General Interest Archives - Page 58 of 351

Northparkes Mines 30 Year Celebrations

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Cake cutting (L to R): Tony Melhuish, Brad Mill, Ian Cowle, Hon. Courtney Houssos, Rob Cunningham, Ian Rowe.

This year Northparkes celebrates 30 years of operations. To mark the special occasion an official ceremony was held onsite on 21st August, gathering special guests and employees together.

NSW Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, Member for Orange Phil Donato and Parkes Shire Council Mayor joined representatives from Evolution Mining and Sumitomo to help employees celebrate. Two of Northparkes’ employees who will also 30 years of service Tony Melhuish and Ian Rowe also shared memories of their time onsite over the years. To finish the event there was a cake cutting and a plaque was unveiled.

But the celebrations aren’t over yet! Be sure to come along to Northparkes’ free community event, Cheers to 30 Years Festival, headlined by Daryl Braithwaite. This event is to thank everyone in the community for your support over the years. Scan the QR code on page 8 to secure your ticket, bring your picnic rug, esky, and enjoy a funfilled evening with family and friends.

Get ready to enjoy the sweet sounds of Isaac Compton, get up and dance with Foxy Cleopatra, and laugh out loud with MC Tristian MacManus. The event is BYO and there will be plenty of food and activities for the whole family to enjoy including an inflatable obstacle course, jumping castles and a special visit from everyone’s favourite blue cartoon dog…

Northparkes can not wait to celebrate with you all.

Rob Cunningham and Bogan Bila Cultural Dance Group.

Free Online Child Car Seat Safety Workshops

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parents, carers and grandparents of young children are invited to attend one of two free online workshops being held to provide important safety information about child car seats.

The workshops are being conducted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils in partnership with Transport for NSW West Region. The workshops will be held via MS Teams, on Tuesday 10th September at 10am and again at 7pm, and will run for about an hour.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the correct selection, installation and adjustment of child car seats is vital in ensuring children’s safety when travelling in vehicles.

“The workshop will cover the National Child Restraint Laws, types of child car seats available, correct installation and adjustment, when to move to the next car seat, accessories, tips for second-hand car seats and much more. It is so important to ensure your precious cargo is safe,” Ms Suitor said.

The online workshops were the first of their kind in NSW when they were trialed in May 2023.

“Over 30 local families have attended the online workshops since their inception. Participants rated the workshop 4.8 out of 5, said they would be very likely to recommend it to a friend or family member and were glad they had attended,” Ms Suitor said.

To book your place, visit the Councils’ Facebook pages, use this link: bit.ly/WorkshopRegoSept24 or call Ms Suitor on 6861 2364.

Vital Flood Mitigation Program Extended

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

A program designed to reduce the risk and impact of flood events across towns in inland NSW has been extended thanks to a $3 million Australian Government grant. The Improving Floodplain Connections – Urban Protection Program is a risk-reduction program that targets existing flood works. Since 2022, it has been working to restore hydrological connectivity across northern basin floodplains of inland NSW. The expansion will:

• Help determine a remediation pathway to modify and approve flood works, working closely with landholders.

• Raise awareness and help communities better understand the rules around Floodplain Management Plans, which will improve compliance culture.

• Continue meaningful engagement and collaboration with First Nations communities, landholders and other key stakeholders.

• Build on the Improving Floodplain Connections Program work to date and will help mitigate against flooding to towns in highrisk locations, including in Moree, Bourke, Forbes, Moama, Narromine, Walgett, Hay, Condobolin and in other inland towns and communities.

NSW DCCEEW Director Healthy Floodplains Project Delivery Alastair McKenzie-McHarg said “We have identified 14 Local Government Areas across inland NSW where flood works pose known risks, and have received strong support for the program.

“Expanding the Improving Floodplain Connections Program will build on the critical work done to date, and deliver a coordinated approach for these high-risk locations to mitigate against flooding to towns across our state’s west.

“Flooding remains one of the biggest natural disaster threats to the people of NSW. This program takes another vital step towards remediating the most high-risk flood works.”

Apply Now For The 2025 Building Healthy Communities Challenge

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Enter your submission for the 2025 Building Healthy Communities Challenge now.

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is encouraging people who are passionate about improving their community’s health to apply to take part in the 2025 Building Healthy Communities Challenge.

The WNSWLHD Building Healthy Communities Challenge was established this year by the District’s Health Promotion team to help smaller communities take control of improving their overall health, by providing up to $12,000 in funding and intensive support to deliver a community-led health initiative.

WNSWLHD Health Promotion Coordinator Hayley Vaughan said applications are open to any community group in a town or community with less than 5,000 people who has an idea for an initiative which could improve people’s health.

“We encourage communities to apply if they have an idea which could increase physical activity or healthy eating in their community, reduce smoking and vaping rates or establishing infrastructure which promotes healthy living,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Any idea is a good idea, big or small, and they could be as simple as implementing a regular walking group or setting up community gardens to grow healthy food.”

WNSWLHD Health Promotion Officer Kelly Cook said an independent panel will assess applications and select two towns to compete in the friendly competition.

“The two chosen towns will each receive $8,000 in funding assistance and intensive support from the Health Promotion team to establish and implement their initiative, and we will also provide additional resources and assistance with promotion too,” Ms Cook said.

Applications are open from Monday 2nd September to Friday 11th October 2024.

For more information contact the WNSWLHD Health Promotion Team on WNSWLHD-HealthPromotion@health.nsw.gov.au.

Your Essential Guide For The Nsw Local Government Elections

September 5, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Local Government Elections scheduled for Saturday, 14th September 2024. Following is listed some of the important information you need to know.

HOW TO VOTE

Whether you’re a returning voter or its your first time, head over to the NSW Electoral Commission website to find out more.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES

Parkes has two groups and 18 Individual Candidates running for election:

• Group A: Matthew SCHERER, Andrew WILKINSON, Benjamin DRABSCH, Jeffery POWELL, Michael WHITE, Michael RAMSAY

• Group B: Glenn WILSON, Daniel WEBER, Cornelius SNYMAN, Robert BRADLEY, Timothy HALL-MATTHEWS, Raymond JOHNSON, Nicholas LEES, Justin HILL

Individual Candidates:

• Margaret APPLEBEE

• Neil HAMILTON

• Douglas POUT

• Samuel JORDAN

• Alan FLAVEL

• Kenneth KEITH

• Kenneth MCGRATH

• Graeme HUNTER

• Louise O’LEARY

• Darren STEVENSON

• Hamish RITCHIE

• Irene RIDGEWAY

• Anthony BARROTT

• Joy PADDISON

• Jacob CASS

• William JAYET

• Neil WESTCOTT

• George PRATT

Forbes have 10 Individual Candidates running for election:

• Aidan CLARKE

• Phyllis MILLER

• Jennifer WEBB

• Margaret DUGGAN

• Christopher ROYLANCE

• James WHALAN

• Steven KARAITIANA

• Michele HERBERT

• Sarahlee SWEENEY

• Brian MATTISKE

WHEN TO VOTE

• 7th September: Pre-polling voting periodopens

• 7thSeptember: Telephone voting application and voting opens

• 9th September: Postal vote applicationsclose 5.00pm

• 13th September: Pre poll voting closes(dates/times to be advised). Telephonevoting application closes.

• 14th September: Election day 8am 6pm. Telephone voting closes 1.00pm

WHERE TO VOTE?

Postal vote applications are now open for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections. Applications close at 5pm Monday 9th September 2024. For more information on postal voting, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website at https://elections.nsw.gov.au

Pre-polling voting in Parkes will be available at The Coventry Room, Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre, 25 Bogan Street, Parkes NSW 2870.

Pre-polling voting in Forbes will be available from Saturday 7th September 2024 to Friday 13th September 2024 at the Forbes Town Hall, Harold Street, Forbes.

Pre-poll voting will be open:

• Monday to Wednesday 8.30am – 5.30pm

• Thursday 8.30am to 8.00pm

• Friday 8.30am – 6pm

• Saturday 9am – 6pm

To find out more information on early voting and pre-polling, postal voting or to find a polling place near you, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website at https://elections.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Naidoc Family Fun Day

August 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Last years award winners with Member for Orange Phil Donato and Councillor Niel Westcott.

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. This year the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday 7th September, at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre at Bushman Hill.

This is a free, vibrant event and is open to people of all ages, and from all backgrounds. This year’s NAIDOC celebration promises a day full of culture. The event is based on this year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”, which celebrates the enduring strength of Indigenous culture and unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity.

The day will feature many local performances, a smoking ceremony and Wiradjuri artifacts Will also be on display. An awards ceremony will be held to recognise the contributions of local community members towards the Wiradjuri culture and heritage.

The day will also include other activities such as a free sausage sizzle, service information stalls, traditional weaving, emergency services vehicles, and children’s activities such as a jumping castle, face painting and temporary tattoos.

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day offers a heartfelt invitation and a wonderful opportunity for all the community to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity while having a great time with family and friends.

It’s about enjoyment, cultural exchange, and community – it’s genuinely a lot of fun for everyone involved, so come along with your friends and family on the day.

Join Our Farmer’s In Canberra On 10th September

August 29, 2024 By David Jochinke

As a farmer, and head of the National Farmers’ Federation, I’m alarmed by the growing number of decisions being made in Canberra that aren’t about what’s best for farming.

It feels like we’re being drowned out by interest groups who want to tell a negative story about who we are and what we do.

Whether it’s banning live sheep exports, water buybacks, new taxes and red tape, or destroying productive agricultural land, these policies are being driven by people who don’t understand what we do.

On 10th Septembe, farmers from across Australia will meet outside Parliament House in Canberra to send a united message. We want to tell all parliamentarians ahead of the next election that they should listen to farmers, not anti-farming activists, when it comes to what’s best for our industry.

It’s our chance to come together and send a clear and positive message that we deserve a seat at the table, and we deserve a fair go.

Join me as we come together as an industry to celebrate the positive story of Aussie farming in the heart of Canberra.

David Jochinke,
President National Farmers’ Federation

Western Sydney Solar Team To Visit Hars Aviation Museum

August 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The Western Sydney Solar Team will be pulling their solar car into HARs Parkes at approximately 9:30am to 12pm on Tuesday, 10th September.

The Western Sydney Solar Team is a student-led project from Western Sydney University. Comprised of 25 students hailing from diverse areas of study, the team collaborates over an intensive 18-month period to design, engineer, and manufacture an innovative and cutting-edge solar-powered race car.

This remarkable vehicle is then put to the ultimate test in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge – a gruelling 3,022km journey from Darwin to Adelaide. The global event attracts over 40 teams from around the world, all competing for the top spot in solar car technology and endurance.

In 2023, the Western Sydney Solar Team achieved significant success with their latest creation, Unlimited 5.0. The team secured an impressive 9th place overall on the international stage and proudly took 1st place among Australian teams. This achievement was a testament to the relentless hard work, ingenuity, and dedication of every team member and supporter involved in the project.

As the team gears up for the next Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, scheduled for next year, they are also embarking on an exciting outreach initiative. This September, the team will be touring regional New South Wales as part of a Roadshow aimed at engaging with communities and showcasing their cutting-edge solar vehicle.

One of the highlights of the Roadshow will be the team’s visit to the HARs Aviation Museum in Parkes on 10th September. From 9:30am to 12pm, the team will be on-hand to engage with visitors, discuss their journey, and provide an up-close look at the remarkable Unlimited 5.0.

The visit will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the future of sustainable transport and to meet the talented students driving innovation in solar technology. The team warmly invites everyone to join them for a chat and a close-up view of this incredible solar-powered machine.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Judging Wraps For 2024

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

It’s been another successful year for wineries across the state, with 585 entries from 99 wineries swirled, sniffed and sipped during judging for the 2024 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show.

The show wrapped up on Wednesday with the final medal count; 50 gold, 74 silver and 202 bronze, with 23 trophies awarded.

Chair of judges, Mark Richardson said the overall quality of wines entered into the 2024 show was impressive.

“It was a strong year, especially for the classics including the chardonnay, shiraz and semillon classes,” Mark said.

“The alternate varieties are also getting better every year and to see such quality in the show is a good thing for the future of NSW winemakers.”

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show president Mark Watts said it was a very successful show.

“All of the judges commented on the quality of the wines and the efficiency of the show.”

The Public Tasting is on tonight, however the event has sold out and there are no tickets available at the door.

Tickets are still available for the Gourmet Wine Dinner, which will be held at the Forbes Town Hall to celebrate the trophy winners of the show. The dinner will be held on Saturday 21st September from 7pm with a four-course meal catered by Eat Your Greens featuring trophy winning wines to complement the meal.

Tickets for the event are $130 per person and are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show or by calling 0418 237 051.

Miss Peg’s Final Act Of Kindness

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Miss Peg will be donating her hair to make a wig for someone in need.

Peg Lynch, affectionately known as ‘Miss Peg’, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. While she prepares herself spiritually for her final journey, she wants to do one last act of charity. Peg wants to donate her hair, so that it may benefit another and at the same time raise some funds to assist Parkes CanAssist.

Peg, who has been a teacher all her life, earned the name ‘Miss Peg’ during her time at Parkes Early Childhood Centre and as director at Peak Hill, with the little ones she loved dearly.

She has been known for her many acts of charity as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at local, regional, central and state levels. During the drought period, she travelled, with her husband, ‘Mr Peg’, throughout the Diocese of Wilcannia Forbes, offering support and assistance.

Peg is also a foundation member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group.

On Saturday, 31st August, Peg, with the assistance of Janice, from Janice Hair Salon, and Adele from Adele’s Hair Salon, will have her hair cut and donated for the purpose making a wig for someone in need.

Please support Peg in her final act of kindness by donating at: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/351308/pegs-fundraiserfor-can-assist

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