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.

Incineration Is Not The Answer To Sydney’s Waste Crisis

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Greens reiterated their call for a statewide moratorium on waste-to-energy incinerators as concerned members of the Parkes community came together for an information night hosted by the Parkes Clean Future Alliance.

Greens spokesperson for Health and for Waste Dr Amanda Cohn MLC spent the weekend in the region listening to the community and speaking at the event which drew in more than 5 per cent of the town’s population.

Dr Cohn met with PCFA representatives and local farmer Graeme Somers, who neighbours the site where the incinerator would be built. She said “It was incredible to see how engaged the Parkes community is with this issue and hear their deep concerns about this so-called energy-fromwaste incinerator.

During her speech, Dr Cohn highlighted the Public Health Association of Australia’s recommendation that food grown near an incinerator should be avoided.

The Greens introduced a bill in 2020 that would have prevented the current Parkes proposal from proceeding. However, MPs from the then government and opposition voted it down, arguing it would risk jobs and international investment and that there was no evidence the bill was necessary or appropriate.

“This is not and never was about energy production. If incineration was an effective, clean and renewable way of producing electricity the Greens would be its strongest backers – but it’s not. This proposal is because of Sydney’s waste crisis, with the Greater Sydney basin set to run out of landfill space by 2030.

Snippets…

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Tag your team, spread the word, and let’s fire up the grills.

National BBQ Championships Forbes: Calling all grill masters! Think you’ve got what it takes to be crowned BBQ royalty? Join the 2025 National BBQ Championships in Forbes this October and show off your grilling skills on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October at Grinstead Oval, Forbes. Register your team here: https://shorturl.at/JmzU1

Parkes Shire Council: Let’s skip the bottled drinks and make a splash with reusable water bottles. Make the switch from singleuse plastic water bottles and choose reusable bottles. Every refill at a water station or tap means one less water bottle ending up in landfill or our rivers and bushlands. Imagine the collective impact if everyone made this simple switch.

NSW Fair Trading: Buying second-hand to save money? Keep in mind that most consumer guarantees don’t apply to private sales between two people. Refunds? No. Replacements? Unlikely. Repairs? Don’t count on it. Find out what consumer rights you have and how to check that second hand products are safe: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/knowyour-product-safety-rights/buy-safe-second-hand-products-online

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: For those who work full time, we have a number of branches that meet in the evenings or on weekends. But even if you can’t make it to meetings, CWA members are able to contribute in many different ways -you don’t have to attend every meeting. Search for your branch at: https://cwaofnsw.org.au/branches

Elders Limited: The Elders 2026 Calendar competition is back again, so get your cameras ready! From outback beauty to everyday brilliance on the land, it’s time to showcase the people, places, and moments that define rural Australia. Apply today: https://bit.ly/4aJWKA5

Rural Health Pro: Nominations closing soon. The Excellence in Rural/Remote Health Administration Award honours outstanding healthcare administrators who have made a significant impact in rural/remote healthcare. Visit the website for more information and to nominate yourself or another worthy individual: www.ruralhealthpro.org/s/awards/health-admin

AWN Parkes: Glen and Sharon Woods merino lambs sold to a new national merino lamb record of $420 per head on Tuesday 29 July at Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange. Cooper and the team at AWN Langlands Hanlon would like to congratulate the Cooks Myalls team on such an incredible achievement.

Sharon Woods and Ian Lovell (flock classer).

“Energy From Waste” Information Draws Large Crowd

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Leagues Club played host to a community information event organised by the Parkes Clean Future Alliance and the room was at capacity.

The Parkes Clean Future Alliance had hoped for a big turnout at their community information night but were absolutely blown away by the response. Just under 600 people filled the club and some people had to stand. It really showed how deeply this “Energy from Waste” issue is affecting our community and how much people want honest, independent information.

MC Kaitie Nash was amazing and the speakers on the night were, Councillor Joy Paddison Parkes Shire Council, Nicole Blinco, Dr Amanda Cohn, Scott Barrett MLC, Chris Hanson No More Incinerators Eastern Suburbs, Geoff Rice and Bruce Maynard.

Ben Stead of the PCFA described the atmosphere as “Engaged and respectful; you could have heard a pin drop the entire night.

People told us they were there because they hadn’t been given a chance to ask questions or understand what this proposal really means for Parkes.

“There’s a lot of concern not just about health and agriculture, but about how this has been allowed to progress without proper consultation. People were grateful for a space where they could be informed and heard.

“The night ran for around 2.5 hours, and covered a lot. Some of the information was a bit complex, but the speakers tried to break it down as much as possible. We couldn’t cover every detail, we focused on the key risks, the gaps in regulation, the alternatives to incineration, the parliamentary inquiry and what people can do. What struck me the most was that people walked away informed and really empowered to act.”

This was just the beginning. The best way to stay updated is through the website parkescleanfuture.org or by following the Parkes Clean Future Alliance on Facebook.

Creating A Welcoming Space At Buddy Boy Kitchen Parkes

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

At Buddy Boy Kitchen Parkes, we believe that dining is about more than just food—it’s about the experience. Since our opening in April 2025, we’ve been dedicated to providing a space where locals and visitors alike can gather, connect, and enjoy a meal in a relaxed setting.

Our restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with soft lighting and comfortable seating that encourages conversation and camaraderie. Whether you’re meeting friends for a casual dinner or enjoying a quiet breakfast alone, we strive to make everyone feel at home.

“We wanted to create a place where people feel welcome,” says CEO Liam Kelly. “It’s important to us that our guests, whether they are locals or outof-towners, can try new flavours whilst relaxing and enjoying their time here.”

Open for breakfast from 6:30am and dinner from 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday, Buddy Boy Kitchen Parkes is here to offer a pleasant dining experience for all. We look forward to welcoming you soon. To make a reservation, visit buddyboykitchen.com.au or call (02) 6862 5222.

Be Seen @ Parkes High School

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Some of our Year 9 and10 students attended a NSW Mining Virtual Reality session recently run by NSW Mining Representative Sharon Bushby.

Our students had the chance to hear about the mining industry, explore and do a research task about minerals that are mined in Australia.

The highlight of the session was when students had the chance to put on the VR headsets to explore different jobs in mining.

Be Seen @ Forbes High School Industrial Technology Class

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Mrs Carne’s Stage 5 Industrial Technology Timber class is well underway with the construction of their bedside table project.

To complement their hand tool work, Mrs Carne demonstrated the use of the bandsaw, a machine students will have access to in senior years.

Students are using a variety of hand tools and woodworking techniques to cut box joints, rebate joints, and half lap joints, all of which contribute to the carcass construction.

Push For Inquiry Into Energy From Waste Projects

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Mayor of Parkes Shire, Neil Westcott, has expressed strong support for the NSW Nationals’ push to establish another Parliamentary inquiry into Energy-from-Waste.

The previous 2017 inquiry, which included participation from the current Environment Minister Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC along with representatives from the Greens and Liberals, led to several recommendations. One of the recommendations was for the Chief Scientist and Engineer to ensure that international best practices were followed in Energy-from-Waste initiatives, which was addressed in the subsequent Chief Scientists report. However, many of these recommendations appear to remain unaddressed.

The Mayor said; “While the 2017 inquiry provided a foundation, there remains important questions that are yet to be fully addressed. A renewed Parliamentary inquiry could help clarify these issues and provide the transparency our community is seeking.”

Mayor Westcott has raised the question about the rationale behind the proposed location of Energy-from-Waste facilities and that it needs to be clearly explained to the community. Further, Mayor Westcott applauded Geoff Rice’s call for respectful debate which was timely and necessary. “Whether someone holds a different opinion on EfW or simply is not ready to form a view at this stage, that position deserves to be respected. People should feel safe to ask questions, seek information and take the time they need to understand the issue without fear of judgement or pressure.”

To view all correspondence with the State Government on the concerns of Parkes Shire Council regarding this development, please visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-mediaand-projects/Projects-and-works/Energy-From-Waste-Facility and refer to the State Liaison section.

Parkes Sporting Wrap Up

July 31, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Panthers AFL

It was a very close game on the weekend for the Parkes Panthers, who held it right to Bathurst Bushrangers for the entire game until the final minute, conceding a goal which sealed the win for Bathurst club. Parkes Panthers went down 32-26. The Manildra Hotel hosted some post-game festivities before the teams return to Parkes

Parkes Services Squash Courts

It is not long until girls squad starts. It will be an afternoon to have fun, make friends, get fit and build confidence! We would love you to join, starting 7 August, 4.30pm – 5.30pm then each following Thursday for the 6 week program. For more information or to register contact jayandjudycross@hotmail.com

Parkes Services Railway Bowling Club

Sheets will be on the board soon for nominations for the 2025/26 Club Championships. The Mid West Region Triples finals draws are out for the 23 and 24 August at west Dubbo. The club have three teams representing. There will be Social Bowls on Saturday 2 August at 1pm. Everyone is welcome and loan bowls are available at the club.

Parkes Little Athletics Club

Parkes Little Athletics Club was recently supported through a Parkes Shire Council Evolution Mining Northparkes Sports Grant. The funding they received helped the organisation upgrade their high jump mats. Get your sports grant applications submitted before they close on 30 September! www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Spacemen Rugby League

Parkes Spacemen Rugby League are celebrating our old boys and ex-players on Sunday 10 August. Please join us at Pioneer Oval on the day to catch up with those who have helped to make this club great, and cheer on all those who are the future of it. We will be setting up fire buckets in front of the old boys grandstand next to the canteen.

Parkes Clean Future Alliance Community Information Night

July 24, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Clean Future Alliance (PCFA) is a local, community-led group that formed in April 2025 in response to the proposed (EfW) incinerator in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct which plans to incinerate 600,000 tonnes of red bin waste from Sydney per year right here in Parkes.

The Parkes Clean Future Alliance consists of farmers, business owners, professionals and residents, who are all concerned about the long-term health, environmental, agricultural and economic impacts of the proposed Energy-from-Waste project. Their goal as a committee is to inform the community, demand transparency, and advocate for better, safer alternatives.

The PCFA are hosting a free Community Information Night to be held at the Parkes Leagues Club on Saturday 26 July. Doors will open at 5:45pm and the event is for anyone who wants to try and understand what the Energy-from-Waste proposal really means for Parkes, our farms, environment, health and future.

Guest speakers on the night will include qualified professionals in health, science, agriculture, and policy who understand the risks of incineration. Dr Amanda Cohn MLC and Chris Hanson, a Chemical Engineer, will provide key insights, along with local farmer Geoff Rice and regenerative agriculture specialist Bruce Maynard.

Community presence will send a powerful message, and everyone is encouraged to attend. This is your chance to get the facts, ask questions, and stand together.

”We need to be the voice for the future of Parkes” said event organiser Ben Stead.

Snippets…

July 24, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The full cast of Frozen Jr. at a recent rehearsal with special Frozen biscuits, made by one of the cast members, Molly.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: From the directors of Frozen… Well, we have done and dusted our final dress rehearsal for Frozen Jr. We officially open this coming Friday night, 25th July. And what a show it will be with 46 of the most talented juniors in our district. If you haven’t yet got tickets, get in quick. Only running over three weekends with most shows already very close to sold out. This show is suited to children of all ages. Tickets available at www.parkesmandd.com.au

Central West Police District: One of the biggest challenges in solving crimes is accessing CCTV footage from areas near the scene. To strengthen our ability to investigate and respond effectively, Central West Police District is asking for your support. If you own a CCTV system, please consider registering it at www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/register_my_business_cctv_details. Your participation could make a vital difference in keeping our community safe.

Red Bend Catholic College: Look forward to welcoming ex-students back to Forbes on Saturday, 23 August. If you would like to organise a tour of the College, please email jacquigreig@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au

Parkes Clean Future Alliance: Have you received your ‘Have your say’ letter from Philip Donato MP? Check your letterbox. Every person in the Parkes Shire should have a voice in this important discussion. If you haven’t received your letter, there’s a scanned letter that you can fill in and return. Give it a few more days if your copy has yet to arrive in the mail. Otherwise, the scanned copy is available at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Z5Njdfh4h/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Save The Date: Tickets are now available for the 2025 Parkes Show Dinner to be held on Saturday 16 August at the Coachman Hotel Motel Parkes. It will be an evening dedicated to formally presenting the entrants in the 2025 Parkes Show Ray White Rural Young Woman and Teenager Competitions. Tickets cost $60 per person and are available from the Show Office in Welcome St, Parkes.

Roylances Tractor Replacements: The team at Roylances Tractor Replacements has celebrated a significant milestone this week – a tremendous 49 years for John Pearce, who has been a valuable employee of Roylances! John is an integral member of our team, congratulations on achieving this anniversary with us. Throughout all these years, John’s talents, effort, knowledge and pride have helped our team’s success. Thank you JP.

John Pearce pictured front and centre surrounded by the rest of the Roylance team.

Roxane Manley

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