The Gallery Forbes site is a hive of activ­ity as work is progressing on the exterior of the cultural and arts precinct. Construction is well underway on the exterior of the sec­ond storey extension, the roof is now on and some painting preparation is happening.

Chairperson of the Forbes Arts Society Trudy Mallick said, “the exterior will be a balancing act between preserving the old and incorporating the new. Having served as a key civic hub in its former life, first as a bank and then as an ambulance station, we can appreciate the amount of interest in this project.

“It’s heartening and reassuring to see the work being done on site to bring this belov­ed, prominent building back to life. It’s been a long time coming and we’d like to thank the Forbes community for its patience as we continue to progress this very exciting pro­ject forward.”

This stage of the project will take the building to lock up.

The Forbes Cultural Centre (Gallery Forbes) development is part of the ‘Boost­ing the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Gov­ernment’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Coun­cil and Evolution Mining.

The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Econ­omy Art Project’ aims to foster visual arts throughout the Forbes Shire, grow the visi­tor economy and promote the Lachlan Val­ley region as a premier tourism destination.

The project also includes the Gum Swamp redevelopment and extension of the Sculp­ture Down the Lachlan trail.

For more information about the project and to view the proposed plans, visit www.forbesartssociety.com

In recognition of National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), St Vincent de Paul Society NSW held a very special morning tea. It provided the opportunity to thank all of the Parkes volunteers and members and present some special awards.

Christine Cox, Parkes Vinnies Retail Team Leader, was award­ed the honor of NSW Vinnies Volunteer of the Year, Christine was nominated by Tanya Godden West Region Retail Manager. Chris­tine said she volunteers because: “There are plenty of rewards – the company of the volunteers and customers and the opportunity to be able to make a difference to the lives of others.”

After receiving the award Christine said “I’m a bit stunned. It was lovely. I have a very good team of volunteers and if I didn’t have them and my family, I couldn’t do it.” Christines Mum, Frances Charlton, was also a former Vinnies volunteer of 37 years before passing away recently.

Other awards were presented to:

• Krys Szabo, Parkes Conference Member and Retail Volunteer – Life Membership Award on recognition of her active and dedi­cated 30 years of service with the Society.

• Liz Jones, Parkes Conference Member and Retail Volunteer – Life Service Award on recognition of her 20 years of service with the Society.

• Christine Curteis, Parkes Retail Volunteer – 25 Year Service Award

• Marlene Freeman, Central Council Statistician – 15 Year Service Award

• Elaine Charlton, Parkes Retail Volunteer – 15 Year Service Award

• Paula Sutherland, Parkes Conference President and Retail Vol­unteer – 10 Year Service Award

• Irene Trueber, Parkes Conference Member and Retail Volunteer – 10 Year Service Award

• Brenda Davies, Parkes Retail Volunteer – 10 Year Service Award

• Ruth Beuzeville, Parkes Retail Volunteer – 5 Year Service Award

• Trish Prior, Parkes Retail Volunteer – 5 Year Service Award

Learn more about volunteering with St Vincent de Paul Society NSW at: www.vinnies.org.au

The iconic Variety NSW Bash is back for its 33rd year, aiming to raise $1 million to support children who are sick, experienc­ing disadvantage or living with a disability.

From Sunday 18 May to Saturday 24 May, 78 colourful cars and 255 participants will embark on the exhilarating seven-day road trip, congregating at Mount Panorama and ending in Newcastle.

The Variety NSW Bash is a one-of-a-kind motoring adventure that unites car lovers from all walks of life in a colourful celebra­tion of community and cause. Spanning just over 3,000km, the event is packed with fun, friendship, and purpose — with $41,647 in grants to be awarded to rural schools and communities along the route.

Participants are encouraged to decorate and theme their vehicles; from Men in Black, Scooby Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pokémon to Minions, all while raising criti­cal funds for Variety–the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT.

Stops along the way include Bathurst, Young, West Wyalong, Weethalle, Coleam­bally, Hay, Pooncarie, Broken Hill, Ivanhoe, Griffith, Euabalong West, Parkes, Bogan Gate, Yeoval, Mudgee and finishing with a Family Fun Day in Newcastle.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Variety NSW Bash back for another year,” said Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT.

“It’s more than just a road trip, it’s a pow­erful fundraising event that directly sup­ports kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability right across NSW.”

This year, school beneficiaries include Weethalle Public School, Kalinda School, Coleambally Central School, Pooncarie Public School, Ivanhoe Central School, Euabalong West Public School, Yeoval Central School. Each school will receive between $3,000 and $5,000 for education­al resources and sporting equipment such as projectors, workbooks, sensory play equipment, EDU classroom drone kit, and even a Variety Sunshine Coach!For more information or to donate, visit: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/nswbash25