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Honour Loved Ones And Support Heart Research

January 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

This February is REDFEB, Heart Research Australia’s heart awareness month, dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging Australians to wear red and donate to fund vital research.

Millions of Australians are at risk of heart disease, but fewer realise that keeping their heart healthy can also help protect their brain, memory, and cognitive function, reducing the risk of conditions like dementia as they age. With cardiovascular disease affecting more than 4 million Australians and remaining the leading cause of death, it’s not just your heart at stake — your brain health depends on it too.

In Australia, more than 421,000 people are living with dementia in 2024 — a number projected to double by 2054. Vascular dementia, which is linked to cardiovascular health, is a growing concern. This REDFEB, Heart Research Australia urges all Australians to adopt simple lifestyle changes that can have a profound impact on their future wellbeing.

As part of REDFEB, Heart Research Australia’s heart awareness month, their 4-M Approach encourages Australians to take small, simple steps that can benefit both their heart and brain health. The 4 M’s are Meals, Movement, Measurement & Mental Wellness This REDFEB, Heart Research Australia encourages all Australians to wear red to honour loved ones affected by heart disease, and to raise funds for life-saving research. “By supporting REDFEB, you’re not only helping to fund vital research, but also empowering yourself and your loved ones to live healthier, longer more active lives” says Nicci Dent.

For more information on REDFEB and to donate, visit www.heartresearch.com.au

Snippets…

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Cr Miller would like to reassure the community, Forbes will remain her top priority, and her new position will benefit the shire.

Forbes Shire Council: Congratulations to Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, who recently became the new President of Local Government NSW. LGNSW is the peak body representing and advocating for local councils across NSW. She will remain in the role until the next LGNSW general election in November 2025.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Save the date for Saturday 6 September. Excitement is brewing in Trundle, and the fantastic committee is gearing up to deliver the ultimate Trundle Bush Tucker Day experience, with traditional bush games, kid’s entertainment, and incredible artists to entertain crowds throughout the day – there is something for everyone!

Inland Rail Update: We’re making good progress in Forbes. Inland Rail contractor, Martinus Rail, have been working on important upgrades for the Lachlan River Bridge.

Work has involved replacing the existing bracing and installing strengthening plates, to ensure the bridge will be ready to handle the increased loads of double-stacked freight trains. Stay up to date with work happening across Stockinbingal to Parkes here: https://inlandrail.info/3Wm0wvq

Parkes Shire Libraries: Get your tickets now! This workshop is going to be fun and is one not to be missed. Inspired by the art of Sheila Hicks, Deb Jones and Helen Standen will guide you to make some beautiful pods from yarn and other recycled fabrics. You will also have the opportunity to submit your pod in the Fibre Arts Exhibition, as part of a collaborative, community installation. For tickets to all Fibre Arts workshops, click here: https://collections.humanitix.com/fibre-arts-workshops

Forbes TAFE Campus: Begin your path into engineering and manufacturing and gain the skills in welding by enrolling in MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (Welding). This exciting new night course begins 12 February at TAFE NSW Forbes Campus and will run every Wednesdas from 6pm-10pm for 12 months. This course is eligible for the feefree TAFE initiative (conditions apply). For more information Contact Forbes TAFE.

Kids Helpline: Heading back to school can be a tough time for some young people, especially if bullying is a concern – but you’re not alone. We’re here to support you with free, confidential counselling, self-help tools, and downloadable resources to support you. Get tips on how to tackle bullying at: https://kidshelpline.info/4jjEkvB

If you need to talk, call the Kids Help Line anytime, for any reason.

Farmers Welcome Plans To Attract More Vets To Regional Nsw

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The state’s peak farm body has welcomed a new government initiative to address acute shortages of vets across rural NSW.

Under the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program, vets, vet nurses, vet technicians and their families are now eligible to receive assistance with sourcing housing, childcare and other services when moving to rural NSW.

NSW Farmers’ Member Dr Robyn Alders AO said news of the initiative had been warmly welcomed by farming communities across the state, as they continued to grapple with critical workforce shortages.

“Farmers know that healthy animals are productive animals and they need to have access to vets if they are to successfully protect animal health on-farm.”

“If we want to build a sustainable veterinary workforce here in rural NSW, then we need a range of solutions that address the complex challenges that have caused this shortage in the first place,” Dr Alders said.

“Globally, governments are supporting a range of initiatives to ensure the availability of appropriate, affordable veterinary services to livestock producers, and it’s critical our government does the same.”

Ange Clarke Announced Forbes Australia Day Ambassador

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Ange Clarke, left, with her son Will, second from the right, former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, right, and artist Ben Quilty, second from left.

Forbes Shire Council is excited to announce advocate for inclusion and Where There’s a Will Founder and CEO, Ms Ange Clarke, as its 2025 Australia Day Ambassador.

Ms Clarke will take part in Forbes Shire Council’s official Australia Day proceedings at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Saturday 25 January, and the Community Breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday 26 January.

Ms Clarke’s son, Will, lives with autism, and during his childhood he often struggled to be included in activities most children would fit into easily.

Determined to break the stigma around people with disabilities and be a champion for inclusion, Ms Clarke created Where There’s a Will in his name – a business that re-purposes donated cricket bats into works of art and symbols for inclusion and kindness. It has been so successful some bats now appear at celebrity’s homes in Hollywood and Australia House in London.

Ms Clarke is no stranger to Forbes, having grown up in nearby Orange. She said “I’m very keen to share my story and passions with the Forbes community and I can’t wait to get involved in the events over the weekend to celebrate Australia Day.”

“It’s an honour to be an Australia Day Ambassador. You get the privilege of meeting inspiring people who have achieved great things in their community and inspired others around them to be better.”

The Australia Day Community Breakfast will run from 8am – 10am at Lions Park.

It’s Back To School Time: Remember Road Safety

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Most school zones are operational between 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing.

The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students in the coming weeks and the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around school zones.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5 – 14 years old.

“Please obey the parking signs around schools. They are there to keep children safe. There are 40km/h school speed zones around all schools in NSW. The school zone in Bushman Street, Parkes, is operational all day from 8am – 4pm. Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns,” she said.

Child restraint laws require children up to seven years old to be restrained in an approved child restraint. For more information visit www.childcarseats.com.au

Some road safety rules to follow

• Where possible, drop-off and pick-up your children on the school side of the road.

• Make sure children use the footpathside door when getting in and out of a car – this is called the safety door

• Use a pedestrian crossing where possible and avoid being distracted by friends, mobile phones or listening to music through headphones whilst walking.

• Children aged up to 10 years old should always be supervised when near traffic.

• Children aged up to eight years old should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road or walking near traffic.

• Make sure your children always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or Skateboard.

• If your children catch a bus, always walk with them to the bus stop.

“Road safety around schools is everybody’s responsibility – students, teachers,parents, carers and drivers. We all have a part to play” Ms Suitor said.

Spooner Oval Works Reach Milestone

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The new grandstand project at Spooner Oval is starting to take shape after the project reached a significant milestone this week with the concrete pour for the foundation.

Part of stage 1 of the Spooner Oval Masterplan, the project is set to deliver a stateof-the-art grandstand that will feature 210 seats, two levels with lift access to the upper level, dressing rooms, a club room, bar and a canteen.

The project began after extensive community consultation, with the first sod turned in December 2023.

Works completed so far include:

• New water and sewer connections to the grandstand;

• Connections from the grandstand to the NBN, electricity and gas network;

• Earth and concrete works for the water tanks that will be constructed;

• Formwork and reinforcement of grandstand foundations.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said the new grandstand would be a game-changer for sport in Forbes. “This will give us a modern facility that will be able to attract and host larger, regional events andboost the local economy,” she said.

“The existing facilities are outdated and not at a true usable standard, so this upgrade will ensure Spooner Oval can be used by sporting groups for many years to come.”

Works commencing in 2025 include:

• Structural steel erection;

• Lift shaft installation;

• Roof and walls to be installed;

• Perimeter concrete and concrete stairs installed;

• Internal linings and fit out.

The project is being funded through the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund.

It is expected that the project will be completed in, or around September 2025.

Inspiring Locals Nominated For Awards

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire residents who have made significant contributions or outstanding achievements to the community over the last 12 months have been recognised by being nominated for the Forbes Shire Council 2025 Australia Day Awards. The official ceremony at the Gala Dinner will start at 7pm and include the speeches from Mayor Miller and Australia Day Ambassador, Ange Clarke, and the presentation of the awards.

Young Citizen of the Year Nominees

Sam Mackay: Sam is a 23-year-old local stock and station agent who is heavily involved in the Forbes community.

Freya Hooper: Freya is an 18-year-old local who achieved equal first place in NSW for Primary Industries in the 2024 HSC.

Grace Barbary: Grace is an 18-year-old local girl who has achieved academic success at Forbes High School, Aurora College and the NSW School of Languages.

Isabella Brown: Isabella is an 18-year-old student who was awarded Dux of Forbes High School in 2024, achieving an impressive ATAR score of 92.75.

Annika Dukes: Annika, a 20-year-old local has worked at Life Pharmacy over the last two years, studying in a Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensing.

Indrie O’Connell: Indrie, 12 years old, was elected as the first Youth Chairperson of the Forbes Youth Action Team, demonstrating leadership and commitment.

Senior Citizen of the Year Nominees

Bob and Freda Drinkwater: Bob and Freda have cared for their son, Scott, who is totally blind and needs care and assistance from them 24 hours per day.

Peter and Elaine Bright: Peter and Elaine are stalwarts of volunteer organisations in Forbes and are driving forces of the Forbes Lions Club.

Kevin Dwyer: Kevin is best known for his many years steering the ship for local community radio station Valley FM.

Lloyd Gerdes: Lloyd contributes significantly to the Forbes community by volunteering for a number of local organisations, including 40 years with Forbes Probus.

Helen Smith: Helen has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul in Forbes for over 20 years, helping locals facing poverty and making herself available to help people in need.

Citizen of the Year Nominees

Tami Hanley (Stewart): Tami is an integral part of the family business, Michael Hanley Funerals. She shows compassion and care, assisting families during emotional times.

Rosie Johnston: Rosie’s vision and enthusiasm have shaped the legacy of art and tourism in Forbes. She created the concept for Somewhere Down the Lachlan.

Jack Buckley: Jack is the owner and pharmacist at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes. He was awarded 2024 Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia Excellence Awards.

Donna Bliss: Donna has made a meaningful impact on the Aboriginal community of Forbes in her work at Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre and Binaal Billa Family Violence and Prevention Legal Service.

Tim West: Tim has played a pivotal role in developing programs for vulnerable and disconnected males in his work as the Forbes Location Manager for Boys to the Bush.

Maree Yapp: Maree is passionate about young people in the Forbes community, working as the Schools as Community Facilitator at Forbes North Public School.

Kim Muffet: Kim is well known in the local arts scene through his volunteer work with the Forbes Arts Society.

Keith Mullette: Keith has had a huge influence on the local art scene and the tourism economy in Forbes through his many years of dedication to the Forbes Arts Society.

Evolution Mining Continues To Give Back

January 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Cheers to 30 Years Festival held by Northparkes in Cooke Park to celebrate 30 years of operations and give back to the community.

Throughout 2024 Northparkes Operations has directly or in partnership contributed nearly 900 thousand dollars to communities in the central west.

One of the recipients of that funding was the Eugowra Community Children’s Centre that received over $400,000 from Evolution Mining to contribute to their new purposebuilt day care centre. The donation will help to fund the long day care room in the new centre – that is set to open in 2026.

This is an extremely important facility for Eugowra as the original centre was destroyed in the 2022 floods and now operates out of a temporary location. With more space, there will be more children who can benefit from the centre as Eugowra continues to rebuild to be better than ever following the devastating floods.

The Eugowra Community Children’s Centre Management Committee said this donation will allow our community owned service to continue to provide long day care for working families in a new, purposebuilt facility. “We are absolutely certain that the impacts of this donation will be long lasting as we can now ensure that future generations of local families will have access to this critical service for many years to come.”

Northparkes Operations General Manager Rob Cunningham said that this is an outstanding project for Evolution to be involved in and really reinforces the strong commitment to support communities where we operate. “Childcare is a need throughout Australia, but Eugowra, as it recovers from the 2022 floods, is such a worthy recipient.

We are thrilled to partner with the team at Eugowra Community Children’s Centre and we’re looking forward to seeing the final results as the build progresses,” he said.

Welcome To The Gates Of Graceland

January 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Founders of The Parkes Elvis Festival, Anne and Bob Steel standing in front of the newly built Gates of Graceland.

This year will mark a significant milestone in the Wall of Fame’s history, with the Wall of Fame plaques being relocated from the original wall in Kelly Reserve to the newly built Gates of Graceland, located at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre.

Parkes Shire Council successfully applied for a grant to build the replica Gates of Elvis Presley’s Graceland that would display the plaques and become the new Wall of Fame. In addition, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winners will be honoured on the Parkes Elvis Festival Walk of Fame with a Hollywood style star.

The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix caught up with Parkes Elvis Festival Founders Bob and Anne Steel at the new Gates of Graceland, and asked them where the idea for the Wall of Fame originally came from? Bob said, “Husband and wife members of ERI, Laurie and Roma Wicks, suggested we honour an Australian musician each year.”

The Gates of Graceland were constructed thanks to the generosity of local tradesmen and businesses. “The gates were built by Bill Sheriff, the bricks were donated by the Potts Group and laid by John Sullivan and the earthworks and concreting by Ken McGrath,” explained Bob.

“At one point the wall was knocked down by vandals and again, the same group came to our aid to rebuild the wall.”Bob and Anne are very pleased with how the festival has grown. “Every new addition just helps to increase the appeal of the festival,” said Bob. The new attraction is open 365 days a year, free and accessible to all.

Snippets…

January 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Look for the Rotary Club will be set up in Cooke Park during the festival, if you cant see them just follow the smell of the BBQ to find them.

Parkes Rotary Club: Rotary Club will once again be operating their BBQ at the Parkes Elvis Festival. The Club will be cooking steak and sausage sandwiches, chips and cold drinks. The Club’s site will be located opposite the Parkes Services Club in Cooke Park next to the War Memorial, they are looking forward to serving you.

Festival Street Closures: We’d like to remind Parkes locals and visitors that street closures will be taking place from Wednesday 8 January 2025 to Sunday 12 January 2025 to make way for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival.

Sean Luke Spiteri As Elvis: Sean is beyond excited to kick off celebrations at the Parkes Elvis Festival in style to mark his 25th Anniversary as an Elvis Tribute Artist – performing one exclusive show only! On Saturday, 11 January from 9pm, Sean will take to the Main Stage at Cooke Park in the Feature Show of the night, performing in front of thousands of amazing Elvis fans. This will be his first performance of 2025 and he can’t wait to share his energy, passion, and love for the King with you all. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars for this free event.

Utlimate Elvis Tribute Artists: We are super excited to announce the 20 contestants in the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest in alphabetical order are; Andrew Bithell, Anthony Fenech, Brendon Chase, Darren Armstrong, Dean Justice, Douglas Charles, Elvis Roberts, Emilio Prince, Gerard Mascarenhas, Joe Ozzimo, Johnny Angel, Josuel Grech, Matthew Birse, Ricky Ford, Ross Mancini, Stuey V, Taurean K Mill, Terry Leonard, Toyokazu Toki, Tristan James. Congratulations to these performers and thank you to those who were unsuccessful.

Parkes Harness Racing Club: Elvis at the Trots 2025 will be held on Wednesday 8 January featuring leading Elvis tribute artist Damian Mullin. Race 1 will be at 6.37pm, and gates open at 5.30pm, with free entry for all. Don’t miss the chance to win one of two, $1,000 fuel vouchers up for grabs on the night – ticket $10 each.

Gospel Show: Mike Hague, Kahlia Martin, Phil Grove and John Coker have been busy charting and organising songs in time for The Parkes Elvis festival Gospel Show on Sunday 12 January with The C.C Band. Mike claims, “The band must have covered over 300 Elvis songs in the last 20 years but there are always more – over 700 of them I’ve been told.”

The C.C Band in preparation for Sundays popular Gospel Show

One of the most popular events of The Parkes Elvis Festival is the Northparkes Mines Street Parade.

Northparkes Mines Street Parade: with Elvis-themed floats, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles the annual Northparkes Mine Street Parade is a spectacle like no other. Head along and join Elvis and Priscilla look-a-likes, and marching bands as they head from Bushman Street to Cooke Park down the length of Clarinda Street. The parade will be held on Saturday, 11 January, beginning at 10am and will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Parkes Shire Libraries Photography Competition: Everyone is invited to visit the annual Elvis Photography Competition running from 8 – 31 January in the Coventry Room of the Parkes Shire Library. The announcement of winners will take place on Friday 10 January at 4pm. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available.

Parkes Elvis Festival Eats: Fuel up fans, you’ll need plenty of beans to get you through the coming week. Find out where you can get your caffeine fix, a hearty pub meal, a snack or dine in a restaurant with our online directory of where to eat. Check out the restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes at bit.ly/PEFeat

Young Citizen of the Year Nominees

Senior Citizen of the Year Nominees

Citizen of the Year Nominees

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