General Interest Archives - Page 81 of 352

First Construction Works Successfully Completed From Stockinbingal To Parkes

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The first major construction works on Inland Rail’s Stockinbingal to Parkes section have been successfully completed, with principal contractor Martinus Rail making great progress across multiple sites.

The works were carried out during a 60-hour track possession with the Melbourne to Sydney line closed from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th September. Workers across three sites from Stockinbingal to Parkes worked around the clock to kickstart construction and return the line to operation.

New precast culverts were installed under the main line at Daroobalgie in preparation for the future crossing loop to be constructedr.

Track and shoulder formation works and track slews were completed at both the Bribbaree and Caragabal yards, allowing sufficient clearance for double stacked trains. These sites are now complete and meet the requirements for Inland Rail.

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director of Program Delivery for Albury to Parkes, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their patience as we carried out these construction tasks.”

Parkes Coradgery And Diggers Amateur Race Club Need Your Help

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Picnic Race Club Commitee pictured back row: Mark Olson, Ian Brown, Stafford Orange, Paul Perin and Mark O’Neill; front row: Ann Olson, Robyn Hawke, Tim Keith, Krys Syzabo, Natelle Perin and Christine Somers.

The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Amateur Race Club Inc held their AGM last Thursday 28th September. Tim Keith was returned as President, Mark Olson holds the Secretary position and Robyn Hawke retains the Treasurers position for another year.

The President’s report was delivered, and all things being equal, it was agreed the committee staged another successful Picnic Race meeting for 2023.

While all positions on the committee were taken up by the usual suspects, it was made quite clear by the president Tim Keith that new blood is needed to keep this iconic Parkes event happening into the future.

The current, small committee, work tirelessly in their endeavors to keep this event running each year. However, the committee recognise the importance of atrracting new and younger members, with vibrant and sharp ideas onto the committee to ensure the security of the event into the future.

“The sad fact is if we don’t get some support on all levels then there is the distinct possibility that the Picnics Race meeting may come to an end,” said Tim.

The committee feels it is up to every business in town to have a good hard look at what this event brings to town. “The reality is, it is part of our DNA, it’s the fabric of the Parkes community and we all must do our part to help it survive and succeed year after year.”

The committee will next meet on 6th February 2024 at 6pm at the Parkes Services Club. Over the next four months anyone who has some interest in helping out in any way is more than welcome to reach out and attend the meeting.

“At the end of the day, we need your help,” said Tim.

Can A Sports Injury Increase Your Risk Of Breast Cancer?

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Leading breast cancer surgeon, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier busts sporting injury myth.

If you had an active childhood spent playing sports afterschool or on the weekend you might have sustained the odd sports injury here and there in those rough and tumble days. Let’s face it, netball can get a bit rough and elbows tend to go flying at the best of times. Sometimes our old injuries can come back to haunt us as we age.

Some people believe that sports injuries can lead to breast cancer, however, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier assures everyone that this is not the case. There is no link between sports injuries and cancer, he clarified, however, an injury may draw attention to a previously formed lump, which is then how the cancer is detected.

Associate Professor Warrier is one of the world’s leading breast health and breast cancer surgeons who has built a highly respected practice in Sydney. The practice spans three locations with its main surgical centre located at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, and the other sites at BMA House, Macquarie Street, Sydney and Bondi Junction Medical, Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.

In addition to Associate Professor Warrier’s breast health and surgical work, he also dedicates considerable time to research exploring and developing advancements in breast cancer detection and treatments to improve outcomes for patients. He also developed the world’s first Master of Breast Surgery which is delivered through the University of Sydney.

Injuries cannot cause cancer

“Injuries cannot cause cancer, but an injury may lead to finding cancer in the injured area. For example, a bone that is weak from a cancerous tumour is more likely to break. So, if an accident occurs during a sporting event and the bone breaks, then during the course of treatment for the injury, the cancer is discovered,” Associate Professor Warrier explained.

“There is no data or indication that trauma of any kind to the breast is linked to breast cancer or can cause breast cancer. This is a myth that has circulated for many years without foundation.”

Breast trauma causes lumps

“People are understandably concerned that breast injury/trauma can cause cancer because the trauma can cause lumps to develop. These lumps, however, are not cancerous. Let me explain further: there are two types of lumps that can develop from trauma. The first is called hematoma and this is a deep bruise that will heal. The other is fat necrosis, which is scarred fatty tissue in the breast that results from injury,” Associate Professor Warrier said.

“If you have had some sports injury around the breast area, and you are concerned, the best thing to do is to book in for a mammogram. This will give you peace of mind about the risks.”

So what does cause breast cancer?

“Certain risk factors are, getting older, having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, previous treatment using radiation therapy, reproductive history and genetic mutations,” Associate Professor Warrier added.

Further information https://www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au.

Walk In Solidarity With The 1 In 5 Australians Experiencing Mental Illness Each Year

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Black Dog Institute is calling on Australians to participate in One Foot Forward – a national virtual challenge taking place in October – Mental Health Month.

The challenge, which kicks off this Sunday, 1st October, is to walk, run, or roll 40km, 60km, 100km, 150km, or a distance that suits them throughout the month, to show people experiencing symptoms of mental illness that they are not alone and to help raise funds for Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research and support services here in Australia.

“One in five Australians experience a mental illness each year which means around 5 million people are personally affected,” says Head of Fundraising at the Black Dog Institute, Evan Jackson.

“One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health and show Australians impacted by mental illness that they’re not alone. You can take part solo, with a team or with your colleagues.”

In 2022, over 28,000 participants walked, ran and rolled over 2,286,105km during Mental Health Month and joined in on the fun, got active, and raised funds to help Black Dog Institute. All to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.

Funds raised by One Foot Forward participants this year can assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs, and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools.

Forbes North Public School Term Three In Thomson St

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

If you are interested in enrolling at Forbes North Public School and would like to enjoy a whole school tour, please contact the school office on 6852 2187 and make an appointment with the welcoming Principal, Mr David McGaw.

The end of term three has arrived at Forbes North for our students from Kindergarten to year 6.

Our students enjoyed many opportunities including and yet not limited to ICAS International Competition for Assessment in Schools Years 3-6, an enjoyable Positive Behaviour for Learning Fete, a fantastic Glowtastic Disco which raised $10,426, a guest appearance on Radio 2LV for our communication portfolio and an ICON Assembly.

A big hit is our new equipment for the Infants playground, hosting the people from the Resilience Project motivational sessions, a record breaking Forbes PA&H Show stall with prize-winning entries in over twenty divisions, the Forbes High School 2024 transition for our year 6 students heading to year 7 and Forbes Shire Council NAIDOC Community Day which Kindergarten to Year 6 attended at the Dreaming Centre.

Our students attended the Lachlan PSSA Football and Oz Tag Gala Day in Forbes and Parkes respectively, the Beats N Pieces Musical Show came to us to entertain 240 students. Our Father’s Day Breakfast attracted a large crowd and the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week Parade and family barbecue which followed the Scholastic Book Fair with record sales of books.

The New South Wales Health Mobile Dental Clinic visited the school, and the Boys to the Bush program for Stage three lads was another huge success. We celebrated 100 Days of Kindergarten and our senior girls attended Girls in Aviation in Dubbo.

The Stage 2 excursion took place to Lake Burrendong Camp while Stage 3 headed to Canberra and the National Capital.

Students Also participated in the Premiers Spelling Bee for Years 3-6. As we head into spring, important messages on safety was the focus during the impressive and entertaining Snake Tails Reptile Show.

Term 4 commences Monday 9th October and will formally end Friday 15th December.

Get Your Tickets Now For The Parkes M&D’s Upcoming Production “Freaky Friday”

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The team at Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society have been busy in rehearsals for the upcoming production, Freaky Friday. This family-friendly musical is an hilarious, contemporary update of the classic story, in which a mother and daughter see what it means to be a family while experiencing each other’s lives first-hand, if only for a day. This body-swapping show brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘walk a mile in another’s shoes’ with highly entertaining results.

Set in the present day, Freaky Friday features a tuneful pop-rock score, befitting a work that has effortlessly updated throughout its several iterations. Warm-hearted, humorous and touching, this fresh take on the classic story is perfect for family audiences of all ages.

The cast and crew of 35 feature both newcomers and regulars to the Society. Coming from Parkes, Forbes and Cowra, the cast and crew have been putting in long hours since rehearsals began in July.

Freaky Friday will be performed at the Parkes Little Theatre on the following dates: Friday 20th October 7.30pm, Saturday 21st October 7.30pm, Sunday 22nd October 2pm, Saturday 28th October 7.30pm, Sunday 29th October 2pm, Friday 3rd November 7.30pm, Saturday 4th November 2pm, Saturday 4th November 7.30pm, Sunday 5th November 2pm.

Successful Be Road Ready For Harvest Satellite Events

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Trundle’s recent Be Road Ready for Harvest Satellite Event.

Approximately 100 farmers and contract harvesters attended the recent Be Road Ready for Harvest Satellite Events in Bedgerabong, Parkes, Derriwong and Trundle.

The events were supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network (GTSN), SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers, the Australian Custom Harvesters Association, and the Parkes Show Society.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said anecdotal feedback from attendees was very positive, “Regulations are constantly changing, so events like these are important to ensure we provide information about how to safely and legally move agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road network in the lead up to the busy harvest period.”

“We had presentations about Chain of Responsibility, conditional registration and primary producer concessions, GTSN’s updated resources, fire safety, SafeWork NSW safety reminders and resources, an overview of how heavy vehicle access operates and relevant compliance information.”

“The highlight of the morning was the interactive activity, where we showed participants how to read the relevant notice (National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice) to work out what the travel requirements would be for a header with a front, various sized tractors towing implements and an auger.

“Participants could take home some windscreen stickers that they can attach to their machinery that acts as a quick reference guide for travel requirements such as pilots, lights and signage – these were extremely popular.”

“Harvest USBs and windscreen stickers will be distributed to local agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in October. Thanks to everyone involved in running the events and to everyone who attended,” Ms Suitor said.

Australia To Germany – What I Have Been Up To!

September 29, 2023 By Marnie Noakes

Parkes Christian School student Marnie Noakes making a furry friend in Germany whilst on a student exchange program.

Hey everyone it’s Marnie, with another update all the way from Germany.

All I can say is wow! Time is going incredibly quickly. I guess it’s because I am enjoying my exchange so much that I lose track of the days, which before I know it have rolled into weeks. It is like a fantasy, to think I’m here living in Germany, I feel so lucky to have this experience.

During May and June I met up with multiple friends. On one of these occasions I met up with my friends and we went to what is called the city beach. It is an area beside the lake that has been filled with sand and deck chairs to give it a ‘beachy’ feel. It was very cool I haven’t seen anything like this in Australia.

I went to Forchheim, Germany for a weeklong Rotary camp with other exchange students. We did many things during the weekincluding a tour around Bamberg, Germany as well as visiting the rose garden. During the week we also went kayaking in Franconian, Switzerland. It is an area in Bavaria Germany that is a very famous tourist spot. Wow, what a great time we had!

The town I live in held its yearly Africa festival. At the festival I got my hair braided, and a special drawing on my hand, it was super cool experience.

I did so many things but that’s just a short summary for the month.

Bye for now Parkes,

Marnie Noakes

’Tis The Season -Tips For Your Itchy, Watery, Red Eyes This Spring

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Spring is not always a time for celebration, it can sometimes be a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes. Visit the team at Hansen’s Optometrist in Parkes to discuss how they can assist you.

20% of Australians suffer with hayfever. Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer so what is the best way to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. If you know the types of plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your allergy symptoms then do everything within your power to avoid them. This might mean taking your daily walks in the evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly washing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little allergen particles that accumulate over time.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. There are a host of over the counter antihistamine eye drops to provide relief for the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Try several to find the one that works best for you. Avoid using the “red eye” drops as these do little more than temporarily hide the redness of your eyes without addressing the underlying cause. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabiliser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

If you suffer from itchy eyes, then book an appointment at Hansens Optometrists where we can formulate a plan specific to you. We can prescribe more effective eye drops then what is available over the counter and treat any dry eye or other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy or making your itchy eyes worse.

Do You Want To Be Featured In Our Special Elvis Edition?

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Each year to commemorate and celebrate everything Parkes Elvis Festival, we print and distribute a Special Elvis Edition of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix. This year is the 31st Parkes Elvis Festival and it kicks of January 2024 January 10-14.

The Special Elvis Edition is our biggest edition of the year, and the only paper we print in full color from front to back. If you have an Elvis/Festival related story idea or submission then you are encouraged to email Roxane editor@parkesphoenix.com.au

Alternatively if you would like to advertise in our Special Edition the bookings have now opened and you can contact Roxane for all your advertising needs sales@parkesphoenix.com.au

With over 25,000 visitors expected to make their way to Parkes to enjoy the Parkes Elvis Festival in January 2024, do not miss your chance to be featured in our Special Elvis Edition which has become somewhat of a collectors item for festival goers

Let’s rock, Everybody, let’s rock, Everybody in the whole of Parkes, will be dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock

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