Articles Archives - Page 113 of 452

Boys To The Bush Striving To Fund 100 Days Of MENtoring

June 9, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The donation drive kicks off today, 9th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

In 2017, school teachers Adam DeMamiel, Richard Leahy, and Tim Sanson stepped out of the classroom, deciding there were more important lessons to be taught in their community.

The trio formed Boys to the Bush, a charity committed to curbing the growing cohort of disengaged young males in regional Australia through camps and MENtoring programs.

Now located in seven regional communities, including Forbes, Boys to the Bush are launching an online donation drive to raise money to fund 100 days of free MENtoring across its sites.

The donation drive starts on 6th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

Adam DeMamiel, CEO and Co-Founder of Boys to the Bush said, “Boys to the Bush has worked with over 6,000 kids, and the support of our communities has been pivotal to the positive outcomes reached by the youth.”

“We are launching 100 days of MENtoring to ensure access to such a life changing program is in reach of the kids that desperately need it. Any contribution is much appreciated and will go directly to the youth that need it most,” said Adam.

Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit, community-based charity, and donations to the 100 days of MENtoring campaign are fully tax deductible. To donate, go to https://boystothebush.org.au/donate

The Voice – Why The Hon Michael McCormack MP Voted No

June 9, 2023 By Roxane Manley

When the vote to change the Constitution goes before the people of Australia later this year, everyone will have the opportunity to individually have their say by way of a vote.

I remain deeply concerned about what the Voice will do to our country and the way in which we are governed.

Ultimately, The Nationals believe adding another layer of bureaucracy in Canberra will not genuinely close the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

The Nationals want to address the serious issues affecting Indigenous Australians by delivering frontline, evidence-based and place-based solutions which will help lift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people out of poverty – by stimulating economic participation, generating jobs and eliminating domestic and family violence.

We believe the bureaucracy should leave Canberra and visit communities around regional and rural town halls and campfires – instead of bureaucracy coming to Canberra.

Labor still has not made clear who will be elected to the Voice, how candidates will be chosen and what difference it will make to Indigenous people’s lives.

Everyone will have the chance to have their say via the ballot box.

Snippets…

June 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said “We develop and distribute these USBs each year to help farmers and contractor harvesters have all the relevant information at their fingertips – and they are usually extremely popular.”

Keeping The Roads Safe During Sowing: Agricultural machinery owners and operators are invited to get road ready ahead of the 2023 sowing season, by picking up a free Moving Harvest Machinery USB from all agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires. The USBs will also be available at the Council Administration Offices.

The ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USBs contain all the relevant notices for safely and legally moving agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road, along with other useful information.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the USBs were produced in July 2022, but weren’t distributed during the harvest season due to flooding in the local area.

There are over 800 USBs available – so call into your local agricultural machinery retailer, rural supply store or the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Council Administration Offices to collect yours.

Activists ought to be called out on harassment tactics: Australia’s peak farming body, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) has come out slamming radical animal rights activists following a spate of illegal and intimidating encounters with law-abiding industry participants, and joined calls for the Government to exclude them from policy making processes.

NFF Vice President Mr Jochinke called on the Federal Government to “Publicly and proactively condemn the people behind this intimidation campaign, and commit to not engaging with them, everyone should have the right to feel safe in their workplace.”

Have You Entered Our Dr Suess Giveaway? If you haven’t already, this is the last week you can enter the Parkes & Forbes Phoenix Dr Seuss competition.

Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200 word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’. As the top selling children’s author of all time.

Both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres.

We are giving away five family passes including three meet and greet opportunities. Further details can be found in the ad on page 10 of this week’s paper.

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

A European Birthday For Marnie

June 2, 2023 By Marnie

Marnie is captured enjoying a fun filled trip around Europe.

It’s Marnie here again, with an update of month four. Oh my goodness, time is flying so fast. They say time flies when you’re having fun, and I can say that is definitely true. As per my past updates, I have experienced so many amazing things, but here are just some of them.

Firstly, I celebrated my first birthday abroad. It was so cool having a birthday in another country and I had an amazing day filled with amazing people.

I only returned from a tour around Europe a week ago. It was with all the people in Germany from other countries who are doing a Rotary exchange like me and was fantastic.

We saw endless amounts of famous and just great things. Including the leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa Italy, the United Nations in Vienna Austria and the Colosseum in Rome Italy. That’s just to name threen of the numerous things we did and saw.

We travelled around Europe by bus and went to six different countries, including Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Even though I had a great trip, I was very happy to see my host family and Bella (their cat) when I arrived home.

Since returning, I have been back at school for four days. It was so good to see all my friends again. I am now back into my normal German routine after having an amazing three weeks travelling around Europe.

Bye for now Parkes! I will write to you all again in another months time.

Marnie

Farewell To Forbes Betta Home Living After 21 Years

June 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Head along and score yourself a bargain as Forbes Better Home Living prepares to close its doors.

After 21 years of serving the local community, Forbes Betta Home Living are closing their doors for the final time on Friday, 9th June. With an impending retirement near, owners Ian and Mandy Westcott have decided to close the business.

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.

To mark its closure, the team at Forbes Betta Home Living are offering the community mark-downs and reductions across a range of home appliances and consumer electrical goods. For a limited time until the final operating date of Friday 9th June, Forbes Betta Home Living are offering bargains including:

• Up to 25% off Fridges
• Up to 30% off Washing Machines
• Up to 50% off Small Appliances
• Up to 30% off Floorcare
• Up to 20% off Dishwashers

The Forbes Betta Home Living Closing Down Sale will run until Friday 9th June 2023, while stocks last.

Despite the closure of the Forbes store, Parkes Betta Home Living will continue to service the Forbes 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.

Parkes Betta Home Living are located at 11 Saleyards Road Parkes and you can contact them on 6862 2237. Opening hours may vary, please call or check the Betta website for more information.

WNSWLHD Launches Second Reconciliation Action Plan

June 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured at a smoking ceremony is WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal who said the plan reflects the diversity of people, all nine proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations as well as the many language groups within the District’s footprint.

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has demonstrated their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Western NSW with the launch of its second Reconciliation Action Plan.

“Our District is so diverse in geography, communities and culture – our communities are unique in so many ways, and each has a strong sense of local identity,” Mr Spittal said.

“In 2017, Western NSW was the first Local Health District to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan, and we are proud to now launch our second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2025, which has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

“This Plan is an opportunity to reflect on our approach to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the journey we are on, and the next steps we will take together to make substantial improvement in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

WNSWLHD Executive Director Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, Tony Martin, said it is an important step in addressing the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the District.

“We recognise that our journey towards reconciliation is a long-term commitment and requires concerted and cohesive action. This new Reconciliation Action Plan is supported by an implementation plan, which includes a detailed breakdown of actions and milestones we will achieve in our two-year timeframe,” Mr Martin said.

BIG W Says Goodbye To Soft Plastic Shopping Bags

June 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

In the lead up to World Environment Day on June 5, BIG W has announced that its stores across Australia are phasing out soft reusable plastic shopping bags as part of the retailer’s commitment to make a positive change for the planet.

Over the coming weeks, BIG W will run down stock of 15-cent and larger 45-cent reusable plastic shopping bags in stores nationwide, in a move to remove over 480 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually.

With many BIG W shoppers already in the habit of bringing their own bags when they shop, the retailer is continuing to encourage customers to use their own bags to reduce the environmental impact, rather than buying them in store. BIG W paper bags and reusable bag options will be available to those who need them.

BIG W, as part of Woolworths Group, also follows in the footsteps of Woolworths Supermarkets, following the national phased removal of the supermarket’s 15-cent plastic bags earlier this year.

Do not worry there will be alternative options available for purchase in store, including a new 99-cent reusable bag which is made from at least 70% recycled content

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

June 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

AUTHOR TALK: HARRY TREASURE

Join us on Friday, 23rd June from 6pm-7:30pm for this night of food, wine and entertainment with Cowra farmer and author Harry Treasure, on the release of his first novel King’s Spur. This history inspired fiction novel is set in the Dargo high plains last century. Free event, book your place for what should be a great evening by phoning Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

FRIDAY FLICKS

This month our Friday Flick is a light-hearted rom-com romp through the jungle with a star-studded cast and lots of laughs along the way. FREE, limited places so call 6861 2309 to book your place. Parkes Library, Friday 26 May at 6pm.

WASTE 2 ART EXHIBITION IN THE COVENTRY ROOM

Waste 2 Art Exhibition Challenge the way you view waste this June at this years’ Waste 2 Art Exhibition in the Coventry Room. Join us on Saturday 3 June at 10:00 AM for the official opening and announcement of the local winning entries (FREE). The exhibition will be on display from 3rd June until 1st July during library opening hours.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW IN JUNE

Little Bang Discovery Club: Each Tuesday morning (10-11:30am) for the month of June children aged 3-5years and their parent/carer are invited to join a 4-week science program with hands-on activities and one-to-one creative learning. Places are strictly limited so call 68612309 to book.

Social AUSLAN: Join us fortnightly in the Makerspace to learn social AUSLAN with Rose and Annette Jones. Saturday, 10th June and 24th June from 10am. FREE, no booking required.

Expressive Acrylics: Florals workshop. Join Karen Ritchie in this 3-hour workshop in the Marramarra Makerspace and learn how to paint florals. Saturday, 17th June 1pm – 4pm. For booking and cost enquiries contact karenritchieart@gmail.com

parkes

Third Annual Parkes Yard Dog Trial

June 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Locals are encouraged to register before the 10th June (no late entries).

Parkes Yard Dog Trial will be held on 18th and 19th June at the Parkes Showground and organisers are looking forward to welcoming competitors from throughout NSW and Victoria.

The trial will be run in conjunction with NSW Yard Dog Association. Competing dogs accumulate points towards end of year championships.

There will be a local section for dogs that reside within 100km radius of Parkes. The locals that competed last years had an enjoyable time trialling their dogs and were encouraged by the support from the judges and the other competitors. It would be great to see more local competitors this year.

The starting time each day is 7.30am and the public are encouraged to come along and have a look.

The event is fortunate to receive strong sponsorship support from the following businesses: Inland Petroleum, Westonfence, Quality Wool, Wakely Shearing, Tanswell Transport, Nick Williams Livestock Pregnancy Scanning, Agriwest, AA Blatch, Nutrien Ag, Dwyer Contracting, Timtrac Industries, Parkes Central Butchery and CopRice.

Parkes RFS Headquarters will be catering and coffee will also be available.

For enquiries about the event please contact Bernard Dwyer on 0428 653 233.

Over One Million Dollars Donated To The Community Since 2011

June 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

A number of the round one recipients of the Northparkes Mine Community Investment Program.

Since the inception of theNorthparkes Mine Community Investment Program in 2011, over one million dollars has been invested in the Parkes and Forbes Shires.

The program runs twice each year, with $50,000 available each round. Funding of $40,000 is a contribution from Northparkes Mine and $10,000 is a contribution from Triple Flag Precious Metals.

Northparkes Mines Managing Director, Jianjun Tian said, “The Community Investment Program has been operating for 12 years, and is our ongoing commitment to support our community, and in tandem our organisation’s vision of ‘a century of mining, together’.

“As a residential mine, we invest in meaningful partnerships to support our communities and people into the future. These ongoing contributions to Parkes and Forbes Shire are fundamental to our success as a company.”

The successful applicants for round one included:

• Parkes Junior Cricket Association

• Forbes Amateur Swimming Club Inc.

• Forbes Ranch Sorting and Penning

• Peak Hill Leisure Arts & Craft Inc

• Paint The Town REaD

• Trundle Pastoral & Agricultural Society Inc

• Forbes Toy Library

• Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc

• Trundle Bush Tucker Day Incorporated

• Parkes East Public School – Marimba Troupe

• Forbes Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Association Inc

• Country Women’s Association of NSW

• Forbes District Soccer Club

• Peak Hill P A & H Association Inc.

P• arkes Community Arts Inc

The Community Investment Program has an independent selection committee, made up of local community members of Parkes and Forbes to review the applications and allocate the available funding. This involves ensuring the applications meet the economic, social, environmental, cultural, recreational and educational needs of the local communities.

The second round of the 2023 Community Investment Program will open on 1st July, and close on 31st October. For information, please contact Laura Mansell, 6812 3556, laura.mansell@au.cmoc.com

AUTHOR TALK: HARRY TREASURE

FRIDAY FLICKS

WASTE 2 ART EXHIBITION IN THE COVENTRY ROOM

LEARN SOMETHING NEW IN JUNE

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