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Forbes Phoenix

The Outdoor Gym: Digging, Planting, and Growing Together

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pilates is back for Term 2 in Parkes and Forbes. TGo book, go to: www.kerinhealth.com.au/pilates

Nestled at the base of the hill our home sits on, is an old abandoned homestead.

In its front yard, recently dozens of beauti­ful bulbs spring up from the neglected gar­den beds. I piled the kids in the ute and we drove down, shovels on the back. We dug out bulbs and they played in the old house.

I liked the sound of their childish laughter.

Our hands dug deep into the dirt. The sun warmed our backs as we pulled, shoveled and lifted; carting loads back to the ute. I was sweating, my legs ached and my heart rate was up.

We drove home, cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright from the exercise, arms and legs happily sore from the exertion.

We worked quickly. We transplanted the bulbs into our garden, the kids dug holes haphazardly, shoving them into the warm soil. They turn the hose on the transplanted bulbs briefly, then on each other. They ran, they played, blood pumping, muscles grow­ing, and bones getting stronger.

Could exercise get any more enjoyable? I once asked a client what she did for ex­ercise. “Oh nothing really, I don’t go to the gym, I don’t go for walks. I’m just in the gar­den most of the day”. I asked what she did in the garden. She listed a range of activi­ties, including using a push mower up steep hills, mulching and lifting heavy branches.

“That’s all great exercise,” I reassured her.

I catch a glimpse of the new plants through the window. Sunning themselves in their new home, a happy reminder of a day at our very own outdoor gym.

Are you not a gardener, but are looking for ways to exercise? Join our pilates classes or senior exercise classes at Kerin Health.

Contact us on 0437749746 or visit kerin­health.com.au

 

Head Along To Cooke Park This Saturday For Homegrown Parkes

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Register to enjoy one of the many workshops on offer or just head along to Cooke Park from 9am to 2pm to check out the locally grown and made products and produce.

If you like the idea of locally grown mar­kets, or perhaps fancy yourself as a home­grown producer, head along to Cooke Park Pavillion this Saturday 26 April for Home­grown Parkes. This community gathering celebrates local produce, crafts, and sus­tainability initiatives. There will be plenty of new tips and tricks to learn with an exciting program of workshops and with each work­shop registration, you will go in the running to win some wonderful prizes from the local Homegrown Parkes businesses.

Chef Jack Brown, an Indigenous chef who is trained in traditional French cui­sine, will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am. Then at 12.30pm, Kath Whitchurch will be provid­ing a workshop on Sourdough Making. The final Pavilion Workshop at 2.00pm, willfea­ture talented landscape designer Elizabeth Briton, sharing her knowledge of local plant species and design concepts.

Clancy The Bee Man will provide infor­mal workshops on the lawn in front of the Pavilion at 10.30am and 1.00pm. There will also be also a free, live reptile display throughout the day, with Andrew provid­ing two formal presentations at 11am and 1.30pm.

Funding for this event has been granted under the Open Streets Program, funded by Transport for NSW, in addition to sup­port from Central West Lachlan Landcare and volunteers from Parkes Community Arts. Chef Jack Brown is attending thanks the support of Landcare NSW.

For further details on the full program, please go to www.centralwestlachlanland­care.org or follow the Homegrown Parkes Facebook page.

Canowindra Balloon Festival Ready To Take Off

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Balloons taking off at the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Festival. Image Credit: Farmpix Photography

The skies over Canowindra are set to daz­zle as the beloved Canowindra Balloon Festival returns from 26 April to 4 May.

This vibrant week-long celebration of hot air balloons, music, art, food, and commu­nity spirit offers something for everyone.

Festivities lift off with the Welcome Street Party on 26 April, featuring live music from Nerida Cuddy and the Neil Gill Band, along­side a sizzling BBQ competition, delicious food, and market stalls. Throughout the week, enjoy Flicker Fest at Rosnay, crea­tive Paint and Sips, inspiring workshops from The Creative Cure, and Sue Hodges’ art exhibition at the Canowindra Services Club, just to name a few of the offerings for the week.

Test your trivia knowledge at the Trivia Night hosted by the Canowindra Public School P&C. Then, don’t miss the Home Ground Sounds Concert on 2 May, head­lined by country star Casey Barnes, with performances by Furnace and The Fun­damentals, Big Night Out, and Nathan La­mont.

Saturday, 3 May, begins with the thrilling Balloon Key Grab, followed by the CWA All Day Breakfast, a colourful street parade, and the spectacular Cabonne Community Glow—gates open from 3pm.

Whether you’re here for the balloons or the beats, the Canowindra Balloon Festival is an unforgettable autumn escape. Bal­loons fly from 27 April to 2 May mornings and afternoons, weather permitting.

Tickets and more information available at Balloon HQ located on Gaskill Street and 123tix.com.au.

Snippets…

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Lights were left on across Forbes and Parkes for Molly on the evening of 22 April.

Her Name Is Molly: Forbes and Parkes residents left their lights on for Molly on Tuesday 22 April. Molly Ticehurst lost her life to domestic violence in April 2024. A year on from Molly’s passing, and the hashtag #hernameismolly has lit up facebook with photos of people from all across Australia leaving a light on for Molly. Households, businesses, councils and sporting grounds all paid tribute to Molly by leaving a light on and shining a bright light on domestic violence issues.

1800RESPECT: Support is available for people experiencing violence and abuse.1800RESPECT is the national do­mestic, family and sexual violence coun­selling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via the website https://1800respect.org.au

Visit Parkes Region: The town with a heart of gold is calling! Wander the leafy main street, discover hidden gems in charming antique stores and the charm of the Carrington Hotel, and don’t miss the breathtaking views from the open cut gold mine walking trails. Peak Hill is the perfect place to stop, explore and soak up history, nature, and small-town charm. Learn more at bit.ly/4idL4cB

Forbes Garden Club: The Forbes Gar­den Club bus trip to Tumbling Downs Ol­ive Grove at Bogan Gate is on Thursday 15 May, leaving at 9.30 am and also visit­ing three gardens in Parkes. We need 30 members and friends on the bus at a cost of $35 each which includes a Devonshire tea. Pack lunch or food can be purchased at Parkes Services Club. Ask your friends or family to join us we need numbers for this to go ahead. Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes can be contacted on 6851 4494.

Parkes Shire Council Need Your Help: The 2025 National Awards for Local Gov­ernment are underway, and we need your support to help Parkes Shire take home the win. Our entry is Fleet Optimisation and Innovation: A Smarter Approach to Asset Management. Parkes Council is a final­istsin two categories: Productivity through Infrastructure and Outstanding Rural and Remote Council. Want more information? Go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/nalg/

Early Voting In Forbes: If you wish to vote before the Federal Election Day on Sat­urday 3 May 2025, simply pop into Town Hall for pre-polling. For further information about the 2025 Federal Election visit www.aec.gov.au

If you can’t vote on Saturday, 3 May then vote early on the above dates.

ANZAC Day In Parkes And Forbes

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On Friday 25 April 2025, Australian’s will mark the 110th anniversary of the Gal­lipoli landings, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war. Parkes and Forbes residents are invited to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Services to be held across the Parkes and Forbes Shires:

PARKES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:30am at Memorial Hill

• Breakfast Bistro 6:30am at Parkes Ser­vices Club

• Church Service 7am at Holy Family Catholic Church

• Church Service 7:30am at Parkes Angli­can Church

• ANZAC Day March 8:30am at Welcome Street, Chamberlain Square and Clar­inda Street to Cooke Park

• Commemorative Service am at Cooke Parkes

• Wreath Laying Pilgrimage 10:45am at Parkes Cemetery War Graves

• ANZAC Day Luncheon 12pm at Parkes Services Club

• Sound Retreat 5pm at Cooke Park

• The Ode 6pm at Parkes Services Club

FORBES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:20am Harold Street, form up 5.15am Templar Street, adja­cent to Club Forbes

• ANZAC Day March 10:15am Cross Street, Cross Street, Lachlan Street, Harold Street terminating at Cenotaph

• Commemmorative Service 10:30am Harold Street

Exciting Opportunity In Central West Industrial Park

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

For additional commentary, a detailed information memorandum or more photos please contact Sam Johnston 0412 896 602 sam@johnstongroup.com.au Gary Johnston 0427 574 270 gary@johnstongroup.com.au

Johnston Rural Group is excited to present for sale: 52 Back Yam­ma Road: a 10.96 hectare (109,600m) industrial land parcel primed for commercial development – boasting a central mid-state location adjacent to the Newell Highway and Inland Rail line in the new Cen­tral West Industrial Park.

The property, which comprises a large, renovated office building and two enclosed sheds, is currently operated as the national base for Lachlan Commodities who specialise in the supply of identity preserved high quality grains to the international and domestic food industries.

Originally, Lachlan Commodities planned to develop the land into a modern grain receival depot however, this project unexpectedly came to a halt when the prospect of purchasing the Forbes Linx de­pot which already had a large amount of purpose-built infrastructure was made available.

The successful acquisition of the Linx site has now meant that 52 Back Yamma Road is surplus to their requirement and therefore be­ing offered for public sale with offers closing on Thursday the 22nd of May 2025.

Head of Strategy and Business Development at Lachlan Com­modities Patrick Cogswell states that: “Our family has lived and worked in Forbes for over 40 years, we are very proud to be invest­ing further into the local area and believe strongly in the growth op­portunities this region presents”.Marketing agent Sam Johnston believes it’s an incredibly excit­ing time for the local region and comments that: “Forbes is sure to provide a prosperous future for any incoming or expanding business and their staff which is reinforced by the local Council’s vision of creating “a safe, connected and welcoming community that aspires to create job opportunities, improve infrastructure and support a di­verse and thriving economy”.For more information, please contact marketing agents Johnston Rural Group who can provide a price guide and detailed information memorandum on request.

Coalition Commits $10 Million To Support Veterans

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway The Nationals candidate for Calare said “Our veterans have given so much for our country – we owe them more than just thanks,”

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud was happy to make an announcement for Veterans and their families in the Central West, who will receive a much-needed boost in support under a Dutton-Littleproud Government, with the Coalition committing $5 million to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bathurst and $5 million to expand the Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre in Dubbo.

David went on to say “They will deliver integrated support to veterans and fami­lies, by improving access to local services such as wellbeing, advocacy, employment and housing advice, social connection and physical and mental health.”

The Nationals candidate for Calare Sam Farraway said the funding commitment would provide a critically important space for veterans’ services and advocacy organ­isations to co-exist and deliver integrated support to current and ex-service person­nel and their families.

“The commitment will bring services to­gether under one roof so that veterans and their families across the Central West can access the support they need, when they need it.

“Too many veterans slip through the cracks because help is too far away or too hard to find. I hope this will make a lasting difference to those who’ve worn the uni­form and their families.”

The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said “We must never forget the sacrifices made by our local veterans and always act to ensure that they and their families have the support they deserve.

“This investment will not only provide further support for veterans in Dubbo (and Bathurst) but a regional base for surround­ing areas. Support services like today’s announcement will build on the support already available for veterans. There is no doubt more work needs to be done, but it’s a start.”

Resilient Homes Program Hits Next Stage Across Central West NSW

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Making the announcement at the Eugowra Showground is Deputy Mayor of Cabonne Council Jamie Jones, Janelle Saf­fin MP, Minister for Recovery, Member for Orange Phil Donato, and Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon.

Residents across the Central West of NSW impacted by the 2022 floods have begun to receive their free home assessment reports from the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s $40 million Resilient Homes Program.

Since applications for the Resilient Homes Program opened on 28 October 2024, the Reconstruction Authority has received 200 applications and undertaken 125 home assessments, with more to be scheduled.

The Resilient Homes Program supports resilience and safety so that people can continue to live in the communities they love. The program has three streams:

Home Buybacks – eligible homeowners in highest risk areas may receive a pay­ment for the purchase of their home and land in areas that have a very high risk of future floods.

Resilient Measures – grant funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to eligible homeowners to raise liveable areas of their home, relocate their home, rebuild a more resilient home or retrofit their home with more resilient materials and innovative de­sign features.

Free Home Assessments – a flood resil­ience expert will help identify opportunities with eligible homeowners to increase the resilience of a home.

Eligibility for the Program takes people’s individual circumstances into account, with priority given to those facing additional barri­ers and challenges that could increase their vulnerability or risk in future flooding events.

For more information on the Resilient Homes Program in the Central West visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-fund­ing/resilient-homes-program-central-west or call the Reconstruction Authority Con­cierge Team on 1800 844 085

Snippets…

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Lewis Wilde will play Ben Hall in the upcoming play The Trial of Ben Hall, and Rodney Morrison will play the Sheriff.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes Shire Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee will be performing The Trial of Ben Hall, a play written by Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams on Friday, 9 May at 6pm at the former St Andrews Church, Forbes. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the legend of Ben Hall and experience the trial he never had. It will be a fun night of history, drama, and community spirit that the whole fam­ily will enjoy! Secure your free tickets for a night to remember at www.123tix.com.au/events/47902/the-trial-of-ben-hall

Dolly’s Dream: Go blue on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day – speaking up for young voices silenced by bullying, from bustling cities to the furthest corners of the outback.

From country towns to remote stations, we’ll paint our communities blue. We’ll bake, we’ll dress up, and we’ll stand united, because in rural Australia, we look after our own. Join us on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day! Wear blue, raise awareness, and give a voice to those silenced by bullying. Every donation goes directly to Dolly’s Dream’s vital anti-bullying programs in schools across Australia, even in the most distant rural communities.

Kerin Health: Did you know Kerin Health are running four days of intensive swim­ming lessons these school holidays? There are limited spaces still available if you’re quick! Call reception on 0437 749 746 or book via their website: https://www.kerinhealth.com.au/swimming-lessons

NSW Government: Got five minutes? Your feedback can help shape how essen­tial services are delivered in regional com­munities. Tell us what’s working and what could be improved. bit.ly/HYS-essential-services

50% Off Elvis Festival Merch: Now is your chance to grab official Parkes Elvis Festi­val merchandise for half the price! No code needed – discount applied automatically at checkout. But hurry, this offer is only valid until 30 April. Shop now: bit.ly/ShopPEF

The Wild Sows: An incredible $429,260 was raised by over 80 ladies as part of the 2025 Never Late Fe-mail Posite Bike Ride raising money for Wings4Kidz. The Wild Sows are proud to announce that we raised just over $44,500! We couldn’t have done this without the generous support of you, our community. There is still time to donate to Wings4Kidz to help our regional families

An amazing effort by The Wild Sows raising much needed fund for Wings4Kidz.

Let’s Get The Bush Connected This Election

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for ru­ral and regional Australians in this election.

NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made, we’re still a long way from fixing the rural and regional connectivity problem.

“Whether it’s calling for help in an emer­gency, coordinating logistics during har­vest, or simply staying connected with loved ones – bush connectivity is not a lux­ury, it’s a lifeline,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Reliable connectivity is critical to keep­ing people outside major population cen­tres safe and connected, both in times of natural disasters, and in daily farm life.”

Mr Jochinke said rural, regional and re­mote constituents deserved reliable and resilient connectivity, and he acknowledged productive discussions with telecommuni­cation providers, but it’s time for the Fed­eral Government to step up.

“This election, we’ve put all parties on notice: rural voters are tired of buffering, dropouts and excuses. They want to be connected” Mr Jochinke said.

The NFF has compiled a list of actions that would continue to improve bush con­nectivity.

The NFF’s Election Platform can be found here keepfarmersfarming.org.au

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