Parkes Shire Libraries: Calling all school aged children! Parkes Shire Libraries have an absolutely jam-packed two weeks com­ing up for the school holidays. Think ro­botics, movies, Questacon, after hours sessions, sketching and musical theatre. Bookings are open now at https://human­itix.com/au.

Forbes Safe Driver Course: is scheduled for Monday 29 September at the Youth & Community Centre. The Safer Drivers Course is designed to help young drivers feel confident and safe on the road. You will get 20 hours off your logbook, learn practical safe driving strategies, build con­fidence driving solo and be one step closer to your P’s. You are eligible if you are under 25 years old, current Learner’s Permit and already have 50+ logbook hours. Food pro­vided on the day and the course includes theory and practical. Free if you have your own concession card. Book here: https://pcycdrivereducation.org.au/book-a-course

Vinnies NSW: The NSW Government is offering assistance through its Social Im­pact Programs for eligible households. En­ergy rebates are available for low income households, families, seniors and people with certain medical conditions to pay their electricity and gas bills. These rebates support around 1 in 3 households in NSW each year, helping households to reduce their electricity bills by 15%. Find out what rebates you might be eligible for and how to apply at energy.nsw.gov.au/rebates, call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW Centre.

Visit Parkes Region: Elvis fans, this one’s for you. Step into the spotlight at ‘The King’s Castle’, Australia’s only permanent exhibition of authentic Elvis Presley memo­rabilia, right here in Parkes, NSW. Curated by Greg Page (yes, the original Yellow Wiggle!), this dazzling collection features stage-worn costumes, rare ar­tefacts, and personal items that once be­longed to the King himself. Located at the Henry Parkes Centre, also home to the replica ‘Gates of Graceland’, it’s a must-see for fans of rock ’n’ roll, pop culture, and timeless charisma. Make your visit unforgettable. Fore more information visit bit.ly/3JFrFpB

Forbes Shire Council: The spring school holiday program has been designed to keep young people engaged and active during the holidays, while also providing parents with affordable options for school holiday fun. For information and ticketing details, head to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Parkes Elvis Festival: The Parkes Elvis Festival is excited to invite volunteers to join them in delivering the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival. This is a fantastic opportuni­ty for anyone looking to gain hands-on ex­perience in the events industry, meet new people and give back to the community. To become part of the festival family, visit: bit.ly/PEFVolunteers2026

PCYC Parkes Upcoming Safer Driver Courses: The next PCYC Safer Drivers Course will be held on 20 September. The course will teach you strategies so you can drive solo with more confidence. Thanks to Parkes Leagues Club, our Parkes courses have received funding via Club Grants. You must email the club to receive a code. https://pcycdrivweeducation.org.au

Forbes Youth Action Team Forbes Show Colouring Competition: Grab your col­ouring sheet here: https://shorturl.at/fumeV Bring your finished masterpieces along to the Show Office by 4pm Friday 12 Septem­ber. Get ready for a huge day of family fun, events, competitions, rides and entertain­ment right here at the Forbes Showground. Tickets are on sale now https://www.123tix.com.au/events/49535/2025-forbes-show

Garage Sale Trail: Gather your crew for the Garage Sale Trail. Parkes Shire Coun­cil is calling for expressions of interest from schools, charities, sporting clubs, commu­nity halls and other groups keen to host a group garage sale on 8-9 or 15-16 Novem­ber 2025. Whether it’s a boot sale, hall sale or school oval sale, give pre-loved items a new home. Learn more at www.garag­esaletrail.com.au or contact Sharyn Ware on (02) 6861 2333.

Street Dreams: Be part of the magic of Street Dreams, a free youth art workshop on Saturday 20 September, 12:30pm – 2pm at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre for ages 8-13 years. Your master­pieces will feature at Street Dreams 2025 on Saturday 27 September. Register now to secure your place: www.123tix.com.au/events/49916/free-youth-art-workshop

National Child Protection Week: With children and teenagers spending more time online, including instant messaging, social media and gaming apps, it’s impor­tant to regularly talk to your child about on­line safety, what they are doing and who they are talking to. This week, and every week, we urge the community to be aware of the risks, and to do your part to help pre­vent online child sexual exploitation. For information visit: www.napcan.org.au

Parkes PCYC: On Friday 29 August the Parkes Leagues Club proudly donated $5,040 to support the PCYC Safer Driver Course. This generous contribution will help 35 local young drivers gain essential road safety skills, making our roads safer for everyone.

Rural Women’s Network: Time to nomi­nate someone you know for the NSW Com­munity Hero Award. This category is part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards and shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman who works tirelessly to contribute to the prosperity of those in her local community. Nominations close on 9 September. Give someone the recogni­tion she deserves: nsw.gov.au/wotya26

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: This coming Saturday, 6 September will be a big day out in Trundle, full of family fun. Casey Barnes & The Bushwackers per­forming LIVE Get your entry tickets now https://www.123tix.com.au/…/trundlebush-tucker-day-2025

R U OK? R U OK? Day is Thursday 11 September, but any day is an opportunity to check in with those you care about and ask how they are going. Learn more and access free resources at ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

Central West Police District: The NSW Police Force Academy Open Day will be held on 27 September in Goulburn. Explore interactive displays, meet specialist units, and discover if you’ve got what it takes to wear the badge. Entry is free but you can download your ticket at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/new-south-wales-police-academy-open-day-tickets-1579312890369

Forbes Shire Council: FSC, in partner­ship with the NSW Environment Protec­tion Authority and NetWaste, wants to hear from you! They’re looking to better understand community awareness and at­titudes around the Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) service. Have your say by completing a quick survey, it only takes a few minutes: www.surveymonkey.com/r/HTDQ2RM Survey closes Sunday, 21 September.

Central West Is Best: The annual Region­al Development Australia Photo Competi­tion is back for 2025 with entries now open. This year’s theme – Central West in Colour – invites you to showcase the region in all its colourful glory. The competition is open to all residents across the RDA Central West region, with categories for Juniors (Under 18) and Opens. For more informa­tion and to submit an entry, visit: www.rda­centralwest.org.au

CanAssist Forbes Branch: Another great supporter of CanAssist is Forbes River­side Gardens. The group recently donated $1,500 from the proceeds of their mothers day morning tea. CanAssist Forbes branch thank them for their generous support.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Declare your love at the Parkes Elvis Festival with the popu­lar Renewal of Vows ceremony. Held under the ‘Love Me Tender’ arch, this is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to renew your vows before an Elvis wedding celebrant.For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/PEFvows

NSW Government: As of 15 August 2025, it is a crime in NSW to incite hatred against someone because of their race. This includes colour, nationality, ethnicity, descent, or ethno-religious background. Public acts done intentionally to encourage racial hatred, whether in person, online, or in public spaces, can result in fines or im­prisonment. You can still share your views, have discussions, and ask questions, as long as it doesn’t encourage others to hate people based on race. Learn more about the law here: bit.ly/law-against-racial-ha­tred

Galari River Arts Forbes inc: Just Ad Kids is a 3-day filmmaking program for kids aged 10+. Come along as we make a TV ad and play your part in our production! Club Forbes, 29 and 30 September and 1 October 2025. This free event is the perfect start to the school holidays https://events.humanitix.com/just-ad-kids

R U OK? You don’t have to fix their prob­lem. Just sit, listen and be there. Remem­ber, sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Uniting Church Monday Monthly Meal: enjoy the free Monday monthly meal at the Uniting Church Hall in Parkes, 1 Septem­ber. Doors open at 5.45pm for 6pm serving of a delicious two course meal. All are wel­come to attend.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: CWLL was at Peak Hill for the official an­nouncement from Western NSW Local Health District’s Health Promotion team that Peak Hill and Gilgandra are the two finalists for the 2025-26 Building Healthy Communities Challenge. The Challenge, which will run between 1 September 2025 and 3 April 2026 aims to empower towns with fewer than 5,000 people to take con­trol of their health by providing funding and assistance to implement a community-led health initiative.

Henry Parkes Museum: As Patron of the Henry Parkes Museum, NSW State Mem­ber for Orange Philip Donato MP had the honour of officially opening the Earl Sy­monds Blacksmith Shop at the museum yesterday. Parkes’ blacksmithing history has been revived with the freshly restored blacksmith’s shop, which is the site of Parkes’ first blacksmith – Earl Symonds, after whom this working gallery is named.

This museum is amazing, and if you’ve never been it’s recommend you visit.

Want to save money and reduce food waste at home? Join the Love Food Chal­lenge this September. You’ll also get sim­ple, practical tips to help you waste less food (up to 8kg), cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and save around $160 on groceries. Sign up here bit.ly/LoveFoodChallenge.

Central West Local Land Services: Struggling with poor-performing pad­docks? Salinity could be the hidden prob­lem – even if you can’t see it. Dryland sa­linity is a growing issue in our region that can quietly reduce your crop and pasture yields. Come along to a free workshop and find out how to detect salinity early and pro­tect your farm’s productivity. Held at Goon­umbla (north of Parkes) on Wednesday 17 September. Register now https://comms.lls.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz674f8048a947c035/interface.html

Parkes Shire Libraries: Our very own Parkes Library and Cultural Centre will be host to Questacon’s touring exhibition ‘Fascinating Science’ for two months! This should give everyone lots of opportunity to visit many, many times. School and com­munity groups can book in by calling the Parkes Library.

NSW Reconstruction Authority: A Resil­ient Homes Expo will be held in Eugowra on Wednesday 3 September, 4pm-7pm.

The Expo is aimed at homeowners eligible for the Resilient Homes Program who want to make their homes more flood resilient.

Homeowners can speak with representa­tives from councils, RA, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and other in­dustry associations and businesses that are helping to deliver resilient building services in the Central West. Register for this free event https://comms.reconstruc­tion.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz6870789f18b34889/interface.html

Can Assist Forbes Branch: Another great supporter of Canassist is Forbes Riverside Gardens. Pictured are Di Buckman and Gail Irvine presenting a cheque for $1500 to Cheryl and Rex Barton from Canassist.

The donation was proceeds from fundraising at their recent mothers day morning tea.

Forbes Shire Council: Come along to our Welcome to Town event – a great chance to connect with locals, learn about services and activities, and discover everything our town has to offer. Please RSVP by Thurs­day 14 August to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.

Royal Flying Doctor Service of Austral­ia: Join Oceans to Outback and walk 87km to keep the Flying Doctor flying. That’s just 2.8km a day. It’s a rewarding fitness chal­lenge that saves lives. Walk 87km during October to keep the Flying Doctor flying to Aussies in remote, rural and regional areas. Plus, they’ll send you a free t-shirt as a reward for fundraising. Imagine how incredible you’ll feel. Sign up today: www.oceanstooutback.org.au

Rural Women’s Network: Know an in­spiring woman making a real difference? Now’s the time to shine a spotlight on them! Nominations are open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026. Celebrating trail­blazers, change makers, quiet achievers and role models from every walk of life. Nominate someone for one of these cat­egories: NSW Premier’s Woman of Excel­lence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations close 9 September 2025. The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony, Thursday 5 March. Don’t miss the chance to recognise someone extraordinary: nsw.gov.au/wotya26

RSL NSW: The RSL NSW Wellbeing Sup­port Officer Program is a statewide strate­gic initiative to reach more veterans and families than ever before, providing con­nection, camaraderie and support services to the community. More than 350 people have completed their WSO training, with more than 150 being authorised by their sub-Branch to work in their local commu­nity. Here are the five steps to become a WSO: https://rslnsw.org.au/news/infographic-5-steps-to-become-a-wellbeing-support-officer/

Parkes Elvis Festival: Entries are now open for the Busking Championships. Come and cheer on your favourite busker while they are being scored on Friday & Saturday afternoon. The top three buskers perform for the title of Busking Champion in the finals on the Cooke Park Main Stage on Sunday afternoon. Enter here: bit.ly/PEF­busking

National BBQ Championships Forbes: Calling all grill masters! Think you’ve got what it takes to be crowned BBQ royalty? Join the 2025 National BBQ Champion­ships in Forbes this October and show off your grilling skills on Saturday 18 and Sun­day 19 October at Grinstead Oval, Forbes. Register your team here: https://shorturl.at/JmzU1

Parkes Shire Council: Let’s skip the bot­tled drinks and make a splash with reusable water bottles. Make the switch from singleuse plastic water bottles and choose reus­able bottles. Every refill at a water station or tap means one less water bottle ending up in landfill or our rivers and bushlands. Imagine the collective impact if everyone made this simple switch.

NSW Fair Trading: Buying second-hand to save money? Keep in mind that most consumer guarantees don’t apply to pri­vate sales between two people. Refunds? No. Replacements? Unlikely. Repairs? Don’t count on it. Find out what consumer rights you have and how to check that sec­ond hand products are safe: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/knowyour-product-safety-rights/buy-safe-sec­ond-hand-products-online

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: For those who work full time, we have a number of branches that meet in the evenings or on weekends. But even if you can’t make it to meetings, CWA mem­bers are able to contribute in many differ­ent ways -you don’t have to attend every meeting. Search for your branch at: https://cwaofnsw.org.au/branches

Elders Limited: The Elders 2026 Calen­dar competition is back again, so get your cameras ready! From outback beauty to everyday brilliance on the land, it’s time to showcase the people, places, and mo­ments that define rural Australia. Apply to­day: https://bit.ly/4aJWKA5

Rural Health Pro: Nominations closing soon. The Excellence in Rural/Remote Health Administration Award honours out­standing healthcare administrators who have made a significant impact in rural/re­mote healthcare. Visit the website for more information and to nominate yourself or an­other worthy individual: www.ruralhealth­pro.org/s/awards/health-admin

AWN Parkes: Glen and Sharon Woods merino lambs sold to a new national merino lamb record of $420 per head on Tuesday 29 July at Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange. Cooper and the team at AWN Langlands Hanlon would like to congratu­late the Cooks Myalls team on such an in­credible achievement.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: From the directors of Frozen… Well, we have done and dusted our final dress re­hearsal for Frozen Jr. We officially open this coming Friday night, 25th July. And what a show it will be with 46 of the most talented juniors in our district. If you haven’t yet got tickets, get in quick. Only running over three weekends with most shows al­ready very close to sold out. This show is suited to children of all ages. Tickets avail­able at www.parkesmandd.com.au

Central West Police District: One of the biggest challenges in solving crimes is ac­cessing CCTV footage from areas near the scene. To strengthen our ability to in­vestigate and respond effectively, Central West Police District is asking for your sup­port. If you own a CCTV system, please consider registering it at www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/register_my_business_cctv_details. Your participation could make a vital difference in keeping our com­munity safe.

Red Bend Catholic College: Look for­ward to welcoming ex-students back to Forbes on Saturday, 23 August. If you would like to organise a tour of the College, please email jacquigreig@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

Parkes Clean Future Alliance: Have you received your ‘Have your say’ letter from Philip Donato MP? Check your let­terbox. Every person in the Parkes Shire should have a voice in this important dis­cussion. If you haven’t received your let­ter, there’s a scanned letter that you can fill in and return. Give it a few more days if your copy has yet to arrive in the mail. Otherwise, the scanned copy is avail­able at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Z5Njdfh4h/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Save The Date: Tickets are now available for the 2025 Parkes Show Dinner to be held on Saturday 16 August at the Coach­man Hotel Motel Parkes. It will be an even­ing dedicated to formally presenting the entrants in the 2025 Parkes Show Ray White Rural Young Woman and Teenager Competitions. Tickets cost $60 per person and are available from the Show Office in Welcome St, Parkes.

Roylances Tractor Replacements: The team at Roylances Tractor Replacements has celebrated a significant milestone this week – a tremendous 49 years for John Pearce, who has been a valuable employ­ee of Roylances! John is an integral mem­ber of our team, congratulations on achiev­ing this anniversary with us. Throughout all these years, John’s talents, effort, knowl­edge and pride have helped our team’s success. Thank you JP.

Hansen Optometrists Parkes: Last month our Monday optometrist Bahar, joined @onesight in Fiji to provide eyecare to remote communities. She found the ex­perience deeply rewarding and impactful. Between makeshift clinics, friendly locals, and a bit of “Fiji time,” she came back with new skills, a few Fijian words, and plenty of great memories.

Kerin Health: Is Your Toddler a Sensory Seeker? Or you baby starting to explore the world around them? Join our Little Movers or Busy Babies Group on Fridays and learn lots of quick and easy ways to help your toddler thrive (and have a coffee in the sun with another parent while the kids go crazy, this is the best bit!) Book online now www.kerinhealth.com.au/sensory-playgroup

Red Bend Catholic College: A mesasge for ex-students. Red Bend Catholic Col­lege looks forward to welcoming ex-stu­dents back to Forbes on Saturday, 23 Au­gust. If you would like to organise a tour of the College, please email jacquigreig@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

Flood Recovery Support is Still Avail­able: Recovering from the 2022 Central West NSW floods takes time, and every journey is different. If you or someone you know is still impacted, GIVIT is here to help.

GIVIT provides support to get people back on their feet as they move through recov­ery. If you or someone you know needs a helping hand, please register with GIVIT at the link below. For help or information, visit: https://www.givit.org.au/person-in-need

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

Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation: Yoorana Gunya & Binaal Billa NAIDOC Day 2025. Thanks to the fantastic workers for your work on the event, Dinawan’s Connection, Chatty’s Music, Indigenous Cultural Adventures and Essjay Photography for the beautiful pic­tures.Thank you to aunty Mavis and Cheryl for the Johnny Cakes, Greg and Luke from Zinfra for the assistance and everyone who attended to help celebrate the day.