General Interest Archives - Page 82 of 342

A Big Thank You, Forbes!

June 22, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Betta Home Living store will continue to service the local community.

After 21 years of serving the local community, Forbes Betta Home Living have closed their doors for the final time. We’d like to pay a special thank you to the entire Forbes community for all their love and support of the business. Owners, Ian and Mandy Westcott, are incredibly proud to have been a part of this vibrant and growing community and are so grateful for the friendships and memories they have made along the way.

Family owned and operated, Ian and Mandy Westcott are the second generation in their family to run the Forbes store. For the past 21 years, the Forbes store has been a one-stop shop, helping the local community find the right appliances and furniture for their home, with the store stocking a huge range of kitchen, laundry, small appliances, IT products and bedding.

Despite the closure of the Forbes store, Parkes Betta Home Living will continue to service the local community, which is only a 25-minute drive north of the Forbes location. Customers can still receive amazing service, deals, and exceptional local advice on all your fridge and freezer, kitchen and cooking appliances, air conditioning, furniture, bedding, TV and audio requirements.

This new location offers customers a great shopping experience and even expands upon the previous offerings of the Forbes store. At Parkes Betta Home Living, you’ll be able to shop from an even larger range of all your favourite brands – from Hisense, Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, LG, Beko, Samsung, Haier, Chiq, Electrolux, TCL, Kelvinator, Dyson, Miele, Sunbeam, Bissell, Smeg and more.

An IT, electrical appliance and premium cooking stockist all rolled into one, Parkes Betta Home Living is the answer to all your living space needs. Parkes is a one-stop shopping experience, with easy parking access, fully-airconditioned showrooms and a wide range of electrical, furniture and bedding items.

The team at Parkes Betta Home Living would like to offer the community mark-downs and reductions across a huge range of home appliances and consumer electrical goods in its End Of Financial Year Sale (EOFY). Make sure you take advantage of huge saving across all your favourite brands.

Offers end 30th of June, so hurry in-store for incredible deals while stocks last. Visit us in-store at Parkes Betta Home Living, 11 Saleyards Road Parkes. Opening hours may vary, please call or check the Betta website for more information.

Forbes Heated Pool Set To Open

June 22, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The wait is almost over, with Forbes Shire Council handing over the pool to the organising committee.

This week, Forbes Shire Council completed the final handover of the newly upgraded indoor heated pool to the Committee.

Membership forms will be released on 1st July and the pool open day will be Thursday, 6th July between 4pm to 6pm for all the community to have a look. A BBQ will be open available on the day. Memberships can also be paid for at the open day and prices will be released early next week.

Thanks go to Forbes Shire Council staff and all of the local tradespeople for the work they put in over the past few months to get this fantastic facility completed for winter.

Special mention go to the following people; the late Mr Ian Macallum and his associates who founded the Heated Pool and worked tirelessly to keep this facility operating. To the late Mr Andrew McDonald who brought a wealth of knowledge to the committee, a well respected member that worked hard behind the scenes with grant funding and compliance. Also the biggest voice for the committee Mrs Dianne Decker OAM. Di would not take no for an answer from anyone wanting to ensure the upgrade suited all age groups and could be used for years to come. Due to health reasons Di had to step down from her role as President but played a big role with this upgrade.

Congratulations to the small committee of local residents who have worked really hard, and spent hours to ensure this facility was a fresh, functional space for our community.

If the community can be patient while the last few finishing touches are completed, we can’t wait to see you on opening day.

Busting Myths About Working In Agriculture

June 22, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured are students who attended the workshop. AgriFutures Australia hopes to inspire the next generation of agriculture professionals and highlight the exciting career opportunities in agriculture from biotechnicians and marine scientists to agricultural engineers and economists.

AgriFutures Australia and Training Services NSW hosted the tech-savvy, socially minded Gen Zs at inaugural Ag Industry Days, a new event showcasing the diverse career opportunities in Australia’s agricultural industry.

At the one-day workshops, which took place in Albury/Wodonga on 21st June and Wagga Wagga on 22nd June, Year 9 and 10 school students engaged with some of the most dynamic young professionals at the forefront of innovation in agriculture. They also got the opportunity to visit local businesses that are transforming the industry

AgriFutures Australia Manager, Workforce Delivery, Abbey O’Callaghan said the workshops respond to recommendations from a recent community perceptions and worker experiences report that included broadening the conversation about roles in the industry and showcasing new technology as a selling point.

“Some of the world’s biggest challenges are directly related to agriculture: food security, sustainability and climate change. The Ag Industry Days will challenge perceptions of the agriculture industry and galvanise the next generation of agricultural innovators.”

“Importantly, we really want to inspire students to embrace STEM and agricultural subjects as they progress into their senior school years.”

Attendees were challenged to answer the question ‘How do we rethink agriculture?’ Back in the classroom, participating students refined their answer and submitted their ‘pitch’ to AgriFutures Australia. The responses will offer AgriFutures Australia important insights into the perspectives of young people.

Pink Up Parkes Committee Welcome Community Support

June 16, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes community are encouraged to join the fundraising efforts in the lead up to, and during October, when Pink Up Parkes members will be working towards raising funds for the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses.

The group are welcoming Expressions of Interest from the community to be part of the Pink Up Parkes Committee. Contributions large and small are welcome and there are many different opportunities to contribute.

A short EOI can be filled in and submitted and the link to the EOI can be found via facebook and Instagram @pinkupparkes or by contacting the Secretary, Marg Applebee. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 20th June, but you are welcome to contact us at any time.

There are currently 200 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia, who have supported over 123,000 families since 2005. It costs around $140,000 to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for a year including training and development.

We are fortunate to have a McGrath Breast Care Nurse based in Parkes, supporting patients and their families in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Peak Hill. We have so many reasons to be fundraising.

Pink Up Your Business; Pink Up Your School; hold a Pink Up event; fundraise; talk about it with your friends; attend a Pink Up Parkes event; donate and support the Pink Up Parkes Campaign on social media.

Keep checking on our social media and in the paper. For further information email pinkupparkes@gmail.com or contact PUP Secretary, Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.

Financial Support For Rural Patients

June 16, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Do you travel long distances for specialised healthcare?

If you travel more than 100km one way, or 200km in a week, for specialised treatment that is not available locally, you can claim financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs.

The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) is designed to support patients from rural and regional NSW when they need it most.

People who travel to places like Sydney or Canberra for treatment can benefit from the extra assistance provided by the IPTAAS scheme.

Increased subsidies for travel and accommodation are now available for appointments or treatment. Patients attending high-risk foot clinics, non-commercial clinical trials, highly specialised publicly funded oral health clinics in NSW and ocularists are now also eligible to claim.

If your travels for specialist medical treatment have been impacted by the recent flooding situation in NSW, please contact the IPTAAS team to talk about your individual situation and how we may be able to assist you with your IPTAAS application.

To find out if you are eligible, ask your social worker or healthcare team, call 1800 478 227 or visit: www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au

Australia Post Grants Delivering Mental Health Benefits

June 16, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Applications have opened for Australia Post’s 2023 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects that connect individuals and communities to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Eligible not-for-profit groups across Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities.

Last year’s program saw half of all grants, totalling over $200,000, awarded to organisations located across regional and remote Australia.

The Community Grants program illustrates Australia Post’s commitment to mental health, which includes a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered mental health resources to more than seven million letterboxes across Australia.

Australia Post is also a founding member of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the transport and logistics industries.

Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the Community Grant guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible community organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on 2 July 2023 at auspost.com.au/grants.

2023 Parkes Picnic Races Have Been Run And Won

June 16, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Best Dressed Gentleman Robert Bailey.

The President of the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Race Club Committee, Tim Keith, declared it was the best weather seen in years. The grounds were in splendid condition, and racegoers had an enjoyable day socialising, entertaining, and watching the races.

The Coradgery Cup sponsored by Parkes Services Club was won by Cartography, trained by Greg Stephens with jockey Nick Heywood holding the reigns.

This year, Chloe Wilson and Shannon Hindle judged the widely anticipated Fashions on The Field. Colts and fillies lined up on the stage to the cheers of the crowd.

Winners for 2023 were: Millinery was won by Alexis Hay, best dressed man was won by Robert Barby, the most stylish couple were Mia and Will Christenson and the elegant lady was won by Anna Barwick.

Foxy Cleopatra rocked the enthusiastic crowd, with many racegoers showing off their dancing style.

The races throughout the day were enjoyed by all racegoers and punters. The Railway Hotel Maiden Plate was won by Shotgun Sophie trained by Sharon Jeffries ridden by A Banks. The Agriwest Maiden Handicap was won by Writtenbyalady with jockey J Barrett, trained by Brett Robb. The McPhersons Parts and Services Handicap, was won by Sestina, ridden by A Gangotens, trained by Doug Gorrel. The final race of the day Telescope Tyres Handicap, was won by Levitcon, trained by Natalie Pearce, with jockey W Peel.

The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Race Club Committee would like to thank all racegoers, and in particular the sponsors who generously contributed to make the day a huge success.

Forbes Frost And Fire This Saturday

June 16, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Sneaky Sound System will be headlining this years Frost and Fire event.

Forbes Ski Dam has closed to the general public as preparations ramp up for this Saturday’s Frost and Fire winter solstice celebration.

Loads of wood are being delivered, the finishing touches are being put on the Ski Dam site, food and an exciting entertainment program is organised – all that is left now is for ticketholders to arrive, put their feet up and celebrate the long nights of winter with family and friends.

Frost and Fire boasts an impressive entertainment bill, starting with the talents of Grenfell musician Belinda Day and Forbes musical royalty Cler, Em and Jo. Indie sensation Birdee will take to the stage ahead of nationally renowned Sneaky Sound System.

Sydney Fire Dancers, Ice Queen and cultural performers Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group will wow their audiences – and who could forget the dramatic lighting of the Frost and Fire effigy.

What has fast become one of Forbes’ masthead events, Frost and Fire is about celebrating the change in season at an affordable family friendly event. Tickets are $15 per adult with children under 18 free.

Secure your Frost and Fire tickets through 123tix.com.au. Parking at the event has sold out, so please be aware that buses will run between the Ski Dam and Town Hall and Renfree Street every 20 minutes for the duration of the event.

First fires will be lit at 4pm, and gates close at 10pm – Pack a picnic rug or chair.

National Parks Association Of NSW Lachlan Valley Branch Walks

June 16, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The National Parks Association of NSW, Lachlan Valley Branch Walks always welcome new walkers. If you are interested, following are the upcoming planned walks.

Wednesday, 21st June: Property of Clive Hawken, 1035 Cookamidgera Rd, Cookamidgera. Leader Clive and Graeme MacRaild 0474 041 082. Medium 3-4kms, some climbing. Time to be confirmed, check with Graeme the night before.

Wednesday, 19th July: Conimbla National Park. Meet 9.30am at Gooloogong Memorial Park, corner Main St (Lachlan Valley Way) and King St (Warraderry Way). Hard 6-8kms climbing, scrambling. Leaders Liz and Graeme MacRaild. Contact Liz 0455 915 989.

Wednesday 16th August: 16 Gunning Gap, Forbes. Meet 9.30am at Forbes Railway Station. Easy 4kms. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.

Saturday 9th September: Goobang National Park, Bumberry Ridge Trail. Meet at Lions Park, Molong Rd Parkes 9am or at Bumberry Ridge Trail rest area 9.20am. Medium on track and off track 6 kilometres, steep sections. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Please contact the walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to join. A $2 donation for each walker is appreciated. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post-walk cuppa.

Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post-walk cuppa.

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Walks are mostly on tracks or fire trails and of moderate distance. Walk suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. May involve some off track walking. Walk may involve shorter distance overall due to rougher conditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Cat In The Hat Winners Announced

June 9, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat will be live on stage at the Dubbo Regional Theatre on 6th July in the school holidays.

We are excited to announce winners of five family passes to see Dr Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat stage show at the Dubbo Regional Theatre on 6th July. There were a large number of entries received, but the lucky winners are:

• Emily Westcott of Alectown

• Aaron Clarke of Bogan Gate

• Kirrah Smede of Parkes

• Debbie Robb of Forbes

• Hannah Palmer of Forbes

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and we hope the winners enjoy the show.

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