Articles Archives - Page 58 of 405

The Long Ride To Roll Through Forbes And Parkes This Weekend

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Long Ride is a biennial nationwide motorbike tour, which has raised more than $2 million for PCFA in the 17 years since its inception in 2007.

This month, approximately 120 motorcycle riders from around the country will be travelling through rural Australia, headed for Port Douglas, as part of the 2024 Long Ride.

The group will be departing from Hay and riding through both Forbes and Parkes between 12-2pm this Sunday 26th May, in small groups on their way to Dubbo, where they will spend the night. Long Ride founders, Chris and Gail Dunne, were both awarded an OAM for their dedication and tireless work for the ride.

The Long Ride is structured to raise awareness of prostate cancer and mens health in all communities, said Chris.

Riders will be stopping in towns that they pass through for a cuppa and a chat to locals about the importance of prostate check-ups.

Chris and his wife Gail have led 11 successful Long Rides across Australia, with the riders meeting extraordinary people and being welcomed into their communities.

Prostate cancer is Australias most commonly detected cancer with more than 25,000 men diagnosed each year. Tragically more than 10 men die each day from the disease, with 1 in 5 likely to be diagnosed by the age of 85.

PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, called on local communities to cheer the riders on. We would love to see the local Forbes and Parkes communities cheering them on or having a chat as they make their way to the 2024 finish line.

To follow the Long Ride, go to longrideaustralia.au or for more information on prostate cancer or to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au

Snippets…

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

One of the amazing pieces of student artwork that was on display at the PHS Naidoc assembly

PHS NAIDOC Celebrations: There was some amazing Indigenous art that was created by Parkes High School Year 7 students which was displayed at the schools recent NAIDOC assembly.

Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc: Do you have a passion for helping others? Are you looking for a career in the community services sector? The Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Support and Capacity Building Project have full scholarships on offer to complete a Certificate IV in Community Services. To see the full list of eligibility requirements, and to receive an information package go to lwrs.org.au

Neighbourhood Central: National Volunteer Week is Australias largest annual celebration of volunteering. At Neighbourhood Central, its an opportunity for us to highlight the important role of our volunteers. We are very grateful for all the work our volunteers do to help our communities in Parkes, Forbes, Peak Hill, Condobolin, Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo, and everywhere in between. Thank you. We couldnt do it without you.

R U OK?Day: Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle. Dont underestimate the impact a kind gesture can have for someone who needs it. It could be offering practical help with tasks, inviting them to an event or taking the time to have a chat and asking how they are going. R U OK? Day 2024 is Thursday 12th September. But every day is the day to start a meaningful conversation with those we care about and ask, are you OK?.

Parkes Shire Library: Waste 2 Art Opening. Saturday 1st June, 10.30am, Coventry Room. Waste 2 Art is open till the 29th June. Join us for the opening of Waste 2 Art and announcement of winners. Free event. Bookings through Humanitix. https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-crpdbdc5. Forbes Arts Society: As part of the Arts Outwest 50th Anniversary celebrations, Forbes Arts Society members are invited to showcase their work as part of the All Things P exhibition. This small-scale pop-up exhibition will be displayed in the Forbes Town Hall concourse on 1st and 2nd June to coincide with the Arts OutWest Anniversary Dinner. The exhibition will feature works on paper. Mediums can be paint, pastel, pencil or print. 2D works, such as pottery, will also be accepted. Entry forms can be downloaded via www.forbesartssociety.com and returned to hello@forbesartssociety.com by Thursday 30th May.

The All things “P” exhibition will be curated and installed by the Arts OutWest team.

Investment In Community Infrastructure

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is welcoming more than $10 million in funding under the Growing Regions Program which will deliver new community infrastructure in Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Parkes.

“I’m really pleased the communities of Wagga Wagga, Cowra and Parkes will be receiving a share in more than $10 million to support the development of local community and economic infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.

“Parkes Shire Council Mayor Cr Neil Westcott described the $943,738 secured for bird-hides and boardwalks in the Parkes Wetlands as ‘wonderful news’,” Mr McCormack said.

“I’m really looking forward to the Boardwalks and Bird hides: Elevating Parkes Wetlands project to support habitat creation and promote tourism at the wetlands.”

“I’m always interested to see innovative uses of defunct facilities, particularly when land can be reclaimed for environmental purposes that benefit the whole community as well as ecological diversity,” Mr McCormack said. “This new funding under the Growing Regions Program will take the wetlands to the next level.”

“I look forward to seeing works for these projects getting under way and I eagerly await the time when the community can start to benefit from them.”

Companions Through Cancers Biggest Morning Tea

May 23, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Enjoying morning tea at the Red Cross room was Sister Kath, Colleen Sence, Beth Symington and Mary Cahill.

Last Thursday, 16th May the ladies from the Companions Through Cancer held a Biggest Morning Tea in the Parkes Red Cross Room to help raise much needed funds for the Cancer Council. They raised an amazing $475.90 and the winner of the raffle was Marie Walker.

The ladies are thrilled with the money that was raised and will continue supporting the Cancer Councils Biggest Morning Tea next year in 2025. Until then, the ladies have plenty to keep them busy and talk is swirling about the upcoming soup day in June, which is a favourite for many.

Companions Through Cancer is a local support group that was formed by Parkes business woman Dianne Tanswell after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in mid 1977. After multiple operations, intensive radiation and chemotherapy, Dianne learned that a positive mindset was vital and her will to live took on a new purpose – to live with cancer and to help others do so.

A lot of people fall apart when they are told they have cancer, I just began to fall into place, said Dianne.

Companions Through Cancer is a support group for people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Their main purpose is to provide companionship. The group started with 78 members, however over the years this number has dwindled to just 20 current members, so Companions Through Cancer are putting a call out for new members to join.

The group meet once a month for lunch, enjoy planned outings, have a BBQ day and a fun Christmas party. Money raised by the group is distributed to local support networks at the end of each year. The group is open to men and women of all ages and is only $10 per year to join.

If you are interested or would like more information, contact Neighbourhood Central on 6862 3757.

Companions Through Cancer members Mandy Hennock, Margaret Green, Kay Ivey, Sandra Clark and Penny Downes.

Snippets…

May 16, 2024 by Roxane Manley

TAFE NSW Forbes: Following on from the success of our Native Animal Basic Rescue and Critical Care short course last year, we are seeking expressions of interest to run another one of these courses this year or something similar such as Animal First Aid. To register your interest please click here: https://forms.office.com/r/bsZpE2kPyV

Central West Police District: Central West Police District are actively targeting property offenders across the District. We request assistance from our community partners by ensuring young persons who attend service stations between 12am and 6am remove hoodies, sunglasses and balaclavas when making transactions. This simple procedure will assist in the identification of property offenders

Parkes Shire Council: The Animal Welfare League NSW’s Animal Care Truck is visiting Parkes Friday 24 May, offering free veterinary services. Services include: Free pet health checks, Free microchipping, Free Dog C3 vaccinations, Free Cat F3 vaccinations. You can find them at Parkes Showground, Mitchell St, Parkes from 8am. This offer is targeted towards low-income earners, pensioners and those experiencing financial hardship. For more information, visit https://www.awlnsw.com.au

Forbes Shire Council: Calling all pet parents in Forbes! Forbes is rolling out the red carpet once again for our furry friends AWL is back at Lions Park on the 23rd of may from 8am – 12pm, offering free vet checks and vaccinations for dogs and cats in our community. Remember, dogs must be on leads and cats in carriers. Maximum of 3 animals per household. No appointments are needed. Our rangers will also be offering free microchipping services and updating outdated chips.

1800RESPECT: Social abuse is behaviour that aims to cut you off from your family, friends or community. This is a form of domestic and family violence. To find out about examples of social abuse, visit: https://1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/social-abuse. For support you can also contact 1800RESPECT; call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au

Parkes Elvis Festival: We are being inundated with messages asking when the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express will go on sale. We are pleased to announce that tickets will go on sale at 10am on Thursday 16th May 2024. The NSW TrainLink Elvis Express is proudly supported by Transport for NSW.

Get ready to book your seat before you miss out!

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

May 16, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured from left to right are Gloria Jarrick and Bonita Gwyn and Margaret Wheeler

Neighbourhood Central’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is bringing members of the community together and they are looking for more Volunteer Visitors.

This program is funded by the federal government as part of its Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, which provides friendship and companionship to eligible older people by matching them with a volunteer visitor who will visit regularly and become a friend. This scheme helps to improve their quality of life by reducing social isolation.

At Neighbourhood Central, Bonita Gwyn and Gloria Jarrick have been volunteer visitors for quite some time now and have formed a beautiful friendship with Margaret Wheeler. The ladies meet every week for a catch up and a few games of cards. Margaret looks forward to her visits with Bonita and Gloria and has expressed how much she enjoys their company and having someone to play cards with.

Bonita and Gloria expressed that the visits with Margaret does as much good for them as it does for Margaret.

Brooke from Neighbourhood Central said, “As an aged care volunteer visitor coordinator, it is wonderful to sit and have a conversation with matches that have been made and witness in person the beautiful friendships that have formed and continue to grow with each visit.”

Being an Aged Care Volunteer Visitor can be incredibly rewarding; by having meaningful conversations, you can drastically improve the quality of life for an older person.

Volunteers from all social and cultural backgrounds from Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin are encouraged to join the program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer visitor, please contact Brooke at Neighbourhood Central.

If you would like to brighten the days of older people as a volunteer, or if you would

like to request a visitor, please contact Brooke at Neighbourhood Central on 1300 810 771 or email: admin@ncentral.org.au

InKredible event Raises Much Needed Money For Mental Health

May 16, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Young Parkes boy Creed enjoying the street party.

On Sunday May 5th, InKredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barber hosted their fourth annual Flash Bash and Street Party in celebration of their 14th year in business.

The crowds were entertained by local artists, including the fabulous Gracie Denham Jones, and the energetic and easy going Hunter Rawson who also provided the equipment and ran the music on behalf of EJS. Spuddy Buddy and Smoking Brother’s kept everyone well fed and Ems Fancy Faces had the kids happy with some cool face painting!

The tattoo team was flat out, tattooing some of the amazing flash designs they had available on the day.

The team at InKredible would like to thank their wonderful volunteers and sponsors who made the day possible, including: Parkes Shire Council, Bugman, PDF, Visual Apparel, Parkes Caravans, Switch Signs and Tattoo Numbing Cream.

This year was the most successful event to date, raising an impressive $3,000 to be shared between two local mental health charities. There were a number of mental health charities and support services present on the day to provide information and advice regarding mental health.

The InKredible team are passionate about mental health awareness. Please reach out and ask for support if you ever need help, or call into the shop and they will give you information to point you in the right direction. Dates are in the works for May 2025, keep an eye out for more information.

National Simultaneous Storytime Is On Again

May 16, 2024 by Roxane Manley

2023 Forbes Library National Simultaneous Storytime Emmy & Matilda’s Mum Letitia reading The Speedy Sloth written by Rebecca Young and illustrated by Heath McKenzie.

The Australian Library and Information Association has revealed this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) shared story. People across the nation will be reading Bowerbird Blues by Australian author and illustrator Aura Parker, on the same day, at the same time.

Join in the fun on Wednesday, 22nd May at 12 noon when Forbes Library will be sharing the story, followed by a craft session.

Bowerbird Blues stars a beautiful bowerbird on the search for (you guessed it) blue! It’s a moving story of longing and connection, that unfolds as the bowerbird’s search sends him soaring across the sea, sky and city. He swoops and snatches vibrant treasures for his collection, and soon his bower – a mix of natural and unnatural objects – attracts something greater and more fulfilling than he could ever have imagined.

When learning of her book being selected as this year’s NSS story, author Aura Parker said, “National Simultaneous Storytime brings us together and makes us smile, and the shared experience can send imaginations soaring to new heights. I am surprised and blown away with excitement that Bowerbird Blues has been chosen as the book for 2024.”

In 2023, NSS saw over 2 million children reading on the day. For 2024, organisers have adjusted the time slightly, with the goal of further supporting librarians, teachers, parents, and caregivers to get millions of kids in Australia, New Zealand, and around the world reading together.

NSS throws an international spotlight on the important work that libraries do every day. “When we read together it helps language development, learning and literacy, all while building community. It’s a lot of fun,” said ALIA Acting CEO Trish Hepworth.

Find out more about National Simultaneous Storytime at www.alia.org.au/nss

Kerin Health Opens New Clinical Facility

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

For the past two years, the team at Kerin Health have been dreaming, planning and finally building a brand new state of the art clinical facility. It is the first of its kind in the whole of New South Wales and you are invited to help celebrate its grand opening on Friday 17th May from 5:00pm at 28 Armstrong Street, Parkes.

Rachel Kerin, Director and Physiotherapist said, “This facility increases our service capacity – meaning we can treat more clients, support more families, and bring more specialised clinicians to the local area.”

Head along, as Kerin Health showcase their wide range of services, and how they can support you and your family. It will be a night of celebration, including goodie bags, live music, nibbles, a raffle, and a whole lot of free resources.

Marion Jones’ Mothers Day Flowers

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Marion Jones busily working in her garden.

Each year for the past 15 years, Parkes woman Marion Jones has been selling flowers from her garden in order to raise money for charity.

She previously donated the proceeds to the local Uniting Church to go towards their Monthly Monday Meal, but recently Marion has been raising funds to donate to a Ministry in Cambodia that is printing children’s books for local children to learn bible stories. This year Marion is being helped by the wonderful women from the Que Club.

Bunches of flowers will be available for sale at the front of the Uniting Church, this Saturday 11th May from 9am.

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