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Plenty Of Holiday Fun At The Parkes Radio Telescope

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

THE DISH…The Parkes Radio Telescope is located 20km north of Parkes on the Newell Highway.

The January School holidays are just around the corner, and the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, Murriyang will be hosting Astronomy Talks each weekday at 11am from Monday, 9th January through to Friday, 27th January 2023.

There will be three different CSIRO astronomers presenting talks, providing a rare opportunity to speak with a real astronomer and ask them your space questions.

Tickets are $5 per person and can be booked online at https://parkesdishshop.com/products/school-holiday-talks, by calling the Visitors Centre on 6861 1777 or in person at the Parkes Radio Telescope Visitor’s Centre.

All ages are welcome to attend. It is an out-of-this-world school holiday activity so be sure to head along!

Whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to check out the 3D Theatre (admission applies). The half-hour show is currently showing “Expedition Earth”, “Parkes – Beyond the Barrier” and “Bigger than Big.”

While there, enjoy lunch or refreshments at the famous Dish Café. The kids can have some fun and explore the newly opened space playground just across from the café. There are also many hands-on displays to provide endless fun for all ages.

If you are visiting during the 2023 Elvis Festival, don’t miss the daily science fun shows at 1:30pm.

These free, one-hour shows un by Fizzics Education are sure to blow your mind. This outdoor event, right in front of the Dish, will be perfect for families or anyone with an enquiring mind.

The Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre will be open daily throughout the school holidays from from 8:30am – 5pm, except for Christmas day and Boxing day.

Christmas Cheer Filled The Streets Of Forbes

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

CHRISTMAS CHEER…Faces were lit up everywhere you look at the Forbes Annual Christmas Carnival.

What a night! By all accounts, the Forbes Christmas Carnival was a resounding success. “We were absolutely delighted with the response to the Christmas Carnival” said Forbes Business Chamber President, Aaron Acheson.

“There were market stalls, businesses open and out on the street, rides, pre-school performances, dance and music, food and lots of activities,” said Aaron.

Santa and Mrs Claus arrived on the fire truck and then Santa took pride of place seated on his chair in the middle of the Forbes Youth Group activity center.

“Thank you to everyone, every contribution, large or small, is of great value. We rely on the generosity of people’s time to make this event a success,” said Aaron.

There is only two weeks until the big draws take place. Keep supporting the participating businesses who are displaying the Find It In Forbes Christmas Tree.

Remember to click on the QR code when you shop locally for a chance to be in the draw. Last weeks winner was Tracey Mongan from Eugowra.

Draws take place every Thursday at 5pm. There are seven $500 prizes drawn weekly up until Christmas Eve and then 10 x $500, 1 x $1,500, 2 x $2,500 and 1 x $5,000 prize which will be drawn on Saturday, 24th December.

Major Sponsors and participants are: Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Business Chamber. Gold Sponsor is Bernardis, Silver Sponsors are Terry Bros Carpet Court and the Forbes Phoenix. Bronze Sponsors are Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunn’s Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel, Steele Technology, Walkers Ag N Vet and WA Knights.

“All of the sponsor businesses will have a QR code for you to scan when you shop in their business,” said Aaron. For those who need, there will be a sign-on-sheet for you to use. Your details will be entered manually prior to each draw.

Deano, “You Are Appreciated”

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

THANK YOU…Pictured with one of his helicopters is Dean Brus from Orange Helicopters.

Originally from the Pinnacle area south of Forbes, Dean is the Director and chief pilot at Orange Helicopters. In recent weeks he has been engaged in various roles assisting with SES flood relief activities.

Dean has assisted with relocating people and re-supplying residents in addition to the movement of equipment from pumps and boat motors to mail.

He has also aided in the important task of stock movements and fodder drops to stranded stock isolated on islands throughout the areas of Forbes, Bedgerabong, Condobolin, Louth, Wilcannia and Bourke.

“The amount of help that is needed during and after an event such as the latest floods means there is a lot of coordination from all of the services,” said Dean

“This particular operation is being co-ordinated by the SES, however they are working closely with the RFS who contribute a great deal of people power and trucks. The airbase at Parkes has been managed by a a team from New Zealand. We’ve had the ADF, the Singapore military and also a New Zealand fire fighting team here.”

“Both the Local Land Services (LLS) and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are involved with the coordination of stock rescues. They liaise with the farmers first, then organise suitable helicopters with the correct equipment to conduct the lift and relocation. It’s very complex, but works well when all parties are working together,” said Dean. Dean also works alongside two sons Peter and Jarrod who are both qualified crewmen.

Imagine little islands surrounded by water, and on those islands are livestock stranded with no food; this is what farmers have been faced with.

If the waters are expected to rise, teams are called in and tasked with airlifting stock in cages to a safe location nearby. If the stock can’t be moved, or if water levels are not expected to rise, stock feed is dropped so they don’t starve.

Dean explained, “The LLS provide the service to get the feed to the stranded livestock, but they don’t provide the fodder, that is up to the farmer. Sometimes a farmer doesn’t have any hay and he might have some donated to him.”

Dean became a helicopter pilot after being a firefighter with NSW Fire & Rescue for 24 years, and enjoys that his job still allows him to help people.

“We build a lot of rapport with the farmers and I always wish them all the best. We’re not just there to do our jobs, there is definitely a lot of compassion there,” said Dean, who often refers to the livestock that he drops feed to as his ‘babies’.

Dean went on to say, “A complete stranger whom I have not met, nor probably will, gave us a lovely message and some home made goodies as a thank you gift. It’s nice to know that people appreciate your efforts whilst they are experiencing tough times themselves. It’s not expected, but certainly appreciated.”

Orange Helicopters own and operate four different helicopters, each with different capabilities including charter, weddings, farm inspections, fire and flood relief, joy flights and specialised training.

Keep an eye on the Forbes & Parkes Phoenix facebook pages for some footage courtesy of Orange Helicopters.

HOMEGROWN GRATITUDE…An appreciation gift left with a thank you note from a grateful stranger.

Snippets…

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

NSW graziers are the driving force behind this rapidly growing industry.

NSW Government Supports Booming Goat Industry: The NSW Government is delivering the first program in Australia to accelerate the transformation of the goat meat sector from a wild harvested commodity into a long term, high value livestock sector.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government will invest $1.2 million into its Going Ahead with Goats program to create a more sustainable industry.

“Australia is the largest exporter of goat meat in the world, and NSW graziers are the driving force behind this rapidly growing industry,” Mr Saunders said.

“Last financial year alone, exports generated a whopping $298 million, providing a critical income for producers in Western NSW.

The Going Ahead with Goats project will be delivered by the region’s Local Land Services staff, who will work closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and other stakeholders including Western NSW goat producers.

Free Fun In The Regions These School Holidays: A travelling science exhibition, adventure activities and creative workshops are among the many activities available for regional youth to enjoy during the summer school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program.

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said, “The programs on offer will provide social and recreational outlets to help regional youth become more involved in their local communities, and to show that living in a regional location is not a barrier for young people to try new things.”

To find events scheduled for Parkes and Forbes go to www.nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.

Kids First Aid School Program: A new study shows 81% of aussie parents think 3 year olds should be able to dial 000 to ask for help. To provide a solution, Elastoplast is running its Kids First Aid School Program for its third year straight, equipping teachers with the knowledge to teach basic first aid in schools, and empower students with the skills they require to keep themselves and each other safe. Developed with ACHPER (The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation,) the program is useful for all aspects of life and is curriculum approved, integrating first aid knowledge into foundational, Year 1 & 2 learning structures.

Forbes Mens Shed “A Home Away From Home”

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

MAKE NEW MATES…Pictured out the front of The Forbes Men’s Shed in Union St are Jim Walklate and Norm Haley.

The Forbes Mens Shed is putting out a call for new members to come along and join them. Have you ever considered joining? Or wondered what they do? If so, then do not hesitate a moment longer, head along and say hi.

Men’s sheds, or community sheds, are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia around the 1980s as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of older men. There are over 900 located across Australia, with thousands of active members.

The Forbes Mens Shed are expanding and welcome anyone, regardless of age. Jim Walklate is the new president of the organisation and is hoping to get some new, younger members interested in joining.

The Forbes Men’s Shed are looking to recruit new members that range from 12 years of age up to retirement age. “It is important to let everyone know that as a club most of us have obtained our Working With Childrens Checks so that we are able to have young men come and join us,” said Jim.

Norm Haley is the current secretary for the Forbes Men’s Shed, recently stepping down having served as president for 12 years.

A focus on men’s health and wellbeing is the foundation for the formation of the Men’s Shed organisation. “A lot of men suffer from mental health issues and they won’t talk to their wives or their families, but yet they will talk to a mate and open up,” said Norm.

Jim and Norm invite you to come along to the Forbes Men’s Shed if you have a trade or some expertise to share. If you want to learn, then come along there will be someone happy to take you under their wing. One of Norms favorite sayings is: “We can all still learn.”

Forbes Men’s Shed are grateful for the community support they have received over the years, recounting a story about a local farmer who sold his property and then donated $125,000 to the Forbes Men’s Shed for the purchase of the land in Union St. They broke ground to begin building on the site on 6th May, 2018.

The Forbes Men’s Shed is located in Union St. The cream coloured shed with a green fence and large sign reading ‘Forbes Community Menshed’ is hard to miss. The shed is open from 9am to 1pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call in and check it out, and you’ll be sure to make some new mates while you’re there.

Snippets…

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

No cash, no worries. You can now tap and go to donate to The Salvation Army when stationed outside of Bernardi’s Supermarket in Forbes.

New Rules To Help Farmers Build Resilience: Farmers can now repair, restore, and rehydrate dry land without just relying on rainfall, thanks to changes to planning rules announced today by the Department of Planning and Environment. The Department’s Executive Director of Infrastructure Policy Jonathon Schipp said it is now easier for landowners to restore streams on their property through landscape rehydration techniques, without the need for development approval. A step-by-step guide will be released shortly, detailing what approvals farmers need to implement landscape rehydration techniques and rehabilitate eroded streams. For more information, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/isepp-landscape

Get In Control Of Your Digital Health: The last few years most Australians have spent their holidays in the backyard or on a balcony due to the impact of COVID-19. As the world opens back up, tourism experts are forecasting a bumper holiday season – so if you’re planning on travelling, ensure your My Health Record is up to date. The team at the Australian Digital Health Agency can explain why. For more information go to www.digitalhealth.gov.au

Free Legal Diary And Calendar For Seniors: Avoiding scams, planning for retirement, making a will or getting financial help are just some of the topics included in the free 2023 Legal Topics for Seniors Diary, which is available for collection or ordering online. A free 2023 Legal Topics for Seniors wall calendar is available for seniors which includes important dates such as the NSW Seniors Festival, Grandparents Day and the school holidays. Seniors can collect the 2023 Seniors Diary from their local Legal Aid NSW office, local library, State Member of Parliament’s office, or order online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/order-a-publication

Skate, Scooter And Bike Facilities For Parkes And Trundle: Parkes Shire Council has secured $500,000 from the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) and $300,000 from the Federal Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) Phase 3. The funding will be used for the development of the Trundle Skate Park, the Parkes Pump Track and to upgrade the Parkes Skate Park. Councillor Jacob Cass said, “Facilities like these are hugely popular amongst youth in the community and offer a space for them to learn new skills, build friendships.”

Life Pharmacy in Forbes has set up a small stand with FREE donations that are available for flood victims.

The Mighty Mound Of Euabalong

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

BYRNES FAMILY SACRIFICE HOME… Aerial view of the levy banks that were built around the town of Euabalong, saving the entire town except for one home that couldn’t be saved

We all know that country folk are some of the hardest working and resilient people on the planet, and the tiny town of Euabalong have proved that they breed them extra tough.

The residents of Euabalong knew that they faced an epic battle as the flood waters edged closer, but they rallied together to save their town.

Local residents Erin Dooley and her husband Patrick Byrnes lead efforts to build a levy bank to surround the town. Patrick put in a mammoth effort, working 14 hour days for 2 weeks, and at one point working 36 hours straight.

The original levy was breached on the Saturday. Erin and Michael had to make the heartbreaking decision to sacrifice their own home, to save the local hotel and the rest of the town. At midnight on Saturday, they started work and did not stop for 36 hours, building a levy bank that surrounded the town, and it worked, the levy held the flood waters at bay!

Erin recounted that 49 residents remained to fight the flood waters, while 18 residents were evacuated due to age and medical conditions. “It has been a full scale operation ever since, including cooking and cleaning rosters, levee bank patrol, ordering of supplies etc,” said Erin.

Erin and Patrick now face rebuilding everything that they have personally lost. The Byrnes family home was built 6 generations ago by Patrick’s grandfathers’ grandfather, and his family has lived in that house for 144 years. Along with his fully renovated home, Patrick also lost a week’s wages and everything in his shed, a tractor, two sentimental vehicles and a couple of sheep.

“I am so proud of my husband and the sacrifice he made. The way this community has come together is like nothing I have ever experienced in my lifetime,” said Erin.

ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO FLOOD WATER…The town was bracing for the worst but worked tirelessly to prevent it

Let’s Make It A Christmas Of Kindness

December 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Spread kindness this Christmas.

Just when we started thinking 2022 might get a better rating than the previous two years, the widespread flood disaster uprooted and traumatised so many people across our region.

The outpouring of support, kindness and generosity by community members has been phenomenal, but Christmas is still going to be very tough for so many.

There are lots of ways we can all do our little bit to make this festive season a bit more joyous for those have been affected by this catastrophe.

Here are some suggestions of where you can contribute. And remember to do all your Christmas shopping local to support our businesses.

• Forbes Shire Council has set up a GIVIT donation page to match you up with people who need help. There is a need for food vouchers at the moment. If you want to donate go to www.givit.org.au/donate-items. If you need help call 1300 585 054 or email givit@forbes.nsw.gov.au

• Eugowra GIVIT applications for help or to donate can be directed to www.visiteugowra.com.au/contact

• Forbes Central Butchery has a Christmas Wishing Tree, and Be Cafe in Parkes (formally Pink Orchid Cafe) is a drop off point for presents wrapped with an age and gender. The presents will be distributed to kids, big and small, from Eugowra, Forbes and Bedgerabong.

• Big W is bringing back the Giving Tree initiative at all its branches to support families in need and help spread joy this Christmas. Customers are invited to donate a gift until Christmas Eve. Unwrapped gifts including books, toys, stationery, puzzles or games, can be placed under the Giving Tree. The Parkes store will be matched with a local charity to ensure each donation is delivered to members of the community that need it most.

• Woolworths Parkes and Forbes in partnership with OzHarvest are joining branches across the country to help raise the equivalent of 7 million meals for those in need. Simply round up your supermarket shop to the nearest dollar while in store, or by adding a 50 cent token to your basket until 25th December.

By Maggi Barnard

Let The Festive Fun Begin

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Get ready to delight in the fun and entertainment tonight from 5pm in Templar and Rankin Streets.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring some festive cheer to the community, with the annual Forbes Christmas Carnival being held from 5pm today, 9th December.

“There will be market stalls, giant games, rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines, jumping castles, merry-go-round and arts and craft activities. Food will be provided by lcal businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site,” said Aaron Acheson, President, Forbes Business Chamber.

The carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar and in Rankin Streets. The Committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning.

“Forbes and the surrounding villages are well and truly due for a celebration after the serious weather that the district has experienced recently. There will be so much to see and do, such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus,” said Aaron.

Entertainment and music will be on the stage located at the junction of the two streets.

Thanks to the many people who have offered to assist and participate. Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to bring the Christmas spirt alive in Forbes.

Five $500 draws have already taken place, with three of the lucky winners being: Lisa Grayson, John Slessor and Susan Earl. People are encouraged to keep clicking on the QR code every time they purchase at a participating business to go in the draw to win. The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed outside participating businesses.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Rallies To Support Eugowra Residents

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Eugowra residents devastated by flash flooding can continue to call on CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) for financial counseling services.

It continues CCWF’s commitment to the town of about 700 people since disaster struck on November 14, tragically claiming two lives. More than 200 buildings at Eugowra were damaged or destroyed by the flash flooding, authorities report.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche visited Eugowra, and the organisation donated goods worth thousands of dollars to provide immediate relief.

“Members of our team at Forbes and Parkes did not hesitate, they wanted to be there for the people of Eugowra who have lost so much,” Ms Mioche said.

CCWF staff worked alongside defence force personnel going from house to house, and listened to people’s stories of survival, and provided information about CCWF services.

Eugowra sits outside the Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, but has link with Forbes.

Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, travelled to Eugowra to support the neighboring community, where he said there were people who had “lost everything, in the true sense of the word”.

Bishop Columba, whose father’s family came from Eugowra, offered reassurance to the “strong and resilient” residents of the small town.

For more information on how CatholicCare can support you contact them for assistance on 1800 067 067

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