Special Interests Archives - Page 39 of 118

Swirl And Sip For A Good Cause

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Amy Millerd, Jenny Watts, Mark Watts (President), Pastor Julie Virtue, Alistair Lunn (Chief Steward), Judy Kerr and Paul Bennett (Secretary).

Each year, the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show donates $500 to Havannah House to assist with their Christmas Lunch, which they provide for the less fortunate people in our community. Last year, they provided 290 Christmas lunches.

Pastor Julie Virtue received the cheque this year and thanked the committee members in attendance for the continued support of this important event.

Organisers have received a great response to entries for the 31st Wine Show, with 589 wines entered from 103 wineries, which is the largest number of wineries exhibiting at the event in more than 10 years.

Judging will be taking place at the Forbes Town Hall from Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd August. This year will see three judging panels, and 13 judges representing most of the major wine regions in New South Wales. Of the 13 Judges, nine are first time judges at the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show and organisers look forward to their input.

The Wine Show week culminates at the Public Tasting being held on Friday 25th August from 6.30pm at The Forbes Town Hall. All the wines entered will be available for patrons to taste and finger food will be provided. Tickets are $30 per person.

The annual Gourmet Wine Dinner will be held on Saturday 9th September from 7pm at the Forbes Town Hall. Eat Your Greens will be preparing a four-course meal and 10 trophy winning wines will be served to complement the meal. Tickets are $130 per person.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show organisers are offering a ticket bundle with a ticket to the Public Tasting and a ticket to the Gourmet Wine Dinner for $150 per person. Tickets are available online at www.123tix.com.au/events/39343/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show. Get in quick as tickets are limited.

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

FRIDAY FLICKS

This 2022 rom-com follows the blossoming romance between two writers brought together in Mexico. With its beautiful scenery, this fish-out-of-water story where opposites attract, makes for a mini romantic getaway.

Friday 25 August, 6pm. Bookings essential.

JUNIOR BUILDERS

Bookings are now open for the Junior Builders workshop on Tuesday August 22 from 4-5pm. Students in Years 3-6 are invited tocome any enjoy a free after-school activitycreating and contributing to a communityart project. Spaces are strictly limited – call6861 2309 to book.

CURL UP THIS WINTER WITH ONLINE WINTER-READS

This winter join libraries throughout the state to read the gripping, fast-paced crime thriller The Other Side of Her by B.M. Carroll. Login to indyreads to start now! Need help accessing our online collections? Our staff are happy to help! Winter-Reads runs from Tuesday 1 August – Thursday 31 August

GET INVOLVED IN THE CARDBOARD SHOW

Got an empty box at your house? Across the month of September the Coventry Room will be hosting an ever-changing and expanding community exhibition of art work made from CARDBOARD. Get involved and enter a piece – build with it, paint on it, create a sculpture or piece of furniture from carboard. All entries to be delivered to the Coventry Room on 4th or 5th September.

Need some inspiration? Join one of the FREE cardboard workshops in the Marramarra Makerspace & Coventry Room:

• Friday 8th September @ 6pm: Workshopand wine (especially for adults)

• Saturday 9th September @ 10am: Cordialand cardboard (especially for kids andparents welcome)

• Saturday 16th September @ 10am: Continue with cardboard (everyone welcome)

Friday 29th September @ 6pm will be the celebration and grand finale event (a free event where artworks will be sold by donation). To book into any of the workshops or events contact Parkes Library 6861 2309.

First Temporary Pod Resident Returns Home As Central West Recovery Continues

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Eugowra resident Grace Katon celebrates returning to her home and also her 83rd birthday.

Long-term Eugowra resident Grace Katon is the first Central West resident to move out of a temporary housing pod and back into her own home. She was met by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib who were able to welcome her home.

Following catastrophic floods last year, Grace and her dog Honey lived in the temporary housing pod while her home’s kitchen, bathroom and walls were repaired.

As part of the free Pods on Private Property Program across the Cabonne, Forbes and Parkes Local Government Areas, 98 temporary pods were installed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

As of today, 88 households have been able to take advantage of the program, with another 10 pods in the final stages of fit-out.

The pod program provides people with a safe and comfortable place to live in their own community, while they rebuild or repair their homes, relocate or secure a rental property.

More than 130 pods in total are expected to be installed across the Central West by the end of August, while decommissioned pods will be used again in the area or across NSW as part of future disaster recovery efforts.

The NSW Government has also established an At-Home Caravan Program for eligible Central West residents with 129 caravans delivered and in use.

The NSW Government has provided more than $42 million in grants and subsidies to individuals, households, small businesses and primary producers across the Central West impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Almost 3,000 people have received practical assistance at Recovery Assistant Points across the Central West since November 2022 including accommodation assistance, mental health support and access to clean-up services.

Visit Inland Rail At Local Agricultural Shows

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Local residents and businesses will be able to find out all they need to know about the Inland Rail project by catching up with the Inland Rail teams attending any of the five upcoming agricultural shows and market days in southern New South Wales.

In the coming months Inland Rail staff will be out and about from Henty to Forbes and will be available to answer any queries about upcoming projects in local communities on the Albury to Parkes sections of the project. Inland Rail Information stands will be at the following locations:

• Forbes Rotary Market Day, 12th August

• Grenfell Show, 1st – 2nd September

• Forbes Show, 8th – 9th September

The Australian Government is taking a staged approach to delivering Inland Rail, with construction between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales prioritised for completion by 2027.

Martinus Rail was awarded a $403.5 million contract to design and construct enhancement works on the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) and Albury to Illabo (A2I) sections of Inland Rail.

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director of Program Delivery for Albury to Parkes, said: “Show day stands are a chance for local community members to meet members of our Stakeholder Engagement teams and other Inland Rail staff to talk about the project and upcoming opportunities to be involved with Inland Rail.

“We encourage community members to drop by and ask any questions they have about the project. Many of our staff on these stalls also live in these communities and would love to have a chat.”

Sounds Of Country On Lake Forbes

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rising stars of Australian country music – and the new backing band for Lee Kernaghan – Hurricane Fall is the headlining act at Sundown Sounds

Forbes’ inaugural Sundown Sounds will take place at the picturesque Lions Park on 5th August, with music starting at 5:45pm.

Hurricane Fall, a high energy country rock band will be joined by the amazing Katie Jayne and band, and the town’s very own Gracey Denham-Jones.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “This is an exciting and free event we are hosting on the lake at Lions Park, the perfect setting to dine at one of our amazing food vans, BYO esky and attempt the bucking bull with friends and family,” Mayor Miller said.

“I am looking forward to pulling on the boots for an evening of good food, good music and great times with old and new friends.”

For those wishing to do their homework before the event, check out Council’s Facebook event to listen to the Sundown Sounds Spotify Playlist.

Sundown Sounds is a free community event that has been funded by the NSW Government.

“We thank the government for their support to help our precious regional communities stay connected and build new connections. These connections are so important when we are faced with so many challenges in our livelihoods, grab your mates, grab your esky and join us by the lake for what is sure to be an epic evening of live music” said Mayor Miller.

All ages are welcome. Tickets are free, but essential and are available at www.123tix.com.au/events/37984/forbes-sundown-sound

Prepare Now For Bushfire Season

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

This year’s bushfire season has potential to be especially dangerous according to a UNSW fire expert, who is urging people to get prepared and mitigate the risks. It is forecast the southern hemisphere is entering into an El Niño climate cycle and a surge in global temperatures.

1. Clean out gutters

Leaves and other vegetation can easily accumulate in gutters around your house. Cleaning gutters is one of the main ways to ensure that your house does not catch fire in a bushfire situation.

2. Get your water tank ready

After clearing the gutters, it’s good to hose them with water, which reduces the chances of hot embers sparking a fire. This should also prompt you to ensure you have a reliable supply of water should it be needed to dampen down approaching flames.

3. Clear bushland around your home

This means trimming overhanging trees and shrubs, mowing long grass and removing the cuttings. It’s also important to remove any flammable materials around your house such as outdoor furniture, paint cans, and even door mats.

4. Be evacuation-ready

Have a clear and concise plan to evacuate if conditions become too dangerous. Prepare fully by keeping up to date with local bushfire information via TV, radio, websites, social media, and special apps such as ‘Fires Near Me’.

5. Fireproof your property

Fire retardant paints are available which could prevent your house from being badly damaged or even destroyed in a bushfire. Such paint could help protect you and your family in the house if evacuation from a bushfire proved impossible.

3 Million Loaves And 2 Million Tins Of Milo – All In A Year’s Work For Our Grain Farmers

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sweeping paddocks of grain crops are a familiar sight across much of regional Australia, but how many stop to think that those crops end up in their sandwich or breakfast bowl?

In fact, the average Aussie wheat farmer produces enough grain to make 3 million loaves of bread and 2 million tins of Milo.

In the final week of a crusade to better connect consumers with where their food comes from – and to value that food – the NFF-led campaign under the Australians Farmers platform aims to connect those dots.

NFF President Fiona Simson, hoped the Australian Farmers campaign had opened people’s eyes to the work farmers invested into growing food sustainably.

“This week we’re putting the spotlight on a household staple – bread. It’s main ingredient, wheat, is also a staple in the farming world,” she said.

Australia produces 23 million tonnes of wheat each year. This is used in bread, pasta, pizza dough, cake, instant noodles, dumpling skins and even animal feed.

Bread is one of the most wasted foods in Australia, bread is too precious to waste, store it properly and learn what to do if it goes stale

Final Push To Save The Regional Seniors Travel Card

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway MLC stands up to try and save the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are calling all residents across regional communities to sign the petition to save the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Coalition launched the petition to stop Labor from cutting the program in the upcoming budget.

“The Regional Seniors Travel Card has become a local lifeline right across the bush,helping our seniors maintain their independence,” Mr Farraway said.

“We have already had a strong response but there is only a month left to get behind the petition, so I would encourage as many people as possible to sign it to convince the Minns Government to keep funding this important cost-of-living measure.”

“It would be devastating to see another great regional initiative sacrificed to prioritise another city project, so I would ask everyone to share this petition as far and wide as you can to show Labor just how important it is.”

Since 2020 more than one million cards have been issued, easing expenses for seniors who need to travel longer distances for their everyday tasks.

Sarah Smith from Parkes Taxis said “It has been a valuable asset for our customers at Parkes taxis over the last 12 months. Passengers have been able to use the transport card for both social, medical appointments, shopping and many other day to day activities. Many passengers have expressed that it will be a great loss to them if transport card does not continue given the hard times along with many other rising expenses.

You can help save the card by signing the petition at www.savethetravelcard.com.au

Prevalence Of Financial Abuse In NSW

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Next Chapter Innovation partners will have access to grants of $50,000, $100,000 or $200,000 plus executive support and mentoring, access to a think tank to leverage corporate expertise, and involvement in an inaugural conference to be hosted by CommBank.

This announcement coincides with the release of the latest CommBank Community Awareness Survey which included 2,951 people living in NSW, found:

• 22% of people living in NSW have experienced financial abuse from a partner, while 19% have experienced it from a family member

• 20% know or suspect someone they know is currently experiencing financial abuse

The most common behaviours include:

• 44%: Used/is using all wages earned by you for household expenses, while spending their own money only on themselves

• 43%: Has hidden/is hiding assets from you

• 42%: Provided/is providing you with only an inadequate ‘allowance’

• 42%: Has destroyed, damaged or stolen something that belongs to you or a family member

• 41%: Refused/ is refusing to contribute financially to you or to your family

To be eligible to apply for Next Chapter Innovation, organisations must be Australian based and operated with services providing direct funding to Australian based programs. Applications will close on Friday, 25th August.

For any further details on Next Chapter Innovation, visit: commbank.com.au/nextchapter

“North Bogabigal” Historic Forbes

August 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

North Bogabigal is being offered for public sale ‘as a whole’ as well as in three separate lots, by Expressions of Interest (EOI) with expressions closing at 12 noon AEST Thursday 14th September 2023.

Forbes based rural property specialists Johnston Rural Group are pleased to present to market North Bogabigal – an exceptionally well-located, mixed farm in the heart of the Lachlan Valley.

The property, which today comprises approx. 547.5 hectares (1,352 acres), boasts a prime location just 11km west of the historic township of Forbes and Newell Highway. The productive mixed farm, which is approx. 90% arable, is a versatile holding suited to both livestock and cropping having successfully grown high yielding cereal crops and produced prime lambs, goats & lucerne hay. The offering is underpinned by a combination of soil types ranging from highly fertile alluvial creek flats adjacent to the Broad Creek to sandy loams and heavy grey clays through the middle.

Key features include Lachlan River access via a pumping station and underground water supply pipeline, 1.3km frontage to the Broad Creek, 510 MgL General Security River Water Access Licence, near new 60ha (150ac) Bauer centre pivot and a dedicated internal drainage system which diverts local water off the property after heavy rainfall events.

The main improvements consist of a 3 / 4 BR homestead, 3 BR cottage, hay shed, 2 machinery sheds, workshop, older style shearing shed with adjoining sheep yards, wash down bay, chemical shed, piggery / wet weather livestock shed and old shearers quarters.

The Vendor’s Phillip (Australian Olympian and highly decorated Commonwealth Games Medallist) & Ann Adams have made the decision to sell in order finalise their full-time retirement objective after initially moving into town several years ago and overseeing the farm remotely. North Bogabigal has been in the Adam’s Family for over 70 years, after it was initially purchased by the Adam’s Brothers Partnership (a partnership between Phillip’s father and uncle).

Under Phillip and Ann’s ownership there has been a focus on lucerne and livestock production (including a goat embryo transfer program), improving on-farm drainage, and more recently on a spray irrigation development project on North Bogabigal (South) in 2019.

Marketing Agent Sam Johnston of Johnston Rural Group said that “North Bogabigal will no doubt appeal to a large spectrum of the active buyer pool due to its prime location, combination of underlying soil types, access to the Lachlan River and Broad Creek, 510MgL irrigation water and near new 60 ha (150 ac) centre pivot, and more importantly its scope for future development and investment upside.” Further reinforcing that: “This fundamentally sound asset is primed for additional development and is ready to be taken to the next level through progressive management coupled with a prudent capital injection.”

The Vendor’s are fully committed to the sales process and have recently had the property independently valued which has assisted them is formulating a realistic price guide of $6.5m to $7.0m which includes the land, water, and fixed improvements.

For additional commentary, a detailed information memorandum or photos please contact: Sam Johnston 0412 896 602 sam@johnstongroup.com.au or Gary Johnston 0427 574 270 gary@johnstongroup.com.au

FRIDAY FLICKS

JUNIOR BUILDERS

CURL UP THIS WINTER WITH ONLINE WINTER-READS

GET INVOLVED IN THE CARDBOARD SHOW

Subscribe