General Interest Archives - Page 75 of 352

Statement On Passage Of Nature Repair Bill

December 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is NFF CEO, Tony Mahar.

We welcome the passage of the Nature Repair Bill through the Senate last night.

The NFF has been an advocate for the establishment of natural capital markets which can reward farmers for the work they do as stewards of more than half of Australia’s landmass.

The Nature Repair Bill is one step to unlocking capital so farmers can invest more in caring for their country.

We’re concerned however that a rushed political deal with the Greens has delivered a weaker bill than we’ve been working towards for almost a decade. It could and should have been much better.

Farmers would have liked to see protections included for prime agricultural land, and limits on participation by public land assets – the restoration of which should continue to be publicly funded.

The exclusion of offsets in the final bill is peculiar. As an established function of the EPBC Act, we would have welcomed the increased rigour and transparency of having offsets valued and traded in whatever marketplace ultimately emerges from this new framework.

The establishment of a functioning marketplace must now be the priority. As we’ve said throughout this process, this legislation does not constitute a marketplace. It simply lays the groundwork for one to be established.

We look forward to working with the Government to establish a functioning marketplace off the back of this legislation, and will continue to advocate for meaningful funding in the Federal Budget to support a new market in its infancy.

Comments attributable to NFF CEO, Tony Mahar

Remote Vaccinations The Focus Of Pharmacists

December 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

AGED CARE residents in rural and remote New South Wales will be given the gift of critical COVID-19 vaccinations this Christmas, as figures show just 38% of aged care residents have received a booster shot.

Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) Pharmacists from Forbes, Parkes, Dubbo, and Bathurst are travelling across the state to deliver, and administer, hundreds of vaccinations to patients in residential aged care facilities.

The LPG team will visit sites in Balranald, Bourke, Cobar, Condobolin, Gulgong, Kandos, Mudgee, Orange, Parkes, Rylstone, Wellington, and Yeoval, from 5 December travelling by car and aircraft to reach the remote areas.

It comes as an eighth COVID wave grips NSW, threatening holiday festivities for a third year.

“We’re going to centres which, quite often, may not have a GP or pharmacy in those towns so our stores are offering outreach services to assist the vulnerable patients in those communities that otherwise don’t have a health professional to assist with vaccinations,” Owner, and Pharmacist in Charge of Orana Mall Pharmacy Dubbo, Lisa Gibson said.

“Reduced vaccination rates are part of the increase in cases, which means people’s immunity is wearing off from those boosters that most of us have had, either earlier in the year or in previous years. As people come together more frequently towards Christmas and new year, the potential for cluster outbreaks increases.”

The Australia Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended all adults aged 75 years and older, should receive an additional COVID-19 booster vaccine dose if six months have passed since their last dose[2].

In a similar initiative in June of this year, the LPG team delivered more than 600 vaccines to aged care residents in remote locations across NSW.

Collaboration To Benefit Indigenous Businesses

December 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and National Australia Bank (NAB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design and development of an Indigenous Business Guarantee. Pictured is IBA and NAB at the signing of the MoU.

IBA and NAB collaborate to support more Indigenous businesses to access capital.

The guarantee will enable IBA and NAB to support more Indigenous business customers to access capital through access to NAB’s specialist bankers and commercial lending solutions.

The MoU also outlines how IBA and NAB will work together to provide Indigenous businesses with access to mainstream banking services and improve financial education and training for Indigenous business owners.

Noel Prakash, NAB Executive, Indigenous Business Banking, believes NAB’s business banking strength can support First Nations business growth.

“Businesses play an integral role in strengthening First Nations leadership and creating opportunities for communities to succeed. First Nations businesses are leading the charge by driving self-determination, and rapidly improving financial capability and inclusion.

“NAB has set a new target to more than double our lending to First Nations businesses and community organisations to at least $1 billion over the next three years.”

IBA’s CEO Kirsty Moore leads the Commonwealth entity with a vision for a nation in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are economically independent and an integral part of the economy.

“IBA exists to enhance and support the economic development opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. This collaboration with NAB serves to broaden IBA’s impact within the business sector.

“Aligned with the recent 2023 Indigenous Business Month theme, ‘To Gather, Together’, the collaboration with NAB works to bring resources together that benefit our First Nations businesses and we look forward to seeing this sector grow.”

Singing Star Jason Owen Delivers Presents To Rural Kids

December 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Doin It For Rural Kids founder Jason Owens and his partner Bec and daughter Lyla. This is how their living room looks each year as they individually wrap each present that they will then hand deliver and donate to rural kids across multiple states.

Country music singer Jason Owen will this year be handing out a very special present to kids when he embarks on his annual road trip for the charity he founded, Doin it for Rural Aussie Kids.

The X Factor star has put together an inspirational activity booklet for kids entitled Yowie, along with his charity co-founder wife Becy. Apart from being an Australian folklore bush creature, Yowie also is an acronym for whom the booklet is targeting – Youth living in the Outback, Working hard to Inspire and Encourage.

Yowie features inspirational stories about 15 incredible Australians from all walks of life who grew up in rural and far off areas and thrived despite their personal challenges.

Jason will be handing out the booklet, toys and school supplies to isolated primary school children across NSW in early December along with a motivational talk.

“I always explain to kids how I grew up in tiny Albert, NSW, and managed to make my dream of being an entertainer come true, despite being the only child in an isolated town of just 12 people,” Jason says. “I went through struggles with PTSD following a motorbike accident when I was 11 which almost killed my dad and I.

“It also features how kids can turn to Kids Helpline to talk if they are struggling. I’ve always wanted kids in the bush to know that they can achieve anything they want in life despite their circumstances as long as they work hard and believe in themselves.”

Find It in AMAZING Forbes Christmas Carnival

December 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

From 5 – 9 pm in Templar, Rankin and Battye Streets.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to be hosting many activities, market and food stalls and some very special entertainment that will be held on the main stage.

The Forbes Pre School will kick of the entertainment at 5.15pm, followed by the Forbes Guitar Academy at 5.30pm, Kristens Dance Studio at 6.30pm, Bedgerabong Public School at 7pm and Forbes Town Band at 7.30pm. Throughout the evening their will be Why Leave Town draws and announcements letting visitors know what is on where.

“There are many food options so please browse before you make your choice. You will be able to discover what is available for Christmas in the businesses and market stalls” said Aaron Acheson, President of the Forbes Business Chamber. Located throughout the carnival site is Trang Hue Vietnamese Food, Ridgey’s Delights, Romanian Delights, Dipping Dots Ice cream, Paulette’s Mr Whippy Van, Saltbush Lamb, Mumma Bear Food, Coffee and Catering, Cook Wook Wong Chinese Food, Forbes Men’s Shed BBQ, Wattle Café’ Gelato and Take Away, Noodle Box on Rankin, Forbes Pizza, Isabels Place food and drinks,Central Butchery BBQ and Good Folk Food located next to the Club Forbes bar and drinks.

“I am looking forward to the activities, rides and fun that the carnival will bring to the community of Forbes, surrounding villages and wider district,” said Aaron Acheson.

In addition to a great variety of market stalls there is a rock-climbing wall, street art, tea cups merry go round, bottle art, jumping castles, bungee trampoline and a giant slide.

“Don’t forget to click on the QR Code to have a chance in the draws. Thank you to the sponsors of the Find It In Forbes Promotion and to the volunteers who help organise, set up and clean up the carnival,” said Aaron Acheson.

Applications For Jack Scoble University Scholarship Now Open

December 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Jack Scoble Education Scholarships have provided financial assistance to students to the value of $131,000 between 2006 and 2023..

Parkes Shire students undertaking their first year of full-time university studies in 2024 are encouraged to apply for a Jack Scoble Scholarship.

The Jack Scoble Scholarship offers local students the chance to receive funding to put towards their tertiary studies, such as the purchase of a laptop and textbooks, relocation and accommodation costs.

Council’s Manager of Cultural Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones said, “It’s important that we encourage our local school leavers to think about what opportunities are available to them and support them to achieve their aspirations.”

“Receiving a financial boost can help make university education more accessible for regional young people and help ease the financial pressures of tertiary studies. I also strongly encourage students who will be registering with the Parkes Country Universities Centre to consider this scholarship as they are also eligible to apply.”

The late Mr Scoble MBE, OAM was Mayor of Parkes from 1966 to 1979. He died in 2003, providing a profound legacy of community involvement, civic pride, leadership and high personal values.

In 2023, four students were awarded the Scholarship – Charlotte Darcy, Cody Morgan, Elsa Cusack, and Jorja Mann.

Cody Morgan attended Parkes High School and is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at University of Wollongong. As he reflected on his first year at university, Cody said “the Jack Scoble Scholarship provided great assistance throughout my first year of university.”

“The scholarship enabled me to focus on my coursework full time without worrying about working on top of Uni studies. I also used the funds to buy essential items for my course such as textbooks” added Cody.

https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-honours-and-scholarships/Jack-Scoble-Scholarship-Fund

Applications close 19 January 2024 at 10am. For more information, contact Kerryn Jones, Council’s Manager Cultural Education & Library Services, on 02 6861 2338.

“You Can’t Replace People Like Joyce”

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured are staff from Cunningams IGA farewelling longtime staff member Joyce Sofant who is third from left .

Those of us who are regular customers at Cunninghams IGA in Parkes may have noticed a very familiar face has been missing as of late. Joyce Sefont, who has been a long term employee and a very recognisable face at the local IGA supermarket, has recently taken her retirement. The staff at Cunningams IGA held a morning tea at the store to farewell Joyce and then a more formal dinner to celebrate her long service.

We spoke to Joyce and she recalled ”I started working here in Feb 2010, and I have been here ever since. I have enjoyed my time here, yes, I am sad to go but my back needs a rest. People don’t realise that I am nearly 70, because I don’t act it.”

Joyce also went on to say “I’ve always worked in this type of business, even when I was in NZ, I spent 8 years in the supermarket there in a supervisor role. It’s the customers that I enjoy”.

Cunninghams IGA Store Manager Steven Langlois had to say “Joyce has been such a great help to us, especially when the store transitioned from being owned by Janine, to being our store. Since I have been here for a year now, Joyce has been a massive help, she’s great with the customers, everyone loves her, people come in here just to have a chat. We just want to thank Joyce for all her hard work.”

Beyond Blue And Lifeline Link Up To Support More Australians

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Lifeline and Beyond Blue are linking up under a new partnership to make it easier and more efficient for people to find the support that best suits them.

Community demand for mental health and crisis support rises and resources become increasingly tight, Lifeline and Beyond Blue have designed their new strategic directions to be complementary.

Lifeline will continue to focus on supporting people in crisis and Beyond Blue will continue to focus on prevention and earlier intervention, supporting people at the first sign of struggle.

Together, the organisations support millions of people a year with information, advice, online self-help and referrals via telephone, text, webchat and digital platforms.

Beyond Blue Chair The Hon Julia Gillard AC said: “Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention systems are too often crisis-driven. People often only get support when they’re at breaking point. So Beyond Blue will continue its focus on supporting people early on – helping people to feel better sooner, to get well and to stay well.”

Lifeline Chair Jacinta Munro said: “Lifeline will continue to focus on crisis support and suicide prevention, supporting Australians in times of crisis and equipping individuals and communities to be suicide safe.”

“This partnership between Lifeline and Beyond Blue helps to deliver a more integrated system, with more clarity for help seekers, smoother transitions between services and a greater focus on holistic support.”

Earlier this year, the organisations formalised a three-year collaboration agreement that will build on their long record of working together in operations and advocacy. This year, the Victorian Government engaged Lifeline and Beyond Blue to lead the first stage of a sectorwide co-design to deliver on a Victorian Royal Commission recommendation to create better referral pathways across the state’s helplines.

Beyond Blue and Lifeline worked closely during the Black Saturday bushfires and the height of the pandemic, including by linking young people to Lifeline’s crisis text service from the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service delivered by Beyond Blue.

Now official, the partnership means Lifeline and Beyond Blue will be better placed to share resources and connect people with the information, advice and support that suits them best, regardless of where their journey begins.

In the past four years alone, more than 400,000 people have used the app with more than 150,000 safety plans made.

Parkes Shire Library

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Indyreads Summer Book Club

Over summer read “Funny Ethnics” by Age Book of the Year shortlisted author, Shirley Le, along with readers throughout NSW on the Indyreads app. If you need assistance downloading the app or getting started, come and see us at the Library.

An evening of tales Come to the Parkes Library for a delightful evening of tales, food, wine and friends showcasing our community’s writing talent. Book a place by calling 6861 2309.

Christmas Flicks

Join us in December for a special Christmas edition of Friday Flicks with a romantic comedy with a Christmas theme. Wear your favourite holiday outfit to celebrate!

Friday 15 December at 6pm. Book now!

Marramarra Makerspace Fun

Gift Wrapping, Tags and Fandangles Workshop: Pimp up your Christmas wrapping in this fun workshop. BYO gifts to wrap and brown paper bags to decorate. Wed 6th December 10am-Noon.

Cost $20. Book online through Humanitix. Call 68612309 for details.

Christmas Craft in the Makerspace. Throughout December during Makerspace opening hours (Mon, Wed, Thur 3-5:30pm) come and make: Paper stars & Christmas trees + Personalised baubles + Gift tags + Laser cut decorations.

Who Is Parkes? Photography Exhibition

To mark 150 years of the naming of Parkes, the Who Is Parkes? exhibition is a glorious collaboration of our community and those who made it. It is an exhibition that shows us where we have come

from, who we have become today, and a celebration of belonging to Parkes and the Parkes Shire. Don’t miss our final exhibition for 2023 in the Coventry Room from 1-22 December. Official opening & morning tea 2nd December at 10am – all welcome!

Local Leaders Welcome Additional Flood Recovery Support

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

IMAGE: L to R: Mr Ken Harrison, Director Central West, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Deputy Mayor Councillor Marg Applebee, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Mayor Councillor Neil Westcott.

On Wednesday 15 November, Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Neil Westcott, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marg Applebee, welcomed a brief visit from Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, and Mr Ken Harrison of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Ms Saffin, visited the region in representation of the Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, attended flood-impacted areas in Parkes Shire and surrounds on the 12-month anniversary of the catastrophic flood events of 2022.

The visit follows recent commitments from the Federal and NSW governments, totalling $100 million, for flood recovery and resilience in the Central West.

This funding package includes support for the repair and replacement of critical community assets, improving the resilience of public infrastructure, assistance with housing programs, and legal aid assistance.

This funding is a significant step forward and will help to boost the community-led recovery of the Central West.

These important projects will be overseen by a forum of community leaders and representatives from both Commonwealth and State Governments, to ensure all levels of Government are committed to the long-term recovery of the Central West.

Over the coming months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.

Cr Westcott raised the importance of an equitable approach to those residents affected by floods who have not been able to access insurance.

“Some residents have borrowed significantly to undertake the repairs to their homes as they were not insured for the flood, being in an area considered flood-free.”

“Other residents are still unable to inhabit their homes due to delays in repair, and some residents are in limbo as the unknown threat of future floods complicates the decision to reinvest,” he said.

The 8kms of water main from Lake Endeavour scoured from the ground was also raised as an urgent project, as was placing particular attention on all areas across the Shire which are repeatedly damaged in flood events.

This funding package is a significant step forward, with Council eager to be involved in the discussion on the mechanisms to best invest the money.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said “It’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods.”

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting community members to sign up to get the latest information on the recovery program. To be kept up to date, send your contact details – name, email address, phone number and/or postal address – to CentralWest.Recovery@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.

Indyreads Summer Book Club

Christmas Flicks

Marramarra Makerspace Fun

Who Is Parkes? Photography Exhibition

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