Articles Archives - Page 13 of 424

Applications Open For Variety Heart Scholarships

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT is calling on families to apply for a 2026 Variety Heart Scholarship, offering life-changing support for young people living with disabilities, chronic illness or financial hardship.

The scholarship provides practical, financial assistance to help children aged 8 – 18 years reach their full potential in sport, music and the creative arts.

Whether its funding for specialist equipment, competitions or training programs, the scholarship is designed to empower children to pursue their passions, build their talent and participate fully in their chosen field.

Variety NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner, said the program continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact for families doing it tough.

“Every child deserves the chance to follow their dreams and feel included, regardless of circumstances,” he said.

“The Variety Heart Scholarship is about recognising potential and providing the support needed to help children thrive – on the field, on the stage, and beyond.”

Parents, carers and guardians of eligible children are encouraged to apply now with applications open until Thursday 21 May at 4pm. For information visit https://nsw.variety.org.au/variety-heart-scholarships/.

Sport Kicking Goals For Regional Tourism

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Wangarang team upon arriving at Pioneer Oval in Parkes ready to compete

With ongoing concern over the impact of the fuel crisis on regional tourism, sporting events continue to have strong attendances, providing a much-needed uptick in visitation.

Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said “While many regional tourism operators are struggling, a bright spot continues to be the reliability and the frequency of regional sport tourism.”

“Sport continues to be a key pillar of the state’s tourism, keeping regional economies ticking over throughout the quieter months.

“Sports tourism already makes up one in every ten tourism dollars spent, and we want that to grow in regional NSW.

“Regional sporting events aren’t just about competition – they’re about filling hotel rooms, backing local businesses, and putting our communities on the map.”

“Parents are making the sacrifices they need to get their child onto the sporting field, and regional communities are welcoming them with open arms.

“Regional NSW is open for business, and I’m encouraging people to continue to make plans to get out and see what the regions have to offer.”

A recent Super Tag Gala Day held in Parkes on 14 April is a great example. Over 100 participants attended with teams travelling from Forbes, Orange and Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.

The team from Wangarang in Orange who attended the event said: “We hopped on the bus and made our way out for a day full of energy, teamwork, and plenty of laughs.

“The group took part in training drills, jumped into some friendly games of touch footy, and finished it all off with a wellearned sausage sizzle. It was a fantastic opportunity to get active, connect with others, and just enjoy being part of a supportive and inclusive sporting community.”

It just goes to show that sport and community is a huge draw card for our region.

Parkes Stakeholders And Community Members Voice Their Concerns

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Upper House Select Committee members pictured at the conclusion of the public forum in Parkes. Nichole Overall MLC (Chair) is pictured in the centre.

The Upper House Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities visited Parkes on Tuesday, 14 April for a hearing and a public forum. Through this inquiry the committee is examining the potential impacts of the proposed facility in Parkes (and Tarago).During this week’s hearing, the committee heard evidence from stakeholders and during the afternoon’s public forum, the committee heard directly from members of the community.

Chair of the Committee Nichole Overall MLC said, “It’s incredibly important to be here with the community to hear from them directly. Receiving submissions as part of the inquiry process is one thing, but having that direct engagement, and the community having the opportunity to present their points of view, their questions, their concerns, is really powerful from the perspective of the inquiry.”

“I know the emotion around this issue, which is why we, the NSW Nationals called for the inquiry, we understand how important it is and it’s far better to be here, and present and listening, so that we can take that message back to Macquarie Street in Sydney and ensure that our regional voices are truly being heard.”

Local Parkes farmer Sarah Townsend, who attended the public forum had this message for the decision makers, “If it is so safe, just keep it in Sydney. Why waste the money sending it here.”

Find out more at https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=337 The full hearing recording is available at: www.youtube.com/@NSWParliamentOfficial

Snippets…

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Fuel supply in NSW remains secure.

NSW Government: If you’re storing fuel at home, only store small quantities. Fuel vapours are highly flammable, it is best to keep only what you need for things like the mower or generator. Overbuying for any reason or use means friends, neighbours and regional communities could go without. Find out more about fuel security nsw.gov.au/fuel

Sheep Producers Australia: From concept to on-farm decisions, through the Green Sheep Project, Glenelg Hopkins CMA is helping producers understand their natural capital, improve grazing systems and access future market opportunities.

Need more Green Sheep Project information? Register for the Sheep Producers Australia newsletter: https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/updates

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council advises there will be temporary road closures and parking restrictions in place for the Light Up Parkes Event and Fireworks Display on Saturday, 18 April 2026. Affected areas include parts of Clarinda Street and nearby carparks/laneways in the CBD. View the closure details here: bit.ly/4tuoHpo or contact Council on 02 6861 2333.

Cancer Council’s Do It For Cancer: Get fit and raise funds with just 31 minutes of exercise a day throughout the month of May. To support Aussies impacted by cancer sign up today to the F Cancer Fitness Challenge at www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/f-cancer-fitness-challenge.

The Forbes Inn: The Forbes Inn is now serving dinner 7 nights a week at Sylo. Head along for a relaxed evening, great food and good company.

Landcare Australia: Want to receive the next Landcare in Focus newsletter straight to your inbox? Subscribe to get your copy of this online publication and read inspiring stories from across the landcare movement. Subscribe today: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/subscribe/

R U OK?: You can care deeply and still worry about getting it wrong. But being there for someone isn’t about having the perfect words or solutions to their challenges. It’s about giving them the space to talk about what they’re going through and reminding them they’re not alone. For tips on how to have supportive conversations visit: ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Let them know you’re there for them.

Labor’s Energy Crisis Hits Families In Parkes Electorate

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

New data has revealed the impact the Albanese Labor Government’s disastrous energy policies are having on local families.

According to the Australian Energy Regulator, over 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December 2025.

Since Labor was elected in 2022, 72,914 households have recorded hardship. Nationally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just 3.5 years, the highest level of hardship on record.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the energy crisis was heaping pressure on local households.

“It is heartbreaking to hear of the impact rising power bills, together with inflation, climbing interest rates and the fuel crisis, is having on families in the Parkes electorate. Many are at breaking point,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Behind this new data are people in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet, yet all they get from the federal government are broken promises.

“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Australians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve.”

New Vaccination Alternatives Ahead Of Flu Season

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured are two of Flannery’s Forbes Pharmacists : Pharmacy intern Sami Duggan and Pharmacist Brooke Young.

It’s hoped a new nasal spray influenza vaccine will provide a needle-free alternative for children and help increase the vaccination uptake.

The NSW Government’s Intranasal Influenza Vaccination Program, for children aged two years to under five years, commences in April for a short period of time.

NSW Health will assess whether a needle free alternative increases influenza vaccination coverage. FluMist is also available as a patient funded vaccine for patients 5-18 years old.

“Understandably many young children don’t like receiving vaccinations, so we hope this new nasal spray provides a needle free alternative,” Managing Partner at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy Forbes, Sarah Hazell, said.

“We have already seen many cases of influenza in our community the past month and it was a severe flu season across Australia last year. Thousands of children under the age of five presented to emergency departments across NSW with the flu. Our priority is to help prevent this and ensure we’re protecting the youngest members of our community in the best possible way.”

Adult influenza vaccinations have now l also been updated following last year’s flu season, which saw Australia record the highest number of deaths involving influenza this century.

There were 1,701 deaths where influenza was the direct cause, or a contributor, registered for 2025 compared to 1,045 in 2024 and 611 in 2023. Flu vaccines have been updated for 2026 with two new A strains, and National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines will be available from April.

Both Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy are taking bookings and accepting walk-ins for influenza vaccination.

$2 Million Investment To Support Climate-smart Flock Management

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Sheep producers across NSW and Victoria facing increasing climate variability will benefit from a new $2 million project delivering demonstration sites, workshops and case studies showcasing climate-smart flock management.

Led by Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), in partnership with Riverine Plains, Holbrook Landcare Network, Monaro Farming Systems, Tablelands Farming Systems, Local Land Services, Birchip Cropping Group, and Agriculture Victoria, the initiative will engage more than 500 producers over the next three years.

The project will trial a range of precision livestock technologies including in-paddock livestock weighing and satellite-based pasture monitoring, which can provide producers with real-time insights into flock performance and feed availability.

Combined with strategic grazing and nutrition practices, these tools can support informed decisions on stocking rates and feed allocation, helping producers reduce methane emissions, improve soil health and water retention, enhance animal productivity, and build resilience in their businesses.

CWFS Executive Officer Diana Fear said the project is an important opportunity to bring the latest innovations directly to farming communities. “This project will establish demonstration sites across different farming systems, backed by workshops and extension activities that give producers the confidence to trial and adopt climate-smart practices themselves.”

“Ultimately, we hope this project empowers producers to improve productivity and resilience while contributing to a low-emissions future for the sheep industry.”

The project runs from October 2025 to June 2028 and is funded from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Currajong Disability Services Hosts Successful Super Tag Gala Day

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Currajong Disability Services, in partnership with Parkes Spacemen and the NSWRL hosted a successful Super Tag Gala Day at Pioneer Oval on Tuesday 14 April.

Parkes players were joined by players who travelled from Orange, Forbes, Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.

The idea for the gala day began when Andrew Thomas, President of Parkes Spacemen was in Dubbo watching a Super Tag game and sent a video of it to Douglas Pout, from Currajong Disability Services.

The rest is now history.

Andrew Thomas said, “At the moment there are three clubs in the PMP playing Super Tag, and we are hoping Parkes will be the fourth.”

The participants were taken through warm ups and skill drills by NSWRL to start off, learning what you have to do, how to move the ball around and how you run with each other. After that players took part in a few games, running 15 minutes each way.

Douglas Pout from Currajong Disability Services said he hoped this event will be the first of many. “What I’d love to see is for this to become a multiday event, where we can have teams come from all over and come here to play.”

Brooke Mallison, NSWRL Club and Competition Co-ordinator said, “We will come out and support these days in co-ordinating them and working with all the disability services in the local areas. We will get on board with the NRL guys that come out and they will run different skills and drills to the ability levels of all the participants.”

Thanks to everyone involved in making the day such a success, including major sponsor Parkes Fitness4All, BRITT Physiotherapy, Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining and all of the staff at Currajong Disability Services along with the other service providers who helped make the day possible.

Brooke Mallison, Douglas Pout, Andy Thomas and Toby Kable.

Volunteers from Parkes Spacemen and training staff from NSWRL.

The Lake Macquarie/Hunter Region team who travelled to Parkes to partake in the gala day.

Mason Wild Takes Home Australian Dirt Track Title

April 9, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A challenging weekend at the Australian Dirt Track Titles in Albury-Wodonga turned into a moment of triumph for young rider Mason Wild, who claimed the 80 Modified Australian Dirt Track Title after a hard-fought final.

The weekend didn’t start smoothly for the W15 rider, with gate starts proving difficult across multiple classes from the outset of practice. Wild struggled to get clean launches off the line throughout the early stages of the weekend, forcing him to fight from the back of the field in several races.

While the Albury Wodonga track had its challenges, Wild left with the ultimate prize and the Australian Title.

Adding to the team’s strong weekend was brother Reed Wild, who stepped up into one of the most competitive grids in the sport for his first race in the division. Reed impressed, taking third place in his opening heat and earning a direct transfer to the final in the 65cc class. His performance marked a significant milestone and highlighted the depth of talent within the Wild racing team.

The Wild boys also acknowledged the amazing support network behind their racing efforts, thanking their sponsors who help make competing possible, including Beard Brothers MC, JR Mechanical Services, ProMoto Suspension, Ringmaster Images, Little Ripperz, Extra Mile MC, White Race Tuning, Flemmings Roofing and Central West Funerals.

After a tough weekend of racing, one thing is certain the young W15 machine and Mason Wild delivered when it counted most.

Snippets…

April 9, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Works begin to improve access at Lake Endeavour.

Improved Access To Lake Endeavour: Parkes Shire Council advises that Lake Endeavour will be closed to the public from Monday, 13 April 2026 while works are undertaken to deepen the launch channel. No access to the dam during construction. Road closure at the intersection of Lake Endeavour Road & Bindogundra Road. Expected reopening: 9 May 2026 (weather permitting). This important upgrade will improve safety, accessibility, and usability. Read the full media release here: https://bit.ly/4skURCV

Philip Donato MP: Successive governments have failed to invest in the roadway infrastructure to future-proof our region. Yet this single fragile corridor still carries over 12,000 vehicles a day. When it fails, the region fails with it. With the indefinite closure of the Great Western Highway, we are left with a dangerous detour which has proven vulnerable to closure, further impacting our region’s vital connectivity with Sydney and eastern seaboard. Phil’s message is “We cannot rely on a single, outdated route across the mountains. It’s time to invest. It’s time to connect. It’s time to future-proof regional NSW.” Sign the petition https://shorturl.at/GKly8

Forbes Library School Holiday Activities: Join us at Forbes Library to discover the vibrant world of DIY by knotting friendship bracelets and mastering the rhythmic charm of French Knitting. We will make a simple friendship bracelet with a special weaving tool, and then make our own French Knitting loom to get started with a special project. All materials will be provided. This activity is designed for ages 8+. Forbes Library, Friday 17 April 10.30am – 11.30am. Free. To book your spot go to: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1986487616937

Proposed Energy from Waste FacilitiesPublic Forum: The proposed Energyfrom-Waste facility at Parkes continues to raise serious concerns across our community and it’s critical that local voices are heard. The NSW Parliament’s Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities will be in Parkes on 13–14 April, providing an important opportunity for residents to have their say directly. Public Forum. Many in our region are questioning why regional communities should take on metropolitan waste—particularly in an agricultural area like Parkes. I encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to attend, have your say, and ensure our community’s voice is clearly heard. Register to attend via www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=337

Energy from Waste Inquiry in Parkes.