Articles Archives - Page 59 of 405

Snippets…

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The students practiced hard during Term 1 and should be immensely proud of their effort and performances.

Forbes High School Eisteddfod Performance: Congratulations to all the students who attended Cowra Eisteddfod last Thursday. The adjudicator and audience were certainly entertained by the FHS group and solo performances.

NSW Government: New laws on coercive control will come into effect in NSW from 1 July 2024. Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It’s domestic abuse and it causes serious harm. Learn the signs of coercive control at nsw.gov.au/go/CoerciveControl-FB If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available. Contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732

Parkes Shire Council: You’re invited to a Community Forum with the NSW Premier and Cabinet Ministers on Friday 17 May in Orange. Register now at nsw.gov.au/communitycabinet to attend and have a say about the priorities for your community. Registrations close Friday 10 May.

Forbes High School P&C Association: Meeting will be held Wednesday 29th May, 5pm, Club Forbes (Coffee Lounge). We welcome new faces who are keen to help form a fundraising team to share ideas and to contribute to the success of our school.

Lachlan NSW SES: Your community needs you. When disaster strikes, we step up to support those in need. You can too. At NSW SES, we believe that everyone has a role to play. Whether you’re a Storm & Flood Damage volunteer, a Road Crash Rescue Operator or an Admin & Logistics Officer, there’s a place for you in the Orange Army. Join us and help your community today! Visit to learn more about volunteering: https://tinyurl.com/VolunteerNSWSES

Visit Parkes Region: The Peak Hill’s 51st Annual Arts and Craft Exhibition will take place over the course of two days, 8-9 June 2024 between 9:30am-4pm. Come and witness a variety of artisan and modern contemporary style arts and crafts including paverpol, wool and yarn crafts, weaving, patchwork quilts, mosaics, pot plants and so much more! Admission is $2 pp. The Exhibition’s Official Opening is Friday June 7th at 6:00pm.

Get Out And About This Mother’s Day: Glencara is situated halfway between Grenfell and Young in the Hilltops region and the property will be open for Mothers day from 10am until 3pm. There is an entry fee but it may just be worth it to secure yourself a little ‘me’ time in that amazing maze!

Have a bit of fun with mum this Sunday.

Inland Rail Provides Real Opportunities For Regional Businesses

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Inland Rail Skills Academy in partnership with Deborah Wilson Consulting Services have facilitated a five-part series over the past year. The program helps regional businesses understand how to engage with buyers, prepare compliant tender submissions, and manage contracts for work on major projects, such as Inland Rail.

Since July 2023, more than 95 businesses including fifteen First Nations business have participated in four rounds of workshops in Albury, Wagga Wagga, Parkes, and Forbes. Local businesses have benefitted from learning what major project buyers want from suppliers.

Workshops also included presentations from major buyers in the region, including Inland Rail Albury to Parkes prime contractor Martinus, local government, and project proponents within the mining, recycling, and energy industries.

The fifth and final session is a half day ‘Meet the Buyer’ workshop, providing a rare opportunity for suppliers to gain a better understanding of buyer expectations, identify potential opportunities and network directly with major project buyers in the region.

Local businesses interested are encouraged to register at: https://inlandrail.com.au/supplier-capability-development-program-registration-of-interest/.

John Abraham, Inland Rail Local Content Principal, said “Inland Rail projects spanning from Albury to Parkes present real opportunities for local and First Nations businesses to get involved.

“Local content is key to the program’s success. This is a social investment into these communities by Inland Rail. It doesn’t matter if businesses out here are small or large, they’ve all got an opportunity to participate in major supply chains.”

Molly Mattered

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The tight knit Forbes community, along with the rest of Australia are still mourning the loss of local woman Molly Ticehurst.

Molly, a 28 year old mother, lost her life so tragically it is hard to come to terms with. The Forbes community continues to remember Molly and speak out against domestic violence.

On May 1st, Forbes residents, and people across the nation were encouraged to leave their porch lights on for Molly, as a tribute. On May 3rd, a community gathering was held in Forbes where thousands came to farewell the local woman.

This Sunday, 12th May, Forbes Shire Council and Boys to the Bush invite the community to join in a walk around Lake Forbes to honour the life of Molly Ticehurst. Everyone is asked to come along to honour the life of Molly and to show a united stance that domestic violence is not tolerated, and that we as a community will fight for Molly’s Law, so we may see a change in bail laws in order to keep victims of domestic violence protected.

The walk will begin at 8.30am from Lions Park and will loop back around at 10am. The community is encouraged to wear something bright.

Do It For Dolly, And Help End Bullying

May 9, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Dolly Everett, who we remember each year on Do it for Dolly Day and her parents, Tick and Kate Everett who are determined no other family should suffer the loss they did.

Dolly Everett was only 14 years old when she tragically took her life in January 2018, following relentless and sustained bullying and cyberbullying. Sadly, six years later the problem is not going away.

A recent report from the eSafety Commissioner has shed light on a troubling trend: cyberbullying is on the rise. There has been a staggering 40% increase in cyberbullying reports. What is particularly worrying is that two-thirds (67%) of these reports were concerning children aged 12-15 years old – just like Dolly – highlighting the vulnerability of young people to online harassment and abuse.

Determined that no other family would suffer from the same devastation, Dolly’s parents Tick and Kate Everett established the anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream. They have committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression, and youth suicide, through awareness, education and direct support to young people and families.

“We don’t want other families to ever have to go through the heartache we have experienced. We are proud that Beacon provides easily accessible support and information to families, especially in our rural, regional, and remote communities, that we wish we had,” Kate Everett.

Each year in May thousands of wonderful communities come together to remember Dolly by going blue, donating and participating in fundraising activities to help support the important anti-bullying work of Dolly’s Dream, sharing the message to be kind and speak even if your voice shakes.

To register, donate or to find out more visit www.doitfordollyday.org.au

Domestic Violence Service Calls For Urgent Action

May 2, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) has called for urgent intervention from the NSW Government to address men’s violence against women following the horrific murder of Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst.

RANSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said it is critically important that domestic violence services are adequately and sustainably funded to address the growing rate of violence against women.

“My heart breaks to hear the news of yet another victim of alleged domestic violence,” Ms Shaw said.

“Our country is facing a systemic issue of men’s violence against women, and we need urgent intervention to address this issue at the core.

“We know that Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) can be an effective intervention to help men stop using violence in their relationships – but these programs are chronically underfunded.

“Our organisation currently has 235 men on a waitlist for our Men’s Behaviour Change Programs – these are men who want to stop using violence, but cannot access the help they need.

“We would not say that a behaviour change program would have saved Molly’s life. Some men would never put themselves forward to look at their own actions. However, for those that do, we have to seize that moment and move in fast.

“The NSW Labor Party committed to longer-term funding for the social services sector during the election, and has a strong commitment to addressing domestic violence – now is the time the Government makes good on its promise and delivers fulsome, generous funding for domestic violence services.

“We cannot keep lurching from one crisis to another. It’s time for action.”

To access more information on RANSW’s MBCPs you can visit www.relationshipsnsw.org.au

Snippets

May 2, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The entire community is invited to come along.

Philip Donato

MOLLY MATTERED

Join in a walk around Lake Forbes to honour the life of Molly Ticehurst.

A morning for the Forbes community to wrap their arms around each other in a show of support and say no to violence against women. Wear something bright.

WHEN: Sunday 12th May 2024, 8.30am- 10.00am. WHERE: Lions Park, Forbes.

R U OK?Day

Some days are easy. Some days are hard.

When things get tough for someone you care about, reach out to see how they’re going. Ask what you can do to support them.

Parkes East Public School

We were honoured to have Mr Keith Woodlands, President of the Parkes RSL Sub-branch as a guest speaker at our ANZAC Service on Tuesday 30th, April.. Our school captains and prefects did a wonderful job leading this service. May we never forget the sacrifices our service men and women made and continue to make for us.

Forbes Shire Council

Apply Now – The Manager Engineering will provide management of:

– Council’s survey and design functions.

– Technical expertise to other Council departments and divisions to ensure successful completion of operational and project requirements in line with Council’s Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Plan and Operational Plan.

– This role will be accountable for high quality, timely designs across all operational, and major strategic projects.

– Management of external agencies involved in highly technical design.

PCYC Parkes

KINDER GYM Term 2 bookings are open.

Each week we create a new circuit challenging our students, followed by free play on the equipment. Join us Tuesday and Friday 9:30-10:15am. Bookings can be made by email, phone, online or in the club.

SBS News

Rallies calling for an end to violence against women have been held across Australia in recent days. Here’s how to spot potential signs of domestic violence, and support those who may be experiencing it. Read more: https://trib.al/1vMM6RB

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes

We have a fantastic event planned at Parkes for National Families Week. The aim of National Families Week is to celebrate the vital role families play in Australian society. National Families Week runs from May 13 to 19, 2024 and this year’s theme is “celebrating family diversity and connections”. Our event on Friday May 17 will mark the week with playgroup activities, sausage sizzle, face painting and goodie bags. Bring your family and friends for some fun to the Cooke Park Pavilion at Parkes.

Holy Family School, Parkes

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Kitchen Garden Program and what a joy it has been to see our Year 4 students dive into this hands-on learning experience!

Our Year 4 class has been busy planting beans, chives and carrots, and they’ve had an absolute blast doing it. It’s wonderful to see them engage with nature and learn about the process of growing their own food.

Let’s continue to cultivate a love for nature and healthy eating in our students.

By Mrs Wheeler

Stay tuned for updates on the growth of the HFS garden.

Author And Illustrator Of All Things Weird And Wonderful

May 2, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Sami Bayly is pictured with children who took part in a workshop at Trundle Library.

Parkes Shire Libraries had the pleasure during April school holidays of hosting Illustration Workshops with author and illustrator, Sami Bayly.

Nearly 50 children and young people at Parkes and Trundle Libraries enjoyed hearing some fascinating, fun, and revolting facts from Sami’s vast knowledge of animals, birds and insects. Sami then walked our young library members step by step through the process of illustrating different interesting animals.

Sami’s works include The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals and Creatures of Camouflage and Mimicry. She is also the feature artist for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge promotion.

This was Sami;s very first visit to the Central West and many young fans were excited to meet her, have a photo and have their books autographed. Call in to Parkes and Trundle Libraries to borrow Sami’s beautifully illustrated Junior Non Fiction books.

One young person who attended commented that the workshops were “very unique and gave a lot of information about what is in the world.” Another said “My favourite part of the activity was hearing the disgusting stories, but I didn’t think they were disgusting!”

Sami commented that she had a fun and joyous trip to Parkes and Trundle and will be sure to visit again. “I really had a wonderful time!” she said.

These illustration workshops were generously funded by NSW Office of Regional Youth for the benefit of young people in regional and remote communities. Keep an eye out for more children and youth activities hosted by Parkes Shire Libraries.

Snippets

April 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

If you need someone to talk to or just someone to listen, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Lifeline Central West

If this week’s news events are causing you distress, it is really important you speak to someone about how you feel.

Please call us on 13 11 14 and speak to one of our telephone crisis supporters who canrefer you to the services you need. We are here to listen.

You can find some self help guides here https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/topics/trauma/about-trauma

1800RESPECT

If you are supporting someone who has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, it is important to know that you do not have to be an expert, or have all of the answers.

If you know someone who has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, let them know they are not alone – 1800RESPECT is available for support.

Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text on 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services

Forbes Sports Person of the Year

Association

The next regular meeting of the Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Awards is scheduled for Thursday 2 May commencing 5:30pm at Club Forbes. All Welcome

Kerin Health

Hey Forbes,Swimming lessons available – Book your child’s place.

We have just released our new classes for swimming lessons and now is your chance to grab a spot and keep the momentum going for your child’s swimming skills.

Swimming lessons for Term 2 will be held at the Forbes Indoor Heated Pool, commencing on May 6th running for an 8 week term.

Swipe to see the class times by ag group!

Book online to reserve you spot now! Head to this link https://linktr.ee/kerinhealth

Parkes Shire Libraries

Please remember, that in order to complete a thorough stocktake and keep our service running smoothly, that Parkes Library will be closed next Tuesday, 30th April. Thank you for your understanding.

Flannery’s Pharmacy

We’re giving away ONE Phillips Air Fryer and JBL Speaker for lucky mothers in our community this Mother’s Day.

Simply come in store and tell us in 25 words or less why your mum (or motherly figure) is the best and deserves something extra special.

Competition starts today, and ends 6/05/2024.

T&Cs apply. Ask in store for more details

Country Women’s Association of NSW

Today CWA of NSW turns 102! After many years of supporting communities, we’re still going strong today.

We have a proud history but we’re not slowing down yet. Find out what you can do at your local branch: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/branches

Forbes High School

Yoorana Gunya Girls Empowerment Group.

In Week 11 for their last group, the girls headed to Revolution Aerial, an aerial fitness studio in Orange. Under the expert guidance of their instructor, they learned various aerial poses and manoeuvres, feeling exhilarated as they challenged their strength and flexibility. They then enjoyed a delicious lunch at Smoking Brothers / Elwood’s Eatery and a game of Ten Pin bowling. Thank you Yoorana Gunya for a fantastic term.

Pictured are the Yoorana Gunya Girls Empowerment Group.

Double Demerits Are In Force

April 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Speeding, fatigue and drink and drug driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads and the NSW Police Force will be out in numbers ensuring that if you do the wrong thing.

Shadow Minister for Police and the NSW Police Force are advising motorists that double demerits came into force for ANZAC Day and will continue over the weekend.

Double demerits began Wednesday morning, 24 April, at 12:01am and end at 11:59pm on Sunday 28 April.

Higher fines and double demerit points will apply for those offences committed such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence or using a mobile phone illegally.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said there will be a focus on drink and drug driving.

“If you plan on drinking, don’t drive, make a plan B. Leave the car at home and use public transport.”

It’s anticipated many residents of NSW will stretch the ANZAC Day public holiday into a long weekend by taking Friday off work. It is also the final weekend of school holidays. This will result in higher traffic on roads across the state.

“The ANZAC Day public holiday coincides with the end of school holidays, and we anticipate a very busy few days on our roads,” Mr Toole said.

“Every time that you get behind the wheel of a car, please be responsible and think of those passengers in the car with you and other motorists on our roads so that everyone is able to reach their destination.

Connectivity Issues Spotlighted

April 25, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Communities across regional, rural, and remote Australia can now have their say on telecommunications issues as public submissions open on the Regional Telecommunications Review.

The input of local communities will form an essential part of the Review – held once every three years – which will see the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee deliver recommendations to Government.

The Review is closely examining the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.

Residents, businesses and community organisations can make a submission, with the Terms of Reference – announced by Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP – outlining key issues for the Committee to examine. An issues paper has been released to help frame ideas.

Feedback from the public has been essential in previous reviews to ensure the Committee’s recommendations are well-targeted and based on evidence. For this Review there are three options available to have your say: attending a face-to-face consultation, providing a formal submission or completing a survey. The survey will be published in May 2024.

Since March 2024, the Committee has visited Western Australia and Tasmania for face-to-face consultations with local issues also forming an important part of the Committee’s considerations. More locations for face-to-face consultations will be announced shortly.

The 2024 Review is being led by the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, former Western Australian Minister for Regional Development as Chair of the Review Committee. She is supported by the Hon Fiona Nash, Ms Kristy Sparrow, Dr Jessa Rogers and Mr Ian Kelly.

To have your say just visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024- regional-telecommunications-review

Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan went on to say “Access to telecommunications services is critical for regional residents and businesses across so many aspects of everyday life – and we want to understand the lived experience of these services so that future policy actions are well-targeted and backed up by evidence.

“We really encourage Australians in the bush to have their say via a submission or completing the survey in coming months, while we continue our face-to-face consultations across the country.

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