Applications are now open for all young people aged 16-24 who are interested in representing their state as a UNICEF Aus­tralia Young Ambassador.

The 2025 Young Ambassador program is an 18-month initiative for aspiring young advocates, where they will be trained in leadership and advocacy, while engag­ing in meaningful consultations with other young people on issues that impact them.

Current Young Ambassador, Luke McNa­mara said the program has been “an amaz­ing experience on all fronts”, especially the opportunities to advocate to the highest levels of government.

Along with his fellow Young Ambassa­dors, Luke presented the National Child and Youth Statement on Climate Change to MPs and Ministers in Canberra. But this advocacy also went beyond Australian bor­ders.

“Another key – and almost unbeliev­able – moment was officially launching that Statement at COP28 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Dubai at the Australian Pavilion,” Luke said.

UNICEF Australia will select at least one Young Ambassador from each state and territory to amplify the voices of their peers, with nine positions up for grabs across the nation.

Applications close on Sunday 6th Octo­ber 2024. To apply, go to https://www.unicef.org.au/our-people/young-ambassadors

People may think that it is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do every day.

Motorists are being reminded that dou­ble demerit points will be in place over this coming October long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 4th Octo­ber 2024 and ending on Monday 7th Octo­ber 2024 (inclusive).

Acting Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Joshua Tolley said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules. They occur on select holi­day periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent. Sta­tistics show that there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crashes when double demerit points are operational.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their li­cence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the con­ditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distrac­tions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Acting Sergeant Tolley said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cil’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

“During double demerit point periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are more severe. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Ms Suitor said.

Marion Murray’s garden at Coonamble.

Forbes Garden Club held their monthly meeting on 27th of August at the home of Colleen Liebich, 22 Koala Place, where 38 members were in attendance.

The Friendship day luncheon at Young was the topic of discussion. The day is be­ing held on the 13th October at Clifton Gar­dens and a cost of $60 includes the lunch­eon and a tour of the gardens. Members who are wishing to attend please bring your money along to the September meeting.

Colleen gave a brief talk on how she and her late husband Jeff started with a bare block of land, building the house and in the development application they had to in­clude a layout of their planned garden. The garden is an easy care garden.Marlene Huff thanked Colleen for having members to her home for the monthly meeting.

Our special speaker was Marion Murray, our very own member who earlier this year retired to live in Forbes coming from Coon­amble. Marion gave a vast talk on her life on the land, her childhood days, moving from place to place and establishing gar­dens. Marion has purchased a little home near our beautiful Lake and is enjoying meeting new people, forming friendships and once again establishing a garden.

Our Forbes show has once again con­cluded with a good display of flowers. To the members who took time to make an entry, well done.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday 24th September, 2pm at 16 Reymond Street. A trading table will once again be in opera­tion, and don’t forget to bring your entries for flower of the month.

By Elvy Quirk