Articles Archives - Page 44 of 405

Communities Urged To Take Extra Care As Risk Of Thunderstorm Asthma Increases

October 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

People prone to respiratory conditions like asthma or hayfever are being urged to take extra care ahead of predicted thunderstorm activity across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

Each year from around mid-October to mid-November, asthma and hayfever sufferers may be at greater risk of severe symptoms due to high pollen counts, and weather conditions like those are predicted across the region in coming weeks.

Western NSW Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr Victor Carey, is urging people with asthma or breathing problems, and those impacted by hayfever in spring, to take extra precautions when thunderstorms are expected.

“People should be alert, not alarmed. It is incredibly important for people to be aware they could be at risk. Airborne pollens are at their highest levels at this time of year,” Dr Carey said.

“Thunderstorms can cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs.

Even people who don’t have asthma should take extra precautions during thunderstorm season.

“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should be proactively managing their symptoms.

Carry your asthma medication with you at all times during high-risk periods and make sure your family, school and workplace has a copy of your asthma management plan.

Breathing difficulties can be life threatening. In the event of a breathing emergency dial Triple Zero (000) immediately.

More information can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/thunderstorm-asthma.aspx

The Future Of Housing For Parkes Assured

October 17, 2024 by Cr Neil Westcott

Parkes Shire Council has recently purchased the 330-hectare property Harrowvale, to commence designing a future residential suburb. We anticipate the land purchase will be funded by future industrial land sales and will not be activated until existing residential land is significantly taken-up.

Harrowvale is situated on the eastern edge of Parkes, between Henry Parkes Way (Orange Road), Military Road and Cookamidgera Road. It has quality arable soil, slopes gently from east to west and is predominantly above major flooding levels. The location of Parkes on the national transport network is an unassailable fact and has driven the NSW Government investment in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct (SAP). It is forecast that the SAP has the potential to create up to 3,000 jobs across a range of industries over the next 30 years, particularly, Freight and Logistics, Warehousing, Value-add agriculture, Plant based meat substitutes, Innovative Grains, Cold-Chain Logistics, Resource recovery and recycling, E-Waste Recycling, Plastics Recycling, Renewable energy, Critical minerals and Data Centres.

The State Government is progressing industrial development in the SAP and has a potential of over a billion dollars of investment over the next five years in leading edge energy and recycling technology, right on the edge of Parkes. It is important to ensure there is suitable land to meet the needs of our existing community, looking for their first home, seeking to upsize or moving to downsize existing homes.

By Cr Neil Westcott
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Snippets…

October 17, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Emma and Wariwick Rippon with the bench they crafted and donated to Trundle Central School.

Trundle Central School: A huge thank you to Warwick Rippon and his daughter Emma for constructing an iron bark bench to be used as a fundraiser for the Student Representative Council. The chair was milled and air dried for 12 months before construction took place. It is truly humbling when a member of the school community allocates their valuable time to assist the school. The workmanship in this bench is exceptional.

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: Our friends at QCWA are launching an online branch for those who find it difficult to get to meetings, including younger members. Our online branch, called the CWA of NSW Virtual Branch, is open to all women in NSW. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm via Zoom. Email the Secretary, Melissa for information secretarycwanswvirtualbranch@gmail.com. If you prefer to meet in person, women of all ages are welcome at our branches: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/branches

Trundle ABBA Festival: Just two weeks to go until the Trundle ABBA Festival. It’s time to get your “Dancing Queen” on and enjoy a night of ABBA hits and unforgettable fun. Grab your tickets now and let’s make some memories bit.ly/ABBAtickets2024

BirdLife Australia: It’s finally time—the Aussie Bird Count has started. Get your apps ready, head outside, and start counting! Each count takes just 20 minutes, and you can do as many as you like until 20th October. https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/

Neighbourhood Central: CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes and Small Steps 4 Hannah invite you to attend a free community education event (Hannah’s Story) presented by DV prevention educator Michael Jeh.

Hannah’s Story is a session that aims to create more awareness and empower members of the community about the early warning signs of coercive control and the tragic but inspirational story of Hannah Clarke, her three children and family. Registration is essential via www.facebook.com/share/FNaj6M8D7fW6zQkM/

Parkes Services Squash Courts: Make sure you grab a bacon and egg roll at Parkes Services Doubles next Sunday morning. Club members Craig and Natalie Kelly have generously donated their time and ingredients to run the breakfast BBQ to help Henry Kross with his fundraising to attend the British Junior Open.

Grab a bacon and egg roll and help Henry raise money to attend the biggest Junior Squash Tournament in the world – the British Junior Open.

Music Industry Mixer In Forbes

October 17, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Music NSW and Arts OutWest will host a Music Industry Mixer to bring together people in the music scene in the Forbes and Parkes area.

Head along for networking on Thursday 23 October 6pm to 7.30pm at the Vandenberg Hotel Forbes.

This event is led by MusicNSW Regional Coordinator for the Central West, Outback and West Darling regions, Sophie Jones.

Join Sophie and Arts OutWest’s Kylie Shead for an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities in your local music scene. Let these organisations know who you are and what you do.

Local bands and independent artists, venues and others in the live performance and recording industry have been invited.

No need to book, just turn up.

Working with regional arts development organisations like Arts OutWest, the Regional Music Coordinator delivers development, builds relationships between local industry and artists, and provides support for regional musicians, venues and live music professionals to grow regional touring.

Sophie Jones is an experienced touring musician, one half of the duo Smith & Jones.

If you can’t make it to the Mixer you can book a one-to-one chat with Sophie Jones via sophie@musicnsw.com

Australian Summer

October 17, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Little bodies sprinting through sprinklers on the lawn. Shady swimming holes in the local creek. A bag of mixed lollies from the pool canteen, the smell of chlorine and hot chips wafting through the hot afternoon air. The heat is fast approaching us and so much of our lives revolve around water.

Last year, in a neighbour’s pool, my son swam for the first time. He kicked his little legs and managed, somehow, to get across the pool unaided. For the first time in what felt like his lifetime, I breathed deeply.

He had learnt how to move through the water and get to the edge independently.

The very infancy of a lifetime of being able to swim. His little face was radiant. The red circle google marks only accentuating his beaming smile.

I want my son to thrive in an Australian summer. To jump with glee into the shady creek hole with his friends. To swim across the local pool with pace when he sees the hot chips arrive. To feel the thrill of moving through the water to play ‘classic catch’. To burn some teenage energy by following the black line up and down during swim training.

To learn to swim: for safety, for confidence, for exercise and most importantly – for fun.

We are excited to offer our community swimming lessons with our fully qualified swimming teachers this summer commencing 4th November 2024 in Forbes and Parkes. You can book your child’s place by phoning our reception on 0437 749 746.

Head to our website for more information.

Don’t #uck With A Truck Campaign

October 17, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched the third phase of the Don’t #uck With A Truck campaign, teaming up with young drivers to spread a critical message; to drive safely around trucks.

NHVR Acting Chief Operations Officer Michelle Tayler said by co-designing the new phase of the campaign with young drivers, the regulator has been able to create a series of road safety videos that use a combination of humour and serious messaging to engage young viewers.

“The new Don’t #uck With A Truck videos depict young drivers as ghosts after they have been in an accident with a truck due to their unsafe driving” Ms Tayler said.

“Even a minor distraction can have devastating consequences.

“Our goal is to prevent situations where an inexperienced driver could be in a lane next to a turning truck, they pull in front of a truck too soon or they linger in a truck’s blind spot.”

The campaign will be broadcast across social media including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, meeting young drivers where they are consuming content.

For more information and to watch the latest videos, visit: www.dontmuckwithatruck.com.au

Australia Day Award Nominations Open

October 17, 2024 by Roxane Manley

2024 Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year, Jessica Ashcroft, received her award at the 2024 Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on 25 January 2024.

Forbes Shire Council is calling on residents to nominate their local heroes for its 2025 Australia Day Awards, with nominations now open.

Do you know a local hero who contributes to the Forbes community and helps make a positive impact? If so nominate them. The award categories are Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year. Any resident is eligible for Citizen of the Year, while Young Citizen of the Year is open to residents aged 25 or younger. Anyone aged 65 years or older is eligible for Senior Citizen of the Year.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said this was the perfect opportunity for residents who have displayed excellence, made a significant contribution to the community or had an outstanding achievement to get the recognition they deserve.

“There are so many remarkable residents of our Shire who have helped it thrive, done a good deed or made it a better place to live in some way,” she said.

“Make sure you nominate anyone you think deserves an award under any of the categories so they can be celebrated.”

Australian citizens who are residents of Forbes Shire are eligible to be nominated.

Nominations are now open and will stay open until 5pm Friday 17th January 2025.

To nominate go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/our-community/australia-day and download the nomination form.

Copies of the nomination forms are also available from Forbes Shire Council’s office at 2 Court Street, Forbes.

Forms can be returned to Council by email at community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or by mail to PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871.

Award winners in each category will be determined by a judging panel that is made up of members of the Forbes Shire community.

Forbes Garden Club Notes

October 17, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

Sue and Bob Jayet.

Forbes Garden Club held their social meeting on Tuesday 24th September at the home of Sue and Bob Jayet. On a really warm day President Margaret welcomed 33 members.

Discussion took place about the Friendship Day at Young and Elvy collected the fees and organised travel. Our Christmas luncheon was discussed and it was decided to hold it at the Vandenberg Hotel on 26th November. The cost is $40.00 for a two course meal and money is due and payable at the October meeting. Please have your money in an envelope with your name on it.

The garden of Sue and Bob Jayet is picture perfect with quite a number of shrubs, shade trees and roses. Sue and Bob spoke on how they initially moved into their home in 1972 but work was number one then, and the garden was not established until much later. Sylvia Glasson thanked them for hosting the meeting.

Flower of the month was won by Denise Thurston with a lovely Paint Brush Lily, 2nd Gail McKay with a white orchid and 3rd Meg Scholefield a Cherokee Rose. Raffle prizes went to Jan Stewart and Ann Nelson.

Our next social meeting will be held on 22nd October, 2pm at the home of Evelyn Mahlo, 14 Windsor Street, Forbes. Directions: Take Bedgerebong Road, turn left onto Edward Street and take first turn left into Windsor Street. Look forward to seeing you there, everyone is welcome. Please bring your hat, mug and your chair. Flower of month and trading table as usual.

“When gardeners garden, it is not just plants that grow, but the gardeners themselves.”

By Elvy Quirk

Aspiring Ag Leaders Wanted

October 17, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has opened applications for its National Agriculture Leadership Program.

The flagship program provides exclusive opportunities for emerging leaders in the agriculture sector, including mentoring, policy development guidance, and meetings with Parliamentarians.

NFF President David Jochinke said the program is targeted at Australians aged under 35. “The program immerses our participants in the policy and advocacy worlds; they’ll have the opportunity to tour Australian Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments, and be mentored by leading policy experts,” Mr Jochinke said.

Now entering its fifth year, Mr Jochinke said the limited spots in the NALP are always hotly contested.

“I encourage everyone with a passion for ag and an interest in leadership to apply.”

“Applications are only open for a month, so please don’t delay if you’re interested in this fantastic program,” Mr Jochinke said.

Program participants will meet up for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra where they’ll be matched with an industry leader and work on a policy project.

The program kicks off February 2025, applications are open until 14 November 2024.

Find out more at https://nff.org.au/nalp/

Snippets…

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Congratulations to the newly elected Parkes Shire Councillors.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce the official results of the recent local government elections. Congratulations to Cr Neil Westcott, who has been re-elected as Mayor, and Cr Marg Applebee, who has been re-elected as Deputy Mayor, both serving their second terms. We look forward to their continued leadership. We also welcome the newly elected Councillors: Neil Westcott (Mayor), Glenn Wilson, Marg Applebee (Deputy Mayor), Bill Jayet, Louise O’Leary, Douglas Pout, Kenny McGrath, Joy Paddison, Matthew Scherer, George Pratt. Special thanks to all the candidates for their dedication, and to the residents of Parkes Shire for a voter turnout of nearly 86%! Your involvement plays a key role in shaping the future of our community. For information, visit: bit.ly/2024LocalGovernmentElection

Lifeline Central West: Did You Know – we offer free, independent, confidential Financial & Gambling counselling all over the Central West? To make an appointment with us, call: 1300 798 258 or email: info@lifelinecentralwest.org.au

Regional Development Australia Central West: Register for free Cyber Security Workshops brought to you by NBN Co and RDA Central West. Small business owners in Central West New South Wales are invited to participate in a series of free, handson cyber security workshops aimed at empowering them with crucial knowledge and tools to safeguard their online operations. The workshops will be run in October 2024 in Wellington, Parkes, Condobolin, Lithgow and Blayney. The event is free but registration is essential via link: https://events.humanitix.com/host/rda-central-west

R U OK? Four in five people say they feel better about managing their situation having talked it through. If you know someone is going through a tough time, check in, ask R U OK? and show them that you care and are there to support them. For tips on how to continue the conversation visit: www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Forbes Shire Mayor and Deputy Mayor Election Results: At the declaration of the newly elected Forbes Shire Council on Wednesday 2 October, Councillor Phyllis Miller and Councillor Chris Roylance were reelected unopposed as Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Forbes Shire Councillors – Sarah Sweeney, Jenny Webb, Aidan Clarke, Phyllis Miller, Chris Roylance, Michele Herbert, Marh Duggan, Steve Karaitiana and Brian Mattiske, elected following the September Local Government election.

Congratulations to the newly elected Forbes Shire Councillors.

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