congratulations to our local Australia Day award recipients across all categories.

Cash On The Way To Help Councils Repair Roads: More than 90 regional councils are set to receive a boost from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government so they can get on with the job of repairing their roads. NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said, “This is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s focus on improving and repairing the roads you use every day, to help keep communities safe and supply chains moving.”

Mayor of Forbes Shire Council Phyllis Miller said Council will receive $3.3 million to help with the mammoth task of repairing their local road network. “The Forbes community is strong and resilient and we want our road network to be safe.” M

“I’m hoping the Federal Government helps with funding for our councils – to get our roads back up to scratch,” said Phyllis.

Applications Closing Soon For The Y’s NSW Youth Parliament: Calling all thought-leaders, change-makers, trailblazers and inspired young people. Applications are closing soon for the Y NSW’s 2023 Youth Parliament. Young people in years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age) in all 93 NSW state electorates are invited to apply.

The Y NSW CEO Susannah Le Bron commented that the Youth Parliament program provides an important platform to ensure young people are heard. “If you are a young person in NSW looking for an opportunity to stand up and give a voice to issues that you’re passionate about, I urge you to put in your application for our 2023 Youth Parliament.”

To apply to take part in the 2023 Youth Parliament, eligible young people should visit ymcansw.org.au/youth-parliament and submit their application before 17th February 2023. School teachers and Members of Parliament can also nominate a young person.

Parkes Citizen of the Year winner Robert Stricklan
(centre) is pictured with Australia Day Ambassador Emma Rossi and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith.

Great Day Out At The Wilson Junior Fishing Competition

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A great day was had by all at Lions Park, for the Wilson Junior Fishing Competition sponsored by Loomzy’s Fish ‘N’ Fix and NSW DPI Fisheries. The competition was for youth aged 17 and under and entry was by gold coin donation. Over 100 fish were caught in the first hour alone. By the end of the day, there were 461 carp caught and 1 catfish, what a cracking success! Proceeds raised on the day will be donated to Boys to the Bush.

Community Grants Lighting Up Forbes

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway and Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto join the Forbes Tennis Club in receiving the funding.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway recently joined NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Cr Tony Mileto to announce that the Forbes Shire will benefit from more than $410,000 in funding to upgrade lighting at the Forbes Tennis Club and Forbes Rugby Club.

Mr Farraway said it was such great news to hear that the NSW Nationals’ signature program, the Stronger Country Communities Fund, continues to bring vital infrastructure to regional areas.

“I am pleased to hear that Round 5 of this program will invest more than $410,000 to upgrade lighting at two local sporting hubs,” Mr Farraway said. “The existing lights and wiring at the Forbes Tennis Club is in dire need of an upgrade.

The new, energy-efficient LED lights will not only improve the playing experience but also cut costs and expand the usability of the courts for the wider community and visitors.

“Additionally, the upgrade of the power supply for Forbes Rugby Club will allow for the installation of new lighting, which will assist with training for rugby, night cricket, and social and community functions.”

Get Your Active Kids Vouchers Now

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Families are being reminded to download their new Active Kids voucher and save $100 per child on sport and recreation activities.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said a new Active Kids voucher became available on 1st January and would help ease pressure on family budgets.

“It might be the middle of summer, but winter sport registration is heating up and now is the perfect time for families to turn their attention to their new Active Kids voucher,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program has turbocharged sporting participation across NSW, with more than 4.85 million vouchers redeemed, saving families $481 million.

“It’s the largest grassroots sport funding initiative in the nation and is driving enormous increases in participation across all sports.”

The NSW Government recently extended the Active Kids voucher program to include school holiday sports and recreation activities. The expansion of the program has contributed to a 40 per cent increase in voucher creation compared to the same period last year.

“It’s clear that NSW families have embraced the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program and its expansion to include school holiday programs has been a hit.”

Families can access their child’s Active Kids voucher via the Service NSW app or website, attending a Service NSW Centre or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88. For further information on the Active Kids Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/active-kids.

Snippets…

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

At the Pavillion in Cooke Park for the handing over of half of the Elvis Gospel Service Donations to PACE were Alison Westcott, Neil Westcott, Andrew Taggert, Craig Bland, David Hayward, Tiffany Steel and James Leech.

The Parkes Elvis Festival Celebrated Its 30th Anniversary In Style: The 30th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival was celebrated with a 5-day long extravaganza from Wednesday, 4th January to Sunday, 8th January 2023.

Themed “Blue Hawaii,” in honour of Elvis Presley’s 1961 hit musical, the Festival drew in over 25,000 Elvis fans from around the world to the Parkes, which was transformed into a tropical paradise for the occasion.

“We are thrilled to have celebrated 30 years of the King at the Parkes Elvis Festival. This year’s themed ‘Blue Hawaii’ event drew in a record number of Elvis fans from around the world to our regional town,” said Festival Director Tiffany Steel.

“The Festival is an important economic driver for the region, bringing millions into the local economy and supporting local businesses.”

“Feedback from Festival guests and locals has been incredible and we’re already looking ahead to how we can deliver another stellar event for 2024,” added Tiffany.

In 2024, Parkes Elvis Festival will celebrate its 31st year with the theme Jailhouse Rock.

Regional Seniors To Save $250 As Applications For Popular Travel Card Open: Seniors across regional NSW could save $250 on the cost of travel thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said applications for the latest round of the highly successful program are now open and encouraged eligible seniors to cash in on the initiative.

“We know how much seniors value this card – it can mean the difference between an extra few trips to visit grandkids, the ease of seeing friends locally or just getting to the shops or attending medical appointments,” Mr Toole said.

The $250 pre-paid Visa card can be used on fuel, taxis, electric charging stations, pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional train and coaches, helping those eligible with the cost of getting from A to B.

Eligible NSW Women Can Claim Fertility Treatment Rebate: Exciting news has been announced that women across NSW who have IVF or other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in private clinics can now claim a $2,000 rebate.

The cash rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and eligible women can apply for it now through their MyService NSW account or in person at a Service NSW Service Centre.

Kylie Brown beSafe Haven of Parkes was also pictured in the center holding the giant cheque which was the remaining half of the Elvis Gospel Service donations.

Fresh Faces For 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Poppy Starr has been selected as a representative for regional youth.

The Regional Youth Taskforce will get a brand-new look with Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin announcing 18 new young leaders from across regional NSW who will advocate for their peers and deliver positive outcomes for young people.

“This group has been selected from more than 140 applicants, and includes two young people from each of the State’s nine regions who will meet throughout the year to focus on the NSW Regional Youth Framework pillars: work readiness, wellbeing, connectivity and community,” Mr Franklin said.

Poppy Starr, Cowra local, and daughter of our very own Phoenix Group of Newspapers designer, has been selected to represent the Central West and Orana region on the Regional Youth Taskforce for 2023.

Poppy applied for the Regional Taskforce position to help advocate for rural youth on a grander scale after spending time on the Cowra Youth Council.

“I enjoy being an active member of my local community and feeling like I can make a difference,” said Poppy.

The Taskforce allows members to have their say on ways the Government can improve outcomes for young people in regional NSW and better deliver services.

When asked what her focus would be during her time on the Regional Youth Taskforce, Poppy responded, “I am passionate about regional Australia and the agricultural industry. I believe to ensure sustainable regional communities into the future it is really important to keep young people in rural areas. This includes ensuring there are opportunities for further education, employment and community engagement.”

For more information on the Regional Youth Taskforce, visit: nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce.

Northparkes Mines Farewells Mine Manager Rob Cunningham After 29 Years Of Service

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rob Cunningham will be sorely missed when he retires from his role at North Parkes Mines.

Rob features in this team photo from the early days which he looks back on fondly and with pride.

After an exceptional 29 years at Northparkes Mines, Rob Cunningham, Manager of Mining – Underground and Surface and Statutory ticket holder, announced his retirement in January 2023.

Rob started at Northparkes Mines on 27th January 1994 as an Ore Processing Operator, among the original intake of workers.

During his significant 29 years at Northparkes, he has held a number of operational and management roles, including: Underground Team Leader, Underground Superintendent, Open Cut Superintendent, Open Cut Manager, Tunnel Boring Systems and Major Projects Manager, Health, Safety, Environment and Farms Manager, Underground Mining Manager and Operations Manager.

During Rob’s time at Northparkes, which reads much like the timeline of site itself, he has seen how the mine has grown and played an instrumental role in the development and success of our operations. Rob has modelled passion and commitment for Zero Harm Operations and has made an incredibly noteworthy contribution to our operation and the mining industry.

In 2018, Rob was awarded the NSW Minerals Council ‘Outstanding Contribution to NSW Mining’, which is a prestigious award and highlights his accomplished career.

Upon reflecting on his time at Northparkes, Rob said, “I am lucky to have held so many great roles at one Mining business, all backed by the support of my beautiful wife and two great kids. I am also grateful to achieve all that I have in my mining career in my hometown – the place where I was born and in a community that I love.”

Managing Director Jianjun Tian said, “As we congratulate Rob on his many achievements, and thank him for his countless contributions to Northparkes, I would also like to extend my best wishes and gratitude towards Rob’s family for their support throughout the years. As Rob moves into retirement, we wish him and his family all the best for the next chapter of life.”

About CMOC-Northparkes Mines

Northparkes is a copper and gold mine located 27 kilometres north-west of Parkes, in the Central West of New South Wales. Since 1993 Northparkes has been celebrated for high-quality copper deposits, low cost operations and loyal, committed people. Northparkes is a joint venture between China Molybdenum Co., Ltd (CMOC) (80%) and the Sumitomo Groups (20%).

New Art Exhibitions On The Way For Forbes Art Gallery

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Art Society has secured $250,000 from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Creative Capital Program to cover the costs of installing a new heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system. NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway, said, “This system is the final puzzle piece in the renovations to the Gallery which will soon see world class artworks being exhibited right here in Forbes.The new air-conditioning and humidity control system will bring the Gallery up to national exhibition standards and will improve the ability for the Gallery to borrow and display paintings and sculptures from major institutional collections,” said Mr Farraway.

Forbes Art Society Chairperson Helen Mallick thanked the NSW Government for supporting greater access to a quantity, quality and diversity of exhibitions, events and activities in regional communities.

“Not only will this infrastructure allow us to partner with state and national exhibition touring agencies to bring major artworks and collections to Forbes, it will also safeguard our permanent collection, as well as enhance the overall visitor experience,” said Helen.

Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Fundraising Auction To Support Eugowra Community

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, SOLD: Just a few of the high value sporting items that have been donated to go under the hammer at the Eugowra Auction and Fundraiser Night being held next Friday, 3rd February at The Coachman Hotel Motel in Parkes.

Local Parkes resident, Michael Dumesny is pulling out all stops in his efforts to raise funds for the flood stricken Eugowra community, which he holds dear.

Michael has spearheaded multiple fundraising efforts to support the Eugowra community following the devastating flood that destroyed the small town late last year.

Last year, in the early stages of recovery following the disaster, Michael initiated “Team Flood Relief” which raised cash donations of over $23,000. The money was used to buy goods that were directly donated to flood victims and to purchase gift cards that were passed on to the relevant government agencies to be distributed amongst the community.

Michael’s latest fundraising effort will be the Eugowra Auction and Fundraiser Night being held next Friday, 3rd February at The Coachman Hotel in Parkes.The auction will begin at 7.30pm sharp, please arrive early.

The auction will include 14 high value donations including highly collectable rugby league items, as well as a money can’t buy experience. Carlton United Breweries have donated two giant eskies for the raffle which will be filled with beer and there will be many other items coming in over the next week in the lead up to the event.

Michael is urging people to come along to help rally to raise as much as possible for the Eugowra community. “Dust off your cheque book, up the daily limit on your card and come ready to bid. Every item will be sold on the night with no reserve prices set,” said Michael.

Local businesses have also shown their support and vouchers have been donated by Cooke Park Cafe, Parkes Leagues Club, Parkes Services Club and Cambridge Hotel, to name a few.

Michael is extremely grateful for the support of the Coachman Hotel in organising the Eugowra Auction and Fundraiser Night.

“Tony and Terry from The Coachman Hotel have been a huge support of the event and have also donated items for the auction,” said Michael.

It is sure to be a great night out for the entire family. There will be lucky door prizes, a raffle and play equipment for the kids. The crowd will also be entertained on the night with live music by Greg Hush. Grab a meal, have a few drinks and enjoy the auction. There is accommodation available at the venue so please call Tony or Terry at The Coachman to make a booking.

Michael is encouraging people to show their support on the night by “wearing something Eugowra.” This may be a Eugowra Bowls shirt, footy guernsey or something black and gold, which are the colors of the local Eugowra Rugby League team.

“There will be many Eugowra residents and flood victims in attendance on the night, so please turn up and lets show some real fair dinkum support and have a great night.”

There is still one week until the Eugowra Auction and Fundraiser Night and donations are still being received. If you or your business would like to donate an item or a service to be auctioned on the night, please contact Michael directly via Facebook at www.facebook.com/michael.dumesny.1

The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix will post all the action from the evening across our Phoenix socials.

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