Forbes Phoenix

More Than 40 Per Cent Of Western NSW Women Overdue For Breast Screening

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This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, eligi­ble women from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book a free mam­mogram, with 42 per cent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years, through a population based screening program like BreastScreen NSW, is still the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt.

Deon Adamson Manager, Breastscreen NSW (Greater Western), said with more than 250 local women expected to be diag­nosed with breast cancer this year, women need to put themselves first and book a screening.

“If you’re aged 50 to 74, make breast screening a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed,” Ms Ad­amson said. “Early detection significantly increases a person’s chance of survival and can greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BreastScreen NSW is encourag­ing clients, staff and the community to Tell a Friend about the importance of regular screening and how to book an appointment.

A record 36,500 women booked their breast screen in October 2024. This year, the Be A Friend, Tell A Friend promotion will encour­age more conversations so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.

For more information and to make an ap­pointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

NSW Government Sows The Seeds For A Plant-Based Protein Manufacturing Boom In Regional NSW

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The Minns Labor Government is plant­ing the seeds for a new wave of primary production manufacturing across regional NSW, unveiling a prospectus designed to harvest the economic benefits of the grow­ing plant-based protein sector.

This prospectus is part of the Govern­ment’s plans to strengthen regional econo­mies, build new industries and drive jobs and investment.

The prospectus is aimed at metropolitan and international food manufacturers and is designed to encourage them to consider re­gional NSW as a base for their operations.

The prospectus highlights the competitive advantages regional NSW has including:

• Access to premium raw commodities suitable for plant-based protein food and beverage manufacturing with the ability to scale and meet growing demand.

• Consumer market access with regional NSW ideally positioned and able to de­liver goods to 81 percent of Australia’s domestic market overnight.

• Skilled workforce with relevant education­al backgrounds, export-ready ports, and affordable industrial land.

• Research and development ecosystem that actively encourages collaboration between researchers across universities, DPIRD, CSIRO, Government and agri­business.

The Prospectus also identifies five key re­gions particularly suited to plant-based pro­tein manufacturing: Riverina Murray, New England North West, Central West Orana, North Coast and Hunter Central Coast.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: “Regional NSW offers the ideal combination of resources and advantages, from efficient transport networks and export-ready ports to skilled workforces and affordable industrial land, creating a compelling case for investors and manufacturers.

Free Workshops To Help You Understand Medicines

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Community members across Central West NSW are invited to attend a free workshop held between October 20 to 24 in Welling­ton, Cowra, Canowindra, Grenfell or Parkes.

These interactive workshops are designed for anyone who takes medicines or cares for someone who does – including family mem­bers, carers and support workers.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSWPHN) is funding these workshops.

They are led by expert pharmacists John Woodward and Lisa Pulver from Medi­cinesEd. Each workshop includes a free morning or afternoon tea, and offers a re­laxed, welcoming environment to learn, ask questions, and share experiences.

“We want people to feel confident when using medicines,” says Lisa Pulver. “These workshops are about giving people practical tools and knowledge to make safe, informed choices.”

The workshops in Wellington and Grenfell will be held as yarning circles, thoughtfully created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is­lander community members, where every­one is welcome. These sessions will offer a culturally safe space to share stories, ask questions, and learn from each other.

Whether you’re managing your own medi­cines or supporting someone else, these workshops will help you feel more confident and informed.

• Wellington: Monday, 20 October, 10am – 12:30pm, WINS Community Centre

• Cowra: Tuesday, 21 October, 12:30pm – 3pm, Information Neighbourhood Centre

• Canowindra: Wednesday, 22 October 10am–12:30pm, Connections Centre

• Grenfell: Thursday, 23 October 10am–12pm, venue to be confirmed

• Parkes: Friday, 24 October, 10am–12:30pm, Neighbourhood Central

To book call John on 0406 730 656.

Flannery’s Pink October Ladies Night

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The large crowd that attended last year’s Pink October Ladies Night at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

Everyone is invited to join the Flannery’s Pharmacy team for their annual Pink Octo­ber Ladies Night on Thursday 30 October, 6pm at Flannery’s Pharmacy. There will be something for everyone, so head along and get some information, whether it’s for yourself, a friend or loved one.

Information on the evening will cov­er heart disease – the leading cause of death for women worldwide, osteoporosis, healthy living to help in these areas,in addi­tion to breast cancer.

All attendees on the evening will receive a free pink goodie bag packed with infor­mation, samples and pamper goods to take home. There will be merchandise for sale, and nibbles and bubbles from 5.30pm, so arrive early.

Forbes’ Flannery’s Pharmacy Pink Oc­tober Ladies Night started in 2023 when a NSW Women’s Health Nurse was visiting the store periodically and Flannery’s Phar­macy wanted to get the word out about how she could support the female commu­nity throughout the different stages of life.

In order to cover a wider range of health issues, they also invited Physiotherapist, Matiese Byrnes and Naturopath, Alice Flannery. The aim was also to discuss the importance of Pink October, so breast cancer nurse Di Green also joined in to discuss the importance of regular breast screening and self checks. Di will be there to explain it all again this coming Ladies Night on 30 October. There’s no cure for cancer and early detection is key as this dramatically improves survival rates and treatment optionsCustomers can call to put their name down or head to www.eventbrite.com.au to book online. Bookings are preferred as refreshments will be provided on the night.

There are just 100 spots available.

Flannery’s are also running a raffle through the month of October with an evergrowing hamper of goods, head in store to purchase your tickets.

Exciting Roles To Shape Future Of Forbes

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Step into a leadership role and guide our teams to help make Forbes shine. Apply for the roles of Team Leader – Water Construc­tion and Team Leader – CBD Presentation.

These roles offer the opportunity to guide teams, deliver quality outcomes, and con­tribute to the presentation and infrastructure of our Shire.

Applications are closing soon. Apply at: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/paid-employment

We welcome applicants from all walks of life. If you need adjustments to help you through the process, contact people@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Council is seeking a passionate leader to head up our Suburban Presentation Team.

In this role, you will lead and coordinate a team to deliver quality outcomes in line with Council’s programs, plan and schedule work while ensuring safety protocols are fol­lowed, interact with the community and sup­port all aspects of town presentation, bring your passion for horticulture and gardening to enhance our suburbs. If you love plants, people, and keeping our town looking its best, apply now. Applications close Sunday 12 October, www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Council is also seeking an experienced administrator ready to lead, mentor and in­spire our Business Support and Customer Service Team. In this role you will oversee counter services, call centre, records, and customer requests, provide executive and administrative support across all Council di­visions, coach and develop a professional, multi-skilled team and plan, schedule, and ensure high-quality service delivery. If you have top-notch admin, editing, and MS365 skills, and a passion for leading, apply now.

Applications close Sunday 12 October.

Why Young Australians Need Resilience, Not Just Restrictions

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As more than 200,000 Year 12 students across Australia prepare for their ATAR ex­ams, the stress they face highlights a bigger national issue: too many young Australians are entering adulthood without the coping skills to manage life’s challenges. Without those tools, pressures can accumulate and contribute to serious mental health con­sequences – with suicide now the leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds.

At the same time, the Federal Govern­ment is preparing to tighten restrictions on young people’s access to social media, acknowledging growing concerns about its role in anxiety, loneliness, cyberbullying and harmful self-comparison. While reduc­ing harmful online influences may provide some relief, bans alone will not solve the problem. Children also need to be equipped with the skills to manage stress, build resil­ience, and seek support much earlier.

LifeChanger Foundation is a preventa­tive youth mental health and wellbeing non-profit that empowers young people to thrive. Through evidence-based school and community programs, it builds the social, emotional and resilience skills young peo­ple need to navigate life’s challenges.

For information about LifeChanger www.lifechanger.org.au

The Need For Nuclear Proven

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The Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant in Switzerland. By Hansueli Krapf – Own work: Hansueli Krapf (User Simisa (talk · contribs)), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=110649554

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the ground-breaking comprehensive truth data’ of Labor’s renewables rollout proves the need for nuclear power in Aus­tralia.

Mr Littleproud said the Rainforest Re­serves Australia and Steven Nowakowski analysis, which can be found at https://www.rainforestreserves.org.au/renewable­struthmap shows the shocking impact La­bor’s all-renewables plan will cause on ag­riculture land, pristine natural landscapes and regional communities.

The mapping outlines the scale and size of every site in Australia and the footprint it will leave, with clickable, real-time data. It shows the vast amount of land being tak­en up by Labor’s 1126 projects, requiring 44,895.5 kilometres of new haulage roads for more than 300 wind projects, along with an additional 443,000 hectares of prime and for 545 new solar projects. The total number of solar panels proposed totals a staggering 584 million.

“This mapping vindicates The Nation­als’ calls for nuclear to remain a key policy for the Coalition,” Mr Littleproud said. “We need to lift the nuclear moratorium for a balanced and technology neutral energy mix if we want to save what’s left of our ag­ricultural land and our forests from Labor’s all-renewables approach.

“Australians need to understand, this mapping shows Labor is destroying the very thing we are trying to protect – the en­vironment.

Environmentalist Steven Nowakowski said the mapping, released today, is the most comprehensive to date. “This is a trillion-dollar industry yet no one has done this mapping before,” Mr Nowakowski said.

Plan Your Christmas Early With Buddy Boy Kitchen Parkes

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The calendar has a way of catching us off guard. One moment it is spring, and suddenly Christmas is here. At Buddy Boy Kitchen, we know how important it is to have a place ready for gathering, celebrating, and sharing meals.

That is why our Christmas Menu is available for groups of 15 or more, from 3 November to 20 December 2025. Whether it is colleagues toasting the end of a big year, or families coming to­gether before the holiday rush, our team makes planning simple and the celebrations effortless. Expect festive flavours, a warm atmosphere, and service designed to take the stress out of or­ganising. From Christmas ham and cured Salmon to filet mignon, pan-roasted turkey, and Christmas pudding.

A festive gathering is about more than what arrives at the table.

It is the laughter that lingers between courses, the conversations sparked over a glass of wine, and the small details that make a night feel unforgettable. At Buddy Boy Kitchen, we create the set­ting, you bring the people, and together the evening becomes a story worth remembering.

If you’re not ready to celebrate Christmas yet, we are also open for breakfast from 6:30am and dinner from 5:30pm, Monday to Sat­urday. Our restaurant serves Happy Hour everyday from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, there is no better way to raise a glass before a Christ­mas feast.

Do not wait until the calendar fills. Organise your festive gather­ing now. Christmas Menu bookings and details at buddyboykitch­en.com.au/christmas-functions-2025 or call 02 6862 5222.

The Little House

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On the way to work there is a little house. It sits off the side of the road, old brick chim­ney, nestled into the side of the house. It’s framed by large gum trees, glimmering in simple, understated beauty.

The kids are usually in the car, I point to it and tell them a story about who might have lived there, what life might have been like for them, it keeps them entertained for 5 minutes without an iPad so it’s a win.

Today, I drove by it alone, and I think about the woman who would have swept its floors every day, planted irises along the front, and cleaned out the fireplace. The stories it would hold.

Stories of a family sharing a bed, cud­dling to keep warm on a frosty morning. Of laughter, hot soup and tales being told be­side the glow of a fire.

The kids that grew up there wouldn’t have remembered if Mum rinsed the dishes or kept a clutter free house. But, they would remember her putting down the broom every now and then, running around out­side with them, peals of laughter echoing through the trees, making the gum leaves dance and glimmer with joy.

And so I drive home, ignore the dish­es, grab my boys and tickle them on the lounge, soaking up every laugh, smile and the sounds of their little voices. I ignore the ping of a new email coming in, the agitated beep of the washing machine’s completed cycle. And I think of the little house and its gum trees; smiling, nodding at me.

Bookings are now open for Kerin Health Mother’s Group, a place for new moth­ers and their babies to come together and share the adventure of Motherhood in a safe, supportive environment. To learn more, head to https://www.kerinhealth.com.au/mothers-group

Cash In On Clutter At The Garage Sale Trail

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Find out how a clear-out can give you more space, less stress, and even help the planet.

Following last year’s success, plenty of garage sales are expected across the Parkes Shire this November, as locals join over 400,000 Australians taking part in this year’s Garage Sale Trail – one of the country’s biggest second-hand shopping events.

Held over two weekends (8–9 and 15–16 November), the event sees thousands of garage sales pop up in streets, schools, front yards and community spaces around the country. Locals can host their own sale or join a market, taking part on one day or across both weekends.

Over 2,700 Parkes Shire residents par­ticipated in the two big weekends last No­vember extending the life of almost 8,500 pre-loved items.

“It’s a fun and meaningful way for locals to take climate action, meet their neigh­bours and make some extra cash,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Waste Manage­ment Coordinator, Sharyn Ware. “Garage Sale Trail makes it easy to give your stuff a second life – and keep it out of landfill.”

Registration is free and includes access to downloadable signs, how-to guides and promotion tools – making it easy to take part. Last year, the average seller made $499, proving that selling second hand is as good for the wallet as it is for the planet.

“There’s something for everyone – from designer fashion and retro homewares to kids’ toys, tools, plants and books,” said Sharyn.

NSW EPA Executive Director of Pro­grams and Innovation Alexandra Geddes said, “Garage Sale Trail is a fantastic cam­paign that supports the NSW Government’s target to reduce waste and illegal dumping.

“By taking part, you’ll be part of contribut­ing to a more circular economy by getting as much use out of products and materials as possible and helping us generate less waste.”

Participation is free thanks to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Parkes Shire Council. Register now at bit.ly/GarageSaleTrailParkesShire.

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