Articles Archives - Page 73 of 405

Stunning Federation Home Hits The Market In Forbes

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Step back in time when you walk through the front doors of 31 Oxford St, Forbes

New Anglesea has been owned by the same family, the MacCallum’s for almost 40 years.

It took Marie and Ian MacCallum many years to find their perfect home and many years of restorations and landscaping to achieve such a stunning lifestyle property.

31 Oxford St, Forbes was purchased by the MacCallums in 1985, it is a property with a rich history and they took the time to lovingly restore it to the magnificent home it is today.

Marble fireplaces were sourced for the formal living rooms and soft furnishings updated with fresh heritage trim and Paint. In the early 2000’s, the kitchen and dining room extension and casual screened in cedar lined alfresco dining and living room were added. Signature properties of this caliber are rarely offered for sale.

Contact the Exclusive Agents – Ainslie Toole at Nutrien Harcourts Forbes for a private viewing or for more information 0407 946 838.

Timeline of the historic Forbes Home

Amazing aerial view

CEF And UNSW Gives Aspiring Forbes & Parkes Uni Students Chance To See UNSW

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Since its birth in 1993 the CEF has awarded almost 8000 individual grants and scholarships totalling over $17 million, with over 400 volunteers across its network of local foundations working hard to provide local students the support they need.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF), in collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), has made it possible for nine aspiring Forbes and Parkes university students to see a university campus, with a fully subsidised trip to UNSW for its 2023 Year 11 Regional Residential Program.

The program is part of UNSW’s Gateway Admission Pathway, ran between the 25th and 27th September, and was open to year 11 students who attend school at one of UNSW’s Gateway Partner Schools, which features schools in low socioeconomic areas, primarily in regional NSW

CEF, through its partnership with UNSW, was offered a number of places on the program.

Kelsey Mann, Makayla Sloane and Kyle Wilson of Parkes High School, Grace Barbary and Czarah Alexa Saladino of Forbes High School, and Mia Baker, Vienna Farrell, Lauren House and Sophie McGrath of Red Bend Catholic College took advantage of this amazing opportunity, which covered their costs for transport, accommodation, and meals.

The students, of which there were 37 in total, took the opportunity to learn about the university, the courses it offers, and all other benefits of studying there, and were chaperoned by UNSW staff and Ambassadors, with two CEF staff joining them as well.

They also got to enjoy a two-night stay at Sydney’s beautiful Coogee Beach, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and enjoyed a dinner on the first night where they got to hear from CEF alumni currently studying at UNSW.

As part of its partnership with CEF, UNSW also provides four annual $5000 scholarships, for each year of study to a maximum for four years, to students that have enrolled at UNSW and already received a grant from their local CEF foundation.

For more information on the CEF please visit www.cef.org.au or phone 1300 652 144.

Dr Richard Draper Awarded Australian GP Of The Year

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dr Draper pictured with Dr Nicole Higgins, RACGP President

Dr Richard Draper is the Principal GP at Medicine & Mind in Forbes, and also now the RACGP GP of the Year. He is a Parkes local with over 29 years experience working in the Central West in both the private and public sector in general practice, emergency medicine, obstetrics and anaesthetics.

Dr Draper had no idea he had even been nominated at the State level when he received a call from the RACGP, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, to inform him that he had taken out the top award for NSW/ACT (combined) GP of the Year. It was that award that placed him in the running for the National GP of the Year award. Dr Draper said when he heard that he had actually won the national award “I was genuinely stunned”.

Dr Draper is passionate about improving access for patients to quality mental health services in rural areas and has implemented a unique model of care at Forbes Medicine & Mind that sees clinicians working collaboratively with many providers to improve the health and wellbeing of patients.

As GP of the Year, Dr Draper hopes to use his platform over the next 12 months to highlight the needs for more support from Government for General Practitioners to be able to continue to provide such essential services, especially in rural communities and in the wake of natural disasters such as the recent flooding that affected the Forbes community

Minister Moriarty’s Drought Mix Up

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Government has failed to provide clarity around drought support for farmers, after a Budget Estimates hearing revealed the Minister in charge does not know the extent of the dry conditions plaguing the State.

Nationals Committee Member Sam Farraway asked Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty “how much of NSW is currently considered to be in some form of drought?” when she faced questioning today.

The Minister responded with “the last statistic I have is three per cent but if that’s changed, I’m happy to get more details”.

The Department of Primary Industries’ Combined Drought Indicator shows a very different reality, with 44.7 per cent of NSW categorised as drought affected, in drought or in intense drought.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the Minister will be recalled for a supplementary hearing after a motion was put forward by the Opposition.

“Today we saw a disgraceful response from a Minister who has once again shown just how out of touch she is with Regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said

Snippets

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Don Jewell thanking guest speaker Michael Lynch

COMBINED SERVICES DINNER

Recently the Parkes Action Club hosted a combined services dinner, the first combined dinner since COVID.

In attendance were representatives from Parkes Que Club, Parkes Rotary, and Parkes CWA. Each club outlined their role in the Parkes Community

Michael gave an engaging informative and thoughtful talk about prostate cancer. Michael spoke about the importance of diagnostic techniques and encouraged all men over the age of 50 to seek regular screening with their GP. Michael said that 10 men per day in Australia die from prostate cancer.

The evening was rounded off with a humorous fine season lead by Wendy Neville of the Parkes Que Club. Wendy’s clever wit called out many members to pay a fine, all monies raised were directed to prostate cancer research.

AUSTRALIAN RURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

Leadership activities are coming to 35 regions across the country thanks to the #FutureDroughtFund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.

If you’re in one of these communities, this is your chance to become part of a journey that empowers individuals and uplifts communities through skill-building, networking, and resilience strategies, especially tailored for confronting challenges like drought and climate change.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in your community? Do you want to be the catalyst for change and help your region thrive? If yes, then we’re looking for you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, learn, and lead. Register your interest https://bit.ly/3s26Uf6

WORKLOCKER PARKES

Snake season is in full swing, people. The warmer weather has arrived, which means as we head outdoors to enjoy the warm weather, so do our slithering friends! Spring is the beginning of breeding season for Snakes, so as they get more active and aggressive, we need to be prepared for the potential for Snake and Spider bites.

FastAid have you covered on how to prepare for and effectively respond to Snake and Spider bites with must-have first-aid kits for this season.

Head to your local Worklocker to grab a kit today!

FORBES AUTO SPORTS CLUB

Same faces, same outlook & same goal. Bring on the new season.

President : Jake Redfern, VP : Jono Collits, Treasurer : Luke Stevo, Secretary : Alex Bass Hutchings, Publicity Officer : Shar Wild Plus all of our amazing partners and offsiders that help just as much along the way.

Forbes Auto Sports Club are ready to take on 2024

Karen Ritchie’s First Solo Exhibition – Natural Connections

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is artist Karen Ritchie setting up in the Coventry room ahead of Opening night which is this evening at 6pm.

Karen Ritchie is an artist who has lived in Parkes for over 30 years. Karen had always been interested in art and went to TAFE to study art and started exhibiting and selling her art before full time work and family life got in the way.

But since retiring a couple of years ago Karen has happily returned to her passion.

“Council has been very supportive of local artists and provided me with an opportunity to have my first solo exhibition, so I’m really thrilled” said Karen.

Opening night of Karen’s exhibition of paintings kicks off at 6pm in the Coventry room. $10 entry payable at door.

RSVP via Parkes Library 6861 2309. The exhibition closes on 12th November with free entry for everyone after opening night. The exhibition will be open during library hours and Karen herself may be in attendance on weekends between the hours of 1 0am – 2pm. All the exhibited works are also available for purchase

Karen went on to say “My work is inspired by the local environment, I’m happiest painting landscapes, florals or animals. I called the exhibition Natural Connections to highlight our relationship with nature and our need to have that as a focus”.

Forbes Stock And Station Agent Wins Beef Cattle Judging Title

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is KMWL stock and station agent Sam Parish who took out the top prize at the National Beef Cattle Young Judges Championships

Australia’s most promising young beef cattle, dairy cattle and alpaca judges have been revealed by Agricultural Shows Australia through the prestigious national competition.

The competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. This year, the event was hosted by Tasmanian Ag Shows and held at the Launceston Royal Show.

Dr. Rob Wilson is chairman of ASA, the peak body overseeing 572 agricultural shows in Australia which attract six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1 billion to the national economy. Rob says the competition is designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging nationwide.

“It is an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested,” Dr. Wilson explains.

Sam Parish, a 22-year-old local stock and station agent from KMWL in Forbes, secured the top spot at the National Beef Cattle Young Judges Championship.

“My parents were involved in stud and show cattle so I was always running around bull sales as a kid. I competed at the National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show when I was five-years-old and got the reserve pee wee champion,” he reminisced. “I have been involved in shows my whole life and it’s the ability to give your judgment and give credibility to your judgment that I love. It’s a massive learning curve, and you take in a lot from the opinions of peers and fellow competitors,” Sam stated.

He reflected on his participation in two national finals: “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to compete in two national finals, Beef Paraders and Beef Young Judges across Perth Royal Show in 2019 and Launceston Royal Show in 2023. These two wins have enabled me to create a network amongst the industry which I love.”

Release Safety Data To Cut Regional NSW Road Deaths

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics data shows in the 12 months to 30 September 2023, 240 Australians died on the roads – up 4.6 percent on the corresponding period a year earlier.

The NSW toll rose even more – up by 17.2% (340 deaths, up from 290). Two-thirds of those NSW deaths occurred in regional areas which have suffered high road death tolls for many years.

Australia’s peak motoring body says governments must respond to the crisis by publishing data about the causes of crashes, the condition of our roads, and patterns of law enforcement.

“This would enhance transparency and give experts the information needed to create more effective road safety policies,’’ said AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley.

“The NSW Government holds the data we need to understand these figures, but like other states and territories, it’s not making it public.

The AAA’s Data Saves Lives campaign calls on the Federal Government to compel state and territory governments to publish more road safety data as a condition of receiving their share of the $10 billion a year the Commonwealth spends on road grants.

The Commonwealth could achieve this by writing data transparency into the next five-year National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects, which is now under negotiation and due to take effect from July 2024.

The AAA’s Data Saves Lives campaign has already won the support of 61 federal MPs – or 40% of the House of Representatives.

For more detail follow the link datasaveslives.org.au.

Calls For Labor To Come Clean On Live Sheep Export Ban

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is calling on Labor to release the findings of an Independent Panel Report into the ban of live sheep exports.

Mr Littleproud said Labor must be transparent about the report, which Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is due to receive. It comes after a live sheep export phase out panel travelled around WA but failed to properly consult with the industry.

“Minister Watt should have the courage of his convictions and immediately release the scientific and economic modelling behind his decision,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Minister Watt didn’t have the courage to travel with the panel and look farmers in the eye himself to say he was stopping the trade – so the least he can do is release the report.”

“The trade has actually increased by 41 per cent since 2021/2022.

“But Minister Watt made decisions based on what animal activists wanted”.

Snippets…

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pair them up with our mini wooden cars for the ultimate gift for this Christmas

Buy From a Bush Business: These are one of our most popular items for Christmas! Our roads are so versatile for open ended play allowing little ones to use them inside, outside, in the mud, taken to the beach, with sensory play e.g. with jelly, shaving cream, rice or even just in the bath!

These join together just like a puzzle and when dirty are easily cleaned to be packed up and ready to play again next time. These are one of our best selling items for Christmas, so don’t miss out! www.spendwithus.com.au/product/connecting-roads/

Flannery’s Pharmacy: On Thursday 26th October Alice Flannery Naturopath will be visiting the Pharmacy conducting free appointments. Your consultation will involve ‘comprehensive holistic assessment of your health, including an assessment of any current pathology, medical history, dietary intake and lifestyle factors. She will work with you to determine attainable health goals that will optimise your health and wellbeing.’ For more Information go to www.aliceflannerynaturopath.com/

Lifeline: To mark Lifeline Australia’s 60th anniversary we’re really excited to reveal ‘The Release Line’ a world first phone line, where music lovers can donate to listen to exclusive music. We’ve teamed up with ARIA Award winning singer songwriter Ruel to release a never-before-heard track. ‘The Weight’ is an acoustic song that encourages all Australians to reach out to loved ones, and the only way you can hear it is through the phone. Get your copy of the The Weight at www.releaseline.com.au

Farewell: It is with great sadness that this week the Parkes & Forbes Phoenix farewell our designer, Lisa Brien of LB Graphic Design. Lisa has been with the Forbes & Parkes Phoenix since the very first editions in 2015 and over the past eight years has designed 721 editions of the paper. We wish Lisa the very best of luck in the future, she will be greatly missed!

Pink Up Parkes: The Pink Up Parkes Raffle will be selling at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 21st October between 9am and 2pm. First prize: Handmade quilt valued at $800, second prize: gift basket from Parkes News & Gifts, third prize: $100 gift voucher from Cunningham’s IGA.

The Roasted Kombi are pinking up during October to raise funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation. The Kombi have donated a pink cricket ball signed by Glen McGrath displayed in a glass and wooden box holder to be auctioned at the Pink Up Parkes Charity Dinner on 28th October.

Australian Unity have pinked up their window in support of Pink Up Parkes and the McGrath Foundation.

COMBINED SERVICES DINNER

AUSTRALIAN RURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

WORKLOCKER PARKES

FORBES AUTO SPORTS CLUB

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