Local olive farmers, Greg and Clare Gibson of Gibson’s Grove, were invited to showcase their products at the Grape, Grain and Graze Festival (a wine and food festival) held at the Sydney Showground at Olympic Park on Saturday, 11th August.

The prestigious invitation was extended to them because they were awarded ‘Champion Olives’ at the last Sydney Royal Fine Food show and also participated in the prestigious Presidents Award.

They were joined at the festival by four other award winners as well as over 2,000 wines, which had been judged shortly before the festival. Gibson’s Grove continues to show the high standard of their produce.

“Believable”, “very realistic”, “a real eyeopener” – these were some of the sentiments of over 400 Year 10 students from across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas that attended last week’s mock car crash demonstration held at Parkes High School.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said the mock car crash demonstration is the cornerstone of the Not A Statistic! Youth Driver Education Program.

“This program is one in a suite of projects we run annually targeting young drivers in a bid to lower our local youth road toll,” said Melanie.

Nine local high schools took part in the program, which included a morning and afternoon mock car crash demonstration at Parkes High School’s Multi-Purpose Centre, as well as pre classroom lessons held at each of the schools.

“The mock car crash demonstration started with a short film that set the scene about how the crash occurred and introduced the youth actors. Then the curtains opened and the audience watched as the youth actors called ‘000’ for help.

“When emergency service personnel arrived they were confronted with two severely injured trapped passengers, one dead passenger and a very emotional driver.

“The mock car crash demonstration concluded with victim impact statements which highlighted what life has been like for the driver, her surviving passengers and their families six months on.

“There are not only physical scars from a road crash but far reaching emotional ones too. And not just for the passengers but their families, their friends and the emergency services that attend the scene.

“I played the role of the narrator during the mock car crash demonstration, so I was in a great position to watch what the students were doing and how they reacted. They were all glued to the car and the actors – you could hear a pin drop. I think the message really hit home to them about the trauma involved in car crashes because it was so very realistic,” said Melanie.

This year the program celebrated its 10th anniversary with the launch of a commemorative book. The book catalogues the program’s origins, purpose and achievements, as well as lists all 100 past cast, crew and helpers and contains endorsements from the mayors and local emergency services involved.

Over the last 10 years, there has been a 27 percent reduction in crashes on local roads involving a young driver.

Writing a Will is often seen as something that can be done in the future or not being necessary. However NSW Trustee & Guardian is encouraging everyone over the age of 18 to consider it now. Even if you don’t think you have much, a Will is still important as you may have more assets than you realise.

For anyone that has ever worked full or part time, you may have a superannuation policy that would be paid out if you passed away. Some super funds also include life insurance policies so these can be sizeable assets.

If you own property, a bike or car you may already have thought about what you would like to happen to these items if you pass away. You may also like to include tools, jewellery, furniture or tech gadget purchases in your Will.

For those in relationships or with family and friends to think about, a Will can also help ensure your wishes are followed and the things you care about are looked after. Perhaps there is a charity or cause that you are passionate about and would like to acknowledge them in your Will.

NSW Trustee & Guardian is the state’s largest Will maker and can help get you started if you haven’t had a Will created before. They’ve got the experience meaning there’s no Will too large or too small for them to handle. They will be holding a Plan Ahead Day at Forbes Court House on Wednesday 29 August, where you can make or update your Will or Power of Attorney documents. To make an appointment, call 1300 723 037 or start online: tag.nsw.gov.au/planahead

*Fees may apply.

See website for details.