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.

Snippets…

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

We’re backing you all the way – absolute legends!

AgriWest Rural: This October, AgriWest’s very own Bill Ryan is lacing up for a 100km run from Condobolin to Forbes – joined by his two top mates, Sam Johnston and Sam Parish. Together, they’re hoping to raise funds to help fight homelessness in Australia. It’s a huge challenge for an incredible cause, and every donation helps make a real impact. Support their run here: www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/fundraisers/FRC

CanAssist Forbes Branch: The CanAssist Forbes Branch were fortunate to be the recipient of $5,000 in the latest round of grants. This money will be a tremendous help in allowing the group to continue to assist Forbes and district residents and families undergoing treatment for cancer. Forbes CanAssist thanked Club Forbes for their generous donation.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the Draft Code of Meeting Practice, on public exhibition until 5:00pm, Sunday 3 November 2025. This important document outlines how Council meetings are conducted, including proposed changes, and more. Your input helps shape how Council operates and ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making. View the draft document and key changes and provide feedback: https://bit.ly/48A8U16

Act For Kids: Talking to children about personal safety is one of the most important conversations you will have as a parent. But where do you start? How do you make it clear but not scary? We have free, age-appropriate resources to help kids (0–10 years) and their adults learn about personal safety in safe, simple ways. Explore the Emmy & Friends book https://emmyandfriends.com.au/

Teddy Bears Picnic – New Location Alert: Don’t forget – this year’s Teddy Bears Picnic will be held at a new location. Join us on 1 November from 10am – 1pm at Frogs Hollow, right on the corner of Riley and Lawler Street. It’s a beautiful spot and perfect for a day of teddy bear fun!

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: We love it when the youngest of our community get involved in our shows. The kids had a great time watching the show with their favourite parts being: “All the dancing” – Bryce, “The body parts” – Stephanie, “Watching the plant move as it was so real” – Lila and Danielle, “All of it” – Lucy. Opening night this Friday – www.parkesmandd.com.au

It is not too late to grab your tickets to The Little Shop Of Horrors.

Be Seen @ Parkes Christian School

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Everyone is excited that school’s back for term four.

It’s been so lovely seeing so many smiling faces.

Here’s to a great term ahead.

Matthew Jones Electrical Powers Parkes

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Locally owned and operated for over two decades, Matthew Jones Electrical has become a trusted name in Parkes for reliable electrical and air conditioning services. Founded in 2004 by Matthew Jones, the business has grown steadily, building a solid reputation for quality workmanship and friendly, honest service.

Born and raised in Parkes, Matthew is dedicated to serving the community he calls home. What began as a one-man operation has now become a go-to service for hundreds of households and businesses across the Parkes Shire.

Matthew Jones Electrical specialises in servicing, repairing, and replacing evaporative air conditioners, ensuring locals stay cool through the Central West’s hot summers. The business also installs new reverse cycle air conditioners, ceiling fans, power points, stoves, and lighting solutions for homes and businesses alike.

With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Matthew prides himself on prompt service and practical advice. Whether it’s updating a lighting system or installing an energy-efficient air conditioner, clients know they’re in safe hands.

For over 20 years, Matthew Jones Electrical has been keeping Parkes powered, comfortable, and cool – one job at a time.

Call Matthew today 0428 643 217.

A Rare Opportunity To Have Your Say

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

There is a Parliamentary Inquiry into proposed Energy from Waste facilities in Regional NSW happening right now. A submission to the Inquiry is the most important thing you can do to help stop the incinerator.

Parkes Clean Future Alliance, is a local group made up of everyday people, farmers, health workers, business owners, parents, and residents who care deeply about protecting the future of our region. Their focus is on making sure big projects like the proposed Energy-from-Waste (EfW) incinerator are properly scrutinised and doesn’t put our health, environment, or agricultural reputation at risk.

Ben Stead of PCFA said “This proposal is huge. It involves bringing at least 600,000 tonnes of Sydney’s red-bin waste by train to Parkes every year. They won’t burn it in Sydney, but somehow it’s considered okay for our backyard?”“This Inquiry didn’t just appear out of thin air, it happened because the community spoke up. Through strong local advocacy and support from Members of the NSW Upper House, a motion to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry was passed earlier this year. This is a big win for our community.

The Inquiry will look at the health and environmental impacts, how sites are chosen, whether the policy is fair, and how these projects fit with NSW’s climate and waste goals.”

You can have your say, share your thoughts, concerns or lived experience.

Submissions can be typed directly into the online form in just a few minutes. Submissions close 31st October. Every submission counts! Visit www.parkescleanfuture.org

Unsure what to do, or need a hand writing your submission? Parkes Clean Future will be at the Parkes RSL Club (upstairs) on Friday 18th October from 10:00 am till 12:00 pm Come along and we’ll help you get your submission sorted on the spot.

Craft Corner’s Toy Challenge Celebrates Creativity And Kindness

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Craft Corner set up at Parkes Homegrown with a stall full of gorgeous handmade items. Will you enter Craft Corner’s first ever Toy Challenge?

Craft Corner Parkes is bringing extra excitement to town with its very first Toy Challenge, an uplifting competition that celebrates the creativity and imagination of local makers. Craft Corner is located in the heart of Parkes, a vibrant community of passionate artisans and crafters dedicated to creating and sharing handmade treasures. From unique home décor to one-of-a-kind gifts, each piece tells a story and is crafted with love.

Participants are invited to craft any handmade toy—sewn, knitted, crocheted, or otherwise created. The judges will look for creativity, craftsmanship, and that special spark of charm. In the spirit of giving back, makers can also choose to donate their toys after judging to Sewing for Charity Australia (sewingforcharity.com) which provides handcrafted comfort items to families and children in need.

On Thursday, 7 November, two beloved members of the Parkes creative community.

Margaret Marshall and Joy Paddison will judge the entries. Their enthusiastic support for local crafters makes them the perfect choice for this debut event.

“This challenge really captures the essence of Craft Corner,” said a spokesperson for Combined Crafts Group Inc. “It’s about inspiring creativity, nurturing community, and spreading kindness—making something special by hand, and sharing it to brighten someone else’s day.”

All toys will be displayed at Craft Corner, Clarinda Street, Parkes, in the lead-up to judging, allowing the public to admire the skills and inventiveness of local craftspeople.

To find out more information about Craft Corner’s inaugural Toy Challenge or to join in, visit craftcornerparkes.au or call into the store. You only have until the 31 October to get your entries in, so don’t miss out.

50 Years For PHS Class Of 1972-77

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Some 50 years may have passed since around 300 students embarked on their Year 7 to 12 journey at Parkes High between 1972-77, but the comradery returned for three-days of reunion celebrations at Parkes over the October long weekend. Organised by Ballina residents, Gary Smith and Steven Lloyd, around 70 former students travelled from near and far, including WA, ACT, Queensland and across NSW, to gather for informal drinks at the Railway Hotel on Friday evening, at the Town Bowling Club on Saturday night for a dinner and ‘school social’, and Sunday afternoon at the Broadway Hotel for a singalong.

Be Seen @ Red Bend Catholic College

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

RBCC welcomed their students back.

Everyone looks excited for term four.

Looking forward to ending the year on a high.

Giving Day To The Arts Can Save Vital Small Grants Program

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A national giving day to the arts may be the lifeline needed to save a cherished small grants program in the NSW Central West.

Arts OutWest wants to raise $10,000 this month to continue offering microgrants in 2026.

Creative Australia has named Thursday 23 October as AusArt Day, a new initiative encouraging donations to support artists and arts organisations nationwide. For Arts OutWest, it’s a crucial opportunity to fund the grassroots projects that enrich the region’s cultural life.

“Normally we would be opening our annual CASP small grants program now,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead. “But CASP was one of the casualties of the NSW government’s new arts funding model. The coffers are dry for 2026.”

In response, Arts OutWest is urging the Central West community to contribute to its Cultural Fund. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organisation, up to $10,000.

Over the past 30 years, Arts OutWest has awarded more than 350 CASP grants and 50 emergency microgrants. These small investments have supported transformative projects across the region.

“The need for small, flexible, easy-toapply-for local arts grants grows every year. The quality of ideas keeps improving, but there’s never enough money. A pool of $20,000 could fund a dozen or more projects or artists in 2026,” Ms Shead said.

Microgrants empower communities and artists to lead their own initiatives. “They’re incredibly cost-effective,” Ms Shead added.

“An impactful way of doing a lot with a little—something we excel at in the arts.”

AusArt Day aims to expand the donor base and elevate the public value of the arts in Australia. Arts OutWest is one of over 300 participating organisations.

Donations to the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund (tax-deductible over $2) can be made anytime through to 23 October at artsoutwest.org.au/donate

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

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

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

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

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.

Roxane Manley

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