Parkes Elvis Festival: It takes an amazing team to bring the Parkes Elvis Festival to life, and our volunteers are at the heart of it all. Pictured together are just some of our incredible volunteers hard at work during one of our Festival kick-off meetings earlier this week. Thank you for your time, passion, and commitment.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Good food. Great music. Familiar faces. New memories. That’s what Trundle Bush Tucker Day is all about. We’re counting down the days until we do it all again on Saturday 5 September. Grab your tickets and join us for a day you’ll be talking about long after it’s over. Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/4gH9myI

R U OK?: Starting the conversation can feel daunting, but research has found that nine in ten people reported feeling cared for, supported and grateful that someone took the time to check in.

Regional Arts NSW: Applications for Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants are open for the 26/27 financial year. Designed to assist with urgent needs that may arise unexpectedly. Individuals can apply for up to $3000 and organisations up to $5000. See regionalartsnsw.com.au/quickresponse-grants for information.

National Tree Day Parkes: Join us on Sunday, 26 July, from 10am–12pm at Akuna Road, near the Parkes Wastewater Treatment Plant, and be part of Australia’s biggest community tree planting event. Register by searching for the Parkes planting site on the National Tree Day website. Don’t forget your hat, gloves and water bottle.

1800RESPECT: Healthy relationships are built on respect, fairness, and consent, not power and coercion. Visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

The NSW Women of the Year: The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate women and girls who inspire us with their actions whether they are groundbreaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers or innovative role models. Nominate now: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards

Philip Donato: Phil Donato MP recently visited the ladies of the local Royal Far West Op Shop. The shop is staffed completely by volunteers – including Molly Neilson who is 94 years young. Molly has been volunteering with Royal Far West for over 60 years, and she will be acknowledged for her amazing contribution in the NSW Parliament later this year.

Parkes Shire Council

Four community projects have been awarded funding to celebrate culture, creativity and heritage across the Parkes Shire. Successful projects include:

• Voices of Wisdom: Peak Hill Elders Project – celebrating the stories of Aboriginal Elders through a photographic exhibition

• ICONIC 75: Marking the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society’s incredible milestone anniversaries

• Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day: A community celebration recognising 50 years of NAIDOC

• Flower Arranging Workshop:

Inspiring new skills and participation in the Parkes Show’s Floral Art section.

Visit Parkes Region

Fresh air, fitness and fun! Head to Kelly Reserve or Lions Park in Parkes and make the most of the outdoor exercise equipment.

Free to use, open every day and suitable for all fitness levels.

For more info and other outdoor equipment locations in the region visit: bit.ly/4arHkTa

MS Readathon

Over 37,000 families in Australia are impacted by MS. By joining this free reading challenge, you can build better reading habits with your child, while raising funds to support families. Plus, you recieve a free welcome pack when you register MS Readathon 2026.

Red Nose Australia

Walk or run 3km a day and help save little lives. Every day in Australia, nine babies and young children die suddenly and unexpectedly. By taking on the Red Set Go challenge, you’re helping fund vital research. Sign up Red Nose Day: Get silly for a serious cause!

National Tree Day Forbes

Roll up your sleeves and make a lasting contribution to the local environment by taking part in a National Tree Day Community Planting Day at Forbes Cemetery on Saturday 25 July from 10am to 12pm. A free BBQ lunch will be provided for volunteers following the planting activities. Register to volunteer https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10031869

Little Kindy Forbes

The children in Banksia celebrated NAIDOC Week by exploring Indigenous symbols and recreated them through a sensory sand drawing experience, learning how symbols can be used to share stories and represent places. They discussed the significance of traditional face painting and how it is used during cultural ceremonies before participating in their own respectful face painting experience. Children also created braided bracelets using red, black and yellow yarn, strengthening their fine motor skills while recognising the colours of the Aboriginal Flag.

Parkes Community Arts:

Parkes Crop Swap is on again this Saturday 11 July from 9am – 11am. You can swap produce, seedlings, cuttings – anything related to the love of being sustainable and sharing in the garden. There is a donation box if you choose – you’re welcome to take some produce if not swapping or donating. Access via 33A Albert St, drive up the driveway and park. Also you can park up at the Memorial Hill carpark and wander down through the gate. Please like Parkes Community Arts Facebook page to keep up to date with all manner of funky and fabulous things happening in our community.

Parkes Shire Council:

Are you a local not-for-profit or community organisation in the Parkes Shire looking for financial support? Applications are now open for the first round of Parkes Shire Council’s 2026/2027 Community Financial Assistance Grants.

Funding available includes:

General Grants, Rates and Charges Assistance, Leasing and Licensing Assistance.

Applications close: 5:00pm, Monday 28 July 2026. To apply or to view the Community Financial Assistance Policy, visit https://bit.ly/3OYKZhJ

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc:

CWLL is supporting the delivery of another Mental Health First Aid Course at Peak Hill on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August 2026. This is a Free Course thanks to support from Western NSW Local Health District, Primary Health Network, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and Landcare NSW. Please make sure you can commit to two full days of training so that the workshop can run with a full cohort. Register at: www.stickytickets.com.au/J88RLT

National BBQ Championships Forbes:

With under 4 months to go, we’ve got 11 teams locked in and ready to roll for the 2026 National BBQ Championships in Forbes. The smoke, the flavour, the competition… it’s all coming back bigger than ever. Being held at Grinsted Oval, Forbes NSW on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October 2026. Two massive days of BBQ action, packed with passion, skill and seriously good eats. There will be Cash prizes, Bragging rights and BBQ glory on the line. There will be plenty to do so come along for a sizzling weekend of barbequing, live demos, music, market stalls & kids entertainment.

Register here: https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2026/october-2026/national-bbq-championships-forbes

Forbes Shire Council: Plastic Free July is here. What plastic item will you give up or swap this month? Plastic Free July shares resources and ideas to help individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities re­duce single-use plastic waste every day at home, work, school, and even at your local café. Learn more about Plastic Free July here and pledge to refuse single-use plas­tics www.plasticfreejuly.org/

Visit Parkes Region: Unfortunately due to the weather Stargazing with Murriyang has been cancelled. But don’t worry, an­other night with the stars is taking place on Wednesday 8 July. Join CWAS at ‘Murri­yang’ CSIRO’s Parkes Radio Telescope (The Dish) for an unforgettable evening ex­ploring the night sky on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 from 5:30pm – 8pm at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. This free familyfriendly winter event requires no bookings.

Galari River Arts Forbes Inc: Commu­nity drumming workshops are back. These workshops will get us ready for the River Arts Festival on Saturday, 8 August. Work­shops taking place at the Forbes Music Academy (Riley Street) the cost is free and will be held on Sundays at 2pm, 5 July, 12 July, 26 July and 2 August.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council has secured $231,885 through the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to progress plan­ning for the Harrowvale urban growth area.

With the potential to accommodate around 2,035 future dwellings. Read more: https://bit.ly/4f7QUgr

CanAssist Forbes Branch: As part of the CanAssist family, our branch is powered by local volunteers, donors and support­ers who believe no one should face can­cer alone. Together, we can help people in our community access the practical and fi­nancial support they need throughout their cancer journey. Every dollar raised stays local – Supporting people in our commu­nity when they need it most. Donate to our branch at https://bit.ly/3QgF8I5

Transport for NSW: Need a cheap & reli­able way to get around Parkes? Take the Bus! Western Road Liners provide services weekdays, looping back to the Town Bus Shelter on Church St. Western Road Lin­ers delivers dependable town bus services Parkes NSW locals use every day. The ser­vice runs from early morning to evening on weekdays. Helping you to get to work, the shops, and appointments with ease.

Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation: Yoorana Gunya & Binaal Billa invites all community and valued patients to celebrate this year’s NAIDOC theme, “50 Years of Deadly.” We encourage community members to RSVP on 6850 1222 or via email sewb@yoora­nagunya.com.au. Transport also available, please include this in your RSVP Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Aus­tralia: Give up alcohol this July in the fight against prostate cancer. One month with­out alcohol can make a lasting difference for Australian men and their families affect­ed by prostate cancer. 1 in 5 men are likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer within their lifetime. Join Dry July and help fund support services, awareness and research for prostate cancer Prostate Cancer Foun­dation of Australia

Forbes Children and Youth Hub: Has your child always dreamed of being a drum­mer? Rob Shannon is offering the chance for those aged 8-18 years old to spend a session learning how to find your rhythm.

Being held Monday July 13th with session one from 10:00am – 11:30am and session two from 11:45 – 1:15pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/1992177528088899

Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day: The committee are seeking stallholders for their upcoming event on Saturday 19 Sep­tember. If you would like to join at Bush­man’s Hill, please submit your EOI via the following link: https://form.jotform.com/261648811099870

Parkes Shire Library: What’s your fa­vourite doodle? Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 – 50 YEARS DEADLY with Peak Hill Library. Enjoy a hot chocolate and add your favourite doodle to the community canvas using the colours of the Aboriginal and Tor­res Strait Islander flags. Come along on Tuesday July 7th from 10.30am to 12pm and help create something deadly. All ages are welcome.

Winter Fire Safety: As Australians look for ways to manage rising energy costs this winter, homeowners and renters are be­ing encouraged not to cut corners when it comes to fire safety. A simple way to stay on top of smoke alarm maintenance is to remember the Rule of 10:

• Smoke alarms should be less than 10 years old;

• It takes less than 10 seconds to clean them;

• It takes less than 10 seconds to test them.

Taking a few moments to check your smoke alarms today can provide peace of mind and help ensure your household is protected throughout the colder months.

Smoke-Free Sporting Facilities: As the winter sport season is well under way, you may have noticed Smoke-Free signs popping up around our sporting grounds.

These signs are a friendly reminder to ath­letes, volunteers and spectators that our sporting facilities are smoke‑free areas, helping make sport safer, healthier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Plastic Free July: Did you know that more than 1,850 Parkes Shire residents partici­pated in Plastic Free July in 2025? Of those, 371 residents pledged to reduce plastic use and avoid single-use plastics, while 804 people became aware of the issue and made positive changes to their eve­ryday habits. Contributing to an estimated 5.6% behaviour change across our Shire.

Every reusable bag, water bottle and lunch container makes a difference. Thanks to everyone who took part and helped reduce plastic waste in our community.

Frost And Fire Bus Service: Councillor Mattiske is encouraging everyone to make the most of the bus services running to and from Frost and Fire this Saturday. Grab your tickets at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/50065/frost-and-fire. No general parking is available on site, except for lim­ited accessibility parking for permit holders.

Brand Strategy 101: Book your spot at the Brand Strategy 101. A free masterclass de­signed to help small business owners get clear on their brand, create content with confidence and show up online without feeling pushy or overwhelmed. On Tues­day 23 June, 6pm–8:30pm at Club Forbes.

This is a free event. Registration essential: https://events.humanitix.com/branding-101-with-emily-mann

Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants: If you have an idea that could strengthen social connections, improve wellbeing, build local leadership or help our community become more resilient to future droughts, the Re­gional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants could help make it happen. Applications close 30 June, so now is the time to get your submission in. If you need assistance preparing your application, contact the Grants Team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Rising Stars: Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations proudly announced the successful recipi­ents of the latest round of the Evolution Mining Sporting Grants and Rising Star Awards. Pictured below are (back) Cam Moore (Evolution Mining’s Manager Min­ing, Technical Services and Discovery), Mayor Neil Westcott, Daisy Rice, Henry Kross, Cr Louise O’Leary (front) Mason Wild, Emrys Cassidy and Reed Wild.

Fair Work Ombudsman: The Fair Work Commission has announced this year’s An­nual Wage Review decision. The National Minimum Wage will increase to $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour. Minimum award wages will increase by 4.75%. The new rates are available at: www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/annual-wage-review/annual-wage-review-2026

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia: Every day, 79 men will hear the words: “you have prostate cancer.” Starting June 15, Walk for Him brings people together across Australia to honour and support the men in your life – lovers, brothers, fathers, and sons. Sign up, set your distance, and Walk for Him this Men’s Health Week. You can also score your free t-shirt when you raise $50. Register at www.walkforhim.org.au.

NSW Reconstruction Authority: Con­necting flood-impacted homeowners and building professionals. Join the Eugowra Industry Connect session to get clear, practical advice on your next steps in your journey with the Resilient Homes Pro­gram. At the Eugowra Community Hub, 41 Nanima Street, Eugowra, on Tuesday 16 June, 4–6pm (drop in anytime). Reg­ister at: https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz69fd2718bef4d903/interface.html

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF): CCWF have launched SistaCare peer sup­port and education groups for women at six new locations in western NSW. The first program sites were Bourke, Condobolin, Forbes, Narromine and Parkes. Education sessions could be about the topics of do­mestic and family violence, money skills, women’s health, wellbeing, employment and other topics. Call 1800 067 067 and speak to Bec for more information.

Western NSW PHN: Do you know an emerging primary health care professional who has demonstrated strong leadership? Nominate them for the Emerging Leader Award at the 2026 Primary Health Excel­lence Awards. There are several catego­ries to recognise quality work in Aboriginal health, innovation, leadership and recogni­tion of service across our region. Nomina­tions close 22 June at https://bit.ly/4wttudd

R U OK? You never know what someone’s carrying. A small act of care – be it a smile, a phone call, dropping off a meal, or running an errand – might be exactly what some­one needs. Pay it forward today. Remem­ber to check in with your mates, even when they seem to be managing. If you’re going through a difficult time and need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

GETTIN’–A–GRIP Men’s Health Week: Join NSW Independent MP for Orange, Phil Donato in Orange, on Saturday 6 June 2026 for a one-of-a-kind event to kick off Men’s Health Week blending entertain­ment, community connection, and a pow­erful message about men’s physical and mental health. This inaugural GETTIN’–A–GRIP event is a live-streamed amateur arm-wrestling competition designed to spark conversation, raise awareness, and encourage men to prioritise their health — because it matters. Orange Ex-Services’ Club, 8:30am – 12:30pm.

Bowel Cancer Australia: June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Bowel Can­cer waits for no one. Bowel cancer is Aus­tralia’s second biggest cancer killer but if found early, more than 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully. The free athome test is simple, quick, and completed in the privacy of your own home. The test detects blood in the stool which can be an early sign of bowel cancer — often before any symptoms appear. For more informa­tion, visit bowelcancer.org.au

Kidney Health Australia: When a child is diagnosed with kidney disease, their world gets very confusing. That’s why Kidney Health Australia sends newly diagnosed children a comforting welcome pack with a Billy the Kidney plush toy, an activity book and resources designed to help kids and their families make sense of what’s hap­pening. $55 puts a welcome pack in the hands of a child who’s just been diagnosed. Donate before 30 June at https://donation.kidney.org.au/taxappeal2026/donate

National Breast Cancer Foundation: Be­come a Pink Hero, fundraise and get re­warded. Whether you choose to host an intimate afternoon tea, or a big gala din­ner – you will help fund world-class breast cancer research and accelerate progress towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Click to learn more at htt­ps://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/pink-hero

Thank A First Responder Day: As Aus­tralia prepares for Thank a First Responder Day on 10 June 2026, the national aware­ness initiative led by Fortem is this year focusing on greater understanding, con­nection, and year-round support for first re­sponders and their families. Australians are encouraged to leave a message of grati­tude this Thank a First Responder Day, recognise a first responder who has made a difference in their lives, and support Fortem’s work delivering evidence-based mental health and wellbeing programs. For more information, please visit www.thanka­firstresponder.org.au

Holy Family School, Parkes: Students at Holy Family School came together to ac­knowledge and reflect on National Sorry Day. Students participated in creating In­digenous inspired scratch art hands, which were combined to form a beautiful col­laborative artwork. This meaningful activ­ity provided an opportunity for students to express their understanding, respect and empathy through art.

Forbes Children and Youth Hub: The YACC mural has grown. There are now even more vibrant, quirky creatures on the exterior wall of the Forbes Youth & Com­munity Centre, brought to life with the help of 15 local kids and mural artist James O’Hanlon. From scribble grids to spray paint, the workshop gave young creatives a hands-on role in shaping the design, cel­ebrating inclusion. Check it out the next time you’re passing by.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Are looking forward to supporting another Mental Health First Aid Course at Peak Hill on 5 and 6 August with workshop provider Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.

Registrations aren’t up as yet, but you can send through an expression of interest to cwllandcare@gmail.com For more infor­mation, check out the blog at: https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2026/04/30/looking-at-landcare-30-4-2026-peak-hill-mhfa-training-under-building-healthy-communities-challenge/

Western NSW PHN: If your organisation is driving connected, sustainable primary care, nominate now for recognition at the 2026 Primary Health Excellence Awards.

There are several categories to recognise quality work in Aboriginal health, innova­tion, leadership and recognition of service across our region. Nominate today https://bit.ly/4wttudd

Parkes Shire Council: Due to low RSVP numbers, the Welcome to Parkes Event scheduled for Thursday 21 May has been postponed. We are hoping to reschedule the event later this year and will share new details soon. In the meantime, if you are new to town and looking to connect with lo­cal groups, clubs, services and activities, we encourage you to check out the Con­nect the Dots Project – our new social co­hesion community initiative. Find out more here https://bit.ly/4sXQIFA

St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes: St Laurence’s gathered as a school com­munity for our annual National Sorry Day Liturgy, marking the beginning of Recon­ciliation Week. As part of this special day, Aboriginal Representative Council (ARC) students Indi, Quinn, Ava, Oliver, Bella and Harry were formally recognised through a special badge ceremony.

Parkes Shire Council: Did you know Lake Endeavour has reopened ahead of sched­ule? Works are now complete, includ­ing dredging and construction of the new launch area, plus an expanded swimming area with an extra 10 x 20 metres of beach sand and a realigned swimming buoy. PSC looks forward to welcoming the community back to enjoy the improved facilities.

National Breast Cancer Foundation: GO PINK starts next month, and we need you to make a Pink Pledge, because every day, 56 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer. But you can help save lives by making a pledge to either Wear it, Shave it, or Colour it, to raise vital funds for breast cancer research. Help us achieve zero deaths from breast cancer. Register now at fundraise.nbcf.org.au/event/go-pink/home

Legal Aid NSW: Do you know what you’re legally allowed to do at your age? Grow­ing up comes with new rights and respon­sibilities but it’s not always clear when you can make certain decisions for yourself or get into trouble for doing them too soon. Learn more: https://loom.ly/ztjtVWw

Australian Cancer Research Founda­tion: Bring your community together and help fund cancer research. Host a special event in your local area, fund lifesaving re­search for the 2 in 5 Australians that will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

Your event could be a luncheon, themed party, sports tournament or anything you choose! Sign up today and register your interest to host at www.acrf.com.au/hostinterest.

Western Local Land Services: Sheep and goats require different eID tags. If you’re ever unsure which species an eID device is designed for, just check the NLIS ID printed on the tag. The secret is in the 10th digit. Here’s what each letter means:
S = Sheep breeder T = Sheep post‑breed­er (pink tags) K = Goat breeder L = Goat post‑breeder (pink tags). Visit the webpage for information https://bit.ly/3JEurvo

Forbes SES Unit Request: The Forbes SES Unit is looking for good quality pallets to place sandbags on during flood opera­tions. If you have any pallets you would like to get rid of, please feel free to leave them outside the unit gates. Your support helps Forbes SES Unit to prepare and respond during flood events and is appreciated by the volunteers who serve the community.