Articles Archives - Page 91 of 424

Snippets

November 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

IMAGE: CONGRATULATIONS YEAR 12 All the best in your future endeavors.

Parkes High School

A massive congratulations to our Year 12 – Class of 2023, who have all completed the HSC. As you now await your results, know we are extremely proud of you all and we can’t wait to hear of all your success and adventures in the future!. See you all on Friday at your Graduation

R U OK?Day

Don’t wait until someone tells you they are struggling.

When we create safe spaces and meaningfully connect, we’re showing those we care about we’re there to support them with whatever they’re going through.

What are YOUR top tips for connecting? https://bit.ly/3RYBSwb

NSW Farmers

Based in Nyngan in outback NSW, the Gary White Working Dog School is so popular that Gary travels around the world teaching the secret to training the perfect working dog.

“You have to work with them – always be patient and kind. I’ve been training dogs for a long time now, it’s a big part of my life and much of my training is geared toward helping farmers on the land utilise their dogs in a better fashion https:// thefarmermagazine.com.au/farm-dog-school/

PCYC Parkes

Join us for the PCYC Parkes Safer Driver Course on November the 17th at 4pm.

Equip your child with life-saving tools and add 20 hours to their log book. Plus, we’ll provide afternoon tea and water bottles for all attendees.

What’s more, your contribution to the course goes towards supporting our local community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Reserve your spot now: limited spots available pcycdrivereducation.org.au/book-a-course

Forbes Shire Council

How fantastic is the new footpath in Grenfell Street! And the one around the corner in Farnell Street. This project is being completed in line with Council’s Strategic Plan to link the northern end of Forbes with the CBD, thanks to the Australian Governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund.

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW

Reminder: membership fees are due

If you haven’t paid already, renew today to ensure your membership continues.

Go to www.cwaofnsw.org.au and log in to your account using your email address and password, the click the “renew now” button (under Welcome Back on the home page).

If you’re unsure of your password, click “forgot password”.

If you have trouble logging in contact State Office: 02 8337 0200. Note: do not create a new account – your payment needs to be linked to the account we already have for you.

If you’re thinking of joining, find your branch: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/branches or join online https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/join (new members only).

Forbes High School

Recently Year 7 and their Peer Support Leaders, were invited to the Boys To The Bush Community Engagement Day. We were one of 8 schools who were in attendance, and had so much fun, despite the heat. There was dancing, singing, sports, relaxation and culture. Mrs Smith was unfairly beaten in the teacher dance off, her Cold Spaghetti was definitely the best.

NSW Government Commits $50 Million For Central West Flood Recovery

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Member for Orange Phil Donato pictured with Premier Chris Minns.

The funding comes from the new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund announced by the NSW Government in the September budget to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West. The Fund is an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing by communities for the long haul.

Premier Chris Minns said “The 2022 floods were an unprecedented disaster and we remain focused on helping communities recover and rebuild. It’s clear there needs to be a sustained effort and there is more we can do to continue the reconstruction program. That’s why we’re committed to practical action on the ground to help people get back on their feet, with involvement of local leaders.”

The 2022 floods exposed several ongoing risks across the State due to our changing climate and long-standing land uses. The NSW Government recognises that recovery is not a short-term fix and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said “When we visited the Central West we were impressed with the work undertaken by communities rebuilding, and this investment is a further step towards that recovery. This funding package will support the social and economic recovery of this important region devastated by floods”.

While the former government made unfunded commitments to communities, the Minns Government is taking a considered approach to ensure that the commitments made are adequately funded and informed by community leaders.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said “This additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund is a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the region.”

Ron Finemore Transport Backs AAA Data

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

“Despite billions of dollars being spent each year, more people are dying on our roads”. said Ron Finemore AO (Pictured)

Ron Finemore Transport Chairman Ron Finemore AO has today backed growing national calls for data-driven road funding and new Commonwealth-state funding arrangements that will oblige state governments to report on road quality and safety performance as a condition of federal funding.

Mr Finemore AO agrees with a broad coalition of transport and medical bodies campaigning for greater use of road trauma data to create more effective road safety policies and reverse the ongoing increases in annual road deaths.

State and territory governments hold this data, but do not share it with other governments or show it to the Australian community or motorists.

The Federal Government must require all states and territories to release this data as a condition of receiving their share of its annual $10 billion a year road budget.

“Australians deserve transparency so they can see whether politicians are spending their taxes on the areas of greatest need, rather than courting support in marginal seats.”

“Using this evidence in a transparent way to drive road safety policy will make our roads safer for all motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and the men and women who make their living on our roads as drivers,” Mr Finemore said.

“If data is not made available to the Australian Government, Commonwealth, road infrastructure funding decisions will continue to be made in the back rooms of government and subject to the whims of politicians and the political cycle.”

For more information info@datasaveslives.org.au

Snippets

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Our FireFighter Chefs from left to right B.Hayes, M.Willis, T.Bentick and M.Teale

FIRE AND RESCUE NSW STATION 294 FORBES

As the National BBQ Championships Forbes winds up for the year it’s not without a outstanding Achievement by our crew at 294 Forbes taking out overall winner. Well done to all involved and to the organisers for putting this great event on for the community and visitors.

CENTRAL WEST POLICE DISTRICT

Police in the state’s western region have charged 96 people since the launch of Operation Regional Mongoose.

The ongoing high-visibility operation commenced on Wednesday 27 September 2023, to tackle serious property-related crime committed predominately by young offenders.

To date the operation has resulted in 96 people – including 73 juveniles – charged with more than 159 offences, of those 53 were for breach of bail.

Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM said police are seeing pleasing results from the operation as they continue to work with the community.

Investigations under Operation Regional Mongoose continue.

Anyone with information about Operation Regional Mongoose is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

R U OK?DAY

Asking ‘are you OK?’ Doesn’t have to be scary, but if you’re unsure how to start a conversation, here are some tips.

1. Pick an appropriate time and place

2. Ask R U OK? In a way that is comfortable for you both

3. Focus on listening to them, rather than finding a solution

4. Check in after the chat to keep the conversation going

For more tips, visit https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

PARKES LEAGUES CLUB

Our General Manager, David and Administration Manager, Lisa had the pleasure of visiting the team at Currajong Disability Services this week, to give a donation to support their great work. A special thanks to Doug and the team, for showing us around, and explaining exactly how our support will contribute to the amazing work you do.

The Leagues Club is here for the community, and with support of our members and visitors, we can contribute more and more back. We sponsor local sporting teams, various charities and provide a facility for the community to use.

OFFICIAL PARKES HIGH SCHOOL – PHS PINK DAY

The Parkes High School SRC students held a very successful PHS PINK DAY recently which raised $645 for the McGrath Foundation! Students and staff dressed up in pink, ate pink cupcakes and played pink related musical bingo to help spread the word about Breast Cancer awareness along the way.

IMAGE: Caption.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day

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”.

Parkes High School

R U OK?Day

NSW Farmers

PCYC Parkes

Forbes Shire Council

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW

Forbes High School

COMBINED SERVICES DINNER

AUSTRALIAN RURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

WORKLOCKER PARKES

FORBES AUTO SPORTS CLUB

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