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.

Perfectly Imperfect Takes Center Stage At Parkes Uniting Church

March 20, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Get ready to be inspired as the immensely talented Julee-anne Bell and acclaimed pianist Melissa Buchholz join forces to present Perfectly Imperfect, a captivating musical experience at the Parkes Uniting Church. Scheduled for Wednesday, 26 March at 7pm, this show promises to leave audiences buzzing long after the final note. There is also a community vocal workshop from 4pm5:30pm open to anyone who loves to sing.

Julee-anne Bell, who soared to fame as a standout contestant on The Voice Australia in 2021, captured hearts nationwide with her stunning vocals and magnetic personality. Despite being blind since birth, Julee-anne’s extraordinary talent and unwavering determination to break down barriers have inspired countless individuals from all walks of life. Joining her on this incredible journey is the illustrious Melissa Buchholz, a professional pianist with over 35 years of experience. Melissa’s musical prowess has taken her from Australia to stages around the globe, where she has accompanied some of the world’s top artists.

Perfectly Imperfect is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of resilience, talent, and the power of music to unite us all. Expect an evening filled with unforgettable melodies and heartfelt stories that resonate on a deeply personal level. Audiences will find themselves transported through Julee-anne’s powerful voice and Melissa’s masterful piano, forging a connection that is as real as it is relevant.

Everyone’s welcome to join us at the Parkes Uniting Church and witness the magic of Perfectly Imperfect. Mark your calendars for Tuesday 26th of March at 7pm. Tickets are available now at https://www.trybooking.com/CYTPZ

Meals On Wheels Community Luncheon

March 20, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Carolyn, Roel and Marja enjoying the Parkes Meals On Wheels Luncheon.

Last week, Meals on Wheels (MOW) hosted their regular Community Luncheons, where their volunteers, clients, board and staff all came together for a casual luncheon. This month, the luncheon was held at the Parkes Service Club.

Every Meals on Wheels service across Australia prides itself on offering ‘More than Just a Meal’. Our Parkes Meals on Wheels service offers support and wellness checks to every valuable client, and peace of mind to family and friends that their loved ones are being cared for by this wonderful service.

It is not uncommon for the Meals on Wheels volunteers to be the the only person their clients will see for that day.

Having a caring volunteer bring a freshly cooked meal, engage in a daily conversation, asking that person if they are ok, and simply caring about that person and their well being, is what Meals on Wheels has always been about.

MOW luncheons and community events are another way of helping to decrease social isolation within our community. Everyone who attended had a terrific time, enjoyed a delicious meal and tested their brains over a game of trivia.

The next community event will be held on the 9 April at the Peak Hill Bowling Club.

This event will be a community luncheon and information event, showcasing the wonderful service that Meals on Wheels offers to Peak Hill residents. If you would like to attend, please contact the office on 02 6862 6189 or simply turn up on the day.

To discover more about Meals on Wheels services in Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore, please contact the office or visit one of the team at 23 Forbes Road, Parkes.

Be Seen @ Parkes Christian School

March 20, 2025 By Roxane Manley

During term one, Year 8 are continuing their study of Non Elective Music. Initially, Year 8 studied the various styles of Notation ranging from Graphic Notation to Traditional Notation.

The students are currently writing compositions and reflection statements for their first assessment task.

Over the last few lessons, Year 8 have started their Ukulele unit. Learning to play the C major scale, various melodies including Baby Shark and chordal patterns to accompany a variety of popular pieces such as, The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Twelve Local Fighters Ready To Step In The Ring For Fight Night

March 20, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Local amateur boxers at Tommy’s Backyard Boxing Gym: Ace Hancock, Xaiver Ward, Linkin Anderson, Oliver Hayes, Riley Pizzi, Leon Michel and Lane Jones. Absent: Shellie McKiernan and Orin McDermott.

The much-anticipated ‘Boxing In Parkes’ fight night presented by Mayhem Fight Series is set to take place tomorrow night, Saturday 22 March at the Parkes Leagues Club.

This event is an Amateur boxing showcase, which will feature many local fighters from Parkes and the surrounding area. Mayhem Fight Series have previously hosted hugely successful fight nights in Parkes, and this weekend’s event will be no exception, so don’t miss out – grab some tickets or book a table now.

Ace Hancock

Ace Hancock from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Jake Doyle from Gulgong Boxing Club. Ace is new to the sport of boxing and at just 14 years of age he just made the cut, as that is the minimum age to start competing. After only five weeks of training Ace had his first fight in Dubbo, which ended with a split decision and he lost by only one point. He is confident coming into his second fight, saying that losing his first fight “was good” because it has given him the motivation to “step it up”.

Ollie Hayes

Olliver Hayes from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Jordan Smart from Fighting Arts Belmont. Sixteen year old Oliver is fighting a rematch against an opponent from Orange that he beat in their previous encounter. That fight was a split decision and was a close fight, Ollie said: “It’s a good match-up”. This will be Ollie’s first fight this year but he had 10 fights last year and two the year before, for nine wins and three loses. Ollie has been working on stepping up the pace since his last fight against Jordan.

Linkin Anderson

Linkin Anderson from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Lucas Millemaggi from Narrandera Boxing. Linkin is fresh off a fight last week in Sydney and is “feeling really confident” in the lead up to his fight against Lucas in Parkes. Linkin has been working on a lot of footwork and power punches on the bag, as well as doing a lot of sparring over at Orange, claiming he is the fittest he’s ever felt.

Shellie McKiernan

One of the women stepping in the ring this Saturday night is Shellie who has been boxing for approximately three years. Shellie likes the discipline and physical conditioning that she gets from boxing, claiming: “Boxing has helped me in my personal life, as well as allowing me to achieve a physical challenge. I also enjoy the camaraderie of Tommy’s Backyard Boxing.”

The doors open at 4pm and fights start at 5pm. For VIP tables and sponsor opportunities call John on 0411 648 890. There will be tickets available for purchase on the night at the door, but to avoid any disappointment and to be guaranteed a seat, please purchase your tickets beforehand. Tickets available through 123Tix at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/47343/mayhem-fight-series-presents-boxing-in-parkes

Inland Rail Closing In On Stockinbingal To Parkes Completion

March 20, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the Inland Rail project will move further towards completion thanks to the work taking place during the March 2025 possession.

Inland Rail will use the upcoming rail possession from 22 March 22 to 24 March to apply some of the finishing touches to the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) section of the project, with Inland Rail on course to finish S2P on schedule in mid-2025.

The rail possession, where the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goobang Junction is closed, will permit our contractor Martinus Rail to carry out works on sites in the S2P section which would be hazardous if trains were still running. At the Lachlan River Bridge, plant and equipment will be delivered using heavy vehicles, after which there will be paint stripping, drilling existing beams to enable the addition of new strengthening plates, as well as the installation of new strengthening plates on the underside of the bridge.

Further south at Wirrinya, plant and equipment will be delivered using heavy vehicles, after which there will be drainage works, track tamping and track alignment.

Other sites on S2P such as the Daroobalgie Crossing Loop and Wyndham Avenue track lower will continue to undergo finishing work to access roads, landscaping and drainage during normal hours, meaning there will be no night work.

The rail possession will start at 6am on Saturday, 22 March and finish 60 hours later at 6pm on Monday, 24 March.

Malcolm Clark, Inland Rail Project Director, Stockinbingal to Parkes, said “The tight teamwork and integration of Inland Rail and contractor Martinus Rail has enabled us to make great strides towards completion of the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail.

“The lion’s share of the work has been completed and the March 2025 possession will help us perform tasks which require closure of the rail line to carry out safely.

For more information on the works, you can visit our works notifications page at inlandrail.com.au/where-we-go/projects/stockinbingal-to-parkes/works-notifications/

Council Funding For Local Events

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Back L-R Jolie O’Shannessy (PSC Events Trainee), Fiona Glasheen (Parkes Picnic Races), Kelly Spedding (Parkes Picnic Races), Mayor Neil Westcott, Tricia Trim (Parkes Picnic Races), Rhonda Redenback (Australia Day Committee), Alex Prout (Parkes Jockey Club), Kellie Thomas (Trundle Pastoral & Agricultural Society). Front L-R Megan Morrison (PSC Events Officer), Harry Turner (NSW Corvette Club), Megan Mortimer (Tullamore P A & H Association)

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce the recipients of Round 2 of the Events Financial Assistance Program (EFAP). Council has allocated $50,310 in funding to seven community events and one destination event throughout the shire.

The EFAP is designed to support both new and existing events that contribute positively to the Parkes community while striving for event sustainability.

The event funding was awarded to the following: Australia Day Committee 2025 Parkes Shire Australia Day Activities $10,000, Parkes Jockey Club Parkes Cup $9,100, Adavale Lane Community Centre Inc Bushdance and Dinner $1,110, Trundle Pastoral & Agricultural Society Inc. Trundle Back in Time $8,600, Tullamore P&A Association Inc Tullamore Show Ball $6,880, Life Education NSW/ACT 2025 Healthy Harold Parkes Festival of Health $7,270, Parkes Coradgery & Diggers Amateur Race Club Inc. Parkes Picnic Races $2,350, NSW Corvette Club National Corvette Convention $5,000.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, said: “The Events Financial Assistance Program continues to deliver important support to a diverse range of events that bring our community together and showcase the vibrancy of our region. From major sporting events to beloved local traditions, these initiatives enrich our social and cultural offerings while also providing economic benefits to businesses and tourism”.

Further details and application forms can be found on Parkes Shire Council’s website: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs

Snippets…

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Let us know what is most important to you when it comes to moving around Forbes.

Forbes Shire Council: Councillors and community members are having their say on the Active Transport Plan. Do we need more bike paths safer, pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths? You can complete the plan online https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-active-transport-plan-2025

Black Dog Institute: Rock a mullet this April for Mullets for Mental Health! Earn incredible rewards – like the exclusive Mullets party shirt. Your mullet can be long or short, it’s up to you. If you’re down for the Mullets for Mental Health vibe, join the challenge today and show your support. Register for free today at www.mulletsformentalhealth.org.au

Parkes Shire Council: Local sporting groups and talented individuals have the opportunity to apply for a grant, through Round 1 of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program. Round 1 has $30,000 available for a Sports Grant and $5,000 for a Rising Star Grant, which can assist sporting clubs and organisations with programs, equipment, facilities, and development opportunities, or individual sportsperson. For more information and eligibility criteria of the grant program, visit: http://bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants. Applications close Midnight 30 March 2025.

The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts: The 2025 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival offers Art Prizes in the following Sections: painting and local artist (any media). For more information and to enter, go to: https://bit.ly/3XmWFOT. Applications will be accepted until Midnight (AEST) on 23 May 2025.

Parkes Shire Libraries: The 2025 Waste 2 Art Exhibition and Competition is back with this amazing launch and creative workshop to kickstart your creative project. Join Bill Tink from NetWaste who will explore all things Waste 2 Art in his talk with a focus on this year’s waste theme – Toys. Bill will cover topics like recycling, wish-cycling, and the many waste issues we face, especially in relation to toys. Followed by a creative workshop with multidisciplinary artist Jac Davies from Orange. Bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-launch-and-workshop

The Forbes Men’s Shed: Do you have a wood or metal project that you might need some help on? Something that needs fixing? Or are you just curious about what the Mens Shed is all about? Maybe you would like to join? Forbes Men’s Shed open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am – 1pm.

Head along to the Forbes Men’s Shed to see the wonderful projects they are working on for the community. New members welcome.

Be Seen @ Parkes Que Club LWD Luncheon

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Que Club Inc held a two course luncheon on Sunday, 9 March to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The luncheon was held at the Parkes Services Club, where there was entertainment, guest speakers, prizes, raffles and event stall holders.

Que Club meets the first Wednesday of every month for a dinner meeting. Contact Karen Ritchie for further information: parkesqueclub@gmail.com

2025/26 Regional Event Fund Now Open

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Event organisers from Parkes, Forbes and surrounds are invited to apply for funding to help stage events in regional NSW that enrich the state’s diverse calendar of event experiences, drive increased overnight visitation and boost local economies.

Managed by Destination NSW, the fund provides support to regional events via three streams: Incubator Event Stream, Flagship Event Stream and the Event Development Stream.

Applications to the 2025/26 Event Development stream will remain open until 31 December 2025, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. All applications must be for eligible events that will be staged between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

For more information on the Regional Event Fund, you can visit the Destination NSW website or contact the Grants Administration team via email grants.admin@dnsw.com.au

Please note, Destination Central West cannot provide a letter of support for your application, however our team can provide advice on eligibility requirements and alignment with the Central West NSW Destination Management Plan.

Get in touch with your local Industry Development Manager Kate Catterson kate.catterson@dncw.com.au

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Two Day Workshop

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Are you ready to embrace the courage, collective spirit, and hope of changemaking? If so, register now for a two-day Changemaker Workshop, on March 17-18 at the Parkes International, to create a positive, lasting impact on your community.

Join a network of changemakers across rural, regional & remote Australia: As a collective, delve into your region’s readiness for change, explore how change happens, practise how to adapt to change and how to overcome resistance, become a changemaker, adapt your skills to enable your involvement in creating new and exciting things, managing setbacks and work collectively and purposefully with others.

Take part in diverse community conversations: Understand the local ecosystem; undertake purposeful and inclusive engagement; step into informed and authentic conversations, learn how to have those conversations, suspend judgement and assumptions, and build trust and transparency for connection and diverse relationships.

Contribute to and inspire your community’s future: Explore ideas to shape the future you would like to see for your community, understand the importance of language and the power of storytelling in motivating and mobilising others, learn what makes a good story and how to connect with the hearts and minds of others.

Included is morning tea and lunch on both days, qualified, engaging, and supportive facilitators to guide you along your changemaker journey, all required stationery and participant resources and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a local network of driven, community minded individuals.

This workshop is fully subsidised with thanks to the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, as part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.

Registrations close either when fully booked or 7 days before the workshop. For information and to register, visit rural-leaders.org.au or info@rural-leaders.org.au

Roxane Manley

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