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.

Neighbourhood Central Celebrates Its Dedicated Support Workers

August 13, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Established in 1977, Neighbourhood Central is a not-for-profit community organisation providing a variety of community support services to people living in the Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Bland Local Government areas.

The organisation has more than 40 aged care professionals, spanning direct and indirect roles, collaborating every day to make a positive difference in the lives of older Australians.

On Friday, 7 August Neighbourhood Central proudly celebrated Aged Care Employee Day, recognising the dedication, compassion and hard work of their aged care team. This was Neighbourhood Central’s inaugural year celebrating Aged Care Employee Day and they are eager to make this a tradition for years to come.

Staff came together to enjoy a morning tea as a small token of appreciation, for the important work they do every day to support the older people in our community.

For the wonderful support workers who were out caring for clients and unable to join the celebration, chocolates were delivered throughout the day so they didn’t miss out.

From Neighbourhood Central’s leaders and nurses to personal care workers, volunteers, cooks, builders, administrators, and more, every role contributes to the wellbeing of older Australians.

On Aged Care Employee Day, Neighbourhood Central extended a sincere thanks to everyone working in aged care across Australia. Your compassion, dedication and commitment make a real difference in the lives of older Australians every day. Thank you for all that you do.

Neighbourhood Central is located at 8082 Currajong Street, Parkes. For information regarding the support services offered call 1300 810 771, email reception@ncentral.org.au or visit www.ncentral.org.au

Hockey Star Daisy Rice To Represent Australian U15s All Schools Merit Team

August 13, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes girl and Red Bend Catholic College student, Daisy Rice comes from a family of hockey players, who first started playing hockey at just four years of age. It explains her rise to selection in the Australian U15s All Schools Merit Team.

Daisy was first selected in the Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) Hockey Team and then trialled in Newcastle and made the NSW All Schools team. NSW All Schools provides opportunities for secondary students from the Catholic, Government and Independent sectors to participate in representative sport at the national level.

Daisy Rice recently represented the NSW All Schools team at the School Sports Australia Games 2026 in Melbourne and made it to the final of the U15 All Schools Championship, going down in a shoot out with the QLD team.

Daisy said “My NSW team lost to Queensland in the Grand Final, through the game we fought hard scoring the first goal in the first quarter but Queensland equalised in the end of the third quarter, the game ended 1-1 and we went into shootouts going down 3-1.”

It was while representing NSW under 15s All Schools, where Daisy was one of 15 girls selected to be in the U15s All Australian hockey team. This is Daisy’s first time being selected in an Australian team.

Growing up with two older brothers means Daisy has always been competitive.

She started playing junior hockey in Parkes, playing on Saturday mornings and moving to playing senior hockey in year 7 for Crows Hockey Club. In 2025 Daisy played for the Parkes United Premier League team in the Central West Premier League competition and this year she is playing for Goulburn in the Canberra Capital League.

“I actually love the sport of hockey, it is fun and requires skill, fitness and strategy,” said Daisy.

From Phil Donato MP

August 13, 2026 By Phil Donato MP

It’s been a busy few weeks around the electorate and in Parliament. During last sitting week I raised serious concerns about the Government’s approach to feral pig management. Farmers across the region are already spending significant time and money trying to control feral pigs, which destroy crops, damage fences, attack livestock, contaminate water sources and devastate the environment.

Yet instead of providing greater assistance, the Government is threatening significant biosecurity penalties for landholders who cannot eliminate feral pig populations from their properties. I argued that farmers should be supported, not punished. I also raised concerns about unnecessary barriers being placed in front of farmers and professional pest controllers seeking access to practical pest-management tools already provided for under the law, including Category D firearm licences for coordinated pest control programs and firearm suppressors for occupational health and safety purposes. Importantly, I highlighted reports of significant feral pig activity within the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area near Federal Falls, questioning why private landholders face penalties while feral pig populations continue to thrive on government managed land.

I called for practical and innovative solutions, including greater involvement of recreational hunters; a feral animal bounty program; competitive tendering for privately operated aerial culling services; and stronger partnerships between government, landholders and pest controllers. I will continue advocating for common-sense measures that help landholders protect their livelihoods, the environment and our agricultural industries.

Kids Don’t Know What They’re Missing

August 13, 2026 By Eyecare Plus

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, making it a great time to focus on one of the most overlooked parts of a child’s wellbeing: their vision.

Good vision is essential for learning, development, coordination, and confidence.

The problem is that children often don’t know when they’re not seeing well. They won’t tell you because they assume everyone sees the world the same way they do.

Instead, they adapt. They might sit closer to the television, tilt their head, avoid reading, or simply appear distracted or reluctant to engage with schoolwork. These changes can be subtle and easy for even the most attentive parent or teacher to miss.

Every child should have a comprehensive eye examination before starting school and then every one to two years after that.

At any age, it’s worth arranging an eye test if your child sits very close to screens or books, has one eye that drifts or turns, persistently tilts their head, squints, rubs their eyes when they’re not tired, loses their place while reading, complains of headaches after school, or suddenly develops a dislike of reading or schoolwork.

School vision screening programs can be helpful, but they don’t detect every eye condition and aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. Some childhood eye conditions are genuinely time sensitive. Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”, is highly treatable when detected early, but becomes much more difficult to improve after about seven or eight years of age.

The safety side of the equation is just as important.

Encourage children to spend time outdoors. It’s one of the few measures proven to reduce the risk of children becoming short-sighted, with around two hours outside each day making a real difference.

With spring just around the corner, it’s also worth remembering that UV levels climb quickly at this time of year. Children’s eyes naturally allow more ultraviolet light to reach the retina than adult eyes, making good sun protection especially important. A broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard are simple, inexpensive ways to help protect their eyes.

The good news is that comprehensive eye examinations for children are covered by Medicare, and you don’t need a referral.

River Arts Festival Returns This Weekend: Free Family Fun At Lions Park

August 6, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Lions Park is set to come alive this weekend as the biennial River Arts Festival brings a full day of free family entertainment, music, and creative celebration to our community.

With an action-packed program designed for all ages, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Festivities kick off at 9:00am with a vibrant performance by the town band right on Bates Bridge, alongside the opening of the festival markets. To make the most of the site, Bates Bridge will be closed to traffic all day, allowing visitors to safely explore the stalls and wander across to Wheogo Park, which has been transformed into a dedicated Wellbeing Space.

Throughout the entire day, the festival grounds will feature continuous live music and hands-on art activities. Families can pack a lunch or grab a bite from the local market stalls or food vendors, and join us for a giant community picnic at 12:00noon when The Hometown Boys take the stage.

The energy amps up at 3:00pm when popular local group Dirty Dark Horses takes the stage. At the same time, free lantern-making workshops begin with Phil Relf from Ikara Celebratory Events. Community members are invited to drop in and create something incredible to carry in the evening’s main event: the magical lantern parade at dusk. This year’s parade will showcase a brand-new goanna sculpture taking pride of place.

Gather your family, bring a picnic blanket, and celebrate the heart of our creative community this weekend!

Snippets…

August 6, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Crop Swap: Parkes Crop Swap is on again this Saturday 8 August from 9am – 11am. You can swap produce, seedlings, cuttings – anything related to the love of being sustainable and sharing in the garden. Access via 33A Albert St, drive up the driveway and park (limited spaces). You can also park up at the Memorial Hill carpark and wander down through the gate. Please like Parkes Community Arts Facebook page to keep up to date.

Australian Bureau of Statistics: Time to lock-in and log in, because Tuesday 11 August is Census night. You can fill out your Census form as soon as you receive your letter with instructions. For more information, go to census.abs.gov.au/help Grant Opportunity: Funding is now available to help deliver projects that strengthen, support and prepare local communities across NSW. Grants of $50,000 to $300,000 are available under four funding categories: Arts & Culture, Community Infrastructure, Disaster Readiness and Sport & Recreation. Applications close 17 August 2026. Learn more and apply: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrantscategory-3-fund

Bogan Gate Landfill Is Now Closed: The Bogan Gate Landfill closed as of Thursday, 30 July 2026, in preparation for the construction of the new Bogan Gate Transfer Station. In the meantime, residents can access the Parkes Waste Facility, which is open: Tuesday to Friday: 8:30am to 4pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm. For further information, please contact Council’s Environment and Sustainability Team. For more information; https://bit.ly/4cc592O

Steptember Australia: Walk, run, dance or skip your way through Steptember and help babies with cerebral palsy take their first steps. Take on 10,000 steps a day throughout September. Join the FREE fitness challenge today https://www.steptember.org.au

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Family recipe? Secret ingredient? Signature dish? The National Bush Cook Off is your chance to put it to the test. Whether you’re entering the Junior, Entrée, Main or Dessert category, you’ll be competing for great prizes and the chance to be recognised on stage at the Trundle Bush Tucker Day. Free to enter. Entries accepted from 12:30pm–2:30pm at the Ag N Vet Judges Tent. Start planning your winning dish now. Book your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4gH9myI

Can Do The Distance For Can Assist Parkes Fun-walk Forbes Lake Walk

August 6, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Too many people don’t discover Can Assist until they’re already in crisis. This August, let’s change that.

Join the Parkes Can Assist branch and help raise funds and awareness, so more people know support is available before the financial pressure of cancer becomes overwhelming.

Every dollar you raise stays with your local branch, helping local people with the everyday costs of treatment, fuel, accommodation, travel, parking, medical expenses and more.

You don’t need to be the fastest. You don’t need to walk the furthest. You just need to take the first step to help make Can Assist visible in our community, because every person who hears about Can Assist today is one more person who knows where to turn tomorrow.

Walk for someone you love. Walk for a friend. Walk for a neighbour. Walk because no one in our community should face cancer alone.

On Sunday, 23 August, the neighbouring communities of Parkes and Forbes unite for the annual Can Do the Distance community event supporting Can Assist, walking and raising vital funds for rural cancer patients. Meet up with old friends and make a few new friends. Be part of this event knowing every step counts toward easing the burden for country patients.

Parkes Fun-Walk

Join in a walk, sprint or run around the Northparkes Oval.

Families, local volunteers, friends and survivors are invited for the 10:00 AM start, ready to put in the hard yards for people we love facing the long road of cancer treatment.

Morning tea will be served as an incentive to support Can Assist.

Forbes Lake Walk

Down the road in Forbes, a parallel wave of walkers will set off near the picturesque Lake Forbes, tracing the winding paths alongside the water.

No set start time, come along and enjoy a relaxed stroll, walk one lap or as many as you like. At midday a sausage sizzle will be held at Forbes Sport and Recreation Club All of the funds raised from the day’s strides will go directly to local Can Assist at Forbes and Parkes ensuring that rural families wrestling with cancer diagnosis and travel costs never have to walk alone.

Donations can be made on the day or through our website canassist.org.au

Another Chance To Have Your Words Heard In Parliament House

August 6, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey recently called on students from Years 10, 11 and 12 from across the electorate of Parkes to enter the very popular My First Speech competition.

This competition, which gives one student from each year group across the country the chance to give their speech at Australian Parliament House, has closed for submissions, but a second competition is now open for young people aged 25 and under.

Mr Chaffey said the 2026 Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign was underway, and he urged young people to take the opportunity to have their ideas heard.

“This competition asks people to write a 90-second speech that answers the question, ‘What is one big issue shaping your future, and what is a meaningful action you want Parliament to take on it?’,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Selected speeches will be read out by elected members in Parliament during Youth Voice in Parliament Week from 12-15 October. It would be great to have young voices from across the electorate of Parkes heard.”

Submissions close on 7 August, 2026. More information can be found on the website at h ttps://raiseourvoiceaustralia.com including a school toolkit.

Central West Charity Tractor Trek Group Raising Money For Little Wings

August 6, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The Central West Charity Tractor Trek are a group of volunteers who came together as a group in 2017. The group has been successfully fundraising and conducting Tractor Treks in Regional and Rural NSW during this time. Their mission is to support children and their families who are suffering from illness and/or disabilities within Central West and Regional NSW.

The upcoming Trek will be trekking in the Parkes area from 25th – 27th September, 2026. They conduct a Trek in a different area of the Central West of NSW each year and have been trekking each year since 2017 except through COVID. They usually have around 20 tractors and with drivers and volunteers/Marshalls it equates to around 80 people participating. Each entrant pays a fee to register for the event and are encouraged to seek sponsorship for their tractor.

A Fund Raising Dinner has been organised and will be held on 26th September, 2026 from 6.00pm at the Parkes Leagues Club. The fundraiser will consist of a sit down meal and an auction. All of the Parkes community is invited to attend and help support the event.

The Central West Charity Tractor Trek group raises money for Little Wings who provides free transport by air and road for sick children and their families to Sydney for medical treatment. All the money that is raised directly supports families in the central west of NSW.

Those who are able to can support the Trek by making a donation, attending the fundraising dinner, buying a Raffle Ticket or merchandise, sponsoring a tractor or may be interested in participating in the Trek by entering a tractor. Donation can be made by contacting the Secretary – Denise Wilson 0417 447 790 or cwctractortrek@outlook.com

World Record Holder: Haylee Redfern Wins Gold Again

July 30, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Haylee Redfern has once again brought gold back to Forbes, after competing at the 2026 World Kettlebell Sport Federation (WKSF) World Championships at Chisinau in Moldova from 4 – 7 June.

Haylee competed in the Elite Long Cycle (2 x 20kg kettlebells, 10mins), Elite Mixed Relay, Elite Women’s Relay, Masters One Arm Long Cycle (1 x 16kg, 10mins) and the Masters OALC half Marathon (1 x 16kg, 30mins).

Out of the five events that Haylee competed in, she was incredibly fortunate to podium in each event, coming away with three gold medals, a silver and a bronze.

Haylee’s motto is, “Be prepared to put in the extra work even when it’s not required.”

Unfortunately, there is no government or funding support for Individual adults in sport, whereas for team sports, like soccer or rugby etc, the opportunities are endless.

Haylee has to self-fund all of her travel and sporting requirements.

“Absolutely everything is self funded and that includes both in Australia and abroad. There is a lot of travel involved as there are requirements we have to meet each year to gain re-qualification for the Australian Team,” said Haylee.

Haylee has a few events coming up that are a requirement to make the Australian Team for 2027. State of Origin in August and the Australian Nationals in September. She is also hoping to represent Australia once again at the IUKL World Championships in October to be held in New Delhi, India.

Interested sponsors can contact Haylee directly via hayleeredfern@hotmail.com.

Roxane Manley

Subscribe