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Forbes Phoenix

Not All Multifocal Lenses Are Created Equal

April 3, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Multifocal lenses are a game-changer for those needing vision cor­rection at multiple distances, but not all multifocal lenses are the same. Many people assume that any multifocal lens they purchase will provide clear, comfortable vision, yet there can be vast differ­ences in design, quality, and lens technology that can have a huge impact for the wearer.

Off-the-shelf or budget multifocal lenses often use outdated technology, leading to smaller reading zones, more distortion, and difficulty adapting. High-quality, modern multifocal lenses—espe­cially when selected and fitted by an experienced optometrist and optical dispenser team, offer a much smoother transition between distances, wider vision zones, and more comfortable viewing ex­perience overall.

This is where choosing an independent optometrist, like Hansen Eyecare Plus Parkes makes all the difference. Unlike chain stores that may offer a limited selection and only use one brand of lenses which is the best one for their bottom line, we have access to a wide range of premium multifocal designs from many different lens manufacturers that can be tailored to your lifestyle. We take the time to understand your unique vision needs, ensuring you get lenses that provide the clearest, most comfortable vision possible.

We also offer a 3 month non adaptation warranty on your new multifocal, so if you’re one of the small number of people that can’t adjust to a multifocal lens, then we will happily exchange them for something else. If you’re sick of taking glasses on and off or have been waiting to take the plunge and try multifocal lenses then what better time than now?

Need Planning Approval For Your Next Project?

April 3, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Town Planner Eliza Noakes can help with your next development project.

If you’ve ever required planning approval for a development pro­ject, you know it is not always smooth sailing. Whether it’s zoning issues, confusing planning rules and regulations, or delays in ap­provals, getting the green light for a project can be overwhelming.

That’s where Acre Town Planning can help.

With over 36 years combined experience, Acre Town planning is skilled at cutting through the red tape, making the process sim­pler and faster. Acre has become a trusted name in navigating the complexities of town planning for projects ranging from residential developments to large-scale commercial and industrial develop­ments. After five years operating in southern NSW, Acre has re­cently expanded into central west NSW appointing Parkes local, Eliza Noakes to provide planning consultancy services to develop­ers and landowners in the region.

Eliza served as the Manager of Development and Planning at Forbes Shire Council, managing an array of complex develop­ment applications and strategic planning projects. From significant greenfield subdivisions to childcare centres, rural and manufactur­ing industries, as well as various rezonings and strategic planning projects, Eliza has a proven track record of delivering thoughtful and efficient solutions that support community growth and sustain­ability.

Acre’s reputation for excellence is built on a strong commitment to understanding each project’s unique needs and objectives.

Their comprehensive services include:

• Preparation of Development Applications

• NSW planning portal assistance

• Due diligence advice for new property purchases

• Planning Proposals and rezonings

• General planning advice

Acre’s extensive planning knowledge ensures that all Council re­quirements are met,ensuring a smooth and streamlined approval process. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to move for­ward with your development plans, contact Acre Town Planning to discuss how they can assist with planning approvals on your next development project. Phone Eliza on 0447 314 359, email admin@acretp.com.au or visit www.acretp.com.au

Learn Something New This Saturday At Homegrown Parkes

March 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Register to attend one of the workshops on 29 March at Cooke Park to win.

Register to attend one of the workshops at Homegrown Parkes this weekend, and you will go into the running to win some won­derful prizes from local Homegrown Parkes businesses.

Chef Jack Brown will be providing a work­shop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am.

Jack is an Indigenous Chef trained in tra­ditional French cuisine, who is redefining Australian cuisine by embracing native in­gredients.

Kath Whitchurch will be providing a pop­ular workshop on Sourdough Making at 12.30pm in Cooke Park Pavilion.

The day concludes with the final Pavilion Workshop at 2.00pm, with 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. He will be providing two formal presen­tations at 10.30am and 1.00pm.

There will also be a free, live reptile display throughout the day, with two formal presen­tations by Andrew at 11am and 1.30pm.

Funding has been granted to Parkes Shire Council under the Open Streets Pro­gram, funded by Transport for NSW to sup­port this event, in addition to support from Central West Lachlan Landcare and volun­teers from Parkes Community Arts.

Chef Jack Brown is providing a workshop at Homegrown Parkes with the support of Landcare NSW.

For further information, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or follow the Homegrown Parkes Facebook page.

Snippets…

March 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Please reserve a seat for Chef Jack Browns Workshop which is a free event scheduled for Homegrown on Saturday 29 March.

Homegrown Parkes: Help us welcome Chef Jack Brown to Homegrown Parkes this Saturday, 29 March. Jack, who has spent some time in the Central West, is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine. Jack will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am – 12pm and you are invited to join in. For further information please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org twitter, fa­cebook or Instagram @cwllandcare

Forbes – It’s Your Turn For A Plot Twist! Young people aged 8 – 14 years are invited to choose the books they want to go into Forbes Library. There will be snacks, prizes and games! Be prepared to have fun. It is all happening on Friday 4 April from 4pm – 5pm at The Book Dispensary in Forbes, 4 Templar Street. Please note this location for the event. Choose the books you’d like to read for your local library and get first dibs on your selection. So come along and bring your parents for supervision if under 12 years of age or be signed in by a parent or carer for Plot Twist. Bookings essential online through Try Booking: www.trybook­ing.com/events/landing/1368351 or by call­ing Forbes Library on 6852 1463 or The Book Dispensary on 1300 002 871.

NSW Farmers: Farmers must not be left without the funding needed to put Aussie grown food on tables, NSW Farmers has warned as the Albanese Government deliv­ers its latest federal budget. Poor infrastruc­ture, telecommunications and biosecurity are just some of the challenges farmers will be left to face alone if federal funding is not increased, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said. “Our government keeps talking about a future made in Australia, but how about a future grown in Australia? As we head to the polls, our politicians can’t for­get the fact that people need fresh, Aussie grown food at fair prices. We need to keep our farmers farming.”

Charles Sturt University Health Forum: CSU is hosting a forum in Parkes today, Friday 28 March, 8am to 3.30pm for health students. Dive into a full day of insightful talks and presentations on ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’ from health professionals working in speech pathology, physiotherapy, pharmacy, health promo­tion, paramedicine, First Nations health, dementia care, and research. The day in­cludes an incredible line-up of speakers. Find more details at: https://threerivers.csu.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2025/thrive-2025-parkes

Forbes Pharmacist Jack Buckey (The flying pharmacist) will be a guest speaker at the CSU forum on Friday 28 March.

Working Sheep Dogs On Show At 2025 Parkes Yard Dog Trial

March 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Come and watch the excitement over two fun days.

The Parkes Yard Dog Trial is set to be an exciting and action-packed weekend on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June at the Parkes Show­ground. This thrilling competition showcases the remarkable skills of working dogs and their handlers as they move the sheep through a series of tasks.

The Parkes Yard Dog Trial warmly invites the general public to attend this fantastic event. Entry is open to everyone, making it a perfect outing for families, dog enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the excitement of yard dog trials firsthand. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of yard dog trials or a first-time spectator, this event is designed to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages.

There will be a coffee van and BBQ available on both days.

If you are interested in trialling your dog, or would like to get in­volved and help on the weekend, please contact Bernard Dwyer on 0428 653 233. The entry forms for the trials are available by email­ing admin@dwyercontracting.com.au

Success At The Land Cookery And Handicraft Day

March 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Left: The Handicraft Judge, Ruth Hando, was kept busy for much of the day stating, All entries were of a high standard. Right: Pat Hurley with her Champion sultana cake.

Oxley Group CWA held their annual ‘The Land’ Cookery and Handicraft Day on Tuesday 11 March in Condobolin. The Land Cookery Judge, Ann McIntyre, and Handi­craft Judge, Ruth Hando, found many im­pressive items presented for judging from our local community.

For the cooking section there were en­tries in 10 sections ranging from boiled fruit cakes, butter, sultana and chocolate cakes, slices, biscuits, apricot rolls, sponges, rel­ishes, marmalade and jams.

This year entries were submitted from Forbes CWA and Forbes Evening CWA Branches, Condobolin, Myamley, Parkes, Tullamore and Kiacatoo. The Cooking Of­ficer for Oxley Group CWA, Linda Brang­win commented, “It was wonderful to see all branches in Oxley Group represented.”

The competitor to gain the most points was Ruth Worthington from Kiacatoo and Champion Cake was a sultana cake en­tered by Pat Hurley from Myamley.

In the Handicraft section, entries were received from Forbes, Tullamore and My­amley. The Eight Item Group Competition was won by Tullamore Branch with Emily Hunt of Forbes Branch taking out the high­est score in this section.

Myamley won the Branch Challenge and Myamley Branch member, Janette Man­waring, won ‘The Land’ Champion Article Natural fibres Section 8 with a white child’s dress with navy smocking and trim. Janette also won the Over 80’s section with her smocking. Other successful entrants were Dawn Ible (Forbes) for her Assisi work win­ning the Chairperson’s Award, Zita Carey (Tullamore) taking away the Handicraft Of­ficer’s Award for her striking black, white and red quilt and Marian Gutherie (Myam­ley) for her knitted garment.

Winning entries in Handicraft progress to State and be judged at the CWA State Conference held at Wagga Wagga in May.

Contact your local CWA branch to enter in 2026.

Parkes M&D Society Presents Mamma Mia

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The majority of the Mamma Mia cast at a recent rehearsal.

Tickets have gone on sale for the eagerly anticipated production of Mamma Mia and by all accounts, this is going to be another hit for Parkes M&D Society.

The show is led by two powerhouse voices, Kimberley Ryan playing Donna and Maddi Collits in the role of Sophie, but that’s not the only talent on stage.

Cue Shev Brown as the irrepressible Tan­ya, Cath Welsh as the zany Rosie, Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott playing Architect Sam, Greg Ballantyne as the intrepid traveller, Bill, Aaron Kingham as Headbanger Harry and Matt Prow returns to the Parkes stage to play Sophie’s love interest, Sky.

Supporting the lead cast is Gracie Townsend playing Ali and newcomers, Thomas Glastonbury as Pepper, Loki Ramsay as Eddie, and Annabella Brown as Lisa.

Backed by an immensely talented band led by Anthony Leonard and an all singing and dancing ensemble second to none, Mamma Mia promises to be something very special.

Many have seen Mamma Mia in pro­fessional theatres, but this production will have a few surprises in store for audiences – a point of difference for the Parkes pro­duction. Audiences will feel like they are right there on the Greek island of Kalokairi.

Mamma Mia opens on 3 May and runs until 25 May. Tickets can be purchased on­line at www.parkesmandd.com.au or you can purchase them from box office at the theatre on any Sunday between 10.30am – 12pm. Don’t miss out – tickets are selling fast!

Snippets…

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The new faces of the 2025 Parkes Picnic Races.

Parkes Picnic Races: Introducing the 2025 Parkes Picnic Races Committee:

President Tim Keith, Vice Presidents Ann Olson and Ian Brown, Secretary Tricia Trim, Treasurer Robyn Hawke, Executive Members Christine Somers, Stafford Or­ange, Mark Olson, Kelly Spedding, Kath­ryn Blackstock, Fiona Glasheen, Sommer Bishop, Elissa Amor, Gai Smith. Absent from photo, Tiffany Steel, Ian Brown.

Forbes Shire Council: We need your help to choose a name for the new Spooner Oval Grandstand, expected to be complet­ed by September 2025. Jump onto the link below to add your suggestions, photos or comments to the idea board. You can also vote on other suggestions. https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/spooner-oval-grand­stand-naming

Cancer Council NSW: Could you host a morning tea to support Aussies with can­cer? Register now to host and event and you’ll receive a free host kit to help make your morning tea amazing. Your host kit comes packed full of goodies including: beautiful decorations, games and activi­ties, and a delicious recipe to try. You can register today and join the fun: www.big­gestmorningtea.com.au

NSW Farmers: NSW Farmers is proud to join rural leaders in launching a new appeal for immediate action to address the mental health crisis in Australian agriculture. We are calling on the Australian Government to invest in $50 million over five years to address the rural mental health crisis. View our statement: https://bit.ly/4iyLqeP Read more about the coalition: https://bit.ly/43P22KQ If you or anyone you know, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or access other services for mental health support at https://nff.org.au/mental-health-resources/

Parkes Shire Council: Only two weeks left to share your thoughts on the Draft Parkes Airport Masterplan! We want to hear from you, so check out the plan and let us know what you think. Your feedback matters! Submit your comments by 5pm on Tues­day, 1 April 2025. Together, we can shape the future. Find out more at: bit.ly/3QJDdrY

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes: Time is running out to enter the 2025 Cathol­icCare Wilcannia-Forbes Aboriginal Art Competition. The competition offers a total prize pool of $4,000 to encourage emerg­ing Aboriginal artists to create and share meaningful artwork that shows the rich Aboriginal culture and artistry in our dio­cese. Paintings are invited from people 15 years and over. Entries close on Monday, 31 March. For more details: https://tinyurl.com/mrck53an

There is just two weeks left to enter the CCWF Aboriginal Art Competition.

Don’t Miss Homegrown Parkes Next Saturday

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Potters at the last Homegrown Parkes event.

Homegrown Parkes is back for 2025, pro­viding an opportunity for visitors and locals to fill their Saturday in Parkes with plenty of good food and local produce next Sat­urday, 29 March between 9am and 2pm in Cooke Park.

Homegrown Parkes provides an oppor­tunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community.

Demonstrations will again be one of the highlights of the 2025 events, highlighting processes for using locally produced food and products, with the aim of encouraging locals to grow produce in their own back­yard.

The Homegrown Parkes Committee con­sists of members of Central West Lachlan Landcare, Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council.

If you are interested in joining the Home­grown Parkes events, make sure you fol­low their social media, check out their website: centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/get-involved/homegrown-parkes/ or con­tact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053 or via email homegrownparkes@gmail.com The Homegrown Parkes spring event will be held on Saturday, 11 October.

Forbes Cyclists Pedalling For A Purpose

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Royal Far West Op Shop in Forbes will be the starting point of the two-day charity ride.

On 4 – 5 April, a dedicated group of cyclists from Forbes: Stuart Thomas, Luke Ran­dall, Marco Carelli, and Terry Cuskelly will embark on a nearly 400km journey to the Centre for Country Kids in Manly to raise funds for Royal Far West.

Inspired by Stuart’s daughter, Megan, who is a speech pathologist with Royal Far West, the ride will be held over two days, beginning early on Friday 4 April at the Royal Far West Op Shop in Forbes and fin­ishing at the Royal Far West headquarters in Manly on Saturday night 5 April.

The team is ready to pedal the 400km through various locations, including Mount Canobolas, Bathurst, and Lithgow, before reaching their final destination at Manly. It will be a huge two days of riding with valua­ble support provided by fellow members of the Forbes Road and Mountain Bike Clubs.

Cheered on by volunteers, and support­ed by Alison Lynch and Terry Hodges in the support vehicle, the team aims to high­light the work of Royal Far West and raise much-needed funds.

Stuart Thomas said “I have always want­ed to do a bike ride to Sydney given I have driven it so many times. So, why not raise some money and awareness, as well and ride some hilly backroads? “I would love it if you could support me to raise money for a great cause, and as many of you know I love a physical chal­lenge!” concluded Thomas.

If you are able to donate please, go to https://give.royalfarwest.org.au/fundrais­ers/stuartthomas/forbes-to-manly-royalfar-west-ride. Let’s all rally behind the rid­ers and help make a difference in the lives of country kids.

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