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.

Music Industry Mixer In Forbes

October 17, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Music NSW and Arts OutWest will host a Music Industry Mixer to bring together people in the music scene in the Forbes and Parkes area.

Head along for networking on Thursday 23 October 6pm to 7.30pm at the Vandenberg Hotel Forbes.

This event is led by MusicNSW Regional Coordinator for the Central West, Outback and West Darling regions, Sophie Jones.

Join Sophie and Arts OutWest’s Kylie Shead for an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities in your local music scene. Let these organisations know who you are and what you do.

Local bands and independent artists, venues and others in the live performance and recording industry have been invited.

No need to book, just turn up.

Working with regional arts development organisations like Arts OutWest, the Regional Music Coordinator delivers development, builds relationships between local industry and artists, and provides support for regional musicians, venues and live music professionals to grow regional touring.

Sophie Jones is an experienced touring musician, one half of the duo Smith & Jones.

If you can’t make it to the Mixer you can book a one-to-one chat with Sophie Jones via sophie@musicnsw.com

Australian Summer

October 17, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Little bodies sprinting through sprinklers on the lawn. Shady swimming holes in the local creek. A bag of mixed lollies from the pool canteen, the smell of chlorine and hot chips wafting through the hot afternoon air. The heat is fast approaching us and so much of our lives revolve around water.

Last year, in a neighbour’s pool, my son swam for the first time. He kicked his little legs and managed, somehow, to get across the pool unaided. For the first time in what felt like his lifetime, I breathed deeply.

He had learnt how to move through the water and get to the edge independently.

The very infancy of a lifetime of being able to swim. His little face was radiant. The red circle google marks only accentuating his beaming smile.

I want my son to thrive in an Australian summer. To jump with glee into the shady creek hole with his friends. To swim across the local pool with pace when he sees the hot chips arrive. To feel the thrill of moving through the water to play ‘classic catch’. To burn some teenage energy by following the black line up and down during swim training.

To learn to swim: for safety, for confidence, for exercise and most importantly – for fun.

We are excited to offer our community swimming lessons with our fully qualified swimming teachers this summer commencing 4th November 2024 in Forbes and Parkes. You can book your child’s place by phoning our reception on 0437 749 746.

Head to our website for more information.

Don’t #uck With A Truck Campaign

October 17, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched the third phase of the Don’t #uck With A Truck campaign, teaming up with young drivers to spread a critical message; to drive safely around trucks.

NHVR Acting Chief Operations Officer Michelle Tayler said by co-designing the new phase of the campaign with young drivers, the regulator has been able to create a series of road safety videos that use a combination of humour and serious messaging to engage young viewers.

“The new Don’t #uck With A Truck videos depict young drivers as ghosts after they have been in an accident with a truck due to their unsafe driving” Ms Tayler said.

“Even a minor distraction can have devastating consequences.

“Our goal is to prevent situations where an inexperienced driver could be in a lane next to a turning truck, they pull in front of a truck too soon or they linger in a truck’s blind spot.”

The campaign will be broadcast across social media including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, meeting young drivers where they are consuming content.

For more information and to watch the latest videos, visit: www.dontmuckwithatruck.com.au

Aspiring Ag Leaders Wanted

October 17, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has opened applications for its National Agriculture Leadership Program.

The flagship program provides exclusive opportunities for emerging leaders in the agriculture sector, including mentoring, policy development guidance, and meetings with Parliamentarians.

NFF President David Jochinke said the program is targeted at Australians aged under 35. “The program immerses our participants in the policy and advocacy worlds; they’ll have the opportunity to tour Australian Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments, and be mentored by leading policy experts,” Mr Jochinke said.

Now entering its fifth year, Mr Jochinke said the limited spots in the NALP are always hotly contested.

“I encourage everyone with a passion for ag and an interest in leadership to apply.”

“Applications are only open for a month, so please don’t delay if you’re interested in this fantastic program,” Mr Jochinke said.

Program participants will meet up for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra where they’ll be matched with an industry leader and work on a policy project.

The program kicks off February 2025, applications are open until 14 November 2024.

Find out more at https://nff.org.au/nalp/

Be Seen @ Ron Dunfords Chemist Pink Fundraiser

October 17, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Staff at Ron Dunford’s Chemist send a huge thank you to everyone that supported them in raising money for breast cancer. They raised an amazing $954, all of which will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

A huge congratulations to Noelene, who was the lucky winner of our gorgeous raffle.

Also thank you to the staff who made the morning tea possible; and thank you to the community for supporting such a great cause.

Parkes Bypass Project Enters Heavy Lifting Phase

October 17, 2024 By Roxane Manley

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said “These upgrades are vital to better connect our regional communities and improve efficiency on one of our busiest regional routes.

Two bridges being built as part of the Parkes Bypass project will move one step closer to carrying traffic, as massive girders to support the bridge decks are lifted into place.

The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.

Preliminary work including construction of the abutments, or bridge ends, at either end of the bridges is now nearing completion and two giant cranes will be mobilised to the bypass site to lift six girders into place at each of the bridges.

Each of the 60-tonne girders will be hoisted high in the air and lowered into place on the bridge supports weather permitting – on 15 October. These girders, add to the 30 girders lifted into place in October 2023.

Once the cranes are set up, a 600-tonne crane will pass the girders one-by-one to the 750-tonne crane so they can be installed between the northern abutment and the next pier. The process will be repeated on 5 November, when one of the cranes is again used to lift six more girders into place for the new Victoria Street Bridge.

Once it’s completed, the 10.5-kilometre bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes will reduce travel time, improve freight productivity and efficiency on the Newell Highway,improve pedestrian access through Parkes and benefit traffic flow.

Parkes Railway Bowling Club Champagne Triples

October 17, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Ricco Lane, Ross Barker and Craig Britt won the Champagne Triples for 2024 in a thriller over Rob Hill, Dave Howell and Will Russell.

The annual Champagne Triples Tournament was played over the weekend, with 120 bowlers from across the state and the ACT, it was a genuine field of quality bowlers.

Friday night saw the Calcutta raise around $7,000 in interest, with first place taking a massive $3,700. We would like to thank Donny Hayden and Mark Barrow for their amazing job in carrying out the auctions.

All the bowling action kicked off on Saturday morning, with the first three rounds being played Saturday, before we carried out the Spider which was won by local legend Mick Furney and the Corner to Corner which was won by the very talented Warren Towney.

Sunday saw the final two rounds played before we headed into the top eight shootouts. Where the top four played off for the big money and fifth through eighth played for the minor money.

In the first round of the finals. Ray Griffith was defeated by Ricco Lane, Baldy Frame was defeated by Will Russell, Brad Barrow was defeated by Josh Walker-Davis and Nathan Collis was defeated by Jake Brown.

Leaving Ricco Lane to play Will Russell for top honours, Ray Griffith to play Baldy Frame for third and fourth, Jake Brown to play Josh Walker-Davis for fifth and sixth placings and Nathan Collis and Brad Barrow sharing seventh place.

The main final was an absolute thriller with all players playing some absolute bombs, even going to an extra end to keep all the spectators entertained. In the end it came down to some Ricco Lane magic to secure the win againgst new local hero Rob Hill, who is extremely new to bowls but has shown some great potential and bowled amazing in the final, well done Rob.

Thanks to everyone involved.

BreastScreen Australia Encourages Women To Look, Lift, Feel

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

BreastScreen Australia is the national breast screening program and actively invites women aged 50—74 to have a free two yearly mammogram. Women aged 40—49 and those aged over 74 are also eligible to receive a free mammogram.

Associated Professor Sanjay Warrier said “I’ve formulated an easy system to help women undertake self-examinations at home and I call it ‘LOOK, LIFT, FEEL”.

“LOOK, LIFT, FEEL only takes a few minutes and should be done regularly. Look at your breasts in the mirror to identify any changes in shape, colour or texture. Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look for any changes in the size, shape or symmetry of your breasts. Check for dimpling, puckering or changes in the skin texture.

“Then lay flat and lift your arm up over your head and with two fingers together, using the pads of each finger, place gentle pressure on the breast moving your fingers around in a circular motion. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Also feel up under the armpit. Change sides and repeat.

“Take your time and feel for lumps or changes in the breast. Remember that your breasts may be dense and will naturally feel uneven. If you encounter any changes or unusual lumps, thickening or hardened knots, or nipple discharge, book an appointment with your doctor. The majority of issues are benign, but it’s always important to check things with your doctor.”

“Regular self-exams can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice any changes.”

National Photo Comp Reopens For Agday

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today opened its popular photography competition, ahead of National AgDay next month.

NFF President David Jochinke said the competition attracts hundreds of entries each year. “It’s a real highlight of AgDay celebrations to see the amazing snaps of life on the land from every corner of this beautiful country,” Mr Jochinke said.

“I encourage everyone to send in their photos and videos over the next few weeks; there are some great prizes on offer.”

First place will receive $2,000, second place is awarded $1,000, and runners up receive $500 each.

Participants are also encouraged to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #AgDayAU.

The theme “Grow you good thing!” is again the catch cry for this year’s AgDay.

“National AgDay is a fantastic celebration of everything that makes the agricultural industry so special,” Mr Jochinke said.

“You can show your support on the big day by attending or hosting an event, taking part in the photo comp, or by proudly donning some “I love farmers” merchandise.”

National AgDay falls on Friday 15th November 2024. For more information, visit https://agday.org.au/

Be Seen @forbes Country Music Club

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The final muster for Forbes Country Music Club Incorporated was held Sunday 6th October at Club Forbes, it was a very sad day we were left with many great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Our band on the day consisted of Brett Petty, Wade Dixon, Neville Lye (on drums as Jim Hodder was unavailable), John McCluckie (on bass as Pam Byrne is still unwell), Ray Watts, Dave Parkin and Keith Noakes.

Those in attendance were asked to sign the Forbes Country Music Club banner which will be donated to the Forbes Museum so that the Forbes Country Music Club history will live on. Included photos are courtesy of Wendy Dixon.

Roxane Manley

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