General Interest Archives - Page 59 of 351

Parkes Celebrates Sustainable Creativity

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

This community art exhibition and competition, open to all residents of the NetWaste region, challenges perceptions about ‘rubbish’ and celebrates the creative potential of waste.

This year, 14 Councils participated in the Waste2Art competition, with the winning artworks from local exhibitions across the region now on display in the Coventry Room at Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre.

The exhibition showcases the innovation and creativity of artists of all ages, from preschool and school-aged children, to community groups and professional artists.

Parkes Shire residents made a significant mark on this year’s competition, taking home several awards. We proudly congratulate Michelle Hazelton, who was awarded the overall Waste2Art winner for her intricate artwork, Entomology Collection.

Overall, 30 winners and 19 highly commended awards were announced, showcasing the immense talent and commitment to sustainability within the region.

Waste 2 Art encourages individuals, schools, and community groups to reuse materials that would otherwise be discarded, transforming them into thought-provoking art pieces. This year’s theme focused on packaging, inspiring participants to repurpose materials like paper, cardboard, tin, and plastic into unique works of art, diverting them from landfill and giving them a second life.

The Waste2Art initiative offers an innovative approach to waste education, providing both aspiring and professional artists with a platform to explore and share their messages about waste reduction. As part of the opening ceremony, the theme for the 2025 competition was revealed: The Year of Toys.

The Waste2Art Regional Showcase is proudly sponsored by Sims Metal, NetWaste, and Parkes Shire Council. The exhibition will be open until 31st August at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre, so head along and check out some of the amazing talent in our region.

Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The recent “Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day” held at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange was a success with approximately 60 people attending.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network, NSW Police, SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers and the Australian Custom Harvesters Association.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said anecdotal feedback from attendees on the day was very positive.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period. Thanks to Forbes Machinery Centre, Hutcheon and Pearce, O’Connors, Bob Wythes, Luke Magill and Nina Hooper who were very generous in loaning equipment for the display.”

If you missed the field day, there will be free satellite events:

• Tuesday 27 August: Tottenham War Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Wednesday 28 August: Parkes Show Farmer’s Day 1.30pm – 3.45pm (please note: you will be required to pay the gate admission)

• Thursday 29 August: Wirrinya Community Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Friday 30 August: Bogan Gate Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

John Anderson AC In Parkes

August 22, 2024 By Lynn Rogers

Fr Barry Dwyer, MC Lynn Rogers, Fran Scurfield and John Anderson AC FTSE.

The Parkes Holy Family Parish hosted a Spirituality in the Pub event on Friday 16th August at the Parkes Services Club, where 160 people filled the Starlight Room to hear John Anderson address the topic, “Does the West Need a Spiritual Reawakening?”.

John Anderson, who served as Deputy Prime Minister, back in the Howard government; spent 10 years in cabinet and walked away from politics with the deep respect of his colleagues on both sides of the house.

John Howard once stated, “I have not met a person with greater integrity in public life” than John Anderson.”

He currently farms on the family property whilst also being active in his podcast series and YouTube conversations, various directorships, public speaking, and in the not-for-profit sector. He is a sought-after speaker in Australia and abroad.

John is concerned about political and public life, and now sees our biggest challenge is that of cultural breakdown. From the audience comments it is obvious that many people agree that our social structures have been crumbling. The Western world is plagued by self-doubt and confusion regarding our values and beliefs.

There is a fear that we are losing our freedoms, safety, security and community spirit. People need community. We are not meant to ‘do life’ on our own. It was obvious from the audience enthusiasm and applause, that we are all looking for people to speak up and speak out about the issues that affect our daily lives. People want truth and open debate and the freedom to express themselves with dignity and reasonable argument.

For those who are interested, readers can find John Anderson Conversations on YouTube, (and also on Podcasts) where he has interviewed an amazing number of critical thinking people on a range of topics that concern us all.

By Lynn Rogers

“the Magic Of Reading” Parkes Annual Community Reading Day

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Children (and adults) enjoying one of the many activities that were held last year for Reading Day.

In line with this year’s book to be featured in the National Book Week, th Paint Parkes REaD committee chose a magical Reading Day.

Excitement among the organising committee continues to grow as news of the wonderful, community-minded, local Talents have once again so readily accepted the invitation to participate.

The committee is delighted to announce the participation of the outstanding storyteller and decorator, Martina Hribar, courtesy of Penrith Council Library. Martina will operate in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Martina was a major contributor to the 9th National Conference held in Parkes last year, providing one of the activities in the main street with her “suitcase fairy tales”, Martina created the most extraordinary display in the auditorium and foyer at the RSL, much to the delight of the Governor General and Lady Hurley who sat in a small teepee and read.

Another added attraction is that of Pooka the Entertainer from Dubbo who will be performing “magic” tricks, referencing reading and its importance. Pooka will be holding shows in an open-sided tent near the astronaut in the park.

On the 23rd of August, performances will be held in Cooke Park, the pavilion and in Clarinda Street, from Discount Dave’s to the park, the Reading Bug invites you all to come along.

Coordinator, Shonel Redfern from Neighbourhood Central, said “It is so gratifying to see our towns commitment to promoting the need to read, sing, talk and rhyme to children from birth.”

Time Is Running Out To Complete Your Farm Census

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Time is running out for NSW farmers to report their livestock numbers and agricultural land use before the annual land and stock return portal closes on 31 August.

Local Land Services Executive Director Regional Delivery Rob Kelly said around 170,000 land managers were taking part in the 2024 farm census.

“This is the last chance farmers have to lodge returns before the reporting portal closes,” Mr Kelly said.

“Understanding what landholders use their land for also plays a role influencing the fit-for-purpose services we deliver to our NSW farming customers.”

Completing returns is an easy process, with two options available, you can submit returns online via www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or return the paper form via mail or to a Local Land Services office.

Mr Kelly said it was important all landholders completed their annual land and stock return even if they carried no livestock.

“The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to their next rates notice if they fail to complete their return.”

For information visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or phone a Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.

Donation To Havannah House

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Jenny Watts, Mark Watts, Julie Virtue from Havannah House, Alistair Lunn and Amy Slessor.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show has donated $1,000 to Havannah House in Forbes to assist with their 2024 Christmas Lunch, which they provide for the less fortunate people that live in our community.

Pastor Julie Virtue received the cheque this year and thanked the committee members in attendance for the continued support.

Organisers have received a great response to entries for this year’s show, with 585 wines entered from 99 wineries. Judging taking place from Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st August.

The Public Tasting is on Friday 23rd August from 6.30pm at The Forbes Town Hall. All the wines entered will be available for patrons to taste and finger food will be provided. Tickets are $30 per person. The annual Gourmet Wine Dinner will be held on Saturday 21 September from 7pm at the Forbes Town Hall.Tickets are $130 per person. If you buy both tickets in one transaction, the bundle is $150 per person. Tickets are available online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wineshow but get in quick as they are limited.

Honouring Our Vietnam Veterans

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Veterans and community members celebrating the 50th anniversary of Long Tan at the Vietnam War Memorial in Parkes in 2016.

Each year on 18th August we commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day and remember the service of some 60,000 Australians across Army, Navy and Air Force. It is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War and their loved ones.

Commemorated every year on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the largest engagements by Australian forces during the war. An ‘encounter’ battle where 18 Australians were killed and a further 24 wounded.

Vietnam Veterans Day provides the space to remember all those who fought and reflect on the impact of their service.

Originating as Long Tan Day, following the raising of a cross by the men of 6RAR on August 18th, 1969, at the site of the battle, this day now marks not only the commitment of D Company, 6RAR, in their defence of the Task Force Base at Nui Dat in 1966, but for the service and support of all Vietnam veterans.

With the official keeper of Australia’s war record, the Australian War Memorial, making the dates for the war as 1962 to 1975, the length of the war and the impact on those who served and their families is profoundly felt, both emotionally and physically.

We are proud to thank veterans and their families for their service, this years service will take place this Sunday 18th August and the President and Members of the Parkes RSL Sub Branch wish to extend an invitation to all serving and ex-service men and women and to all the people of Parkes to participate in and support Vietnam Veterans Day which will be held at the Vietnam Memorial, Anzac Drive, Parkes to the commemorative Service commencing at 11am.

The event is being co-sponsored by the Parkes Shire Council.

Consultation On $40 Million Dollar Central West Housing Program Wraps Up

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Over 300 residents from across the Central West region have participated in community engagement sessions, facilitated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which were held across the Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Cabonne Shires over three weeks, giving residents the opportunity to view flood risk information, hear about proposed measures to make their homes more flood resilient and talk directly with flood experts about how new flood maps were developed.

Residents were encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed approach for the Program, with many supporting measures that will help them minimise future flood damage to their property.

Support services, including Legal Aid, Red Cross, Lifeline and Catholic Care, were also on hand to help residents navigate the more complex challenges many still face.

The Central West’s Resilient Homes Program aims to build stronger, safer communities with measures that help households most at risk from future floods.

Proposed measures include grants for a range of resilience measures, such as raising and retrofitting, home rebuilds and home relocations and a voluntary scheme to buy back properties in the highest flood risk zones.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said “Nothing will ever undo the damage caused by the 2022 floods, but we can make sure that we’re better prepared for future disasters. Community information sessions are one way we can empower residents to have a say about a program that will have a profound effect on their future.”

Parenting Survey Reveals Overwhelming Concern For Kids

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

This National Bullying No Way Week (12th-16th August), Triple P is reminding the community to help children stay safer online and stop cyberbullying before it impacts children.

Carol Markie-Dadds, Triple P International Country Director, highlighted the urgency of this issue, noting Triple P’s largest-ever survey of parents and carers found 8 out of 10 parents are concerned about keeping children safe from online dangers like cyberbullying.

“Bullying, whether it’s online through text or social media, or in person, has a significant impact on children’s emotional and physical health, and puts children at greater risk of mental health concerns, like anxiety or depression,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au

Phil Donato Visits The Hars Parkes Aviation Museum

August 8, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Member for Orange Mr Phil Donato MP pictured being led on a tour of the HARS Aviation Museum in Parkes.

The HARS Parkes Aviation Museum welcomed Member for Orange Mr Phil Donato MP last Thursday to see museum progress and to view plans to construct a world class aviation museum in the central west.

Mr Donato said about his visit “Last week I made a return visit to this unique tourist attraction. Mike De La Hunty and his volunteer crew do an amazing job with the wide display of aircraft, aviation artifacts and memorabilia.”

The collection of aircraft and aviation related items continues to grow and with plans to house the aircraft in a purpose built structure to protect them from the elements, and ensure the aircraft be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Of particular interest to Mr Donato was the participation of Parkes High School students, who for the past 8 years have undertaken a full range of activities that will assist them in their eventual move into the workforce. Over the years the students have participated in the reassembly of aircraft, preparation for painting, mechanical work, carpentry and general upkeep of the museum.

The museum is looking forward to the arrival of two Bofors anti-aircraft guns that have been refurbished and will go on display. The Bofors anti-aircraft gun was widely manufactured and used by Commonwealth countries during WW2. Some were built in Australia and used in Darwin, New Guinea and Tobruk.

The HARS Aviation Museum is located at Parkes airport, open Thursdays and Sundays.

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