General Interest Archives - Page 71 of 351

Sam Farraway Statement

February 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

I have informed NSW National Party Leader Dugald Saunders that I’ve made the decision to step down as the Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads to dedicate my energy, experience and passion to the Central West.

Serving as the Minister for Regional Transport & Roads in the former Coalition Government was an honour and a privilege. Despite stepping down, I remain dedicated to holding the Minns Labor government accountable through my role as an upper house MP in portfolio committees, inquiries and the Budget Estimates process.

This decision isn’t about stepping away; it’s about stepping closer to the issues that impact our community, closer to the very reason of why I entered politics.

The Central West is not just where I work; it is my home, my heart and my purpose. By stepping down from my shadow portfolio, I can fully focus on the pressing issues facing our communities, such as water security, flood recovery, infrastructure improvements (like upgrading the Great Western Highway), support for small businesses and housing solutions.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to my parliamentary colleagues, the NSW Nationals leadership team and all those who have supported me in my role as Shadow Minister.

I look forward to working alongside all our Central West communities to build a stronger, more prosperous region for us all.

Jeremy’s Garden Producing The Goods

February 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Jeremy Steptoe pictured in his impressive garden with his giant tomato and pumpkin.

Jeremy Steptoe of Koala St Parkes was proud as punch to show off his oversized tomato and pumpkin that he grew in his backyard.

Jeremy has always been an avid gardener and recalls receiving his first pack of seeds from his mother at the age of 8. Since then over the years as an adult Jeremy has grown lots in his garden to exhibit at the local Parkes Show. Winning many ribbons and trophies for his efforts. Jeremy had taken a break from entering for the past 10 years but is keen to make a comeback this year for the 2024 Parkes Show Exhibition,

We visited Jeremys Garden where he recently harvested a giant tomato that weighed in at 1.72kg and a giant butternut pumpkin which weighed in at 7kg. Both vegetables were planted from seeds given to Jeremy. He said he will now harvest the seeds from this first generation and plant those and each year he expects the produce to increase in quality. He is hoping for a 3kg tomato in the next year or two. Without giving too many tricks away, Jeremy explained the best way to grow a large pumpkin is to plant in Sept-Oct, let it grow, thin it down to one or two on the vine and just keep watering and feeding it.

Drought Resilience Planning

February 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council will be working together with Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils to prepare for and build resilience against future droughts, under Round 2 of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program (RDRP Program).

The RDRP Program is designed to enable small consortia of local governments and their communities to better prepare for, respond to and recover from drought through community engagement and the development of a tailor-made drought resilience plan.

Regional economies will continue to be impacted by droughts, which are predicted to become more frequent and severe into the future. Regional Drought Resilience Plans will be co-designed with local stakeholders.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty says that the expanded program in NSW aims to help agricultural communities forward-plan to prepare for inevitable periods of reduced rainfall.

“This acknowledges each region in NSW is different and requires a tailor-made approach to drought preparedness to be truly effective. Having community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans will help set them up for success.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Council, Neil Westcott, said the program provides a unique opportunity for the local agriculture sector, businesses, and the wider community to inform decision-making moving forward.

“In collaboration with our neighbouring local councils, this program allows us to empower a range of stakeholders across our communities to share their experiences and perspectives. This really is crucial for the success and practicality of our drought resilience plan”, Mayor Westcott said.

The project is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the

NSW Government, and will support selected councils to develop Regional Drought Resilience

Plans and small grants that support implementation of the plans.

The Importance Of Children’s Eye Health

February 8, 2024 By Roxane Manley

With school back in session for another year, the importance of eye exams for our littlest learners is still going overlooked. The team at Hansen Optometrists Parkes are more than happy to assist.

It’s alarming that around 200,000 Australian children aged between 0 and 14 are now living with myopia. Here are some easy ways for parents and caregivers to be more proactive about their child’s eye health in 2024.

Make a date with your optometrist

Early detection is the cornerstone of maintaining good eye health in children.

“Regular eye examinations can uncover conditions such as hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism and eye movement & co-ordination issues, which, if left untreated, may impact a child’s academic performance and overall wellbeing.”

Prioritise green over screen

While technology does play a significant role in the realms of education and entertainment, for the sake of children’s eyesight it’s essential to balance screen time with outdoor activities.

Encourage a balanced diet

Foods like broccoli, oranges, mangos, spinach, carrots, kiwi fruit, strawberries and oil-rich fish like salmon and tuna provide essential nutrients like lutein, zinc, vitamin A, C and E as well as omega-3 fatty acids which all help to boost eye health.

Props for protective eyewear

In Australia, it has been estimated that sports-related eye injuries make up 11% of all paediatric eye injuries with boys twice as likely to sustain a significant eye injury compared to girls.

“Children’s eyes, with their wider pupils and clearer lenses than adults, are particularly susceptible to UV radiation especially before the age of two. By ages nine to 11, approximately 30 percent of young people exhibit UV damage, and by the age of 15, one in three will have developed pterygium or pinguecula.”

Be vigilant about any changes to vision

“Keep an eye out for signs such as squinting, excessive blinking, frequent eye rubbing or “knuckling”, complaining of headaches or eye discomfort or any noticeable changes in their academic performance, especially literacy skills, interest in reading and ability to concentrate on schoolwork generally.”

Evolution Mining Appoints New General Manager At Northparkes

February 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Evolution Mining is excited to announced its new General Manager of Northparkes Mines, Rob Cunningham.

Evolution Mining is excited to announced the appointment of a new General Manager at its Northparkes Operations. Mr Jianjun Tian will retire as Managing Director and Mr Rob Cunningham has been appointed as General Manager.

Mr Bob Fulker, Evolution Mining Chief Operating Officer, said, “Jianjun Tian has enjoyed a long and successful career in our industry and is looking forward to returning to Brisbane to spend time with his family.

“I’d like to thank Jianjun for his contribution to Northparkes since he joined in November 2020. He has a significant contribution to day-to-day operations and the future of Northparkes. Under his leadership, Lift 1 North came into full production, complemented by production from E26 Sub-Level Cave (levels 5 and 6) and open pit mining.

“Of note, Jianjun led the business through the successful sale process from CMOC to Evolution.

Jianjun has been a strong advocate of flexibility and family and enjoyed spending time in the community with stakeholders. Northparkes has benefited from his extensive industry experience, for which Evolution is extremely grateful.”

“A Parkes-local, Rob joined Northparkes as a Process Operator at the beginning of the Northparkes story. He has worked his way up through Northparkes across all aspects of the operation. He joined the Site Leadership Team in 2010 and in 2013 assumed responsibility for the Health, Safety, Environment and Farming portfolio. In 2015 Rob was appointed as Manager Mining role.

“Rob was recognised by the NSW Minerals Council in 2018 with the “Outstanding Contribution to Mining” award. After enjoying long service leave, Rob chose to finish up at Northparkes last year.

While he’s enjoyed the time he’s spent with family and grandchildren, Rob is excited by the opportunity to lead Northparkes Operations.

“Rob’s knowledge of the operations, his unwavering commitment to safe and reliable production and his genuine commitment to people and community will be invaluable as we open a new chapter at Northparkes under Evolution’s ownership.”

Evolution Mining completed its acquisition of an 80% interest in the Northparkes Copper-Gold Mine on 18th of December 2023. Its other assets in NSW included Cowal Gold Operations near West Wyalong.

McCormack Says Health Minister Leaving Regional Australians behind

February 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has expressed serious concerns for the health welfare of regional, rural and remote Australians after the Minister for Health, Mark Butler, said Australians should just “ring around” to find a bulk-billing GP in their area.

It comes after the Minister moved the goalposts regarding Distribution Priority Areas for GPs – bringing Newcastle, Wollongong and some suburbs of Sydney into the scheme therefore stripping doctors from the regions – forcing of community pharmacies to pick up the tab for its 60-day medicine dispensing policy – putting services in regional communities under threat.

“The Health Minister, through his own words, has shown a complete disdain of those who live, work and pay taxes in regional, rural and remote Australia,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is cold comfort for those in the Central West who may only have access to one GP or have to travel many kilometres to even see a doctor, let alone have the luxury of choice.

“It is clear the Health Minister is being directed by the Australian Medical Association along with his fellow Labor Ministers who are led by the nose by their union puppet masters.

Regional Drought Plan

February 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is joining forces with Lachlan and Parkes to develop a drought resilience plan for the future. The plan acknowledges that drought events are part of the future of any area reliant on the agricultural sector.

With funding from the Australian and NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund, the project will allow Council to use the learnings from previous droughts and implement an evidence based strategy to assist the community to adapt to or mitigate future drought impacts.

“Working together with neighbouring shires makes a lot of sense for this far-reaching issue” explained Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The impacts of flood are close to mind now, but we need to be ready for inevitable drought conditions that may just be around the corner. We will again work very closely with our community to make sure that this plan is practical and relevant and grows our already strong resilience.”

The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is managed by the Department of Regional NSW and was started as a pilot with three groups of local governments.

Rounds one and two are supporting 59 local Councils and regional areas to prepare 22 regional drought plans. The NSW Model for regional drought resilience planning program involves neighbouring councils working together to develop regional drought resilience plans. These plans will be provided to the CSIRO for independent review and completed plans from across the country will be published on the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

“Planning such as this is critical for Council to be able to access funding support for the implementation of these plans”, added Mayor Miller.

“We look forward to working with Parkes and Lachlan on a regional plan that will really make a difference”.

Regional NSW Needs Life-Saving Level Crossings Upgrades

February 1, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Paul Toole MP is calling for action on dangerous rail level crossings across regional NSW. Critical safety
upgrades are needed to prevent further near misses and fatalities.

State Member and Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole MP is calling on the Federal and NSW Labor Governments to work together immediately to provide major upgrades to railway crossings across NSW.

The upgrades needed are about improving railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

These upgrades should include installation of the latest technology and safety equipment such as retro-reflective boom gates, audible warning devices, updated signage and LED flashing lights increasing the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.

Over the past 13 years there have been more than 80 collisions involving trains and vehicles at level crossings in NSW alone.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has said this should be a priority for the Government.

“The Labor Government needs to look at improving railway crossings across regional areas before someone else dies,” Mr Toole said.

“It is time for the west to get its fair share of investment from the Government. I call on NSW and Federal Labor Governments to take some action immediately.

“Wherever you travel across the west, be it Taree, Parkes, Molong, Forbes or Wellington, there are rail crossings simply not up to standard.”

Mr Toole said “The need for these improvements has become increasingly evident, given the growing volume of rail and road traffic and the critical role that railways play in the state’s economy.”

Nine New By Country Arts Support Program

January 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Nine arts activities across the NSW Central West will share $17,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s annual Country Arts Support Program (CASP).

Regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest, who deliver CASP locally, have announced the Central West recipients of this long-running small grants program.

Applicants could apply for up to $3000, with groups, councils, individuals, collectives and arts businesses eligible. Funds are primarily for the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake locally-developed arts activities.

Funded activities in 2024 will be spread across the region, including in many smaller communities, and include:

• Grenfell Artists Inc, who have been recruiting new and younger members, will run with a range of half price workshops to help these emerging local artists to help them discover new skills and explore new mediums; helping them to become confident enough to exhibit their work in their newly developed ‘Little Gallery’ in Grenfell.

• Parkes School of Dance will implement formal training for student dance assistants, through the DanceStep syllabus, to develop future dance teachers.

• The Artists of Cowra East collective will send three artists to the CORRIDOR Project’s ERTHWRX residency and industry mentorship program for National Science Week in 2024, with collaborative work being developed for exhibition in the new ‘Cowra Micro Gallery’.

• Five different workshops with professional artists for the Parkes Multicultural Art Group during regular monthly meet ups will broaden the group’s skill base and give them a range of creative experiences.

• Lachlan Arts Council in Condobolin will host a one-day writing workshop with author Kim Kelly. This will involve the Condobolin Writers Group and will be inclusive of those living with a disability.

Make Your Voice Heard In NSW Youth Parliament

January 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

IMAGES: Pictured is Hamani Tanginoa, he said “Youth Parliament provides a unique platform for young people to actively learn about the democratic process and how to advocate for issues that they are passionate about.”.

There are just three weeks remaining for local young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age) to apply for this year’s Youth Parliament run by the Y NSW.

The Y (formerly YMCA) Youth Parliament provides a unique platform for individuals to actively participate in the democratic process and advocate for issues that they are passionate about. Participants will have the chance to draft, debate, and advocate for mock youth-focused legislation, gaining invaluable insights into the workings of government and policy development.

Hamani Tanginoa is a proud Wiradjuri, Dharug, Dunghutti, Gooreng Gooreng and Tongan man, and past Youth Parliament participant who is now part of the Youth Parliament team as Youth Voice Coordinator. A passionate trailblazer, unafraid to stand up for the rights of marginalised young people, Hamani Tanginoa began his Y journey as a Youth Parliament representative in 2018 at just 16. As a Y NSW and Camden Council Young Leader Hamani made history as the first Aboriginal Youth Premier for NSW. “I entered Youth Parliament six years ago with a burning desire to effect change. As a young, gay, Aboriginal man, I have endured discrimination. I wanted to support others with similar experiences by introducing legislation that would empower and educate,” said Hamani. Each committee is paired with an industry expert and mentored and supported by Y staff and the volunteer taskforce. To apply to take part in the 2024 Youth Parliament, visit ymcansw.org.au/community-services/youth/youth-parliament/ and submit applications before 9 February 2024.

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