Special Interests Archives - Page 36 of 118

Concerns NSW Budget Will Not Tackle Growing Disadvantage In NSW

September 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Peak social services body NCOSS welcomed some of the investments in the NSW Government’s 2023-24 Budget, but called for urgent support for those living in poverty.

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty acknowledged the significant financial pressures on the Budget, but expressed concern for those doing it toughest in NSW right now.

“It’s great to see investment in schools and hospitals across Western and South Western Sydney. These are growth suburbs where families need ready access to these essential facilities,” Ms Quilty said.

“But they are also the suburbs where we see the highest concentrations of disadvantage, where disadvantage is deepening and where cost of living pressures are hitting hardest.

“As cost-of-living pressures ramp up and the affordable housing crisis grows, we need urgent, increased investment in front-line supports such as neighbourhood centres, tenants advice, domestic violence services, financial counselling and mental health supports.

“This Budget does not do enough to help those barely hanging on

Liz Stringer First Time… For The Last Time Tour

September 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

See Liz Stringer live on Wednesday 11th October at The Cordial Factory, Grenfell.

Much-loved Milk! Records recording artist and Melbourne singer/songwriter Liz Stringer caps off a busy 2023 and brings to an end her work on her acclaimed 2021 album First Time Really Feeling with her First Time… For The Last Time solo tour. This is a rare chance to see one of Australia’s greatest contemporary singer-songwriters.

Liz’s First Time… For The Last Time tour will see the artist bring an end to the long cycle of work that began with the recording of First Time Really Feeling in Canada in 2018. It’s a case of unfinished business, as the tour will finally reach the places that Liz couldn’t get to following the album’s release, thanks to various lockdowns. All the shows will follow the intimate format of her From Brunswick to Brixton shows; Liz will perform her songs completely solo, giving audiences a real insight into how they were written and how they sounded before she presented them to her band.

Having achieved her first entry into the ARIA Top 20 and an ARIA Award for Best Blues & Roots album in 2021, Liz spent most of 2022 with Midnight Oil, working as their backing vocalist and support act in Australia and around the world on their Resist tour. Then, in February 2023, she and fellow Oils guest William Crighton released a cover of the Oils’ “Golden Age”, featuring Jim Moginie on bass and Rob Hirst on drums. Following that Liz and William undertook a short tour together, and then in March, Liz was 2023 Artist of the Year at the iconic Port Fairy Folk Festival, where she performed two triumphant sets with her band. In May, after three From Brunswick to Brixton solo shows in Melbourne, she headed to London to record her new album and play a handful of shows.

Get Fired Up For National BBQ Championships

September 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Do you think you could be the next National BBQ Champion? Get a team together and enter now.

The National BBQ Championships in Forbes are back! Grinsted Oval will come alive on Saturday the 28th October for the sizzling action and tantalising aromas of our best barbecued beef, chicken, lamb and pork.

“We are giving you plenty of notice to brush up on your barbecuing skills,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“We are expecting an amazing day – full of the amazing smells of barbecued delicacies, market stalls, bar, live music and entertainment for the children.

“Is the barbecue Australia’s national dish – I will let this day be the judge of that!” Mayor Miller added.

As a spectator, the event is free to attend with spectator tickets available at 123tix.com.au. If you want to compete for the great prize pool available, and for the honour of being crowned best of the BBQ, there will be a registration fee, with more details coming soon.

Anyone wishing to compete on the day is urged to send details to tourism@forbes.nsw.gov.au and they will be contacted once registrations open.

The National BBQ Championships kicks off at 12pm and concludes at 8pm. The event will again be held at Grinsted Oval with ‘Fast Ed’ of Better Homes and Gardens fame the chef, the last official judge.

“As a Council there is nothing we enjoy more than bringing together our community, we love seeing the smiles and the lifting of spirits, especially as we know life in the country can bring its own challenges at times,” Mayor Miller said.

So if you think you have the skills it takes to be the next National BBQ Champion then assemble a team now and fire up the BBQ and start practicing your best BBQ dishes.

The National BBQ Championships is supported by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program.

Dirty Gloves Nursery Open Day This Saturday

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spring has sprung and what better place to celebrate than Parkes’ newest plant nursery, Dirty Gloves Nursery. Mitch and Casey Miles along with their three children, Finn (five), Noah (two) and Harper (9 months), seized the opportunity when news that the towns local nurseries were closing their gates permanently.

The family of five, at the time, struggled to find sufficient childcare to return to previous work and so they decided to take their already small hobby of growing vegetables, succulents and other garden ornamentals, and turn it into a small home nursery.

“I was already selling a few things from the front garden, so to erect a shade house in our paddock and expand what we had to offer was a very exciting opportunity” Miles said.

Boasting a variety of trees, flowers, grasses, bushes, natives, fruit and nut trees, roses and vegetables, Dirty Gloves Nursery has all you need to make your garden shine with colour, texture and fragrances.

There’s even a selection of garden art available from concrete statues to welded flowers and animals, even glass flowers made from recycled plates.

“We like fun and creative ways to spruce up the garden. There’s no shortage of creativity amongst our family members,” said Miles.

Although the nursery has been operating since January the urge to share some of the spring fever has prompted an open day event. Surrounding communities are encouraged to come and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, and picnic on the grassed area at the front of the nursery to celebrate the new business’ first spring.

“We are very excited to share our love for gardening with the people of Parkes and surrounding communities,” Miles explained. “With the prices rising across all other living expenses we want to offer quality plants and garden art at an affordable price.”

Dirty Gloves Nursery open day will be this Saturday 16th September from 10am – 2pm at 54 Corcoran Road Parkes. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Grazing Down The Lachlan Celebrates Its Fifth Year

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Grazing Down the Lachlan returns to Forbes this Saturday 16th September, celebrating and showcasing the region’s food, culture, art, entertainment and history.

A total of 550 ‘Grazers’ (guests) are expected on site at Gum Swamp for an epic long lunch celebrating produce from Central West NSW, prepared by local restaurateurs and caterers.

This year the committee are thrilled to have Brendan Sheldrick onboard as Creative Director to inject a new and local perspective on Grazing 2023’s six course menu.

“In addition to a Greek-inspired menu, Grazers will also enjoy local wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages at each station and be entertainment by musicians, dancers and interactive art on site.”

“Grazers can expect some beautiful, simple Greek flavours where the produce is the hero, as well as woodfire cooking, pastries and sweets – a bit of a nod to Australian / Greek cafe and takeaway culture,” Brendan said.

What makes this dining experience a truly unique is the underlying commitment to delivering a no-waste, environmentally responsible event. Every Grazer is supplied with an event bag made locally by Woolerina from recycled fabric, which contains an enamel plate, recycled cutlery, a lanyard, menu map, and a napkin made from donated linens.

Grazers are transported out to site by bus to minimise the impact on the natural environment and are then free to wander along the two-kilometre bush track between

six stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage. At the final station, Grazers are encouraged to donate these items back to Grazing to be used again.

Proceeds of Grazing Down the Lachlan support the Forbes Arts Society. Funds raised through the event to-date have facilitated the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, the redevelopment of Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge and the development of Gallery Forbes. In 2022, $30,000 was raised for the Forbes Arts Society.

The event has significant economic benefits for the Forbes Shire, injecting over $400,000 into the local economy each year.

Don’t Be Bored These School Holidays

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

With the sun setting on Term three, Forbes Shire Council has been busy planning to ensure a variety of free activities are available these school holidays.

This school holiday program features fishing workshops, an outdoor movie, a theatre performance, the opening of Forbes Town Pool on 1st October, craft workshops, Creative Community Concepts will host a footy for fun event and a magic festival – wow!!!!

First off the rank are the popular fishing workshops, with two sessions to choose from on Monday 25th September. Set on the banks of the beautiful Lake Forbes, these free workshops fill up quickly so make sure you book in early. If you don’t have a rod don’t worry – there are enough available for you to borrow.

Head to Lions Park on Saturday 7th October for the Magic Festival, the first of its kind in Forbes. Be amazed by roving magicians and enchanted by a stage show finale, feast on the offerings of food vendors and relax in the company of friends. Tickets to the show are free, but essential, head to 123tix.com.au

For more information on the Forbes Shire Council youth programs head to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

Do You Believe In Magic?

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Come along for a first of its kind, magical evening for Forbes.

Lions Park will set the stage for an evening of pure magic next month, hosted by Forbes Shire Council. Roving magicians will weave their way through the crowd, entertaining with their sleight of hand and their mysterious ways.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM urged residents and visitors to bring their chairs and rugs for sunset on Lake Forbes, free of charge.

Food vendors will be on site, and after the four roving magicians have cast their spell, a stage spectacular will take place from 7pm to 8pm.

A sensory friendly session has been scheduled for Friday October 6th from 1pm –3pm. “We recognise that some peoplehave differing needs that might not suit alarge event such as the one at Lake Forbeson Saturday evening,” Mayor Miller said.

“We are offering an up close and personal magic show at the Town Hall on Friday afternoon – it will not have the big bangs and loud music! It is free of charge, but please RSVP to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au as numbers are limited.

“It is exciting to welcome magic back to Forbes after an extremely successful magic show last year – the magicians had so much fun and loved the interaction with the community and are looking forward to their return!,” Mayor Miller said.

“Lions Park is fast becoming a hub for exceptional social gatherings, with the area perfectly framed works completed under the Lake Forbes Activation Project funded by the NSW Government. It is the perfect place for the community to connect and enjoy the outdoor space,” Mayor Miller said.

What magical event will Council pull out if its hat next?

The Forbes Magic Festival is on Saturday 7th October from 5pm until 8pm. Tickets are free but essential, so head to: Forbes Magic Festival Tickets (123tix.com.au)

Biggest Firework Display Ever At Forbes Show

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

School work hung for judging and display. Come have a look.

It’s one of the most exciting times of the year, the Forbes Show. Come along and enjoy the fireworks, sideshow alley, pavilions, dog high jump, ring events, shearing, young woman, rural ambassadors, dog trials and so much more.

The CMOC Northparkes Mines firework display will be at 8pm on Friday 8th September. Head to the Forbes Show to get the best view in town. A big thank you to Northparkes Mines for their continued support of the Forbes Show.

Remember pre-purchase your tickets and save yourself time at the gate. https://www.123tix.com.au/events/39629/forbes-show

Pension Boosted But More Needed For Those In Need

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Results from the 11th Seniors Social Survey.

From 20th September, the Age Pension, the Veteran Payment, the Disability Support Pension and the Carer Payment will receive an increase because of indexation.

The maximum rate of the single Age Pension will rise by $32.70 per fortnight, taking it from $1,064 to $1,096.70. For couples, it will increase by $49.40 per fortnight, taking their combined payment from $1,604 to $1,653.40.

Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said while people who rely on the Age Pension will welcome the increase, under the current system pensioners are still behind, especially when inflation is unusually high.

Several other government payments will also be increased on 20th September in line with announcements made in the May Budget.

A welcome change is the 15% increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance. The maximum rate for an eligible single renter will rise by $27.60 to $184.80 per fortnight, for a couple by $26 to $174.

“It’s a good start but more needs to be done to help” Mr Henschke said.

“More can be done to support older people doing it tough. As recent National Seniors research showed, a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures,” Mr Henschke said.

“For example, 39% of older renters told us they were experiencing severe cost-of-living impacts compared to only 11 % of older homeowners.

“What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means and to stop punishing those who need to work.

“We want a change to income test rules for pensioners who want to work and work more. We will continue to fight for a system that improves people’s lives.”

Canola Field Day: A Showcase Of Canola Innovations And Research

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The GRDC NVT will be in attendance to discuss canola trials with growers, advisers, and breeders coming from around
Australia and overseas. Photo: Mathew Dunn, NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Canola trials, disease management tactics, farming systems insights and key data from the Grains Research and Development’s (GRDC) National Variety Trials will be on offer to growers and agronomists as part of canola focused field day in Wagga Wagga in September.

The field day is being held in conjunction with the International Rapeseed Congress 2023 (IRC-2023) and is expected to attract more than 120 international and Australian canola researchers and industry experts, alongside local growers.

Hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) with the support of GRDC the event will be held at the NSW DPI Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute on Friday, 22nd September 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

NSW DPI Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute director, Deb Slinger said canola was one of New South Wales’ most important crops and favourable seasonal conditions in southern regions of the state had bolstered production this year.

“In NSW our production of canola is worth over $800 million – a significant contributor to our economy,” Ms Slinger said.

“Hosting a field day with GRDC as part of the IRC-2023 is a valuable way to showcase current and past canola research that has helped position the Australian industry where it is today and continues to drive improvements for our sector.”

GRDC NVT manager of operations Ben O’Connor said the field day was an excellent opportunity for growers to directly engage with canola industry experts and to hear the latest research and development.

“Between 2019 and 2022 GRDC made investments, including with partners like NSW DPI, of more than $30 million into canola research projects focused on improving yield and understanding yield drivers and this has really help drive improvements on-farm,” Mr O’Connor said.

As part of the field day NSW DPI will also launch the “Canola in Australia: 21st Century Progress” publication, which has been updated from the 1999 edition to demonstrate the development of the canola industry in Australia over the past 24 years.

The canola field day precedes the IRC- 2023 which is being held in Sydney this year

Field day highlights:

• Exclusive demonstration variety trials from nine leading canola companies.

• Insight into the GRDC Canola National Variety Trial.

• A deep dive into the NSW DPI Research Experiments focusing on Canola, Pathology, and Farming Systems.

• Official launch of the “Canola in Australia: 21st Century Progress Book”. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy.

• BBQ and Coffee Carts available throughout the day for attendees.

• Comprehensive amenities on site for convenience.

Location Details:

Participants are requested to park at the Joyes Hall carpark on Pine Gully Road, Wagga Wagga. Mini buses will be available every 30 minutes from 8:30 am to transport attendees to the event location.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are priced at $25 per person. To RSVP and purchase your ticket and for more information you can visit www.ircsydney2023.com by Wednesday, 13th September. The attendance of Australian grain growers and advisers is subsidised by GRDC.

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