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

Around 60 delegates from across the region, attended the Central West NSW Heavy Ve­hicle Breakfast Forum in Forbes, 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. The topics covered included poli­cy updates, NHVL reforms, access improve­ments, a case study on electronic braking systems, first aid, mental health and a Q & A with NSW Police.

Presenters were from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, Parkes Shire Council, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council, Air Brake Systems, NatRoad, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police.

“We recorded the forum, and the videos of each session can be viewed online in the coming weeks – keep your eyes on the Councils’ Facebook pages for details,” Ms Suitor said.

Organisers are now turning their attention to the annual Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day which will return on Thursday 30 July at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange.

There will also be Field Days held In Con­dobolin and Parkes in late August and early September. Watch this space for more in­formation.

Men’s Health Week is an important reminder for all blokes to check in on their physical and mental wellbeing and to stay connected with those around them. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at my GEIN’-A-GRIP event, which brought together community members, health professionals and sporting identities for a day focused on men’s health, connection and conversation. Through friendly competition, health information sessions and plenty of laughs, the event highlighted the positive impact that mateship, support and meaningful connections can have on our wellbeing.

Thank you  to everyone who attended, volunteered and helped make the day such a success. Together, we sent a powerful message: men’s health matters, connection matters, and no man should have to face life’s challenges alone. And a reminder, blokes – the next Mr Perfect Men’s Health BBQ is on Sunday 5 July at Cook Park, Orange and Sunday 12th July at Memorial Hill, Parkes.

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY CLOSURE CONTINUES …

Over 12,000 vehicles rely on this vital corridor every day, yet over 100 days on, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Despite almost 60,000 voters in the Orange electorate alone, the NSW Parliament ePetition has attracted just 6,362 signatures. If you’re frustrated by the ongoing disruption, now is the time to act. Sign the petition, make your voice count, and help send a clear message to the Government: Regional NSW deserves better. Sign the petition via link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/Pages/ePetition-details.aspx?q=ePgxgO_S2ZIo-lr1dUByuw

On Tuesday 16 June, Parkes Shire Council proudly welcomed nine new Australian citi­zens during a citizenship ceremony held at the Cooke Park Pavilion.

The ceremony was attended by General Manager Kent Boyd, Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, and Coun­cillors Bill Jayet, Ken McGrath and George Pratt, who joined family and friends in cele­brating this important milestone.

Introducing our newest citizens:

KOTCHAWAN GORHAM (Jye)

Jye was born in Thailand and arrived in Australia from Thailand in 2014. Jye then moved from Forbes to Parkes in August 2025. Jye lives with her husband and works in Accounts in Forbes.

BRIGITTE JAEHNE (Bridget)

Bridget was born in Germany and arrived in Australia from Hamburg in 1960 and then moved to Parkes in December 2017 from Brisbane. Bridget is living in Parkes with her husband.

WINFRIED JAEHNE (Win)

Win was born in Germany and arrived in Australia from Hamburg in 1960 and then moved to Parkes in December 2017 from Brisbane. Win is living in Parkes with his wife, Bridget; and has a daughter.

DENNIS ROUX KUUN (Dennis)

Dennis was born in South Africa and arrived in Australia from New Zealand in 2012 and moved straight to Parkes. Dennis has his mum, dad, sister and brother who immigrat­ed together. Dennis is a Process Technician for Solar Mining Services in Bogan Gate.

BRADLEY WADE McCONNELL (Wade)

Wade McConnell was born in Canada and arrived in Australia in 2007, arriving in Parkes from Dubbo in 2013. Wade and his wife, Kerrie Stewart live in Parkes with their three children – Maggie (13), John (11) and Cooper (6). Wade has worked at North­parkes since 2011.

KATHARINE JEAN CUMMINS (Kate)

Kate was born in the United States and moved to Australia in 2011, moving to Tul­lamore from Sydney in mid 2011. Kate lives in Tullamore with her partner, Chris and two children, Eliza (5) and Casey (2). Kate works as the SLSO at Tullamore Central School as well as an Educator at the Trun­dle Preschool.

LUCIENNE MAXINE McMAHON (Lucie)

Lucie was born in England and moved to Australia in 2011 from the United Kingdom, moving to Tullamore in May 2011. Lucie and her husband and three children live on a farm in between Tullamore and Fifield in the Lachlan Shire. Lucie works as a School Administration Officer at Tullamore Central School three days a week.

ANDREW MARTYN THOMAS (Andy)

Andy was born in Wales, UK and arrived in Australia on 22 June 2018 from the UK, ar­riving in Parkes in June 2024. Andy and his wife, Tracey live in Parkes. Andy’s parents, son and daughter live in the UK. Andy is working as a Technician which involves work throughout Australia but mainly in NSW.

CAMERON JAMES IVEY-DRAYTON (Cameron)

Cameron was born in Great Britain having moved to Australia from the United Kingdom in 2021, moving straight to Parkes. Camer­on has one child living with him in Parkes.

Cameron works as a Train Driver for Pacific National Parkes.

Country Hope Camp is back this Septem­ber school holidays, and preparations are well underway. Country Hope is looking for enthusiastic volunteers ready to bring fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories to some truly amazing kids.

The annual Camp supports local children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threat­ening illnesses, along with their siblings. For many, Camp offers them something won­derfully simple, time to have fun and just be a kid.

Country Hope is calling for more Camp Buddies and would especially love to see more men step up. Buddies have a special role, as they’re paired one-on-one with a child for the week, providing friendship, sup­port and encouragement every step of the way. This relationship is at the heart of what makes Camp so special.

Country Hope is currently supporting 28 children battling childhood cancer or a lifethreatening illness in our region, including kids in Dubbo, Forbes, Parkes, Mudgee, Yeoval, Wellington, Guerie, Gulgong, Coon­amble and Gulargambone.

Country Hope Chief Executive Officer Jo Esler said the ongoing need for volunteers highlights the important role a Camp Buddy plays in helping children feel supported, un­derstood and included throughout the Camp experience.”

Prospective volunteers will need to attend a training weekend in Wagga on 25–26 July, where they will learn more about the role and receive the support needed to become a Camp Buddy. Volunteers must be aged 18 years or older.

Country Hope Camp is being held Sunday 27 September to Friday 2 October at Bo­rambola Sport and Recreation Centre near Wagga. Apply to be a Camp Buddy at www.countryhope.com.au/country-hope-camp

Central West Childcare Services (CWCS), a business of Parkes Shire Council, is in­viting families, carers, staff and the broader community to take part in a survey to help guide the development of a new dedicated website.

Manager of Central West Childcare Ser­vices, Ann-Marie Winter, said the new website presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen connections with families and showcase the important work being under­taken across the service.

“We want to create a website that is wel­coming, accessible and genuinely useful for the people who rely on our services,” she said.

Parkes Shire Council proudly delivers quality, inclusive children’s services through Central West Childcare Services, which en­compasses Central West Family Day Care and Bangala-la Preschool.

Together, these services support children from birth to 12 years of age, offering early learning, family day care and out-of-schoolhours care, while helping young children build confidence, develop essential skills and prepare for school.

Community feedback will help shape a range of website content, including:

• information about staff and the role of Central West Childcare Services;

• the service’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing;

• programs and services available to fami­lies and children;

• key goals and priorities for the community;

• easier access to forms and important in­formation;

• updates and news from across the ser­vices;

• information about learning environments, including outdoor spaces; and

• affordability and accessibility of services.

Parkes Shire Council encourages all service users and interested community members to complete the survey before 30 June at: https://au.openforms.com/Form/8e7d9325-eed5-4a6f-b3f4-733aefe5a606

An exciting, interactive event is coming to Inkwood and Ivy Bookstore in Parkes on Friday, 19 July from 4 to 5pm. Katrina Nan­nestad, a multi award-winning author is hav­ing a live video chat and all interested young people are encouraged to attend. It is most suitable, (but not exclusive), for students from Yr 4 to Yr 12.

Well Known Parkes resident Rhonda Brain (Katrina’s Aunty) said “I’m 81 and I really enjoy Katrina’s books, especially her well-researched historical novels and the hysterical Red Dirt Diaries series.”

Katrina was born in Coonabarabran, NSW. At age thirteen, her family moved to Peak Hill where Katrina and brother, Neale, completed their secondary years at Peak Hill Central School. Both siblings followed their passion with Neale becoming an F/A

18 pilot with RAAF, and Katrina, becoming a successful author of young people’s novels of various genres.

In the early days of the PAINT THE TOWN REaD (formerly Birth to Kindergarten) cam­paign, Katrina produced a lot of the promo­tional resources and more recently has coproduced an updated version of the Nursery Rhymes book.

Aunty Rhonda said, “I taught Katrina in Year 6 in Coonabarabran. I tell her that all her success comes from the brilliant teach­ing she had at that time.”

Katrina Nannestad will be doing a live video call on Friday 19 June at 4pm. This is an all ages, free event. While the man­ager is organising as much room as possi­ble, you could miss out if you’re late. Also if your want to pre-order some of Katrina’s books to collect on the day, you can order through the Inkwood & Ivy website: www.inkwoodandivy.com.au/collections/katrinanannestad-australian-childrens-writer

In a new episode of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) What’s Your 20? podcast, veteran truck driver Damien Black talks candidly about his struggles with physical and mental health and how the long-haul lifestyle made it difficult to change his habits.  

Airing ahead of Men’s Health Week, the episode explores the many challenges heavy vehicle drivers face when trying to maintain good mental health and how positive physical health habits can help.  

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Sal­vati said the timing of the episode in the lead up to Men’s Health Week was perfect given the predominantly male workforce in the heavy vehicle industry. 

“We know that 98% of truck drivers are male and data shows men have a shorter life expectancy than women and die more often from preventable causes,” Mr Salvati said. 

“Working as a truck driver presents unique challenges to physical and mental health – factors like disrupted sleep schedules, isolation from family and friends, limited ac­cess to health food choices all take a toll. 

“We hope all men working in the heavy vehicle industry get something out of listen­ing to Damien’s first-hand account of how he hit rock bottom with his health and man­aged to turn things around so inspiringly.”  

Damien shares that at his lowest point  he weighed in at 116 kilograms, was strug­gling with his mental health, and not able to see a way forward in his life. 

Fast forward and Damien is running Iron­man races and sharing health and cook­ing tips on his social media channels to show truckies everywhere that the journey to change your life starts with a first step. 

And while Damien now stands as an in­spiration for anyone wanting to improve their mental and physical health, he admits it was not an easy, or fast, journey.  

The NHVR has resources to help organi­sations ensure they are taking the neces­sary steps to manage the physical and mental health of their teams at: www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/chain-of-responsibility/regulatory-advice.

Forbes Shire Council has cooked up a plan to give the old barbecues at Apex Park a second life, following their decommission­ing as part of the Park’s redevelopment.

The former BBQ shelter has come down to make way for a new, accessible shelter and modern cooking facilities. In a win for sustainability, the still-functional barbecues have been relocated to Forbes Pool, where they can continue to be enjoyed by the community and visitors.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said “It’s all part of Council’s ongoing efforts to be more sustainable and reduce waste across its projects.”

Council has also donated the decommis­sioned play equipment to the Rotary Over­seas Relocated Playgrounds Program, helping give structurally sound equipment a second life in communities across Sri Lan­ka, Nepal and Papua New Guinea.

The much-loved flying fox, accessible roundabout and nest swing has been re­tained as part of the upgrade. The existing shade sails will also remain, ensuring the park continues to provide comfort and func­tionality for families and visitors.

“We’re always looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to deliver projects, and this is a fantastic outcome,” the Mayor said.

The Apex Park redevelopment will deliver a range of new features, including:

• New play equipment featuring an impres­sive 8.7-metre tower with three slides

• Rubber soft fall surface for improved safety

• Accessible and inclusive play options, including an All-Abilities Harness Swing and a Skippy Swing

• New pathways, seating and landscaping

• New amenities block to enhance con­venience for visitors

• Improved drainage and car park facili­ties.

The project aims to enhance accessibility, improve amenities and ensure the play­ground is designed to withstand major flood events.

The redevelopment is expected to be fin­ished in time for summer. For more informa­tion about the project, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au