Special Interests Archives - Page 11 of 121

Just $25 Will Help Support Families Like Henry’s

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Henry was born prematurely in 2021 and Ronald McDonald House has been helping him ever since. He often returns to Orange for medical appointments with specialists. Henry loves visiting ‘Hen’s House’ as he calls it – a comforting place for him that has been the family’s ‘home away from home’ for over 4 years.

Henry from Parkes has been staying with Ronald McDonald House, on and off, since before he was born.

During a routine antenatal checkup in Parkes, Lou and Gary were advised to travel to Orange hospital immediately where Lou was admitted that night and Garry was luckily offered a room at Ronald McDonald House Central West, within walking distance of the Hospital.

The next day Lou was asked to stay in Orange so that their baby could continue to be monitored. Lou was 22 weeks at this stage, and Ronald McDonald House in Orange became their ‘home away from home’.After two weeks the decision was made to transfer to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit suitable for premature babies in anticipation of Henry’s arrival.

“The staff in Orange went out of their way to assist with travel and transfer arrangements,” said Garry. This also included booking them a room at Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle. “It eases the financial pressures and the physical toll of having to be a distance away.”

Henry didn’t keep Lou and Garry waiting long once they arrived in Newcastle – he was born the next day, at 24 weeks weighing 560 grams.

To help support Henry, and kids just like him, you can enter the Ronald McDonald House Central West raffle and go in the draw to win a Hyundai Kona.

Simply buy a $25 ticket to enter and you’ll be in the draw to win, plus you’ll also be helping Ronald McDonald House support sick kids from across the Central West.All proceeds from the raffle stay in the Central West at Ronald McDonald House Central West and help support families with sick and injured children from across the region.

To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Central West and buy a ticket in the raffle to win a Hyundai Kona visit their website at www.rmchcwnsw.org.au

September Is Prostate Cancer Month

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in Australia. Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, with approximately 25,000 men diagnosed with the disease each year in Australia, September is Prostate Awareness Month and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia are encouraging men to take preventative action.

In Parkes, the Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group will be co-ordinating a number of outreach activities from 8-12 September, including an information table at Parkes Pharmacy. Community members are invited to consult with group representatives for further information.

Initial symptoms may include abdominal pain, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating or sometimes no noticeable signs. Men with a family history of cancer, especially those aged forty or even younger, are advised to consult with their doctor for appropriate testing on an annual basis. The same recommendation is made for all men aged fifty or over, as timely detection is important.

Many men are reluctant to undergo digital rectal examinations (DRE), but recent studies indicate that DRE is no longer the primary diagnostic tool, and alternative tests are available. Further information at: www.pcfa.org.au.

Talk2MeBro Ladies Catchup In Forbes This Sunday

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Event co-ordinators at a previous Talk2MeBro Forbes catch-up.

Mental health and suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro will host another of its regular Ladies Catchups in Forbes at the scenic Ski Dam, this Sunday, 14 September, from 7:30am.

The Ladies Catchups are casual gatherings specifically designed to bring women together to reconnect with themselves, share, and build meaningful connections.

These female-only events are dispersed between guys catch ups, and community catch ups across the region, and have proven incredibly impactful in creating supportive networks among participants.

This Sunday’s Ladies Catchup will provide residents with mental health support through relaxed conversation, breath work exercises, ice bath experiences, and connection in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The combination allows participants to find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey while experiencing proven wellness practices that support both physical and mental wellbeing.

The Forbes Ski Dam setting provides a beautiful, peaceful backdrop. Women from all walks of life are welcome, whether attending alone or with family members. No prior experience with breathwork or ice baths is necessary. The focus is on showing up for yourself and supporting others.

The Forbes Ladies Catchup represents the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making mental health support easily accessible to everyone in regional communities.

By maintaining regular catchups across Central NSW, Talk2MeBro ensures that residents have access to support and genuine connection right in their own backyard.

The organisation partners with councils, schools, workplaces, gyms and sporting clubs to help create safe spaces for genuine conversations about mental health.

Registration is essential: www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbesladies

Free Online Child Car Seat Safety Workshops

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parents, carers and grandparents of young children are invited to attend one of two free online workshops being held next week to provide important safety information about child car seats.

The workshops are being conducted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils in partnership with Transport for NSW. The workshops will be held online via Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday 17 September at 10am and again at 7pm, and will run for about an hour.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the correct selection, installation and adjustment of child car seats is vital.

“The workshop will cover the National Child Restraint Laws, types of child car seats available, correct installation and adjustment, when to move to the next car seat, accessories, tips for secondhand car seats and much more.

“It will be a great refresher for grandparents, as child car seats and the rules have changed a lot since they had their children, but also for parents and carers as they are navigating their way through their child or children’s growth.

“Local checking day events show that around 80% of the child car seats we checked were incorrectly installed. Transport for NSW research shows that children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured. It is so important to ensure your precious cargo is safe,” Ms Suitor.

To book your place, use this link: https://bit.ly/SeptWkshopRego, or visit Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

Call Joe From Jim’s Mowing Canowindra

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Joe Costello is now servicing the local area with his Jim’s Mowing franchise.

Meet Joe Costello, who lives in beautiful Canowindra with his wife Alison. Born in Bankstown, Joe left Sydney in 1988 and moved out this way because he loves the Central West of NSW.

Joe has recently started a franchise with Jim’s Mowing in Canowindra, because after a 40 year rail career, he felt it was time to take control of his work life balance. “I’m ready to deliver the same trusted quality and professionalism that Jim’s name is known for,” said Joe.

Whether you need a simple tidy-up or a complete garden makeover, Jim’s Mowing Canowindra brings skill, care, and a passion for outdoor spaces to every job. Joe’s team works with homeowners, landlords, and businesses alike, tailoring their services to suit gardens of all sizes and styles.

You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is in experienced hands, with quality results that will make your outdoor areas shine year-round.

The list of services is extensive, including: lawn mowing, edging, ride‑on mowing, slashing and turf repair garden maintenance including mulching, fertilising, aeration, weed and pest control, hedge trimming, pruning, tree and shrub care, garden clean-ups, green waste removal and rubbish collection, gutter cleaning and odd jobs.

Why choose Jim’s Mowing Canowindra? Every project Joe takes on is carefully tailored to suit your personal preferences, needs, and budget.

“Our team is renowned for meticulous attention to detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked and every corner of your garden is cared for.

“With reliable scheduling and a commitment to leaving your property spotless,we’re dedicated to turning your outdoorspace into a place you’ll truly enjoy cominghome to,” said Joe.

Servicing Canowindra, Cargo, Blayney,Parkes, Forbes, Eugowra, Cudal, Manildraand all the surrounding areas. Messageor call today to get your garden looking itsbest. Call Joe on 0404 474 536 or email joseph.costello@jimsmowing.net

Forbes Hosts Youth Connect To Promote Safe, Healthy Communities

September 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A new youth event to be held in Forbes this September, aims to celebrate young people and strengthen community connections. Youth Connect will take place at the Forbes Skatepark and Stephen Field on Tuesday 30 September from 12pm to 3pm.

This free event will bring together services, activities, and opportunities for young people and their families, featuring: Food vendors and a BBQ, giveaways, NRL clinics, inflatables and information and engagement with local youth services.

Youth Connect is about creating a safe, welcoming space for young people to enjoy positive activities, while connecting them with the services and support networks available in Forbes.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “The event is proudly funded by Forbes CDAT, a subcommittee of the Forbes Interagency. Forbes CDAT has played an important role in building safe, healthy, and resilient communities through education campaigns and community events.

“Forbes CDAT has been making a real difference in our community for over two decades. Through education campaigns, youth programs and local events, we’ve worked to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and drug use and strengthen the health and wellbeing of our community,” the Mayor added.

Grains R&D Meeting Scheduled For Parkes

September 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Grain growers are invited to share their thoughts at the upcoming Grains R&D: Your levies, your views consultation, organised by GrainGrowers. Image: Farmpix Photography.(www.farmpix.com.au/)

Grain growers in the Parkes region are being urged to attend an upcoming grower meeting to discuss issues around grains research and development, levy rates and reviews and the impact on growers.

The Grains R&D: Your levies, your views consultation, organised by GrainGrowers as part of its representative organisation (RO) role with the GRDC, will take place in Parkes on Thursday 11 September at the Parkes Services Club, 10:30am – 12pm.

In total, meetings will be held in 18 regional centres across five states from 2 September through until 16 October. The Parkes meeting is one of four being held across NSW.

GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the meetings are an ideal opportunity for growers to consider the current situation, to put forward their thoughts on the issues and raise questions that they would like considered and answered.

Ms Gawel said in recent months there had been many discussions about grains research and development, and it was important to engage as widely as possible with growers.

“As a grower member organisation, direct engagement is in our DNA, and these meetings are designed to allow us to listen and to reflect carefully on the next steps.”

“While our members are free to contact us at any time, growers across Australia now have multiple opportunities to come together to discuss.

“The full schedule of consultations is available via our website. For anyone unable to attend, we will be holding a virtual session at a later date to encourage the widest possible consultation,” Ms Gawel said.

Further information and to register, at: www.graingrowers.com.au/events/grains-r-and-d-your-levies-your-views-parkes-nsw

Legacy Looking For Local Support

August 28, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes legatees Martin Cunningham And Frank Hanns, who participated in the legacy Centenary Torch Relay are encouraging local communities to show their support for Legacy during Legacy Week: 31 August to 6 September.

How many people know about Legacy and what it does? ‘Legacy Australia’ has provided support to the families of Australian Defence Force personnel who have lost their life, or health through service in conflicts overseas since 1923.

Legacy Australia was founded by an exserviceman, fulfilling a promise made to a dying mate in the trenches of World War 1.

This promise to look after his mate’s wife when he returned from war took on a greater meaning as the need for support for bereaved families of veterans was so great.

Today, Legacy has grown to include approximately 4,000 volunteers helping to support more than 40,000 widows and 1,800 children of veterans who have lost their lives or health due to active service overseas.

What does this mean locally? Forbes Legacy was formed in 1947 to support the widows and families in communities across the Bland, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes and Weddin Shire Council areas. Today, this area goes under the banner of Lachlan Legacy.

Lachlan Legacy President Jenny Friend stated, “Within Lachlan Legacy area there are seventy-two beneficiaries receiving support”.Forbes Legatee and Lachlan Legacy Vice President, Martin Cunningham said, “In Forbes there are eighteen beneficiaries being supported by Forbes Legacy volunteers, with another twelve in Parkes and four in Peak Hill that Forbes volunteers also look after.”

Legacy Week is the main fundraising time for this uniquely Australian non-profit organisation. This year Legacy Week runs from 31August to 6 September and volunteers will be selling promotional items (badges, pens, bears) across the country.

In Forbes volunteers will be selling items at Bunnings and Club Forbes. Parkes Services Club, Peak Hill Ex-Services and Citizen’s Club, Trundle Services and Citizens Club and Condobolin RSL and Cowra RSL will also have Legacy merchandise available.

Street Dreams Festival Set To Illuminate Forbes

August 28, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes is set to glow with colour and creativity when the brand-new Street Dreams Festival lights up the town this September.

Taking place on Saturday 27 September from 5pm to 9pm, Street Dreams is a celebration of art, light, storytelling and community spirit.

The free event will transform Harold Street, Victoria Park, and Town Hall into vibrant cultural spaces filled with interactive light displays, creative installations, live performances, and delicious food options.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the Street Dreams Festival strengthens Forbes’ growing reputation as a regional hub for creativity and culture.

“Street Dreams brings light, art and storytelling together in an immersive and intimate experience unlike anything else in the region. A night of wonder that’s uniquely Forbes,” she said.

“The event offers locals and visitors a chance to experience the heart of Forbes in a whole new light – literally!”Minister for Transport, Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham said “We’re backing Forbes Shire Council to reclaim the streets for a night of food, art, and culture.”

“The NSW Government is proud to provide more than $100,000 in funding to support this new festival.”

Local Talent To Compete At Agricultural Shows Australia National Championships

August 21, 2025 by Roxane Manley

LEFT: 15 year old Lilly Eagles from Forbes, will represent NSW in the Dairy Cattle Parading final. Local Talent. RIGHT: 17 year old Jack Smyth from Canowindra, will represent NSW in the Beef Cattle Parading final.

The 2025 National Championships is being hosted at the Royal Adelaide Show from 1-6 September 2025. The prestigious competition includes paraders of beef and dairy cattle, young judges of beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breeds sheep, and poultry, the Australian Young Farmers Challenge, and National Rural Ambassador Award.

The National Championships brings together the best of the best in rural talent, community spirit, and industry excellence.

Young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 Qualify via success in competitive regional and state competitions.

Lilly Eagles, 15 of Forbes has been selected to represent NSW in the Dairy Cattle Parading final. Currently in Year 9 at Forbes High School, Lilly is a regular on the show circuit.

“My two best moments at a show would have to be winning Junior Champion at the Forbes Show with my Ayrshire, Ash, when she was a heifer – and then taking her to International Dairy Week where she won Reserve Junior Champion. The other was at the Sydney Royal Easter Show earlier this year – I won my paraders class with my heifer Deluxe, then went on to be named Reserve Champion Parader. Now, I get the amazing opportunity to represent New South Wales at the Adelaide Royal.”

Thomas French, who is Relieving Head Teacher Science at Forbes High School said “Lilly is a diligent student who has been a part of the Forbes High School Show Team for multiple years. She is an active participant at all shows the school team attends and passionately participates in everything the Show Team has to offer.

Lilly has proven her outstanding ability in showing cattle and judging both produce and livestock at a range of shows. Lilly’s dedication is not only evident in Show Team but across the school, excelling in her academic studies as well. Lilly has earned her spot as one of the 6 national finalists through hard work, dedication and a passion in agriculture.”

Jack Smyth, 17 of Canowindra has been selected to represent NSW in the Beef Cattle Parading final.

Jack Smyth is a young stock and station agent with MCC Chudleigh Dobell in Forbes, NSW.

“I started competing in the paraders when I was 14 because I had friends doing it and it’s something I love doing. I’ve been in agriculture my whole life with my family but I started by showing cows with my school and then worked for Goondoola Livestock and Kianma Poll Herefords. I’m looking forward to my first visit to Adelaide, catching up with people and having a good day in the ring.”

Kimberly Chudleigh, Director of MCC Chudleigh Dobell said ”Our youngest stock agent Jack Smyth has proven his dedication to the agricultural industry once again! Daily Jack demonstrates a knowledge of the livestock industry which continues to grow and show in his Livestock Agent role.”

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