Roxane Manley

Australians are being encouraged to recognise the dads and father figures who keep local sport moving, with nominations now open for the 2026 Community Sports Dad of the Year.

The national award recognises the people behind community sport: the dads coaching from the sidelines, managing teams, fundraising, driving kids to training and taking on the countless jobs that keep local clubs running.

Nominations are open now and the winner will be announced ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday, 6 September 2026. The winning dad will receive a Philips Reverse Osmosis Water Station valued at $1,299 RRP, while their community sporting club will receive a $5,000 Rebel Sport voucher for new clothing or sporting equipment. The person behind the winning nomination will also receive a Philips Multi-groom 7000 grooming kit, valued at $229 RRP.

Community Sports Dad of the Year founder Paul Masluk said the award was created to recognise the people whose contribution to local sport often happens quietly.

Submissions close at midnight AEST on 27 August 2026. Nominate a deserving dad in 100 words or less via www.sportsdads.com.au/community.

Skillset officially opened its new Parkes office, marking the organisation’s return to the local community and reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting employment, training and workforce development across the Central West.

Having previously operated in Parkes, Skillset is re-establishing a permanent local presence to better support local businesses, job seekers, apprentices, trainees and community members.

Formerly known as Central West Group Apprentices, the organisation first opened an office in Parkes in 1993. The Group became Skillset in 2007 and maintained an office at Shop 4, 364 Clarinda Street, Parkes until 2013. Since then, Skillset maintained a part-time presence at the Parkes TAFE campus.

The return to Parkes is part of Skillset’s commitment to being present in the communities it serves. By delivering services locally, the organisation can better understand the unique needs of businesses and individuals while making it easier for employers to access tailored workforce solutions and support.

The new Skillset office at 21 Court Street, Parkes is open 9am-5pm. Local employers, job seekers, apprentices, trainees, students and community members are invited to connect with the team at the office or call 1300 853 525 and learn more about the employment, training and workforce development opportunities.

Pictured is support worker, Le Tyr-Egge.

Established in 1977, Neighbourhood Central is a not-for-profit community organisation providing a variety of community support services to people living in the Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Bland Local Government areas.

The organisation has more than 40 aged care professionals, spanning direct and indirect roles, collaborating every day to make a positive difference in the lives of older Australians.

On Friday, 7 August Neighbourhood Central proudly celebrated Aged Care Employee Day, recognising the dedication, compassion and hard work of their aged care team. This was Neighbourhood Central’s inaugural year celebrating Aged Care Employee Day and they are eager to make this a tradition for years to come.

Staff came together to enjoy a morning tea as a small token of appreciation, for the important work they do every day to support the older people in our community.

For the wonderful support workers who were out caring for clients and unable to join the celebration, chocolates were delivered throughout the day so they didn’t miss out.

From Neighbourhood Central’s leaders and nurses to personal care workers, volunteers, cooks, builders, administrators, and more, every role contributes to the wellbeing of older Australians.

On Aged Care Employee Day, Neighbourhood Central extended a sincere thanks to everyone working in aged care across Australia. Your compassion, dedication and commitment make a real difference in the lives of older Australians every day. Thank you for all that you do.

Neighbourhood Central is located at 8082 Currajong Street, Parkes. For information regarding the support services offered call 1300 810 771, email reception@ncentral.org.au or visit www.ncentral.org.au

It’s been a busy few weeks around the electorate and in Parliament. During last sitting week I raised serious concerns about the Government’s approach to feral pig management. Farmers across the region are already spending significant time and money trying to control feral pigs, which destroy crops, damage fences, attack livestock, contaminate water sources and devastate the environment.

Yet instead of providing greater assistance, the Government is threatening significant biosecurity penalties for landholders who cannot eliminate feral pig populations from their properties. I argued that farmers should be supported, not punished. I also raised concerns about unnecessary barriers being placed in front of farmers and professional pest controllers seeking access to practical pest-management tools already provided for under the law, including Category D firearm licences for coordinated pest control programs and firearm suppressors for occupational health and safety purposes. Importantly, I highlighted reports of significant feral pig activity within the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area near Federal Falls, questioning why private landholders face penalties while feral pig populations continue to thrive on government managed land.

I called for practical and innovative solutions, including greater involvement of recreational hunters; a feral animal bounty program; competitive tendering for privately operated aerial culling services; and stronger partnerships between government, landholders and pest controllers. I will continue advocating for common-sense measures that help landholders protect their livelihoods, the environment and our agricultural industries.