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Parkes Naidoc Family Fun Day

August 29, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Last years award winners with Member for Orange Phil Donato and Councillor Niel Westcott.

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. This year the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday 7th September, at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre at Bushman Hill.

This is a free, vibrant event and is open to people of all ages, and from all backgrounds. This year’s NAIDOC celebration promises a day full of culture. The event is based on this year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”, which celebrates the enduring strength of Indigenous culture and unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity.

The day will feature many local performances, a smoking ceremony and Wiradjuri artifacts Will also be on display. An awards ceremony will be held to recognise the contributions of local community members towards the Wiradjuri culture and heritage.

The day will also include other activities such as a free sausage sizzle, service information stalls, traditional weaving, emergency services vehicles, and children’s activities such as a jumping castle, face painting and temporary tattoos.

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day offers a heartfelt invitation and a wonderful opportunity for all the community to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity while having a great time with family and friends.

It’s about enjoyment, cultural exchange, and community – it’s genuinely a lot of fun for everyone involved, so come along with your friends and family on the day.

Snippets…

August 29, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Having fun playing at Paint Parkes REaD to school children who clapped, shouted out Bluey names and sang along to Bananas in Pyjamas. Bringing music to town!

Play Music for Life: Parkes Shire Concert Band’s legendary musician Doug Richards has many titles to his name – songwriter, music arrangement maker, teacher of drums and guitar, band member keeping the beat going. He is testimony to the adage music has no age or mobility barriers, or the idea that if you used to play, you never lose it.

Doug is still sharing his passion for others to learn music and volunteers at Parkes Public School every Tuesday with the school band. If you carefully read the plaque inscription regarding his brother Digby, located at the Elvis Wall of Fame at Bushmans Dam, you will learn Doug wrote his ‘hit song’ and was a lead player in the foundations of the Australian Music Industry.

Doug was awarded the Parkes Shire Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 and will be involved in the Parkes Shire Concert Bands next performances at Homegrown on 12th October, and the ABBA Festival on 19th October.

Playing music has no barriers, and provides many opportunities, so if you used to play, or would like to learn, head along to Tuesday rehearsals from 7 – 9pm during school terms above the Pool Complex. Enquires to Music Director Duncan Clement on 0405 035 164 or follow on Facebook.

NSW Government: Grants are available to support programs for seniors to learn, stay active and connect with their communities.

Organisations are encouraged to apply for grants up to $5,000, and local councils are able to apply for up to $10,000. Applications for the Seniors Festival Grants Program close on 6th September. To Learn more or to apply, go to: nsw.gov.au/go/Seniors-Fest-Grants

Galari River Arts Forbes Inc: The Galari River Arts Forbes committee would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported our 2024 “Ripple” festival.

We are sometimes described as ‘the people involved in everything’, and it’s true: with limited volunteers, those who commit, commit wholeheartedly. Our dedication stems from a deep love for our community, and as a humble group, we thrive on connection.

Knowing us, you’ll understand that stepping into the spotlight isn’t easy, rather, it is our way of truly acknowledging your incredible support Forbes. This festival is a testament to our collective efforts and the support of our Forbes community.

For our fellow volunteers, thank you, once again for your unwavering support or contribution. For everyone else, thank you for your kind words, messages or for attending the festival.

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work together as a team, We rebel against individualism and value the collective.

Forbes Cwa Members Advocate For Ongoing Action Around Violence Against Women

August 29, 2024 by Roxane Manley

In the wake of the unfathomable spike in the deaths of Australian women this year at the hands of their intimate partners, community outrage around the issue is increasing.

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW will use its annual Awareness Week campaign to highlight the need for ongoing action around reducing rates of gender-based violence across NSW and the ACT.

CWA of NSW Awareness Week runs from September 1 to 7, this year highlighting the continuing crisis around gender-based violence – including domestic and family violence, and also including violence against women by men who are not their intimate partners.

It’s the second time in five years the association has focused its attention for Awareness Week on violence against women, with domestic and family violence chosen as the theme for the 2020 campaign.

Robyn Miller, President of Forbes Evening Branch of the CWA of NSW, said it was clearly an enormous issue that was not going away and needed to be brought to the forefront again during Awareness Week.

“This is an issue Forbes community has experienced firsthand with the death of Molly Ticehurst earlier this year”, Robyn commented. “We need to push for more support for women confronted by gender-based violence and make our communities safe for all”.

During this year’s Awareness Week, the CWA of NSW is calling for: Further changes to bail laws to better protect victims, particularly in rural and regional areas; Prioritisation of sustainable funding models for frontline victim support services – and services that target perpetrator risk factors; The expediting of the establishment of a real-time system to record, track, and share information on perpetrators across systems and jurisdictions; and additional resources for women facing violence in rural and regional communities where isolation and lack of services can make it even harder.

Join Our Farmer’s In Canberra On 10th September

August 29, 2024 by David Jochinke

As a farmer, and head of the National Farmers’ Federation, I’m alarmed by the growing number of decisions being made in Canberra that aren’t about what’s best for farming.

It feels like we’re being drowned out by interest groups who want to tell a negative story about who we are and what we do.

Whether it’s banning live sheep exports, water buybacks, new taxes and red tape, or destroying productive agricultural land, these policies are being driven by people who don’t understand what we do.

On 10th September, farmers from across Australia will meet outside Parliament House in Canberra to send a united message. We want to tell all parliamentarians ahead of the next election that they should listen to farmers, not anti-farming activists, when it comes to what’s best for our industry.

It’s our chance to come together and send a clear and positive message that we deserve a seat at the table, and we deserve a fair go.

Join me as we come together as an industry to celebrate the positive story of Aussie farming in the heart of Canberra.

David Jochinke,
President National Farmers’ Federation

Rural Schools Encouraged To Apply

August 29, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Youth Group are calling for applications for the 2025 All Roads to the Royal program, offering one lucky school a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge through an all-expenses-paid, three-day excursion to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Open to students from years 7-12, the program will run from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th April 2025, and provides return transport, accommodation and meals for up to forty people, including students, teachers and guardians.

Heather Earney, Agriculture and Science teacher at Trundle Central School in Central West, NSW, and RAS’ 2024 All Roads to the Royal recipient, said the excursion was a highlight of the year for both students and teachers alike.

“All Roads to the Royal was an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing the students to broaden their horizons and create lasting memories and networks”, Earney said.

“The students are so thankful to have been given this amazing opportunity. They have gained experience and knowledge about the various aspects of the Show. Along with this, students gained an appreciation for the industry and the work that goes into putting such a large-scale event together”.

The All Roads to the Royal program was designed by the RAS Youth Group, with the aim to break down the financial and accessibility barriers that prevent many rural students from attending the Show. The 2025 program will be supported by the RAS Foundation, who will contribute up to $25,000 towards bus travel, food and expenses.

For further information about the program criteria or to apply, please visit www.rasnsw.com.au/AgriLink/all-roads-to-the-royal/

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Judging Wraps For 2024

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

It’s been another successful year for wineries across the state, with 585 entries from 99 wineries swirled, sniffed and sipped during judging for the 2024 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show.

The show wrapped up on Wednesday with the final medal count; 50 gold, 74 silver and 202 bronze, with 23 trophies awarded.

Chair of judges, Mark Richardson said the overall quality of wines entered into the 2024 show was impressive.

“It was a strong year, especially for the classics including the chardonnay, shiraz and semillon classes,” Mark said.

“The alternate varieties are also getting better every year and to see such quality in the show is a good thing for the future of NSW winemakers.”

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show president Mark Watts said it was a very successful show.

“All of the judges commented on the quality of the wines and the efficiency of the show.”

The Public Tasting is on tonight, however the event has sold out and there are no tickets available at the door.

Tickets are still available for the Gourmet Wine Dinner, which will be held at the Forbes Town Hall to celebrate the trophy winners of the show. The dinner will be held on Saturday 21st September from 7pm with a four-course meal catered by Eat Your Greens featuring trophy winning wines to complement the meal.

Tickets for the event are $130 per person and are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show or by calling 0418 237 051.

Snippets…

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

A popular display for the young children on the day.

NSW SES Forbes Unit: A great day out at Bedgerabong Show. The NSW SES Forbes Unit were in good company with neighbours from Central West Police and Mid Lachlan Rural Fire Service. It was a good opportunity to catch up under more relaxed circumstances.

Australian Hotels Association NSW: Last year, you crowned the Bogan Gate Pub the winner of the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence – People’s Choice Award.

It’s time to make your voice heard once again and vote for your favourite pub of 2024! Nominate your local favourite and help them earn the title of the most popular pub in NSW. By nominating, you’ll also have the chance to win one of four $250 Pub & Bar Gift Cards to dine at your local pub. Nominate now at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X73WNW6. Hurry, the competition closes at 11:59pm on Friday, 30th August 2024.

Forbes Country Music Club: The Forbes Country Music Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday 6th November 2024, 7pm at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. Nomination forms will be available at upcoming musters on Sunday 8th September and Sunday 6th October, or can be emailed to you. Nomination forms can also be collected from the Secretary Steven Dixon at 19 Prince Street Forbes or can be mailed. All nomination forms must be returned by 5pm Wednesday 30th October 2024 either to Secretary Steven Dixon or by mail; Forbes Country Music Club Incorporated, PO Box 728 Forbes NSW 2871.

NSW Woman Of The Year: The search is on! Nominations are officially open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.

We’re looking for ground-breaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers and innovative role models who inspire us all.

Let’s celebrate the incredible and inspiring women in your community by nominating them for one of these categories: Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations are open until 15th September. Recognise their achievements and nominate them now: https://bit.ly/3BibUNc

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Organisers are super excited to have the current Australian Ladies Whipcracking Champion, the amazing Emiliqua East, coming to this years Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

Whipcracking demonstrations by Emiliqua East.

Miss Peg’s Final Act Of Kindness

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Miss Peg will be donating her hair to make a wig for someone in need.

Peg Lynch, affectionately known as ‘Miss Peg’, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. While she prepares herself spiritually for her final journey, she wants to do one last act of charity. Peg wants to donate her hair, so that it may benefit another and at the same time raise some funds to assist Parkes CanAssist.

Peg, who has been a teacher all her life, earned the name ‘Miss Peg’ during her time at Parkes Early Childhood Centre and as director at Peak Hill, with the little ones she loved dearly.

She has been known for her many acts of charity as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at local, regional, central and state levels. During the drought period, she travelled, with her husband, ‘Mr Peg’, throughout the Diocese of Wilcannia Forbes, offering support and assistance.

Peg is also a foundation member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group.

On Saturday, 31st August, Peg, with the assistance of Janice, from Janice Hair Salon, and Adele from Adele’s Hair Salon, will have her hair cut and donated for the purpose making a wig for someone in need.

Please support Peg in her final act of kindness by donating at: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/351308/pegs-fundraiserfor-can-assist

Forbes Garden Club News

August 22, 2024 by By Elvy Quirk

A magnificent Azalea at 4 Grenfell Street, Forbes.

On 23rd July our Forbes Garden Club held their social meeting at the Forbes Mens Shed with 34 in attendance. The Garden Club has been invited to a Friendship day by the Young Garden Club on 13th October and if you wish to go you should put your name down at the next meeting. Cost of lunch is $60 and it is being held at Clifton Gardens. The cost includes entry to the Gardens. An invitation has also been received from Hartley Garden Club who are showcasing an Open Garden and Plant Fair weekend on the 19th and 20th October.

Therese Davis was our guest speaker on the day and gave a very comprehensive report on her life growing up, becoming a teacher, rearing a family and living in circumstances which were a far cry from the standard of living today. Therese has a wide circle of friends having lived in a number of places before retiring in Forbes. Therese is the daughter of a well known family in Forbes – the Cannon family.

The trading table proved popular with oranges, lemons, plants and books for sale. Flower of the month was well patronised, with first prize going to Joyce Morrison with an orchid, second rpize to Max Swift with a pink camellia and third prize to Marie Langfield with a rose. The raffle was won by Joyce Morrison, and second prize went to Margaret Dent.

Our next meeting will be at 22 Koala Place on Tuesday 27th August, 1.45pm arrival for a 2pm start. Bring a chair, hat and mug and also a flower to participate in Flower of the Month. In the event of inclement weather the venue will change to the Mens shed.

Our guest speaker for August will be Marian Murray, a new member, who has retired to Forbes from Coonamble.

By Elvy Quirk

$24 Million To Rebuild Flood Affected Central West

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

A total of 21 projects to repair community infrastructure in four severely flood impacted Central West NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) have received assistance thanks to an almost $24 million investment by the Australian and NSW Governments. The Community Assets Program 2024 has supported the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes Shire Councils to repair, restore and improve the resilience of community infrastructure directly damaged by storms and floods from August and September 2022.

Successful projects across the four councils include the repair of flood damaged parks, showgrounds, footpaths, pools, sporting fields and sport amenities.

More than $8 million being invested in Cabonne Shire Council for projects such as the relocation of the Molong hockey fields and the restoration of Eugowra’s pre-school, Memorial Park and pool.

Forbes is also set to receive over $8 million for projects in the Forbes lake area, including improvements to amenities and upgraded footpaths that will ensure the community can continue to enjoy this much-loved precinct.

For information and a list of successful projects visit: www.nsw.gov.au/communityassetsprogram2024

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