Articles Archives - Page 43 of 424

National Diabetes Week Is 16-22 June

June 12, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Diabetes- Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of avoidable vision loss and blindness in working-age Australians.

It is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. This happens because the body is not producing insulin or not using insulin properly.

This National Diabetes Week, we’re shining a light on something many people don’t realise: your eyes can be one of the first places diabetes shows itself.

At Hansen Optometrist Parkes, we often see patients who feel perfectly fine and have good eyesight, but their eye exam has revealed early signs of diabetic eye disease.

Diabetes can quietly damage the small blood vessels in the retina which we call diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can be seen long before symptoms appear and leads to permanent vision loss. The good news? Early detection of diabetic retinopathy through regular eye checks can prevent severe vision loss.

If you live with diabetes, or are at risk due to family history, weight, or lifestyle, then a yearly eye exam is vital. It’s quick, painless, and could save your sight and at Hansen Optometrists Parkes we have the latest technology to assess your eye health.

Visit us at 267a Clarinda Street, Phone 6863 5577 or book online at hansenoptom.com.au

Quorn Park Hybrid Project Update

June 12, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Construction activities of the Quorn Park Hybrid Farm, on Back Trundle Road, ParkesNSW are progressing onsite, with materials delivered for access tracks and working areas. Road upgrades to Henry Parkes Way and McGrath Lane, including an upgrade to the intersection, have commenced.

Piling works are also progressing on site and are expected to be completed in the upcoming weeks. These works involve steel posts being driven into the ground by a specialised piling machine, forming the framework for panel installation. Due to the hammer-like nature of the piling machines, there will be some noise associated with these works.

The ‘golden rows’ – the first solar panel rows installed on-site, which serve as the benchmark for layout, quality, and installation pace – have been completed. With this key project milestone achieved, the mechanical crews are preparing to begin installation of the tracker components, which allow the solar panels to follow the sun’s movement and maximise energy production.

Panel installation will commence in the upcoming weeks, once the mechanical assembly of trackers is in progress.

Construction hours are Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday 7:00am to1:00pm.

Double Demerits For June Long Weekend

June 5, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Sergeant Mitchell Gage who wants to send a clear message to drivers over the long weekend.

Motorists across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.

Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 6 June until Monday 9 June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

School zones are in operation on Friday 6 June and additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police will also be targeting the “four Ds” of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

“Around 95% of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour – like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

“Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend.

“There will be more Police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that drivers should make sure that they are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel, and that they are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.

Snippets…

June 5, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Students enjoyed a full term of the Nginhgau Students Art Workshop.

Forbes High School: Nginhgau Students are very appreciative of the Art Workshop delivered to them by Kiesha-Lee Bowden, Local Wiradjuri artist and former student of Forbes High. Throughout the workshop, students learnt about Traditional Aboriginal art and how to create stories through art. This engaging workshop spanned the term.

Parkes Picnic Races: Enjoy a day full of fun, flair and fantastic country racing! Saturday 7 June, 11.30am at Parkes Racecourse. Tickets cost $20 online (+ booking fee) at https://bit.ly/parkespicnicraces or $25 at the gate. Free entry for kids under 16. Thanks to all of the fantastic sponsors for their support.

The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival Of Arts: Get ready to line the streets of Grenfell, for the Henry Lawson Festival: 5– 9 June. Featuring art and writing competitions, food stalls, market stalls, live music, events, street parade and a street party. All in honour of Henry Lawson and to promote and recognise his works. For more details go to: henrylawsonfestival.com.au

PCYC Parkes: Book a Safer Drivers Course on 28 June to get 20 hours off your log book and be a step closer to your P plates. In just 5 hours you can get 20 hours

off your log book. Fully funded places are available for the Parkes course by emailing the club at parkes@pcycnsw.org.au for a voucher number to access this offer.

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: We’ve released $250,000 from our Disaster Relief Fund for drought relief for primary producers in NSW or the ACT in drought or drought affected areas. Drought in South West and Western regions of NSW is leaving many farmers facing a long and difficult winter. CWA of NSW will help with household expenses up to $3,000 for eligible applicants. Find out more or apply at: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid

Beanies At The Corner: Craft Corner in Parkes extend a massive thank you to all the fantastic participants in their “Beanies at the Corner” competition. The incredible entries are on display at Craft Corner, showcasing the vibrant creativity of our community. Congratulations to the winners, Kids: 1st Maralyn Wise, 2nd Sharyn Preisig, 3rd Sarah Hankinson. Classic: 1st Liz Mulligan, 2nd Mary Ewin, 3rd Sue Ridley. Quirky: 1st Sharyn Preisig, 2nd Melissa McIntyre, 3rd Keira Bartrop. Rainbow: 1st Melissa McIntyre, 2nd Keira Bartrop, 3rd Elizabeth Kay. Encouragement: Sarah Hankinson.

Visit Craft Corner and find a handmade treasure at 237 Clarinda St, Parkes.

Police Commander Meets Mayor

June 5, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Western Region Commander Andrew Holland with Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, Inspector Dave Botha and Director of Planning and Growth Mathew Teale met at the Forbes Shire Council offices on Monday.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM was eager to meet with Western Region Police Commander Andrew Holland in Forbes on Monday June 2nd to discuss the need for an enhanced police presence in the area.

Councillor Miller said that her meeting with newly appointed Western Region Commander Andrew Holland, to address the need for increased police presence and extended hours of operation in the Forbes community, was productive.

“I have recently had to go public because we need more police officers and longer hours to ensure the safety and security of Forbes residents, “ she said.

In response, Commander Holland outlined a strategic plan to implement staggered rostering and introduce intermittent 24-hour shifts at the Forbes Police Station.

This initiative aims to provide increased police coverage and improve response times to incidents.

Commander Holland emphasised the importance of encouraging local youth to consider careers in law enforcement to address the national shortage, termed a police recruitment crisis.

“We are really trying to push growing our own hometown cops,” he stated.

By promoting country kids and members of the community to consider a career change to apply for the police force and encouraging them to aim for positions in regional areas, the community can benefit from officers who have a deep understanding of local issues and a strong commitment to their hometown.

Mayor Miller expressed her gratitude for Commander Holland’s proactive approach and commitment to enhancing public safety in Forbes. “This collaboration marks a significant step towards ensuring that our community is well-protected and that our residents feel secure,” she said.

The Forbes community looks forward to the positive impact of these changes and remains hopeful for a safer and more secure environment.

Registration Open For Heavy Vehicle Breakfast

June 5, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, which will be held at the Forbes Inn on Thursday 12 June. Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, who is organising the forum said this year’s event will focus on higher productivity vehicles, safety, compliance and industry case studies and there will be a high productivity vehicle on display.

“Since its inception in 2012, the breakfast forum has brought together the local freight industry to discuss issues affecting them.

“Come along to listen, learn and ask questions of industry experts from NHVR, Transport for NSW, Parkes Shire Council, NSW Police, Essential Energy, Midland and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds” Ms Suitor said.

You can register online with this link: https://forms.office.com/r/pkPN1Vt4Ji via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

The forum will kick off at 6.30am with breakfast. The official program starts at 7am. The event will finish at 11.30am. The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes.

If you are unable to make it on the day, the event is being recorded and the link to the video will be available to view on the Councils’ Facebook pages and in follow-up media articles or contact Ms Suitor on 0428 400 627 or via Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au to register your interest in receiving the link.

Grants Mission To Continue Ride Against Domestic Violence

June 5, 2025 by Roxane Manley

ABOVE: Phil Donato MP speaking to ride organiser, Grant Nicholson before the group departed from Bunnings carpark in Forbes to make the trip to Parliament House.

An estimated 4.2 million Australian adults (21 per cent) have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a partner, according to information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Women are more likely than men to have experienced this type of abuse by a partner, and when Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst was murdered by her ex-partner on 22 April, 2024, it didn’t just shake the Forbes community, it rocked the nation.

Forbes’ Grant Nicholson was inspired by the loss of Molly to lead 120 motorcycles on a Ride Against Domestic Violence. The ride kicked off on Friday 11 April from Bunnings carpark in Forbes, with local member Phil Donato MP in attendance to farewell the riders.

“There were many failures in the system that should have provided Molly more safety and security,” said Mr Donato.

The group rode 280km, picking up riders along the way, to hold a meeting in the assembly area of Parliament House in Canberra to demonstrate their concern over “The lack of action by our leaders to combat DV in our communities,” said Grant. The date, 11 April was chosen as it was the day before Molly’s birthday.

Grant spoke in front of the crowd in Canberra, with the intent to be loud and peaceful, in an attempt to show society that domestic violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

The event was covered by television crews including Channel 7, Channel 9 and ABC, but Grant wont accept praise for raising awareness to this cause, humbly stating, “We’re trying to do something, it’s the only thing I know how to do.”

Grant, who is part of the Central West Riders Forbes group, says in a few weeks he will meet up with fellow riders from Dubbo in an effort to start planning next year’s ride.

BELOW: One of the riders clearly demonstrating their support of this important cause.

Youth Actor Mock Crash Auditions

May 29, 2025 by Roxane Manley

William Ellis recording his victim impact statement in 2023.

Calling all amateur actors across the region! Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth actors to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging local youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative. The initiative seeing a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.

“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Thursday 5 June from 5pm – 8pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. The youth actors will also undergo road crash rescue training to see what it’s going to be like being cut out of a car and removed on a spine board.

“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new. So, if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16, register and come along” Ms Suitor said.

The program offers experience with filming as well as a live performance. Dates are still being set for the live mock crash demonstration, but will likely be August.

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Ms Suitor on either 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.

Snippets…

May 29, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Mr Martino, Mr Dwyer, Mykel Coe, Amelia Smith, Aunty Florence Onus, Skye Harris and Barry Merritt at the Red Bend Catholic College Sorry Day assembly.

Red Bend Catholic College: We were fortunate to be joined by Aunty Florence Onus for our Sorry Day assembly. Florence is a Birrigubba, Bidjara and Jagalingu woman from North and Central Queensland and is a survivor of the Stolen Generation. Florence spoke about our shared Australian history and her personal family story, and we thank her for her insight.

Women NSW: Are you ready to return to work? Future Women Jobs Academy is a free, year-long virtual program designed to empower women with the knowledge and connections needed to return to work and thrive. The program begins on 4 August 2025 and concludes in June 2026. This program is free, flexible, and self-paced. Applications close on 21 July 2025. Learn more here: nsw.gov.au/fwja

Lock it or lose it! Central West Police District continues to see a spike in Steal from Motor Vehicle offences in the Forbes township. The majority are from unlocked vehicles, however there have been incidents where the window has been smashed.

Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle overnight. Sensor lights and CCTV are also an excellent deterrent.

CUC Parkes: Did you know that the CUC offers a coffee machine, complete with flavoured syrups, tea, and hot chocolate in the kitchen for students? Every Monday at 10am, we invite students to join us for a Monday Morning Catch-Up at CUC Parkes.

Our Centre Manager, Jacob, and Learning Skills Advisor, Brooke, will be present to engage in friendly, informal conversations.

Companionions Thru Cancer Inc: The Parkes Companions Thru Cancer Group held A Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday 21 May at the Parkes Red Cross room raising an amazing $843.16. Thanks to all who supported this important event.

Henry Parkes Learning Community: Last term, staff from Parkes High School, Parkes Public School, Parkes East Public School and Middleton Public School, took part in a 10 week exercise challenge. Ninety-nine public school staff members took part and each donated $10 to join. The four schools then recorded their accumulative exercise hours each week to get an overall champion school. Congratulations to Middleton Public School who took out the honours this year. Middleton staff then chose Ronald McDonald House Orange to receive the funds raised.

Mr Geoff Rice, Board member for Ronald McDonald House Orange, accepting the $1,000 raised.

Forbes Garden Club: April Meeting Report

May 29, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Jan Diprose was guest speaker at the April meeting.

The Forbes Garden Club April meeting was held in the lovely gardens at the home of John Browne. President Marg Dent welcomed 28 present with six apologies. The guest speaker was Jan Diprose from the Weddin Community Native Nursery at Grenfell. This volunteer nursery started under the Landcare banner, where seeds are collected sorted and stored. They are grown in hot houses and sold to farmers and Shire Councils. John Browne also spoke on his garden which is home to many unusual plants.

Flower of the month winners were 1st Denise Thurston (Clematis), 2nd Elvy Quirk(Dahlia) and 3rd Marlene (Huf-Rose). Raffle winners were Joy Hocking, Elvy Quirk, Janette Thomas, Meg Scholefield and John Browne.

The recent bus trip to visit the Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate started out with a bus filled with members and friends all eager for an outing in this beautiful autumn weather. Participants were welcomed by Colin and Shelley Nutley with a delicious Devonshire Tea. Shelley spoke of the history of their farm and how they pick and press the olives, before tasting the oil and a variety of jams relishes.

The next stop was visiting three gardens at Parkes. The first garden was at the home of Leah Douglas, who had been inundated with the 2022 floods. The garden featured numerous advanced trees, a large area to explore and tend. The next garden was that of Nancy McColl – a large cottage type garden which led visitors along lots of paths around her home filled with trees and shrubs. The last garden of the day the group visited was Fay and Kelvie Blackstock’s home. This garden featured all manor of creations from old machinery made by Kelvie with succulents planted everywhere. Garden Club members are very appreciative of Denise Thurston for planning this fantastic day.

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