Tickets are available to purchase now via 123tix.

Amazing Forbes NSW

This iconic trio isn’t new to Frost and Fire, but they will bring an electrifying performance to our 2024 event! Let Cler, Jo & Em warm your soul on a magical winter night. Don’t miss this unforgettable local talent. Tickets are now on sale and are available exclusively via https://www.123tix.com.au/events/42630/frost-and-fire

PCYC Parkes

Introduction to Indigenous Cultural Art with Irene Ridgeway and assisted by Sean Cassidy 22nd & 23rd of April (2 day workshop) – 10 -12pm each day – $40 Irene is a local Wiradjuri Women with a wealth of knowledge. What makes this workshop even more significant for our club, all profits will go towards funding the Nations of Origin Indigenous sporting tournament. For the first time Parkes will be taking a whole bunch of children to this event in July. Come along to this workshop and enjoy learning and painting with Irene and Sean all whilst helping raise money pcycnsw.org/parkes

Open Day

Join us for the exciting PCYC Open Day on the 6th of April from 12pm to 2pm! It’s the perfect opportunity to: Explore our facilities: Check out our gymnastics facility, courts, and activity areas.

Meet the team: Chat with our friendly staff and learn about our programs.

Forbes High School P&C Association

Without a dedicated committee the significant support that Forbes High School receives from the P&C will unfortunately no longer occur, including the School canteen.

Join us at FHS on Wednesday 3rd April at 5pm for a special meeting to ensure the future of the P&C, and the contributions it provides for our amazing students.

Darcy is at home in a session with Speech Therapist Bligh, working on his C, G and F sounds using a Tractor puzzle.

Letters of Support Needed.

A Town Like Trundle

The following is an important message from Parkes Shire Council Grants Officer Sally Chapman “Parkes Shire Council is working to prepare a large submission under some available flood recovery funding to try and mitigate the flooding of the road into Trundle. One part of the submission is social and another is economic.

If you would be able to call on your friends, family and colleagues to write letters about how being cut off from the flood affected them economically and socially. Photos and videos are also very welcome to build our case. Submissions are due in two weeks, so next week will be perfect if possible, please. Please send to my email sally.chapman@parkes.nsw.gov.au”

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society

Unfortunatley there is no local outlet selling tickets to Annie.

If you have family or friends that don’t have access to the internet, they can contact the box office manager on 0429 623 829 to reserve tickets. Please note, the box office manager works another job during business hours – please call after 5.30pm or sent a text message. The theatre box office will be open every Sunday from 7th April at 11am – 1.00pm for ticket purchases.

Forbes Family History Group

Do you have any stories or information about the Pioneer Cemetery on Sandhills Road?If so, we’d love to hear from you as we inch towards this very exciting project.

Your private message, email or comment are most welcome.

Many thanks and gratitude to Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Advocate for helping us with this project.

Parkes Shire Council

EAST STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – TRAFFIC UPDATE

Council wishes to advise the access to businesses on Southern East Street is now from the May Street end, this has been temporarily modified due to the ongoing construction of the East Street Bridge.

Council crews are currently working on the southern end of East Street at the intersection of Woodward Street, where it is now closed.

Please plan your routes accordingly and exercise caution at all times

To stay up to date with the project, visit http://bit.ly/49RlcQr

R U OK?Day

Rail R U OK?Day is 18 April 2024.

We all go through life’s ups and downs. Often, the best people to spot the signs someone might be struggling are the people closest to them.

That’s why the R U OK? message is so effective in the workplace. It’s the subtle changes in someone’s behaviour that can indicate they might be going through a difficult time and in need of some extra support.

You can learn more and access the FREE #RailRUOK resources at https://bit.ly/4391jSc

Forbes Shire Council

Did you know? In NSW, the average person wastes $965 of food a year. More than a third of the average rubbish in our bins is wasted food.

– Red: General Waste – Yellow: Recycling – Green: Food and Garden Organics

Love Food Hate Waste NSW’s tips https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/at-home/reduce-your-food-waste

How can you improve food waste in your house hold?.

Tickets available from Shire council offices.

Forbes Seniors Variety Concert

The New South Wales Seniors Festival 2024 concludes on Sunday 24th March with the Seniors Variety concert in Forbes Town hall commencing at 2.00pm. Performances by Tapestry – Acapella ensemble, James Whalan – Tenor, Kimberly Ryan – Soprano, Muriel Lancaster – organist and Forbes U3A Singers led by Elaine Huckel. M C will be Alison Lockhart. The entry donation is directed to GIVIT a Forbes Shire council administered organisation to benefit those suffering from natural disasters in the community. The afternoon tea is not to be missed.

Parkes Shire Council

Don’t forget to take part in NetWaste’s Community Waste Survey, and help us to better understand community knowledge of and satisfaction with Council’s waste services and facilities.

The survey will close this Friday 15 March, and can be found here: surveymonkey.com/r/PLF6RVL

For more information, visit bit.ly/4bT63Q0

Beyond Blue

Despite it’s importance to our physical and mental health, less than half of the people in Australia feel a strong sense of belonging.

Journaling is a mindful, judgement-free activity where you can unpack your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. We’ve developed five journal prompts for you to explore your own sense of belonging! So get writing

Parkes Shire Council

NOTICE OF WORKS

Council wishes to advise works are being undertaken at Burrawang Park Bogan Gate from 12 March to the 28 March 2024.

NSW Government

Starting from this month NSW residents with an overseas driver licence must convert to an NSW Driver Licence if you’re planning to stay on our roads. Changes include:

– If you arrived before 1 Jul 2023, you have until 1 Mar 2025 to get an NSW Driver Licence

– If you arrived after 1 Jul 2023, you have 6 months to get an NSW Driver Licence.

More info here bit.ly/ServiceNSWOverseasLicence

AWN Parkes

Tuesday sheep sale results:

Tuesdays sheep and lamb market saw most of the usual buyers present and competing. A smaller yarding of 18,000 was recorded with mixed quality presented. In comparison to last weeks sale trade weight lambs were up to $5 easier alongside heavies and extra heavies following a similar trend. Light lambs saw slightly dearer trends in comparison to last weeks sale. The mutton job held firm with numbers similar to last week.

For a full detailed market report feel free to contact one of our experienced livestock agents.

Forbes Shire Council

Survey extended!

Have you been impacted by the floods? Complete the survey now to share your thoughts on the housing program that is part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/central-west-recovery

Hard copies are available at Council or by calling 133 003 227

Surveys Have Been Extended to Tuesday 2 April. For assistance, chat with our Community Recovery Officers at Town Hall.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society

We will be at Homegrown this weekend at 10.30 on the big stage! Come along to see everything home grown…including us

This Saturday in Cooke Park from 10.30am.

Pictures is Cr Ken Keith, Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet and local residents Malcolm and Pam Nankivel.

Parkes Shire Council

Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet and Cr Ken Keith presented local resident Malcolm Nankivell with a Certificate for his 100th Birthday, which was celebrated on the 11th February.

Malcolm and his wife Pam have 4 children (all born in Parkes) and have been a wonderful asset to our community. Malcolm and Pam assisted with the implementation of the Learn to Swim Program in Parkes, growing the program to well over 100 kids who could swim 50 m each year.

On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and residents of the Parkes Shire we wish Malcolm a very Happy 100th Birthday

Forbes Farmers’ Markets

We are back!!!

The first market for 2024 is next Saturday, 24th February.

A reminder our market is on the 4th Saturday of every month.

8am – 12noon | Victoria Park.

Inland Rail

We’re winding back the clock on freight transit times with InlandRail

Once fully operational, the travel time for rail freight between Melbourne and Brisbane will drop from 33 hours down to 24 hours or less

Meaning your goods will get to you faster, safer and more reliably

Learn more about how Inland Rail will be used on our website www.inlandrail.com.au/using-inland-rail

R U OK?Day

Do you really know how your friends, family members and colleagues are going? Sometimes those who are always smiling and laughing are struggling the most. Ask R U OK? Because a conversation could change a life.

Find tips at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

Lachlan Valley Vets Forbes/Grenfell

A number of plants are poisonous to pets. These can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. It’s important to check the safety of any plants before giving your pets access to them.

If you think your pet has ingested a toxic plant call the clinic on (02) 6851 1100

https://www.aecvets.com.au

Philip Donato

Central West Recovery Sessions Alert!

Flood-affected community members, don’t miss the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s drop-in sessions. Get the latest on the $100 million Recovery & Resilience package and discover available support services.

Forbes-20 Feb, Forbes Town Hall, 4-7pm

Parkes-21 Feb, Cooke Park Pavilion, 4-7pm

Eugowra-22 Feb, Eugowra Bowling Club, 4-7pm

There are no formal presentations and there is no need to register. Drop in at any time between 4pm to 7pm to meet the team. For more information on the sessions call 1300 003 227

Central West Police District

Five things you need to do before going to bed tonight: Remove valuables from your car, this includes all keys; Lock up your car & house; Check CCTV is working; Switch on down stairs alarm at night (if possible); Report Suspicious Activity to 131 444.

TAFE NSW Forbes

It’s great to see staff and students back on campus and classes up and running for 2024. We have several courses at Forbes this year including Welding Apprentices, Beauty, Automotive, Individual Support (Ageing) and many more. Are you considering enrolling in a TAFE course?

Pop down to Forbes TAFE Campus and check out what courses are available .

All have a connection to Bogan Gate. Don McKeowen, Robert McIntyre, John Caldbeck, Daniel McKeowen, Gabriel Rossi, Stephen Butler, Janelle Watts, Ros Caldbeck, Lynne Rossi, Jenny Butler, Marion McIntyre, Lyn Watts

Bogan Gate Reunion 71 Years

On 1st Sunday in February we met in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney.

We have been meeting for 71 years. This Reunion was started by 3 Ex Residents Sandy McKeowen, Jack McKeowen and Ted Naughton in 1953. We had a good turn out this year.

Parkes Shire Libraries

Bookings are open now for the first Youth Library Lock In of 2024! Youth in year 7-12, it’s time to wave goodbye to the long hot summer! Join in free games, dinner and fun challenges in the air conditioned comfort of the Library. Book now at events.humanitix.com/feb24youthlockin

Forbes Rugby Union Club

MERCH STORE NOW OPEN https://au.paladin.sport/collections/forbes-rufc

Pre-orders are now open for off field kit for players and supporters. The shop will close on the 11th of March and orders will arrive 6-8 weeks after this. Get in quick to avoid missing out!

Parkes Shire Council

Parkes Shire Council is calling on not-for-profit organisations and groups serving the Parkes Shire community to apply for funding in Round 2 of the 2023/2024 Community Financial Assistance Program. The two types of funding available include:

Leasing and Licencing – Funding to reduce leasing and licensing fees on Council owned properties.

General – A ‘helping hand’ through the provision of funds for a specific purpose or event up to an amount of $1,000.

Applications will close Sunday 10 March 2024. To find out more visit: bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants

Forbes Veterinary Clinic

Due to high demand of veterinary care and staffing shortages, we will now be charging a $75 fee for walk-ins effective immediately.

This is to ensure that the people who make an appointment get seen in a timely manner and will help encourage our non-emergent cases to make an appointment.

Genuine emergencies are also strongly encouraged to call ahead so our team can be prepared for your arrival and be able to care for your pet as fast as possible. Taking care of our clients and staff is of the utmost importance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any additional questions, please call our clinic and ask to speak to Elle.

PCYC Parkes

Join us for the PCYC Parkes Safer Driver Course on March the 15th.

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.

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

Michael McCormack MP

Met with fruit and vegetable industry representatives to discuss the impact Labor’s changes to the PALM Scheme are having on our horticulture industry.

It is clear these changes are hurting productivity, affecting farmers and disincentivising the use of PALM Scheme workers, weakening our ties in the Pacific.

The Government must listen to those on the ground who know this industry back-to-front to make sure the concerns of farmers in regional Australia are satisfied.

Michael McCormack Mp met with industry representatives.

Woodbine Pastoral of Parkes had a very successful sale with a pen of heavy 1st X shorn lambs fetching $208.

AWN Parkes

Tuesday 7th Feb sheep and lamb market saw most of the usual buyers present and competing. A larger yarding of 28,000 was recorded with mixed quality presented. In comparison to last weeks sale trade weight lambs eased slightly alongside heavy lambs and extra heavies held firm. The mutton job held firm with the light mutton job showing strong competition once again .

For full details contact one of our experienced livestock agents.

Cooper Byrnes: 0427 417 480

Greg Miller: 0448 433 317

Clint Hooper: 0456 797 307

Visit Eugowra

See you in Eugowra at our beautiful showground for the Tom Curtain & Katherine Outback Experience show from 4pm – 6pm this Sunday 11th Feb.

Bar and BBQ will be available.

Make sure you’ve got your tickets!

https://events.humanitix.com/tom-curtain-tour…/tickets

Georgie’s Hub – Anglican Parish of Parkes partnering with Anglicare

Our first Meeting for 2024.

We are trialling new hours at the Pantry until Easter due to the hot weather & customer demand – 9.30am – 1pm

Georgies Pantry is an invaluable asset to Parkes providing fresh food & fresh produce to in excess of 200+ people per week. The demand is growing larger due to the economy of rising food prices & high costs of living pressures contribute to higher demand. For your generous donation of $25, you receive a good supply of foodstuffs. Our Pantry is self-sustaining as of 2023. See the poster on our page for days open & check the new times til Easter.

Local Land Services NSW

Following the floods last year, we responded to over 1,200 calls for assistance, animal welfare assessments, support for at-risk livestock and emergency fodder.

This, along with many of our on-ground activities, was made possible with the help of your rates. They contribute to helping us provide vital emergency management, biosecurity and animal health work.

Your rates play a crucial role in keeping your community safe and your land productive and healthy. Keep an eye out for your postie! Rates notices will be hitting mailboxes soon.

Find out more about where your rates go at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/rates

Visit Parkes Region

Put your hands up if you loved Sounds of the Decades: 70’s, 80’s and 90’s?

Take a moment to fill out our survey and share your thoughts via: bit.ly/4bvZKla

Keep your eyes peeled for photos and a highlight video showcasing the incredible talent on stage as well as the crowd livin’ it up and enjoying the night.

Forbes North Public School

Link Up To Forbes North begins in Week 3- Tuesday 13 February!

Link Up is a year-long transition program aimed at students beginning school at Forbes North Public School in 2025.

Your child is exposed to teaching and learning activities that prepare them for Kindergarten in a safe and caring environment.

If you are interested or would like to enrol your child, please pop into our Office or call on 68 522187. We can’t wait to see your child at Link Up at Forbes North.

We run two sessions every week, both Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Keep up to date on the rules for mobile phones and devices at Parkes High School.

Parkes High School

IT’S AS SIMPLE AS 1 2 3
Parkes High School Mobile Phone, Electronic Devices and Pouch plan
All families please make yourself familiar with our plan.
https://parkes-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/newsletter.html

Forbes Rugby Union Club

Registrations are now open via Rugby Explorer for the 2024 Junior Rugby season. A reminder to parents to register before the end of January to make use of your Active Kids vouchers. When registering please update players height and weight. Any questions please contact Junior Rugby President Daniel Beard at juniors@forbesrugbyclub.com.au

NSW Government

We’re supporting eligible homebuyers to enter the property market by contributing up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes and up to 30% for existing ones, based on borrowing capacity and lender criteria.

The property is yours and your name will solely be on the deed.

See if you qualify by visiting nsw.gov.au/go/SEHBH_FB

Parkes Shire Council

Parkes Shire Council would like to extend a huge thank you to the Parkes Shire community for their ongoing efforts in helping rehome animals held at the Parkes Animal Shelter.

Last week all impounded animals found their forever home, including two cats and three dogs, with the support of the Parkes Shire community.

If you are looking to adopt an animal in the future, please visit http://bit.ly/AnimalsForAdoption

NSW Rural Assistance Authority

If you have been approved for a Special Disaster Grant or Rural Landholder Grant for the floods that occurred from August/September 2022 and you haven’t yet claimed the maximum approved grant amount, you can still submit additional invoices to claim via our website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Claims for the Special Disaster Grant close on 8 May 2024.

Claims for the Rural Landholder Grant close on 5 June 2024.

Early submissions are encouraged to avoid a longer than average processing time, which can occur when there’s an influx of claims towards the end of a program.

TAFE NSW Forbes

Thank you to everyone who attended our Open Day yesterday. It was great to see so many people and have so much interest. It is not too late to enrol call in, phone or message us now. The campus is open 8.30am-4.30pm weekdays.

Parkes Services Squash Courts

We are super excited to be one of the 8 sports involved in the Parkes Masters Games in March. (Not just for Parkes residents – everyone is welcome!)

We are now taking registrations – https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/2024-Parkes-Masters-Games

Entry into the squash event will also get you an awesome bag of PMG goodies! So, jump on and register today!

Forbes Family History Group Inc

Hats off to Cheryl Barton, our extraordinary Secretary at the Forbes Family History Group, and one of our Research Officers, Rex Barton (and all-around good bloke) – both named the 2024 Forbes Citizens of the Year.

Their unwavering dedication to documenting the history of Forbes is truly commendable. Our congratulations to you both

Keep up to date on the rules for mobile phones and devices at Parkes High School.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation 

Yoorana Gunya will be closed from Friday 22nd Dec and will reopen Monday 8th Jan 2023. For any medical emergencies during this time please call 000 or go to Forbes Hospital located on Elgin St, Forbes. 

What a prosperous year it has been, thank you to our supportive community, very valued patients and great employees. Each year Yoorana Gunya grows and we are so grateful and pleased to be one of the largest medical services within our area. We have more exciting things happening next year and will continue to be more equipped for our community’s needs. 

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society 

Congratulations to our CAT award nominees for 2023! 

Lyn Townsend, Gail Smith and Anthony Leonard – Best Original script, lyrics, music and musical arrangements for CRACKS IN THE MIRROR 

The Cast (Ruth Barnes, Kimberley Ryan, Maddison Collits, Jade McGovern & Amelia Regnier) Best Ensemble in a Musical, Variety or Dance Production in CRACKS IN THE MIRROR 

Aaron Kingham – Best Actor in a Leading role in a Play – as Gilbert Bodley in NOT NOW DARLING 

Lyn Townsend – Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play – as Maude Bodley in NOT NOW DARLING 

Rounding off a wonderful year of theatre for Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society. 

Forbes Shire Council 

A very unassuming Shirley Dukes, who loves working behind the scenes volunteering for many local organisations , was presented with the 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication and efforts. 

“I was surprised to be nominated, but I love to do anything for my grandchildren,” she said. 

“Committees should put forward names for awards such as this. There are so many who work in the background – and it is so important for people to be on committees and actively helping otherwise these things won’t keep happening. “ 

Do you know someone who is just as deserving as a volunteer, someone like Shirley who works tirelessly behind the scenes? Council is seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year – for application forms or more information head to our website: www.forbes.nsw. gov.au 

R U OK? Day 

This is your reminder that it’s normal to feel a little flat at this time of year. 

If you’ve noticed this with someone you know, check in and see how they’re going. 

We’ve got tips to help you start the conversation at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n 

Generocity Church Parkes 

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1 

It is such a joy to spend time together and worship our Saviour. 

Local Land Services NSW 

Santa’s making a list, he’s checking it twice… and this elf has not made the cut 

Even though we have spotted him doing some helpful jobs, we’ve also noticed him up to no good. Unlike this elf, don’t get caught out. Instead, check out Visit NSW for some caravan and campground ideas https://brnw.ch/21wFo 

Did you know that you are not allowed to camp on Travelling Stock Reserves?