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Central West High School Students To Access Financial Literacy Skills

June 27, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Greater Bank Finance Academy is proud to announce that teachers across the Central West can deliver the High School Financial Literacy Program in 2024.

The free program allows teachers to deliver the full course curriculum in their classrooms – empowering Year 9 and 10 students to access crucial financial literacy.

Covering topics such as budgeting, saving, planning for the future, and understanding financial products like credit cards and loans, the program also addresses modern financial trends, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the financial world they will navigate.

Greater Bank Chief Distribution Offer, Emma Brokate, said the teacher-led lessons aim to inspire students across the state with vital money management skills. “Financial literacy is not just about managing money, it’s about encouraging individuals to make informed decisions that enhance their financial stability and wellbeing,” said Ms Brokate.

“Enabling teachers to deliver the full program ensures that more students can access essential money management skills directly within their educational environment.”

Dean of the University of Newcastle Business School, Professor James Skinner, highlighted the partnership’s benefits.

“We are proud to enhance the financial literacy in our communities and offer our students practical experiences that prepare them for the future” Professor Skinner said.

Schools interested in participating in the Greater Bank Finance Academy can visit www.greater.com.au/uon to get in touch.

Artc Inland Rail Support Students In Cwa Public Speaking

June 27, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Year 3 & 4 winners: Frances Pereira 2nd (St Laurence’s Catholic School Forbes), Maddison Pratton HC (St Augustine’s Catholic School Narromine) and George O’Brien 1st (Cumnock Public School) with judges Greg O’Malley, Robyn Miller and Jan Kerr.

Students in Years 3 to 10 from Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Cobar, Warren, Narromine, Bourke Tottenham, Cumnock and Trundle gathered at Trundle CWA Hall on 17th June to participate in the CWA Intergroup Public Speaking.

This annual competition highlights the public speaking skills of students in Far Western, Oxley and Central Western CWA Groups. Each Group holds their own competition for students within their Group areas. Only four students per section are selected to go to the Inter Group competition.

ARTC Inland Rail’s generous support of the CWA Inter Group competition encourages the participation of hundreds of students across these three CWA groups.

Public speaking skills help students to develop their confidence, resilience, relationships, independence and interpersonal skills.

The judges were Greg O’Malley, CWA State Vice President, Jan Kerr from Canowindra and CWA State Executive representing Oxley Group, Robyn Miller from Forbes.

CWA State Vice President, Jan Kerr said, “It’s really pleasing to see the depth and extent of research competitors have put into their presentations. It really did make it difficult to select a winner”. Congratulations to all students who participated on the day.

Year 5 & 6 winners: Belle Bardwil HC (St Francis Xavier Lake Cargelligo), Peter Elias 1st (St Joseph’s School Condobolin), Lavinia Cain 2nd (Cobar Public School Cobar), with judges Greg O’Malley, Jan Kerr and Robyn Miller.

Year 7 & 8 winners: Abby Rout HC (Red Bend Catholic College Forbes) and Sophia Byrne HC (Red Bend Catholic College Forbes), Grace Mayo 2nd (Parkes Christian School), and Joelin Fernando 1st (James Sheahan HS Orange) with judges Jan Kerr, Greg O’Malley and Robyn Miller.

Year 9 & 10 winners: Bella Starr 2nd (St Raphael’s Catholic School Cowra), Abbey Browne HC (Forbes High School) and Gabriella Pereira 1st (Red Bend Catholic College Forbes) with Judges Greg O’Malley, Jan Kerr and Robyn Miller.

Snippets…

June 27, 2024 by Roxane Manley

To learn more about this project, visit: https://bit.ly/ParkesNinjaPark

Parkes Shire Council: Council is pleased to announce that Stage 2 of the Kelly Reserve precinct upgrade is due to commence on Monday 8th July 2024. The new play space will include: Ninja course, inclusive carousel and toddler equipment. The existing play area will be fenced off from Tuesday 25th June for pre-work prior to contractor starting on 8 July and is anticipated to take 6-8 weeks. The new water play space and BBQ facilities will remain open to the public.

Tickets To Agribusiness Today Forum 2024 Are On Sale Now: The Agribusiness Today Forum (ABTF) 2024 is set to be held at the Australian National Field Days site conference center on 1st August. Visit https://events.humanitix.com/agribusines-today-forum-2024 to secure your ticket for just $49 including lunch.

NSW Government: The NSW Government will be making the following changes to domestic violence legal processes:

• Tougher bail rules for alleged domestic violence offenders

• Only magistrates or judges will make bail decisions

• More support for remote bail hearings with new tech and extra magistrates

• From 1st July 2024, there will be new laws about coercive control (find out more at bit.ly/NSWCoercive-Control).

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.auVisit Parkes Region: Join the Central West Car Club Show ‘n Shine on Saturday 19th October at Pioneer Oval, Alexandra St, Parkes. Get ready for a ‘wheelie’ good day with cars, trucks, bikes, anything with wheels. Spectator entry is by gold coin donation and gates open from 9am to 3pm.

Entrant entry is $20, gates open early from 7:30am to 9am. All proceeds go to charity.

There will be a canteen on site.

Red Bend Catholic College: The school Vinnies group has been working hard, running school BBQs and an Easter egg fundraiser to contribute to this important cause, managing to raise $1,000! A special thanks to Bernardi’s Marketplace for providing the Easter eggs. These funds will go towards the local Vinnies Winter Appeal program, used to provide emergency relief for those in immediate need – things like warm blankets, clothing, and food. It also helps fund long-term solutions, such as housing assistance, counselling, and job training programs.

Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts.

Ben Lovett Has A Passion For Regional Communities

June 27, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Ben recently visited Brewarrina alongside Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell and Jack Wighton. Representing the Winmarra foundation founded by Latrell, the boys spent time engaging with the local community and assisting at-risk youth.

Former Parkes Spacemen and current South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett has been nominated for the The Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year, which recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects. A player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support.

The 2024 Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year nominees form the NRL Community Team of the Year. Fans have the chance to vote for their favourite nominee and we are urging everyone to vote for former Parkes local Ben Lovett who was selected as a nominee from South Sydney Rabbitohs. Souths have won the award for the last two years, in 2023 with Latrell Mitchell and in 2022 with Cody Walker. Lets help Ben make it three in a row

Ben had this to say about being nominated: “I’m honoured to be nominated for an award that represents something bigger than football. Giving back to the community and inspiring kids to achieve their dreams has always been my passion.

“I am grateful for Parkes, the Spacemen and the Rabbitohs for giving me the platform to make a difference, and for their support throughout.”

To vote for Ben go to: www.nrl.com/community/awards/ken-stephen-medal/

Haylee Redfern Is Now A WKSF World Champion

June 20, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Haylee is pictured competing in the Long Cycle 16kg + 16kg.

Forbes woman Haylee Redfern has returned from a four day competition in Poland, 6th – 9th June, as the WKSF Kettlebell Sport World Champion. Hayley was a winner in the following categories, Amateur Long Cycle Champion 16kg + 16kg, Master OALC Champion 16kg, Amateur 30min OALC Champion 16kg, Master 30min OALC Champion 16kg, New World Record Masters 30min One Arm Long Cycle (OALC), Silver medalist in Masters Long Cycle and Bronze in Amateur OALC.

When asked when she first set her sights on becoming a World Champion, Haylee said: “I’ve always set my own standards quite high. I qualified for the Australian Team back in 2019 – my first year of Kettlebell Sport, however due to Covid was unable to travel to Spain for the 2020 World Championships.”

Haylee said of the moment she realised she had won: “It was a very emotional experience standing on that platform when the National Anthem started playing. It was so surreal and such an honour to think of what I had achieved for my country and myself.”

“The importance of being the best role model I can be to my children is highly valued to me and for them to say they are proud, reassures me I must be doing something right in the parenting department. They are 7 and 11.”

Haylee is back on the platform this weekend as part of the re-qualification process; before competing at State of Origin in August then onto the GSAA Nationals in Melbourne in September.

Snippets

June 20, 2024 by Roxane Manley

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, they say – but theres nothing dull about our Que-ties.

Parkes Que Club: Parkes Que Club are fortunate in having three fine painters in their Club, and with the help of other not so artistic members, they give painting lessons to residents of Southern Cross Aged Care Home. They recently spent an afternoon learning how to paint under the guidance of Que artists. With tea and scones to keep everyone going, it was an afternoon of great fun and merriment, and the group produced some pretty good artwork too.

If you enjoy helping others, making new friends and having fun as well, please give Parkes Que Club a call on 0407 894 498.

R U OK?Day: It’s OK to sit together in silence. Sometimes people just need to know you’re there for them.

Forbes Youth Action Team: Join Forbes Shire Council on Thursday 18th July for two great watercolour workshops by @Karen Ritchie Art. It will be a day for children to let their inner creative speak. Registration is essential as there are only 10 spots in each session. Make sure to register your child to the correct time slot based on their age. Register via www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Shire Libraries: Bookings are now open for the screen printing workshop to be held in Trundle on Wednesday 17th July. Open to students in year 6 to year 12.

Bookings are essential through Humanitix.

https://events.humanitix.com/screen-printing-workshop-in-trundle

NSW Department of Primary Industries: Have Your Say on Pest Animal Management in Regional NSW! Find your region here: https://shorturl.at/Ec5h0.

Submissions close on 8th July 2024. Feedback is welcome on the draft 2024-2028 Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans for 11 regions across NSW.

Trundle ABBA Festival: “Love isn’t easy” but attending the Trundle ABBA Festival on Saturday 19th October is! We’ve got you sorted for an amazing weekend in Trundle.

• Tickets: bit.ly/ABBAtickets2024

• Camping: bit.ly/ABBAcamping2024

• Bus transport: bit.ly/ABBAbus2024

For more information, visit www.TrundleABBAfestival.com.au

Forbes Shire Council Public Notice: As anticipation builds for this Saturday’s Frost and Fire, the Forbes Ski Dam will close to the public until Sunday 23rd June. Please note the Walking Track is still open to the public. Purchase your tickets today via www.123tix.com.au/events/42630/frost-and-fire

2024 Parkes Yard Dog Trials

June 20, 2024 by Roxane Manley

All results for the weekend are available on the NSW Yard Dog Association website.

The fourth annual yard dog trials were a successful weekend, with entries up on last year. Competitors travelled from across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. The open section attracted handlers and dogs that have won many Australian championships between them. The weekend catered for a variety of classes including Novice, Maiden, Encouragement, Junior, Local and Open. The results for the Local section were First Danail Day with South Stormy, second Bernard Dwyer and Annie, third place Donna Lindley and Bonnie.

Frost And Fire Returns For Fifth Year

June 20, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes’ own Celia Pavey, known professionally as Vera Blue, will be headlining Frost and Fire 2024.

Forbes is gearing up for a spectacular evening as the highly anticipated Frost and Fire Festival returns this Saturday 22nd June.

This year promises to be the best yet, featuring an incredible lineup of artists headlined by Forbes’ own Vera Blue, who has taken the world by storm with her soulful performances. In a long awaited official return Vera will captivate her hometown audience once again.

Frost and Fire offers a family friendly experience with free entry for children under 18. Attendees can look forward to fireworks display that will light up the winter sky, accompanied by the warmth of fire buckets scattered throughout the venue. The festival also boasts an array of hearty food trucks.

“Having Vera Blue, a homegrown talent, headlining our festival is a tremendous honour and a testament to the incredible talent that emerges from our community,” Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“We have watched Vera – who we then knew as Celia Pavey – grow from a young girl with a dream to an international sensation and we are thrilled to welcome her back to where it all began.”

Entertainment at this year’s event includes cultural performances, bubble magic shows, and mesmerising fire performers. A special appearance from the Ice Queen will enchant children and add a touch of magic to the evening.

Forbes Shire Council and Evolution Mining proudly sponsor this community-driven event showcasing the region’s resilience and spirit. The festival promises a night of unforgettable entertainment, supports local businesses, and fosters community growth.

Join us at the Forbes Ski Dam this Saturday for a night of music, magic, and memories at the Frost and Fire Festival. Tickets are available exclusively at 123tix.com.au.

Forbes Magpies Take The Main Game On Derby Day

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Magpies took the two points on Derby Day with a 22-18 win over Parkes Spacemen. Image credit: Parkes Spacemen Facebook page.

The biggest day on our local rugby league calendar is the June long weekend Parkes versus Forbes Derby Day, which has become a long standing tradition between the twin towns.

A massive crowd flocked to Pioneer Oval in Parkes on Sunday 7th June, to witness the clash between Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies.

Parkes started the day strong, and were off to a thrilling start, taking out the League Tag 10-4, 18s 20-18 and Reserves 20-16, but it was Forbes who were victorious in the first grade battle, winning 22-18.

Forbes Magpies Coach Cameron Greenhalgh said, “We haven’t beaten Parkes on Derby Day since 2018, it was good to get the win over there. We let a substantial first half lead slip away, it was 22-4 at half time and they came back to 22-18, but we hung on and got the two points.”

Each year, a massive Forbes crowd travels across to Parkes to support the team, and always get the players pumped up.

Parkes Spacemen President Tony Dwyer said, “This particular round between Parkes and Forbes is known as one of the best local derbies in country rugby league.

It’s great to see Forbes enjoy it as much as us, you see how many people it brings over and how pumped up they get for it, they just love beating us over here.”

Mental Health In Young Men – More To Do

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Kids Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health this week, as part of International Men’s Health Week.

yourtown CEO Tracy Adams says this week is important for all members of the community, but particularly young men and those with young men in their lives, to build a positive culture around mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Data from Kids Helpline highlights that young males are less likely to engage in help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with females. On average during May Kids Helpline recorded 57 responses a day from young males compared with 195 females.

Counsellors at Kids Helpline respond to 21% males and 79% females on any given day, with males aged between 19 to 25 years of age representing the largest (37%) male help-seeking group.

Kids Helpline offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to connect with professional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Kids Helpline is Australia’s only national 24/7 counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years – free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

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