Articles Archives - Page 33 of 424

Snippets…

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Board Members for RMHC, Jenny Mcleod and Geoff Rice were presented with teddies from the Parkes College for Seniors.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West NSW: Thank you to the wonderful Parkes College for Seniors group for creating these incredible auction items for our Gala Ball. You can bid on an item even if you’re not able to go to the Ball being held on 8 November, it’s a great way to support Ronald McDonald House Central West from the comfort of your own home https://galabid.com/orange2025

Women NSW: Big news for rural women in NSW & ACT! Applications for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award are now open. If you’re a woman leading a project, business or program that’s making a real impact in rural or regional Australia, this is your chance to be recognised and supported. With up to $35,000 in grants from Platinum Partner Westpac, it’s an incredible opportunity to grow your vision. agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Are thrilled to once again have the support of local State member Philip Donato and his wife Nadia at the Homegrown Parkes event. This time they will be sharing their Tiramisu making skills. If you would like to be part of this workshop at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 11 October 2025, then follow the link to register: https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2025/09/11/looking-at-landcare-11-9-2025-phil-nadia-donato-sharing-tiramisu-workshop-at-homegrown-parkes. Registrations forthe our coffee roasting workshop with The Folk Roaster can also be be found on the page.

NSW Agriculture: NSW Agriculture and Local Land Services NSW is inviting stakeholders to provide information on the electronic identification (eID) implementation for sheep and goats in NSW. Your feedback will help inform how the program is moved forward. To fill out the survey please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/i2WQrk3utC

Regional Development Australia Central West: Central West is Best is the theme for the 2025 RDA Central West Photo Competition and entries are now open via the website. Submissions are steadily rolling in – add your view of the Central West today. Entries are open to all https://rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/central-west-is-best-photo-competition/

anAssist Forbes Branch: Forbes branch of CanAssist would like to once again thank Red Bend JRL for the wonderful support they give. CanAssist members man the gate for donations at RBJRL’s gala day and Lou Grimmit day, and also supply helpers to assist in their canteen.

Collum Hopkins and Michelle Bentick presenting the cheque for $4,020 to Helen Westwood and John Schrader from CanAssist.

Choose Clear Choice Septic Maintenance

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Born and raised in Yorkshire UK, Dave Rees now calls Forbes home after marrying a local girl. Three months ago Dave branched out and started his own business, Clear Choice Septic Maintenance.

What is a septic tank? A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domestic wastewater flows for basic sewage treatment.

After seeing so many septic tanks that in his opinion were being under-serviced, Dave decided to offer a premium service at a reasonable price.

Clear Choice Septic Maintenance offers a full septic tank service including air blower, all fixtures and fittings, with the ability to fit major components on the day should they need immediate replacement. Dave can also lodge the full system reports to the local council, saving his clients the hassle of having to do it themselves.

Dave prides himself on building relationships with his clients, and also offers a “training day” to occupants of homes with a septic tank who may not know the “do’s and don’ts” of having a septic tank.

Don’t delay, if you have a septic tank, call Dave today on 0431 005 180 and book in a service before any major issues occur.

Fire Meets Flavour In Forbes

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

World-renowned live-fire chef Patrick De Leon will be joining the National BBQ Championships in Forbes on 18 and 19 October. Visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/2025-nationalbbq-championships.

World-renowned live-fire chef Patrick De Leon will be joining the National BBQ Championships pit when the sizzling event returns to Forbes on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025.

Barbeque fans won’t want to miss the chance to see one of the world’s most dynamic chefs in action as the Central West heats up for another unforgettable weekend.

With over two decades of smoke and seasoning behind him, Chef Patrick is internationally recognised for his fusion of classic American BBQ, South American asado and South African braai. A favourite on the competitive circuit and a mentor to aspiring grillers, Chef Patrick is known for coaxing deep, layered flavours from flame, coal and hardwood smoke.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Patrick De Leon to the National BBQ Championships in Forbes,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller. “His incredible talent and dynamic live-fire skills will add something truly special to the event, celebrating the flavours and passion that make barbeque such a beloved tradition both here and around the world.”

Attendees can catch Chef Patrick in live demos throughout the weekend. Chef Patrick’s live-fire cooking, global BBQ fusion, coal and wood-fire control, and dry rub & condiment design will impress both seasoned pitmasters and backyard BBQ lovers.

This year’s event promises a full weekend of grilling, smoking, live demonstrations, music, market stalls, and kids’ entertainment – all in celebration of BBQ culture. The event is proudly presented in partnership with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance.

“This event brings our community together, attracts visitors from near and far, and showcases the incredible talent and flavours that make BBQ such a celebrated tradition, both here and around the world,” the Mayor added.

Lions Park Works To Enhance Popular Space

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Already one of Forbes’ most popular spaces for families, visitors and events, Lions Park is undergoing a major transformation, designed to improve access, usability and appeal for all ages.

The project will deliver new shade sails, an expanded playground with soft-fall rubber surfacing, and full restoration of the carpark to include all-abilities access from vehicles directly into the park.

The Lions Park improvement works are part of the Forbes Lake Activation Parks and Amenities Resilience & Betterment Project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Community Assets Program. The Lions Park shade structures are funded under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the project builds on the park’s existing strengths and further positions it as a key community and events destination. “Lions Park is a favourite for family outings, weekend events, and community gatherings. This transformation will enhance what’s already great, making the space more inclusive, resilient, and welcoming,” Mayor Miller said.

“With better access, upgraded play spaces, and landscaping that complements the other improvement works being delivered around Lake Forbes, this park will be a true showcase of Forbes’ outdoor Forbes Shire Council lifestyle.”

Due to the level of construction activity and for public safety, areas of Lions Park will be closed to the public while works are underway. Access to walking paths and Oh So Sugar will remain open to pedestrians throughout the project.

Council looks forward to unveiling a refreshed, more inclusive and event-ready Lions Park later this year. For more information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Parkes To Host Goodnessgravel Cycling Event

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Picture from a recent goodnessgravel visit to Parkes. Image credit to @goodnessgravel and @VisitParkes.

An Australian bike event company, goodnessgravel, will partner with Parkes Council to run the first edition of goodnessgravel Parkes on Saturday, 1 November.

Parent company, twowheeltours, has years of experience in the bike industry, coordinating events, tours and races both here in Australia and around the world. So they created goodnessgravel to combine their passion for creating memorable riding experiences with the real need to support local Australian communities.

The event will showcase the excellent gravel roads and stunning scenery throughout the Parkes Shire and bring riders from all over the state and inter-state for a gravel cycling festival.

On Saturday riders will depart from Harrison Park and have the option of selectingone of the three different courses; 130km ride, with +1,200m of ascent or the shorter 110km ride, with +1,000m of ascent or finally there is a 50km ride, with 350m of ascent.

All courses will be signposted and will travel through the gravel roads and countryside to the south-east of Parkes including Cookamidgera, Mandagery, and for the full 130km, the course will go south to Eugowra.

On the Sunday, riders will be provided with options for a recovery ride from ‘The Dish’. Come and challenge yourself on these gravel roads and have an adventure. For more details of this exciting gravel ride and to book your gravel experience head to goodnessgravel.com

Snippets…

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The school holiday program at Parkes Shire Libraries.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Calling all school aged children! Parkes Shire Libraries have an absolutely jam-packed two weeks coming up for the school holidays. Think robotics, movies, Questacon, after hours sessions, sketching and musical theatre. Bookings are open now at https://humanitix.com/au.

Forbes Safe Driver Course: is scheduled for Monday 29 September at the Youth & Community Centre. The Safer Drivers Course is designed to help young drivers feel confident and safe on the road. You will get 20 hours off your logbook, learn practical safe driving strategies, build confidence driving solo and be one step closer to your P’s. You are eligible if you are under 25 years old, current Learner’s Permit and already have 50+ logbook hours. Food provided on the day and the course includes theory and practical. Free if you have your own concession card. Book here: https://pcycdrivereducation.org.au/book-a-course

Vinnies NSW: The NSW Government is offering assistance through its Social Impact Programs for eligible households. Energy rebates are available for low income households, families, seniors and people with certain medical conditions to pay their electricity and gas bills. These rebates support around 1 in 3 households in NSW each year, helping households to reduce their electricity bills by 15%. Find out what rebates you might be eligible for and how to apply at energy.nsw.gov.au/rebates, call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW Centre.

Visit Parkes Region: Elvis fans, this one’s for you. Step into the spotlight at ‘The King’s Castle’, Australia’s only permanent exhibition of authentic Elvis Presley memorabilia, right here in Parkes, NSW. Curated by Greg Page (yes, the original Yellow Wiggle!), this dazzling collection features stage-worn costumes, rare artefacts, and personal items that once belonged to the King himself. Located at the Henry Parkes Centre, also home to the replica ‘Gates of Graceland’, it’s a must-see for fans of rock ’n’ roll, pop culture, and timeless charisma. Make your visit unforgettable. Fore more information visit bit.ly/3JFrFpB

Forbes Shire Council: The spring school holiday program has been designed to keep young people engaged and active during the holidays, while also providing parents with affordable options for school holiday fun. For information and ticketing details, head to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Upcoming spring school holiday program in Forbes.

Free Child Restraint Checks In Parkes And Forbes

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles, with free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Forbes on Wednesday 24 September and Parkes on Thursday 25 September 2025.

The Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that these free child restraint checking days are important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child – such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe” Ms Suitor said.

The child restraint checking days will be held in Forbes on Wednesday 24 September from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Forbes Rugby Club, and in Parkes on Thursday 25 September from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Kelly Reserve.

Bookings are essential, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.

School Holiday Fun Returns To Forbes With New Format

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council’s much-loved school holiday program is back with a new format, packed full of fun, creativity, and entertainment for children and young people of all ages.

As usual there will be a great variety of activities for our youth, including a circus workshop, skateboard painting, first aid training and art sessions. An exciting new Youth Connect event will also be part of the program.

For the upcoming school holidays, Council is introducing a small ticket fee for selected events as part of a new trial. The change aims to reduce no-shows and giving more families the chance to enjoy these popular activities.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the trial was about supporting fairness and accessibility. “Our school holiday events are always in high demand, and when people don’t turn up, it means other children miss the chance to take part. By introducing a small ticket fee for selected activities, we’re hoping to encourage families to commit to their bookings and give more kids the opportunity to take part.”

Families are encouraged to secure their spots early. For more information about booking head to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Forbes Garden Club Report

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Faye Blackstock spoke about growing succulents and demonstrated how to make a Christmas tree from succulents at the August Forbes Garden Club meeting. Faye on the left, is pictured with Denise.

Our last meeting had a wonderful attendance of 45 members on a sunny afternoon held in the garden of Phil and Fleur Wells.

The guest speaker was Fay Blackstock of Parkes, who spoke about succulents.

We visited her garden early this year, and together with her husband, they have an outstanding display of metal art and a huge variety of plants that made their garden memorable. Fay demonstrated how to make a Christmas Tree using succulents, chicken wire, sphagnum moss and potting soil. Jennifer Purdie thanked Fay and presented her with a small gift.

Marg Dent conducted the business meeting, welcoming all and noting how nice it was to see such a great attendance. Bev Gerdus reminded all to have show flower entries ready.

Phil Wells shared the history of their garden, which featured many Japanese maples to provide shade in summer and a stone wall to prevent flooding of the river which the garden overlooks. David Sanderson thanked Phil and Fleur for hosting the meeting and presented them with a gift.

Flower of the month winners were Marie Langfield 1st (rose), joint 2nd Pam Baass (geranium) and Noel Hocking (daffodil), 3rd Carolyn Dewaegeneire (hellebore). Raffle winners were Evelyn Mahlo, Claire Haley and Noel Hocking.

When you come along to one of our meetings you will have the opportunity to view the garden, buy plants, flowers or fruit from the trading table, enter the Flower of the Month competition and have a cuppa with members after the meeting. Contact forbesgardenclub@gmail.com for details.

The next meeting will be held at Joy and Noel Hocking’s garden, 84 Farrand Street on Tuesday 23 September at 2pm. Our guest speaker Noel will talk on irises.

By Green Thumb

Netball Stars

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

It’s a brisk Tuesday night as the local stragglers appear at the netball courts, some of us dazed from the trauma of dinner time with toddlers, others fresh from work in their jeans and boots.

It’s netball season in our little town, and it’s pretty spectacular. My favourite is the banter between husbands and wives, long term friends and siblings. The two sisters paired against each other in the circle, GS and GK, pushing and barging, cracking inside jokes from their childhood. The ref doesn’t bother to pull them up on it, they are evenly matched and it’s entertaining to watch.

My sister yells at her husband, who has worn his gum boots to the match after a wet day in the sheep yards. “Mark your player!” Babies sit in prams on the sideline, and it’s part of the refs unspoken duty to rock the pram or pick up the cranky baby. Most times we only have enough players for two teams, and we don’t bother with a ref.

It’s a chaotic, unpredictable and beautiful game, with no tally of goals, no timers.

One of the players will usually just yell out, “surely it’s half time?!” And we will all agree and head over for a drinks break, a mere 7 minutes into the game.

To signal the end of the match, someone will just yell out “next goal wins!!”. Then we all shake hands, have a chat and head home, faces red from the exercise, hearts happy for the connection.

It reminds me of an age of primary school, where we would run around just for the fun of it, with no thoughts to calories or weight loss. Reminds me that exercise doesn’t need fancy nike shoes or the latest Lulu lemon tights.

Sometimes, it can be running around on a netball court, with limited knowledge of the rules and verbal aggression from your wife when you’re confidently (and constantly) in the shooting circle. Dressed in gumboots and jeans, with a brightly coloured bib thrustover your chest with the letters “WD”.This is small town sport, and I’m a big fan.

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