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.

New Youth Biosecurity Training Hub Empowers The Next Generation

August 14, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A new national online platform is now live, providing educators, students and community groups with engaging, age-appropriate tools to build biosecurity awareness across Australia. The Youth Biosecurity Hub offers a centralised library of curriculum-aligned lesson plans and interactive resources.

The development of the platform follows the success of the National Biosecurity Training Hub, an online library of biosecurity training resources developed by PHA in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and Agriculture Victoria in 2023.

Sarah Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of PHA, said early education is key. “A strong biosecurity system starts with awareness and shared responsibility. By equipping young Australians with the knowledge and tools they need from an early age, we’re helping to build a more resilient, informed future.

The Youth Biosecurity Hub is a national resource that empowers teachers, students, and communities to take part in protecting what matters most.”

With accessible, ready-made materials tailored for primary and secondary schools, the Youth Biosecurity Hub makes it easy for teachers to bring biosecurity education into the classroom and for parents and community groups to reinforce learning at home or in local programs.

Whether it’s protecting Australia’s precious wildlife, safeguarding agricultural industries, or ensuring future food security, biosecurity awareness starts with education.

The Youth Biosecurity Training Hub is available at youthbiosecurityhub.com.au.

Parkes Service Railway Bowling Club

August 14, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Paul Lewin and Phil Barnard represented PSRBC placing 5th out of 42 teams at the Cowra Bowling & Recreation Club. Great effort boys.

Over 40s pairs section winners: Ben McNaughton and Andrew Daley (Parkes Railway) who beat Sam and Ben Allcorn (Manildra) 15/14.

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers Go Full Throttle For Prostate Cancer

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers are ready to rev up their engines From August 11 to 22. Contributions, big or small, will go a long way. Together, we can support the PCFA’s life-saving work and show our support for the men in our lives.

Parkes local Richard Jefferay is gearing up to drive more than 1,240km from Bourke to Birdsville on a Massey Ferguson tractor with a top speed of just 23km/h. He’ll be joined by eight mates, navigating remote dirt tracks and stopping in small towns to spark life-saving conversations about early detection and prostate cancer awareness.

With just days to go until the trek kicks off on 11 August, Richard has smashed his $100,000 fundraising goal – and still climbing. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support. Every kilometre counts in raising awareness and saving lives,” says Richard.

This is a deeply personal mission for Richard, whose father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over the past two years, he’s raised over $90,000 for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. This year Richard’s father and his son are both trekking alongside him.

The Tractor Trek is proudly backed by Tyrepower, which has raised over $1.3 million for PCFA over the past 11 years.

At their recent International Conference, a charity auction in support of the trek pulled in more than $150,000.

Richard would like to thank local sponsors Potts Removals and Storage, Steve Magill Earthmoving, Magill Transport, Hoys Heavy Haulage, Oils Plus, Parkes Liquid Nitrogen, Wrights Farming, Moss and Sons, Power Tools Plus, Signs U See, Tyrepower, Parkes Auto Wreckers and Central West Car Club.

Follow the Parkes Tractor Trekkers and donate at https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/richardjefferay

Snippets…

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Are you new to town?

Forbes Shire Council: Come along to our Welcome to Town event – a great chance to connect with locals, learn about services and activities, and discover everything our town has to offer. Please RSVP by Thursday 14 August to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.

Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia: Join Oceans to Outback and walk 87km to keep the Flying Doctor flying. That’s just 2.8km a day. It’s a rewarding fitness challenge that saves lives. Walk 87km during October to keep the Flying Doctor flying to Aussies in remote, rural and regional areas. Plus, they’ll send you a free t-shirt as a reward for fundraising. Imagine how incredible you’ll feel. Sign up today: www.oceanstooutback.org.au

Rural Women’s Network: Know an inspiring woman making a real difference? Now’s the time to shine a spotlight on them! Nominations are open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026. Celebrating trailblazers, change makers, quiet achievers and role models from every walk of life. Nominate someone for one of these categories: NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations close 9 September 2025. The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony, Thursday 5 March. Don’t miss the chance to recognise someone extraordinary: nsw.gov.au/wotya26

RSL NSW: The RSL NSW Wellbeing Support Officer Program is a statewide strategic initiative to reach more veterans and families than ever before, providing connection, camaraderie and support services to the community. More than 350 people have completed their WSO training, with more than 150 being authorised by their sub-Branch to work in their local community. Here are the five steps to become a WSO: https://rslnsw.org.au/news/infographic-5-steps-to-become-a-wellbeing-support-officer/

Parkes Elvis Festival: Entries are now open for the Busking Championships. Come and cheer on your favourite busker while they are being scored on Friday & Saturday afternoon. The top three buskers perform for the title of Busking Champion in the finals on the Cooke Park Main Stage on Sunday afternoon. Enter here: bit.ly/PEFbusking

Calling all local musicians.

Be Seen @ Forbes Public School

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Forbes Public School Kindergarten students recently celebrated the milestone of reaching 100 days of school.

Students made 100 biscuits, wrote about what they will look like/eat at 100, built towers using 100 cups and made self portrait of themselves at 100 years old.

FPS is proud of our littlest learners and all of their achievements so far. Keep up the great work Kindergarten.

Opening Of The Blacksmith Shop At The Henry Parkes Museum

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

You are all invited to join Mr Phil Donato MP, Patron of the Henry Parkes Museum, for the official opening of the newly restored Blacksmith Shop. Come along on Wednesday he 13 August from 10:30am to 11:30am at he Henry Parkes Museum, 66-78 Peak Hill Road. Entry is just a gold coin donation.

Step back into Parkes’ early foundry days as you explore some of the historical significance, such as, Earl Symonds, who estabished the original blacksmith shop on this very site, Richard Venables, of Venables & Co, a pioneering blacksmith engineer, Iron ounder John Westcott, Carriage & Coachbuilding Factory contributions to regional transport and many other local blacksmiths, foundries and carriage builders, including Arthur Cheney, Robert Turnbull and Charles Smart to name a few.

Our exhibit features authentic tools, period-correct machinery and the fascinating stories behind each artifact and the opportunity to participate in an interactive ropemaking display.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers whose tireless efforts have brought the Blacksmith Shop back to life. Their dedication has made this project possible.

Please confirm your attendance by Friday, 8 August by email: shpm15@outlook.com

Kindness Champion Kath Koschel To Share Inspiring Journey At Parkes Expo

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Kath Koschel, a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy to inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things, will be the guest speaker at the Mental Health Expo 2025 at Parkes on 19 August.

NSW Australian of the Year and Kindness Factory founder Kath Koschel will share her extraordinary and uplifting story at a free event at Parkes this month. CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is thrilled to invite the whole community to hear from Kath at its Mental Health Expo 2025, a powerful day of connection, education and inspiration.

The event will be held on Tuesday August 19, from 12pm to 1pm at the Cooke Park Pavilion. CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Better Health and Wellbeing portfolio manager Kate Shambrook is encouraging the community to come to the expo.

A resilience and gratitude advocate, Kath’s story of overcoming immense personal challenges has touched hearts across the world – more than 8.4 million acts of kindness have been logged with her Kindness Factory.

Ms Shambrook says Kath’s message is one of hope, courage, and the strength of the human spirit – a talk not to be missed.

“I truly believe this event is an opportunity for our community to come together, break down stigma, and have real conversations about mental health,” Ms Shambrook said.

“We’re incredibly honoured to have Kath Koschel join us — her journey will inspire and uplift anyone who hears it.”

In addition, there will also be free refreshments, giveaways and local mental health organisations to chat to.

“Whether you’re looking for tools to support your own journey, resources to help others, or simply a moment to be inspired, this expo is for you,” Ms Shambrook said.

“Come be part of the movement toward a more open, supportive, and mentally healthy community.”

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is delivering this free community event through its Family and Carer Mental Health Program. To find out more, contact CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes on 1800 067 067.

Be Seen @ Parkes East Public School

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The 3-6 High Potential Art Class enjoyed their second lesson with Miss Massey.

Each week, students will learn a new artistic skill to build upon their natural ability.

The students used colours, tones and blending to start the background on their canvases.

Rural Ambassador Information Afternoon

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The call out is for entrants between 18 and 29 years of age with a passion for rural and regional Australia.

The Rural Ambassador Award is a National Competition that highlights and celebrates young people who have a genuine interest in rural and regional Australia.

The Parkes Rural Ambassador competition has been running since 2022. The three previous winners of the competition were Jess Kinsela in 2024, Joel Maguire in 2023 and Sally Wright in 2022.

The competition aims to build and develop the skills of our future leaders, volunteers and community members through a professional development series.

Ali Hall from The Parkes Show Committee said “Anyone that is interested in what the competition is and is considering doing something to develop their professional skills and get involved in the Parkes community or the local show. Bring a friend and enjoy a chat, over a beer and pizza, with some of the committee members and other potential entrants.”

Participation in the Parkes Show Rural Ambassador competition offers more than just a chance to win a title. It provides an opportunity to connect with like minded individuals who share a passion for agriculture and community involvement.

“The information afternoon will be an informal gathering. There will be information and entry forms available and the opportunity for those considering the opportunity to ask questions or get a better feel for the event. Organised as a light hearted, drop in and bump out as works for each person from 6pm until 8pm,” said Ali.

Event organisers are hugely thankful for the sponsors of the competition, Sunrise Energy, Worklocker, Tanswell Transport, The Corner Office Co, Parkes Decor Shoppe, Double J Angus and Somewhere…in Parkes.

The Rural Ambassador Information Afternoon is being held Friday 8th August from 6pm at ‘Somewhere In Parkes’ 310-314 Clarinda St. You can call the Show Office on 0467 622 580 or just pop into the Show office at 61 Welcome St.

Elizabeth Macgregor Excels On Debut In The NRLW

August 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The moment captured when Elixabeth MacGregor flew over the line for her first of two tries on debut with the CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs NRLW team.

Parkes local Elizabeth MacGregor is the youngest member of the Bulldogs’ inaugural squad, at only 18 years of age, the fullback earned an NRLW call up in Round 4 and scored a double on debut.

We spoke to Elizabeth about her football journey: “I have played football for as long as I can remember, most of it being club football up until I was 16 when I played representative footy for Western Rams and NSWCCC through school.

“At 17 I began training with the Sydney Roosters under 19s Tarsha Gale team and played my first year of under 19s with them.

This involved a lot of travel to and from Sydney three times a week in order to live my dream of playing football as well as still living in my home town and completing school.

“Halfway through 2024 I received a phone call and it was an offer to be in the Bulldogs top 24 squad. At the time I was on bed rest after having ankle surgery so I couldn’t believe it. Fast forward to the start of 2025 and I played my second year of 19s with Bulldogs and when that season finished I continued training with the NRLW team.

“When Brayden (NRLW coach) told me I would be making my debut against the Roosters I was quite nervous, but he has instilled a huge amount of confidence in me which helped with my preparation significantly.

“Going over for my first try was so surreal.

The first half didn’t go well for our team so to score our first try was amazing but the cutout pass from Ash Quinlan was unreal to get me over in the corner. Everyone in the team was so happy for me and I couldn’t ask for more supportive team mates. I was happy with one try but the second one just topped it all off, looking over at my family and friends cheering for me, some even crying. It was unreal and I feel so blessed to have people who care about me and my success in rugby league.

“I had so many family and friends at the game to support me and lots of people watching from home. I can’t thank them enough for all their support, especially my parents for all the effort, especially the travel, they have put in to get me to where I am today.”

After such a thrilling debut, its no surprise that Elizabeth came out scoring first for the Bulldogs in her second game. Her stats speak for themselves – four tries in just two appearances, eight tackle breaks and four line breaks and only one missed tackle.

Elizabeth was personally identified by Head Coach Blake Cavallaro in Parkes, NSW as a 15-year-old, and despite being just 18 years old, Cavallaro believes the fledgling fullback will have plenty of impact on the Club’s inaugural NRLW squad. “Elizabeth is six-foot, she’s fast and she’s athletic,” Cavallaro said.

“She can play anywhere between fullback, wing and centre and her arrival to the squad will help to inject a spark that will positively influence her teammates.”

President of The Parkes Spacemen RLFC Tony Dwyer said of Elizabeth: “She’s a terrific girl, she deserves every success she gets because she trains very hard.

She’s put so much time and effort into getting to where she is, we’re so proud of her, and she’s just a terrific person too.”

Elizabeth pictured with her extremely proud parents Paul and Charlene.

Roxane Manley

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