Forbes Youth Action Team: We are so excited to celebrate Youth Week 2025 with an awesome line-up of events and activi­ties happening across Forbes during Youth Week and the April school holidays. From workshops and creative sessions to fun social events and hangouts. This is your time to connect, create and celebrate what makes young people in our community so amazing. To register go to: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

Parkes Shire Council: With Easter, school holidays, and Anzac Day all in April, our roads will be busier than ever. Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire Councils, along­side NSW Police, are urging all road users to take extra care. Double demerits apply for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone, and helmet offences apply druing the following periods: Easter 17-21 April Anzac Day 2427 April. Expect extra police patrols focus­ing on speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue, and distractions. Stay alert, obey the road rules, and drive to con­ditions. Read more at: bit.ly/4cgrdIn

Rural Women’s Network: The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for 2025 is now open. Established in 2010 the Honour Roll has to date enshrined 1,348 women and girls as a lasting acknowledgement of their volunteer work. Whether it’s a fam­ily member, friend, colleague, community leader or yourself, now is the perfect time to nominate unsung heroes who go above and beyond. Find out more, check the eli­gibility criteria and nominate a volunteer in your life today to shine a light on their in­credible contributions at: hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com

R U OK? April is Stress Awareness Month. Someone that you know could be deal­ing with stress or going through a difficult time. Financial pressures, relationship dif­ficulties, change at work or home, parent­ing struggles, health issues and grief can all take a toll. Check in with the people in your life. Talking things through can really help. For conversation tips, visit ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

PCYC Parkes: Book a Safer Drivers Course this School Holidays in Parkes on 23 April and Forbes on 14 April. In just five hours, get 20 hours off your log book and get one step closer to your P-plates Fully funded spots available for the Parkes Course, simply email the club for a voucher number: parkes@pcycnsw.org.au.

Kerin Health: Megan and Carmen rep­resented Kerin Health at the networking event and forum hosted by CSU Three Riv­ers Department of Health. The theme was Thrive 2025 ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’. So many amazing things are happening within rural health and collabo­rating with other allied health providers to bridge the gap.

Calling All Youth Leaders: The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is looking for young people aged 12-24 from diverse backgrounds across NSW to help advise the NSW Government on issues that mat­ter. This is your chance to have your voice heard and represent children and young people across the state. Learn more and apply before 20 April at acyp.nsw.gov.au.

Young Farmer Business Program: Are you a tradie, farmer, or gardener aged 1825? The 2025 Global Footprints Scholar­ships is a chance to gain international work experience and make a real impact on the planet. If you’re passionate about sustain­ability and working in agriculture, horticul­ture, or trades, this is your opportunity to travel the world and make your mark! Ap­plications open 1 May 2025. Find out more and apply at www.globalfootprints.org.au

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: Tickets on sale now for Mamma Mia. Pur­chase your tickets online at www.parkes­mandd.com.au or pop in to the box office at Parkes Little Theatre on Sunday from 10.30am – 12pm.

Australian Schools Plus: Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Common­wealth Bank are closing in one week! Nominate or apply for the Awards before 9am on 8 April 2025. Twelve outstanding teachers or school leaders will receive a prestigious $20,000 award, including $10,000 for a high impact school visit pro­gram as well as a 12-month Teaching Fel­lowship. To nominate or apply, visit www.schoolsplus.org.au/teachingawards/

TAFE NSW Forbes: Statement of At­tainment in Aboriginal Site Works (90083366V01) ran from March 24 – 27 March. Students had the privilege of participating in a hands-on course, gaining valuable skills and knowledge from Uncle Victor. Students learned how to record informa­tion and knowledge on Country, while gain­ing insights from both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal perspectives. The course culminated in a BBQ lunch at the Dreaming Centre, where high school student danc­ers showcased their talents with the Yanu Mun-Yana dance, gifted to them by Uncle Stu McMinn.

Homegrown Parkes: Help us welcome Chef Jack Brown to Homegrown Parkes this Saturday, 29 March. Jack, who has spent some time in the Central West, is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine. Jack will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am – 12pm and you are invited to join in. For further information please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org twitter, fa­cebook or Instagram @cwllandcare

Forbes – It’s Your Turn For A Plot Twist! Young people aged 8 – 14 years are invited to choose the books they want to go into Forbes Library. There will be snacks, prizes and games! Be prepared to have fun. It is all happening on Friday 4 April from 4pm – 5pm at The Book Dispensary in Forbes, 4 Templar Street. Please note this location for the event. Choose the books you’d like to read for your local library and get first dibs on your selection. So come along and bring your parents for supervision if under 12 years of age or be signed in by a parent or carer for Plot Twist. Bookings essential online through Try Booking: www.trybook­ing.com/events/landing/1368351 or by call­ing Forbes Library on 6852 1463 or The Book Dispensary on 1300 002 871.

NSW Farmers: Farmers must not be left without the funding needed to put Aussie grown food on tables, NSW Farmers has warned as the Albanese Government deliv­ers its latest federal budget. Poor infrastruc­ture, telecommunications and biosecurity are just some of the challenges farmers will be left to face alone if federal funding is not increased, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said. “Our government keeps talking about a future made in Australia, but how about a future grown in Australia? As we head to the polls, our politicians can’t for­get the fact that people need fresh, Aussie grown food at fair prices. We need to keep our farmers farming.”

Charles Sturt University Health Forum: CSU is hosting a forum in Parkes today, Friday 28 March, 8am to 3.30pm for health students. Dive into a full day of insightful talks and presentations on ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’ from health professionals working in speech pathology, physiotherapy, pharmacy, health promo­tion, paramedicine, First Nations health, dementia care, and research. The day in­cludes an incredible line-up of speakers. Find more details at: https://threerivers.csu.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2025/thrive-2025-parkes

Forbes Shire Council: Councillors and community members are having their say on the Active Transport Plan. Do we need more bike paths safer, pedestrian cross­ings, wider footpaths? You can complete the plan online https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-active-transport-plan-2025

Black Dog Institute: Rock a mullet this April for Mullets for Mental Health! Earn incredible rewards – like the exclusive Mul­lets party shirt. Your mullet can be long or short, it’s up to you. If you’re down for the Mullets for Mental Health vibe, join the challenge today and show your support. Register for free today at www.mulletsfor­mentalhealth.org.au

Parkes Shire Council: Local sporting groups and talented individuals have the opportunity to apply for a grant, through Round 1 of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program. Round 1 has $30,000 available for a Sports Grant and $5,000 for a Ris­ing Star Grant, which can assist sporting clubs and organisations with programs, equipment, facilities, and development op­portunities, or individual sportsperson. For more information and eligibility criteria of the grant program, visit: http://bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants. Applications close Midnight 30 March 2025.

The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts: The 2025 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival offers Art Prizes in the following Sections: painting and local artist (any me­dia). For more information and to enter, go to: https://bit.ly/3XmWFOT. Applications will be accepted until Midnight (AEST) on 23 May 2025.

Parkes Shire Libraries: The 2025 Waste 2 Art Exhibition and Competition is back with this amazing launch and creative workshop to kickstart your creative project. Join Bill Tink from NetWaste who will ex­plore all things Waste 2 Art in his talk with a focus on this year’s waste theme – Toys. Bill will cover topics like recycling, wish-cy­cling, and the many waste issues we face, especially in relation to toys. Followed by a creative workshop with multidisciplinary artist Jac Davies from Orange. Bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-launch-and-workshop

The Forbes Men’s Shed: Do you have a wood or metal project that you might need some help on? Something that needs fix­ing? Or are you just curious about what the Mens Shed is all about? Maybe you would like to join? Forbes Men’s Shed open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am – 1pm.

Parkes Show Society: This week Parkes Show Society held their annual AGM at the Parkes Services Club. It was great to see all positions filled and a strong and vibrant committee for 2025 that are look­ing forward to organising the 144th annual Parkes show in August.

The Smith Family: Every child in Australia deserves the support they need to succeed n school and build a brighter future. But 1 n 6 children are living with poverty, and this imits their access to essential learning re­sources. When you sponsor an Australian child growing up in poverty, you’ll provide vital financial help and the extra learning support they need to create a better fu­ture for themselves. Sponsor an Australian child today. https://bit.ly/40DY6cC

Red Bend Catholic College: Applications for 2026 enrolments close on Thursday, 10 April. If you would like to enrol your child, please head to the website for information: www.redbendcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolments

Parkes Services Club: Calling all Elvis fans! Complete the Elvis 2025 survey for your chance to win a $150 Wish Gift Card. htt­ps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6PHWHVB Survey closes 28 February at 10am.

Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc: LWRS will be running two more Par­enting for Resilience workshops. These two 1.5hr workshops will focus on Confi­dence Building for Teens and Promoting your Teen’s Mental Health. The workshops will be held in the LWRS office and will be conducted via Zoom with a morning tea provided. To book your spot or get more info, reach out to the team on 02 6895 3301 or at hello@lwrs.org.au.

Women NSW: The NSW Women of the Year Awards have been a powerful platform to recognise and celebrate incredible wom­en and girls whose determination, courage, talent, and passion continue to inspire their communities and beyond. The NSW Wom­en of the Year Awards 2025 ceremony will be held on Thursday, 6 March as part of NSW Women’s Week (2–8 March). Learn more and watch the livestream here: nsw.gov.au/wotya25

R U OK? One of the kindest things you can do is check in with someone to see how they’re going. Not just today, but any day. Imagine the impact if we all reached out to those we care about and started a meaningful conversation.

New Spring Street Footpath Open: 12,500 pavers later, the footpath on the northern side of Spring Street is now open to pedestrians. The path now matches beautifully with other footpaths in the CBD, with the same coloured pavers used to re­place the old concrete path.

Australian Rural Leadership Founda­tion: Are you ready to embrace the courage, collective spirit, and hope of changemak­ing? Join us for a two-day Changemaker Workshop to create a positive, lasting im­pact on your community. This workshop is fully subsidised with thanks to the Austral­ian Government’s Future Drought Fund. For more information and to register, visit rural-leaders.org.au

Parkes Shire Libraries: Hooray, our chil­dren’s programs for 2025 have started. Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays at 10.30am and Rhyme Time on Thursdays at 10.30am. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Contact the library on 6861 2309 for more information and to book a spot.

R U OK? Welcoming a new child into the family is a happy occasion, but the momen­tous change that it brings can also impact a parent’s emotional wellbeing. Get tips for supporting new parents: https://ruok.au/Ash

Parkes Chamber of Commerce: Provide feedback to Parkes Shire Council on what our business community needs. Survey closes Sunday 16th Feburary 2025. If we do not provide feedback, then decisions will be made without understanding the ex­act needs of our businesses in the Parkes Shire https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LocalBusinessSurvey

Central West Police District: Our com­munity are our eyes and ears. If you have information or if you see something that doesn’t make quite seem right Crime Stoppers NSW on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Art of Hope Australia: Healthcare Heroes these are for you! For each and every one of you who give everything of yourself to others – often for very little pay, reward and acknowledgement. There are so many in­credible people who support our health­care systems – I don’t want to mention any in particular because then I’ll leave other just as important ones out! But you know who you are extraordinary humans and so do your colleagues. A Heart of Hope is a small way to acknowledge someone who goes above and beyond. Get yours today at https://artofhope.com.au

Regional Business Supplies: Regional Business Supplies are proud to sponsor the Good Nature Award at schools across the Central West, helping to celebrate the amazing students in our community! Re­member, where you shop matters. Local businesses like ours can continue support­ing initiatives like this only with your help. Shop local and keep the good going.

ABC Central West: Posting back-to-school photos to social media is a popular way to mark students’ return to the classroom, so how can parents make sure they’re shar­ing safely? Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnews­app.

Parkes Shire Council: Are you a local Parkes Shire not-for-profit or community based organisation looking for a helping hand? Round 2 of Parkes Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program is now open. This round includes General grants of up to $1,000.00 for a specific pur­pose or event, and Leasing and Licensing grants to request a reduction in leasing and licensing fees on Council owned proper­ties. For more information or to apply, visit:bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants.

TAFE NSW Forbes Campus: A great op­portunity for a face to face course on cam­pus starting 18th February. Places are lim­ited so if you or someone you know would like to enrol, get in quick.

Certificate III Nail Technology SHB30321: Acquire skills to become a qualified nail technician as you learn how to make peo­ple feel their polished best.

Essential Energy Grants: Grants up to the value of $15,000 are available for com­munity-based initiatives supporting the en­vironment, education, resilience or related to the energy transition. Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations, chari­ties and community groups located within Essential Energy’s network area. Nomina­tions will close on Monday, 31 March 2025. For further information and to apply, go to: www.essentialenergy.com.au/essential­grants

Laps for Life: Could you swim 2km this March? That’s only 3 laps per day! Swim 2km this March, get a free swim cap, raise funds to help prevent youth suicide. Every­day one young person takes their own life. But you can help prevent this. By swim­ming and raising funds for ReachOut’s suicide prevention program. Swimming to save lives. Sign up today: https://www.lapsforlife.com.au

Parkes Shire Concert Band: The Parkes Shire Concert Band are putting a call out to anyone who may have taken a photo of the band leading the Elvis parade? If so they are asking you to send a copy via email gaveltom@hotmail.com

Lifeline Central West: Did you know we also have financial counsellors who pro­vide information, support and advocacy to help clients overcome financial difficulties.

You can book a free phone, online or faceto-face appointment on 1300 798 258 or email info@lifelinecentralwest.org.au

Gooloogong Valentine’s Day Markets: The Gooloogong Park Valentine’s Markets will be held on Sunday, 9 February 2025, 9am to 1pm. To date they have over 30 stalls booked in with a wide range of prod­ucts on sale. This an ideal opportunity to purchase a special gift for a loved one.

Don’t forget that EFTPOS facilities are not always available due to poor internet reception so bring along some cash just in case. For further information and stall bookings email gooloogongparkmarkets@gmail.com or text 0488 237 678.

Talk 2 Me Bro: The guys are catching up this Sunday 3 February from 7:30 at the Boys to the Bush office. Come along for ICE baths, connections and breathwork.

Come and enjoy a morning of Connection with yourself and others. This event will be facilitated by the Talk2mebro Team. Regis­ter here https://www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbes-guys/

Munch and Move SWS: Starting school can be exciting but also challenging for some children. Parents can help their chil­dren have a good start to school by joining this free and online Small Steps webinar.

Ask questions and learn about separation anxiety and how to help children face any worries with small steps. The free event runs on Tuesday 11 February from 6pm to 7.15pm. Families can register at: https://events.humanitix.com/small-steps-separa­tion-anxiety-seminar

Parkes Chamber of Commerce: Calling for business feedback for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival. Closes midnight 2 February https://dnsw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0VTsXdNNI3zB1X0

Forbes Shire Council: Calling all commu­nity groups, charities and not-for-profit or­ganisations based in Forbes Shire. Could your organisation use some funding to help out with an upcoming event or project? You can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, with a total $75,000 available across four cat­egories. Applications close midnight on Fri­day 31 January. For more information and to apply go to https://forbesshire.smart­ygrants.com.au

Forbes Shire Council: Congratulations to Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, who recently became the new Presi­dent of Local Government NSW. LGNSW is the peak body representing and advocat­ing for local councils across NSW. She will remain in the role until the next LGNSW general election in November 2025.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Save the date for Saturday 6 September. Excitement is brewing in Trundle, and the fantastic com­mittee is gearing up to deliver the ultimate Trundle Bush Tucker Day experience, with traditional bush games, kid’s entertain­ment, and incredible artists to entertain crowds throughout the day – there is some­thing for everyone!

Inland Rail Update: We’re making good progress in Forbes. Inland Rail contractor, Martinus Rail, have been working on impor­tant upgrades for the Lachlan River Bridge.

Work has involved replacing the existing bracing and installing strengthening plates, to ensure the bridge will be ready to han­dle the increased loads of double-stacked freight trains. Stay up to date with work happening across Stockinbingal to Parkes here: https://inlandrail.info/3Wm0wvq

Parkes Shire Libraries: Get your tickets now! This workshop is going to be fun and is one not to be missed. Inspired by the art of Sheila Hicks, Deb Jones and Hel­en Standen will guide you to make some beautiful pods from yarn and other recy­cled fabrics. You will also have the oppor­tunity to submit your pod in the Fibre Arts Exhibition, as part of a collaborative, com­munity installation. For tickets to all Fibre Arts workshops, click here: https://collec­tions.humanitix.com/fibre-arts-workshops

Forbes TAFE Campus: Begin your path into engineering and manufacturing and gain the skills in welding by enrolling in MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineer­ing Pathways (Welding). This exciting new night course begins 12 February at TAFE NSW Forbes Campus and will run every Wednesdas from 6pm-10pm for 12 months. This course is eligible for the feefree TAFE initiative (conditions apply). For more information Contact Forbes TAFE.

Kids Helpline: Heading back to school can be a tough time for some young peo­ple, especially if bullying is a concern – but you’re not alone. We’re here to support you with free, confidential counselling, self-help tools, and downloadable resources to sup­port you. Get tips on how to tackle bullying at: https://kidshelpline.info/4jjEkvB