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.

Bathurst Supercars Experience An Eye Opener For Zac

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Described as a typical “out-west country lad”, third-year agricultural machinery apprentice, Zac Payseno, took his skills to the fast lane when he joined the Red Bull Ampol Racing team at the Repco Bathurst 1000 last weekend (9-12 October).Zac’s dedication through his apprenticeship at McPhersons Parts and Service in Parkes earned him top honours and the opportunity to experience motorsport action up close at one of Australia’s most iconic events.

Zac joined the pit lane crew on the tools as part of New Holland’s apprenticeship program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.

Zac said it was a big personal achievement to be recognised as part of New Holland’s apprentice program.

“I felt pretty honoured to be named, and joining the Red Bull pit crew for the weekend was a massive eye opener,” he said.

“Their attention to detail and professionalism was mind blowing, I can see why they are one of the top teams, everything is done 100 percent effort at 100 percent speed.”

Zac said he had always been interested in becoming a mechanic and started by doing after-school work. “I found out that I really liked it, and just thought that’s what I wanted to do as a career.

“I really enjoy working on combines. I’m doing header repairs at the moment, which means doing header checks at the start of the year, identifying what needs replacing, and carrying out preseason repairs to get the machines ready for harvest.

“Getting ready for harvest is like getting ready for race day, but on a much bigger scale.”

Zac is one of six apprentice service technicians that experienced race day action at Supercars races across Australia and New Zealand this year thanks to New Holland’s sponsorship of the Red Bull Ampol Racing team.

Reel In The Fishing Fun This Gone Fishing Day

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A Free community event is being held at Forbes Lake Forbes Waterpark this Sunday, 19 October with activities kicking off at 9am.

Gone Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, cast a line, and make the most of NSW’s world-class fishing locations.

Whether you are a first-time fisher or chasing your next big catch, we want everyone to get involved in Gone Fishing Day to enjoy the benefits and thrill of fishing.

Aspiring fishers are invited to come along to one of the free events hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) this Sunday to take part in a beginner-friendly workshop, get your hands on some helpful resources from the Fishcare advisory trailer, and even a few free giveaways, to help build a lifelong hobby.

Gone Fishing Day is supported by the DPIRD and with funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, as part of the ‘Fish for life – Building a healthy fishing future’ initiative.

To find out more on the DPIRD Gone Fishing Day community event or book your place in one of the free fishing sessions, go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/go-fishing-nsw

Parkes Croquet Spring Tournament Results

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

All equal first at the tournament: L to R Bill Thomas, Parkes, Len Banks, Orange and Graeme Hunter, Parkes.

Fun activity winners: Len Banks, Orange, John Colebatch, Bathurst and Greg Cox, Parkes.

The Forecast Is Looking Perfect For Homegrown Parkes On Saturday

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Cooke Park is where you will find all the Parkes Homegrown action this Saturday.

If you haven’t already planned your day, now is the time to check out what is happening at Cooke Park, with proceedings kicking off at 9am and wrapping up at 2pm.

Parkes Shire Concert Band will be welcoming everyone to the Park at 9.10am.

Event organisers look forward to welcoming Parkes Dance Co to Homegrown Parkes for the first time. They will be taking the stage at 10.30am, followed by Parkes M&D with a preview of their upcoming production Little Shop of Horrors at 11am.

Unfortunately the coffee roasting workshop has to be cancelled. There will still be giveaways and goodies that will be drawn at the workshop with Phil and Nadia Donato, being held at 12.30pm. Join them to learn how to make Tiramisu! Registrations essential.

Our Fijian friends will be performing on the main stage at 1.30pm to send everyone off. What a fantastic way to finish the day at Homegrown Parkes!As part of the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town’s weekend, Homegrown Parkes attendees will have the opportunity to join one of three bus trips leaving from Cooke Park at 2pm.

This event is made possible with funding and in-kind support from Parkes Shire Council, Evolution Mining Northparkes operations and Central West Lachlan Landcare.

We look forward to seeing you between 9am and 2pm on Saturday at Cooke Park.

Snippets…

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Teamwork in action.

Forbes Shire Council: On 5 October, Council’s Projects and Town Presentation Grants teams joined forces to lay 3,000 square metres of fresh turf at Lions Park. A fantastic example of collaboration across departments, making a real difference for our community spaces. The Lions Park improvement works are part of the Forbes Lake Activation Parks and Amenities Resilience and Betterment Project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Community Assets Program. Learn more about the project here www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/major-projects

Gooloogong Recreation Park Markets: Sunday 12 October starting 9am – 1pm. Gooloogong Park Markets. Come along for a great day out. Coffee, BBQ, Donuts, Japanese, gluten free crepes, pies, fresh sweets, art, soaps, bric a brac, resin, candles, crystals, macrame, fabric, clothing, something for everyone. Make the trip, as always EFT can out so please bring cash.

Mental Health Australia: October 10 is World Mental Health Day. This year, Mental Health Australia is encouraging everyone to connect with the communities that matter most. Connection helps us feel cared for and supported, and that’s vital for good mental health. This October, reach out to your federal parliamentarian and let them know that mental health matters to you. Learn how here: https://bit.ly/4pPKbMr

Flannery’s Pharmacy: This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Regular check-ups and screenings are one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early. If you’re unsure when your next check should be, pop in to ask our friendly pharmacy team for guidance. We’re back with our Pink October Ladies Night where we discuss the many health issues plaguing women in Australia. Head to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flannerys-ladies-night-2025-tickets-1689921734399 and book your seat for 30 October.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council is proud to announce its successful participation in the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program, unlocking exciting employment opportunities for jobseekers and young people across the region. Through this program, Parkes Shire Council has secured funding for 11 new roles across rounds one and two, with 100% wage support and 15% on-costs covered by the NSW Government. These roles span a variety of fields, offering people a valuable entry point into local government. For more information, visit Current vacancies Parkes Shire Council.

Join Parkes Shire Council.

Free Workshops To Help You Understand Medicines

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Community members across Central West NSW are invited to attend a free workshop held between October 20 to 24 in Wellington, Cowra, Canowindra, Grenfell or Parkes.

These interactive workshops are designed for anyone who takes medicines or cares for someone who does – including family members, carers and support workers.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSWPHN) is funding these workshops.

They are led by expert pharmacists John Woodward and Lisa Pulver from MedicinesEd. Each workshop includes a free morning or afternoon tea, and offers a relaxed, welcoming environment to learn, ask questions, and share experiences.

“We want people to feel confident when using medicines,” says Lisa Pulver. “These workshops are about giving people practical tools and knowledge to make safe, informed choices.”

The workshops in Wellington and Grenfell will be held as yarning circles, thoughtfully created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, where everyone is welcome. These sessions will offer a culturally safe space to share stories, ask questions, and learn from each other.

Whether you’re managing your own medicines or supporting someone else, these workshops will help you feel more confident and informed.

• Wellington: Monday, 20 October, 10am – 12:30pm, WINS Community Centre

• Cowra: Tuesday, 21 October, 12:30pm – 3pm, Information Neighbourhood Centre

• Canowindra: Wednesday, 22 October 10am–12:30pm, Connections Centre

• Grenfell: Thursday, 23 October 10am–12pm, venue to be confirmed

• Parkes: Friday, 24 October, 10am–12:30pm, Neighbourhood Central

To book call John on 0406 730 656.

Parkes Couple With Back-To-Back Keno Wins

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A Parkes couple are packing their bags, dusting off their snorkel gear, and bringing their beloved dog along for the ride after scoring more than $100,000 in a recent game of Keno.

The Central West residents scored the Keno Classic 8 Spot jackpot in Keno draw 431 on Thursday 2 October and can look forward to a total prize of $103,106.60.

When an official from Keno called to confirm the winning news, the stunned duo were still buzzing with excitement, sharing that they also scored a 6 Spot win in the same night.

“We’re over the moon! I was so excited. I was jumping out of my skin when it happened,” the winning husband said.

“We always use the same Keno numbers, and you won’t believe it, but we also put a 6 Spot on and about 10 minutes before, we won $3,800 on that.

“I just went ‘You’re joking!’. We were jumping up and down and even started shouting at others at the bar.”

With retirement on the horizon, the windfall couldn’t have come at a better time for the dynamic duo. “This will help us immensely for retirement,” they said.

“We’re actually thinking we’ll do a caravan trip up to Queensland.

Maybe go to Airlie Beach.

“Thank you so much. We’ll be spoiling our dog too!”Their winning Keno Classic entry was purchased from Parkes Bowling and Sports Club, 6 Cecile Street, Parkes.

In FY25, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated wins collectively worth more than $1.2 billion.

Over $1 Million Invested In Parkes Shire

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The upgraded Peak Hill Pool

The lives of residents in four townships across the Parkes Shire have been significantly enhanced thanks to more than $1million in upgrades delivered through funding from the NSW Government, co-funding from Parkes Shire Council and other grant funding.

The four projects – located in Trundle, Tullamore, Bogan Gate, and Peak Hill received a combined $493,759 in NSW Government funding. Parkes Shire Council worked in partnership with the Community Consultative Committees (CCC) of Trundle, Tullamore and Bogan Gate for funds that were only available to community groups, while the grant for Peak Hill was awarded to Parkes Shire Council. All four initiatives were completed with Parkes Shire Council supporting as Project Manager.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said “The improvements to our parks and pool facilities will have a lasting impact on the wellbeing and lifestyle of our residents.”

• Peak Hill Pool Rejuvenation: The public swimming pool in Peak Hill received a new fibreglass insert and concrete concourse, replacing the aging infrastructure.

Total Cost: $576,985 NSW Government funding: $160,000; Council Co-funding: $416,985.

• Berryman Park Upgrade, Trundle: Delivered in partnership with Trundle & District Progress Association Incorporated, this project included new fencing, solar lighting, a widened footpath, and a new long jump pit. Total Cost: $210,000 NSW Government funding: $160,000; Council Co-funding: $30,000; Other Co-funding: $20,000 (Stronger Communities Program).

• Memorial Park Upgrade, Tullamore: In partnership with Tullamore Inc, this project upgraded amenities and added a modular disabled toilet and connecting footpath. Total Cost: $163,759 NSW Government funding: $73,759 Council Cofunding: $90,000.

• Burrawang Park Accessibility Upgrade, Bogan Gate: Partnering with Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall Incorporated, this project improved accessibility with new BBQ shelter furniture, footpaths, irrigation, and turf. Total Cost: $100,728 NSW Government funding: $100,000; Council Co-funding: $728

The new Long Jump Pit at Berryman Oval in Trundle.

Why Young Australians Need Resilience, Not Just Restrictions

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

As more than 200,000 Year 12 students across Australia prepare for their ATAR exams, the stress they face highlights a bigger national issue: too many young Australians are entering adulthood without the coping skills to manage life’s challenges. Without those tools, pressures can accumulate and contribute to serious mental health consequences – with suicide now the leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds.

At the same time, the Federal Government is preparing to tighten restrictions on young people’s access to social media, acknowledging growing concerns about its role in anxiety, loneliness, cyberbullying and harmful self-comparison. While reducing harmful online influences may provide some relief, bans alone will not solve the problem. Children also need to be equipped with the skills to manage stress, build resilience, and seek support much earlier.

LifeChanger Foundation is a preventative youth mental health and wellbeing non-profit that empowers young people to thrive. Through evidence-based school and community programs, it builds the social, emotional and resilience skills young people need to navigate life’s challenges.

For information about LifeChanger www.lifechanger.org.au

The Need For Nuclear Proven

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant in Switzerland. By Hansueli Krapf – Own work: Hansueli Krapf (User Simisa (talk · contribs)), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=110649554

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the ground-breaking comprehensive ‘truth data’ of Labor’s renewables rollout proves the need for nuclear power in Australia.

Mr Littleproud said the Rainforest Reserves Australia and Steven Nowakowski analysis, which can be found at www.rainforestreserves.org.au/renewablestruthmap shows the shocking impact Labor’s all-renewables plan will cause on agriculture land, pristine natural landscapes and regional communities.

The mapping outlines the scale and size of every site in Australia and the footprint it will leave, with clickable, real-time data. It shows the vast amount of land being taken up by Labor’s 1126 projects, requiring 44,895.5 kilometres of new haulage roads for more than 300 wind projects, along with an additional 443,000 hectares of prime land for 545 new solar projects. The total number of solar panels proposed totals a staggering 584 million.

“This mapping vindicates The Nationals’ calls for nuclear to remain a key policy for the Coalition,” Mr Littleproud said. “We need to lift the nuclear moratorium for a balanced and technology neutral energy mix if we want to save what’s left of our agricultural land and our forests from Labor’s all-renewables approach.

“Australians need to understand, this mapping shows Labor is destroying the very thing we are trying to protect – the environment.

Environmentalist Steven Nowakowski said the mapping, released today, is the most comprehensive to date. “This is a trillion-dollar industry yet no one has done this mapping before,” Mr Nowakowski said.

Roxane Manley

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