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Parkes Phoenix

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.

Be Seen @ ANZAC Day in Parkes

May 2, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes High School.

 

Parkes Christian School.

 

Parkes Public School.

 

Parkes East Public School.

Be Seen @ Forbes ANZAC Day

May 2, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Forbes North Public School.

 

Red Bend Catholic College.

 

Forbes High School.

Author And Illustrator Of All Things Weird And Wonderful

May 2, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Sami Bayly is pictured with children who took part in a workshop at Trundle Library.

Parkes Shire Libraries had the pleasure during April school holidays of hosting Illustration Workshops with author and illustrator, Sami Bayly.

Nearly 50 children and young people at Parkes and Trundle Libraries enjoyed hearing some fascinating, fun, and revolting facts from Sami’s vast knowledge of animals, birds and insects. Sami then walked our young library members step by step through the process of illustrating different interesting animals.

Sami’s works include The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals and Creatures of Camouflage and Mimicry. She is also the feature artist for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge promotion.

This was Sami;s very first visit to the Central West and many young fans were excited to meet her, have a photo and have their books autographed. Call in to Parkes and Trundle Libraries to borrow Sami’s beautifully illustrated Junior Non Fiction books.

One young person who attended commented that the workshops were “very unique and gave a lot of information about what is in the world.” Another said “My favourite part of the activity was hearing the disgusting stories, but I didn’t think they were disgusting!”

Sami commented that she had a fun and joyous trip to Parkes and Trundle and will be sure to visit again. “I really had a wonderful time!” she said.

These illustration workshops were generously funded by NSW Office of Regional Youth for the benefit of young people in regional and remote communities. Keep an eye out for more children and youth activities hosted by Parkes Shire Libraries.

Applications Extended For Leadership Program

April 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Women wanting to increase their leadership skills and contribute to narrowing the gender gap in agriculture still have time to apply for the National Farmers’ Federation flagship Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.

The mentorship-based initiative aims to deliver on the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks by 2030 – a goal the industry is well on its way to achieving.

NFF President David Jochinke said the Program had made a significant indent in increasing the number of women on boards, stepping up in their communities and in leadership roles, but there was still more work to be done.

“It’s time to level up the imbalances in gender and take on roles to lead our agriculture forward,” Mr Jochinke said.

The program has alumni across Australia, including Alison Hamilton from Wagga Wagga who said this to potential applicants:

“The opportunity and the ongoing benefit from the learnings of the program are unique. Grab it with both hands and throw your hat in the ring, there is so much to be learned and experienced on many levels. The investment in your time and commitment will pay dividends.”

Mr Jochinke said the program was held up through the support from 31 dedicated partners, including multinational corporations, advocacy bodies and government entities, all who are leading by example in ensuring diverse voices are represented and championed within their organisations.

The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program provides 12 women with a retreat in Canberra, a five-month intensive one-on-one mentoring opportunity, graduation ceremony, and the opportunity to join a supportive alumni base of 64 graduates. Applications are open until 5pm, Sunday the 28th of April.

 

Snippets

April 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

If you need someone to talk to or just someone to listen, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Lifeline Central West

If this week’s news events are causing you distress, it is really important you speak to someone about how you feel.

Please call us on 13 11 14 and speak to one of our telephone crisis supporters who canrefer you to the services you need. We are here to listen.

You can find some self help guides here https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/topics/trauma/about-trauma

1800RESPECT

If you are supporting someone who has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, it is important to know that you do not have to be an expert, or have all of the answers.

If you know someone who has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, let them know they are not alone – 1800RESPECT is available for support.

Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text on 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services

Forbes Sports Person of the Year

Association

The next regular meeting of the Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Awards is scheduled for Thursday 2 May commencing 5:30pm at Club Forbes. All Welcome

Kerin Health

Hey Forbes,Swimming lessons available – Book your child’s place.

We have just released our new classes for swimming lessons and now is your chance to grab a spot and keep the momentum going for your child’s swimming skills.

Swimming lessons for Term 2 will be held at the Forbes Indoor Heated Pool, commencing on May 6th running for an 8 week term.

Swipe to see the class times by ag group!

Book online to reserve you spot now! Head to this link https://linktr.ee/kerinhealth

Parkes Shire Libraries

Please remember, that in order to complete a thorough stocktake and keep our service running smoothly, that Parkes Library will be closed next Tuesday, 30th April. Thank you for your understanding.

Flannery’s Pharmacy

We’re giving away ONE Phillips Air Fryer and JBL Speaker for lucky mothers in our community this Mother’s Day.

Simply come in store and tell us in 25 words or less why your mum (or motherly figure) is the best and deserves something extra special.

Competition starts today, and ends 6/05/2024.

T&Cs apply. Ask in store for more details

Country Women’s Association of NSW

Today CWA of NSW turns 102! After many years of supporting communities, we’re still going strong today.

We have a proud history but we’re not slowing down yet. Find out what you can do at your local branch: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/branches

Forbes High School

Yoorana Gunya Girls Empowerment Group.

In Week 11 for their last group, the girls headed to Revolution Aerial, an aerial fitness studio in Orange. Under the expert guidance of their instructor, they learned various aerial poses and manoeuvres, feeling exhilarated as they challenged their strength and flexibility. They then enjoyed a delicious lunch at Smoking Brothers / Elwood’s Eatery and a game of Ten Pin bowling. Thank you Yoorana Gunya for a fantastic term.

Pictured are the Yoorana Gunya Girls Empower-ment Group.

Connectivity Issues Spotlighted

April 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Communities across regional, rural, and remote Australia can now have their say on telecommunications issues as public submissions open on the Regional Telecommunications Review.

The input of local communities will form an essential part of the Review – held once every three years – which will see the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee deliver recommendations to Government.

The Review is closely examining the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.

Residents, businesses and community organisations can make a submission, with the Terms of Reference – announced by Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP – outlining key issues for the Committee to examine. An issues paper has been released to help frame ideas.

Feedback from the public has been essential in previous reviews to ensure the Committee’s recommendations are well-targeted and based on evidence. For this Review there are three options available to have your say: attending a face-to-face consultation, providing a formal submission or completing a survey. The survey will be published in May 2024.

Since March 2024, the Committee has visited Western Australia and Tasmania for face-to-face consultations with local issues also forming an important part of the Committee’s considerations. More locations for face-to-face consultations will be announced shortly.

The 2024 Review is being led by the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, former Western Australian Minister for Regional Development as Chair of the Review Committee. She is supported by the Hon Fiona Nash, Ms Kristy Sparrow, Dr Jessa Rogers and Mr Ian Kelly.

To have your say just visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024- regional-telecommunications-review

Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan went on to say “Access to telecommunications services is critical for regional residents and businesses across so many aspects of everyday life – and we want to understand the lived experience of these services so that future policy actions are well-targeted and backed up by evidence.

“We really encourage Australians in the bush to have their say via a submission or completing the survey in coming months, while we continue our face-to-face consultations across the country.

Parkes Sport Wrap

April 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Westlime & Rotary Charity Golf Day

In its 18th year, the annual Westlime and Parkes Rotary 18 years ago Aidan Cummins, Owner of Parkes Westlime joined with the Late Rotarian John Pizarro to start raising funds for many local Charities and also to help some overseas Rotary Projects. Over the past 18 years the event has raised in excess of $500,000 for charities including the Australian Rotary Health Foundation, Companions Through Cancer, Parkinson Research, Spinal Injuries Research and other local charities including the Men’s Shed and Can Assist.

The event begins this Sunday morning 28 April with a 18 Hole 3 Person Ambrose golf tournament followed by a BBQ lunch. Up to 100 golfers are expected to participate this year. There is still time for Golfers to register for the Event, contact Parkes Golf Club Pro Shop on 0417 961 454.

Parkes Boars RUFC

First game of the season was played at home at Spicer Pval. The men took on Dubbo Rhinos and the Women played Wellington Redbacks. Scores on the day were as follows 1st Grade 22-22, 2nd Grade won 15-14, Women went down 22-40.

Parkes Panthers Central West AFL

Getting ready to play the Cowra Blues in Round 1 of the 2024 competition and the Parkes Panthers are still seeking players for the season. If you or anyone you know is keen to play footy, get in touch.

‘Waiting For Rain’ Finds New Home In Forbes Town Centre

April 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is the sculpture “Waiting For Rain” and the artist Jimmy Rix. For more information, visit www.sculpturedownthelachan.com

The latest addition to the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail has found a green oasis in the heart of Forbes to call home.

‘Waiting for Rain’ is now permanently located on the intersection of Rankin and Lachlan Streets (formerly known as the Pitt Stop takeaway site). The site has been transformed into a public greenspace in recent months.

Forbes Arts Society Chairperson, Trudy Mallick commended Forbes Shire Council for integrating the sculpture into its plans for the site and helping to make public art more accessible.

“Locals and visitors now have a greater opportunity to engage with world-class sculpture,” Trudy said.

“Art in public spaces plays an important role in regional communities. Public art provides economic, cultural and social benefits, and improves the aesthetic and overall experience of the built civic environment.”

Made from Corten steel and enamel paint, ‘Waiting for Rain’ represents the importance of seasonal rainfall for farming communities. Sculptor Jimmy Rix was compelled to create the piece following a trip to Forbes in 2018 amidst the then drought.

‘Waiting for Rain’ is Jimmy’s second sculpture to feature along the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail; ‘Road Kill’ is located at the 4 Mile Reserve, and was unveiled in 2021.

The Sculpture Down the Lachlan expansion is part of the $7.2 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

Antique Motor Club 50th Anniversary at CHMC Rally

April 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Over the Easter long weekend, motoring enthusiasts from all over New South Wales gathered at Parkes Racecourse to celebrate the 53rd Council of Heritage Motor Club (CHMC) Annual Rally coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the Parkes Antique Motor Club.

A total of 79 vehicles were entered into the rally, showcasing a remarkable variety of automotive history. Among them were 9 XY Falcon 4X4’s and 29 vehicles belonging to club members. The vehicles hailed from all corners of NSW, demonstrating the widespread appeal of the event.

The oldest vehicle on display was a meticulously preserved 1921 Douglas Motorcycle, juxtaposed by the youthful charm of a 1990 Mercedes Benz, representing the breadth of motoring heritage on display.

Sunday’s activities included a well attended Easter Service conducted by Father Brian Schmalkuche and afternoon tours which took participants on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Eugowra Murals, Forbes Sculptures, Sculptures Down the Lachlan, and iconic Utes in the paddock, offering a blend of sightseeing and motoring.

The highlight of the weekend was Sunday evening’s Presentation Dinner, with 204 attendees to commemorate the Parkes Antique Motor Club’s 50 years of legacy and excellence. All trophies and shields were presented on the night with our very own Philip Dixon taking out ‘Best Veteran’ for his 1912 Albion Fire Engine. The club that won ‘The Mal Mason Shield’ for 2024 was the Central Coast Historic Car Club.

The Parkes Antique Motor Club remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of motoring enthusiasts and welcoming visitors to experience the warmth of Parkes hospitality. As they celebrated their Golden Anniversary alongside the 53rd CHMC Annual Rally, they extended a warm invitation for all to join the festivities and revel in the joy of motoring heritage. The next CHMC Annual Rally will be held in Dubbo for 2025.

 

https://www.facebook.com/p/Parkes-Antique-Motor-Club-100067164804858/

Be Seen @ FPS Hawiian Shirt Day

April 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

On the final day of term, the SRC threw a tropical twist with a Hawaiian Shirt extravaganza.

 

Students and staff enjoyed a day strutting around.

 

Dressed in their most vibrant and flamboyant Hawaiian shirts.

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