Articles Archives - Page 78 of 405

Parkes Welcomes New Mayor Neil Westcott

September 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Newly elected Mayor Neil Westcott, new Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee and Cr Ken Keith OAM.

Parkes Shire has welcomed a new leadership team with Neil Westcott successfully elected as Mayor and Marg Applebee as Deputy Mayor.

Mayor Neil Westcott went on to say, “To the directors and staff at PSC, to my fellow councillors, to the people of Parkes and to my family present with me here today. I am truly honoured to stand here now as the newly elected mayor of Parkes Shire.

“A newly elected Mayor in this place doesn’t happen very often. In fact, before today it has only happened four times in the last 57 years.

“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our previous Mayor – Ken your leadership has taken Parkes Shire from good to great, your hard work and passion for our patch on this earth is an inspiration and I look forward to continuing and hopefully building on all you have initiated. Thanks most certainly also goes to your wife Sue for the huge role she has played in making your civil service possible. Enjoy the back benches – go easy on me.

“Congratulations Cr Appleby, Parkes has a wonderful new Deputy Mayor, one whom I already know will be a more than adequate spare to the mayor.

“My family bring me great joy, great support and they give me courage and strength. Thank you once again for this huge honour, I don’t take it lightly and look forward to building on your significant legacy Ken.”

Concerns NSW Budget Will Not Tackle Growing Disadvantage In NSW

September 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Peak social services body NCOSS welcomed some of the investments in the NSW Government’s 2023-24 Budget, but called for urgent support for those living in poverty.

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty acknowledged the significant financial pressures on the Budget, but expressed concern for those doing it toughest in NSW right now.

“It’s great to see investment in schools and hospitals across Western and South Western Sydney. These are growth suburbs where families need ready access to these essential facilities,” Ms Quilty said.

“But they are also the suburbs where we see the highest concentrations of disadvantage, where disadvantage is deepening and where cost of living pressures are hitting hardest.

“As cost-of-living pressures ramp up and the affordable housing crisis grows, we need urgent, increased investment in front-line supports such as neighbourhood centres, tenants advice, domestic violence services, financial counselling and mental health supports.

“This Budget does not do enough to help those barely hanging on

Wiradjuri Cultural Tour For Inland Rail Staff

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Ahead of construction work starting on the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) Inland Rail section in the next few weeks, the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre has led an immersive cultural tour for staff of Inland Rail and S2P major contractor Martinus Rail.

The tour included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, a lunch of native foods, and the Inland Rail and Martinus staff were hosted on a journey to see sites of cultural significance along Lake Forbes by the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre team.

Aunty Wendy, from the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, said “We welcomed the opportunity to host the Inland Rail and Martinus Rail teams on a tour of cultural sites in Forbes. Together we spent time at the yarning circle and visited the bronze “Family Matters” sculpture and totem poles which tell stories from our community.

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director of Program Delivery for Albury to Parkes, said “Inland Rail will be consulting with First Nations leaders at every opportunity to ensure progress on the program of works in southern New South Wales is carried out in cooperation with those First Nations communities.

“The cultural appreciation tour was a great opportunity to discuss the history of our first peoples, be more aware of our environment and make conscious decisions about preserving cultural heritage going forward.

“We would like to thank the team at the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre for a meaningful and positive tour, and we look forward to continuing this relationship between the Wiradjuri people and Inland Rail.”

For more information on how Inland Rail is working with First Nations communities, head to https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/building-inland-rail/working-with-communities/working-with-first-nations-communities/.

Snippets…

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Early detection of Prostate Cancer is the key to survival.

Attention All Men: All men over 50 years, need regular testing for prostate cancer, and over 40 years if runs in family. The Parkes Prostate Cancer and Support Group have small information booklets available. It is extremely important to have regular PSA and physical testing as statistics show, if the cancer is diagnosed early the disease can be more effectively treated. Do not be turned away by your GP. Nearly 70 australian men are now diagnosed daily and more than 10 dying every day from Prostate Cancer. The number of deaths have increased by 5% this year primarily as a result of only 36% of Prostate Cancers detected at stage 1 when the disease can be more effectively treated.

Big News For The Eugowra Show: Thanks to very generous donors who support events through the GIVIT platform, The Eugowra Show committee have been given the funds to allow every resident of the Eugowra community free membership and entry to the Eugowra Show for 2023. Please book your membership tickets online or at the gate: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/40043/eugowra-show-2023

Rural Aid Offers Relief To Varroa-Affected Beekeepers: Australia’s most trusted rural charity has restated its support of commercial beekeepers as concern mounts over the continuing spread of the invasive varroa mite.

More than 260 outbreaks of varroa mite have now been detected since June 2022, when the alarm was first raised at the Port of Newcastle.

Rural Aid has provided more than $500,000 to beekeepers since 2015 and is ready to again provide a ‘hand up’ to producers when it was needed most. Rural Aid has experienced an increase in calls from distressed beekeepers who are understandably upset that their livelihoods and livestock are in jeopardy.

Varroa-mite affected beekeepers can apply for assistance at www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided. Donations are needed, so if you would like to help you can make a donation at https://varroamite.ruralaid.org.au/

Parkes Shire Libraries: Don’t forget, The Cardboard Show is now open in the Coventry Room at the Parkes Shire Library. Come and see these spectacular artworks made by our talented community!

Bookings are now open for Term 3 School Holiday Activities taking place across three of our Library branches in the holidays. Contact Parkes Library for more information on 02 6861 2309.

Visit The Cardboard Show at The Parkes Shire Library and register for school holiday events.

Dirty Gloves Nursery Open Day This Saturday

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spring has sprung and what better place to celebrate than Parkes’ newest plant nursery, Dirty Gloves Nursery. Mitch and Casey Miles along with their three children, Finn (five), Noah (two) and Harper (9 months), seized the opportunity when news that the towns local nurseries were closing their gates permanently.

The family of five, at the time, struggled to find sufficient childcare to return to previous work and so they decided to take their already small hobby of growing vegetables, succulents and other garden ornamentals, and turn it into a small home nursery.

“I was already selling a few things from the front garden, so to erect a shade house in our paddock and expand what we had to offer was a very exciting opportunity” Miles said.

Boasting a variety of trees, flowers, grasses, bushes, natives, fruit and nut trees, roses and vegetables, Dirty Gloves Nursery has all you need to make your garden shine with colour, texture and fragrances.

There’s even a selection of garden art available from concrete statues to welded flowers and animals, even glass flowers made from recycled plates.

“We like fun and creative ways to spruce up the garden. There’s no shortage of creativity amongst our family members,” said Miles.

Although the nursery has been operating since January the urge to share some of the spring fever has prompted an open day event. Surrounding communities are encouraged to come and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, and picnic on the grassed area at the front of the nursery to celebrate the new business’ first spring.

“We are very excited to share our love for gardening with the people of Parkes and surrounding communities,” Miles explained. “With the prices rising across all other living expenses we want to offer quality plants and garden art at an affordable price.”

Dirty Gloves Nursery open day will be this Saturday 16th September from 10am – 2pm at 54 Corcoran Road Parkes. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Grazing Down The Lachlan Celebrates Its Fifth Year

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Grazing Down the Lachlan returns to Forbes this Saturday 16th September, celebrating and showcasing the region’s food, culture, art, entertainment and history.

A total of 550 ‘Grazers’ (guests) are expected on site at Gum Swamp for an epic long lunch celebrating produce from Central West NSW, prepared by local restaurateurs and caterers.

This year the committee are thrilled to have Brendan Sheldrick onboard as Creative Director to inject a new and local perspective on Grazing 2023’s six course menu.

“In addition to a Greek-inspired menu, Grazers will also enjoy local wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages at each station and be entertainment by musicians, dancers and interactive art on site.”

“Grazers can expect some beautiful, simple Greek flavours where the produce is the hero, as well as woodfire cooking, pastries and sweets – a bit of a nod to Australian / Greek cafe and takeaway culture,” Brendan said.

What makes this dining experience a truly unique is the underlying commitment to delivering a no-waste, environmentally responsible event. Every Grazer is supplied with an event bag made locally by Woolerina from recycled fabric, which contains an enamel plate, recycled cutlery, a lanyard, menu map, and a napkin made from donated linens.

Grazers are transported out to site by bus to minimise the impact on the natural environment and are then free to wander along the two-kilometre bush track between

six stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage. At the final station, Grazers are encouraged to donate these items back to Grazing to be used again.

Proceeds of Grazing Down the Lachlan support the Forbes Arts Society. Funds raised through the event to-date have facilitated the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, the redevelopment of Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge and the development of Gallery Forbes. In 2022, $30,000 was raised for the Forbes Arts Society.

The event has significant economic benefits for the Forbes Shire, injecting over $400,000 into the local economy each year.

NAIDOC Celebrations Underway

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NAIDOC 2023 celebrations kicked of at The Cooke Park Pavillion with performances by local groups and guest speaker, Australian Elder of The Year Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams, pictured with General Manager of MLAHMC Seth Toomey.

The Parkes NAIDOC celebrations were launched last week at the Cooke Park Pavilion, with special guest, Australian Elder of The Year, Dr Matilda House-Williams. The day featured awards, performances and speeches, with a focus on bringing the youth and the elders together and showcasing the many talents of the local indigenous groups.

This year’s theme, “For Our Elders,” is a beautiful way to acknowledge and show gratitude for the older generation’s wisdom, guidance, and resilience in preserving and passing on the cultural heritage to future generations.

NAIDOC celebrations will continue with a Family Fun Day this Saturday, 16th September at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre on Bushman Hill. It will be a fantastic event that celebrates the Wiradjuri people’s rich Indigenous culture and heritage and is expected to be bigger and better than ever.

The day will showcase various cultural activities, including local performances, a smoking ceremony and Wiradjuri artefacts on display, providing insight into the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Wiradjuri people. This display serves as a reminder of the rich history that continues to shape the local community. There will also be service information stalls, a free sausage sizzle, and children’s activities.

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day promises to be a joyful and inclusive event for anyone interested in learning more about indigenous traditions, supporting the community, and having a great time with family and friends.

Don’t Be Bored These School Holidays

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

With the sun setting on Term three, Forbes Shire Council has been busy planning to ensure a variety of free activities are available these school holidays.

This school holiday program features fishing workshops, an outdoor movie, a theatre performance, the opening of Forbes Town Pool on 1st October, craft workshops, Creative Community Concepts will host a footy for fun event and a magic festival – wow!!!!

First off the rank are the popular fishing workshops, with two sessions to choose from on Monday 25th September. Set on the banks of the beautiful Lake Forbes, these free workshops fill up quickly so make sure you book in early. If you don’t have a rod don’t worry – there are enough available for you to borrow.

Head to Lions Park on Saturday 7th October for the Magic Festival, the first of its kind in Forbes. Be amazed by roving magicians and enchanted by a stage show finale, feast on the offerings of food vendors and relax in the company of friends. Tickets to the show are free, but essential, head to 123tix.com.au

For more information on the Forbes Shire Council youth programs head to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

Do You Believe In Magic?

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Come along for a first of its kind, magical evening for Forbes.

Lions Park will set the stage for an evening of pure magic next month, hosted by Forbes Shire Council. Roving magicians will weave their way through the crowd, entertaining with their sleight of hand and their mysterious ways.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM urged residents and visitors to bring their chairs and rugs for sunset on Lake Forbes, free of charge.

Food vendors will be on site, and after the four roving magicians have cast their spell, a stage spectacular will take place from 7pm to 8pm.

A sensory friendly session has been scheduled for Friday October 6th from 1pm –3pm. “We recognise that some peoplehave differing needs that might not suit alarge event such as the one at Lake Forbeson Saturday evening,” Mayor Miller said.

“We are offering an up close and personal magic show at the Town Hall on Friday afternoon – it will not have the big bangs and loud music! It is free of charge, but please RSVP to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au as numbers are limited.

“It is exciting to welcome magic back to Forbes after an extremely successful magic show last year – the magicians had so much fun and loved the interaction with the community and are looking forward to their return!,” Mayor Miller said.

“Lions Park is fast becoming a hub for exceptional social gatherings, with the area perfectly framed works completed under the Lake Forbes Activation Project funded by the NSW Government. It is the perfect place for the community to connect and enjoy the outdoor space,” Mayor Miller said.

What magical event will Council pull out if its hat next?

The Forbes Magic Festival is on Saturday 7th October from 5pm until 8pm. Tickets are free but essential, so head to: Forbes Magic Festival Tickets (123tix.com.au)

Biggest Firework Display Ever At Forbes Show

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

School work hung for judging and display. Come have a look.

It’s one of the most exciting times of the year, the Forbes Show. Come along and enjoy the fireworks, sideshow alley, pavilions, dog high jump, ring events, shearing, young woman, rural ambassadors, dog trials and so much more.

The CMOC Northparkes Mines firework display will be at 8pm on Friday 8th September. Head to the Forbes Show to get the best view in town. A big thank you to Northparkes Mines for their continued support of the Forbes Show.

Remember pre-purchase your tickets and save yourself time at the gate. https://www.123tix.com.au/events/39629/forbes-show

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