Pictured from L-R is Cl Niel Westcott, Phil Donato MP, Carly Fisher, Helen Westwood, Cl Marg Appelby and Cl Phyllis Miller OAM

Member for Orange Phil Donato was pleased to announce Parkes psychologist Carly Fisher and Forbes Legacy’s Helen Westwood have been added to the NSW Government’s Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. A tribute to regional and rural women volunteering in their communities, the Hid­den Treasures 2023 list recognises the crit­ical role these outstanding individuals play in their communities.

Mr Donato said: “In the case of Carly and Helen, the support they give their commu­nities in the face of adversity is particularly noteworthy when viewed through the lens of the November 2022 flood event.

“A registered psychologist and business consultant, Carly logged hundreds of hours supporting traumatised flood victims and their families in Forbes and Eugowra, pay­ing particular attention to children. There are countless other ways that Carly has used her expertise to help her community, including mentoring, supporting and coach­ing through various organisations.”

“Forbes’ Helen Westwood is a stalwart of Lachlan Legacy and although she retired from the role of office manager in 2019 af­ter many years, she continues to volunteer, giving members access to her amazing bank of knowledge.

“Helen’s husband Maurie was a long standing Legatee and Chair of Forbes Divi­sion and she has continued his work since his sudden passing in 2023. A highlight was the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay on July 31st this year.”

Since its inception in 2010, Hidden Treas­ures has recognised over 1,200 women who volunteer in regional, rural and remote NSW. Congratulations Carly and Helen.

Section of The Australia/Philippines Friendship Mural with images of the Australian wedge-tailed eagle and the Philippines national eagle.

The powerful Wiradjuri word Yindyamarra, meaning deep respect, was chosen as title of a 30m wide x 4m high mural in the Philippines.

The Australian Embassy in the Philippines commissioned the Baguio City (Phil)-Australia Friendship Mural to celebrate the strong ties between the two countries and to highlight the culture of First Nations peoples. At the official opening of the mural was the original Ub Ubbo Exchange song Echoes, which was produced by Parkes man Jason Murchie.

Sean James Cassidy, Director of Ub Ubbo Exchange Australian Chapter, helped develop the connections for this project. In a letter to Cassidy, the Australian Ambassador HK Yu in the Philippines wrote, “I am pleased to have learnt about your continuing work with Lope Bosaing on Ub Ubbo Exchange. The Ambassador also extended her respect and special thanks to Wiradjuri Elders Robert Clegg and Geoff Anderson and indigenous artist and mentor Irene Ridgeway, for their invaluable contribution to this mural.”

Ub Ubbo Exchange has worked to promote indigenous and non-indigenous collaborations through the arts. Their philosophy of diverse cultural energies growing through mutual empowerment has been embodied in cultural exchanges, particularly between regional Australia and northern Philippines.

“It is great that we can work with people we might never meet for the benefit of people yet to be born,” said Geoff Anderson, president of the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group.

“Having this mural named Yindyamarra is a wonderful thing to happen for the Wiradjuri people.”

Ben recently visited Brewarrina alongside Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell and Jack Wighton. Representing the Win­marra foundation founded by Latrell, the boys spent time engaging with the local community and assisting at-risk youth.

Former Parkes Spacemen and current South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett has been nominated for the The Ken Ste­phen Medal – Man of the Year, which rec­ognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects. A player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth develop­ment or community support.

The 2024 Ken Stephen Medal – Man of the Year nominees form the NRL Commu­nity Team of the Year. Fans have the chance to vote for their favourite nominee and we are urging everyone to vote for former Parkes local Ben Lovett who was selected as a nominee from South Sydney Rabbi­tohs. Souths have won the award for the last two years, in 2023 with Latrell Mitchell and in 2022 with Cody Walker. Lets help Ben make it three in a row

Ben had this to say about being nomi­nated: “I’m honoured to be nominated for an award that represents something bigger than football. Giving back to the community and inspiring kids to achieve their dreams has always been my passion.

“I am grateful for Parkes, the Spacemen and the Rabbitohs for giving me the plat­form to make a difference, and for their sup­port throughout.”

To vote for Ben go to: www.nrl.com/com­munity/awards/ken-stephen-medal/