General Interest Archives - Page 90 of 342

They’ll Never Know It Was You

March 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

“They’ll never know it was you who spoke up.” That’s the message from Crime Stoppers as it launches a national campaign designed to shine a spotlight on organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit drug trade.

Crime Stoppers Australia Chair, Dr Vince Hughes, said people linked to the illicit drug trade often reach a point where they become concerned for their personal safety or that of their family and look for a way out – and Crime Stoppers gives them a lifeline to anonymously share what they know.

“Our campaign has been funded by the Australian Government through a Proceeds of Crime Act grant, which is using $3.55 million from seized criminal assets to turn the tables on organised crime and help law enforcement unsettle domestic drug markets and disrupt national and international supply chains.”

Independent research commissioned by Crime Stoppers found that drugs remain the number one crime of concern for all Australians, with recent wastewater testing results confirming methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and heroin as the most dominant illicit drugs used in the nation.

“In some way, every Australian family has been impacted by drugs; whether that’s losing a loved one to addiction, the 1 in 10 people who’ve been a victim of an illicit drug-related incident, or indirectly affected because of the significant health and social costs to the community,” Dr Hughes said.

More information about the campaign and video imagery can be found at crimestoppers.com.au/campaign/illicit-drugs

Anyone who has information about illicit drug supply or trafficking of drugs can contact Crime Stoppers by calling a toll-free hotline on 1800 333 000 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Reduced Speed Limit For Two Level Crossings Near Parkes

March 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

A reduced speed limit at two rail level crossings on the Newell Highway near Parkes will come into effect for the safety of all road and rail users at the end of the month.

The speed limit on the northern and southern approaches to the level crossings at Tichborne and Parkes will be reduced from 110 km/h to 80 km/h in both directions from Friday, 31st March.

These changes are part of a NSW Government regional level crossings safety campaign, the Railway Level Crossing (RLX) Speed Reduction Program.

The reduced speed limits will add about seven seconds to journeys through each level crossing, or just 14 seconds for a trip between Parkes and Forbes for vehicles travelling at the speed limit.

New signage has been installed on the approaches to both level crossings to advise motorists of the changes and all drivers are advised to slow down in the area.

Members of the community can sign up to receive the latest updates on permanent speed limits changes in their nominated area and to have their say on speed limits.

For more information visit www.saferroadsnsw.com.au.

Come Down To The Postie To Meet Liz And Daz

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Behind the bar at the Post Office Hotel in Forbes are new licensees, Liz and Daz.

Meet the new Licensees of the Post Office Hotel (Postie) in Forbes, Elizabeth Power and Darren Phillips. Elizabeth is a Forbes local having been born and raised in the town, while Darren is from Canberra, but has lived in Forbes for the last two years.

Elizabeth (Liz) has a background in nursing and Darren (Daz) worked in Canberra for Qantas before COVID struck.

The two have spent the last few years working in disability support, but the constant travelling was wearing them both down. That’s when Liz saw that the Postie was up for lease and they decided to go for it.

“We’ve hit the ground running, it was such a great opportunity, the pub was really run down and needed a lot of TLC, so hopefully we are giving it that,” said Liz.

Liz also has three sons who are all local farmers, who she is very proud of.

Liz and Daz will be introducing more live entertainment to the hotel are interested in having a DJ/Karaoke in addition to providing the opportunity for local bands to perform. If you are in a local band and would like to perform at the Post Office Hotel, please reach out.

Chef Bee is the new head chef at the Postie and was British Army trained. She describes her experience as being “Pubs, pubs, clubs and pubs.”

We asked her what made her relocate from Sydney to Forbes for the role, she said, “It just felt right, Liz and Darren are two of the finest people you will ever meet.”

Bee went on to say, “I’m building a great team and the locals have all been so kind. I’m extremely adamant about using local suppliers as much as we possibly can, the meat out here is astounding, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Helping Headline Acts To Rock Regional NSW

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

David Thompson and Jacob Cass are raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Central West.

Two well-known local businessmen, Jacob Cass and David Thompson are taking time out from their busy schedules and families this week to help Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Central West raise funds to support sick children and their families who stay at the house in Orange.

Mr Cass and his family have stayed at the house three times since their two boys were born. “The staff and volunteers just couldn’t do enough for us – it made such a difference to our family,” he said.

Fellow participant David Thompson said as a family man he can relate to how challenging it must be to have a child who has to be rushed to hospital.

“I am really looking forward to this opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the house (RMHC) in Orange works and to meet families staying there,” Mr Thompson said.

The CEO Walk in my Shoes program is an immersive experience which began yesterday, Thursday, 23rd March when Jacob and David met with and prepared the evening meal for families staying Ronald McDonald House, located near Orange Hospital.

Following dinner, Jacob and David participated in a simulated emergency admission of a family to the house.

This morning, Friday 24th March, they will prepare breakfast for families in the house which will provide another opportunity to connect and learn.

All families who stay at RMHC Central West are provided with free accommodation, emergency meals, groceries for self-catering, complimentary breakfasts, in-house toiletries and a beautiful gift bag of new toys, activities and books for the sick child in hospital.

More families from Parkes and Forbes stay at RMHC Central West than any other area of the state. You can support Jacob and David by making a donation at: www.ceowalkinmyshoes.org.au

Parkes Boars Season Launch

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Boars are going after their fourth Premiership in a row this year – Lets Go Boars!

Head down to Spicer Oval this Saturday, 25th March and support the Parkes Boars in their first match at their new home of rugby.

There will be something for the whole family, jumping castles and face painting for the little ones, a full bar and some solid rugby for the big ones, plus ice cream for everyone in between.

Gates will open at 2pm, the women’s 10s will kickoff at 3pm, followed by the men at 4pm.

A team list is not available for the men’s match as all players will be given a run, in order for players to then be selected for either first grade or second grade based on form. Expect to see the men giving it their all and providing the crowd with some thrilling rugby.

This weekend’s game is the clubs first game at Spicer Oval since the completion of the new grandstand and clubhouse. The timber from the old grandstand has been recycled to make tables. If anyone wants to place their family name on a table as a form of sponsorship please contact parkesboars@gmail.com

You will notice new sponsor signage being placed around the fencing at Spicer Oval. There are more spaces available for businesses who may want to grab a spot before they are all filled.

Organise your mates and head to Spicer Oval this Saturday for some great rugby.

This will be a popular spot, the bar inside the new Clubhouse at Spicer Oval

Tables made from old Spicer Park grandstand.

New sponsor signage at Spicer Oval.

The Masters Of The Mandagery Put On A Show For Forbes

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

In excess of 1,000 people flowed through the gates on game day last Saturday in Forbes.

This year saw the fifth annual Masters of the Mandagery, however due to the devastaing flood last year, it was forced to move from its usual homeground in Eugowra to Forbes, where the event was warmly received.

Event organiser, Andrew Barnes said the day was a massive success despite a few of the regular teams from Woolongong and Cootamundra unable to attend. A total of 15 teams registered to play in the event and over 1,000 people went through the gates.

“Teams travelled from far and wide to enjoy some good old fashioned footy, and that’s what it is all about. It’s a massive social event,” said Andrew.

Andrew set the goal of raising $500,000 and so far the total has reached $102,880, including proceeds from Saturday. If you would like to support Andrews efforts then you still have time to jump online and purchase some raffle tickets.

A massive thank you goes out to Forbes for hosting The Masters of the Mandagery event, to all of the players and officials involved in the event and to the supporters who came along on the day and made it such a great event.

Community-Led Action To Reduce Our Reliance On Single-Use Plastics

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Meals on Wheels NSW has partnered with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), on an initiative that supports starting the conversation about the single use plastics ban in NSW with the Meals on Wheels network in NSW.

The initiative involved spreading the word about the single use plastics ban in NSW, and they captured many lovely stories from clients and volunteers, reminiscing about life before single use plastics.

They also invited members of the general public to sew or crochet bags for use by their local Meals on Wheels service, and started the conversation about the single use plastics ban and other alternatives that may be available for use. The bags have been really well received by clients and volunteers around the State.

Meals On Wheels NSW is passionate about sustainability, and motivated to help change habits and drive sustainable practices at a local level and thank the NSW EPA for their support with this initiative.

It is crucial that we not all simply rely on governments to do the heavy lifting. As communities we have a responsibility, when government has set a clear direction on such an existential issue.

Frank Finger’s Working Dog Training Tips

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Frank Finger believes starting small and nurturing puppies from the beginning will lead to strong working dogs.

Frank Finger, winner of the ABC’s Muster Dog program, has been training working dogs for over 20 years. His passion for training working dogs is shared through his training schools which attract owners, breeders, and the next generation of trainers.

With more than 270,000 stock-herding dogs across rural Australia, the importance of working dogs to Australian farmers and property owners cannot be underestimated.Farmers are well-aware that a well-trained dog provides benefits to a farm well beyond its sale price.

Preferring to train dogs from puppyhood, Frank is a big believer in starting small in all facets of a dog’s training.

Nurture to Nature: From birth, Frank says it’s essential to nurture working dog pups through their early weeks and look after them with nourishing food and ensure they’re de-wormed.

Forming a Bond: As small and cute as they are, Frank notes it’s important to bond with them, but not too much until they are working.

Think Small: When starting with pups, Frank encourages those training working dogs to think small. Training a small pup should incorporate small livestock such as goats or even ducks, while training should be limited to short periods.

Line of Sight: Frank notes that one often overlooked aspect of training working dogs is that a dog’s line of sight extends no higher than a trainer’s knee when in close proximity.

Simple commands: Once trained, Frank notes well-bred working dogs will work instinctively.

Benefits of a healthy dog: Frank appreciates a well-trained dog must be healthy to fulfill their potential. Prevention is better than cure.

Canberra Raiders Contact Coach Helps Train Magpies Under 18’s

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Magpies Under 18’s side being shown the ropes by Josh Miller.

The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix recently spoke with Forbes Magpies under 18’s Coach, Brad McMillan about how the boys are shaping up for the 2023 season.

Brad is an experienced coach, having previously worked with the under 18’s team back in the early 2000’s and again in 2020. He also had a stint coaching the Forbes Magpies first grade team in 2014, before coaching the Eugowra side in 2021.

Brad spoke about what his focus will be for the under 18’s this year. “A lot of my focus is on defense. I like to think that if you can stop tries, you can stop games, it’s 50% of the game.”

“A lot of people focus on attack, and that is an extremely important part of the game, but I think defensively that’s what we really want to nail this year,” said Brad.

Proving that it’s not what you know but who you know, Brad recruited his brother- in-law, Josh Miller to teach the under 18’s squad some great defensive techniques.

Josh Miller played in the NRL for both the Canberra Raiders and the St George Dragons, even sharing the Player of the Year award at Canberra Raiders in 2005 alongside Troy Thompson and in 2009 alongside Josh Duggan.

Josh has been signed this year as the Contact Coach for the Raiders to improve the defensive technique of the players. It was those defensive skills that Brad was wanting Josh to teach his under 18s.

They will get to test their new skillset when they play the curtain raiser in Mudgee on Saturday, 1st April ahead of the Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles game for round 5 of the NRL. Be sure to head to Mudgee for a great day of footy.

Chad Porter Launches The Spaceman Towards A Premiership

March 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Captain/coach, Chad Porter is building a first grade rugby league team will be a top contender in 2023.

Chad Porter has jumped straight into his first ever coaching role, accepting the position of coach for the Parkes Spaceman’s first grade side in the 2023 Group 11 competition.

In addition to his coaching role, Chad is also the team Captain. When you look at his rugby league background, it is easy to see why the club has placed their confidence in him.

Chad started playing rugby league in the under 10’s and continued through to the under 18’s where his side took out the 2011 Premiership. Chad went on to play first grade for the Parkes Spacement and helped them win the Premiership in 2018.

Chad was selected to play for the Newcastle Knights 20’s side Chad before moving across to join the Sydney Rabbitohs 20’s side.

He spent a year at Guilford before heading to play for the Mounties and helping them win a Premiership. In 2017 Chad made the decision to head home to Parkes.

The Spacemen have lost a few of their key players heading into the 2023 season, with Sam Dwyer moving to Wollongong to play football, Jordy Pope relocating for work and Jack Crieth retiring.

Despite these losses, Chad is optimistic for the season ahead, “We’re looking good, Pauly Clyburn has done well with recruitment. We’ve secured a few new front rowers, including Tongan brothers Takitau and Moni, Rex from Papua New Guinea and we’ve got Jake Dooley coming back.”

“When the Cowra team folded, we swooped in and signed ex-NRL and English Super League player Jack Buchanan,” said Chad.

Last week Parkes Spacemen beat Orange Hawks in a trial game by two tries, which is a great sign for the team who will take on Orange Hawks again when round one kicks off after Easter.

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