General Interest Archives - Page 34 of 351

Backing The Future For Youth In NSW

July 3, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) have partnered to deliver Backing the Future. It’s an exciting program that supports innovative ideas benefitting young people.

Applications are now open for grants of $50,000 from individuals to develop innovative ideas that enhance the lives of young people (aged 12-30) in remote, rural, and regional NSW.

The grants are available through the Backing the Future program. In NSW, the program has already supported 28 individuals by investing $1.4 million in their rural youth-focussed projects.

The Youth Futures team will also be holding a webinar at 12pm, Monday 7 July, and FRRR encourages interested applicants to register to learn more. Register at: https://ow.ly/OWSH50W8a6c.

Unlike many other programs, VFFF’s granting structure enables Backing the Future to fund individuals without requiring the backing of an established organisation, eliminating traditional barriers to entry.

Natalie Egleton, FRRR CEO, said that the innovative partnership means the Foundation can respond to the needs of young people in each community in an agile way, which has resulted in projects with amazing and ongoing impacts.

VFFF’s Stories of Giving and Receiving podcast features the journeys of past recipients, highlighting their learnings, successes and advice. It’s a valuable resource to changemakers looking to apply for Backing the Future.

The program is now using an Expression of Interest process, with EOIs open Monday 16 June, and due Monday 28 July.

Successful EOIs will be invited to submit a full application from Wednesday 13 August.

Full applications close 5pm on Monday 8 September. To learn more, head to www.frrr.org.au/backing-the-future or call 1800 170 020 and speak to FRRR’s Youth Futures Manager, Lauren Ryan.

Evolution Mining And CSU Introduce “The Heart Of Parkes”

July 3, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Brooke Plunkett, Communications and Engagement Specialist Evolution Mining, Dr Kerry Stuart, Head of Campus Central West Clinical School, second year student Josh Brown, third year student John O’Brien, fourth year student Antez Varghese and third year student Joseph Pearce.

The shortage of doctors in regional Australia has been something that has impacted most, if not all of us. Evolution has proudly partnered with Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Rural Medicine to provide a space for a training program with the aim of helping address the shortage.

CSU’s Rural Doctors Program trains and develops medical students who want to remain living and working in regional areas.

Unfortunately, until now, there has not been a facility to run this program in Parkes.

Northparkes will provide the space for this program, which will have 11 Central West medical students based out of the facility from the day it opens.

Local GP Kerrie Stewart said we have a pipeline of some of the best students in Australia, who we know want to stay local.

“They were raised here and have families here. This space is the opportunity we have been waiting for,” she said.

The program will provide more access to medical services through clinician lead clinics with student involvement for things like health checks, childhood vaccinations, and more.

The building will be a shared space and contain the Northparkes Town Office, a purpose-built training facility and the CSU Rural Doctors Program.

Four of the eleven students who are local to Parkes and Forbes have indicated they will stay in the area once they have completed their studies.

Fourth year student Antez Vargese said “I wanted to do medicine straight after high school but I went and did radiography for a year first, and when I found out about this program, it was close to home, my friends, my community, it just made sense.

The students will each complete five years of medical school and then go on to be an intern and then a resident before deciding what to specialise in.

Flying Pharmacist Takes To The Skies For Royal Fundraiser

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Fifteen days, more than 3,880 kilometres, nine stops and one aircraft. That’s the journey that a Forbes pharmacist, and two regional farmers, will embark on later this year for the 2025 Outback Air Race to raise vital money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Forbes Flying Pharmacist Jack Buckley will join Cowra’s Brad Shephard, known as the Farmer from Downunder, and Grenfell farmer John Johnson, in the aviation event in August. More than 40 teams will fly across the Australian outback, over two weeks, in support of the RFDS.

“As a healthcare professional I have incredible respect and admiration for the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Managing partner of Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes, Jack Buckley, said.

“The RFDS is such an integral part of healthcare delivery in outback Australia and having lived in Forbes for almost a decade now, I have seen the importance of this service firsthand.

All three pilots helped residents across the region during the NSW flood crisis of November 2022, flying supplies to towns along the Lachlan River. Together the trio is called ‘Flying4Phun’ and they are hoping to raise $100,000 for the RFDS.

“All funds will go towards outfitting RFDS aircraft with essential medical equipment, vital for treating sick children and injured patients across Australia.” Jack said.

The 2025 Outback Air Race will take place from 22 August to 8 September. To donate visit: Team 22 – Flyin4phun in Outback Air Race 2025.

New Premises Marks A Milestone For The Country Universities Centre

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Country Universities Centre Parkes (CUC Parkes) has officially opened its newpremises at 7–9 Court Street, nearly five years after launching its original co-located site within the Parkes Shire Library.

“Since opening our doors at the Parkes Library in 2020, we have supported over 215 students in their studies,” said Centre Manager Jacob Cass.

“Our new facility offers expanded space, private study rooms, and a dedicated workshop room, in addition to all the services we previously provided, such as free printing and access to workstations.”

The new Centre was formally opened on Wednesday, 18 June by Mr Jamie Chaffey, Member for Parkes; Mr Phil Donato, Member for Orange; Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott; Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller; CUC Parkes Chairperson Tracie Robertson; and Centre Manager Jacob Cass.

Designed with students in mind, the upgraded facility features two private study rooms, 14 dual-screen workstations, student laptops for in-centre use, video conferencing equipment, printing services, academic and wellbeing support, a large meeting and workshop room, a student common area, and a kitchen. Registration is simple, and access to the Centre is completely free.

CUC Parkes is not just for university students. If you’re studying a Certificate III or higher through TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO), or are a student in Years 10, 11, or 12, you’re eligible to use the Centre and take advantage of its full range of support services.

CUC Parkes is proudly funded by the NSW Government and the Australian Government through the Regional University Study Hub Program. We extend our sincere thanks to these organisations for their ongoing support and to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone.

For more information about Country University Centre Parkes, you can contact Jacob Cass jacob.cass@cucparkes.edu.au or by calling 0409 119 933.

Successful Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The forum was recorded and the videos of each session can be viewed online in the coming weeks – keep your eyes on the Councils’ Facebook pages.

Heavy vehicle safety was in the spotlight recently at a breakfast forum hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.

Around 80 delegates from across the region, attended the Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the forum has become a regular fixture on the road safety calendar since its inception in 2012.

“Events like this forum are essential in providing opportunities to share information, network and discuss local issues,” Ms Suitor said.

The forum was attended by local transport companies, truck drivers and farmers along with various associations and government agencies. Topics covered included high productivity vehicles, safety around power lines, Police enforcement and an industry case study from Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.

Presenters were from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, NSW Police Force, Essential Energy and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.

“Thanks to the guest speakers who made the forum informative and thought provoking for participants. And thanks to everyone who attended” Ms Suitor said.

Feedback from attendees was very positive – rating the event 4.61 out of 5, with all attendees reporting that the forum met their expectations and they will attend next year.

Organisers are now turning their attention to the annual Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day which will return on 14 August at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange. There will also be satellite events held across the region in late August and early September, watch this space for information.

Book An Adventure With Paint Parkes REaD

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes community reading day is on Friday, 22 August. Aligned with Book Week, the theme is “Book An Adventure”.This year we are varying our usual format.

Instead of the activity stations along Clarinda Street, the stations will be part of the Cooke Park celebrations. At the same time, there will be some action up the main street and business houses are going to be invited to participate in several simple ways.

A highlight of the day will be a play, “The Adventure Of Finding Reading Bug” and heading a star-studded cast will be two of the greatest explorers, Sir William Schweitzer Jayet and Dr Neil Livingstone Westcott.

Paint The Town REaD’s main aim is to spread the vital message of growing baby’s brain right from birth so every baby is better prepared to start learning to read in kindergarten. It is a fact that poor literacy is highly likely to cause low self-esteem which in turn is highly likely to cause anti-social behaviour.

Teachers are not a baby’s first educator, parents are. Parents, please start on day one to: read, sing, talk and rhyme to your baby all the time.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes To Hold Thank You Event For Forbes Community

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) is inviting all community members and service providers to their Thank You, Forbes Community Event on Wednesday, 2 July.

The occasion is a small gesture of appreciation for all those the organisation has worked alongside since the 2022 flooding in the town and its surrounds.

At its worst in November 2022, the Lachlan River peaked at 10.7 metres at Forbes, flooding more than 700 residential and commercial properties in the town.

CCWF, in particular its Financial Stability team, has provided practical support and stand with community members as they negotiate the long-term and wide-ranging consequences of flooding in the 2.5 years since.

CCWF Financial Stability portfolio manager, Louise Cormie said the organisation was holding the event to thank all the community members who had placed their trust in her team, as well as the service providers who had worked with them to provide the much needed support.

“We want to take a moment to say thank you, and celebrate the wonderful people in our community as they work towards recovery,” Mrs Cormie said.

“We are grateful to be part of this community, and want the community to know we are with them for the long journey of recovery from natural disaster.

“Flood-affected residents can continue to contact our financial counsellors for support, advocacy and referrals.”

The event, to be held in the Forbes Town Hall from 11am-2pm, will include a barbecue meal, fruit platters and soft drinks, and a gift for every attendee, as well as lucky door prizes. Forbes Shire Council’s GIVIT team and the Disaster Response Legal Service will also be attending and ready to support community members.

“We are looking forward to coming together with the community for a relaxed and enjoyable event on July 2,” Mrs Cormie said.

ACRRM Welcomes Updated Framework Supporting Rural Maternity Services

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) welcomes the release of the Second Edition National Consensus Framework for Rural Maternity Services, which reaffirms the critical role of Rural Generalists in delivering safe, high-quality maternity care across rural, remote communities.

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Rural Generalists are uniquely trained to provide comprehensive maternity care, including antenatal and postnatal services, planned deliveries, and emergency obstetrics.

“Rural Generalists are vital members and leaders of multidisciplinary rural maternity teams, working alongside midwives and other health professionals to ensure women can receive care within their communities,” Dr Martin says. “This not only improves outcomes but reduces the emotional and financial strain of travelling long distances for birthing and pre and antenatal care.”

Dr Martin says the ongoing closure and downgrading of rural maternity services is deeply concerning. “Every closure reduces access to affordable, timely care and puts the safety of mothers and babies at risk. Properly supported, integrated models that include Rural Generalists with advanced obstetrics, anaesthetics, and paediatrics skills, can sustainably deliver care to the highest standards.

“The Framework offers a roadmap for evidence-based, cost-effective locally led maternity care and calls for genuine investment and infrastructure to bring it to life. I commend all those who contributed to the development of this Second Edition National Consensus Framework for Rural Maternity Services.

“ACRRM looks forward to working with the review stakeholders and governments to ensure the Framework leads to real, lasting improvements for rural, remote and First Nations families.”

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

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.

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