Parkes Golf Club: For those wonder­ing what’s happening at the Parkes Golf Club, they are currently building a new driving range. A huge thanks to the David Thomson McPhersons Parts & Service and Bernard and Matt McCabe Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete, Nathan Munday Builder and Western Temporary Fencing along with our hard working members Rob Sta­ples, Lindsay Elliott, and Bill Bourke.

Forbes Shire Council: Learn essential first aid skills with Forbes Community Re­covery Officers and expert Jack Barnes. From CPR on babies and children to han­dling snake bites, choking, allergies, and asthma, this interactive 2-hour session has got you covered. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. This event hosted during Forbes Playgroup will be held Thursday, 25th July, 10:30am – 12:30pm at Forbes Youth and Community Centre, Battye St, Forbes. Register now and save a life htt­ps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponseP­age.aspx.

Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd. – ARTC: Do you have children and live near our rail network? ARTC are taking expressions of interest for primary schools interested in having ARTC team members come and educate children about safe be­haviour around the rail corridor – we even have a cool animation to show! If you are interested, please the expressions of inter­est form and we’ll be in touch: bit.ly/3zIdGtT

Parkes Shire Libraries: Each weekday afternoon during school holidays, Parkes Library’s Nintendo Switch can be booked by children and youth for a fun game with friends and family. Book your hourly ses­sion by calling Parkes Library on 6861 2309. Please note: children under 10 must be supervised by an adult.

Cancer Council NSW: Thousands of pas­sionate fundraisers will be supporting can­cer research this Daffodil Day, 22nd Au­gust. Will you be one of them? Fundraise any way you want – at work, online, in your community: wear yellow, take the daffodil day dip, hold an event. Visit www.daffodil­day.com.au to learn more.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch: Your community needs you. The benefits of vol­unteering include new skills and valuable work experience, making new friends, bet­ter physical and mental health and wellbe­ing, giving something back, improving your confidence, sense of connection to others in the community, and improving how things work for the better. Show your commitment and come along every second Wednesday 6.30pm at the Vandenberg Hotel. All are welcome.

PCYC Parkes: Holidays are here! Forget the stress of trying to entertain your chil­dren at home these holidays. Send them to the PCYC, where they can spend their holidays having fun, participating in activi­ties and meeting new friends. Special offer: every second day at half price.

NSW Electoral Commission: Expres­sions of interest to work at the 2024 NSW Local Government elections are now open. This is a call-out for people with great cus­tomer service skills to work with us. There are a range of roles available. All are paid positions and no election experience is needed. Some roles are for election day only while others are up to several months. Visit our website to register your interest: https://bit.ly/4csLwld.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Calling all Elvis fans and performers! The Parkes Elvis Fes­tival is bringing the Elvis Quest to Chromef­est on Sunday, 27th October. Secure first or second place to win a $200 Visa gift card plus automatic entry into the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival’s UETA Competition Heat held on Friday 10th January 2025 in Parkes. Don’t miss your chance to show you’ve got what it takes to be the King. For more information, and to apply visit bit.ly/ELVISQUESTCHROMEFEST

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: The commit­tee of the Trundle Bush Tucker Day would like to advise that due to the number of amazing attendees last year, they have made the difficult decision to cap ticket sales. We are strongly encouraging all 2024 attendees to pre-purchase your entry tickets. There will be no guarantee that tick­ets will still be available on the gate on the day. So buy your tickets now, you are able to cancel/refund your tickets up to 7 days before our event. To purchase tickets go to www.123tix.com.au/events/42707/trundlebush-tucker-day-2024

Flannery’s Pharmacy: Next week is Dia­betes Week and the team at Flannery’s Pharmacy will be doing their part by up­grading your BGL machine for free, con­ducting free bloody glucose tests and of­fering free consultations with our very own credentialed diabetes educator, Catherine. Come and see the team in blue to see what we can do for you. Call us on 02 6852 1111 to book in.

Gotcha4Life: Gotcha4Life & Anchor Health are thrilled to invite you and the community to a free mental fitness training day. At Gotcha4Life, we are a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting mental fitness in local communities and this unique opportunity will be held across the Central West NSW region, offering you a chance to learn tools to build your mental fitness and gain a Mental Health First Aid certification.

There are 20 spots available per session so register as soon as possible to secure your place. You can email programs@gotcha4life.org Parkes: Thursday 25th July | 9am – 5pm | Parkes Services Club

Parkes Spacemen Rugby League Page: Ben Lovett, a Parkes Spacemen junior, has been nominated for the Ken Stephen Medal for all the work he has been doing off field for rugby league. Follow the link and vote for Benny https://www.nrl.com/community/awards/ken-stephen-medal/

Forbes Library: Come to Forbes Library and build Lego creations! Lego Club at Forbes Library will be held on Thursday 18 July at 10.30am. There are many benefits to playing with Lego including improved eye and hand coordination, development of spatial skills, persistence and patience, enhanced fine motor skills, problem-solving

skills, achieving a sense of accomplishment, learning how to plan, social skills and teamwork. No experience is necessary, and all Lego will be provided. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult and those under 12 years need to be signed in and out by an adult. Book your place online via Eventbrite.com.au or call Forbes Library on 6852 1463.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council wishes to advise that applications for Round 1 of the 2024/2025 Community and Destination Events Financial Assistance Program are now open. Council is committed to supporting the development, growth, improvement, and sustainability of local and destination events. For more information, or to apply for assistance, visit: bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants

Lachlan NSW SES: Last Saturday, members from NSW SES Southern Zone and Western Zone teams took on the elements to lead a Flood Rescue Personal Development day in Forbes, NSW. From simulated car rescues to evacuating people stranded by floodwaters, we’re ready for anything Mother Nature throws our way! A big shoutout to our partners: VRA Rescue NSW & AmbulanceNSW for joining us.

Parkes Shire Council: Council is pleased to announce that Stage 2 of the Kelly Reserve precinct upgrade is due to com­mence on Monday 8th July 2024. The new play space will include: Ninja course, inclu­sive carousel and toddler equipment. The existing play area will be fenced off from Tuesday 25th June for pre-work prior to contractor starting on 8 July and is antici­pated to take 6-8 weeks. The new water play space and BBQ facilities will remain open to the public.

Tickets To Agribusiness Today Forum 2024 Are On Sale Now: The Agribusiness Today Forum (ABTF) 2024 is set to be held at the Australian National Field Days site conference center on 1st August. Visit htt­ps://events.humanitix.com/agribusines-today-forum-2024 to secure your ticket for just $49 including lunch.

NSW Government: The NSW Govern­ment will be making the following changes to domestic violence legal processes:

• Tougher bail rules for alleged domestic violence offenders

• Only magistrates or judges will make bail decisions

• More support for remote bail hearings with new tech and extra magistrates

• From 1st July 2024, there will be new laws about coercive control (find out more at bit.ly/NSWCoercive-Control).

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.auVisit Parkes Region: Join the Central West Car Club Show ‘n Shine on Saturday 19th October at Pioneer Oval, Alexandra St, Parkes. Get ready for a ‘wheelie’ good day with cars, trucks, bikes, anything with wheels. Spectator entry is by gold coin do­nation and gates open from 9am to 3pm.

Entrant entry is $20, gates open early from 7:30am to 9am. All proceeds go to charity.

There will be a canteen on site.

Red Bend Catholic College: The school Vinnies group has been working hard, run­ning school BBQs and an Easter egg fund­raiser to contribute to this important cause, managing to raise $1,000! A special thanks to Bernardi’s Marketplace for providing the Easter eggs. These funds will go towards the local Vinnies Winter Appeal program, used to provide emergency relief for those in immediate need – things like warm blan­kets, clothing, and food. It also helps fund long-term solutions, such as housing as­sistance, counselling, and job training pro­grams.

Parkes Que Club: Parkes Que Club are fortunate in having three fine painters in their Club, and with the help of other not so artistic members, they give painting les­sons to residents of Southern Cross Aged Care Home. They recently spent an after­noon learning how to paint under the guid­ance of Que artists. With tea and scones to keep everyone going, it was an afternoon of great fun and merriment, and the group produced some pretty good artwork too.

If you enjoy helping others, making new friends and having fun as well, please give Parkes Que Club a call on 0407 894 498.

R U OK?Day: It’s OK to sit together in silence. Sometimes people just need to know you’re there for them.

Forbes Youth Action Team: Join Forbes Shire Council on Thursday 18th July for two great watercolour workshops by @Ka­ren Ritchie Art. It will be a day for children to let their inner creative speak. Registra­tion is essential as there are only 10 spots in each session. Make sure to register your child to the correct time slot based on their age. Register via www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Shire Libraries: Bookings are now open for the screen printing workshop to be held in Trundle on Wednesday 17th July. Open to students in year 6 to year 12.

Bookings are essential through Humanitix.

https://events.humanitix.com/screen-print­ing-workshop-in-trundle

NSW Department of Primary Industries: Have Your Say on Pest Animal Management in Regional NSW! Find your region here: https://shorturl.at/Ec5h0.

Submissions close on 8th July 2024. Feedback is welcome on the draft 2024-2028 Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans for 11 re­gions across NSW.

Trundle ABBA Festival: “Love isn’t easy” but attending the Trundle ABBA Festival on Saturday 19th October is! We’ve got you sorted for an amazing weekend in Trundle.

• Tickets: bit.ly/ABBAtickets2024

• Camping: bit.ly/ABBAcamping2024

• Bus transport: bit.ly/ABBAbus2024

For more information, visit www.Trundle­ABBAfestival.com.au

Forbes Shire Council Public Notice: As anticipation builds for this Saturday’s Frost and Fire, the Forbes Ski Dam will close to the public until Sunday 23rd June. Please note the Walking Track is still open to the public. Purchase your tickets today via www.123tix.com.au/events/42630/frost-and-fire

Parkes High School: There is exciting news for Parkes High School Yr 12 student Matty Price, who has qualified to swim in the NSW All Schools Swimming team, af­ter coming second at the qualifying meet.

He will swim at the Schools Sports Austral­ian Championships on the Gold Coast. We wish him the best of luck.

Amazing Forbes NSW: Celebrate 50 years of Arts Outwest with The Plinth Show.

Come along and discover the unique works of artist Ronda Sharpe at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre this June. Ronda’s art intertwines Wiradjuri culture and contem­porary environmental themes, showcasing the beauty of repurposed materials and traditional weaving. Visit us and experience history and modernity through Ronda’s stunning art pieces.

Trundle ABBA Festival: Want to arrive at the Trundle ABBA Festival in absolute style? Step on board the Railway Adven­tures ABBA Express and experience a fun 5-day, flamboyant, fully escorted tour of Central NSW and the Trundle ABBA Fes­tival by private heritage train. Trip details are 18th – 22nd October: Sydney, Orange, Parkes, Trundle, Dubbo, Wallerarang,The Great Zig Zag Railway, four breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners. For more in­formation you can visit railwayadventures.travel or call 1300 800 977.

Woodfired Eugowra: Woodfired Eugowra is returning in 2024, and we’re thrilled to announce that applications for stallholders are now open. Join us on Saturday, August 3rd, for a spectacular free event supported by the Eugowra Events & Tourism Associa­tion. With over 1,000 visitors expected, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your products and connect with our vibrant com­munity. Interested? Register your interest by emailing secretary.etta@gmail.com Don’t miss out on being part of this excit­ing day.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are working together to develop a Regional Drought Resilience Plan and we want your valu­able insights and ideas to help prepare the plan. The purpose of the plan is to consider the opportunities available to mitigate and alleviate the impacts of drought now, (QR code below) before drought is upon us. An online survey is open now and a series of local drop-in sessions and workshops will be held in:

• Bedgerabong Public School drop in session on Thursday 4 July 8.30am – 9.30am.

• Forbes at the Town Hall for a workshop on Friday 5 July from 9am – 11am.

 

NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade: Last Wednesday was WOW day (wear orange Wednesday). This is a day to celebrate and thank the work of the SES. We thank NSW SES Parkes Unit & NSW SES Forbes Unit for your continued efforts and dedication to the community. Thank you for all your assistance in the past and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Forbes TAFE Campus: We are currently taking expressions of interest for the following course – 800-000030 TAFE Statement in Basic Welding. Discover the fundamentals of welding in this course designed for students at any skill level. Kickstart your career in fabrication and welding, bring your existing skills up to date or develop basic skills for your own private use. Proposed 3 hours per night for 7 weeks on a Thursday. Starting 1st August 2024. Cost $940. Register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/0V5BrX3zZJ

Parkes District Hospital Retired Nurses Luncheon: Don’t forget that the retired nurses luncheon will be held at the Hong Loch restaurant on Monday 3rd of June at 12 midday. Anyone who has worked in any position at the Parkes district hospital is warmly invited along with their partners to join for a chat, lunch and catch up.

Eugowra Public School: On Friday last week, students enjoyed a visit from Toothie, Maddie and Michelle from Forbes Family Dentists. There were lots of big smiles all round.

Parkes Picnic Races: Gents… It’s time to take off those work boots and chuck on a suit, cause the Parkes Picnic Races is just around the corner. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets via the link https://bit.ly/Parkespicnicraces2024

Forbes Arts Society: Join us at the opening of our All Things ‘P’ exhibition this Saturday 1 June, 2pm at Forbes Town Hall. This exhibition is part of the Arts Outwest 50 year celebrations, and is one of four exhibitions on display this weekend.

Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations: You are looking at NSW Mining Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Awards finalists for 2024. The Frontline Services Ball has been announced as a finalist in the Community Excellence category. We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication of the amazing committee members.

 

PHS NAIDOC Celebrations: There was some amazing Indigenous art that was created by Parkes High School Year 7 students which was displayed at the schools recent NAIDOC assembly.

Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc: Do you have a passion for helping others? Are you looking for a career in the community services sector? The Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Support and Capacity Building Project have full scholarships on offer to complete a Certificate IV in Community Services. To see the full list of eligibility requirements, and to receive an information package go to lwrs.org.au

Neighbourhood Central: National Volunteer Week is Australias largest annual celebration of volunteering. At Neighbourhood Central, its an opportunity for us to highlight the important role of our volunteers. We are very grateful for all the work our volunteers do to help our communities in Parkes, Forbes, Peak Hill, Condobolin, Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo, and everywhere in between. Thank you. We couldnt do it without you.

R U OK?Day: Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle. Dont underestimate the impact a kind gesture can have for someone who needs it. It could be offering practical help with tasks, inviting them to an event or taking the time to have a chat and asking how they are going. R U OK? Day 2024 is Thursday 12th September. But every day is the day to start a meaningful conversation with those we care about and ask, are you OK?.

Parkes Shire Library: Waste 2 Art Opening. Saturday 1st June, 10.30am, Coventry Room. Waste 2 Art is open till the 29th June. Join us for the opening of Waste 2 Art and announcement of winners. Free event. Bookings through Humanitix. https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-crpdbdc5. Forbes Arts Society: As part of the Arts Outwest 50th Anniversary celebrations, Forbes Arts Society members are invited to showcase their work as part of the All Things P exhibition. This small-scale pop-up exhibition will be displayed in the Forbes Town Hall concourse on 1st and 2nd June to coincide with the Arts OutWest Anniversary Dinner. The exhibition will feature works on paper. Mediums can be paint, pastel, pencil or print. 2D works, such as pottery, will also be accepted. Entry forms can be downloaded via www.forbesartssociety.com and returned to hello@forbesartssociety.com by Thursday 30th May.