General Interest Archives - Page 15 of 351

Parkes Shows Up In Support Of Adelaide Blunden

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured handing over the funds raised for Adelaine Blunden (L-R) is Zach Byrnes, Fiona Durkin, Moihi Parker, Joel McNamara and Elisha Nqua.

Three year old Parkes girl Adelaide (Addy) Blunden, has recently been diagnosed with Metastic MYC-amplified Medulloblastoma.

The condition is associated with poor prognosis and is often resistant to standard treatments.

The disease is primarily found in children and accounts for a significant percentage of all childhood brain tumors. The MYCamplified subgroup is particularly aggressive, with a low overall survival rate and a high likelihood of metastasis.

Due to Adelaide’s heartbreaking diagnosis, her father Alex has made the decision to stop working so he is able to be with his little girl for an undetermined amount of time. Addy remains the same smiley happy girl despite having to undergo many surgical procedures and spend time away from friends and family.

Wanting to help with fundraising efforts for Addy, on Saturday 28 February, the Parkes Aquatic Centre held a fundraising movie night and raffle with loads of prizes donated by local businesses. With over 100 people in attendance and an amazing show of community support, the incredible team at the Parkes Aquatic Centre are proud to share that together with the Parkes community they were able to raise $1,300 for Adelaide and her family.

Zach Byrnes, Regional Aquatics Manager said, “Thank you to all the local businesses who generously donated prizes, and to every single person who bought a ticket or came along on the night. The Parkes community continues to show just how strong and supportive it is.”

There has also been a Go Fund Me set up and all of the funds raised will be used for ongoing expenses and treatment. If you are in the position to help Addy then please do so, all donations will be much appreciated by the family. Donations can me made at www.gofundme.com/f/adelaide-blunden

Licensed firearm dealers across NSW

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Licensed firearm dealers across NSW – many of them small, family-run businesses in regional communities – are facing significant financial pressure following the rapid introduction of new firearms legislation late last year.

Since these changes came into effect, local operators have reported substantial reductions in trade, with declines in sales and stock turnover placing real strain on their ability to meet ongoing costs such as wages, insurance, leases and inventory commitments.

I have been contacted by a number of businesses across the Orange electorate who are doing it tough, particularly in the current cost-of-living environment. These are law-abiding small businesses that play an important role in our regional economy, and they deserve fair consideration.

I am calling on the NSW Government to introduce a targeted support package to assist licensed firearm dealers manage the financial impacts of these legislative changes. Th is should include practical measures such as transitional assistance, support for stranded inventory and relief to address cash flow challenges.

There is clear precedent for governments to provide assistance where policy decisions have directly impacted industries, and I believe similar support is warranted in this case.

More broadly, I recently met with members of the Canobolas Hunting Club to discuss the impacts of these reforms and the importance of ensuring that law-abiding firearm owners are properly considered in future regulations. I will continue to advocate for fair, balanced outcomes that support responsible firearm ownership.

I also look forward to speaking in NSW Parliament in response to the Sporting Shooters’ Association’s record-breaking petition, which high lights the level of community concern around these changes.

I will continue working to ensure the voices that of practical, regional fair communities solutions are are heard delivered. and ,

The Sneaky Thief Of Sight

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

World Glaucoma Week 9-15 March

Believe it or not, you may already have glaucoma and not know it. In fact, around half of all people with glaucoma are unaware they have the condition. Glaucoma usually causes no pain or discomfort, and vision loss occurs slowly from the outside in, affecting side vision first. Because of this gradual change, many people do not notice a problem in the early stages. By the time people realise something is wrong, significant vision loss has often already occurred.

Unfortunately, any vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, and if left untreated the disease can eventually lead to blindness.

Who Is at Risk?

Around 1 in 50 Australians will develop glaucoma, but you are up to 10 times more likely to develop it if you have a close relative with the condition. Other risk factors include:age over 50, diabetes, migraines, high or low blood pressure, a strong glasses prescription (particularly for short-sightedness).

Treatment

While treatment cannot cure glaucoma or restore vision that has already been lost, it can significantly slow the progression of the disease. For this reason, early detection and treatment are critical to protecting your sight. Treatment is mainly aimed at reducing the pressure inside the eye. This is most commonly done using prescription eye drops, but laser treatment or surgery may sometimes be recommended.

How Is Glaucoma Detected?

Everyone over the age of 40 should have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years to screen for glaucoma, particularly if you have risk factors for the disease.

At Hansen Optometrists we use advanced technology to help detect glaucoma at its earliest stages, including:

• Visual field testing to detect subtle changes in your side vision

• OCT scanning to measure microscopic retinal nerve fibre changes

• Digital retinal imaging to monitor the appearance of the optic nerve over time

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is with regular comprehensive eye examinations. For more information visit: www.hansenoptom.com.au. www.glaucoma.org.au

Knee & Hip OA Exercise Group

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

This morning, I got a message from Dad.

Not the usual “You home later?” or “Need anything from town?” message. This one was different. He’s finally coming across to my work… to do some exercise. (Not just sit down for a cuppa & a yarn… which, honestly, is usually his preferred therapy.)

Dad’s had knee pain for years. YEARS.

The slow, stubborn kind that rural blokes quietly carry like it’s just part of the deal.

He’s been told he needs a knee replacement, but you know how it goes… there’s always another season, another job, another “I’ll be right”.And he’s tried it all. Fish oil. Magical ointments. Every tonic sold by a bloke in a hat at the farm quip field days. If it came with a promise and a free sample, Dad’s probably given it a crack.

But now it’s started taking more than just comfort. It’s impacting his sleep. His movement. His day-to-day. And when pain starts stealing your rest… it doesn’t just make you sore. It makes you tired in the bones.

So today, today he’s doing something different. He’s coming over to build some strength back into that knee. To get some movement happening again. To give his joint the support it’s been begging for, quietly, for a long time. Because sometimes the next step isn’t a miracle cure. It’s strength.

It’s movement. It’s doing the basics, consistently, with good support around you.

Which brings me to this… We have a new service: Knee & Hip OA Exercise Group (Osteoarthritis). Got achy or stiff knees or hips? Been told you have osteoarthritis and not sure what to do next? Waiting for – or recovering from – a joint replacement?This class is for you. Fridays at 9:30am — Kerin Health. Only $15 per session.

Small, supportive group. Why join?

• Strengthen the muscles that support your hips and knees

• Reduce pressure on your joints

• Move with more ease and less pain

• Stay active with like-minded people (the kind who understand what it’s like to hobble out of the ute)Regular strengthening exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis and improve everyday function — and even 8 weeks can make a real difference.

Dad’s proof that it’s never “too late”. Sometimes it’s just finally time. Move Well.

Age Well. Interested in joining or want to learn more? Get in touch with our team at Kerin Health — we’d love to help you get started.

Parkes Farmers March Against The Incinerator

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

A march this Saturday is being organised by local farmers and members of the Parkes community who are concerned about the long-term future of our agricultural region if a proposed Energy from Waste facility goes ahead in Parkes.

Parkes farmer Sharon Woods “This land is more than just a business, it is our home, our history, and our children’s future. Our livelihoods, like those of so many farming families across this district, depend entirely on the health of our soil, our water, our market access and our community. This march is about protecting the integrity, productivity and future of our region.”

Mayor Neil Westcott said, “As the Mayor of Parkes Shire and as a farmer in our Shire, I fully support the march taking place this Saturday. There is no doubt about the anxiety this issue has caused among our rural constituents. The weekend will be a strong display of solidarity across all levels of government, sending a clear message that Parkes is not the place for an Energy from Waste facility.”

Phil Donato MP has also thrown his support behind the march, saying: “The Parkes community don’t want this facility in their backyard. If it’s not good enough to go in Sydney, then it’s not good enough to be forced onto Parkes and other regional communities. Sydney should be responsible for managing its own waste.”

Meet at the Sir Henry Parkes Statue this Saturday 28 February at 9.30am to join the march to Cooke Park. Speakers on the day will include Sharon Woods – Local Farmer, Philip Donato MP, Rebecca Reardon – NSW Farmers and Cr Joy Paddison.

Bald Archy Exhibition Comes To Parkes

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is delighted to bring The Best of the Bald Archy Prize exhibition to the local community for free, offering a unique opportunity to experience Australia’s most loved satirical portrait award.

The exhibition opened 28 February and will continue to 18 April 2026, with free entry at the Coventry Room at Parkes Library and Cultural Centre.

The Best of the Bald Archy Prize celebrates Australia’s most popular and internationally recognised satirical portrait award, The Bald Archy Prize. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to enjoy art with a cheeky twist and is widely regarded as Australia’s premier satirical art prize.

Cultural, Education & Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones, said: “The Best of the Bald Archy Prize is a wonderful example of how art can be engaging, humorous and accessible for everyone. This exhibition invites people of all ages to enjoy portraiture in a completely different way. We’re thrilled to be able to share such a popular and entertaining exhibition with our community.”

Celebrating the lighter side of art and the unmistakable Australian sense of humour, these works are guaranteed to make visitors think, talk – and most of all, laugh.

Celebrate International Women’s Day With Parkes Que Club

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Que Club Inc is proud to announce the inclusion of Leah van der Merwe to the program for their IWD Luncheon on Sunday 8 March. In 2025, Red Bend student Leah van der Merwe, was selected from over 2,500 applicants across 120 countries to attend the CERN-Solvay Student Camp in Geneva, Switzerland, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. Leah was the only Australian student chosen for this prestigious international science camp, where she joined other bright young scientists from around the world to learn about particle physics and cutting-edge research.

Leah said she believes “Nothing is impossible unless you let it be.”

The club were also excited to receive a grant from Parkes Shire Council Community Events Funding program. “This grant will be a great boost helping us to fund the IWD Luncheon, in particular paying for the guest speakers, and the senior representatives from the three high schools,” said Lynn Rodgers of the Parkes Cue Club.

A free glass of bubbly or orange juice is available on arrival, so book your tickets early to ensure to secure your place.

Tickets are $45 each and are available at www.123tix.com.au/events. Please note that tickets will not be available after Monday, 2 March.

Celebrating Seniors With Live Life In Colour Events

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Throwback to the 2019 NSW Seniors Festival in Parkes. Seventeen seniors from Trundle, Tullamore and Parkes attended the first activity of the festival at the Uniting Church Hall when Monica Lea introduced them to yoga.

Parkes Shire Council is delighted to announce a vibrant and inclusive line-up of grant funded activities to celebrate NSW Seniors Festival 2026, running from Monday, 2 March to Sunday, 15 March 2026.

The Seniors’ Festival is an annual statewide celebration that honours the contributions of older residents and provides opportunities for connection, learning, wellbeing and fun.

This year’s theme, “Live Life in Colour”, encourages seniors to celebrate their life journey, embrace creativity, form new connections and enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

The Live Life in Colour Seniors Expo will bring together service providers, community groups, volunteers and senior support services, alongside engaging guest speakers.

Events include a red-carpet screening of Sunstruck – a special screening of the 1972 film filmed in the Parkes region, with original cast members joining for a Q&A session.

There will also be a range of library and wellbeing activities – from digital literacy and guided tours of the The Best of the Bald Archy Prize exhibition with morning tea, to portraiture and sewing bee workshops, wellness sessions and a live-stream of the Premier’s Gala Concert at the Little Theatre.

The Living Library event will provide a unique opportunity for residents to share their lived experiences as “books” to be “borrowed,” building empathy, understanding and connection across generations.

Activities in the townships will include aqua aerobics, intergenerational rhyme time and a digital technology drop-in session.

Councillor Bill Jayet said “the festival reflects Council’s commitment to celebrating and supporting older residents.”

Council invites all local seniors, carers and community members to join in the celebrations throughout the two-week festival.

With something for everyone, the program promotes social connection, lifelong learning, healthy living and creative engagement.

Full program at: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-media-and-projects/Community-News/2026-NSW-Seniors-Festival-in-the-Parkes-Shire

Local Advocate Drives National Road Safety Change During National Driver Fatigue Week

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

National Driver Fatigue Week (21–27 February) is shining a spotlight on one of the most dangerous and underestimated risks on Australian roads — driver fatigue — led by a local woman whose lived experience has grown into an award-winning national road safety campaign.

Parkes advocate Andrea Helen Hamilton-Vaughan has turned personal tragedy into action, creating the Power Nap fatigue prevention campaign now gaining national recognition across the heavy vehicle and road safety sectors.

Driver fatigue is a factor in more than 20 per cent of Australia’s road fatalities, yet for decades drivers have been told to simply “get a good night’s sleep” or “take regular breaks” — advice that does little to help when fatigue strikes while already behind the wheel.

“The science is clear,” Ms HamiltonVaughan said. “Fatigue is not solved by willpower. The only solution for fatigue is sleep. A short, planned power nap when fatigue first appears can save lives.”

National Driver Fatigue Week promotes the Power Nap message — encouraging drivers to stop and take a 15–20 minute nap at the earliest signs of fatigue.

Research shows this simple intervention restores alertness, improves reaction time and significantly reduces crash risk, with modelling suggesting fatigue-related fatalities could be reduced by up to 20 per cent if widely adopted.

What began as a grassroots campaign has grown into a nationally recognised safety initiative, earning multiple industry awards.

Patchy Mobile Services An Ongoing Concern

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Fed up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to keep complaining.

The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas.

Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said the stats reflected what farmers were saying.

“A lot of people are fairly fed up with complaining about this long-running issue, and it’s clear enough isn’t being done to fix the problem,” Mrs Thompson said.

“We’re encouraging people who aren’t satisfied with their service or the resolutions from their providers to go to the TIO to try and get a better outcome and make sure the issues are reported on.”

Small businesses complaints about internet services increased 16.1 per cent to 483 complaints, with increases noted for slow data speed, up 17.6 per cent to 234 complaints, and no phone or internet service, up 17 per cent to 476 complaints.

“We need to keep being the proverbial squeaky wheel and keep complaining, but do it in a way that matters, and that’s to the TIO.”

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