Special Interests Archives - Page 35 of 118

Parkes IGA Supports Pink Up Parkes

October 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parkes IGA Store Manager Steven Langlois, and popular employee Joyce Sefonte dressed in Pink to support Pink Up Parkes.

Businesses, schools and organisations across Parkes are showing their support, and getting involved in Pink Up Parkes for the month of October to help raise money for the McGrath Foundation who support Breast Care nurses across Australia.

At IGA in Parkes the Store Manager Steven Langlois is putting it all on the line to raise as much money as he can for the cause. Steven has set a fundraising target that they will donate to Pink Up Parkes, and once the target is raised he is committing to shave his head. So head on into IGA and support a great cause.

You Are Invited To QUE Open Gardens ‘n’ Markets

October 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spring has sprung and QUE has organised five beautiful gardens for you to view

Parkes QUE members look forward to your company this Sunday, 8th October, 10am-4pm at the Parkes Racecourse and in the five open gardens. Money raised stays in our local community, supporting hearing, speech, and wellbeing.

291 Back Yamma Road

Two years ago this property was a cow paddock! Last November the nearby creek flooded the garden and the house, and during this last winter the garden has endured severe frosts! This garden was chosen for our Open Gardens event to show people how quickly a garden can be established, and what plants will survive the “sometimes

harsh” weather conditions. We anticipate opening this garden again in a year or two so that viewers can measure progress.

5 Arana Place

The drought-tolerant front garden is easy care and sustainable. The back garden provides the visitor with a totally different perspective and includes a Balinese hut, decorative items such as water fountains, plants, shade, and garden art – all providing a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

1 Jubilee Street

This is a plant lovers haven, especially under the back deck where the owner has a huge variety of very loved indoor and outdoor plants and hanging baskets. Screening trees surround the house and provide a wonderful forum for the collection of artworks, sculptures, mirrors etc.

35-37 Thomas Street

With over a hundred different species, these extensive surrounding gardens have been

through quite the makeover in the last two years! Featuring a broad range of unique Australian natives alongside a careful selection of exotic plants, this garden abounds with vibrancy and colour.

Cnr Reymond and Jones Street

This is a wanderer’s paradise with lavender, pink jade, a vibrant Loropetalum with its unique tussle flowers, and a wonderful Bohemia Butterfly Tree, all with a magnificent view to the east of Parkes. (best parking in Jones Street)

Forbes Learning Ladder And Forbes Community OSHC Fun Fair

October 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Some of the prizes on offer if you purchase tickets in the Christmas raffle. Tickets will be available on the day of the event.

We have some exciting news to share, after the disappointment of being postponed due to the flooding which affected the entire region in late 2022, the Forbes Learning Ladder and Forbes Community OSHC Fun Fair is finally set to go ahead, and we would love for the entire Forbes community to come along and join us in the fun.

A massive thank you to the generosity of Forbes North Public School, for allowing us the use of their school grounds, we will be holding the Fun Fair on Saturday 28th October, from 10am – 12.30pm, we will be utilising the hall and the surroundings, with entry from York Street.

There will be lots of fun and interactive activities the whole family can enjoy, including a jumping castle, crazy hair, face painting, tattoos, various games and more.

We will also be selling tickets on the day for our Christmas Raffle, which will be drawn in December. Prizes on offer include, a BBQ smoker and accessories, double hammock, Essjay Photography voucher, family pass to Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, and a gift pack from Little Extras. In addition to vouchers for the following stores and businesses: Kmart, Euphoria Road, Loomzy’s Fish N Fix, Gunns Menswear, Graces Hair Studio On Templar, Odeon 5, Ten Pin Bowling Orange.

There will be plenty of food options available on the day to cater for everyone, so bring your appetite and enjoy the many delights on offer including a cake stall, fairy floss, popcorn, BBQ and drinks.

Organise your friends and family and come along to a great event.

Can A Sports Injury Increase Your Risk Of Breast Cancer?

September 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Leading breast cancer surgeon, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier busts sporting injury myth.

If you had an active childhood spent playing sports afterschool or on the weekend you might have sustained the odd sports injury here and there in those rough and tumble days. Let’s face it, netball can get a bit rough and elbows tend to go flying at the best of times. Sometimes our old injuries can come back to haunt us as we age.

Some people believe that sports injuries can lead to breast cancer, however, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier assures everyone that this is not the case. There is no link between sports injuries and cancer, he clarified, however, an injury may draw attention to a previously formed lump, which is then how the cancer is detected.

Associate Professor Warrier is one of the world’s leading breast health and breast cancer surgeons who has built a highly respected practice in Sydney. The practice spans three locations with its main surgical centre located at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, and the other sites at BMA House, Macquarie Street, Sydney and Bondi Junction Medical, Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.

In addition to Associate Professor Warrier’s breast health and surgical work, he also dedicates considerable time to research exploring and developing advancements in breast cancer detection and treatments to improve outcomes for patients. He also developed the world’s first Master of Breast Surgery which is delivered through the University of Sydney.

Injuries cannot cause cancer

“Injuries cannot cause cancer, but an injury may lead to finding cancer in the injured area. For example, a bone that is weak from a cancerous tumour is more likely to break. So, if an accident occurs during a sporting event and the bone breaks, then during the course of treatment for the injury, the cancer is discovered,” Associate Professor Warrier explained.

“There is no data or indication that trauma of any kind to the breast is linked to breast cancer or can cause breast cancer. This is a myth that has circulated for many years without foundation.”

Breast trauma causes lumps

“People are understandably concerned that breast injury/trauma can cause cancer because the trauma can cause lumps to develop. These lumps, however, are not cancerous. Let me explain further: there are two types of lumps that can develop from trauma. The first is called hematoma and this is a deep bruise that will heal. The other is fat necrosis, which is scarred fatty tissue in the breast that results from injury,” Associate Professor Warrier said.

“If you have had some sports injury around the breast area, and you are concerned, the best thing to do is to book in for a mammogram. This will give you peace of mind about the risks.”

So what does cause breast cancer?

“Certain risk factors are, getting older, having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, previous treatment using radiation therapy, reproductive history and genetic mutations,” Associate Professor Warrier added.

Further information https://www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au.

Grazing At Gum Swamp Wetlands

September 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

GDTL Committee: Kath Garland, Olivia Turner, Kylie Brockmann, Kim Muffet and (not pictured) Emily Wilson, Emma Ridley and Jill Morgan. This year’s Event injected over $400,000 into the local economy over the weekend and raised $45,000 for the Forbes Arts Society.

Grazing Down the Lachlan returned to Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge and Wetlands last Saturday, for what was a warm but very successful day for the committee and its volunteers. Grazers were bused out to site before making their way along the shady track to six food and beverage stations.

Curated by local chef Brendan Sheldrick, this year’s menu was inspired by the history of Greek cafes in regional NSW. So too were the various entertainment acts that were scattered along the track including a Greek musical trio, a participatory Greek motif painting activity run by members of Artsweb, and a Zorba dance performance by Aimee Woods and dancers from Kristen’s Dance Studio.

Grazers were also treated to a showcase of Wiradjuri culture through a powerful and informative performance by dancers from River Spirit Cultural Arts As in previous years, the zero-waste event aimed to respect and celebrate the natural environment. Grazers were encouraged to donate their reusable service items back to Grazing to be used again at future events.

“We are so proud to showcase our region -the stunning landscapes, the deliciousproduce, and our amazing local talent. Allin an effort to raise significant funds for theForbes Arts Society,” Olivia Turner, GDTLsecretary said.

“Thank you to our generous sponsors and supporters, and our dedicated volunteers, without whom this event would not be possible.”

Follow Grazing Down the Lachlan on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know what’s in the planning for 2024 and keep up to date with all the latest Grazing news by subscribing to the newsletter via the website, www.grazingdownthelachlan.com.

Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge is a nationally significant site for ornithology and is now home to six installations as part of Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL). www.forbesartssociety.com/gum-swamp-wildlife-refuge

Forbes North Public School Term Three In Thomson St

September 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

If you are interested in enrolling at Forbes North Public School and would like to enjoy a whole school tour, please contact the school office on 6852 2187 and make an appointment with the welcoming Principal, Mr David McGaw.

The end of term three has arrived at Forbes North for our students from Kindergarten to year 6.

Our students enjoyed many opportunities including and yet not limited to ICAS International Competition for Assessment in Schools Years 3-6, an enjoyable Positive Behaviour for Learning Fete, a fantastic Glowtastic Disco which raised $10,426, a guest appearance on Radio 2LV for our communication portfolio and an ICON Assembly.

A big hit is our new equipment for the Infants playground, hosting the people from the Resilience Project motivational sessions, a record breaking Forbes PA&H Show stall with prize-winning entries in over twenty divisions, the Forbes High School 2024 transition for our year 6 students heading to year 7 and Forbes Shire Council NAIDOC Community Day which Kindergarten to Year 6 attended at the Dreaming Centre.

Our students attended the Lachlan PSSA Football and Oz Tag Gala Day in Forbes and Parkes respectively, the Beats N Pieces Musical Show came to us to entertain 240 students. Our Father’s Day Breakfast attracted a large crowd and the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week Parade and family barbecue which followed the Scholastic Book Fair with record sales of books.

The New South Wales Health Mobile Dental Clinic visited the school, and the Boys to the Bush program for Stage three lads was another huge success. We celebrated 100 Days of Kindergarten and our senior girls attended Girls in Aviation in Dubbo.

The Stage 2 excursion took place to Lake Burrendong Camp while Stage 3 headed to Canberra and the National Capital.

Students Also participated in the Premiers Spelling Bee for Years 3-6. As we head into spring, important messages on safety was the focus during the impressive and entertaining Snake Tails Reptile Show.

Term 4 commences Monday 9th October and will formally end Friday 15th December.

Get Your Tickets Now For The Parkes M&D’s Upcoming Production “Freaky Friday”

September 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The team at Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society have been busy in rehearsals for the upcoming production, Freaky Friday. This family-friendly musical is an hilarious, contemporary update of the classic story, in which a mother and daughter see what it means to be a family while experiencing each other’s lives first-hand, if only for a day. This body-swapping show brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘walk a mile in another’s shoes’ with highly entertaining results.

Set in the present day, Freaky Friday features a tuneful pop-rock score, befitting a work that has effortlessly updated throughout its several iterations. Warm-hearted, humorous and touching, this fresh take on the classic story is perfect for family audiences of all ages.

The cast and crew of 35 feature both newcomers and regulars to the Society. Coming from Parkes, Forbes and Cowra, the cast and crew have been putting in long hours since rehearsals began in July.

Freaky Friday will be performed at the Parkes Little Theatre on the following dates: Friday 20th October 7.30pm, Saturday 21st October 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd October 2pm, Saturday 28th October 7.30pm, Sunday 29th October 2pm, Friday 3rd November 7.30pm, Saturday 4th November 2pm, Saturday 4th November 7.30pm, Sunday 5th November 2pm.

Sam Parish Headed To Beef Cattle Judging National Championships

September 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Australia’s most promising young beef cattle judges have been announced by Agricultural Shows Australia as eligible to compete in the national finals of the prestigious annual competition to be judged next month.

The competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged from 15 – 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification is via success in competitive regional and state competitions.

The national championships are held in a different location each year. This year, the event is being hosted by Tasmanian Ag Shows and held at the Launceston Royal Show. The winner of each competition will take home a pair of boots from Blundstone Australia.

NSW will be represented by Sam Parish of Forbes who works as a Stock and Station Agent at KMWL. Sam said “My parents were involved in stud and show cattle so I was always running around bull sales as a kid and even though I grew up in Dubbo, I absolutely loved it. I competed at the National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show when I was five-years-old and got the reserve pee wee champion,” he said.

“I’ve been involved in shows my whole life and it’s the ability to give your judgment and give credibility to your judgment that I love. It’s a massive learning curve and you take in a lot from the opinions of peers and fellow competitors and you see a lot of perspectives. I’m looking forward to going to Tasmania for the first time and hopefully taking home the win.”

The winner of the beef cattle young judges competition will be determined by who most accurately placed the animals according to its form and characteristics. The National Beef Cattle Young Judges Championship will be held at 9am on Friday, October 13. Find more about the competition go to https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/yjpromotionalmaterial/

One Of Australia’s Deadliest Cancers Has Doubled In The Last 20 Years

September 29, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Data just released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)i estimates that more Australians than ever before will be claimed by pancreatic cancer, a disease that is, for the first time, acknowledged to be a common cancer.

Pancreatic cancer has a devastatingly low five-year survival rate of only 12.5%. The disease is predicted to claim more lives than breast cancer this year (an estimated 3,669 people) and has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers. Over 4500 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and 80 per cent of patients will die within 12 months.

“Pancreatic cancer results in limited visibility and reduced public awareness, and consequently, many people are aware that pancreatic cancer is now a common cancer,” says Michelle Stewart, CEO of PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

“In contrast, more high-profile cancers experience survival rates of over 90% while for pancreatic cancer the survival rate is only 12.5%, which drops alarmingly to just 6.8% for people who live in regional Australia,” continued Ms Stewart. There has never been a more critical time to call for increased funding.”

Forbes Garden Club Meeting Report

September 21, 2023 by Green Thumb

Guest speaker Pol Cruz with his Bonsai display.

At the last meeting Elvy Quirk welcomed 36 members present and introduced Leonie Todd, thanking her for making her garden available for the meeting. Leonie then spoke about her garden which was only small when she moved there, but plants from family and friends have brought many lovely additions.

We were all happy to hear Gail Mendham is on the mend and doing well.

Arrangements are being made for the Open Garden’s weekend 14th and 15th October, with flyers sent to other clubs and local outlets. Members are needed to sell raffle tickets.

The guest speaker at the meeting was Pol Cruz, with his display of bonsai. He is an artist who also paints and works with clay Some of his bonsai included an olive tree found on a creek bank in South Australia reported to be 70 years old, a paper bark tree from the old Forestry 30 years old, an English Ash from Grenfell and a lichen covered rock all had a story connected in his display. He also gave tips on watering and pruning, as several members brought their own bonsai to show him. Janette Thomas moved a vote of thanks.

Raffle winners were first Jenny Dwyer and second Denise Thurston. Flower of the month winners were first Sylvia Glasson with an orchid, second Marg West with an orchid, and third Margo Rath with a camellia.

The next meeting will be at the home of Irene and Trevor Ford, 52 Calarie Road on Thursday 28th September at 2pm. Please bring a hat, chair and cup. Members are also asked to bring along $60 to pay for our 70th birthday celebrations on 11th November.

By Green Thumb

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