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Goonigal Poll Dorsets Stud Ram Sale

August 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Goonigal Poll Dorset owners Charles, Kylie, Maureen and Robbie Lawrence.

With a combined 48 years of farming experience behind them, Robbie and Maureen Lawrence purchased the established Goonigal Poll Dorset Stud in 2006. Since then, they have developed it into a major farming operation, with their son Charles and his wife Kylie also working on the property to make this family owned business complete.

Goonigal Poll Dorset Stud will be holding their annual Ram sale on Friday, 8th September, commencing at 1pm at the Canowindra Showground. The rams will be penned by 11:30am ready for inspection and the Lawrence’s welcome everybody to come have a look at their livestock and to have a bid.

A total of 100 top quality rams will be on offer, with the stud receiving fantastic feedback from clients regarding the quality of lambs these studs rams produce. Offspring go on to make impeccable export or sucker lambs, typically they are sold at 14-16 weeks and weighing 24kg which always impresses the studs clientele.

The family noted that the drop in the lamb market may affect the overall prices, however, they are hopeful that they will receive what the rams are valued for, leaving them with an impressive outcome.

All rams to be presented for sale on the day have been vet checked from a reputable vet and have been brucellosis accredited and are footrot free.

Stock scan figures will be available on the Goonigal Poll Dorsets Stud facebook on Monday 4th sept or by emailing a request to goonigal@bigpond.net.au.

For further information contact the selling agent, Rory Brien from Allan Gray & Co on 0423 212 529.

150th Anniversary Of Sir Henry Parkes Visit

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sir Henry Parkes made four visits to Parkes, the first in Au-gust 1873, then July 1887, June 1894 and October 1894.

Henry Parkes Museum will be holding an exhibition this Saturday, 19th August, to celebrate 150 years since Sir Henry Parkes first visited Bushmans, later to be rename Parkes.

The Henry Parkes Museum is located next to the Parkes Visitors Centre. The display depicts the life of Sir Henry Parkes including his four visits to the Central West.

Souvenirs for sale include local history books, mugs, can holders, key rings, fridge magnets, car stickers, hat pins and tea towels. Admission is free for members, adults $10, concession $7.50 and children $3.

Forbes Garden Club Report

August 17, 2023 by Green Thumb

Elvy Quirk Helenie Carmody and Kaylene Bailey at the Garden Club meeting.

Thirty three members made their way out to Calarie Hall for our last Garden Club meeting.

Elvy Quirk presided over the business meeting, where volunteers for the Open Gardens in October listed their offers of help. The Mens Shed will be providing a barbecue lunch for both days and members are asked to provide slices that can be sold to support them.

The Orange Garden Club are organising a trip to Thailand to view gardens and anyone who may be interested is to let Secretary Robin know for details.

Helenie Carmody and Jan Richards were our guests from the Young Garden Club. Helenie is a zone Councillor and gave us an interesting talk on the history of Garden Clubs Australia, which started 73 years ago with a vision by Margaret Davis who visited the Chelsea Flower Show in England and then started in Sydney. There are now 718 affiliated Clubs. Kaylene Bailey moved a vote of thanks.

The three raffle prizes were won by Robyn Mattiske, Ann Nelson and Robin Pols.

prizes were donated by Acheson’s Mitre 10 and Helenie Carmody.

Flower of the month winners were: First place Margaret West with a Helebore , second to Meg Scholefield with a Begonia and third to John Browne with a Chrysantheum.

The next meeting will be held at David and Leonie Todd’s home 62 Union Street, Forbes on 24th August at 2pm please bring a chair and cup. See you there. The usual flower of the month and trading table and guest speaker.

Open Gardens are scheduled for 14th and 15th October with a line up of eight gardens that will be well worth a visit. On 11th November we are having a luncheon to celebrate 70 years of Forbes Garden Club. This will be held at the beautiful old historical Town Hall.

By Green Thumb

Ken Keith To Serve His Final Term As Mayor Of Parkes

August 17, 2023 by Cr Ken Keith OAM

One of the most familiar faces in Parkes would have to be long serving Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

I wish to advise the residents of Parkes Shire, my fellow Councillors and Council staff of my desire to see a succession plan to a smooth transition to a new leadership team.

I thought it was appropriate to give advance notice of my intention to step down as Mayor so that my fellow Councillors have time to properly consider a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor they believe will be best placed to lead our team into the next election and beyond. I express my gratitude to all the dedicated Councillors I have served with over the years and the extremely talented staff that have helped guide our Shire.

In September of this year, it will be my privilege and honour to complete my 40th consecutive year serving the Parkes Shire Council and thus the Parkes Shire communities. I commenced my 17th year as Mayor in July, after serving my mentor and friend, the late Robert Wilson OAM, for 17 years as his Deputy Mayor.

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership and advice of the two General Managers, the late Alan McCormack PSM and Kent Boyd PSM with whom I have worked closely during my term at the helm. As Sir Isaac Newton is credited to have said “I am standing on the shoulders of giants”. I believe as the current Councillors of Parkes Shire we are doing just that, as our predecessors have shown vision and foresight.

Parkes Shire Council is now highly regarded in Local Government circles around the State and has a very exciting future.

In making this decision I acknowledge the wonderful support of my devoted wife, Sue, who was only engaged to a prospective Councillor way back in 1983. Our three sons, James, Max and Douglas, have accepted sharing their father’s time with his passion for Parkes Shire, for which I am most grateful. It is now time to repay their unwavering support. More time for visiting our beautiful grandchildren and having some holidays and travel without worrying about clashing with a Council meeting!

I have also appreciated the support of my brother Tim and the many people who have assisted me in my farming operations over the years, this has allowed me to devote the time needed for this role.

In closing, I have had the pleasure to meet so many kind and compassionate residents, who care deeply about the various communities which comprise the Shire we all call home. I thank you sincerely for your mostly voluntary contributions which I believe is the glue which holds us all together.

By Cr Ken Keith OAM

Snippets…

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Big smiles all around for the latest group that completed their Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure training course

Want To Become A Rail Industry Worker? Congratulations to the latest group who completed their Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure training course. A partnership between the Inland Rail Skills Academy, the TIC Training Group in Albury and held at the Ettamogah Rail Hub. The accredited, entry-level course covers all the requirements for a Rail Industry Worker card and opens up a world of potential job opportunities within the rail industry. Learn more about education and scholarship opportunities https://inlandrail.info/3J5laIG

Pares Country Music Club: Parkes and District Country Music Association August muster will be held Sunday 20th August at 1pm in the Starlight Lounge, Parkes Services Club. Featured performer is Rhonda Tomlinson from Dubbo. Dancing, raffle, competitions, lucky door prizes, lucky members draw. $5.00 adults, children free

Help the surviving Country Music clubs in regional areas by attending.

Forbes Family History Group Inc: We are halfway through National Family History Month. Researching family history puts ‘meat on the bones’ of our ancestors. It is so much more than dates and numbers. It is okay to be curious. Take a deep dive into your family history and see where it takes you. The Forbes Family History Group Inc. are here to help.

Screen NSW – Opportunity Alert! Expressions of interest are now open for Screenworks’ Set For Success. The initiative is designed to build the capacity of skilled, below-the-line practitioners in regional Australia through an on-set training program that taps into the skills and industry knowledge of accomplished senior crew and heads of department, engaging them as mentors for crew that are training into more senior roles. Find out more https://screenworks.com.au/learn/set-for-success/

Forbes Show Working Bee: A working beewill be held this Sunday at the Forbes Showground from 10am – 12pm. With the show just around the corner it’s time to get the pavilions all set up ready for all the entries to come in. If you can help please come along, many hands make light work.

Isabel’s girls pretty in Pink: The team got together and pinked it up to watch the Barbie movie together. It was a great way to get all the girls together to be able to bond outside of work. Team bonding is important in any workplace, so hats off to the owners and management of Isabel’s Place in Forbes.

The amazing team from Isabel’s place enjoyed the new Barbie movie.

Nominate A Local Dad For “Community Sports Dad Of The Year” Ahead Of Father’s Day

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Bradley Benjamin from Lightning Ridge was Community Sport Dad of the Year 2022.

Nominations are now open for the tenth annual Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year award, acknowledging the contributions and positive impact that Australian dads have made both on and off the sporting field.

Celebrating ten years of this prestigious award, dads across Australia have been acknowledged for their commitment to community sport – from coaching duties, painting lines on the pitch to raising funds for new equipment.

Damien Cook, Rabbitohs and NSW origin star who won the 2022 Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year award, knows first-hand the support he received from his own dad growing up and aspires to do the same with his kids, Willow and Jagger.

“Speaking from experience with my own dad when I was younger, community dads are so important with the roles they cover – from being a coach, setting up fields, refereeing and driving us to and from training and on game days.

“My dad did this all while working full time and then worked overtime just to earn the extra time off to be able to get me to and from my commitments and be there to support me.”

Every athlete, no matter grassroots or professional, has their story of who has supported them over the years.

Nominations are now open and close midnight AEST on 22 August 2023. To nominate a community sports dad, submit 100 words on why they should win via www.sportsdads.com.au/community. The winner will be notified prior to Father’s Day, Sunday, 3 September, with the prize pack including a Philips male grooming pack valued at over $1,000 RRP, as well as a $5,000 Rebel Sports voucher to purchase clothing or sporting equipment for the community sports club of choice.

To submit a dad who deserves to be recognised, visit www.sportsdads.com.au

Growing Connections – Key To Tackling Bullying

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The nationwide movement ‘National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence’ is today, Friday 18th August.

Chief Executive Officer of yourtown, Tracy Adams urges everyone to think about how we can develop stronger connections within our communities to foster positive, help-seeking behaviour, and stop bullying in its tracks.

“Whether you are a parent, teacher, student or member of the broader community, everyone has a role to play in preventing the bullying of children,” said Ms Adams.

In 2022, one in 10 Kids Helpline @ School sessions delivered by counsellors to primary schools focused on bullying or cyberbullying.

When a young person reaches out to a trusted adult to tell them they are being bullied, they should be heard and taken seriously. Parents play a critical role in bullying prevention by role modelling positive behaviours and also providing the space for their children to connect and talk openly about this issue.

“We encourage parents not only to lead by example by demonstrating respect, but to educate themselves about how and where bullying is conducted, including online, and to look out for the signs that something might be worrying their child. A really good way to ‘open the connection’ with children is to go through some of the tips and information on the Kids Helpline website.”

Kids Helpline is specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. www.kidshelpline.com.au or free call 1800 55 1800.

Stressed And Obsessed: The True Toll Of Diet Culture On Australian Women

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Worrying new research has unveiled that on average, Australian women alarmingly spend nearly 15 years of their lives dieting, with over a third experiencing negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, stress, and sadness in their pursuit of shedding weight.

This disheartening reality could be affecting the roughly 7,200 women living in the Parkes community. Health care professionals want to encourage women in the area to seek assistance on their weight loss journey and understand they don’t have to do it alone.

Endocrinologist, Dr. Ramy Bishay says “Far too often obesity is considered a lifestyle condition, but this report demonstrates that the ‘eat less, move more’ mantra is failing women. We simply can’t expect women to undue thousands of years of adaptation to starvation, in a matter of weeks or months by ‘eating less and moving more’.”

Additionally, Parkes currently falls within Australia’s Distribution Priority Area catchment, which identifies locations in Australia with a shortage of medical practitioners. This is a concern for locals that need to consult a healthcare professional as they embark on their weight loss journey with shortages potentially causing longer wait times for healthcare appointments.

Annika Receives CWA Education Grant

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

One of CWA NSW’s priorities is to support students to further their education, by offering grants and scholarships to school and tertiary students assisting to pay for educational expenses. It used to be fees and textbooks, but in today’s world of technology, it’s software and electronic devices.

Forbes Evening CWA Branch is pleased to support local student Annika Dukes, further her education by contributing financially towards the purchase of software and an upgraded device on which she can complete her assessments.

Annika is completing a Certificate IV Community Pharmacy Dispensing. She started this online course through the Pharmacy Guild Australia in January this year, after starting work at Life Pharmacy Forbes.

Annika said she soon realised the potential in being able to assist the community more through this type of employment after seeing all the behind the scenes work that goes into filling prescriptions and supporting customers.

Annika has learnt about CTG (Closing the Gap), concessions and Health Care Cards and how they apply to scripts, different medications and how they can help, as well as how to fill prescriptions.

Annika said, “I have already completed three assessments, with 15 more to go. Each assessment takes about three weeks and about fifty pages as well as a verbal assessment over the phone for each one,” she commented. Her course will take three years to complete.

“It’s been difficult not having the same software as my teacher as everything is done online and over the phone. My old laptop does not support that software,” Annika commented.

“This financial assistance from Forbes CWA Evening Branch will remove quite a few obstacles and make it much easier to complete assessments and receive feedback from my teacher by allowing me to get the appropriate software and laptop,” stated Annika.

Ms Robyn Miller, President of Forbes CWA Evening Branch presented Annika with her cheque at Life Pharmacy, commenting, “Education is one of the most valuable things we can possess, so we are pleased to be able to support a local person on their journey of learning,” she said.

Parkes Spacemen Raise $8,800 To Support Safe Haven

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Not only did the Spacemen raise $8,800 but they came away with the win over Dubbo Macquarie 44 – 12.

Our local Parkes Rugby League Club are out of this world amazing. The Parkes Spacemen went above and beyond last Sunday, when they donned special jerseys that were destined to be auctioned post-game at the Coachman Hotel in Parkes to raise funds for Safe Haven in Parkes.

Safe Haven is a place you can go if you are feeling distressed or having suicidal thoughts. It is a safe place where you can talk openly about how you are feeling and what you are going through. A place where you can feel supported and not judged. You can talk to peer-support workers or be connected to a mental health professional. If you don’t feel like chatting, you can spend time in a quiet space and listen to music. It’s free and you don’t need an appointment.

This is the first time the club has held this special day to support Safe Haven and suicide prevention but it certainly won’t be the last. Club President Tony Dwyer said, “We want to try and do it every year. If we can help just one person, then it will be a great thing.”

“The whole idea came about at last years presentation night when Captain Coach Will Wardle decided to donate his coaching money back and said he wanted to do something for suicide prevention charity.That is when we teamed up with Safe Haven in town, they are a new initiative set up by a few local people to help with mental health and suicide prevention.

“As a club, the Parkes Spacemen and the Junior League have lost three young men to suicide over the years and so we feel anything we can do to raise awareness is a great thing,” said Tony.

The club purchased a set of jumpers and decided that the Sunday, 6th August game against Dubbo Macquarie would be a fitting round as the Dubbo club have also been affected by suicide.

An incredible total of $8,800 was achieved, with $1,000 raised on the day by walking around the ground with buckets, and a further $7,800 from the jumper auction. All funds will go towards assisting the Safe Haven office in Parkes.

Tony is exceptionally proud of the clubs effort in supporting such an important issue, going on to say, “There is always a stigma with men and young blokes, they tend to bottle things up and won’t open up to people. We’ve been banging on all year about getting together, talking to your mates, make sure you open up, there is always plenty of help there and always a light at the end of the tunnel.

“We have always said with our club, there is a lot of senior people and coaches, if anyone has a problem or needs to talk just come and chat to us and we can help or we can point them in the right direction.”

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