General Interest Archives - Page 70 of 351

MHERV Van In Parkes

March 7, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The original MHERV caravan which was used – Pictured in Nyngan.

In 2008, Rotarian Tony Mackenzie began discussions with the General Manager of Western District Hospital in Mudgee, Joy Adams, about the incidence of late presenting, among rural men.

It was decided to try to screen middle aged and older men in NSW rural communities to see if simple tests could identify men’s health issues earlier, thereby bringing them to a doctor before otherwise treatable conditions became too serious.

With Joy’s help and that of Registered Nurse Andrew Whale, Rotary began by borrowing an old caravan, which they took to towns in the western districts of NSW.

The “mherv” project is organized by Rotary and over the past five years it is estimated that over 450 lives have been saved because of these free basic health checks.

The Registered Nurse is happy to take your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels; and have a general quick chat about your health.

“mherv” sees around 3,500 patients each year and it is no surprise how many males have undetected symptoms. Around 40% require following up with a GP.

Project leader Adrian Payne says, “While men are our key target as we don’t want them dropping dead in the paddock, ladies are also welcome.”

Mens’ Health Education Rural Van (mherv) | www.mherv.com.au | mherv9670@gmail.com Rotary kindly acknowledges the support of the NSW Department of Health and Electrodry in making this free service possible.

“mherv” is in town as follows:

Dates:
• Monday 25 March 2024 9:30 to 3:30• Tuesday 26 March 2024 9:30 to 3:30

Location:
• The Little Theatre, 34 Bogan Street, Parkes

Cost: Free

Does Your Community Group Need Help Applying For A Grant?

March 7, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured at the Parkes Mens Shed are some of its members. The Mens Shed is located at the Parkes Showground.

We recently visited the Parkes Mens Shed to see them presented with a brand new AED, a device that uses electricity to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. We chatted to Ron Fewings who’s been a member since 2011, he has help positions in the group from President, to a worker and he is now the secretary. Ron said “We had an AED but it was beyond its use by date. We approached Maggi Barnard at the Parkes Shire Council, we told her we needed a new defibrillator and she organised everything and we were lucky to receive a grant from AMSA which is the Australian Mens Shed Association.”

Maggi Barnard from PSC said “In my role as the Community Grants Officer at Parkes Shire Council it is very rewarding to be able to assist community groups with successful grant applications. The role of the Parkes Men’s Shed in the mental and social wellbeing of our community, especially men, is vitally important. To have a new defibrillator permanently installed at the shed will further enhance the experience of its members by providing a safe and secure environment.

I would like to encourage community groups in our shire to contact me if they need funding for projects as I can help them with the grant application process. My contact details: grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au or 0491 280 136.

Thanks For Cleaning Up Our Towns

March 7, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured are students at The Learning Ladder in Forbes and cadets from Parkes HQ brigade.

More than 21 million Aussies have participated in Clean Up Australia activities and events over the past three decades.

What was started over thirty years ago, by an “average Australian” who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard has now become the nation’s largest community-based environmental event.

Of course, Australia’s environmental challenges can’t be solved in just one day, so Clean Up Australia works with community, government and businesses to provide practical solutions to help us all live more sustainably every day of the year.

Rhiannon Shell from The Learning Ladder in Forbes told us “On Friday the 1st of March the children and educators at The Learning Ladder in Forbes participated in Clean up Australia Day. All the children put on their gloves and ventured outside to begin picking up any rubbish they could find.”

The Parkes HQ brigade organised troops for 2024 Clean-up Australia Day. They were joined by some local community members who assisted the junior and senior members and they took 2 trailer loads of rubbish to the tip.

Jack McGrath from Parkes HQ brigade wanted to send a shoutout to “Parkes Shire Council for their support and to Kenny McGrath-Parkes, Shire Councillor, for the lend of his trailer and for assisting on the day.

To all the kids who are not yet old enough to help out with this fantastic event, we appreciate you coming and checking out our new appliance. It was great to be in the community today.”

Danielle McDonald Named Parkes Sportsperson Of The Year

February 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonal pictured after being awarded Parkes Sportsperson of the Year for 2023.

Parkes teen Danielle McDonald was deservingly named Parkes Sportsperson of the year for 2023, and it comes as no surprise as Danielle has been consistently at the top of her sport, racing both Offroad and Motocross.

Danielle came back from Argentina with a Silver medal after competing for Australia alongside teammates Jessica Gardiner and Tayla Jones, in the 2023 International Six Day Enduro, she also won national titles in junior motocross. Danielle now adds a fulltime campaign in the Ezilift WMX class along with her AORC commitments. Danielle being one of a few who competes in both disciplines, offroad and motocross.

Danielle recently competed in Wonthaggi, VIC, in her first Senior Women’s race and was thrilled to come away with the win, Danielle saying “Super happy to claim the win at the AMX Open down in Wonthaggi ‘’.

The main focus lately has been training, but in 2 weeks time Danielle and her team head up to Roma, QLD, to compete in the AORC, and then a week after that she heads back down to Wonthaggi to compete in the ProMX Series;

With so much time spent travelling, we asked Danielle what she misses about home, she said “I miss my friends and just doing friend things, I miss my dogs and just the comforts of home”. Danielle also went on to say about her parents “They are a major part of what I do, they are the ones who got me where I am, so a big thanks to them”.

$1 million For School Environmental Projects

February 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The grants offer primary schools and early learning centres the opportunity to apply for up to $1,000.

Woolworths, in partnership with Landcare Australia, is offering over a million dollars in grants to schools and early learning centres for more Aussie kids to get involved in outdoor learning projects. Schools across Parkes Shire are encouraged to apply for the latest round of grants.

The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants support projects with a focus on sustainable food production, improving waste management or enhancing native habitats. Last year, Tower Street Public School in New South Wales used its grant to create a ‘Crunch and Sip’ garden, where students selected in-season fruits and vegetables to plant, helped design the garden beds and plant the seedlings.

Woolworths Parkes Shire Store Manager, Kerrie Kennedy, said: “The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is all about supporting fun and engaging learning experiences that can help younger generations connect with natural environments.

“Our store team across Parkes Shire have been proud to connect with local schools who have previously been awarded a grant. It’s been great to hear how the funding has helped enhance local school communities and support students as they get outdoors and learn more about the local environment.”

Dr Shane Norrish, CEO of Landcare Australia, said: “Being outdoors in the natural environment has positive benefits for the mental health and wellbeing of children.

“The partnership between Woolworths and Landcare Australia has enabled hundreds of educators an opportunity to provide meaningful environmental education programs. These programs offer experiences that are helping children learn how they can care for the land and be the next generation of Landcare leaders.”

Applications for the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program are now open. Visit www.juniorlandcare.org.au.

Parkes Mayor Addresses Bypass Concerns

February 29, 2024 By Mayor, Neil Westcott

There has been a lot said regarding the future of the Parkes Bypass. I have been in continual contact with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), including the Minister, and consequently I have no concern about the complete delivery of the bypass, including the Victoria Street Bridge.

The negative media on this project is at best mischievous. In my view TfNSW have done a great job consulting with the public then amending the design to address concerns. There is always compromise and construction impacts, and the occurrence of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) was very unfortunate, but no one’s fault.

There are around 1200 trucks a day on Bogan Street, that is nearly 1 per minute, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, and by all predictions that is set to double.

Council worked with TfNSW, ensuring a seamless access to Parkes from both ends of the bypass and creating a convenient central entry point at the Condobolin Road intersection. This guarantees smooth passage for travellers eager to explore our town, not just pass through. Council is actively developing plans for the western entry route, further enhancing accessibility and inviting visitors to delve deeper into Parkes’ unique offerings. We’re transforming into a sought-after destination rather than a pitstop along the way.

Once the bypass is finished, it presents Parkes with an opportunity to become a thriving destination for highway travellers, offering quiet accommodation, pubs, clubs, eateries, shops, a strong service sector, clever agile businesses and a welcoming community.

For more information

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/work-continuing-on-fully-funded-parkes-bypass-project

Mayor, Neil Westcott

Tracie Robertson Representing The Region For A Third Term

February 23, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Tracie Robertson who most know as the Principle of Ray White in Parkes.

Regional Development Australia Central West have just recently announced its new Committee members.

Joining the Committee are Ricky Puata, Deputy Director, Regional Coordination & Delivery for the Department of Regional NSW; Owen Williams Director at ASIR Pty Ltd; Eleanor Falkiner non- executive Director of Haddon Rig and co-owner of Boridgeree; Therese Herbert of Gundamain Pastoral Co and Joshua Devitt, Chief Engineer – IPWEA NSW & ACT.

Returning Committee member, and Parkes local Tracie Robertson said “I was honoured to be appointed to the board for RDA Central West back in 2018 by the then Chair and ex local, Christine Weston nee Freebairn and am now in my third term and 7th year or representation. It was humbling to join a long admired friend on the board, the late Cr John Magill, and to follow the late Robert Wilson OAM. Parkes has been well represented in the past and I am committed to my role on the board to ensure we have continued strong representation for the Parkes Shire and other areas where my business operates including Forbes, Condobolin and West Wyalong.

“The board is made of 11 community leaders from business and government sectors, each from a different part of the Central West and in varied industries. We work across 3 levels of government and assist with important programs to our region, such as skilled migration visa’s, youth mentorship programs and innovations to promote new thinking and partnerships across government, industry and community to help realise the regions vision and economic potential.”

Parkes Leagues Club To The Rescue

February 23, 2024 By Roxane Manley

President Karen Ritchie, Leagues Club Manager, Dave Brennan, IWD Coordinator, Wendy Neville, Committee member, Pat McCallum .

The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix published a request from Parkes Que Club for help to finance their International Women’s Day luncheon. This year the Club missed out on the $1000 grant which helps keep the costs of the event low. On the day the request was published, the co-ordinator of the event, Wendy Neville, received a phone call with an amazing offer from the Leagues Club. They would fund the whole $1000 shortfall! A huge thank you to Manager, Dave Brennan and his committee.

Dave spotted the story regarding the Parkes Que Club seeking community support and Dave said “I was disappointed to read that the Que club was unsuccessful in receiving a grant for delegates to attend the event and I was instantly compelled to make a phone call and support the group, without hesitation. It brings us great pride to assist our local community and endorse the valuable contributions of the Que club”.

Additional donations came in from Elders Real Estate and Bartley’s Barkers, as well as some individual donations.

Thank you to the amazing people of Parkes who support our town and especially our not-for-profit Club which raises money to support our local community.

This funding also allows us to pay for two senior students and a teacher from three local high schools to attend. Two wonderful guest speakers have been lined up in Tracy Hambridge, BAppSci(Nut), MNutDiet who is coming from Canberra and Janna Flanagan from the local Elders Real Estate business.

Our entertainment this year is from Adrian Day and the local Filipino Australian Choir. For the first time we have invited four local artisans to display and sell their produce and products and we are excited that Susan Maddison’s mosaics, Mel McIntyres craft/art, Kiki’s Candles, and Tumbling Downs Olives will be at the luncheon.

Add to all of that a raffle and lucky door prizes and the event is set for a wonderful afternoon around this year’s International Women’s Day theme which is “Inspire Inclusion”.

Tickets which are selling fast are available to purchase online from www.123tix.com.au/events

Parkes Que Club Needs Your Help

February 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Models from the wedding parade from the 2023 International Women’s Day luncheon.

International Women’s Day is fast approaching, and the Parkes Que Club is once again organising their annual luncheon. The club normally receives a grant that covers entertainment and provides tickets for two students and a teacher from Parkes High School, Parkes Christian School and Red Bend Catholic College to attend the luncheon. The club were unsuccessful with their application so are now calling on the community to help.

Parkes Que Club President, Karen Ritchie said “The International Women’s Day luncheon is run as a not-for-profit event and the $1000 grant meant that we could cover costs and keep ticket prices low.”

“We would love local businesses to help. If four businesses each donated $250 we would be able to cover our costs. We are also seeking donations for our fundraising raffle” added Karen.

This year’s luncheon local guest speakers are Tracey Hambridge BAPPSCI (Nut) NNUTDIET (Dietician) and Janna Flanagan from Elder’s Real Estate Parkes.

Entertainment from Parkes based Filipino Australian Community Choir and Adrian Day, also be tables displaying/selling products from local Women. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better World.

The Parkes Que Club International Women’s Day Luncheon, Sunday, 10th of March, 11.45am at the Parkes Services Club. Tickets $35 + $1 booking fee from 123tix.com.au

Businesses or locals that would like to help with sponsorship or donating raffle prizes can contact Wendy Neville on 0418 469 294.

Parkes, Forbes & Lachlan Shire Councils Respond To Rex Airlines Schedule Adjustments

February 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

For enquiries relating to flight times, bookings and luggage requirements please phone REX on 13 17 13.

The Parkes Regional Airport is a major gateway to the Central West region and is located a short five kilometres east of the Parkes town centre, off the Henry Parkes Way.

The airport is serviced by Regional Express (REX), which provides daily return passenger services between Parkes and Sydney. We recommend you contact REX directly for further information about passenger services, including flight schedule, bookings and luggage requirements.

Joint Statement

The Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire Mayors – Neil Westcott, Phyllis Miller OAM, and Paul Phillips acknowledge the recent announcement by Rex Airlines regarding adjustments to their regional flight network, including services affecting their communities.

Rex Airlines stated the need to “prolong the regional network reductions implemented in various stages in 2023 due to continuing dislocated supply chains post COVID that are heavily impacting the provision of aircraft spare parts, especially aircraft engine parts.”

The regions Councils recognise these ongoing challenges faced by airlines globally, and also understand Rex is further impacted by pilot shortages, despite their ongoing pilot training and development programs.

We have always worked very cooperatively with Rex to establish workable flight schedules for the Lachlan, Forbes and Parkes region, and we are very appreciative of the partnership approach during this difficult period.

We appreciate the constraints facing the airline and we understand that the three (3) return services each weekday cannot be maintained. We are however grateful for the introduction of two (2) return flights each weekday, and a total of twelve weekly return services. This includes an early morning and middle of the day service from Parkes to Sydney and a middle of the day and evening service from Sydney to Parkes. This revised flight schedule is set to commence at the start of April and will allow day-return travel to Sydney for the region, which is particularly important for those travelling for health and business reasons.

Rex airlines has been servicing Parkes since the commencement of the airline and we are very appreciative of their continued support as it is important to the region.

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