General Interest Archives - Page 60 of 351

John Anderson, AC, Speaking In Parkes

August 8, 2024 By Roxane Manley

A rare opportunity has presented itself to hear John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister, speak in Parkes. John will be speaking on the topic “Does the West Need a Spiritual Reawakening?” on Friday, 16th August from 6pm – 7.15pm at the Parkes Services Club.

Since leaving politics John is internationally known for his conversations with leaders, public figures, and thinkers around the world. With over 203 million views on YouTube, and over 600,000 subscribers, John discusses the social, cultural and political landscape we live in today.

Are you concerned about the state of the world? Do you wonder what the future holds for your children in our western society? This event will clarify your thinking with John’s common sense, reasoning and incisive spiritual and social wisdom for the future.

These events are held in pubs/clubs as they are casual get-togethers where people buy a drink, hear an inspirational speaker, stay on for conversation and some even stay for dinner. All are welcome to this free event hosted by Holy Family Parish, Parkes.

RSVP to Lynn at 0439 934 667 lynnandwayne@bigpond.com.

Why Is Parkes Que So Successful?

August 8, 2024 By Pam Nankivell

Enjoying time together at the Hong Loch were Dina White, Karen Ritchie, Jo Burke, Miriam Luyt, Wendy Neville, Margaret Robinson, Judy Chambers, Cathy Clarke, Janet O’Donoghue, Kay Craft, Pam Nankivell and Nancye Blatch.

Susan Ball made these beautiful bags which were filled by Cathy Clarke, Jeanine Boland, Miriam Luyt, Jill Crisp, Fran Dixon and Wendy Neville.

Parkes Que is a highly successful club for many reasons, not least of which is that we always seek to do our community work really well, and coupled with the satisfaction from helping others, we have a lot of fun and enjoyment working and playing together.

In the last month, as well as progressing our 29th September Open Gardens arrangements, several members got together to fill some Domestic Violence kits to give to the police for the women who flee their homes, often with only the clothes on their backs.

These are greatly appreciated by the recipients, but how much better it would be if they were not necessary. We need good men and women to call out this bad behaviour, to educate boys to respect and treat girls as equals, not as their property, and to advise girls to leave a marriage immediately if their partner physically or mentally mistreats them. With a woman being killed every four days this year by a present or former partner, we have to change this culture fast.

On a happier note, some of us Que-ties enjoyed a delicious Chinese meal together, no work , just a delightful couple of hours on a Saturday to relax, chat and laugh together.

There are so many members of varying talents, skills and interests that together we can achieve so much that we couldn’t do on our own. It is pressure free, but most members do quite a lot as we find that the more we put into Que, the better our lives become.

Want to know more? Find us on Facebook or call us on 0407 894 498. New members are always welcome.

By Pam Nankivell

Put Tradies Health First This August

August 8, 2024 By Roxane Manley

August is Tradie Health Month, which SafeWork NSW says is the perfect time for tradies to review and speak up about any work health and safety (WHS) concerns to ensure they can have a long and healthy career.

Young tradies need appropriate training, support and supervision. From 2017-2021, approximately 20 percent of incidents reported to SafeWork NSW were the result of an injury to a young worker. Just last month, a 19-year-old cabinetry apprentice fell approximately three meters in a stair void, breaking his ribs.

Construction businesses must ensure they are creating environments where workers are protected and where young tradies receive the correct training, supervision and are empowered to speak up.

For young workers, SafeWork’s message is that if you are not sure about something, stop and check – it’s the safe way, or no way. If you see something that isn’t safe on a worksite and are worried about raising it, you can speak up anonymously using the Speak Up Save Lives app.

SafeWork has also developed a Young Worker eToolkit for employees and workers, containing tips and training materials about work safety rights and responsibilities.

Ten years ago I fell in love with a farmer who lived near Yeoval

August 8, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Ten years ago I fell in love with a farmer who lived near Yeoval. As a fresh-faced Physiotherapist, I had concerns about what this new location could mean for my career.

I remember a conversation with an elderly gentleman, “Where is Yeoval?” He asked.

“The middle of nowhere,” I quipped with an impending sense of doom. “It’s about an hour from Dubbo, Parkes, and an hour and a bit from Orange.”

His eyes crinkled into a smile, he looked at me, then slowly said, “Well that sounds to me like it’s in the middle of everywhere..”

I thought about that comment often, then a few years later I decided to start my own business. I traveled to each of the surrounding towns, spending one day a week in each. Working out of GP clinics, church halls and client homes, slowly building my business. I started to employ other allied health professionals in these locations, working alongside me to meet the healthcare needs of these regional locations. Cuphalf-full people who loved a challenge, and grew the business, constantly coming up with ideas to deliver high quality healthcare, inspiring me with their passion and drive.

Today, Kerin Health proudly services a 800km diameter across the Central West, with outreach teams going even further to locations like Tottenham and Lake Cargelligo.

I wonder what would have happened if I didn’t change my perspective. If that lovely man didn’t gently remind me to seize the opportunity, not be blinded by the obstacle.

And to surround myself with people who did the same.

I don’t know where he is now. But I hope he’s smiling.

Interested in knowing more about what services we offer? Contact us today or check out our website. www.kerinhealth.com.au

Get To Know “get Glossed”

August 8, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Thomas and Aimey Ward with their two children Reggie and Josie.

Parkes locals Tom and Aimey Ward opened their business Get Glossed Detailing in June 2020 with an aim to deliver a modern detailing service to the Parkes community. “We wanted to show people that there’s a whole different level of detailing out there. Tom has always been passionate about showing people the right way to take care of their cars,” said Aimey Ward.

“Detailing is a skills-based industry, with knowledge, experience, techniques and product quality all having an impact on the overall quality of work produced and we strive to keep all these points at the highest possible standards.”

Three years ago, Get Glossed Detailing was recognised as an accredited detailer by ‘Gtechniq’ a world leader in Vehicle Protection Products, gaining access to their limited use paint protection.

“In the wrong hands these products could be detrimental to someone’s paint, they’re not something that’s available to the public. We feel very fortunate that our training and experience have allowed this highly renowned brand to become available to us,” said Aimey.

Thanks to the support of the Parkes community, the business has exceeded Tom and Aimey’s expectations, allowing them to recently start operating full-time. They offer a variety of detailing services, but are particularly passionate about paint protection and educating clients about correct maintenance techniques. When Tom and Aimey aren’t detailing, they’re spending time with their two children.

Five year old Reggie says he’d love to run Get Glossed one day! You can find Get Glossed Detailing on Facebook to view their work or contact 0437 963 512 or info@getglosseddetailing.com.au

Waste 2 Art Regional Competition And Exhibition

August 8, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is excited to be hosting the Waste 2 Art Regional Competition and Exhibition, opening this Saturday the 10th of August at 10:30am.

Over 120 winning artworks from the 14 councils, ranging from Broken Hill to Lithgow, that participated in this year’s Waste 2 Art will be on exhibit.

Waste 2 Art is a community art exhibition and competition open to all residents of the NetWaste region, showcasing creative works made from reused waste materials.

The aim is to challenge peoples’ perceptions about ‘rubbish’ and to celebrate the reuse and recycling of waste through arts and crafts.

Waste 2 Art provides an innovative approach to waste education, invites individuals, schools and community groups to take up the challenge and create a new life for materials that would otherwise have been thrown away or considered useless. Over the years many materials have been used, items like soft plastics, tin cans, bottle tops, plastic bags, parts from rusty farm machinery, scrap metal, and bread tags. The options are limitless. Instead of ending up in landfill, these waste materials can be turned into incredible works of art.

This competition gives aspiring and professional artists the chance to explore and share their “waste reduction message”. A specific waste item is featured as part of Waste to Art each round to highlight problem issues, and this year is the Year of Packaging.

Everyone is invited to attend the opening where winners will be announced, and refreshments served. Bookings for the opening can be made through the following link https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art

CWA Breaking Down Rural Isolation

August 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes, Forbes, Canowindra, Eugowra and Forbes Evening CWA Branches attending a combined lunch at Eugowra Bowling Club.

With the growing numbers of mental health issues in our communities we need to think of ways we can support each other. One simple way to do this is to provide opportunities for social gatherings where people can connect with each other and reduce the feelings of isolation.

In fact, one of the important aims of the Country Women’s Association of NSW is to reduce the isolation of women in rural, regional and remote communities.

That’s exactly what happened on Saturday 27th July, when members from five local CWA branches met at Eugowra Bowling Club for a social get together.

CWA members came from Parkes, Forbes, Forbes Evening Branches in the Oxley Group and from Canowindra and Eugowra in the Central Western CWA Group.

The lunch was organised in response to the success of last year’s morning tea generously sponsored by the Virtual CWA Branch as a thank you to Forbes, Forbes Evening and Eugowra CWA members for their efforts in supporting these communities following the devastating floods of 2022.

This 2024 gathering was expanded to include Canowindra and Parkes, as they too, were adversely affected by the same flooding.

The day also provided a wonderful opportunity to surprise Shirley Heinzel of Eugowra Branch with a Life Membership.

Jan Kerr, CWA State Vice President from Canowindra Branch presented Shirley with a certificate and badge to acknowledge the tireless work she has done for her community and the CWA since joining in the 1950s.

Regional Connections Up In The Air

August 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The NSW Opposition is calling on the State and Federal Labor Governments to ensure regional communities won’t be cut off after REX Airlines went into administration.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it’s the second regional carrier facing the possibility of collapse, after Bonza suspended operations in April.

“This news is very concerning and will have a flow on effect for anyone who lives and works in the bush,” Mr Saunders said.

“Being a regional MP, I’m one of the seven million Australians that relies on companies like REX to access the services we need.”

“The Premier needs to pick up the phone to his federal counterparts and make sure there’s a clear plan to mitigate the impact this will have on our communities.”

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport Dave Layzell said the move could impact connections between the most remote parts of NSW and the rest of the State.

“Around 2.5 million people fly with REX every year,for work trips, to see loved ones or tgo on holidays,” Mr Layzell said.

“It’s also played a role in freight and the aerial transport of medical personnel and patients.”

Two Young Trundle Girls Say Thank You

August 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Matilda and Bailey all set up selling their bracelets.

Parkes Can Assist has received a donation of $379 from two young girls, Matilda and Bailey from Trundle. The girls had a twofold plan to honour their Pop and say “thank you” to Can Assist for the financial support their Pop received from Can Assist during his illness. The girls took the initiative to make and sell bracelets to raise the money.

Can Assist are very proud of Matilda and Bailey and thank them for their support of our organisation. We also thank the people of Trundle who supported the girls in purchasing the bracelets. Well done girls.

Fund raising is critical to the success of Can Assist to financially support local people with cancer.The Parkes Branch operates a shop at 33 Court Street that is entirely supported by community donations.

Our very generous and supportive communities keep us supplied with a vast array of items needed to run a household including fine china, collectables, jewellery, books, electrical and the best supplier of craft and haberdashery supplies. Household furniture is available at our shop at the showground. Purchasing second-hand items is sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

Can Assist has a team of wonderful volunteers who cater and coordinate wakes, run Bingo, street stalls and raffles.

Can Assist couldn’t operate without our fantastic volunteers and all the work they do. We are always looking for volunteers in all our three fund raising areas. A special call out to any men who have some spare time and can volunteer for 4 hours a day one or two per week. Drop into the furniture shed or our shop for more information. Can Assist opens Tuesday to Friday 9am–1pm, and Saturdays 9am–12.30pm.

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

August 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Have you seen the Parkes Trishaw getting around town with happy passengers?

Neighbourhood Central’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is teaming up with Cycling Without Age, Parkes Trishaw, to help continue reducing social isolation for the elderly in Parkes.

Most locals would be familiar with the sight of the Parkes Trishaw taking passengers sightseeing around our beautiful town. Cycling Without Age is a not-for-profit charity that connects those no longer able to ride for themselves with the Parkes community, by providing free rides on trishaw ebikes, piloted by amazing volunteer cyclists.

The aim is to bring something to the elderly that they may no longer be able to do, all while creating meaningful friendships.

The ACVVS is a free program that supports volunteer visits to provide friendship and companionship to older people. Visits are available to anyone receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Package (HCP) services who are socially isolated or lonely. This includes care recipients approved or on the National Priority System.

ACVVS accepts referrals from aged care service providers, health professionals, family members and friends. Older people can also refer themselves. While the program excludes those accessing services from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), we have all bases covered, as Neighbourhood Central can help through our Social Support (Individual and Group) aged care services.

Neighbourhood Central are also in need of more volunteers across both Parkes and Forbes. If you would like to brighten the days of older people as a valued volunteer, you are invited to join us as we bring this opportunity to those who need a visitor. If you would like any further information, to request a visitor, or know of someone who would benefit from this service, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Brooke at Neighbourhood Central on phone: 1300 810 771 or email: admin@ncentral.org.au

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