Roxane Manley

Roxane is a true local to the Forbes and Parkes areas. Having been with the Phoenix for a number of years, she is passionate about her region and loves being involved with the local community.

Galari River Arts Festival Presents “ripple”

July 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Galari River Arts Festival makes a splashing return to Forbes in 2024, pictured top is Sydney band Lolo Lovina who will be performing, and bottom is Canowindra performer Nerida Cuddy.

After a five-year break, the beloved River Arts Festival is set to bring a wave of creativity back to Forbes on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, at Lions Park from 9am-7pm. Festival Director Rob Shannon and the committee are thrilled to once again celebrate the town’s artistic spirit and foster a sense of community through the power of art.

This year’s Festival has been given the name “Ripple”. Held on the shores of Lake Forbes, we want to send ripples of creativity and positivity out to the community through the arts. It is a chance for everyone to get involved in workshops, from the community mural with Sheree Stokes, The River Arts Community Choir with Nerida Cuddy or lantern making with Ro Burns for the Lantern Parade in the evening.

There will be a healing space featuring yoga, meditation, sound healing and more.

Wander through the extensive artisan stalls from all over the region.

We are featuring some amazing music this year, and are very excited to be hosting “Lolo Lovina” from Sydney, lead by RomaniGypsy vocalist Sarah Bedak, and featuring musicians from all over the world, Serbia, Ukraine, Malta and Bulgaria. They have performed all over the globe from Havana to Texas, China, western Europe and all over Australia. They will be towing their caravan (stage) into town especially for the day.

Also performing will be the high energy rockabilly trio “Felix Albert and the Gentlemanly Two” (Bathurst), modern folk song writer, singer and guitarist Nerida Cuddy (Canowindra), plus a whole heap of local performers from diverse backgrounds.

The day will culminate in the dreamy and inspiring lantern parade and Lolo Lovina taking us on a wild ride of passionate gypsy world music to close the night.

We look forward to this being something the whole community can enjoy.

Parkes Sports Wrap Up

July 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Panthers gathered in a team huddle.

Parkes Panthers Central West AFL

Round 9 saw a 3rd vs 4th thriller at Bathurst Bushrangers AFL Club home turf. Last time they played we saw a 1 point victory to Parkes Panthers. This time around another tight game between Bathurst Bushrangers AFL Club. Panthers were too good and snuck home once again.

Parkes Tennis

Want to be a ballkid at Sydney’s summer of tennis? Now’s your chance. Ballkid registrations are open. You must be aged between 12 and 16.

Regional ball kid trials will be held at:
Where: Parkes Tennis Club
When: 20th July
Time: 9am to 11am
Register via this link https://ballkids.tennis.com.au/register.aspx For any questions/enquires contact Abbey Kennedy on 0407 996 600.

Parkes and District Netball Association

PDNA are seeking nominations for the 2024 Kelly Swetland Memorial Award. This award is for a junior player who has made a significant contribution to Parkes netball. Please request and complete the nomination form by 16th July and email through to correspondence.parkesnetball@gmail.com or via messenger.

Parkes Railway Bowling Club

24 rollers turned up for Social Bowls on Wednesday 26th June. Winners were Warren Watson, George Greenhalgh and Paul Lewin winning 13+5. Runners up were Alan Affleck, Danielle Thompson and Paul Townsend winning 12+5. Marble 13 came out and the margins were 1, 4 and 5. The Jackpot this week is $126.00. Saturday 29th June saw 22 keen bowlers for Social Bowls. Winners were Alan Affleck, Lea Tanks and John Chew winning 15+17. Runners up were Graham Thomson, Ray Griffith and Jan Griffith winning 13+1.

Memberships are now due and payable over the bar. Please have your memberships paid up before the end of July.

Farmers Reminded To Check Wage Changes

July 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

NSW Farmers is reminding employers that minimum award pay and superannuation rates changed from Monday, July 1.

Employers with award-reliant employees were encouraged to review their staff pay rates to ensure they met the applicable minimum rates and conditions and had the relevant documentation in place for pay arrangements that deviate from the award terms.

As part of its Workplace Relations service to members, NSW Farmers publishes Rural Wage Guides for agriculture-related awards every year, so farmers can stay up-to-date on pay rates and impending changes in employment matters.

“Running a farm is no different to running any other business, it’s important to stay up to date with these changes,” NSW Farmers Workplace Relations spokesman Chris Stillard said.

“No matter what industry you’re in, whether you’ve got one worker or 50, make sure you’re prepared.”

The 2024 NSW Farmers Rural Wage Guides are now available for members, outlining the superannuation increase to 11.5 per cent and increases to minimum wage standards, among other guidance.

For more information about the annual wage review, visit Fair Work website. To find out more about the NSW Farmers Workplace Relations service, visit nswfarmers.org.au

Restraint Checks Securing Child Safety In Parkes And Forbes

July 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Research shows children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured.

The recent free child restraint checking events, a service provided by Parkes and Forbes Shire Council’s discovered that 54% of the child restraints checked were incorrectly fitted.

The service provided free child restraint inspections in the Kelly Reserve carpark at Parkes and in the Lions Park carpark at Forbes by local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters.

Eleven child restraints were brought in by parents and grandparents for checking in Parkes and 14 in Forbes – mostly rearward/forward facing converter child restraints, along with a few capsules and booster seats.

There were also three installations.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said these biannual events continue to be popular.

“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. It is important to make sure that your precious cargo is safe and buckled up every time they are in the car – whether it’s a five minute or five-hour journey,” Ms Suitor said.

While this was a free bi-annual event, local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters can install and check child restraints all year-round for a small fee. The local fitters in Parkes are Col Fletcher Ford & Kia and Parkes Tyrepower.

The local fitter in Forbes is Jelbart Dawson.

The most common issue that we encountered was that the inbuilt harness shoulder straps needed to be adjusted.

National child restraint laws have been in effect since 2010. All children must be safelyfastened into the correct child restraint for their age and size. Children need to be at least 145cm or taller to use an adult lap sash seatbelt.

Visit www.childcarseats.com.au for more information about child restraint rules, types, FAQs and to view the rating results.

Bill Passes, But We’re Not Going Anywhere

July 4, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Keep the Sheep spokesman Ben Sutherland said the Albanese Government’s live sheep ban bill passing was a disgrace. He emphasised that while the government had ignored regional communities, Keep the Sheep wasn’t going anywhere.

“Albo said when he was elected that he would ‘leave no Australian behind’ – it’s clear that he and his government are happy to ignore farmers, truckies, and people in regional towns,” Sutherland stated.

“If we can’t change the policy, we will change the government,” he said.

Ben Lovett Has A Passion For Regional Communities

June 27, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Ben recently visited Brewarrina alongside Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell and Jack Wighton. Representing the Winmarra foundation founded by Latrell, the boys spent time engaging with the local community and assisting at-risk youth.

Former Parkes Spacemen and current South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett has been nominated for the The Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year, which recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects. A player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support.

The 2024 Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year nominees form the NRL Community Team of the Year. Fans have the chance to vote for their favourite nominee and we are urging everyone to vote for former Parkes local Ben Lovett who was selected as a nominee from South Sydney Rabbitohs. Souths have won the award for the last two years, in 2023 with Latrell Mitchell and in 2022 with Cody Walker. Lets help Ben make it three in a row

Ben had this to say about being nominated: “I’m honoured to be nominated for an award that represents something bigger than football. Giving back to the community and inspiring kids to achieve their dreams has always been my passion.

“I am grateful for Parkes, the Spacemen and the Rabbitohs for giving me the platform to make a difference, and for their support throughout.”

To vote for Ben go to: www.nrl.com/community/awards/ken-stephen-medal/

Snippets…

June 27, 2024 By Roxane Manley

To learn more about this project, visit: https://bit.ly/ParkesNinjaPark

Parkes Shire Council: Council is pleased to announce that Stage 2 of the Kelly Reserve precinct upgrade is due to commence on Monday 8th July 2024. The new play space will include: Ninja course, inclusive carousel and toddler equipment. The existing play area will be fenced off from Tuesday 25th June for pre-work prior to contractor starting on 8 July and is anticipated to take 6-8 weeks. The new water play space and BBQ facilities will remain open to the public.

Tickets To Agribusiness Today Forum 2024 Are On Sale Now: The Agribusiness Today Forum (ABTF) 2024 is set to be held at the Australian National Field Days site conference center on 1st August. Visit https://events.humanitix.com/agribusines-today-forum-2024 to secure your ticket for just $49 including lunch.

NSW Government: The NSW Government will be making the following changes to domestic violence legal processes:

• Tougher bail rules for alleged domestic violence offenders

• Only magistrates or judges will make bail decisions

• More support for remote bail hearings with new tech and extra magistrates

• From 1st July 2024, there will be new laws about coercive control (find out more at bit.ly/NSWCoercive-Control).

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.auVisit Parkes Region: Join the Central West Car Club Show ‘n Shine on Saturday 19th October at Pioneer Oval, Alexandra St, Parkes. Get ready for a ‘wheelie’ good day with cars, trucks, bikes, anything with wheels. Spectator entry is by gold coin donation and gates open from 9am to 3pm.

Entrant entry is $20, gates open early from 7:30am to 9am. All proceeds go to charity.

There will be a canteen on site.

Red Bend Catholic College: The school Vinnies group has been working hard, running school BBQs and an Easter egg fundraiser to contribute to this important cause, managing to raise $1,000! A special thanks to Bernardi’s Marketplace for providing the Easter eggs. These funds will go towards the local Vinnies Winter Appeal program, used to provide emergency relief for those in immediate need – things like warm blankets, clothing, and food. It also helps fund long-term solutions, such as housing assistance, counselling, and job training programs.

Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts.

Companions Thru Cancer Soup Day Success

June 27, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The wonderful ladies from Companions Thru Cancer who ran the Soup Day, pictured are SandraClarke (Treasurer), Kay Newbigging (Secretary), Penny Downes, Mavis Moon (President), Kay Ivey (Vice Secretary), Margret Green and Marilyn Phipps.

The Companions Thru Cancer group held their annual Soup Day last Thursday 20th June, at the Parkes Red Cross Rooms. It is one of the main fundraisers for the group who then donate the money back to the community in various ways.

This year the Soup Day was very popular and the group raised $750. There was a raffle to help raise money and the lucky winner of the raffle was Vanessa Woolner.

The group is always looking for new members to come along and join, they meet up socially once a month and there is also a monthly newsletter. President Mavis Moon said “We would love some younger members to join, as we are an older group who are mostly in our 80s.”

Last year the group ran Soup Day at Neighborhood Central in Parkes for their staff and volunteers, this year it was decided to open it up to the public and the Red Cross rooms were the perfect setting.

It is still undecided where the money raised will be donated to, but Mavis said “Each year we like to donate any money we raise to a local charity, in the past we have donated to CanAssist, Currajong Enterprises, Careflight, RFS and other local charities”. All are welcome to attend the upcoming AGM being held in August at Parkes Neighbourhood Central.

Central West High School Students To Access Financial Literacy Skills

June 27, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The Greater Bank Finance Academy is proud to announce that teachers across the Central West can deliver the High School Financial Literacy Program in 2024.

The free program allows teachers to deliver the full course curriculum in their classrooms – empowering Year 9 and 10 students to access crucial financial literacy.

Covering topics such as budgeting, saving, planning for the future, and understanding financial products like credit cards and loans, the program also addresses modern financial trends, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the financial world they will navigate.

Greater Bank Chief Distribution Offer, Emma Brokate, said the teacher-led lessons aim to inspire students across the state with vital money management skills. “Financial literacy is not just about managing money, it’s about encouraging individuals to make informed decisions that enhance their financial stability and wellbeing,” said Ms Brokate.

“Enabling teachers to deliver the full program ensures that more students can access essential money management skills directly within their educational environment.”

Dean of the University of Newcastle Business School, Professor James Skinner, highlighted the partnership’s benefits.

“We are proud to enhance the financial literacy in our communities and offer our students practical experiences that prepare them for the future” Professor Skinner said.

Schools interested in participating in the Greater Bank Finance Academy can visit www.greater.com.au/uon to get in touch.

Congratulations Ben Lovett

June 27, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Ben participates in Ambassador work through GOAL College working with year 11 and 12 students.

Ben was part of the NRL Roads to Regions tour visiting schools in Port Macquarie and Forster.

Roxane Manley

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