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.

Coalition Commits $10 Million To Support Veterans

April 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway The Nationals candidate for Calare said “Our veterans have given so much for our country – we owe them more than just thanks,”

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud was happy to make an announcement for Veterans and their families in the Central West, who will receive a much-needed boost in support under a Dutton-Littleproud Government, with the Coalition committing $5 million to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bathurst and $5 million to expand the Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre in Dubbo.

David went on to say “They will deliver integrated support to veterans and families, by improving access to local services such as wellbeing, advocacy, employment and housing advice, social connection and physical and mental health.”

The Nationals candidate for Calare Sam Farraway said the funding commitment would provide a critically important space for veterans’ services and advocacy organisations to co-exist and deliver integrated support to current and ex-service personnel and their families.

“The commitment will bring services together under one roof so that veterans and their families across the Central West can access the support they need, when they need it.

“Too many veterans slip through the cracks because help is too far away or too hard to find. I hope this will make a lasting difference to those who’ve worn the uniform and their families.”

The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said “We must never forget the sacrifices made by our local veterans and always act to ensure that they and their families have the support they deserve.

“This investment will not only provide further support for veterans in Dubbo (and Bathurst) but a regional base for surrounding areas. Support services like today’s announcement will build on the support already available for veterans. There is no doubt more work needs to be done, but it’s a start.”

Resilient Homes Program Hits Next Stage Across Central West NSW

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Making the announcement at the Eugowra Showground is Deputy Mayor of Cabonne Council Jamie Jones, Janelle Saffin MP, Minister for Recovery, Member for Orange Phil Donato, and Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon.

Residents across the Central West of NSW impacted by the 2022 floods have begun to receive their free home assessment reports from the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s $40 million Resilient Homes Program.

Since applications for the Resilient Homes Program opened on 28 October 2024, the Reconstruction Authority has received 200 applications and undertaken 125 home assessments, with more to be scheduled.

The Resilient Homes Program supports resilience and safety so that people can continue to live in the communities they love. The program has three streams:

Home Buybacks – eligible homeowners in highest risk areas may receive a payment for the purchase of their home and land in areas that have a very high risk of future floods.

Resilient Measures – grant funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to eligible homeowners to raise liveable areas of their home, relocate their home, rebuild a more resilient home or retrofit their home with more resilient materials and innovative design features.

Free Home Assessments – a flood resilience expert will help identify opportunities with eligible homeowners to increase the resilience of a home.

Eligibility for the Program takes people’s individual circumstances into account, with priority given to those facing additional barriers and challenges that could increase their vulnerability or risk in future flooding events.

For more information on the Resilient Homes Program in the Central West visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/resilient-homes-program-central-west or call the Reconstruction Authority Concierge Team on 1800 844 085

Snippets…

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Lewis Wilde will play Ben Hall in the upcoming play The Trial of Ben Hall, and Rodney Morrison will play the Sheriff.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes Shire Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee will be performing The Trial of Ben Hall, a play written by Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams on Friday, 9 May at 6pm at the former St Andrews Church, Forbes. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the legend of Ben Hall and experience the trial he never had. It will be a fun night of history, drama, and community spirit that the whole family will enjoy! Secure your free tickets for a night to remember at www.123tix.com.au/events/47902/the-trial-of-ben-hall

Dolly’s Dream: Go blue on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day – speaking up for young voices silenced by bullying, from bustling cities to the furthest corners of the outback.

From country towns to remote stations, we’ll paint our communities blue. We’ll bake, we’ll dress up, and we’ll stand united, because in rural Australia, we look after our own. Join us on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day! Wear blue, raise awareness, and give a voice to those silenced by bullying. Every donation goes directly to Dolly’s Dream’s vital anti-bullying programs in schools across Australia, even in the most distant rural communities.

Kerin Health: Did you know Kerin Health are running four days of intensive swimming lessons these school holidays? There are limited spaces still available if you’re quick! Call reception on 0437 749 746 or book via their website: https://www.kerinhealth.com.au/swimming-lessons

NSW Government: Got five minutes? Your feedback can help shape how essential services are delivered in regional communities. Tell us what’s working and what could be improved. bit.ly/HYS-essential-services

50% Off Elvis Festival Merch: Now is your chance to grab official Parkes Elvis Festival merchandise for half the price! No code needed – discount applied automatically at checkout. But hurry, this offer is only valid until 30 April. Shop now: bit.ly/ShopPEF

The Wild Sows: An incredible $429,260 was raised by over 80 ladies as part of the 2025 Never Late Fe-mail Posite Bike Ride raising money for Wings4Kidz. The Wild Sows are proud to announce that we raised just over $44,500! We couldn’t have done this without the generous support of you, our community. There is still time to donate to Wings4Kidz to help our regional families

An amazing effort by The Wild Sows raising much needed fund for Wings4Kidz.

Let’s Get The Bush Connected This Election

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for rural and regional Australians in this election.

NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made, we’re still a long way from fixing the rural and regional connectivity problem.

“Whether it’s calling for help in an emergency, coordinating logistics during harvest, or simply staying connected with loved ones – bush connectivity is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Reliable connectivity is critical to keeping people outside major population centres safe and connected, both in times of natural disasters, and in daily farm life.”

Mr Jochinke said rural, regional and remote constituents deserved reliable and resilient connectivity, and he acknowledged productive discussions with telecommunication providers, but it’s time for the Federal Government to step up.

“This election, we’ve put all parties on notice: rural voters are tired of buffering, dropouts and excuses. They want to be connected” Mr Jochinke said.

The NFF has compiled a list of actions that would continue to improve bush connectivity.

The NFF’s Election Platform can be found here keepfarmersfarming.org.au

Be Seen @ Eugowra – Village Of Murals

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Eugowra’s Murals Committee, would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible artists who contributed their talents this past weekend.

The team of amazing artists spent the weekend revitalizing the town’s murals, including the bushfire mural and the NSW Farmers Mural.

Thanks goes to the Murals Committee, artists, volunteers, sponsors, billets and everyone who visited Eugowra and supported our community throughout the weekend.

Peak Hill Community Luncheon And Information Session

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Volunteers should be proud of the wonderful contribution they provide to our communities.

On Wednesday 9 April, Parkes Meals On Wheels hosted a community luncheon and information session for their clients and residents at Peak Hill. The event was wellattended by Meals on Wheels clients, staff and board members, walk-in participants, local Council members, and hospital staff.

The wonderful team who catered for the event and also joined in the lovely day.

Some events truly highlight the importance of a service in a small country town, and this was one of those events. Elderly residents who attended the event spoke about the hardship they have accessing basic services, the extreme loneliness they suffer daily, and the struggles they face with every day life.

Meals on Wheels services across Australia promote that they are more than just a meal. Volunteers from all lines of work, provide such a valuable service to our communities. In Peak Hill, the phone call each week from our caring staff followed by a visit from the Meals on Wheels volunteers are the joy for some Meals On Wheels clients.

The simple small act of bringing someone a meal, and having a conversation is the highlight of their day, or even their week as they have no family in town, and no one who drops in for a cuppa. The Meals on Wheels team are always asking about their clienst well-being, while quietly ensuring that the person is ok, and then caring enough to report when that person isn’t coping.

On 21 May, Meals On Wheels will be celebrating Volunteers Week by hosting a morning tea at the Parkes Service Club.

The morning tea is their way of saying “thank you” to all of our amazing volunteers.

Protect Yourself Against The Flu Season

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Influenza is rising rapidly in Australia with more than 58,200 confirmed influenza cases already reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) this year.

Health professionals warn the flu season is expected to peak earlier this year, with more than 22,400 confirmed cases in NSW, while the ACT has recorded more than 660 cases.

It’s a timely reminder for families and vulnerable members of the community to speak with healthcare providers about vaccination.

“The best time to get vaccinated is now, peak flu season is from June to September, so we want as many people as possible protected and vaccinated against influenza before that peak season hits to take pressure of our doctors and hospitals.”

“Quite often long weekends and school holidays are a time for family gatherings, you might be seeing the older relatives in your family, or those with babies, and we want to protect those individuals. It takes two weeks to get full protection from the vaccine so now is the opportune time.”

The flu vaccine is recommended for all Australians over six months of age[2] with modelling suggesting influenza cases may be higher than reported.

“Those who are at more risk of serious illness and hospitalisation have access to free flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP),” Lisa said.

Patients are encouraged to speak with their local pharmacist, or GP, to determine which vaccine is suitable and who qualifies for the NIP.

For information on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) visit: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine

Applications Open For Parkes Shire Cultural Grants

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Local groups and organisations are encouraged to bring their creative ideas to life with the support of Parkes Shire Council’s 2025 Cultural Grants Program, opening on Thursday, 17 April 2025.

The annual program provides financial assistance to groups and organisations delivering artistic, musical and cultural initiatives that strengthen community development and contribute to the rich cultural life of the Parkes Shire. Grants of at least $2,000 are available, with a total funding pool of $10,000. Applications close 5pm on Friday, 23 May 2025.

Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones, encourages local groups to consider how their projects could benefit from a Cultural Grant.

“In 2024, we saw a fantastic range of projects funded, from children’s pottery workshops to cultural cooking demonstrations and a local poetry night,” said Ms Jones.

Demmi Watt from Trundle Bush Tucker Day Inc highlighted the impact on their event. “The Cultural Grant enabled us to host three free cooking demonstrations with Famous Australian Bush Cook Ranger Nick at the 2024 Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

The annual Cultural Grants Program aims to increase cultural activity in the community, encourage innovative creative events and workshops, help artists, crafters and musicians develop their skills, and provide funds to maintain or develop facilities.

To learn more about the program and apply, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs or contact Council’s Manager of Cultural, Education & Library Services on (02) 6861 2338.

If you would like help with your grant application, please contact Council’s Grants Team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Be Seen @ Parkes Generosity Church

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

It was another great Sunday at Generosity Church Parkes.

We love seeing the smiles and new faces.

This Sunday come to Cooke Park from 9am for our Easter Egg Hunt and Church Service. Bring your deck chairs, blankets and picnic basket.

World-class Performers In The Heart Of Canowindra

April 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Canowindra International Balloon Festival is renowned for its stunning hot air balloons and community spirit, but this year, the festival promises to soar even higher with the Home Ground Sounds Concert. Taking place on Friday, 2 May, at the Canowindra Oval, this electrifying event will feature some of Australia’s top musical talent, ensuring an unforgettable night for concert-goers.

Headlining the concert is Casey Barnes, a multi-award-winning Australian country music artist. With his impressive vocal range and captivating performances, Casey has earned his place as one of the country’s most respected talents. His chart-topping hits and energetic stage presence will undoubtedly light up the evening.

Joining Casey on stage are Furnace and the Fundamentals, the ultimate party band known for their high-octane performances.

Fresh from their UK tour, Furnace and the Fundamentals have played some of the world’s largest music festivals, and now they’re bringing their signature blend of funk, soul, and rock to Canowindra. Get ready for a show filled with infectious energy and non-stop dancing.

Also featured is Nathan Lamont, an up-and-coming star in the Australian country music scene. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances, Nathan is making waves across the industry and will bring a fresh, exciting sound to the concert.

Bring your chairs, picnic rugs, organise a Grazing Box from IGA and come along for a great night out. There is a licensed bar on site and there is strictly no BYO or glass permitted into the concert.

Gates open at 5pm with the concert kicking off at 6:30pm. Hosted by Roundbox Group, this is a must-attend event for anyone looking to enjoy world-class music in the heart of Canowindra.

Roxane Manley

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