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Don’t Miss The Social Event Of The Year

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Who will win the coveted Coradgery Cup in 2023? Pictured is last years winner Neon Moon with jockey Tony Cavallo. Inset: Local band Foxxy Cleopatra will once again be entertaining the crowds this Saturday.

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held this Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

Fashions on the Field is one of the highlights of the day offering an array of prizes and prestige to the glamourous colts and fillies. The Fashions on the Field categories this year will once again include: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Millinery and Best Dressed couple.

The spectator area is looking great and the track is in top notch condition for the day’s five-race program. The renovated grandstand and covered bookies rink complete the excellent facilities for punters and a relaxed environment offers something for everyone, making this venue one of the best in the Central West.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise a group and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets before the event from 123tix or at the gate on the day.

Western NSW Public Hospitals Sees Busy First Quarter Of 2023

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The most recent Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Healthcare Quarterly report (January – March 2023) shows that hospitals across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) continued to perform well – improving in a number of key performance measures throughout the first quarter of 2023, despite sustained high demand for hospital care.

The District continues to work incredibly hard to ensure patients requiring planned surgery procedures receive them as soon as is possible. WNSWLHD performed 2,267 planned surgeries during the January to March 2023 quarter, with almost all urgent planned surgeries (97.6 per cent) performed on time.

Patients who feel their condition has deteriorated while waiting for their procedure are encouraged to contact their treating doctor for a clinical review and they can be placed in a higher urgency category if required.

There were 833 babies born during the first quarter of 2023.

FORBES HOSPITAL

Forbes Hospital performed well in the first quarter of 2023. There were 1,975 attendances at Forbes Hospital ED throughout the January to March 2023 quarter.

Almost 9 in 10 patients (87.1 per cent) started their treatment on time, which is significantly better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (78.4 per cent).

Nearly all patients (98.7 per cent) were transferred from paramedics to the ED staff within the 30- minute benchmark, which is also better than the average for comparable hospitals in NSW (93.9 per cent).

The majority of patients (87.6 per cent) left the ED within four hours, also better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (79.3 per cent).

Boys To The Bush Striving To Fund 100 Days Of MENtoring

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The donation drive kicks off today, 9th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

In 2017, school teachers Adam DeMamiel, Richard Leahy, and Tim Sanson stepped out of the classroom, deciding there were more important lessons to be taught in their community.

The trio formed Boys to the Bush, a charity committed to curbing the growing cohort of disengaged young males in regional Australia through camps and MENtoring programs.

Now located in seven regional communities, including Forbes, Boys to the Bush are launching an online donation drive to raise money to fund 100 days of free MENtoring across its sites.

The donation drive starts on 6th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

Adam DeMamiel, CEO and Co-Founder of Boys to the Bush said, “Boys to the Bush has worked with over 6,000 kids, and the support of our communities has been pivotal to the positive outcomes reached by the youth.”

“We are launching 100 days of MENtoring to ensure access to such a life changing program is in reach of the kids that desperately need it. Any contribution is much appreciated and will go directly to the youth that need it most,” said Adam.

Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit, community-based charity, and donations to the 100 days of MENtoring campaign are fully tax deductible. To donate, go to https://boystothebush.org.au/donate

Snippets…

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

RDA Central West Chair Ruth Fagan has announced Steve Bowman as new director.

RDA Central West Welcomes New Director: Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) has welcomed Mr Steven Bowman as their new director. Mr Bowman is excited about his new role at RDA Central West, having already been a board member for the not-for-profit organisation for two years. “I have a great understanding of how this space operates and bring with me a breadth of economic development experience,” said Mr Bowman.

Prior to joining RDA Central West, Mr. Bowman was the Business Engagement Lead for Southeast and Central NSW at nbn Co. “It feels very natural to step into this role, and I am excited to continue championing for our region’s economic growth through new and existing projects and initiatives.”

Community Choices $250k Funding Pool Now Open: Essential Energy’s fifth Community Choices Program has opened for nominations, with community groups encouraged to nominate for their chance to win part of a $250k funding pool.

Essential Energy Community Relations Manager, Bronya Pressler said “This year we have increased funding to a total of $250,000 to be shared between eligible groups across 20 zones in our network Netball Training

footprint. This means $5,000 is now available to groups that get the most votes in their region”.

Groups from small communities with populations less than 10,000 will be able to nominate and get their community voting to help them access $1,250 funding for the group with the most votes.

Nominations are open through to 5pm on 26th June 2023. Community voting opens Monday, 3rd July and closes Monday, 17th July 2023 at 5pm AEST. Visit essentialenergy.com.au/choices to learn more or register to make a nomination.

Two Historic Steam Locomotives Return To Bathurst This June Long Weekend: Two former NSW Government Railways steam locomotives will operate 1.5-hour shuttle rides from Bathurst Station, including a day trip to Orange this June long weekend, the 10th and 11th of June.

Over 3,000 people are expected to travel behind historic locomotives 3526 and 3642, as they make a welcome return to the Central West. “This is a fantastic opportunity for families and heritage enthusiasts alike to step back in time and connect with our State’s rich rail history,” said Mr Moritz.

For information and tickets, visit www.thnsw.com.au/bathurst

Transport Heritage NSW is once again partnering with Bathurst Museums to deliver this year’s event, with all ticket holders receiving 20% off entry to the Bathurst Rail Museum.

Get Fired Up For Frost And Fire

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

It is time to get fired up, time is running out to get your tickets for one of Forbes’ flagship events. Pictured is one of the amazing fire performers “Ice Queen”.

The popular Frost and Fire celebration is back at Forbes Ski Dam on Saturday 17th June.

Whilst following a similar program to previous events, this year will feature a greater range of dining options. Guests are invited to pre-order decadent grazing trays and other delicacies from various regional providers; or they can explore the amazing tastes that will be available on-site. Liquid refreshments will also be available but not available for pre-order. Pre-order food is available at the Amazing Forbes NSW website; www.amazingforbesnsw.com

Guests will be entertained from 4pm, with an impressive line-up of regional and nationally acclaimed artists and performers. Grenfell musician Belinda Day will kick off the entertainment bill, to be followed by local musical maestros Emily Pavey, Clynton Breen and Jo Stephenson back by popular demand, indee artist Birdee and the not-so-sneaky notes of Sneaky Sound System.

Fiery performances from an awe-inspiring Ice Queen and the Sydney Fire Dancers, the traditional lighting of the Frost and Fire effigy, a beautiful smoking ceremony and cultural performance by Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the event was about drawing together a community and its visitors.

“It’s a great opportunity to take a step aside from the busy-ness of life, to celebrate the obstacles we have overcome in the past year and to look forward to the next,” Mayor Miller said.

“There is honestly no better way to spend an evening than around a fire bucket with a drink, food and fantastic company and thrilling live music and entertainment.”

Tickets available through 123tix.com.au. Free shuttle buses running every 20 minutes from Forbes Town Hall and Renfree Street. Tickets just $15 for adults (18 years and over), children are free.

Feds Can’t Rest On Competition Reform

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Farmers are speaking up and are calling on the Federal Government to implement competition reforms that will tackle cost of living pressures.

NSW Farmers CEO Pete Arkle said the ACCC had made a number of recommendations in its 2020 Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry that would bring food prices down for consumers, but so far they had been largely ignored.

“We know food is the second-largest household expenditure behind housing, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting a 12.8 per cent increase over the past year,” Mr Arkle said.

“The entire reason the ACCC came to be in the first place was to protect the consumer, and implementing recommendations from the Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry would be an excellent starting point to bring food prices down for consumers.”

• Among ACCC recommendations NSW Farmers wanted to see implemented are:

• An economy-wide prohibition on unfair trading practices

• An overhaul of the current merger and acquisition approval process

• Making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory with civil penalties for breaches

“If we are to get in front of the cost-of-living crisis, the government must act on these ACCC recommendations.”

Biggest Morning Tea Brings Sweet Success

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Enjoying The Biggest Morning Tea celebrations at Forbes North Public School on Friday were Hayley Crump (Office of Regional Youth), school captains Benji Hodges and Ruby Dumbrell and Schools Community Centre coordinator Maree Yapp.

Through the simple act of sharing morning tea, 240 Forbes North Public School students and their families have raised over $1,000 for the Australian Cancer Council. Inclement weather didn’t deter students, staff and their families from gathering to taste sweet success with their Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.

Schools as Community Centre coordinator, Maree Yapp praised the Forbes North community for their efforts in the Cancer Council’s 30th year of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

“People are so generous,” Maree said. “The floods come and go, and the mice come and go, but cancer is always there.”

According to the Australian Cancer Council, one in every two people are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. This year’s effort follows on from the school’s outstanding result last year, which saw $1,300 raised by the school community.

The biggest morning tea cakes and slices were donated by staff, parents and the school canteen. Ten raffle prizes – also donated by staff – were up for grabs during the fundraiser, and ranged from chinaware to assorted comfort foods. Students brought a small plate of morning tea to share with their classmates and friends.

This year marks the second consecutive year of Forbes North Public School being recognised as a Royal Tea Club member with the Australian Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.

Snippets…

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said “We develop and distribute these USBs each year to help farmers and contractor harvesters have all the relevant information at their fingertips – and they are usually extremely popular.”

Keeping The Roads Safe During Sowing: Agricultural machinery owners and operators are invited to get road ready ahead of the 2023 sowing season, by picking up a free Moving Harvest Machinery USB from all agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires. The USBs will also be available at the Council Administration Offices.

The ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USBs contain all the relevant notices for safely and legally moving agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road, along with other useful information.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the USBs were produced in July 2022, but weren’t distributed during the harvest season due to flooding in the local area.

There are over 800 USBs available – so call into your local agricultural machinery retailer, rural supply store or the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Council Administration Offices to collect yours.

Activists ought to be called out on harassment tactics: Australia’s peak farming body, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) has come out slamming radical animal rights activists following a spate of illegal and intimidating encounters with law-abiding industry participants, and joined calls for the Government to exclude them from policy making processes.

NFF Vice President Mr Jochinke called on the Federal Government to “Publicly and proactively condemn the people behind this intimidation campaign, and commit to not engaging with them, everyone should have the right to feel safe in their workplace.”

Have You Entered Our Dr Suess Giveaway? If you haven’t already, this is the last week you can enter the Parkes & Forbes Phoenix Dr Seuss competition.

Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200 word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’. As the top selling children’s author of all time.

Both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres.

We are giving away five family passes including three meet and greet opportunities. Further details can be found in the ad on page 10 of this week’s paper.

Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat will be live on stage at the Dubbo Regional Theatre on 6th July in the school holidays.

Bringing The Beach To Lake Forbes

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Beautiful Lake Forbes will soon feature a beach at Lions Park

Lake Forbes is about to add another feather to its bow this month as yet another exciting phase of its development plan takes shape.

A beach is currently being built at the water’s edge of Lions Park to allow for watercraft access to the popular Lake Forbes under the Lake Forbes Activation Plan and funded by the State Government.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said the use of the lake by watercraft like paddle boats, canoes and dragon boats was yet another drawcard for everyone, and now with beach access using watercraft on the lake will be even easier.

“It is so exciting to see this next phase of development for our beautiful Lake Forbes – it supports our community’s love of the outdoors and physical activity,” Mayor Miller said.

“The lake is already an amazing place to be, after several stages of the extensive development plan have already been completed –the new footbridge and fishing platform, solar lighting, and redeveloped BMX track for example.

“Lake Forbes is a focal part of town and is of a great benefit emotionally, physically and economically. It is a vital community asset and is home to many of our most loved and recreational facilities, including Lions Park.

“Council has been working on a long-term plan for the development of the lake and its surrounds for some time, catering for Forbes’ needs now and well into the future,” Mayor Miller said.

The $2 million Lake Forbes Activation Plan, funded under the NSW Public Spaces Program, has been created following extensive consultation with the community and is being completed in stages.

Pedestrians can still walk around the lake using a detour whilst the beach is being constructed

Farewell To Forbes Betta Home Living After 21 Years

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Head along and score yourself a bargain as Forbes Better Home Living prepares to close its doors.

After 21 years of serving the local community, Forbes Betta Home Living are closing their doors for the final time on Friday, 9th June. With an impending retirement near, owners Ian and Mandy Westcott have decided to close the business.

Family owned and operated, Ian and Mandy Westcott are the second generation in their family to run the Forbes store. For the past 21 years, the Forbes store has been a one-stop shop, helping the local community find the right appliances and furniture for their home, with the store stocking a huge range of Kitchen, Laundry, Small Appliances, IT products and Bedding.

To mark its closure, the team at Forbes Betta Home Living are offering the community mark-downs and reductions across a range of home appliances and consumer electrical goods. For a limited time until the final operating date of Friday 9th June, Forbes Betta Home Living are offering bargains including:

• Up to 25% off Fridges
• Up to 30% off Washing Machines
• Up to 50% off Small Appliances
• Up to 30% off Floorcare
• Up to 20% off Dishwashers

The Forbes Betta Home Living Closing Down Sale will run until Friday 9th June 2023, while stocks last.

Despite the closure of the Forbes store, Parkes Betta Home Living will continue to service the Forbes local community, which is only a 25-minute drive north of the Forbes location. Customers can still receive amazing service, deals, and exceptional local advice on all your fridge and freezer, kitchen and cooking appliances, air conditioning, furniture, bedding, TV and audio requirements.

Parkes Betta Home Living are located at 11 Saleyards Road Parkes and you can contact them on 6862 2237. Opening hours may vary, please call or check the Betta website for more information.

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