Check out the new website at www.pgnsw.com.au

Pastures & Grazing NSW has this week launched their new website – www.pgnsw.com.au. Combined with this launch is the reintroduction of their newsletter.

The new website has retained the exten­sive content from the old website, but in­cludes two additional features for members ‘Ask an Expert’ and an area for members to share their ’Success Stories’.

If you’ve got a burning question about grassland farming, use the ‘Ask an Expert’ contact form, and you’ll hear back from one of our Board members or a suitable indus­try professional within our network with the answer.

Sharing your ’Success Stories’ is similar to a member’s blog, where you can let other members know of any options or practices you used with success, or what you found is best to avoid.

The newsletter has been rebranded to our new identity but still carries the usual arti­cles on research, farmer success stories, in­formation from pasture updates and accom­panying photos. You may even have a story you’d like to submit to our editor, Jonathan McLachlan at editor@pgnsw.com.au.

To receive an email copy of the newslet­ter, simply visit the new website www.pgn­sw.com.au to subscribe, or email our Exec­utive Officer at admin@pgnsw.com.au who will be pleased to add you to the mailing list.

The Country Arts Support Program of an­nual small grants is now open, but you only have a month left to apply. Funding the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake or manage arts activities in lo­cal communities across the NSW Central West.

What could you apply for? Examples of eligible activities include (but are not lim­ited to): Arts or heritage based workshops, classes, performances, installations, ex­hibitions, screen/film making, writing or composition, development of new work, tours or talks, artist-in-residence programs, public art and design projects, community seminars and forums, recordings or pod­casts, new arts activities attached to festi­vals or events – as long as they have some element of public outcome.

Grants are available up to the amount of $3,000. Applications close: 5pm Thursday 17 October 2024. Guidelines here: https://artsoutwest.org.au/pf/casp/ You can call or email Arts OutWest to discuss your ap­plication: 02 6338 4657 artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

CASP is devolved funding from the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Students in years 9 to 12 from Peak Hill Central School, Yeoval Central School, Tot­tenham Central School, Tullamore Central School, Trundle Central School are set to benefit from the Western Access Pro­gram’s (WAP) Primary Industries (Training) Trailer launched in Peak Hill on Tuesday, 10th September.

The launch marks a significant milestone, providing a new opportunity for students to engage in agriculture as a subject and to explore career pathways in the sector.

It’s a versatile trailer that gives teach­ers and students the support they need to excel in teaching, learning, and practical assessment activities related to livestock, wool harvesting, fencing, and chemical and agriculture generalist units.

The trailer will also enable the delivery of Australian Wool Innovation courses and facilitate industry and career immersion activities and practical sessions on farms and other enterprises, creating stronger connections with the industry and potential career pathways for students.

Funded by Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and constructed by a local engineer and former WAP student from Dunn’s Welding and Fabrication Peak Hill, the launch of this trailer means less of a need for students to travel to get the ag­ricultural skills and experience they need.

Kylie Shead, Executive Director Arts OutWest. Photo credit Carolyn Hide

Regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest offers free arts industry information and support to individuals, organisations, businesses, community groups, councils and others living in or making creative work in the NSW Central West. Our core services are generally provided for free. We also develop, partner or sup­port regional projects.

Meet in-person with Arts OutWest Executive Director Kylie Shead for a 30 minute chat at Marramarra Makerspace at Parkes Shire Library between 11am and 3.30pm on Friday 27th September.

You might want to talk about how to apply for the current CASP small grants funding, or arts funding in general. You might be look­ing for advice and support around a project idea, your creative business, or any kind of general arts industry advice and informa­tion.

“I’m constantly on the road around the region meeting people so it made sense to schedule some formal times people can come and have a chat one-on-one,” Ms Shead said.

Please book a meeting time via https://calendly.com/artsout­west/mobile-office-parkes-1.

If this date or these times don’t suit, Arts OutWest can also or­ganise a Zoom or over the phone meeting. Call Kylie on 02 6338 6589 or email kyshead@csu.edu.au Also you can have your say on Arts OutWest’s next Strategic Plan. If you’re in our region, if you connect or could connect with our services, or if what you do intersects with arts and culture in the NSW Central West, we want to hear from you. Take a few mo­ments to reflect on what Arts OutWest does and what you need in a short survey. https://form.jotform.com/242391820396056