Special Interests Archives - Page 58 of 118

A Fun Morning Of Science For Little Ones

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The activities at the 2019 Forbes Science Discovery Day had everyone enthralled.

If you want your little ones to discover the magic of science, but don’t want a mess in your house, the Forbes Science Discovery Day on Friday 4th November is just the place for you!

It has been a while since the inaugural Forbes Science Discovery Day was held and the team is delighted to present a fun packed morning at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre from 10am to 1pm this year.

“We are super excited to introduce Wendy from the Children’s Discovery Museum to our community,” said Maree Yapp from Forbes North SaCC.

“Wendy brings with her a wealth of experience and will be reading her story ‘Goldilocks and the Three Scientists’ every hour”. The morning will bring favourite activities along with some new experiences for children up to school age.

Families with young children are invited to come along and try all

the activities around the hall and speak with the presenters at each station. There will be plenty to see and do for everyone.

Hayley’s ‘Having The Time Of Her Life’

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

DANCING QUEEN… Hayley Roach landed her dream job when she became Manager of the Trundle ABBA Festival.

As an events specialist she has worked on some of the biggest international events around the world including the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup, and then her dream job popped up.

Hayley Roach moved from England to Parkes in August this year to become Manager of the Trundle ABBA Festival one week after finishing a contract with the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

“This job really is my dream. I genuinely love ABBA and I get to listen to their songs all day every day,” she said listing the four countries where she’s seen Björn Again for a total of 28 times already.

She first heard ABBA as a six-year-old. “My dad was in the Royal Air Force and we used to travel wherever he got posted. I remember just being in the backseat of our car driving to Germany, driving to Holland, driving wherever and we’d have cassettes. ABBA was one of those cassettes. I remember just loving it. I always asked for ABBA. You can say it was the soundtrack to my youth, probably the soundtrack to my life now.”

Hayley never got to see ABBA live, but in 1992 she discovered the tribute band Björn Again. “They came to my hometown in Sheffield. To me Björn Again were the next best thing and how I would have imagined the real ABBA to be.”

They put on a show every year and Hayley went for 15 years in a row. “I ran out of friends to take as it was exactly the same show every year, and I ended up just going by myself.”

When Hayley saw the job ad she had no idea where Trundle was, but the word ABBA was what drew her in. And when she discovered it was the only ABBA festival in the world, she definitely wanted the job title on her CV.

“Trundle is the smallest town I’ve ever been to in my life with the widest streets, but the people are so lovely.” Hayley very quickly realised how important the festival was for the town’s economy, and her main objective was to make it the best experience it could be.

“I am blessed to have a job that I’m so passionate about, and as a fan I wanted to make sure this festival celebrates their music and achievements, and as an events manager I wanted to ensure we deliver a successful event.”

Unfortunately, the weather gods decided otherwise, and while Hayley was hugely disappointed the festival had to be cancelled a week out from happening, she loved every minute of the Björn Again show in Parkes and how much everyone else enjoyed it.

And after all those years of following the world’s number one ABBA tribute band around the globe, she got a photo with Björn Again in Parkes.

Parkes Christian School Celebrates 40 Years

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

CLASS OF ’22… The Parkes Christian School is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend with a spring fair and celebration service. The 2022 Year 12 class graduates.

Parkes Christian School is celebrating 40 years of Christian education in the Central West with a spring fair and celebration service this weekend (29th and 30th October).

Past principals, staff, students and families that have been involved with the school over the past 40 years are all invited to attend.

The spring fair is also open to the general public, and will go from 9am to 2pm with market stalls run by students, vendors, lots of food options and coffee, Devonshire tea, an art exhibition, live entertainment and fun games and competitions.

The school procured a framed and signed Nathan Cleary jersey, and everyone who makes a small donation on the day stand a chance to win this piece of sporting memorabilia. There will also be a display of photos, uniforms and video footage of the school over the past 40 years to show just how far the school has progressed.

The fair is also a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and parents to come and have a look at what the school has to offer.

On Sunday, 30th October from 10am former staff, students and families of the school are invited to attend a celebration service in the school hall. Staff, students and members of the Parkes Community Church will perform worship songs, and reminisce about the beginning and development of the school.

Principal Glen Westcott is delighted to be hosting the 40-year celebrations. “Parkes Christian School was the first Christian school to be built in NSW west of the Blue Mountains.”

Glen said from humble beginnings, the school was now well and truly thriving. “With a growing population of 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and more than 40 staff, the school has impressive facilities.”

For more information follow the school on Facebook, or contact the school office on 6862 4164.

Celebrating 40 Years of Parkes Christian School

2009 Parkes Christian School staff.

1993 Parkes Christian School staff.

1989 class photo of Year 7 & 8.

Parkes Christian School students in 1982.

Parkes Christian School as seen from above.

Kelvin Smith, Principal Judy Huda and Ameeka Hodges.

Students take part in the annual Anzac parade.

In 1986 the second school building was constructed. John Magill, founding member of the school and chairman of the board for many years, is in the trench.

Multifocal Contact Lenses – The Final Frontier!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Many people who wear multifocal glasses or only require glasses for reading, often don’t realise that they could be wearing contact lenses.

Just like multifocal glasses, multifocal contact lenses are designed to give you clear vision at all distances. If you find your multifocal glasses annoying or hard to adjust to, if you work in a job where you need to see clearly but your glasses get knocked around and scratched, or perhaps sometimes you would just like to take a little break from your multifocal or reading glasses while you socialise or play sport, then you may want to consider trying multifocal contact lenses.

There are various designs of multifocal contact lenses to suit your lifestyle and vision needs. While some emphasise near vision with a boost for distance, others emphasise distance vision with a boost for near. There is no distortion or motion sickness feeling that you might experience with multifocal glasses, particular early on.

In terms of getting used to multifocal contact lenses, your relationship with your contact lenses is a little like a burgeoning friendship. You might not initially love them, but with time as you adapt to them and understand how they work you will start to build trust with the multifocal contact lenses, enjoy their company with clear vision at most distances, and likely develop a good friendship over time. This can sometimes take several weeks so don’t give up and quit the game too early! Maybe you have been unsuccessful with contact lenses in the past because they were uncomfortable, however like most things, the technology of contact lenses is always improving, and today’s lenses are much more comfortable than in the past.

You are never too old to wear or try contact lenses. Patients have become happy multifocal contact lens wearers in their 70s. There is no cost involved in trialling contact lenses at Hansen Optometrists Parkes. If you would like to give it a try, book in today and become part of the growing number of happy multifocal contact lens wearers.

Local Legend Inspires Whole Country!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HISTORY MADE… Nedd Brockmann (23) from Forbes grabbed the headlines this week when he finished an incredible feat running 3,952km in 47 days to raise money for homelessness. Thousands welcomed him at Bondi Beach on Monday. (photo: Sky News Australia)

It is the story we were all longing to hear, and the fact that the hero is a sparkie from Forbes made it so much more inspirational.

Nedd Brockman took our spirit on his superhuman challenge and we soared above the daily grind of floods and rising costs to believe in kindness, generosity and perseverance again as he battled through almost 100km per day for 47 days.

He grabbed the attention of the whole country as he made his way from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to the finish at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Monday where thousands of supporters gave him a rapturous welcome breaking the tape after 3,952km and raising over $1.8 million for homelessness.

“I am absolutely blown away,” he said. “I don’t think I can explain the depths I’ve had to go to. To have all this support is absolutely mind-blowing. I am speechless,” he said before doing a celebratory shoey.

His incredible run has been named one of the greatest athletic feats in Australian history, and many call for Nedd to be named Australian of the Year.

In Forbes Nedd has gained a huge fan base with several fundraising efforts in the community to support him. His former primary school, Bedgerabong Public School, followed him every step of the way and raised $770. On Monday students at St Laurence’s Parish School held a Hats for Homelessness fundraiser and raised $522.20, while the Forbes Community Hub came together last Friday and sold egg and bacon rolls raising $2,620, to name but some of the local support.

The good news for local fans is that a welcome is being planned for the local hero with details to be announced soon.

Rural Aid For Livestock, Crops Lost To Floods

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, has stepped up to help farmers across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania as they face devastating, widespread flooding.

The team of counsellors are also conducting welfare checks on Rural Aid’s registered farmers and has counsellors on the ground in Forbes.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers with crops nearing harvest were increasingly anxious as flood water and continuing rain caused costly downgrading.

“Months of hard work and investment has now been written off, alongside people’s homes, fences, sheds and machinery,” he said.

Registered primary producers are also being offered financial assistance as they deal with the devastating effects of the flood.

More than 70 local government areas (LGAs) across the three states are directly affected, impacting thousands of families.

Rural Aid counsellors are expecting an increase in calls to its new, dedicated 1300 175 594 counselling line, as the extent of the current flooding situation becomes more apparent.

Farmers registered with Rural Aid can access counselling support and request financial assistance and fodder for livestock.

Producers that aren’t registered are encouraged to do so immediately via www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

Help To Count Our Feathered Friends

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Become a citizen scientist and take part in the Aussie Bird Count.

It is National Bird Week and residents can still make a difference for bird conservation by participating in the 2022 Aussie Bird Count until Sunday.

All you need to do is pick a spot outside and count birds for at least 20 minutes to help researchers create a snapshot of Australia’s urban and more common bird species. Data collected is submitted through the Aussie Bird Count app or through an online web form.

“The annual Aussie Bird Count is a great way for residents to enjoy the outdoors and learn about birds in our shire,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Officer, Michael Chambers.

“Last year 112 residents took part, and we would love to see even greater participation this year.”

Starting in 2014, the Aussie Bird Count has become one of the largest citizen science projects in Australia. The 2021 Aussie Bird Count saw more than 100,000 Australians take to their local green spaces to count nearly 5 million individual birds. Across the Parkes Shire, residents recorded a total of 5,013 individual birds across 86 species. The most recorded species in the Parkes Shire was the Galah, followed by Crested Pigeons, House Sparrows, Apostlebirds and Australian Magpies. Several species listed as ‘vulnerable’ under federal legislation were also sighted, including Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo), Grey-Crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Dusky Wood Swallow, Superb Parrot and the Speckled Warbler.

Data obtained from annual Aussie Bird Counts helps Council increase environmental engagement among residents, informs land management decisions and can indicate the impacts of tree planting efforts across the Shire.

For residents interested in attracting more wildlife to their gardens, Council will be giving away native shrubs and trees at the Spring Fling Market that has been postponed to Saturday, 19th November.

You can download the Aussie Bird Count app for free, or use the online form at https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/submit-a-count/

Fashion Parade And Afternoon Tea To Celebrate CWA Centenary

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The CWA was successful in obtaining a Forbes Shire Council grant for their special anniversary celebration, which will include an amazing raffle available at the afternoon tea on 30th October. Pictured are some of the models in a selection of the outfits from yesteryear. They are at the back (L-R) Jess, Charlotte, Avril, Izzy and Drew, and in front are Marnie and Annaliese.

The Country Women’s Association of NSW is celebrating its centenary this year after it was established in 1922 at the Bushwomen’s Conference held in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Show in Sydney.

The CWA focused on fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities. Members worked on setting up baby health care centres, funding more bush nurses, and building and staffing maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes and holiday getaways for rural and remote families.

These women were initiators, fighters and lobbyists, who were passionate about making rural and regional NSW better for those who lived there. For 100 years the members of the CWA of NSW have continued this legacy by improving the social, educational, recreational and medical realities for their communities. The CWA has grown to be the largest women’s organisation in Australia.

The Forbes Evening Branch CWA will be holding a fashion parade and afternoon tea in the Forbes Town Hall on Sunday, 30th October from 2 to 5pm to mark this important anniversary.

Models will be showcasing clothing from every decade of the last 100 years, with a local story and CWA connection for each clothing item. A delicious afternoon tea will also be provided. Tickets, priced at $15; are selling fast and are limited. Go to www.123tix.com.au/events/35268/forbes-cwa-100-year-celebration to buy a ticker or phone President Robyn Miller on 0419 975 652.

Mamma Mia What A Great Night!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The world’s number one ABBA tribute band Björn Again had fans on their feet all night on Saturday at the Parkes Leagues Club. The band played in Parkes after the Trundle ABBA Festival had to be cancelled because of the unfortunate weather situation the region is currently experiencing.

Parkes Shire Council’s Visitor Economy & Major Events Specialist Cathy Treasure (left) and Trundle ABBA Festival Manager Hayley Roach (second right) with the Björn Again band members.

Donna Shaw celebrated her birthday at the show with Steve Ridley.

ABBA fanatic Wendy Boschetti and her friend Margi Smith had a great night out.

Bali Bombings Display At Australian War Memoria

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

People attending the memorial service held in Forbes on Wednesday. (All photos on this page taken by Kate Howarth.)

A new photographic display detailing the Australian response to the Bali terrorist attack will be on show at the Australian War Memorial.

“The Bali bombings will be remembered as the date that terrorism hit home,” Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson said.

The Royal Australian Air Force evacuated critically injured people out of Indonesia as part of Operation Bali Assist – the largest Australian aeromedical evacuation since the Vietnam War.

The Australian Federal Police were invited to assist the Indonesian National Police and played a key role in investigation breakthroughs that led to the arrest, trial and execution of some of the perpetrators.

A display detailing the aftermath, co-curated with the Australian Federal Police Museum, is dedicated to the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings and the government agencies, including the Australian Defence Force and Consular Officers who put themselves in harm’s way in the immediate aftermath of the bombing, and the Australian Federal Police, who sought justice for victims and their families.

The exhibition includes images taken by AFP members in the aftermath of the attack, including a photograph of former Prime Minister John Howard inspecting the site of the bombing.

Images taken inside Paddy’s Bar show where Australian Federal Police investigators were able to source several pieces of tartan fabric and other matter that made up the explosive vest used in the first detonation.

Visitors will need a free ticket to the Australian War Memorial to see this display, which will be on show until 20 November 2022.

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