Saving Men’s Lives: The purpose-built Rotary Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) is staffed by a male nurse, Bill Power. It offers free-of-charge health screening services to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar (diabetes). The consultation takes about 10 minutes and provides immediate results, helping to improve health outcomes for men. 

MHERV will be located in Forbes opposite Town Hall, Harold Street, today Friday 3rd March 9:30am – 3:30pm, and tomorrow 

Saturday 4th March 9:30am – 12:30pm. 

For further information contact MHERV Program Manager Graeme Hooper on 0417 203 603. 

Government Must Consult Farmers On Superannuation Changes: Australia’s peak farming body has warned that superannuation changes announced by Treasurer, Jim Chalmers could cool investment in agriculture, unless the detail is worked through with farmers. 

National Farmers’ Federation CEO Tony Mahar is now calling on the Government to undertake formal consultation before the measure is budgeted and legislated later this year. 

“For many farmers, their farm is their superannuation, and it’s not uncommon to hold land assets in superannuation – particularly as the next generation enters the business.” 

“Now is not the time to dampen investment in one of Australia’s growth industries that creates jobs in regional Australia and plays a central role in our transition to a low carbon economy,” Mr Mahar concluded. 

Black Range Station: Johnston Rural Group is pleased to present Black Range Station, approx. 15,264ha (37,717ac) mixed farming and grazing powerhouse. 

The proprty offers income diversification for cropping, goats, sheep, cattle and carbon opportunities. The cultivation consent includes 4,238 ha (10,472 ac) cultivation license and 2 PVP’s. Water security is offered through 16 large dams, ‘drought-proofing’ solar bore, tanks and troughs. 

Rangeland goats are currently trapped and sold or retained in an on-farm breeding operation. The property is well fenced with excellent internal, containment and exclusion fencing. Livestock facilities include shearing shed and sheep yards, three goat yards and two cattle yards. 

Improvements include a five bedroom station homestead, garage and seven bay machinery / hay shed. 

For further information on this property contact Gary Johnston on 0427 574 270 or go to www.johnstongroup.com.au 

Popular Parkes Arbour Hits The Market: Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre has been listed for sale, presenting investors the opportunity to acquire a Coles anchored neighbourhood shopping centre with multiple value add strategies. 

Developed in 2006 and refurbished in 2017, Parkes Arbour is a central retail precinct in the Parkes CBD. The Centre offers convenient access with four street frontages to both Clarinda Street and the Newell Highway and over 298 on-grade and basement car parks. 

Expressions of interest for Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre close on Tuesday, 14th March.

Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus Detected In Western Nsw: Communities across Western NSW are encouraged to take measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites following the detection of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in mosquitoes at Macquarie Marshes and in sentinel chickens at Forbes.

Priscilla Stanley, Western NSW Local Health District’s Director of Public Health, is urging the community across Western NSW to take all actions possible to avoid being bitten as summer continues.

“People are still enjoying the warm weather and spending plenty of time outdoors, so it is incredibly important that everyone takes appropriate steps to protect against mosquito bites,” Ms Stanley said.

Fostering The Next Generation Of Planners: NSW Department of Planning and Environment Executive Director, Planning Delivery Unit, Tom Kearney said the statewide Strong Start – Planner Mentoring Program would benefit councils and students by connecting students and graduates with experienced planners, providing them with skills, guidance, and opportunities. 

“Planners are vital to building and shaping the communities we live in, and we want to ensure this important profession thrives,” Mr Kearney said. 

Mr Kearney said the initiative is one way to help address a major shortage of planners. “This will assist councils which have been struggling to find planners, with some positions remaining vacant for several years,” he said. 

“This program is about creating more opportunities for students and graduates and more staff for councils to clear backlogs, speed up assessment times for development applications, and deliver better outcomes for our communities.” 

For more information, visit planning.nsw.gov.au/strong-start 

Workshop For Seniors: Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing? All Seniors Card Holders are invited to head along on Monday, 20th February, to a special free writing workshop in the Makerspace at Parkes Shire Library. 

Join the Fellowship of Australian Writers to learn the skills needed to enter the annual Seniors Card Short Story Competition. Special guest Cate Plink will be attending the event and everyone is encouraged to paricipate in the workshop and prepare an entry for the short story competition. To book please call Maureen Kelly OAM on 0417 403 720.

Helping Homeowners Build Better: Building a new home in NSW just got easier with a new digital tool released this week to help guide homeowners through the process from start to finish. 

Deputy Secretary of Delivery, Coordination, Digital and Insights at the Department of Planning and Environment, Amanda Fairley said, “From laying the foundations to finessing the finishing touches, we want to help people to get their dream project off the ground and reduce some of the stress.” 

To use the tool, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/myhome-planner

Open Mic Now On At The Mersh: The Commercial Hotel in Forbes has always been a well-run family pub and Lindee Colvin, who has recently taken over from mum Debbie, is bringing the revamped establishment into a bright new era with a treasure trove of great ideas, development and promotions throughout 2023!

One of the regular fixtures on the calendar will be the Open Mic Day every second Sunday from 19th February. Following the first event two weeks ago, it is certain to prove popular.

“We want all types of local and regional talent here,” said Lindee. “Musicians who play and sing, karaoke, poets, comedians – whatever. It is about encouraging people who may not have been on stage before to get up and have a go!”

The first event attracted a packed house and included a number of performers including crowd favourite Lara Constable, who wowed the audience with her great singing voice. “The day is all about fun and discovering new talent and having a crack at it – you never know what might happen,” said Lindee.

For regular updates head to the Commercial Hotel Facebook page.

Volunteers Help Sort The Saute: Forbes North Public School are seeking volunteers, with a passion for cooking, to assist with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program. Kitchen Garden Specialist and teacher, Marianne Hardy believes helping students learn to cook is a great way to become involved with the school. 

“The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program is about teaching life-long skills with cooking,” Marianne said. “The variety of fresh produce available means some students may be cooking and tasting foods for the first time.”

Volunteers are required for two or three hour sessions, three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) on a weekly or fortnightly roster, with three volunteers needed at each session. 

To register an expression of interest in volunteering in the kitchen with Forbes North Public School, phone 6852 2187.

Getting Ready For Opportunities To Work: Forbes TAFE is excited to offer another GROW (Getting Ready for Opportunities to Work) program for 2023. The course will provide participants with practical employability skills across industry for the operation of plant machinery. Applicants must be over 17 and have finished school. The course will run from Monday, 20th March to Thursday, 6th April and attendance is required each day. Places are limited so register your interest now at https://forms.office.com/r/c1BWTAFHDU.

Junior Landcare Grants Now Open: Parkes shire schools are invited to help grow the next generation of environmental champions. The latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is now open, offering primary schools and early learning centres the chance to share in $1 million to support the development of hands-on environmental learning projects.

Woolworths Parkes Store Manager, Kerrie Kennedy, said “Getting children involved with hands-on activities in and around nature is an incredible way to help them explore sustainability in action.”

The activities range from exploring First Nations weather to creating an Indigenous plant-use garden and exploring a First Nations peoples’ languages map. Adam Shipp, First Nations educator with Landcare Australia, said “As a proud Wiradjuri man, I believe it is extremely important that environmental based organisations recognise and work with First Nations groups.”

To find out more about the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and to apply, visit juniorlandcare.org.au.

 

Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards: The annual Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards are about honoring those who selflessly dedicate themselves to supporting and enriching our local communities. Winners were recently announced and congratulations go to Forbes Citizen of the Year Paul Faulkner and Parkes Citizen of the Year Robert Stricklan. Congratulations to our local Australia Day award recipients across all categories. 

Cash On The Way To Help Councils Repair Roads: More than 90 regional councils are set to receive a boost from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government so they can get on with the job of repairing their roads. NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said, “This is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s focus on improving and repairing the roads you use every day, to help keep communities safe and supply chains moving.” 

Mayor of Forbes Shire Council Phyllis Miller said Council will receive $3.3 million to help with the mammoth task of repairing their local road network. “The Forbes community is strong and resilient and we want our road network to be safe.” M

“I’m hoping the Federal Government helps with funding for our councils – to get our roads back up to scratch,” said Phyllis.

Applications Closing Soon For The Y’s NSW Youth Parliament: Calling all thought-leaders, change-makers, trailblazers and inspired young people. Applications are closing soon for the Y NSW’s 2023 Youth Parliament. Young people in years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age) in all 93 NSW state electorates are invited to apply. 

The Y NSW CEO Susannah Le Bron commented that the Youth Parliament program provides an important platform to ensure young people are heard. “If you are a young person in NSW looking for an opportunity to stand up and give a voice to issues that you’re passionate about, I urge you to put in your application for our 2023 Youth Parliament.” 

To apply to take part in the 2023 Youth Parliament, eligible young people should visit ymcansw.org.au/youth-parliament and submit their application before 17th February 2023. School teachers and Members of Parliament can also nominate a young person.

The Parkes Elvis Festival Celebrated Its 30th Anniversary In Style: The 30th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival was celebrated with a 5-day long extravaganza from Wednesday, 4th January to Sunday, 8th January 2023.

Themed “Blue Hawaii,” in honour of Elvis Presley’s 1961 hit musical, the Festival drew in over 25,000 Elvis fans from around the world to the Parkes, which was transformed into a tropical paradise for the occasion.

“We are thrilled to have celebrated 30 years of the King at the Parkes Elvis Festival. This year’s themed ‘Blue Hawaii’ event drew in a record number of Elvis fans from around the world to our regional town,” said Festival Director Tiffany Steel. 

“The Festival is an important economic driver for the region, bringing millions into the local economy and supporting local businesses.”

“Feedback from Festival guests and locals has been incredible and we’re already looking ahead to how we can deliver another stellar event for 2024,” added Tiffany.

In 2024, Parkes Elvis Festival will celebrate its 31st year with the theme Jailhouse Rock. 

Regional Seniors To Save $250 As Applications For Popular Travel Card Open: Seniors across regional NSW could save $250 on the cost of travel thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said applications for the latest round of the highly successful program are now open and encouraged eligible seniors to cash in on the initiative.

“We know how much seniors value this card – it can mean the difference between an extra few trips to visit grandkids, the ease of seeing friends locally or just getting to the shops or attending medical appointments,” Mr Toole said.

The $250 pre-paid Visa card can be used on fuel, taxis, electric charging stations, pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional train and coaches, helping those eligible with the cost of getting from A to B.

Eligible NSW Women Can Claim Fertility Treatment Rebate: Exciting news has been announced that women across NSW who have IVF or other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in private clinics can now claim a $2,000 rebate.

The cash rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and eligible women can apply for it now through their MyService NSW account or in person at a Service NSW Service Centre.

Club Forbes Cinema Presents: Puss in Boots, The Last Wish, Avatar, The way of Water, are playing from next week. Check out our website for program guides. Cub Forbes Manager Adam McGregor recommends seeing Avatar in 3D and said “we have new equipment installed. Testing has been better than expected. Our equipment will produce an experience like no other in the Central West. Our big screen in a smaller cinema, produces brighter images, combined with our active 3D glasses will produce an experience not available in the larger cinemas. Our sound system is also designed for a much larger cinema, providing perfect sound quality and experience. It seems our cinema has been purpose built for a 3D experience like no other.

Where to fuel up when traveling: Drivers are being urged to log into FuelCheck before hitting the road this Christmas after the nation-leading app identified the cheapest petrol on routes in and out of Sydney and in popular holiday spots across the state. If motorists notice the price at the pump in NSW does not match what is shown on the FuleCheck app, they can make a complaint directly to NSW Fair Trading. 

Healthy Heart Hacks: Australians can satisfy their tickers AND their tastebuds this holiday season by utilising the Heart Foundation’s top Holiday Heart Hacks.

Heart Hack #1 – Add canned pears in place of butter for a better Christmas pudding.

Heart Hack #2 – Fuel up at the start of the day.

Heart Hack #3 – Make time for exercise now, not in the New Year.

Heart Hack #4 – Load up on healthy foods before end-of-year functions.

Heart Hack #5 – Fill your platters with lots of fresh produce.

BONUS Heart Hack – Support the Heart Foundation and help to protect your friends and family. Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest killers of Australians, and yet it is mostly preventable through physical activity and nutrition.

If these Heart Hacks helpful and would like to donate to the Heart Foundation Holiday Appeal please visit campaign.heartfoundation.org.au/holiday-appeal

FuelCheck: The FuelCheck website was launched in 2016 and has received 23 million visits, the app has now had more than 2.3 million downloads. For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit: fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app 

NSW Government Supports Booming Goat Industry: The NSW Government is delivering the first program in Australia to accelerate the transformation of the goat meat sector from a wild harvested commodity into a long term, high value livestock sector.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government will invest $1.2 million into its Going Ahead with Goats program to create a more sustainable industry.

“Australia is the largest exporter of goat meat in the world, and NSW graziers are the driving force behind this rapidly growing industry,” Mr Saunders said.

“Last financial year alone, exports generated a whopping $298 million, providing a critical income for producers in Western NSW.

The Going Ahead with Goats project will be delivered by the region’s Local Land Services staff, who will work closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and other stakeholders including Western NSW goat producers.

Free Fun In The Regions These School Holidays: A travelling science exhibition, adventure activities and creative workshops are among the many activities available for regional youth to enjoy during the summer school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program. 

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said, “The programs on offer will provide social and recreational outlets to help regional youth become more involved in their local communities, and to show that living in a regional location is not a barrier for young people to try new things.” 

To find events scheduled for Parkes and Forbes go to www.nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.

Kids First Aid School Program: A new study shows 81% of aussie parents think 3 year olds should be able to dial 000 to ask for help. To provide a solution, Elastoplast is running its Kids First Aid School Program for its third year straight, equipping teachers with the knowledge to teach basic first aid in schools, and empower students with the skills they require to keep themselves and each other safe. Developed with ACHPER (The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation,) the program is useful for all aspects of life and is curriculum approved, integrating first aid knowledge into foundational, Year 1 & 2 learning structures. 

New Rules To Help Farmers Build Resilience: Farmers can now repair, restore, and rehydrate dry land without just relying on rainfall, thanks to changes to planning rules announced today by the Department of Planning and Environment. The Department’s Executive Director of Infrastructure Policy Jonathon Schipp said it is now easier for landowners to restore streams on their property through landscape rehydration techniques, without the need for development approval. A step-by-step guide will be released shortly, detailing what approvals farmers need to implement landscape rehydration techniques and rehabilitate eroded streams. For more information, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/isepp-landscape

Get In Control Of Your Digital Health: The last few years most Australians have spent their holidays in the backyard or on a balcony due to the impact of COVID-19. As the world opens back up, tourism experts are forecasting a bumper holiday season – so if you’re planning on travelling, ensure your My Health Record is up to date. The team at the Australian Digital Health Agency can explain why. For more information go to www.digitalhealth.gov.au 

Free Legal Diary And Calendar For Seniors: Avoiding scams, planning for retirement, making a will or getting financial help are just some of the topics included in the free 2023 Legal Topics for Seniors Diary, which is available for collection or ordering online. A free 2023 Legal Topics for Seniors wall calendar is available for seniors which includes important dates such as the NSW Seniors Festival, Grandparents Day and the school holidays. Seniors can collect the 2023 Seniors Diary from their local Legal Aid NSW office, local library, State Member of Parliament’s office, or order online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/order-a-publication

Skate, Scooter And Bike Facilities For Parkes And Trundle: Parkes Shire Council has secured $500,000 from the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) and $300,000 from the Federal Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) Phase 3. The funding will be used for the development of the Trundle Skate Park, the Parkes Pump Track and to upgrade the Parkes Skate Park. Councillor Jacob Cass said, “Facilities like these are hugely popular amongst youth in the community and offer a space for them to learn new skills, build friendships.”

$15 Million To Fix Roads: The Forbes and Parkes Shires are part of the eight councils in central and western NSW to receive $15 million in emergency funding fast-tracked by the NSW Government for urgent road repairs to restore access to flood impacted areas. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding would allow councils to start repairing critical infrastructure and support future recovery works. “With harvest underway, we also need to ensure roads are up to the task of carrying the additional truck and heavy machinery to get this crop off and to receival sites,” said Paul. “This cash is being directed straight to councils which, with their detailed knowledge of their local region and roads, are best placed to identify those critical priority areas. 

More Help For Roads: On Tuesday NSW Regional Roads Minister Sam Farraway announced the NSW Government would deploy 200 people and heavy machinery to the Central West and Murrumbidgee to assist with the mammoth task of reconnecting the road network. According to local councils about 10,000km of roads had been flood-affected. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe welcomed the extra help, but said roadworks would be needed for many months to come. “Rural people are dismayed at how quickly the road network crumbled, and it’s pretty clear that we need to rebuild better so we can avoid these sorts of headaches in the future. 

Flood Funding: Last Friday recovery grants to help begin immediate clean-up and recovery costs, and to repair extensive damage, were increased from $25,000 to up to $75,000 for primary producers. The grants were made available to all of local government areas (LGAs) that had been disaster declared since 14th September. 

Dangerous Mould: As the devasting floods start to subside, they leave a mess, including dangerous mould. National Asthma Council Australia spokesperson and GP, Dr Joel Ten said it was critical that mould wasn’t left to grow unchecked. “Reducing the amount of moisture as soon as possible is the best way to control mould growth, so do a thorough clean and open all the doors and windows to dry out the area as quickly as possible. If you can, use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the process,” he said. For more information visit nationalasthma.org.au