At Forbes High farm, during Stage 4 sport, Show Team students participate in a variety of activities. They care for our beloved animals and maintain the equipment.
Additionally, they meticulously collect and package eggs from the chicken coops for sale at Sheldricks Fine Foods, deepening their understanding of the farming business.
This practical experience cultivates teamwork, responsibility, and essential life skills, all while allowing them to appreciate the great outdoors.
Parkes residents are being given the opportunity to have their say about safe speeds on local roads.
Parkes residents are being asked to provide input in a survey that is part of a bigger research project, and a world first. The research is using ideas generated directly by residents of various towns and cities in NSW to look for ways to create understanding about safe speeds.
Usually, ideas come from the government down to the people. But in this project, we are doing things the other way round – asking the community to generate ideas to improve the safety of our road journeys. This survey is one part of that process. We are asking people to complete a short, anonymous survey twice, 6 months apart, so that we can measure if there are changes in people’s thinking.
Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health are asking locals to share their thoughts on driving in an anonymous online survey. The survey is part of a larger road safety project known as Community Action for Safe Speeds (CASS). The survey can be accessed via https://bit.ly/3SHAwbl Upon completing the surveys, participants will enter a draw to win one of four $250 egift vouchers.
For many years, governments have attempted to inform people about the risks they face when using the road. Travelling at inappropriate or unsafe speeds is one of those risks. Safe speeds are all about travelling at a speed that will not create a casualty if things go wrong. However, it seems that we don’t fully appreciate the risks and consequences involved with driving at speeds that are not appropriate in certain conditions.
This project is a community-led approach to draw on the wisdom and knowledge of local people to be part of the solution in their own community.
Safe Me is a 12 week intervention program for young males (12 – 17) who have or are engaging in violent or abusive behaviour toward females; this may be in the context of family violence or toward a girlfriend or partner.
Designed to disrupt the pattern of youth family violence and minimise risk of ongoing violence in relationships. Facilitators work with participants to explore their identity and what it means to be a young man, build on their own strengths and strategies that promote safety, unpack and map their own values, thoughts and beliefs around the use of violence and to develop safety plans for future behaviour.
Mission Australia is motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive.
Young men can self-refer to the program or can be referred by family, friends or other support services (with the young person’s consent). Referrals are received by Mission Australia and the young person will be contacted to make a suitable time to further discuss the program.
Young men wanting to engage in a program to look at behaviour encouraged to apply safeme@missionaustralia.com.au
We see them and hear about them every day – unsung community heroes, inspiring achievers, lifechanging mentors: extraordinary Australians we think should be recognised for their contributions.
Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.
Did you know a person can only be considered for an Australian of the Year Award if a member of the public submits a nomination on their behalf? Your single nomination could see them join 128 state and territory selected representatives and, ultimately, be honoured in one of four categories:
• Australian of the Year
• Senior Australian of the Year (65+)
• Young Australian of the Year (16-30)
• Australia’s Local Hero
Have your say before it’s too late. Nominations close at midnight on Thursday 31 July 2025 – it’s easy to submit a nomination at australianoftheyear.org.au
It’s Easy To Nominate:
• One nomination is enough – the Awards are judged on merit so multiple submissions are not required
• You don’t need to know them personally – simply outline what they do or how they’ve contributed
• No permission needed – nominate first, the Awards program will handle the rest
• Stay anonymous if you prefer – the Awards program respects a nominator’s preference for privacy
Give extraordinary Australians the recognition they deserve – nominate today at australianoftheyear.org.au.
This week our year 10 students explored metal fabrication/welding as part of the TAFE YES Program.
Many thanks to TAFE teacher, Jack, who taught the girls how to plan then create a very nice candle/jewelry holder.
We commend our students for trying new things and exploring different skills and career pathways.
The Parkes Boars Women’s team pictured on ladies day, which was held last weekend.
The Parkes Boars women are heading to New Zealand in September for a Development Rugby Tour with the North Otago Women’s Team. The team will be doing some training with the development coaches then facing off in an opening curtain raiser against the North Otago women’s team.
The Parkes Rugby Club sponsors players from other countries to play with Parkes Boars. This opportunity came from development coaches in New Zealand for the Parkes women’s team to go over and train with them and play their local team.
The women have been fundraising at home games throughout the season with wood raffles, 10 tens, and 100 clubs. Coming up on 19 July for our sponsors day, there will be an ice bucket silent auction fundraiser where the highest bidder gets to poor an ice bucket over a selected Boar Club member of choice. The women have been grinding through the season with some great wins. They have a bye on 12 July and the next home game is on 19 July, please head along to support the women and their fundraising efforts.
Tuesday 15 July Gunning Gap NP: Meet Forbes Railway Station 9.30am. Some off track but quite easy, 3-4kms walk in morning, lunch at lagoon nearby. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.
Saturday 2 August Glencoe, Clive Hawkens property, 1035 Cookamidgera Rd: Meet at Glencoe 9.30am. 5km medium.
Leader Graeme MacRaild 0436 966 819.
Tuesday 12 August Goobang Creek, Goobang NP Renshaw McGirr Way: Meet 9.00am at Lions Park Molong Rd Parkes 7kms medium, some off track Leader MartinBell 0429 346 586.
Saturday August 23 SW Woodland NR Blow Clear East: Meet at Bushman’s Dam, Kelly Reserve Cnr Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9.00am. 6kms medium. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.
Please contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come.
A $2 donation for each walker is appreciated. New walkers are welcome. Walkers are reminded to bring along food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair is recommended.
The grading for walks is outlined below:
Easy: (5-10km) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography, on tracks or fire trails and of moderate distance. Suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.
Medium: (5-8km) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain and involve some offtrack walking. Walk may involve shorter distance due to rougher conditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.
Hard: (5km or more) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance.
Suitable for above average fitness level.
A grateful Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott gave a visibly heartfelt thank you to the Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin for her help in securing the funding
The Minns Labor Government is investing $27 million to restore vital water and sewer infrastructure in the Central West, helping communities recover from the 2022 floods and prepare for future disasters.
A major focus of the funding is the $22.9 million rebuild of the Lake Endeavour water pipeline in Parkes Shire, which will be reconfigured to a safer, flood-resilient location.
This pipeline is a critical component of the water supply system for around 10,000 residents and plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture and industry, including the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
Rebuilding the Lake Endeavour pipeline will strengthen water security for local families and businesses, support local jobs and contribute to the region’s broader economic recovery.
The Lake Endeavour reservoir is a vital part of the Parkes water supply, ensuring continued access during drought and periods of low flow and poor water quality in the Lachlan River.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said “I’ve seen the damage to Lake Endeavour firsthand. The risk of Parkes running critically low on water was simply unacceptable, especially with only one main supply left and with the threat of drought hanging over the community again.”
“Reliable water and sewer services are things people in the cities often take for granted. Our regional communities shouldn’t be left worse off after disasters.”
The funding follows close collaboration between the NSW Government, Parkes, Cabonne and Lachlan Shire Councils, local water authorities and local stakeholders.
Temporary Library Pop-Up at Forbes TAFE Campus.
TAFE NSW Forbes: We’re excited to bring you a special pop-up library at Forbes TAFE Campus! This temporary setup ensures you still have access to all TAFE resources while we search for a permanent space. Whether you need study materials, research assistance, or just a quiet place to read, we’ve got you covered.
Parkes Potters: Do your kids want to get creative these upcoming holidays? Parkes Potter’s are running a children’s workshop for the school holidays on Wednesday 9 July. Phone 0427 342 751 for more information and bookings.
Women NSW: Every day, 58 people will learn they have breast cancer. More than 21,000 breast cancer diagnoses are expected nationally this year, which will include 6,500 in NSW alone. Breast cancer is still a leading cause of cancer death among women. Early detection and access to innovative clinical trials are critical to improving survival rates and quality of life. Find more information about breast cancer trials by visiting: tacklebreastcancer.com.au
Parkes Elvis Festival: Applications are OPEN to have a market stall at the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival. Apply here: bit.ly/PEFmarkets Applications close 30 July 2025.
Plastic Free July: Forbes Shire Council is proud to be part of Plastic Free July, a global movement helping millions of people reduce plastic waste for cleaner streets, parks, rivers, and communities. From saying no to single-use plastics to making simple swaps at home or work, every action counts. Are you ready to take the challenge? Join us this July and make a pledge to reduce single-use plastic in your daily life. Together, we can create lasting change. Sign up here: www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge
R U OK? Checking in with someone can take away the pressure to reach out for help. It lets someone know it’s OK to not be OK and gives them permission to talk about what they’re going through. For more tips on having meaningful conversations, visit www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
NSW Rock Camp: Parkes High School music students, Bohdi and Huntur participated in the Western NSW Rock Camp in Dubbo last week. All the students in attendance had a blast and participated in a week of learning new skills and working with a range of people. What an awesome experience for these talented students!
Parkes High School Students attend Rock Camp.
NAIDOC week saw FPS students celebrating with other local schools and connected to culture with book readings.
The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.
Forbes Public School students were thankful to be invited to Forbes North Public School for an opportunity to connect through culture.