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.

Parkes: 2026 Australia Day Awards

January 29, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Australia Day award recipients Mark Ritchie and Nenyasha Munodawafa.

The 2026 Parkes Australia Day Awards were announced by Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott and presented by Ambassador Dr Skye Charry, in Cooke Park on Monday 26 January. Congratulations to the following Parkes Shire Civic award recipients.

Parkes Citizen of the Year, Mark Ritchie: Mark Ritchie is a true example of a citizen who serves his community through both his vocation and voluntary work. Mark first came to Parkes as an electrical trades teacher with TAFE, later working as a training coordinator at Northparkes Mines before returning to TAFE part-time after retirement.

His passion for teaching and mentoring young people has continued for decades, including voluntarily tutoring apprentices.

Also volunteering with Apex, coaching tennis, assisting local schools, and joining the Rotary Club of Parkes in 2014. A past president and current youth director, he leads programs such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Youth Science Forums, and the Youth Program of Enrichment, as well as the Rotary Driving Simulator experience.

Mark consistently identifies community needs and steps up to meet them, from fitting alarms for older residents to mentoring youth. His 40 years of dedicated service make him a deserving of the award.

Parkes Junior Citizen of the Year, Nenyasha (Asha) Munodawafa: Nenyasha “Asha” Munodawafa is a young leader and the founder of The Hey Sis Project, a youthled initiative empowering and inspiring young women across Parkes and the Central West. Guided by the belief that every girl deserves a safe and inclusive space, Asha has created programs that foster wellbeing, leadership, confidence, and connection.

Through The Hey Sis Project, Asha has coordinated impactful events including an all-girls Galentine’s Day celebration, community fundraisers for the McGrath Foundation and Do It For Dolly, and weekly all-girls cardio tennis squads that promote resilience, physical activity, and friendship.

Asha’s exceptional drive, compassion, and leadership have been widely recognised, including receiving the Young Volunteer Achievement Award at the 2024 Tennis NSW Awards. Her dedication to empowering girls and creating lasting community impact makes her a truly deserving recipient.

Citizenship Ceremony Welcomes New Parkes Shire Citizens

January 29, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Councillors with the new citizens at the Cooke Park Pavillion.

A Citizenship Ceremony for new Parkes Shire citizens was held on Sunday evening, 25 January, welcoming 17 new citizens to the community.

Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee welcomed this year’s Parkes Shire Ambassadors Dr Skye Charry and Professor William Chan to the event, along with the new citizens’ families and friends. Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott signed the Citizenship Certificates, which were presented to the new citizens during the ceremony. Congratulations to our new citizens:

• Bonifacio Magan Caneta: Born in the Philippines, Bon arrived in Australia in 2013.

• Ma Liesel Lecias Garth: Liesel was born in the Philippines, arrived in Australia in 2016.

• Joyce Dela China Grady: Joyce was born in the Philippines, arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Danecia Ronique Jacobs: Born in South Africa, Danecia arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Vito Jacobs: Vito was born in South Africa, arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Simranpreet Kaur: Simi was born in India, arrived in Australia in 2018.

• Gurbani Kaur Sandhu: Gurbani, 5, was born in Australia, moved to Parkes in 2021.

• Yuh Ming Alvin Kong: Born in Malaysia, Alvin arrived in Australia in 2010.

• Megan Cyan O’Toole: Megan was born in England, arrived in Australia in January 2020.

• Mabel Surigao Ruizo: Mabel was born in the Philippines, arrived in Australia in 2019.

• Gagandeep Singh Sandhu: Gagandeep was born in India, arrived in Australia in 2013.

• Shingirai Ropafadzo Sibanda and Michal Sibanda: Shingi was born in Zimbabwe, arrived in Australia in 2019.

• Abeline Minakshi Smith: Abeline was born in Fiji, arrived in Australia in 2021.

• Jack Aaran Smith: Jack was born in Fiji, arrived in Australia in 2021.

Snap The Pic, Save The Memory, Skip The Overshare This Back-To-School Time

January 29, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Families are being encouraged to put child safety first and hit ‘stop’ on oversharing as back-to-school time approaches.

Leading child protection organisation Act for Kids warns that the excitement of a new school year often prompts family members to post photos of children on social media – sometimes revealing far more information than they realise.

Images that include small details such as a child’s school uniform logo, age or first name can be used by online child sex offenders to build profiles and groom both children and their families.

Act for Kids Executive Director Tom McIntyre said the risks have intensified with the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence, which can be used to manipulate innocent images into illegal child abuse material.

“The moment an image is shared publicly online, it is no longer within your control and you may never know where it ends up or who has access to it,” Mr McIntyre said.

“That’s why Act for Kids is encouraging families to snap the photo, save the memory and skip the overshare this back-to-school season,” Mr McIntyre said.

“Children’s safety should always come first, and parents and carers can play a positive role by modelling safe online habits at home.”

Be Seen @ forbes Australia Day Celebrations 2026

January 29, 2026 By Roxane Manley

A beautiful morning spent in Lions Park for the 2026 Australia Day Community Breakfast.

Thank you to members of Rotary for their support of this event.

Forbes local Australia Day events were proudly funded by the National Australia Day Council.

Parkes Mayor Gives Croquet A Try

January 29, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott was tempted to give Croquet a go when the Parkes Croquet Club set up at the Parkes Kite Festival on Australia Day.

Regular croquet games are played on Saturday mornings at 9.30am and anyone interested in trying out the sport can come along to the Parkes Tennis Courts.

Talk2me Bro To Host Community Catchup In Forbes This Weekend

January 22, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Talk2MeBro is a grassroots NSW-based organisation dedicated to ending suicide in Australia through genuine conversa-tions about mental health, creating safe spaces where people can connect, heal, and support one another.

Mental health and suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro will host another of its regular Community Catchups in Forbes at the scenic Ski Dam, this Sunday 25 January, from 7:30am.

The Community Catchups are casual gatherings specifically designed to bring people together to reconnect with themselves, share, and build meaningful connections. These events are dispersed between gender-specific Guys and Ladies Catch ups across the region, and have proven incredibly impactful in creating supportive networks among participants.

This Sunday’s Community Catchup will provide residents with mental health support through relaxed conversation, breathwork exercises, ice bath experiences, and connection in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The combination allows participants to find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey while experiencing proven wellness practices that support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Community members from all walks of life are welcome, whether attending alone or with family members. No prior experience with breathwork or ice baths is necessary.

The Forbes Catchups represents the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making mental health support easily accessible to everyone in regional communities.

For those seeking stress relief, wanting to try new wellness practices, or simply looking to connect with other women in Forbes, this gathering offers a valuable opportunity to invest in wellbeing while building community connections.

Registration is essential: www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbescommunity/

Be Seen @ Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast

January 22, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Each year, visitors to the Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast embrace the festive atmosphere.

These visitors had an ‘Amazing’ time at the Forbes Street Breakfast.

Elvis Festival visitors flock to Forbes each year to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the annual breakfast event.

Parkes Shire Welcomes 2026 Australia Day Ambassadors

January 22, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce that two Australia Day Ambassadors will visit the Parkes Shire as part of 2026 Australia Day.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, said Council was delighted to welcome two Australia Day Ambassadors again in 2026.

“We are thrilled to host two Australia Day Ambassadors in 2026, allowing us to extend representation across multiple townships and ensure more of our community can share in these celebrations,” Mayor Westcott said.

The first Australia Day Ambassador visiting the Parkes Shire in 2026 is Dr Skye Charry, a nationally recognised authority on workplace sexual harassment, gender equity and rural culture. Dr Charry will attend the Australia Day ceremony in Parkes.

“Dr Charry’s strong connection to the Central West, combined with her advocacy for fairness, respect and community, makes her a fitting Ambassador for Australia Day,” Mayor Westcott said.

The second Australia Day Ambassador visiting the Parkes Shire in 2026 is Adjunct Associate Professor HY William Chan, an award-winning architect and global sustainability leader shaping the cities and communities of the future. Associate Professor Chan will attend Australia Day ceremonies in Trundle and Bogan Gate.

Mayor Westcott said Associate Professor Chan’s story reflected many of the values celebrated on Australia Day. “William’s personal journey, civic leadership and commitment to sustainability and inclusion make him an inspiring Ambassador,” he said.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend any of the Australia Day events being held across the Parkes Shire.

The 2026 Parkes Shire Australia Day program is available on Council’s website.

Visit: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events-and-Festivals/Australia-Day-2026

Golden Rules Reminder For Summer Spraying

January 22, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Farmers spraying weeds this summer are reminded of the golden rules to prevent drift and avoid damage to neighbouring properties.

NSW Farmers’ Agricultural Science Committee Chair Justin Everitt said taking several key precautions remained essential when planning to spray.

“We’ve always got to monitor weather conditions closely when we’re spraying, and while we’re all on a time crunch, it’s important to stop spraying as soon as conditions change and are no longer suitable for spraying.

“Spraying as close to the target as possible and ensuring you’re using the appropriate spray nozzle also helps enormously in preventing spray drift.

“It never hurts as well to consult your agronomist on your spray mix and its impact, so you have all the information you need to spray safely this summer.”

Off-target spray drift can occur when agricultural chemicals or vapour become airborne and drift outside the intended area when sprayed. This can happen if chemicals are applied at the wrong time of day, or during the wrong weather conditions.

“We’ve seen significant damage to crops in the past as a result of off-target spray drift, so it’s critical we keep prevention top of mind this season,” Mr Everitt said.

“Our neighbours will thank us for it, and wouldn’t it be brilliant if 2026 was a stellar production year for us all.”

Resilient Homes Expos: Parkes, Forbes & Eugowra

January 22, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Did you have flooding in and around your home in the 2022 floods? Your home may be eligible for flood-resilient upgrades.

NSW Reconstruction Authority are holding free expos for Resilient Homes Program participants and community members to learn how to make their homes safer and more resilient with a Resilient Measures grant. The Expos will be held on the following dates:

• Parkes 28 January: Parkes Services Club, 9-17 Short St, 4pm to 7pm.

• Forbes 25 February: Club Forbes, 4145 Templar St, 4pm to 7pm.

• Eugowra 25 March: Eugowra Multipurpose Centre, Eugowra Showground, 63 Oberon St, 4pm to 7pm.

The Resilient Homes Program is also providing funding to support homeowners to raise, rebuild, relocate or retrofit homes damaged in the 2022 floods.

Homeowners looking for construction work need access to builders, building certifiers, engineers, designers, house removalists, architects, planners and project managers.

NSW Reconstruction Authority Free construction information sessions for building trades will be held on the following dates:

• Parkes 27 January: Railway Hotel & Hart Bar, 1-3 Caledonia St, 4pm to 5.30pm

• Forbes 28 January: Sylo Cafe, 23 Rankin St, 7am to 8.30am

• Orange 29 January: The Greenhouse of Orange, 231-243 Anson St, 5pm to 6.30pm.

Read more about the Resilient Homes Program at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Roxane Manley

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