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.

Students Learn Lifesaving Rail Safety Lessons

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Students learn lifesaving rail safety lessons.

The state’s regional passenger rail provider NSW TrainLink and rail safety charity TrackSAFE are joining forces in a new push to encourage educators to take advantage of free lesson resources on railway safety this school year.

TrackSAFE provides curriculum-aligned online resources while NSW TrainLink is supporting this through hands on opportunities for schools to visit and learn about rail safety at their local railway station in regional NSW.

TrackSAFE’s website offers the interactive and age-appropriate lessons including a Thomas and Friends module for preschoolers, a primary school kit featuring animated characters like ‘Safety Line and the ‘Safety Crew’, and a high school pack that encourages students to be safe and responsible around the rail network.

Additionally, an at-home guide is available to help parents and carers continue rai safety discussions beyond the classroom.

Alongside this collaboration with TrackSAFE, NSW TrainLink regularly visits schools, and hosts excursions to railway stations where students learn about safe behaviour at platforms, level crossings and on-board trains as well as the dangers of trespassing in the rail corridor.

The kit provides teachers with lesson plans that make learning about rail safety simple and fun. These engaging resources are a great way to reinforce essential safety awareness for students.

TrackSAFE is Australia’s only harm prevention charity focused on reducing deaths, injuries and near hits on the rail network and improving the wellbeing of rail employees.

Pre-schools, schools and other educators can access the TrackSAFE curriculum materials at https://tracksafefoundation.com.au/school-education/

Search Is On For Next Gen Leaders

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A statewide search is underway for five young rural leaders as NSW Farmers opens applications for its 2025 Tertiary Scholarships.

Each worth $4,000 annually, the NSW Farmers 2025 Tertiary Scholarships will be awarded to members or their children in their second year of study for a university degree or vocational qualification, in a field relevant to regional and rural Australia.

NSW Young Farmers Chair Martin Murray said the scholarship program aimed to build the farm communities of the future by offering five young leaders the opportunity to excel in their field.

“We want to open doors and possibilities in the regions, and the future success of these communities truly relies on the talented younger generation we have coming through. Investing in skill development and building capacity is essential if we want these future leaders to find their passion and get the head start they need to achieve their goals.”

Applications close on 11 May 2025.

Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance, commitment to agriculture and rural communities, and allround ability including leadership qualities and communication skills. To apply do to: www.nswfarmers.org.au/NSWFA/NSWFA/Content/Partners/Scholarships.aspx

Be Seen @ Forbes Sportsperson Of The Year

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Haylee Redfern was announced the 2024 Forbes Sportsperson of the Year. Haylee is a world champion four times over and the holder of a world record after the WKSF kettlebell world championships.

Andrew Little won Senior Sportsperson of the Year. Andrew has competed in the 2024 NSW Championship this year, attending Sydney Dragway each month in his Camaro to race in Super Sedan.

Annabelle Teague has won Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Annabelle is a young Lawn Bowls enthusiast who is making a name for herself in the sport.

Mayhem Fight Series Presents: Boxing In Parkes

March 13, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Two of the fighters from Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing in Parkes, Riley Pizzi (left) and Xavier Ward (right).

Mayhem Fight Series is hosting Boxing In Parkes on Saturday 22 March at the Parkes Leagues Club. This amateur boxing event which will feature many local fighters from Parkes and the surrounding area.

The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix caught up with Tommy, and a couple of the fighters preparing for the upcoming fight night, at Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing Gym.

For Tommy Ward it is just another fight night, and with 40 years in the game, he expects the same work rate week in week out from his fighters. “I teach them how fit they have to be, how they have to perform and where their skill set is,” said Tommy.

“They have all been working hard, but it’s not about winning or losing, it is about competing at your best and walking out of the ring happy.”

Xavier Ward vs Brodie Brown

Fourteen year old Xavier Ward, training under Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing, will face off against Brodie Brown from Orange.

Xavier is actually Tommy Ward’s grandson and has been hitting the bag since he was just six years old. He has been patiently waiting to reach 14, which is the age you need to be to start fighting competitively.

Xavier has fought two exhibition matches before, but this will be his first real fight, and he says: “I am feeling confident, but also nervous to fight in front of my home crowd.” In the lead up to the fight Xavier has been working on a bit of fitness but mostly footwork.

Riley Pizzi vs Noah Savage

Fifteen year old Riley Pizzi, training under Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing has been matched up against 17 year old Noah Savage from Steel City Boxing, Newcastle.

This is a big fight for Riley who is fighting on the night for the NSW Junior Middleweight title against the current belt holder, Noah Savage.

Riley started boxing training in early 2023 and stepped into the ring for his first fight in September 2023. He has definitely progressed rapidly in the sport, recently attending the NSW League Boxing Amateur Boxing Titles held in Gosford in November 2024, where Riley came second and walked away with a silver medal.

At training in the lead up to the title fight, Riley has been working on fitness, throwing combos and trying to read the opponent. His strengths in the ring are his power and his work rate.

We asked Riley what it is like to compete as an individual sportsman but be able to train in the team environment at Tommy’s Gym, and he said “It’s a good environment and so welcoming, Tommy gives you opportunities and makes time for you. You’re in the ring by yourself but you’re a team outside of the ring, helping each other train.”

Don’t miss out on the action of Boxing in Parkes. Doors open at 4pm and the first fight is scheduled for 5pm, book your tickets now at: www.123tix.com.au/events/47343/mayhem-fight-series-presents-boxing-inparkes

Pictured in the black headgear is Riley Pizzi, sparring one of his training partners.

Tracie Robertson Celebrates A Quarter Century With Ray White

March 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Tracie Robertson pictured with Ray White Rural CEO Stephen Nell who said that “Tracie is one of the most resilient people I have ever met. Her ability to never give up is something I deeply admire”.

Tracie Robertson has been part of the Ray White Rural business since 1999 and has grown the business to now have four agencies, over 30 staff and almost 1000 properties under management.

Tracie is being celebrated after 25 years with Ray White, from student to sales woman, from a pioneering young woman in a male-dominated industry to a respected leader and mentor.

“When I started, there were essentially no women in real estate sales in our area,” Tracie recalls. Studying real estate at TAFE by night, she was given an opportunity to help at the local Ray White agency in Parkes. “I filled in when a salesman went overseas, and I ended up selling 16 houses in my first month. It was a whirlwind start,” she said.

The early years were a steep learning curve and in 2006, Tracie took a bold step by purchasing Ray White Parkes. The road ahead was fraught with challenges. “After the GFC hit, I was juggling seven credit cards to pay my staff’s wages. I was close to selling our family home and moving into a flat above our office,” she said.

But Tracie’s grit and determination paid off. She expanded the business by venturing into rural markets and opening in 3 nearby towns, which propelled the business into new heights.

Ray White Rural CEO Stephen Nell said “You don’t stay in business for 25 years unless you possess something special, which Tracie does.”

Be Seen @ Clean Up Australia Day In Forbes

March 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A shout out to all the local Forbes schools for participating in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day.

Thanks to Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Lakeshore Early Learning Childcare Centre, Little Kindy Forbes, Forbes Preschool, Forbes North Public School, Forbes Public School, St Laurence’s Parish School, Forbes High School.

Your efforts make a huge difference in keeping our environment clean and beautiful.

Snippets…

March 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Welcome to Forbes – what a night!

Welcome To Forbes: Forbes Shire Council were pleased to welcome over 30 new residents to our amazing town. Guests mingled with community and sporting groups, Councillors and Council staff to learn more about what our town has to offer. Welcome once again! We hope you love Forbes, as much as we do.

Red Bend Catholic College 2026 Enrolments: A reminder that applications for 2026 enrolments close on Thursday, 10 April. If you would like to enrol your child, please head to the website for information www.redbendcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolments

Parkes Shire Libraries: There’s so much happening at Parkes Shire Libraries this March. Take a look!

• Community Fibre Arts Exhibition: Official Opening 15 March 10am

• Author Talk: Bestselling Australian author Nicole Alexander will be at Parkes Library on Friday 14 March, from 6pm. Bookings essential.

• Movement and Motion Lego in the makerspace: For students in years 1 – 4. Bookings essential.

• Expressive Drawing and Mark Making Workshop with Karen Ritchie – Sunday 16 March.

For further information and bookings for any of the above events, call the Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

NSW Government: You are seeing this for a reason. Breast cancer doesn’t wait for a reminder in your notebook. For women aged 50 to 74, a breast screen is the best way to find breast cancer early before you notice a change or feel a lump. Book your free breast screen today. Visit bit.ly/BreastScreen_NSW or call 13 20 50.

International Women’s Day Breakfast: Tickets are selling fast for the 2025 International Women’s Day breakfast in Forbes.

Don’t miss your chance to hear from guest speakers Kelly Foran, CEO of Friendly Faces Helping Hands and Belinda Mawhinney, Leadership Consultant and Founder of The Collective Grenfell. Tickets cost $30 and include breakfast by the lake, guest speakers and local entertainment. We hope to see you there! For more information and bookings go to: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2025/march-2025/international-womens-day

TAFE NSW Parkes: Last week, TAFE NSW Parkes hosted an information session with Jordan, from Services Australia, on-hand to discuss services and payments available to students. Participants enjoyed a lovely morning tea, beautifully put together by Leanne Riley. If you are a student that was unable to make the session, and you have some questions around Centrelink payments while studying, please reach out and we can put you in contact with the right people.

Are you eligible for Centrelink payments if you study?

Tender Submissions Open For Long Term Grazing Permits

March 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Livestock producers in NSW are invited to apply for long term grazing access to select Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR). Tender submissions are now open for Long Term Grazing Permits, which are valid for up to five years from July 2025. Permits are allocated via a robust tender process led by Local Land Services. Submissions close at 11:59pm on Sunday 30 March 2025.

Program Lead TSR, Sam Hand, said strategic grazing played an essential role in effective TSR management. “Long Term Grazing Permits allow producers to make long-term business decisions and access TSR for extra fodder to support healthy livestock, particularly during times of drought, feed shortages and other emergencies.

Applicants are required to inspect the TSR before making a submission, to ensure it is fit for their intended grazing usage.

In NSW, there are more than 6,500 TSR on Crown land, covering an area of around two million hectares. Local Land Services manages about 30 per cent of the state’s TSR network, which is approximately 578,000 hectares.

All submissions must be lodged online at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/primary-industries-nsw/travelling-stock-reserves/tsr-permits/long-term-grazing. Applicants can call on 1300 795 299 or visit the website for more information.

Girl Guides Is A Girl Organisation Run By Girls For Girls

March 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Girls Guides have a lot of fun and enjoy craft, games, cooking, outdoor activities and involvement in community based activities.

Parkes’ Girl Guides are back up and running in 2025 and are looking to spread the word to get more girls involved. They are currently offering girls aged 7-10 years old, something unique – access to a great variety of activities throughout the year. Activities will be held within school terms and on Monday afternoons 4.30pm to 5.30/6.00pm.

The first Guide company in Parkes was formed in 1927 but was disbanded a few years later. In 1942 a public meeting was held to reorganise the Guide movement and the 1A Girl Guides was inaugurated and the first Parkes Brownie Pack was established in February 1942.

Meetings were held in various locations until 1956 when a hut from the migration camp was purchased and installed behind CWA. This hut remained in use through to 2005 when a new hall built in Cecil Street.

Girl Guides ceased in March 2020 due to COVID restrictions and was placed in recession as a result of declining numbers and the retirement of Guide Leader Joanne Buerckner.

Shirley Russell, District Manager and Support Group, was instrumental in finding New District Manager Jen Harris and with her contacts was able to seek new leaders.

The Girl Guides movement assists girls to develop their skills in a safe environment while having fun and finding friends.

Through a series of fun activities and opportunities, girls have the opportunity to discover new interests, develop their talents, and share the experience with a group of friends. Guides work together in small groups while assisted by volunteer adult Leaders who encourage Guides to learn new skills and take on new challenges in a safe environment.

If you missed the “Come and Try” day on 1 March, please contact Jen to register your interest via email ParkesDM@girlguides-nsw actnt.org.au

Say Thanks To Our Central West Volunteers

March 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Communities across the Central West are being urged to jump online to nominate their local volunteers for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country.

The awards are an annual program run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in every region across NSW.

Central West volunteers can be nominated for an award across seven separate categories, with recipients recognised at one of 25 regional ceremonies throughout the year.

The Central West award finalists are then invited to represent their region at the State Gala ceremony, where the NSW Volunteer of the Year is announced by the Hon. Jodie Harrison, the NSW Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering.

The latest report on volunteering in NSW shows that around 4.3 million people volunteer across the state each year, contributing $178 billion in social and economic benefits. It also reveals that volunteer awards and recognition are one of the most important ways to help retain volunteers and recruit new volunteers.

Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering, the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, said volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities.

“They are incredibly passionate about what they do and selflessly devote their time, skills and knowledge to help others.

“I encourage people to nominate a volunteer in your community for the awards – the unsung heroes whose contributions make our state a great place to live in.”

Make a difference, vote for someone today. Nominations are open until Friday 23 May 2025 at https://www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards/

Roxane Manley

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