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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.

Parkes Supplements Host Successful Pop Up Shop

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Iszac and Emma pictured at their recent pop up shop in Parkes Plaza. Find their social to stay informed on when and where the next pop up shop will be.

Meet Iszac and Emma Oliver, a young local couple who recently decided to start some­thing of their own, an online supplements business, built from the ground-up, right here in Parkes.

Parents of a toddler, and still working fulltime, Emma in banking and Iszac in mining, they started Parkes Supplements afterhours, with no outside investors, just pas­sion, research, and a lot of trial and error.

After three months of working hard behind the scenes, they recently had a success­ful pop-up store in Parkes Plaza, not just to sell, but to introduce themselves to the community and share what they’ve built.

“The idea really grew out of our own health journey. We were both working hard on improving our lifestyle and fitness,” said Iszac.

“Everyone can benefit from Parkes Sup­plements, from high performers in the gym or in the office, to shift workers putting in the hard yards, to busy mums and dads who need something quick and easy that won’t throw them off track. Supplements can give that extra bit of support when life gets busy or when you’re chasing a goal.”

For Iszac and Emma it’s not about a one-size-fits-all approach. They strongly encourage anyone with questions or look­ing for advice to reach out. “We’re always keen to share what we’ve learned and help people stay on the right path.”

“We’re not here just to sell supplements, and we strongly encourage anyone with questions to reach out to us, whether it’s through our website or social media. We want to give helpful advice and keep our customers on the right track with their health and fitness goals,” concluded Iszac.

To see the full Parkes Supplements range of products along with clear informa­tion, so you know exactly what you’re get­ting visit www.parkessupplements.com.au

Special Thanks To Parkes College For Seniors

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Jenny McLeod, Parkes and Forbes McDonalds Fran­chisee owner and Board Member Ronald McDonald House Central West, Geoff Rice, Board Member Ronald McDonald House Central West and Rebecca Walsh, Executive Officer Ronald McDonald House Central West.

The Parkes College for Seniors generous­ly donated a collection of knitted items for Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West. Ronald McDonald House Central West has been receiving support from the Parkes College for Seniors Group for many years knitting items for our families such as blankets, teddys, booties and beanies. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Central West the Group created dolls of Ronald McDonald, Gri­mace, Hamburglar and Birdie the Early Bird.

You can bid on an item even if you are not able to go to the Ball. Follow link to bid htt­ps://galabid.com/orange2025

Be Seen @ Parkes Shire Library

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Library has been thrilled with the response to their travelling exhibition Questacon housed in the Coventry Gallery. We’ve seen hundreds of school kids and community members visit and attempt to solve these tricky challenges! Adults will quickly discover that these activities and problems aren’t just for the kids.

 

Questacon’s travelling exhibition Fascinating Science is a free interactive exhibition that covers everyday scientific principles and problem solving puzzles in a fun, hands-on way. The exhibition mainly targets visitors aged 8 to 14 years, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

 

Questacon is open each day during the School Holidays from 9.30am – 5pm and on weekends from 10am – 2:00pm. Questacon finishes on 31 October. Closed Labour day public holiday.

Snippets…

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Local filmmaker, Dane Millerd with Tree Faerie (far right) facilitators of “Just Ad Kids”, with assistance from Galari – river – Arts Forbes Inc members Kathy and Maree.

Galari – River – Arts Forbes Inc: Day one of Just Ad Kids, did not disappoint. Brain­storming, ideas forming and creative con­nections. Kids from different schools and different towns came together. Bonds were made and new skills were learnt. Huge shoutout to Club Forbes for sponsoring Just Ad Kids and thanks to Forbes Shire Council for their support. Biggest thanks to Dane Millerd for trusting us with his idea, and Tree Faerie for her creative genius and energy. Stay tuned for Day two, when these little legends start filming their ad!

Parkes Shire Council: Council is seeking community feedback on two important draft studies: Draft Parkes Town Centre Flood and Drainage Study: bit.ly/3JVPKIW Draft East Parkes Flood Study: bit.ly/4n3Bw7p Both studies are on public exhibition un­til 5pm Monday 13 October. Submissions can be made in writing via: email coun­cil@parkes.nsw.gov.au, post The General Manager (Draft Parkes East Flood Study), Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870 or in-person at Council’s Ad­ministration Centre. Help shape the future of flood management in our community.

R U OK? The signs that someone is do­ing it tough might not be obvious. Connec­tion and kindness can help them feel less alone. It might take someone a while to open up about how they’re feeling. If you’re worried about them, let them know you care and will be there for them. And con­tinue to check in so when they are ready to talk, they know who to turn to. For more conversation tips, visit: www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Forbes Shire Council: Were you part of the magic of Street Dreams 2025? We’d love to hear what you thought. Street Dreams was the first in a three-year series and your feedback will help us shape future festivals and make them even better. Share your thoughts and ideas by completing our short online survey: https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/street-dreams-2025-feedback

Parkes Early Childhood Centre Inc: Chil­dren and staff enjoyed listening to Sen­ior Constable Mullins about keeping safe on our bikes. We also had our helmets checked by Haylee and Kylie from Trans­port NSW. Did you know that children aged under 12 years must ride on the footpath when out with their families in the commu­nity? We had so much fun!

Celebrating Bike Safety with the Bilawi Children a Parkes Early Childhood Centre.

Four Days Of Double Demerits

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage.

Motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over the Oc­tober long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 3 Octo­ber 2025 and ending on Monday 6 October 2025 (inclusive).Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitch­ell Gage said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules during busy traffic peri­ods. They occur on select holiday periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent. Statistics show that there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crash­es when double demerit points are opera­tional.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their li­cence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the con­ditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distrac­tions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said “During dou­ble demerit point periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are Severe” and is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

Be Part Of The Magic Of Street Dreams

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Forbes Youth Action Team getting ready for the Neon Street Dreams Festival.

Forbes’ newest event, Street Dreams is shaping up to be a hands-on night of crea­tivity, culture and connection. On Saturday 27 September from 5pm to 9pm, Victoria Park will come alive with light, art, perfor­mance, and interactive activities designed for all ages. Step into a glowing wonderland of larger-than-life flowers, birds, bees, but­terflies and dazzling garden archways.

A special feature of the event is that at­tendees can fully immerse themselves in a range of creative experiences, including; drumming workshops, lino printmaking, lan­tern making workshop, facepainting, hair braiding, photobooth, silent disco, short films, roving entertainment by CirqueUm Navigate, school-led imaginative displays by students from Forbes North, Forbes Pub­lic and Forbes High School and an outdoor youth art exhibition featuring artworks by lo­cal youth.

Alongside these interactive activities, the festival precinct will feature market stalls, food vendors and live entertainment, mak­ing it a vibrant community celebration for locals and visitors alike.

The Street Dreams Festival is the first of a three-year series that aims to strengthen social connection, support local creatives, and enhance the vibrancy of the Forbes community through inclusive, accessible arts programming.

Street Dreams Festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Coun­cil was successful in receiving $108,550 through the program, enabling the event to be delivered over the next three years.

The initiative is designed to reimagine pub­lic streets as lively, welcoming spaces that support local businesses and community connection.

Snippets…

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Board Members for RMHC, Jenny Mcleod and Geoff Rice were presented with teddies from the Parkes College for Seniors.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Cen­tral West NSW: Thank you to the won­derful Parkes College for Seniors group for creating these incredible auction items for our Gala Ball. You can bid on an item even if you’re not able to go to the Ball be­ing held on 8 November, it’s a great way to support Ronald McDonald House Central West from the comfort of your own home https://galabid.com/orange2025

Women NSW: Big news for rural women in NSW & ACT! Applications for the 2026 Ag­riFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award are now open. If you’re a woman leading a project, business or program that’s making a real impact in rural or regional Australia, this is your chance to be recognised and supported. With up to $35,000 in grants from Platinum Partner Westpac, it’s an in­credible opportunity to grow your vision. agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-wo­mens-award

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Are thrilled to once again have the support of local State member Philip Donato and his wife Nadia at the Homegrown Parkes event. This time they will be sharing their Tiramisu making skills. If you would like to be part of this workshop at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 11 October 2025, then follow the link to register: https://cen­tralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2025/09/11/looking-at-landcare-11-9-2025-phil-nadia-donato-sharing-tiramisu-workshop-at-homegrown-parkes. Registrations forthe our coffee roasting workshop with The Folk Roaster can also be be found on the page.

NSW Agriculture: NSW Agriculture and Local Land Services NSW is inviting stake­holders to provide information on the elec­tronic identification (eID) implementation for sheep and goats in NSW. Your feed­back will help inform how the program is moved forward. To fill out the survey please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/i2WQrk3utC

Regional Development Australia Central West: Central West is Best is the theme for the 2025 RDA Central West Photo Com­petition and entries are now open via the website. Submissions are steadily rolling in – add your view of the Central West today. Entries are open to all https://rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/central-west-is-best-photo-competition/

anAssist Forbes Branch: Forbes branch of CanAssist would like to once again thank Red Bend JRL for the wonder­ful support they give. CanAssist members man the gate for donations at RBJRL’s gala day and Lou Grimmit day, and also supply helpers to assist in their canteen.

Collum Hopkins and Michelle Bentick presenting the cheque for $4,020 to Helen Westwood and John Schrader from CanAssist.

Be Seen @ Forbes High School RUOK Fishing Day

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Strong Men Boys Group had the privilege of participating in a wellbeing fishing session led by Brett Smith from NSW Fisheries at Lake Forbes. This event was part of Forbes High School’s and NSW Fisheries’ commitment to RUOK?


The boys learned about caring for our waterways and the various fish species native to our local area. Additionally, several carp were caught, much to the delight of the pelicans nearby.


During the session, some of the boys borrowed a bucket from a nearby Forbes Shire gardening crew and took the initiative to clean up rubbish around the lake. Well done to the boys for giving back to the community.

Choose Clear Choice Septic Maintenance

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Born and raised in Yorkshire UK, Dave Rees now calls Forbes home after mar­rying a local girl. Three months ago Dave branched out and started his own business, Clear Choice Septic Maintenance.

What is a septic tank? A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domes­tic wastewater flows for basic sewage treat­ment.

After seeing so many septic tanks that in his opinion were being under-serviced, Dave decided to offer a premium service at a reasonable price.

Clear Choice Septic Maintenance offers a full septic tank service including air blow­er, all fixtures and fittings, with the ability to fit major components on the day should they need immediate replacement. Dave can also lodge the full system reports to the local council, saving his clients the hassle of having to do it themselves.

Dave prides himself on building relation­ships with his clients, and also offers a “training day” to occupants of homes with a septic tank who may not know the “do’s and don’ts” of having a septic tank.

Don’t delay, if you have a septic tank, call Dave today on 0431 005 180 and book in a service before any major issues occur.

Get Ready To Make A Slash This Swim Season

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Aquatic Centre staff sporting fresh new look uniforms

 

The Parkes pool was officially opened on 16th January 1935, and for the first time in the history of the Parkes pool, now known as the Parkes Aquatic Centre, a Parkes local has been awarded tender.

The Parkes Aquatic Centre and the Shire Pools at Trundle, Tullamore, Peak Hill will now be managed by Parkes business Fitness4All

Parkes Local Shane Mann has always been involved in local business. 12 years at Mensland, 9 years at the RSL, and then he got on the pool deck in 2009 up until 2017, in that time Shane was supervisor for three years, and buillding his gym Parkes Fitness4All in 2016. Coming back to the pool industry now as the successful applicant for the 2025 season

Securing a 3 year deal with a two year option, Shane has made significant financial contributions to the upgrades of The Parkes Aquatic Centre. Shane has painted the splash pool, he’s putting an arcade in, updating the Parkes Kiosk and the kiosk at Peak Hill Pool, all out of his own pockets, not the Shires funding.

For the six months of the pool season you now have an option to be a Gym and Swim member and if you are a Gym and Swim member or season ticket holder, the first 100 kids booked in for learn to swim program will get 10 free learn to swim lessons

Shane said “We are excited to be implementing a lot this year with volleyball, air hockey, a games area, a movie screen for birthday parties, a food truck, the Shire’s village pools will also be included in all of the fun activities throughout the season”.

“We want to engage with the community and give back to community services, sporting teams and schools and local athletes, so if sporting teams are looking for sponsorship then they are encouraged to reach out” said Shane.

The 2025 season starts Oct 4th long weekend. Fees have been reduced to $4.50 an adult, $2.50 per child and $2.00 for spectators. Season tickets are available, come down this weekend as pre-sign ups are on.

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