Articles Archives - Parkes Phoenix

Frost And Fire Under The Stars

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Head along to Frost and Fire this Saturday 21 June from 4pm to 10pm and celebrate the Winter Solstice with friendly people, hearty food, fire buckets, boutique brews, fire performances and pyrotechnics, nationally renowned musicians, local artists, amazing live acts.

With loads of live entertainment, the Wolfe Brothers will warm up the crowd with their high energy performance of iconic truly Australian anthems. The most awarded country rock duo ever, the brothers took away three Golden Guitars at the 2024 Country Music Awards bringing their total to nine Golden Guitars to date.

We are also beyond excited to announce Mitchell Coombs as the official Ambassador for Frost and Fire 2025. Mitchell is an Australian comedian hailing from the Central West, known for his quick wit, hilarious takes on everyday life, and down-to-earth charm. With a loyal following across social media, Mitchell’s unique sense of humour has made him a favorite among fans.

Keep nice and toasty during the Winter Solstice with warm clothes. Enjoy the entertainment in comfort by bringing your own chair guaranteeing a prime relaxing spot.

Frost & Fire is held at the Forbes Ski Dam. During our event there is no public parking onsite, but there are a variety of public transport options available.

Tickets are essential. No ticket – no entry! It’s important to purchase tickets and parking tickets prior to the event. Under 18’s are free entry. Over 18’s are $30 per person. Buy tickets at www.123tix.com.au/events/46063/frost-and-fire

Snippets…

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Grab your jackets, round up the kids, and join us for a night that’s fun for the whole family.

Frost And Fire 2025: Bring the whole crew down for an evening of fun, music, and magical memories the kids will love! Silent disco from 4pm – 7pm and fairy floss by the amazing Forbes Youth Action Team, CirqueUm Navigate – roving entertainment to amaze and excite, bonfires, food trucks and plenty more! It’s the perfect mix of excitement and entertainment for all ages! Head along to the Forbes Ski Dam this Saturday 21 June.Tickets at: www.123tix.com.au/events/46063/frost-and-fire

Parkes Shire Libraries: Peak Quills’ writers group meet on the third Thursday monthly at the Peak Hill Library. Join us for tips on writing, put your pen to paper and listen to a reading. All welcome, tea and coffee provided.

Western NSW Local Health District: Are excited to announce DanceMoves programs will commence running in Orange, Parkes, Forbes, Molong, Bathurst and Mendooran in the coming monthss. The program is a mix of seated and standing dancing, set to your favourite music. The program is designed to help build strength, balance and flexibility while staying full of energy. The program is designed for more active older adults (50+ years of age). No experience is necessary and suitable for all movement abilities! The classes are free of charge. We invite you to register by clicking this link https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/find-a-program

Forbes Youth Action Team: The school holiday program is live, and there is an awesome lineup of activities to keep the kids entertained these holidays – from slime workshops and painting sessions to novelty sports days and more! Spots are limited and filling fast – register now at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

The Healthy Communities Foundation Australia: Be part of a powerful conversation about mental wellbeing at our NRL Community Scrum in Forbes next Tuesday 24 June at Spooner Oval, with special guests NRL legends Bryson Goodwin and Dale Finucan.

Parkes Shire Council: Between 1 January and 30 April 2025, Parkes Shire Council has helped find loving homes for 54 dogs and 47 cats and it’s all thanks to our community of adopters and supporters! Thinking about adopting? Visit the website to meet the pets still looking for their forever homes: bit.ly/AnimalsForAdoption

That’s over 100 animals rehomed in just four months.

Landholders Asked To Lookout For Rock Fern

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Plants vary between 10cm and 30cm in height and have a reddish-brown central stalk with a bright green fern leaf.

Central West Local Land Services is urging livestock owners to be on the lookout for rock or bracken fern in their grazing paddocks, which can cause toxicity.

Found in many parts of the Central West region, rock fern is a hardy plant that survives dry conditions and reshoots readily after rain in autumn and winter.

These fronds are particularly toxic to cattle, and less commonly sheep. While not overly palatable, stock will consume rock fern when feed is limited, or they may ingest it incidentally when the plant is present amongst short green, or dry standing feed.

Hungry, young and naïve stock are most at risk.

Nik Cronin Central West Local Land Services District Veterinarian said, “The prolonged dry following summer, and the late autumn break have provided ideal conditions for rock fern.

“The movements of young trade cattle, as well as the influx of cattle from droughtaffected areas into our region have also increased the risk. Our records show that cases most commonly occur in the months of May-July, peaking to a high in June.

“Two cases have recently been diagnosed in the last week within the Central West Local Land Services region – one case in agistment cattle near Narromine with 6 out of 48 animals affected – 4 deaths, and the other in trade weaners at Coonabarabran with 14 out of 34 affected – 3 dead.

“For now we would recommend that producers check grazing paddocks for rock fern. If rock fern is present where stock are grazing then they should be removed” Nik said.

If you have deaths or signs of toxicity in your livestock, please call your veterinarian.

Parkes Tractor Trekkers On The Road Again

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Three generations of Jefferay’s: Dick Jefferay (prostate cancer survivor), son Richard Jefferay (trek organiser) and Richard’s son Mitch.

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers, a team of nine locals including Richard Jefferay, Lindsay Wall, Brenton Trainor, Rodney Barnes, Mitch Jefferay, Dave O’Grady, Troy Parker, Al O’Grady and Daniel McIntyre, have set off on a fundraiser for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

In 2023 the group took eight 70 year old Ferguson TEA 20 tractors on a 600km journey out of Bourke over 6 days to raise almost $40,000 for prostate cancer. They had so much fun that they’re heading off again.

The team had an early morning start in Parkes on Saturday 14 June and hit the backroads to Bogan Gate via Cooks Myalls and Blow Clear Forest, at break neck speeds sometimes reaching 25 km/h.

As was to be expected with 75 year old tractors that have been saved from their rusty demise in paddocks and sheds, there was an early breakdown and Rodney Barnes ended up towing Jeremy Clark for over 50km just to achieve their day one goal.

There were 12 tractors in all and a beautiful fine day despite the cold. The group coordinated with the Central West Car Club who met them at the Bogan Gate pub for lunch and a few beers with some live entertainment and plenty of banter and chatter.

The Bogan Gate pub didn’t disappoint with great food and a great atmosphere. Plenty of merchandise was sold and there was a silent auction of sorts which was lots of fun and very successful, adding more to the fundraising for such a worthy cause.

It will be full steam ahead for the group’s departure from Bourke to Birdsville starting Monday 11 August and arriving in Birdsville Saturday 23 August.

Anybody wanting to support the Parkes Tractor Trekkers can donate at fundraise.

pcfa.org.au/tractortrek

The group before the pre-shake-down run from Parkes to Bogan Gate.

The crew on the road.

The crew lined up at the Bogan Gate pub.

The newest and youngest supporter Jack Pietsch in his element surrounded by tractors and a great bunch of blokes

Are We Facing A Mental Health Crisis For Boys?

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Kids Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health. Males are shown to have significantly reduced help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with females.

Kids Helpline recorded 57 contacts from males on an average day in May 2025, when compared with 195 females on the same day.

Counsellors at Kids Helpline respond to 21% males and 79% females on any given day, with males aged between 19 to 25 years of age representing the largest (37%) male help-seeking group.

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5-25, here for children and young people, anytime and for any reason. No issue is too big or too small.

Kids Helpline offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to open-up and connect with our free, professional, confidential 24/7 service to support self-awareness, and tools to help manage strong emotions when they struggle.

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only national 24/7 counselling service specifically for children and is a free service – free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

Sobering Statistics Regarding Domestic Violence

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) quarterly update reveals domestic violence assaults in regional parts of NSW have risen to even more alarming levels.

In the March 2025 quarterly report, domestic violence-related assaults increased by 3.6%, with rises recorded in 8 of 13 Regional NSW areas and 3 of 15 Greater Sydney locations. In some areas, the rate of violent crime is more than double the state average.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said the latest report gave a sobering reminder of the reality of domestic violence in NSW.

“The lack of decisive action from the NSW Labor Government is leaving victims in regional communities vulnerable and allowing domestic violence incidents to increase,” Mr Toole said.

“We cannot continue to have innocent lives lost or permanently affected by acts of violence in their own homes.

“The cries from the bush are going unanswered by this city centric government and this cannot go on.”

In 2024, the NSW Police Force attended 152,268 domestic and family violence incidents equating to on average NSW Police officers responding to 560 domestic and family violence incidents each day.

Community Kids Parkes Holds Biggest Morning Tea

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Community Kids Parkes educators Leanne Rawlings and Megan Barkle, cooking and preparing fresh bacon and egg rolls.

Community Kids Parkes took part in The Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser on Friday the 23 May. It was a huge success that saw the centre raise almost $1,500 to help Australian’s who have been impacted by cancer. The success was made possible from support of staff, centre families and local businesses.

Families baked slices, cakes, biscuits etc and donated them to the service to sell and raise money. The families attended the morning tea, generously donating and purchasing baked goods, fresh bacon and egg rolls and hot coffee.

This is the fourth year the service has supported the Biggest Morning Tea and so far the most successful.

A huge shout out in recognition of the donations from Regional Business Supplies, LP Cleaning and Woolworths Parkes. A special mention to the centre families too, who baked and donated an amazing array of sweet treats, all sold on the day. Thank you again, we can’t wait to make it bigger next year.

At Community Kids, we work closely with our families to enhance children’s development and ignite their passion for learning. We operate over 70 childcare centres, providing long day-care and Government approved Kindergarten and Preschool programs.

The centre has held other successful community events such as, an afternoon of fun and celebration for Mothers Day – celebrating our mothers, nan’s, aunties and all-important role models in our lives.

Easter celebrations with visits from the Easter Bunny. Celebration of Learning Evening, showcasing the amazing learning our 2026 school leavers participate in. We look forward to future events within the service such as NAIDOC week, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day, Christmas, just to name a few.

Community Kids Parkes Child Care Centre is located at 1-3 High St, Parkes or can be contacted by calling 02 6863 4441 or via parkes@communitykids.com.au

Local Owners Celebrate Coradgery Cup Win

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Those who attended the 2025 Picnic Races on Saturday 7 June were thrilled to see local trainer Sharon Jeffries win the Parkes Services Club Coradgery Cup with Way To Devine who was ridden by Cowra Jockey Matthew Cahill.

Colin Hodges reported on the Parkes Coradgery Cup meeting “Critically injured in a race fall at Tomingley in 2019, jockey Michael Hackett has not ridden since but maintains an interest in racing as the part owner of Way To Divine. Hackett, who rode nearly 300 winners, is now a committee member on Parkes Jockey Club and shares ownership of Way To Divine with local trainer Sharon Jeffries and her husband former jockey Dale Jeffries and for the big crowd it was a popular win.

Settling near last in the 1,400 metres feature race, the strongly supported Way To Divine ($3.10 to $2.80 favourite) was sent forward from the 500 metres point by top jockey Mathew Cahill and down the straight wore down Geostorm (Clayton Gallagher, $3.50) to win by over 2 lengths with Loud (Kody Nestor, $8) over 4 lengths away in third place.”

Shout out to the Parkes Picnic Races 2025 Committee for organising such a great event: President Tim Keith, Vice Presidents Ann Olson and Ian Brown, Secretary Tricia Trim, Treasurer Robyn Hawke, and Executive Members Christine Somers, Stafford Orange, Mark Olson, Kelly Spedding, Kathryn Blackstock, Fiona Glasheen, Sommer Bishop, Elissa Amor, Gai Smith, Tiffany Steel and Ian Brown.

Snippets…

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Opening time of the CanAssist shop for winter is 9.30am Tuesday to Saturday.

CanAssist Parkes: CanAssist at Parkes secured a grant from Northparkes Community Investment Program to purchase two scissor lift trolleys. CanAssist is a community organisation that provides financial assistance to cancer patients within the Parkes Shire for travel, accommodation and other travel related expenses, funding this support by operating a second hand shop, managed and staffed by volunteers who sort, organise and prepare donated items for sale. The two trolleys will facilitate the moving of heavier stock and enhance safety by reducing physical strain and risk of injury while improving efficiency.

Forbes Family History Group Inc: Have you been thinking about diving into your family history research? Now is the perfect time to start! Membership renewals are coming up on 1 July, and you can join the Forbes Family Histroy Group for just $35. Becoming a member gives you access to incredible resources and a supportive community, all designed to help you uncover your ancestors’ fascinating stories. Located in Harold St, behind the Library in Forbes.

PCYC Parkes: Book a Safer Drivers Course this month on 28 June. Get 20 hours off your log book and be a step closer to your P-plates. In just 5 hours, get 20 hours off your log book and learn how to recognise hazards, identify safe gaps in traffic, and reduce crash risk. Fully funded spots are available for the Parkes Course but you must email the club at parkes@pcycnsw.org.au for voucher number to use this offer. Book now!

Volunteers Morning Tea: Calling all volunteers in our community. Come along to Apex Caravan Park on 30 June and let us say thanks. RSVP essential by Wednesday 25 June to Council on 6850 2300 or by email to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Landcare Australia: Introducing the first ever Landcare Short Film Festival. Are you a filmmaker, student, community group, or storyteller with a passion for the environment? This is your chance to shine a light on the incredible landcare work happening across Australia. The inaugural Landcare Short Film Festival will premiere at the 2025 National Landcare Conference on the Gold Coast. Submissions are now open and close on 1 August 2025. Find out more: https://ow.ly/m5uZ50W5hZG

Calling all filmmakers with a passion for landcare!

Figures Bringing Stockinbingal To Parkes Section Towards Completion

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The latest employment figures on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail illustrate how many people it takes to deliver one section of the 1600km rail project.

The latest employment figures from Inland Rail’s Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) section illustrate how many people it takes to deliver a major rail project like Inland Rail.

With major works now completed on S2P and only a few weeks of minor works remaining, February’s verified figures show it took 596 people to complete major works on S2P.

This figure is the total number of people directly employed by contractor Martinus Rail working in the rail corridor to deliver the project.

Major works at the Daroobalgie Loop, Lachlan River Bridge, Forbes Station and Wyndham Avenue have now been completed and the number of people needed on site has reduced, reflecting the progress made.

Regional NSW communities will continue to benefit from Inland Rail construction between now and 2027 as construction begins in the Albury to Illabo and Illabo to Stockinbingal sections of the project later this year.

From July 2023 to February 2025, Inland Rail from Stockinbingal to Parkes has led to:

• 596 people employed, of whom 55 are First Nations

• 184 local residents employed, of whom 34 are First Nations

• 60 women employed

• 39 tradespeople employed

• 129 local businesses engaged

• $12.2 million spent with local businesses

• $427,400 spent with First Nations businesses Australia-wide

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director Program Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability, said “We have a stated goal of delivering Inland Rail south of Parkes by 2027 so it’s important to be able to finish major works on S2P, and we can only be as successful as the teams on the ground.

“It is demanding work to upgrade rail infrastructure – it requires accuracy, safety and physical effort, often in testing conditions and sometimes while wearing hot and heavy protective equipment. I would like to express my gratitude to the many locals who have worked on S2P.”

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