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.

Be Seen @ Red Bend Catholic College Socktober

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Red Bend Catholic College hosted the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocesan World Mission Month Socktober launch, with students from St Joseph’s Parish School Condobolin, St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes and Holy Family School, Parkes.

The iconic symbol of Socktober is a tattered, recycled ball made of socks, t-shirts, and plastic bags tied with string, representing the essence of the event. Playing various games with the use of old socks to connect with and support underprivileged children, fostering empathy and understanding for their circumstances.

Mongolia has a small Catholic community of around 1,500 people. Through initiatives like Socktober, we are supporting individuals striving to break free from poverty and create better futures for themselves. To learn more or to donate, please visit https://www.socktober.org.au

Australia’s 3G Networks Switch Off From 28th October

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Australia’s 3G networks will shut down from 28th October and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) is urging all Australians to act now and “Check Your Tech” to ensure they will stay connected once the networks are switched off.

Telstra and Optus will switch off their 3G networks from 28th October 2024. TPG Telecom-owned Vodafone has already closed its network in January 2024.

This means that devices that depend on the 3G network will no longer work. 3G devices will no longer be supported and will not be able to make calls, including emergency voice calls to Triple Zero on any Australian mobile network.

This closure will also affect some 4G devices that default emergency calls to 3G.

While these devices can make normal 4G voice calls, they push emergency calls to 3G and so won’t be able to make an emergency call after the closure.

In addition, devices that have been purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones, might not be fully supported once the 3G network shuts down Impacted devices may also include smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.

Local Wheat Growers Encouraged To Enter Agshows NSW Competition

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Northern NSW judging (pictured) is now complete. Southern, Central and Western regions are still to be judged.

As the 2024 growing season faces setbacks due to adverse weather conditions, wheat growers across New South Wales are encouraged to showcase their expertise and innovation by entering the prestigious AgShows NSW Suncorp Bank Championship Dryland Field Wheat and Durum Competition.

This highly anticipated annual competition celebrates excellence in wheat production and provides an opportunity for growers to be recognised for their hard work in overcoming challenging conditions.

With frosts and dry weather across NSW throughout September, private forecasts predict Australia’s national wheat crop may fall below 30 million tonnes—well short of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences’ (ABARES) September forecast of 31.8 million tonnes.

Stephen Hatty, Chair of the Wheat Advisory Committee, encourages growers to take part: “While we may see a lower national wheat crop this year, the competition remains an excellent opportunity for growers to demonstrate the effectiveness of their management practices under difficult conditions.”

The competition is open to growers from all regions of NSW, with 30th October the cut-off for growers in our region. To enter the competition, growers should contact their local competition coordinator. A full list of local coordinators can be found on the AgShows NSW website, along with entry forms and judging criteria.

Judging will begin shortly after the regional deadlines, with regional winners being announced later in the year. The state winner will be revealed at the Wheat Presentation Dinner in Dubbo on 12th January 2025.

Don’t Ghost The ATO

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

CPA Australia is urging all Australians to dust the cobwebs off their tax returns and ensure they are lodged by the Halloween deadline: 31st October 2024.

But don’t be fooled by scammers who target taxpayers rushing to the finish line.

“Failing to lodge your tax return on time could ultimately mean a scary penalty,” says CPA Australia’s Tax Lead, Jenny Wong. “Rushing to lodge can also result in more tricks than treats as scammers will target people with last-minute calls to action, or promises of substantial refunds.

“So, if you haven’t already done it, set aside some time over the next week to compile your evidence and get your return in on time. Or seek expert advice from a registered tax agent who can assist, especially if your finances are complicated.”

Individuals who lodge their own tax returns are required to do so by 31st October, but those who use a tax agent have longer to lodge, as long as they are on their agent’s books by the end of October.

“We’re all busy and time can get away from us, but lodging your tax return on time is really important,” says Ms Wong. “Leaving it until the last minute comes with the risk that you cut corners, get things wrong and don’t submit your return accurately.

You could ultimately receive a less favourable outcome as a result.

“If submitting yourself through myGov, make sure you check the pre-filled information is correct, and don’t just copy and paste the same deductions as last year.

If you do miss the deadline, Ms Wong says to contact the ATO as soon as possible.

Be Seen @ 2024 Trundle Abba Festival

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Popular with the crowds at this years 2024 Trundle ABBA Festival was six piece Sydney band, Disco Revolution.

Trundle came alive with electric sounds and colours on Saturday 19th October for the Trundle ABBA Festival.

A massive thanks to the Parkes Shire Council Events Team and Parks and Garden Team for bringing together and supporting the Festival.

World Class Bush Art Trail Complete After 13 Years

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The recent unveiling of ‘Brumbies Run’ by Brett Mon Garling, the final sculpture completing the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail after 13 years.

What’s 100km long, took 13 years, and features brumbies, goannas, birds and lovable dogs?

After 13 years in the making, the worldclass public art trail ‘Sculpture Down the Lachlan’ is complete with the final work ‘Brumbies Run’ by Brett Garling installed.

Featuring 25 installations over 100 km from Forbes to Condobolin in Central NSW, the bush’s version of Bondi’s ‘Sculpture by the Sea’, attracts thousands of road-trippers who marvel at the quirky and unique largerthan-life artworks which follow the Lachlan River along the Lachlan Valley Way road.

‘Brumbies Run’ is a bronze sculpture located at Warroo Reserve off Lachlan Valley Way. It features wild horses running, kicking, flaring nostrils and leaping, and represents the freedom, spirit and enthusiasm of so many Australians.

The trail launched in 2011 and aimed to celebrate the diversity of the rural community, its artistic edge, culture, people and stories. Over the years it has gained international recognition with visitors enjoying the trail, nestled amongst golden grasses and majestic red river gums.

Other recent installations are ‘Waiting for the Rain’ by Jimmy Rix (April 2024) and ‘Between the Silence’ by Clancy Warner (May 2023). Plus, don’t miss Stephen King’s the ‘Tower’, the original ‘amazing’ sign at Forbes, a 12-metre steel goanna ‘Varanus’ and the 6-metre ‘Heart of Country’.

The brainchild of Sculpture Down the Lachlan is local artist Rosie Johnston who was unrelenting in her passion to see art embedded in nature by some of Australia’s leading creatives.

At the end of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail, travellers will find themselves at Condobolin’s iconic ‘Utes in the Paddock’.

The unique collection of 20 Holden Utes is such a drawcard that Lachlan Shire Council constructed its new Visitor Information Centre at the site.

For more information you can contact the friendly staff at Amazing Forbes NSW

Communities Urged To Take Extra Care As Risk Of Thunderstorm Asthma Increases

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

People prone to respiratory conditions like asthma or hayfever are being urged to take extra care ahead of predicted thunderstorm activity across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

Each year from around mid-October to mid-November, asthma and hayfever sufferers may be at greater risk of severe symptoms due to high pollen counts, and weather conditions like those are predicted across the region in coming weeks.

Western NSW Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr Victor Carey, is urging people with asthma or breathing problems, and those impacted by hayfever in spring, to take extra precautions when thunderstorms are expected.

“People should be alert, not alarmed. It is incredibly important for people to be aware they could be at risk. Airborne pollens are at their highest levels at this time of year,” Dr Carey said.

“Thunderstorms can cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs.

Even people who don’t have asthma should take extra precautions during thunderstorm season.

“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should be proactively managing their symptoms.

Carry your asthma medication with you at all times during high-risk periods and make sure your family, school and workplace has a copy of your asthma management plan.

Breathing difficulties can be life threatening. In the event of a breathing emergency dial Triple Zero (000) immediately.

More information can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/thunderstorm-asthma.aspx

Meet The Makers Day – Forbes

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

See you all at the next one and don’t forget to please keep supporting local.

Thanks to all of our fabulous Makers and everyone who came along – locals and visitors alike.

What a fabulous day we had at Meet the Makers at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.

Community Impact: Parkes Return And Earn

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

A big thank you to the Parkes Shire community for your involvement in the Return and Earn container deposit scheme – you are making a difference!

With every bottle, can, and carton you recycle, you’re not only reducing litter but also earning along the way, helping keep our environment clean and putting money back into the community.

You can find three return points in the Parkes Shire, including: Parkes Metroplaza 299 Clarinda St (Machine), the newest return point at Parkes Services Club (machine) and Peak Hill Caravan Park at 2 Ween St (over the counter).

Machines offer you cash vouchers, electronic payment (via the Return and Earn app) or the option to donate. Over the Counter sites offer you cash refunds and some offer the opportunity to donate.

Not all bottles, cans and cartons are included in Return and Earn. Remember, even if a container isn’t eligible for a Return and Earn refund, it can still be recycled through your household recycling collection, offering a 10c refund to consumers for depositing eligible drink containers.

Calculate the impact of yourself, your school, or business, visit: https://returnandearn.org.au/

Ladies Playoff At Parkes Golf Course

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The beautiful Parkes course welcomed 34 ladies from 8 Western District clubs for the district GolfNSW medal playoff. Parkes ladies only just missed out, Leone Stevenson, Col Staples and Anita Medcalf just 2 shots shy of the win Gold medal won by Jane Mitchell (Bathurst) 72, Silver won by Tayla Harvey ( Wentworth) 73. Sue Holman on 75, was 1 off winning the Bronze, which went to Collette Armstrong (Canowindra). There were many favourable comments on the course.

Roxane Manley

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