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Parkes Spacemen Raise $8,800 To Support Safe Haven

August 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Not only did the Spacemen raise $8,800 but they came away with the win over Dubbo Macquarie 44 – 12.

Our local Parkes Rugby League Club are out of this world amazing. The Parkes Spacemen went above and beyond last Sunday, when they donned special jerseys that were destined to be auctioned post-game at the Coachman Hotel in Parkes to raise funds for Safe Haven in Parkes.

Safe Haven is a place you can go if you are feeling distressed or having suicidal thoughts. It is a safe place where you can talk openly about how you are feeling and what you are going through. A place where you can feel supported and not judged. You can talk to peer-support workers or be connected to a mental health professional. If you don’t feel like chatting, you can spend time in a quiet space and listen to music. It’s free and you don’t need an appointment.

This is the first time the club has held this special day to support Safe Haven and suicide prevention but it certainly won’t be the last. Club President Tony Dwyer said, “We want to try and do it every year. If we can help just one person, then it will be a great thing.”

“The whole idea came about at last years presentation night when Captain Coach Will Wardle decided to donate his coaching money back and said he wanted to do something for suicide prevention charity.That is when we teamed up with Safe Haven in town, they are a new initiative set up by a few local people to help with mental health and suicide prevention.

“As a club, the Parkes Spacemen and the Junior League have lost three young men to suicide over the years and so we feel anything we can do to raise awareness is a great thing,” said Tony.

The club purchased a set of jumpers and decided that the Sunday, 6th August game against Dubbo Macquarie would be a fitting round as the Dubbo club have also been affected by suicide.

An incredible total of $8,800 was achieved, with $1,000 raised on the day by walking around the ground with buckets, and a further $7,800 from the jumper auction. All funds will go towards assisting the Safe Haven office in Parkes.

Tony is exceptionally proud of the clubs effort in supporting such an important issue, going on to say, “There is always a stigma with men and young blokes, they tend to bottle things up and won’t open up to people. We’ve been banging on all year about getting together, talking to your mates, make sure you open up, there is always plenty of help there and always a light at the end of the tunnel.

“We have always said with our club, there is a lot of senior people and coaches, if anyone has a problem or needs to talk just come and chat to us and we can help or we can point them in the right direction.”

Snippets…

August 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes local and karting legend John Pizzaro.

Vale John Pizarro OAM: It is with a heavy heart that we report well known Parkes resident and widely celebrated karting legend, John Pizarro OAM, recently passed away. It is a great loss to both the Parkes community and to the sporting and Karting communities that have been grieving since the news was shared. Our condolences to John’s family and friends and colleagues.

Get Ready for Book Week: Book Week will be held 19th – 25th August and this year the theme is Read, Grow, Inspire. The Child Book Council Of Australia (CBCA) has been bringing children and books together across Australia through Children’s Book Week since 1945. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators.

Don’t Repeat Mistakes In Bush Push: According to research commissioned by NewsCorp Australia, more than three million people living in capital cities intend to move to a rural or regional area to escape soaring rents and constant congestion.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs chair Deb Charlton said they were sometimes ill-equipped to handle an influx of new neighbours. “Smaller towns are already crying out for essential infrastructure and the people to deliver those services, and without a deliberate effort to address these shortfalls we risk making things worse.

Mrs Charlton said the remote working trend, which was accelerated by the pandemic, opened up a number of opportunities for people who no longer needed to be in ‘the rat race’. But if decision makers failed to adequately prepare country communities, they risked repeating big city mistakes.

The state’s peak farming body says country communities need to be better equipped to deal with an increasing number of ‘tree changers’.

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

August 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

FRIDAY FLICKS

This 2022 rom-com follows the blossoming romance between two writers brought together in Mexico. With its beautiful scenery, this fish-out-of-water story where opposites attract, makes for a mini romantic getaway.

Friday 25 August, 6pm. Bookings essential.

JUNIOR BUILDERS

Bookings are now open for the Junior Builders workshop on Tuesday August 22 from 4-5pm. Students in Years 3-6 are invited tocome any enjoy a free after-school activitycreating and contributing to a communityart project. Spaces are strictly limited – call6861 2309 to book.

CURL UP THIS WINTER WITH ONLINE WINTER-READS

This winter join libraries throughout the state to read the gripping, fast-paced crime thriller The Other Side of Her by B.M. Carroll. Login to indyreads to start now! Need help accessing our online collections? Our staff are happy to help! Winter-Reads runs from Tuesday 1 August – Thursday 31 August

GET INVOLVED IN THE CARDBOARD SHOW

Got an empty box at your house? Across the month of September the Coventry Room will be hosting an ever-changing and expanding community exhibition of art work made from CARDBOARD. Get involved and enter a piece – build with it, paint on it, create a sculpture or piece of furniture from carboard. All entries to be delivered to the Coventry Room on 4th or 5th September.

Need some inspiration? Join one of the FREE cardboard workshops in the Marramarra Makerspace & Coventry Room:

• Friday 8th September @ 6pm: Workshopand wine (especially for adults)

• Saturday 9th September @ 10am: Cordialand cardboard (especially for kids andparents welcome)

• Saturday 16th September @ 10am: Continue with cardboard (everyone welcome)

Friday 29th September @ 6pm will be the celebration and grand finale event (a free event where artworks will be sold by donation). To book into any of the workshops or events contact Parkes Library 6861 2309.

First Temporary Pod Resident Returns Home As Central West Recovery Continues

August 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Eugowra resident Grace Katon celebrates returning to her home and also her 83rd birthday.

Long-term Eugowra resident Grace Katon is the first Central West resident to move out of a temporary housing pod and back into her own home. She was met by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib who were able to welcome her home.

Following catastrophic floods last year, Grace and her dog Honey lived in the temporary housing pod while her home’s kitchen, bathroom and walls were repaired.

As part of the free Pods on Private Property Program across the Cabonne, Forbes and Parkes Local Government Areas, 98 temporary pods were installed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

As of today, 88 households have been able to take advantage of the program, with another 10 pods in the final stages of fit-out.

The pod program provides people with a safe and comfortable place to live in their own community, while they rebuild or repair their homes, relocate or secure a rental property.

More than 130 pods in total are expected to be installed across the Central West by the end of August, while decommissioned pods will be used again in the area or across NSW as part of future disaster recovery efforts.

The NSW Government has also established an At-Home Caravan Program for eligible Central West residents with 129 caravans delivered and in use.

The NSW Government has provided more than $42 million in grants and subsidies to individuals, households, small businesses and primary producers across the Central West impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Almost 3,000 people have received practical assistance at Recovery Assistant Points across the Central West since November 2022 including accommodation assistance, mental health support and access to clean-up services.

Danielle McDonald Is Riding High Following International Selection

August 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonald has just been selected to compete in the International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE) in Argentina.

Local Parkes girl, 16 year old Danielle McDonald has been dominating the junior girls division in Australian offroad and motocross for many years now. She has just been selected to step up to the senior category and compete in the International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE), being held from 6th- 11th November in San Jaun, Argentina.

Each year, three women from Team Australia head overseas to compete against the best women in the world. Each riders time is accumulated to score a team result, fighting for the top step on the podium.

The Team Australia women have won six world ISDE titles, they have scored multiple podiums over the years and are in a great position for 2023.

Joining Danielle McDonald in Argentina to represent Australia will be Tayla Jones and Jessica Gardiner, who have both been a part of the previous six consecutive ISDE wins.

We met up with Danielle and her dad Jason at their family property in Parkes where Jason has set up a mini motocross track for training purposes. Danielle is only 16 years old but she has already been riding motorcycles for 14 years and competing for 11 years.

“I was two years old when I first started riding, and about five years old when I started racing against the boys at our local track over at Condobolin,” said Danielle.

To say Danielle is dominating the Junior Girls competition in Australia it is no understatement; Danielle has won four Junior Girl HATTAH Titles, one of the biggest desert races in Australia. She won the MX Junior Title and has also won two Offroad Championships.

“My major goal is to get to the world stage, and hopefully win it one day,” said Danielle.

Racing motorcycles is a family affair for the McDonalds, with Danielle’s brother Dylan also a competitive rider who is currently placed second in the Australian Offroad competition.

Proud dad and number one supporter, Jason McDonald said, “She was picked up a few years ago by champion rider Jessica Gardner, and since then Danielle has gotten quicker and quicker. We’ve just returned from the Australian Junior Motocross in Darwin where Danielle won, so that means she is the Australian Junior champion.”

Danielle races with YAMAHA JGR Ballards Offroad Racing and is set to compete in the last round of the World Enduro Series, the competition that Jessica Gardner is currently placedsecond. Danielle will be competing in the last round of that competition as a taste-test to her debut on the international stage for the ISDE.

Tayla, 27 and Jess, 30, are both extremely accomplished in the sport are excited to race alongside Danielle who is the future of the sport. As a team, their goal is to represent the Australian colours to the highest standard and level in Motorcycling and showing that women in sport are powerful. The team are focussed on continuing to achieve great results and once again return to Australian soil with the perpetual ISDE women’s cup trophy.

A Go Fund Me page is currently being set up to to help get the team get to South America. Details will be published when available.

Danielle pictured out on the track doing what she loves, riding and competing.

Simulator Experience ForTrundle Students

August 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

“Students organised in pairs were provided two experiences on the simulator,” said Ken Engsmyr of Parkes Rotary.

Students from Trundle Central School recently spent time learning about the effects of alcohol, drugs, and distractions when they experienced a driving simulator.

The effect of distraction is demonstrated by asking a driver to maintain control of a vehicle while being distracted by text messages, trying to pick up an object from the cabin floor, and taking selfies. The participant experiences how it’s difficult to maintain control of a vehicle when distracted.

After trying to drive the simulator when distracted, Trundle Central student, Harry said “It’s much harder to drive while distracted because you are not focusing on the road anymore.”

Legacy Centenary Torch Relay In Forbes

August 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Students at Forbes Public School cheered on, and saw the exchange of torch lighting during the Legacy Relay.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, presented by Defence Health arrived in Forbes, Monday 31st July, as part of its Australian journey to commemorate Legacy’s Centenary. The Forbes tour began at Lake Forbes Water Park at 11am, travelled a 2.5 kilometre route before culminating at Forbes Legacy Club for lighting of the cauldron.

Torch Bearers included Legacy beneficiaries, Legatees and Defence Personnel. The relay also featured an Australian Defence Force tri-service escort. Official Torch Bearers include Martin Cunningham, Frank Hanns, Michael Walker, Pam Bellhouse, Phyllis Miller, Diana Morris, Margaret Simmonds and Paul Findley.

Start An Exciting Career In Mining With A CMOC Northparkes Mines Apprenticeship

August 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

This is a four year program including on-the-job training, coaching from experienced trades people and a qualification through a Registered Training Organisation.

The Northparkes Mines Apprenticeship Program has been in place since 2005 and offers employment opportunities to a diverse selection of local people, the roles start date is in January of each year.

We currently employ eleven apprentices who are at various stages of their trades which include welding and fabrication, fitting and machining, electrical, light vehicle, mobile plant (heavy vehicle), and automotive electrical. The apprenticeships are a four-year program including on-the-job training, coaching from experienced trades people and a national trade qualification through a Registered Training Organisation.

You will get exposure to all aspects of mining throughout your time onsite and have the opportunity to specialise in an area of your choice in your fourth year.

In addition, Northparkes Mines apprentices are provided with all tools required to complete their trade, free accommodation while attending TAFE, and extra tutor support for TAFE courses if needed.

Northparkes Mines is very proud of the success of the Apprentice Program since it’s introduction which has provided a trade pathway for locals into the mining industry.

Our program combines theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience in the mining industry.

With Northparkes Mines apprenticeship completion rates sitting at 82% and 30% of those still currently working at CMOC Northparkes in both trade and leadership roles, the apprenticeship provide a great opportunity for career progression and longevity.

To view our current 2024 Apprenticeship vacancies and to apply, visit our website at www.northparkes.com/work-with-us/make-your-mark

Spicer Oval Amenities And Clubhouse “A Place To Call Home”

August 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured moments before the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new Clubhouse Facilities at Spicer Oval are from L-R is Central West Rugby chief executive officer Jarrod Simpson, Parkes Boars Clubman Allan Ryan, Parkes Mayor Ken Kieth OAM, Hon Michael McCormack MP, Mr Phil Donato MP, Allan Gersbach President of Parkes Shire Sports Council and The president of the Parkes Rugby Club Kevin Oliver

The Parkes Shire Council and Parkes Rugby, among other state, federal and local delegates, were on hand to officially open the new Spicer Oval amenities and clubhouse facility on Saturday the 29th of July.

The project received $900,000 from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program as well as $1,628,081 from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program Round 7. Parkes Boars contributed $27,000 and local sporting grants were secured for $8,000, with the project totalling $2,677,000.

This facility gives Parkes Rugby a home ground facility for the first time in 12 years. Rugby has had no amenities building, no clubhouse and no lights to train under for more than a decade and thanks to a number of grants, they now have these facilities to support current and future users.The four changerooms also enables the club to adequately support female rugby players, a growing sport across the globe.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Ken Keith OAM, is thrilled with the new facility. “It is my pleasure to congratulate the Parkes Rugby Union Club on the realisation of their long-held dream of a club house and home base at Spicer Oval.

“I would like to acknowledge the Australian Government’s contribution through the LRCI Program and the State Government’s grant contribution through the Resources for Regions which have made this possible. Council is proud to support this project which will also benefit the cricket fraternity,” he added.

Allan Ryan of the Parkes Boars commented, “The club will now be able to host competition games with a clubhouse and facilities that we can be proud of. The club will be able to decorate the building with colour and memorabilia to celebrate the current and past history. The new facility boosts the club future with the facilities to host functions and tournaments.”

We spoke to Parkes Boars Rugby Club President Kevin Oliver and he said “It is an excellent facility, and it’s good to have somewhere to call home again”.

Boars first grade captain Ben Ryan, who has his own personal cheer squad, being his beautiful wife and children and parents, went on to say “It has been a long time coming and it is an incredible change for the club. We’ve got some great shelter now, it’s really made a big difference to the quality of life for the families coming down to the grounds.”

Standing at 48m x 15m in size, it hosts four changerooms, a function room and kitchen as well as room for 300 seats under cover to watch matches of both rugby and cricket. The facility is supported by a new car park as well as new lighting, most of which has been grant funded.

This project is proudly joint-funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, Round 7 of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program, Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club and Parkes Shire Council.

A magnificent aerial view of the brand new clubhouse facilities at Spicer Oval in Parkes.

Snippets…

August 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The M&D Society’s most recent play “Not Now Darling” was praised by theater goers.

Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society: The Parkes M&D society is applying for a grant to upgrade tech equipment (lighting/sound/staging) and need some letters of support. If you love what we do, please drop us a line telling us what our shows have meant to you, how much you enjoy them, and that you support us in our application. You can either email us at parkesmandd2870@gmail.com or post your thoughts on socials. The more feedback we receive showing support, the better chance we will have.

Cracks in the Mirror was officially released for Australian and International licencing this week. The Society is excited to see where this locally grown production might go. To enquire about licencing or to request an information pack please email tandsproductions2870@gmail.com

It Is Nearly Show Time: Parkes Show will be held this year on the 28th, 29th and 30th August. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from 123TIX and the Show Office in Welcome St, Parkes.

Calling All Women In Regional Australia: Share your thoughts on Regional Women’s Menstrual Health in a four-minute survey. Too often menstrual health statistics are based on urban or city-centric experiences, which is why Modibodi has launched the Regional Australia Menstrual Health Survey to gather insights from people living outside of urban areas.

If you live in regional Australia, we welcome you to complete the Modibodi survey – Modibodi Regional Menstrual Health Survey. The survey runs until 13th August, participants will receive a code for 15% off their next Modibodi purchase*. Complete, share and promote this survey so we can make a difference for rural and regional Australian Communities.

Boys To The Bush: Staff are required in Forbes. Monday to Friday 9am- 5pm with the possibility of going full time, weekends if interested and casual shifts after hours/ overnight 5pm – 8.30am. Must have full drivers license, experience preferred working with Youth, WWCC and police check.Email Kristy Butler at kristy@boystothebush.org.au or call on 0499 445 093.

Forbes Preschool: The Yalbilinya Room helped celebrate 100 years of the Legacy Torch by watching the relay and cauldron lighting as it arrived at Club Forbes. The Yalbilinyas then continued their excursion with a picnic lunch in Victoria Park before returning to Preschool.

The children from Forbes Preschool were lucky enough to get up close to the Legacy Torches.

FRIDAY FLICKS

JUNIOR BUILDERS

CURL UP THIS WINTER WITH ONLINE WINTER-READS

GET INVOLVED IN THE CARDBOARD SHOW

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