Special Interests Archives - Page 16 of 121

Variety Nsw Bash: Delivering Grants To Kids In Need In Regional Nsw

May 15, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On Day 5, Thursday 22 May, the group will travel through Euabalong West and on to Parkes. Day 6, Friday 23 May, the vehicles will be departing Parkes and heading through Bogan Gate.

The iconic Variety NSW Bash is back for its 33rd year, aiming to raise $1 million to support children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.

From Sunday 18 May to Saturday 24 May, 78 colourful cars and 255 participants will embark on the exhilarating seven-day road trip, congregating at Mount Panorama and ending in Newcastle.

The Variety NSW Bash is a one-of-a-kind motoring adventure that unites car lovers from all walks of life in a colourful celebration of community and cause. Spanning just over 3,000km, the event is packed with fun, friendship, and purpose — with $41,647 in grants to be awarded to rural schools and communities along the route.

Participants are encouraged to decorate and theme their vehicles; from Men in Black, Scooby Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pokémon to Minions, all while raising critical funds for Variety–the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT.

Stops along the way include Bathurst, Young, West Wyalong, Weethalle, Coleambally, Hay, Pooncarie, Broken Hill, Ivanhoe, Griffith, Euabalong West, Parkes, Bogan Gate, Yeoval, Mudgee and finishing with a Family Fun Day in Newcastle.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Variety NSW Bash back for another year,” said Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT.

“It’s more than just a road trip, it’s a powerful fundraising event that directly supports kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability right across NSW.”

This year, school beneficiaries include Weethalle Public School, Kalinda School, Coleambally Central School, Pooncarie Public School, Ivanhoe Central School, Euabalong West Public School, Yeoval Central School. Each school will receive between $3,000 and $5,000 for educational resources and sporting equipment such as projectors, workbooks, sensory play equipment, EDU classroom drone kit, and even a Variety Sunshine Coach!For more information or to donate, visit: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/nswbash25

Flock To Cowra For Sheep Muster

May 15, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Central Tablelands Local Land Services is announcing Sheep Muster 2025 – an unmissable opportunity for sheep producers.

Taking place in Cowra, Sheep Muster is a free event that will focus on opportunities for improved performance and positioning production to meet demands driven by the consumer, with presentations highlighting the future industry and market direction.

Senior Land Services Officer Peter Evans says local producers will be sharing how they’re adapting their businesses to tackle current industry challenges. In addition to presentations and panels, Sheep Muster will feature a range of trade stands and plenty of opportunity to chat with industry specialists and innovative producers over morning tea and lunch.

Sheep Muster will take place at the Cowra Services Club on 5 June from 9am to 3pm. Bookings are essential – www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-tablelands/events For more information contact Peter Evans on 0438 496 851 or via peter.evans@lls.nsw.gov.au

Farmer To Face Court After Allegedly Pumping Water With Faulty Meter

May 8, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has begun a prosecution against a Condobolin region farmer who allegedly pumped water from a creek when the meter wasn’t working, and in breach of licence conditions.

The farmer faces a total of six charges in Condobolin Local Court, including:

• one count of taking water when the meter was not working

• one count of taking water when the meter was not working, while having reasonable grounds

• to believe the meter was not working

• three counts of contravening terms and conditions of water access licences

• one count related to failing to supply documents to NRAR investigatorsThe potential maximum penalty the Local Court can impose for the offences is $132,000.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between April 2022 and March 2024, involving water allegedly taken from Island Creek, a tributary of the Lachlan River.

NRAR will allege that the farmer took water on two occasions without having obtained an exemption to take water when the meter wasn’t working.

NRAR will allege that the second offence was despite repeated reminders and warnings even though they knew that there was a requirement to report the faulty meter to WaterNSW within 24 hours of discovering it.

NRAR will further allege that the farmer also failed to place orders with WaterNSW before pumping, a breach of licence conditions.

NRAR Director Investigations and Enforcement Lisa Stockley said rules requiring reporting faulty water meters were taken seriously by the regulator.

Ms Stockley said licence holders could continue to use the water while repairs were undertaken by submitting a section 91I exemption form.

“Once notified that a meter is not working, WaterNSW will email the customer an exemption authority with an expiry date and advice that the customer must follow very carefully,” she said.

Slope Assessments Taking Place Across The Central West

May 8, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Transport for NSW will carry out geotechnical slope assessments at multiple locations across the Central West as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe road environment.

From Monday 12 May, crews will assess slopes on the Great Western, Castlereagh and Mitchell highways as well as on Sofala Road, The Escort Way, Chifley Road, Trunkey Road, Jenolan Caves Road and Duckmaloi Road.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the work is crucial for identifying potential issues and informing decisions about risk management and mitigation.

“Assessors will be looking for slope instability and the potential for landslides. This routine work helps provide a safe road environment now and into the future,” the spokesperson said.

“Slope management is vital for the upkeep of our road network and to maximise safety for all road users.

“Motorists may notice our assessment teams working on foot in these areas and we ask that they drive with added awareness and caution.”

Work will take place between 7am and 5pm on weekdays and is expected to take five days to complete, weather permitting. For the safety of workers and motorists, single lane closures, intermittent stopping and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h may be in place during work hours. Access for residents and emergency services will be maintained at all times.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Thousands Of Pre-loved Items Saved From Landfill

May 8, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Buying and selling second hand items is a great way to generate some extra cash or save money on everyday items.

Parkes Shire residents turned their unwanted items into cash on the annual Garage Sale Trail last November, extending the life of over 8,478 pre-loved items, 42% of which would otherwise have gone to landfill.

Results of a recently released report by Garage Sale Trail and Taverner Research Group highlighted the outcomes of the waste reduction initiative made possible by Parkes Shire Council and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA). It showed a win-win for locals, with the average garage sale organiser taking home $499 and shoppers saving money too with access to cheaper, second-hand products.

Parkes Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure & Sustainability, Mr Graeme Bayliss, said the research highlighted the local community’s commitment to reduce waste.

“Programs like Garage Sale Trail are important in shifting perceptions of secondhand and getting more people reusing items rather than sending them to landfill,” Mr Bayliss said.

Across Parkes Shire over 2,700 people participated in the two big weekends of garage sales which aim to provide a fun way for residents to reduce waste, make some money and get to know their neighbours.

Looking across the state, 132,691 people participated in the council-powered circular economy event in NSW, with over 320,000 pre-loved items sold and $1.6 million generated for the local economy.

“More and more people are looking for ways to generate some extra cash or save money on everyday items. Buying and selling second-hand is one easy way we can all do this, whether it’s hosting a garage sale or selling items online”, said Barbara Gill, General Manager of Garage Sale Trail.

Locals who are keen to clear out and cash in can now register their interest in the 2025 event, which will take place on the 8 – 9 and 15 – 16 November, 2025 at www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Driving With Purpose For Beyond Blue

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Life Pharmacy Group CEO Warwick Marx and Chief Operating Officer Michael Flannery.

Heavy rain and challenging conditions didn’t deter the Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) team from hitting the road for the 10th annual Beyond Bitumen Rally, raising funds and awareness for Beyond Blue.

The Beyond Bitumen Rally entourage of 72 vehicles travelled almost 2000 kilometres from Taree to Port Stephens via Grafton and Armidale (March 27 to 31).The Cavaliers, which includes LPG CEO Michael Flannery (Originally from Forbes) and Chief Operating Officer Warwick Marx (From Dubbo), raised more than $34,000 for the charity this year, taking out the highest fundraising honours for an individual participating car. “We’ve been taking part in the Beyond Bitumen Rally for seven years now,” Life Pharmacy Group CEO, Michael Flannery, said.

“It all started after a mate of mine shared his mental health battles and the role Beyond Blue played in supporting him during his darkest times. It didn’t take us long to find ourselves a car and The Cavaliers were formed.”

Did you know men are three times more likely to take their lives in Australia? and remoteness is a major contributing factor.

Growing up in regional Australia, The Cavaliers understand the importance of checking in on friends and seeking the appropriate support. “Most of us grew up in the bush and this rally is a great opportunity to hit the road with our mates, see parts of the country we may not have experienced previously, support communities along the way, and raise money for Beyond Blue,” Michael said.

“As a team we’re very proud to have raised more than $200,000 for the rally over the past seven years, and we’re thankful for the support we’ve received from our colleagues, friends, and families along the way.”

Since its inception, the Beyond Bitumen Rally has raised more than 3.5 million dollars for charity.

The Outdoor Gym: Digging, Planting, and Growing Together

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pilates is back for Term 2 in Parkes and Forbes. TGo book, go to: www.kerinhealth.com.au/pilates

Nestled at the base of the hill our home sits on, is an old abandoned homestead.

In its front yard, recently dozens of beautiful bulbs spring up from the neglected garden beds. I piled the kids in the ute and we drove down, shovels on the back. We dug out bulbs and they played in the old house.

I liked the sound of their childish laughter.

Our hands dug deep into the dirt. The sun warmed our backs as we pulled, shoveled and lifted; carting loads back to the ute. I was sweating, my legs ached and my heart rate was up.

We drove home, cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright from the exercise, arms and legs happily sore from the exertion.

We worked quickly. We transplanted the bulbs into our garden, the kids dug holes haphazardly, shoving them into the warm soil. They turn the hose on the transplanted bulbs briefly, then on each other. They ran, they played, blood pumping, muscles growing, and bones getting stronger.

Could exercise get any more enjoyable? I once asked a client what she did for exercise. “Oh nothing really, I don’t go to the gym, I don’t go for walks. I’m just in the garden most of the day”. I asked what she did in the garden. She listed a range of activities, including using a push mower up steep hills, mulching and lifting heavy branches.

“That’s all great exercise,” I reassured her.

I catch a glimpse of the new plants through the window. Sunning themselves in their new home, a happy reminder of a day at our very own outdoor gym.

Are you not a gardener, but are looking for ways to exercise? Join our pilates classes or senior exercise classes at Kerin Health.

Canowindra Balloon Festival Ready To Take Off

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Balloons taking off at the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Festival. Image Credit: Farmpix Photography

The skies over Canowindra are set to dazzle as the beloved Canowindra Balloon Festival returns from 26 April to 4 May.

This vibrant week-long celebration of hot air balloons, music, art, food, and community spirit offers something for everyone.

Festivities lift off with the Welcome Street Party on 26 April, featuring live music from Nerida Cuddy and the Neil Gill Band, alongside a sizzling BBQ competition, delicious food, and market stalls. Throughout the week, enjoy Flicker Fest at Rosnay, creative Paint and Sips, inspiring workshops from The Creative Cure, and Sue Hodges’ art exhibition at the Canowindra Services Club, just to name a few of the offerings for the week.

Test your trivia knowledge at the Trivia Night hosted by the Canowindra Public School P&C. Then, don’t miss the Home Ground Sounds Concert on 2 May, headlined by country star Casey Barnes, with performances by Furnace and The Fundamentals, Big Night Out, and Nathan Lamont.

Saturday, 3 May, begins with the thrilling Balloon Key Grab, followed by the CWA All Day Breakfast, a colourful street parade, and the spectacular Cabonne Community Glow—gates open from 3pm.

Whether you’re here for the balloons or the beats, the Canowindra Balloon Festival is an unforgettable autumn escape. Balloons fly from 27 April to 2 May mornings and afternoons, weather permitting.

Tickets and more information available at Balloon HQ located on Gaskill Street and 123tix.com.au.

ANZAC Day In Parkes And Forbes

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On Friday 25 April 2025, Australian’s will mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war. Parkes and Forbes residents are invited to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Services to be held across the Parkes and Forbes Shires:

PARKES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:30am at Memorial Hill

• Breakfast Bistro 6:30am at Parkes Services Club

• Church Service 7am at Holy Family Catholic Church

• Church Service 7:30am at Parkes Anglican Church

• ANZAC Day March 8:30am at Welcome Street, Chamberlain Square and Clarinda Street to Cooke Park

• Commemorative Service am at Cooke Parkes

• Wreath Laying Pilgrimage 10:45am at Parkes Cemetery War Graves

• ANZAC Day Luncheon 12pm at Parkes Services Club

• Sound Retreat 5pm at Cooke Park

• The Ode 6pm at Parkes Services Club

FORBES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:20am Harold Street, form up 5.15am Templar Street, adjacent to Club Forbes

• ANZAC Day March 10:15am Cross Street, Cross Street, Lachlan Street, Harold Street terminating at Cenotaph

• Commemmorative Service 10:30am Harold Street

Let’s Get The Bush Connected This Election

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for rural and regional Australians in this election.

NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made, we’re still a long way from fixing the rural and regional connectivity problem.

“Whether it’s calling for help in an emergency, coordinating logistics during harvest, or simply staying connected with loved ones – bush connectivity is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Reliable connectivity is critical to keeping people outside major population centres safe and connected, both in times of natural disasters, and in daily farm life.”

Mr Jochinke said rural, regional and remote constituents deserved reliable and resilient connectivity, and he acknowledged productive discussions with telecommunication providers, but it’s time for the Federal Government to step up.

“This election, we’ve put all parties on notice: rural voters are tired of buffering, dropouts and excuses. They want to be connected” Mr Jochinke said.

The NFF has compiled a list of actions that would continue to improve bush connectivity.

The NFF’s Election Platform can be found here keepfarmersfarming.org.au

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