General Interest Archives - Page 2 of 317

National Diabetes Week Is 16-22 June

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Diabetes- Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of avoidable vision loss and blindness in working-age Australians.

It is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. This happens because the body is not producing insulin or not using insulin properly.

This National Diabetes Week, we’re shining a light on something many people don’t realise: your eyes can be one of the first places diabetes shows itself.

At Hansen Optometrist Parkes, we often see patients who feel perfectly fine and have good eyesight, but their eye exam has revealed early signs of diabetic eye disease.

Diabetes can quietly damage the small blood vessels in the retina which we call diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can be seen long before symptoms appear and leads to permanent vision loss. The good news? Early detection of diabetic retinopathy through regular eye checks can prevent severe vision loss.

If you live with diabetes, or are at risk due to family history, weight, or lifestyle, then a yearly eye exam is vital. It’s quick, painless, and could save your sight and at Hansen Optometrists Parkes we have the latest technology to assess your eye health.

Visit us at 267a Clarinda Street, Phone 6863 5577 or book online at hansenoptom.com.au

Landmark Artwork Going Up As Finishing Touches Applied To Parkes Bypass Project

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Day one of construction on the “Halo of Colour” sculpture.

The completion of a giant “halo of colour” sculpture in the centre of the Condobolin Road roundabout is among the key finishing touches now under way for the Parkes Bypass project.

More than 1000 heavy vehicles a day have been taken out of the Parkes town centre since the new 10.5-kilometre bypass alignment opened to Newell Highway traffic in April, and now crews are in the final stages of competing a number of activities linked to the bypass.

The first is the installation of a six-metre high and 18-metre diameter piece of public art standing on the 98-metre Condobolin Road roundabout, featuring 24 columns and a number of brightly-coloured panels that have been craned into place since work started this week.

Vibrant artwork on signage being erected at the northern and southern ends of the bypass will welcome motorists, acknowledging that the Bypass is on Wiradjuri land, while a second piece of Aboriginal artwork features images of native fauna is in the final stages of being installed high across the highway on the Victoria Street bridge.

Stephen Lawrence, MLC, said “The halo sculpture in the centre of the Condobolin Road roundabout has been created to reflect Parkes’ brand identity with an outer space theme reflecting Parkes’ iconic Dish, while the pair of Aboriginal artworks created by local Indigenous artists Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney and Kyah and Katlyn Turnbull represent the land, their elders, local fauna and also Parkes as a meeting place in NSW’s Central West.

“We expect the final touches to the halo artwork to be completed by the end of the month, with the entry signage and the Victoria Street Bridge artwork installation to be in place in July.” More information on the Parkes Bypass Project can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass

Regional Arts Gathering To Be Held In Condobolin

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Arts OutWest invites the community to a day of networking and hearing local arts stories at their Regional Gathering and Annual General Meeting on Sunday 22 June in Condobolin.

“We call the day a regional gathering and AGM because it’s far more than a meeting,” said Arts OutWest’s executive director Kylie Shead.

“It’s always a great day of catching up with creatives and arts supporters and connecting with the Arts OutWest team. There’s an art exhibition and talks and tours to give an insight into the cultural life of Condobolin.

We also throw in a free lunch.”

“Never seen the Utes in the Paddock public art? Keen to explore Sculpture Down the Lachlan on your drive? Want to see behind-the-scenes at the Wiradjuri Cultural Centre or the Condobolin and District Historical Museum? This is your chance,” Ms Shead said.

A roving event, the day starts at 11am on Sunday 22 June for coffee at Utes in the Paddock at Lachlan at Shire Visitor Information Centre. Guests then choose between tours and talks at the Wiradjuri Study Centre and their gallery and Condobolin and District Historical Museum (11:45am – 1pm).Then heading to Condobolin Community and Arts Centre for lunch (1-2pm) and viewing the local ‘Showcasing the Lachlan’ art exhibition, followed by Arts OutWest and local artist presentations (2-2.30pm) and the official formal AGM at 2.30pm. The day should wrap up by 3pm.

Attendance is free. RSVP to artsoutwest@csu.edu.au or via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/aowagm-and-regional-gathering

Quorn Park Hybrid Project Update

June 12, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Construction activities of the Quorn Park Hybrid Farm, on Back Trundle Road, ParkesNSW are progressing onsite, with materials delivered for access tracks and working areas. Road upgrades to Henry Parkes Way and McGrath Lane, including an upgrade to the intersection, have commenced.

Piling works are also progressing on site and are expected to be completed in the upcoming weeks. These works involve steel posts being driven into the ground by a specialised piling machine, forming the framework for panel installation. Due to the hammer-like nature of the piling machines, there will be some noise associated with these works.

The ‘golden rows’ – the first solar panel rows installed on-site, which serve as the benchmark for layout, quality, and installation pace – have been completed. With this key project milestone achieved, the mechanical crews are preparing to begin installation of the tracker components, which allow the solar panels to follow the sun’s movement and maximise energy production.

Panel installation will commence in the upcoming weeks, once the mechanical assembly of trackers is in progress.

Construction hours are Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday 7:00am to1:00pm.

Double Demerits For June Long Weekend

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Sergeant Mitchell Gage who wants to send a clear message to drivers over the long weekend.

Motorists across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.

Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 6 June until Monday 9 June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

School zones are in operation on Friday 6 June and additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police will also be targeting the “four Ds” of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

“Around 95% of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour – like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

“Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend.

“There will be more Police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that drivers should make sure that they are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel, and that they are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.

Registration Open For Heavy Vehicle Breakfast

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, which will be held at the Forbes Inn on Thursday 12 June. Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, who is organising the forum said this year’s event will focus on higher productivity vehicles, safety, compliance and industry case studies and there will be a high productivity vehicle on display.

“Since its inception in 2012, the breakfast forum has brought together the local freight industry to discuss issues affecting them.

“Come along to listen, learn and ask questions of industry experts from NHVR, Transport for NSW, Parkes Shire Council, NSW Police, Essential Energy, Midland and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds” Ms Suitor said.

You can register online with this link: https://forms.office.com/r/pkPN1Vt4Ji via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

The forum will kick off at 6.30am with breakfast. The official program starts at 7am. The event will finish at 11.30am. The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes.

If you are unable to make it on the day, the event is being recorded and the link to the video will be available to view on the Councils’ Facebook pages and in follow-up media articles or contact Ms Suitor on 0428 400 627 or via Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au to register your interest in receiving the link.

Help Combat Invasive African Boxthorn

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) is one of the most invasive and damaging weeds threatening the region’s environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.

Parkes Shire Council is calling on residents to be vigilant in identifying and reporting African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), one of the most invasive and damaging weeds threatening the region’s environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.

Native to southern Africa and introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s, African boxthorn has become a widespread and destructive pest species. It forms dense, thorny thickets that can reach up to five metres in height, hindering access for both livestock and people, outcompeting native plants, degrading bushland, and providing shelter for invasive animals such as rabbits and foxes.

Michael Chambers, Environment and Sustainability Manager at Parkes Shire Council said “This plant is extremely versatile and thrives in a wide range of climates and ecosystems.”

“African boxthorn is one of the worst weeds in Australia due to its invasiveness and the serious economic and environmental impacts it causes.”

African boxthorn is a listed Weed of National Significance (WONS) and is considered a Priority Weed in New South Wales. It reduces agricultural productivity, is toxic to humans and animals, and spreads rapidly through birds, water, vehicles, and dumped garden waste.

The plant is easily identified by its pale lilac to white tubular flowers with purple blotches, bright green teardrop-shaped leaves, and small orange to red berries about one centimetre in diameter.

“We’re here to support the community in managing this weed, but lasting success depends on all of us working together,” Mr Chambers added.

Residents are urged to report any sightings of African boxthorn, especially along roadsides, creek lines, and public reserves.

For assistance with weed identification, contact Council’s Biosecurity Team on 02 6861 2343. For information, visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Services/Biosecurity.

Reducing Road Trauma In Parkes Shire

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

With a national focus on road safety this month, researchers from The George Institute for Global Health are asking locals to share their thoughts on driving in an anonymous online survey.

The survey is part of a larger road safety project known as Community Action for Safe Speeds (CASS). Taking place across New South Wales, the CASS study will help researchers understand attitudes toward safe speeds on our roads, with the aim of finding innovative ways to reduce speeding-related road trauma.

Road trauma can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on everyone involved. In 2023 alone, there were 33 casualties from 44 crashes on Parkes Shire roads, with speeding listed as a contributing factor in 25% of these crashes.

Parkes Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said speeding is the highest contributor to injury crashes in our region and the most complex road safety issue in our community and many others.

“We’re committed to improving road safety in our region and working with global researchers on the topic of speeding, to help us shape ideas for making our local roads safer for everyone,” Ms Suitor said.

To participate, you must be aged 18 years or older, be willing to complete two surveys 6 months apart, live or work in the Parkes Local Government Area, and be able to complete the survey in English.

Upon completing both the initial and 6-month follow up surveys, participants will enter a draw to win one of four $250 e-gift vouchers. The survey can be accessed via https://bit.ly/3SHAwbl

Grants Mission To Continue Ride Against Domestic Violence

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

ABOVE: Phil Donato MP speaking to ride organiser, Grant Nicholson before the group departed from Bunnings carpark in Forbes to make the trip to Parliament House.

An estimated 4.2 million Australian adults (21 per cent) have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a partner, according to information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Women are more likely than men to have experienced this type of abuse by a partner, and when Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst was murdered by her ex-partner on 22 April, 2024, it didn’t just shake the Forbes community, it rocked the nation.

Forbes’ Grant Nicholson was inspired by the loss of Molly to lead 120 motorcycles on a Ride Against Domestic Violence. The ride kicked off on Friday 11 April from Bunnings carpark in Forbes, with local member Phil Donato MP in attendance to farewell the riders.

“There were many failures in the system that should have provided Molly more safety and security,” said Mr Donato.

The group rode 280km, picking up riders along the way, to hold a meeting in the assembly area of Parliament House in Canberra to demonstrate their concern over “The lack of action by our leaders to combat DV in our communities,” said Grant. The date, 11 April was chosen as it was the day before Molly’s birthday.

Grant spoke in front of the crowd in Canberra, with the intent to be loud and peaceful, in an attempt to show society that domestic violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

The event was covered by television crews including Channel 7, Channel 9 and ABC, but Grant wont accept praise for raising awareness to this cause, humbly stating, “We’re trying to do something, it’s the only thing I know how to do.”

Grant, who is part of the Central West Riders Forbes group, says in a few weeks he will meet up with fellow riders from Dubbo in an effort to start planning next year’s ride.

BELOW: One of the riders clearly demonstrating their support of this important cause.

Youth Actor Mock Crash Auditions

May 29, 2025 By Roxane Manley

William Ellis recording his victim impact statement in 2023.

Calling all amateur actors across the region! Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth actors to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging local youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative. The initiative seeing a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.

“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Thursday 5 June from 5pm – 8pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. The youth actors will also undergo road crash rescue training to see what it’s going to be like being cut out of a car and removed on a spine board.

“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new. So, if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16, register and come along” Ms Suitor said.

The program offers experience with filming as well as a live performance. Dates are still being set for the live mock crash demonstration, but will likely be August.

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Ms Suitor on either 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.

au for more information and to book your place.

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