Special Interests Archives - Page 18 of 121

Parkes M&D Society Presents Mamma Mia

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Tickets have gone on sale for the eagerly anticipated production of Mamma Mia and by all accounts, this is going to be another hit for Parkes M&D Society.

The show is led by two powerhouse voices, Kimberley Ryan playing Donna and Maddi Collits in the role of Sophie, but that’s not the only talent on stage.

Cue Shev Brown as the irrepressible Tanya, Cath Welsh as the zany Rosie, Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott playing Architect Sam, Greg Ballantyne as the intrepid traveller, Bill, Aaron Kingham as Headbanger Harry and Matt Prow returns to the Parkes stage to play Sophie’s love interest, Sky.

Supporting the lead cast is Gracie Townsend playing Ali and newcomers, Thomas Glastonbury as Pepper, Loki Ramsay as Eddie, and Annabella Brown as Lisa.

Backed by an immensely talented band led by Anthony Leonard and an all singing and dancing ensemble second to none, Mamma Mia promises to be something very special.

Many have seen Mamma Mia in professional theatres, but this production will have a few surprises in store for audiences – a point of difference for the Parkes production. Audiences will feel like they are right there on the Greek island of Kalokairi.

Mamma Mia opens on 3 May and runs until 25 May. Tickets can be purchased online at www.parkesmandd.com.au or you can purchase them from box office at the theatre on any Sunday between 10.30am – 12pm. Don’t miss out – tickets are selling fast!

Don’t Miss Homegrown Parkes Next Saturday

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Potters at the last Homegrown Parkes event.

Homegrown Parkes is back for 2025, providing an opportunity for visitors and locals to fill their Saturday in Parkes with plenty of good food and local produce next Saturday, 29 March between 9am and 2pm in Cooke Park.

Homegrown Parkes provides an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community.

Demonstrations will again be one of the highlights of the 2025 events, highlighting processes for using locally produced food and products, with the aim of encouraging locals to grow produce in their own backyard.

The Homegrown Parkes Committee consists of members of Central West Lachlan Landcare, Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council.

If you are interested in joining the Homegrown Parkes events, make sure you follow their social media, check out their website: centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/get-involved/homegrown-parkes/ or contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053 or via email homegrownparkes@gmail.com The Homegrown Parkes spring event will be held on Saturday, 11 October.

Forbes Cyclists Pedalling For A Purpose

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Royal Far West Op Shop in Forbes will be the starting point of the two-day charity ride.

On 4 – 5 April, a dedicated group of cyclists from Forbes: Stuart Thomas, Luke Randall, Marco Carelli, and Terry Cuskelly will embark on a nearly 400km journey to the Centre for Country Kids in Manly to raise funds for Royal Far West.

Inspired by Stuart’s daughter, Megan, who is a speech pathologist with Royal Far West, the ride will be held over two days, beginning early on Friday 4 April at the Royal Far West Op Shop in Forbes and finishing at the Royal Far West headquarters in Manly on Saturday night 5 April.

The team is ready to pedal the 400km through various locations, including Mount Canobolas, Bathurst, and Lithgow, before reaching their final destination at Manly. It will be a huge two days of riding with valuable support provided by fellow members of the Forbes Road and Mountain Bike Clubs.

Cheered on by volunteers, and supported by Alison Lynch and Terry Hodges in the support vehicle, the team aims to highlight the work of Royal Far West and raise much-needed funds.

Stuart Thomas said “I have always wanted to do a bike ride to Sydney given I have driven it so many times. So, why not raise some money and awareness, as well and ride some hilly backroads? “I would love it if you could support me to raise money for a great cause, and as many of you know I love a physical challenge!” concluded Thomas.

If you are able to donate please, go to https://give.royalfarwest.org.au/fundraisers/stuartthomas/forbes-to-manly-royalfar-west-ride. Let’s all rally behind the riders and help make a difference in the lives of country kids.

First Of Its Kind Birth Control Pill

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Australian women are set to enjoy greater contraceptive choice than ever before, with a first of its kind pill to be reimbursed by the Federal Government. From 1 May, the progestogen-only oral contraceptive Slinda® (drospirenone 4mg) will become available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for pregnancy prevention.

Under the PBS, Slinda will cost just $7.70 (for concession card holders) or $31.60 (for general patients) for four months’ supply, saving women several hundred dollars per year. Women previously paid around $80 for three months’ supply. Currently, around 80,000 Australian women are paying privately for Slinda.

Women’s health experts and advocates, including Dr Terri Foran, Sexual Health Physician, are welcoming the new funding decision.

“Access to a wide range of contraceptive options is a fundamental reproductive right,” said Dr Foran.

Dr Foran went on to explain that Slinda contains only a progestogen hormone. It is not combined with an Estrogen. “Progestogenonly pills are especially suitable for older women, women at increased risk of blood clots, those who suffer migraine attacks, breast-feeding mothers, those who smoke, are overweight, or have high blood pressure,” she said.

“With greater education about contraceptive options and the risks and benefits associated with each, we are seeing increasing use of both progestogen-only birth control methods and the longeracting methods in this country,” she said.

It is estimated that around two-thirds of Australian women between the ages of 18 and 44 years currently use some form of contraception, with 83 per cent having used contraception at some point in their lives.

Risk Factors For Dementia

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Dementia Australia has welcomed its newest Ambassador, Adam Harvey. A nine-time Golden Guitar Award winner, has a deeply personal connection to dementia. His mother’s diagnosis inspired him to write his heartfelt song, Remember Me.

New data released by Dementia Australia for Brain Health Week shows that Australians are largely unaware that common health issues such as hearing loss, depression and high cholesterol are risk factors for dementia.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said that dementia is the second leading cause of death for all Australians and there are currently 433,300 Australians living with the condition.

“Dementia is on track to become the country’s biggest cause of death within the next five years. While we cannot change getting older, genetics or family history, scientific research shows that looking after our brain health can make a big difference to reducing or delaying the risk of developing dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.

Last year, the Lancet Commission identified 14 modifiable risk factors which, if addressed effectively, could reduce dementia incidence globally by 45 per cent.

The risk factors include smoking, obesity and physical inactivity as well as factors such as hearing loss, high cholesterol and depression.

“In fact, people with mild-severe hearing loss are two to five times as likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing,” Professor Buchanan said.

“It is never too early or too late to reduce your dementia risk. It’s a chronic condition which must be treated with the same health investment as other major chronic conditions, Professor Buchanan said.

Find out more about the modifiable risk factors that can make a big difference to your brain health: dementia.org.au/brainhealth/reducing-your-risk-dementia

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.

Tender Submissions Open For Long Term Grazing Permits

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Livestock producers in NSW are invited to apply for long term grazing access to select Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR). Tender submissions are now open for Long Term Grazing Permits, which are valid for up to five years from July 2025. Permits are allocated via a robust tender process led by Local Land Services. Submissions close at 11:59pm on Sunday 30 March 2025.

Program Lead TSR, Sam Hand, said strategic grazing played an essential role in effective TSR management. “Long Term Grazing Permits allow producers to make long-term business decisions and access TSR for extra fodder to support healthy livestock, particularly during times of drought, feed shortages and other emergencies.

Applicants are required to inspect the TSR before making a submission, to ensure it is fit for their intended grazing usage.

In NSW, there are more than 6,500 TSR on Crown land, covering an area of around two million hectares. Local Land Services manages about 30 per cent of the state’s TSR network, which is approximately 578,000 hectares.

All submissions must be lodged online at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/primary-industries-nsw/travelling-stock-reserves/tsr-permits/long-term-grazing. Applicants can call on 1300 795 299 or visit the website for more information.

The Forbes Thai Massage Centre Reopens At 20 Spring Street

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Come and enjoy a rare and totally new unique massage experience with senior masseuse Honey.

The Forbes Thai Massage Centre has commenced trading and has employed an experienced Traditional Thai Masseuse with over eight years practising and honing her skills by not only working in leading International Resorts in Phuket but practising in a range of different massage outlets in Thailand. Places such as Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket. She has also worked internationally for one year in Korea.

Her name is Honey, and her skills are in all the Traditional Thai Massage as well as foot massage. We offer the full range of accepted Thai massage products including Herbal Ball heated treatments and few in Forbes have experienced this unique treatment. We note for your interest it is rare to find these as few in Australia have the skill of using Herbal Balls. Honey’s foot massage is normally done in a large comfortable chair, and I’m sure you will find this a unique experience.

The Forbes Thai Massage Centre was built as a complete Traditional Thai Massage experience, you will see and experience the attempts we have made to replicate this unique Thai Experience. Our goal here is to have you experience peace and serenity not only is this created by the masseuse but often it is the little things we do.

Such as the soft Thai massage music, the aromas, from the washing of your feet at the start, to warm tea or a simple piece of candy at the end. This is a unique Thai experience without going to Thailand .

Amongst our many features is we have the massage mat on the floor exactly how it is done throughout Thailand. Please note you’re more than welcome to have a massage on the table.

View Club Set For A Productive Year

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

2025 VIEW Committee members are L to R: Sue Pietch, Noelene Toohey, Pat Phillips, Therese Davis, Carol Whatling and Heather Mackinnon, Di Finlay, Judy Kerr and Helen Pitt. (Absent: Loris Malloy, Diane Huggett and Sue Cunningham.

At the first View Club lunch meeting for 2025 held on 13 February at Club Forbes, members were welcomed back after the Christmas break by new President, Helen Pitt.

During the meeting, Helen introduced the incoming committee for 2025 to View Club members. There are 12 committee members comprising a combination of experienced members and those new to the committee, to help guide the club through the coming year.

Judy Kerr, a past District Councillor, presented long service badges to three members, with Helen Lupis and Helen Pitt receiving their twenty-year badges and Jennifer Purdy receiving her thirty-year badge.

Congratulations to these three ladies for a combined total of 70 years of service to the community.

After a tasty meal provided by Club Forbes, members listened to an interesting and informative presentation from guest speaker, Wendy Broome, from Forbes Salvation Army. Wendy spoke about her background and provided a little history about the Forbes Salvation Army, her role and experiences in the community and how their programs support people needing assistance.

Forbes View is one of 280 clubs around Australia and its members add to the 13,000 members Australia wide who support children’s education and the Smith Family.

The next View Club lunch will be held on 13 March at Club Forbes at 12 noon for 12.30pm start. Guest speakers for this meeting are Trish Humphries who will provide information about Forbes Meals on Wheels. The second speaker will be Pauline O’Neill, talking about home modifications and maintenance services available. These ladies have a wealth of experience in supporting the community, they work at Forbes HaCC (Home and Community Care) Centre in Harold Street.

All members are requested to please RSVP to their new contact member on or before Thursday 6 March.

Local Talent Ready To Showcase Boxing In Parkes

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Tommy Ward Backyard Boxing will feature 10 fighters in an upcoming amateur fight night to be held at the Parkes Leagues Club on Saturday 22 March.

Two teams have been formed under different banners but both representing Parkes on the night, as they battle it out in the ring against opponents from varying other towns. The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix caught up with the three fighters for “Hillbilly Boxing”.

Tyler Everingham, 15

Tyler will step into the ring for his first ever fight at the upcoming fight night in Parkes.

Being inspired by his Pa and uncle who boxed, Tyler has been training for the past four months and is feeling some nervous excitement ahead of his debut fight. Tyler enjoys the fitness side to boxing and meeting new people in the sport. His opponent on the night hails from Nyngan and Tyler will be supported in the crowd by his parents and brothers.

Jayden Monaghan, 17

Jayden started out boxing as a small child and then gave it up, only to return to the sport about two years ago. Boxing also runs in the family for Jayden. This upcoming fight will be Jayden’s first for this year, having a 2L-1W record from 3 fights last year, he is feeling very confident ahead of his fight and says he’s been working on “more combos and powershots”.

Montana Walker, 24

Montana started out in Martial arts before boxing in an exhibition fight in Cowra, and after relocating to Parkes two years ago and discovering Tommy Ward’s Backyard Boxing, Montana has found a passion for the sport. Last year Montana fought four fights for a 2W-2L record. Her opponent in this fight is an old sparring partner of Montana’s from back in Cowra. Montana has been focusing at training on a lot of footwork and head movement.

‘Welcome To The Parkes Shire’

February 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The ‘Welcome to the Parkes Shire’ event will take place at the Cooke Park Pavillion .

Parkes Shire Council is welcoming new residents with a special event designed to connect newcomers with the local community.

The Welcome to the Parkes Shire event will take place on Wednesday 5 March 2025, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Cooke Park Pavilion in Parkes. Doors will open at 5:00pm.

This free event provides an opportunity for new residents to learn about local services, meet Councillors and Council staff, and engage with community groups in a relaxed and friendly environment. Attendees will also have the chance to win exciting prizes and raffles throughout the evening.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, said the event is a fantastic way to help new community members feel at home.

“Moving to a new town can be both exciting and overwhelming. We want to ensure our newest residents feel welcome and connected by introducing them to the many wonderful services, opportunities, and friendly faces that make Parkes Shire such a great place to live,” Cr Applebee said.

Council encourages all new residents to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about our shire. So if you are new to the Parkes area or know someone who is, then this will be a great event to attend. To rsvp, complete the online form at https://bit.ly/WelcomeToTheParkesShire2025 or you can email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or call our office on 02 6861 2333.

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