Articles Archives - Page 114 of 452

Get Ready To Picnic With Style

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The popular Fashions on the Field always attracts entries from far and wide. The winners from 2022 were (L-R) Baeden Wakefield (Stylish Man), Ashleigh Smith (Elegant Lady), Deb Parish (Millinery), Carmen and Ian Hatherly (Best Dressed Couple).

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held on Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

Fashions on the Field is one of the highlights of the day offering an array of prizes and prestige to the glamourous colts and fillies. The Fashions on the Field categories this year will once again include: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Millinery and Best Dressed couple.

The spectator area is looking great and the track is in top notch condition for the day’s five-race program. The renovated grandstand and covered bookies rink complete the excellent facilities for punters and a relaxed environment offers something for everyone, making this venue one of the best in the Central West.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise your friends, family or co-workers and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets early from123tix.

Snippets…

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Trent Barker will be a guest tattoo artist available for flash tattoos at the Inkredible Experiences 13th birthday bash.

Inkredible Experiences 13th birthday bash and fundraiser for Lifeline: Don’t miss out on a fun filled family day out on Sunday 28th May at Inkredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barber. It is going to be so big, the entire block in the main street will be closed off so that the fun can spill out on to the street for everyone to enjoy.

Bring the kids for free face painting and jumping castle. They will be doing flash tattoos on the day, raffles, giveaways, barbering and piercing in-store and much more. There will be merchandise on offer and the focus of the day is to raise funds for Lifeline and encouraging people to open up and have conversartions if they are doing it tough. Entertainment will be provided by The Dyagang Boys and Foxxy Cleopatra.

Careers NSW Under The Spotlight During Careers Week: The successful rollout of Careers NSW, a free career guidance and employment advice service, was a main focus of this year’s Careers Week (15th-21st May). The service offers free appointments with careers practitioners, and are a great opportunity to talk through next steps toward a rewarding career.

Appointments are available at more than 40 locations across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and regional NSW, with more locations opening soon.Virtual appointments are also available.

More than 195,000 people have accessed support through the Careers NSW website where there is customised support for people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, regional and remote communities, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and vulnerable groups.

The Careers NSW school trials are continuing to expand support to young people, now covering more than 60 high schools across the state offering services including:

• Group careers exploration sessions from year 7

• Parent/carer information discussions

• Student appointments with a careers practitioner

• Student mock interviews

• Careers workshops and presentations.

Can you spot the real Costa? Local Parkes resident Deb Abela sent us this great photo which was taken on Costa’s recent visit to Parkes. It shows Costa holding a gift that was handmade for him by Deb, its a “spitting image Costa”. We think Deb did a great job and Costa was very excited to receive the gift.

Costa showing off the hand made gift he received from Parkes woman Deb Abela.

Inland Rail Stockinbingal To Parkes Early Works Progress

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The concrete sleepers were trucked in from Bomen, New South Wales and took five days to unload using plant machin-ery. The sleepers, made of high-density fibre-reinforced concrete and weighing 285kg each, will lay over 2.2 kilometres of track, along with over 277 tonnes of rail delivered last month.

Inland Rail are happy to announce that a vital part of the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail project has been delivered, with nearly 4,000 railway sleepers weighing a total of over 1,000 tonnes arriving in Daroobalgie for a new crossing loop.

The Stockinbingal to Parkes project area spans from just north of the rail junction in Stockinbingal to south of Goobang Junction in Parkes, NSW.

Major construction on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section is expected to begin in late 2023 and involves enhancements or modifications to specific sites along the existing rail corridor to accommodate double-stacked freight trains.

Other works planned for Stockinbingal to Parkes include increasing vertical clearance on the Lachlan River Rail Bridge and Wyndham Avenue Road Bridge in Forbes, modifying Forbes Railway Station, and enhancing several existing crossings, structures, and utilities.

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director Program Delivery, Albury to Parkes, said: “The crossing loop at Daroobalgie features 2.2km of new track built to the eastern side of the existing track and will include the replacement and extension of culverts to mitigate flooding on neighbouring land. The crossing loop will allow trains in opposite directions to safely pass each other.

“The Stockinbingal to Parkes project is in the procurement and detailed design stages. During this time, we are seeking to appoint a construction contractor to finalise detailed design and construct the project.

“Early works in and around Forbes will be ongoing, including the relocation of gas and water infrastructure. These works are required because they will enable major construction to proceed more efficiently once a contractor is appointed.

“Inland Rail is an important project that will help Australia move more freight, enhancing the national freight rail network and making our roads safer for all.”

Time To Celebrate, Parkes…. A Silver Anniversary And A National Conference

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

In 1996, all Parkes school principals, preschool directors and two midwives, along with Mayor Robert Wilson, launched the community awareness-raising campaign, Birth to Kindergarten – now known as Paint the Town REaD.

The Annual Parkes Community Reading Day is one of the fun and creative strategies used to spread the word about the necessity of providing children a language-rich environment right from birth, as well as celebrating literacy.

This year marks 25 years since the first Reading Day, and in addition, the 9th National Paint the Town REaD Conference is being held in Parkes.

What began as a local campaign has become a nationwide movement, with well over 100 communities and networks across six states.

Parkes is recognised nationally for our exceptional community reading days, and a number of conference delegates are staying an extra night to attend. This is a great opportunity to showcase the Parkes community.

The National Paint the Town REaD Conference will be held on 6th – 7th September, the community reading day on 8th September.

Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club Player Of The Week – Karsyn Blanco

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Karsyn Blanco. Photo by Allan Ryan.

Karsyn Blanco

Known as: Karsyn

Where were you born: Orem, Utah USA.

What year were you born: 2001.

Where and when did you play your first rugby match: Sandy City, Utah, 2017.

When did you come to Parkes: I moved here in from the USA in 2022.

What position/s do you play: Where ever they want me, often in the centres- I love wide open spaces and hard running.

Your go to food before a game: Usually a Red Bull and then a decent meal after I play.

Interests outside Rugby: Socialising, travel, people.

Where do you work: Advanced Global: Warehouse Assistant.

Married / in a relationship / single: In a new relationship.

Kids: No.

Rugby player you look up to: Alev Kelter (USA 7’s player).

What is it about the Parkes Rugby Club that keeps you playing: Great community and support around the club. All team members get on so well. Way better than anywhere I’ve ever played before.

Upgrades For Female Amenities At Parkes Aquatic Centre

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Aquatic Centres splash pool and 50m lap pool.

The female amenities at the Parkes Aquatare set to receive a complete overhaul, thanks to the NSW Government’s Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities Program.

The $497,705 project will result in substantial upgrades to the toilet and shower facilities and introduce 10 private change rooms and a roof overhead to provide a safe and secure space for females of all ages and abilities at the pool.

Upgrades to the facilities will include much needed new shower and toilet cubicles, hot water services, upgraded change cubicles, a new insulated roof, additional seating and refreshed paint and new tiles throughout.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Ken Keith said, “The upgrade will be a most welcome improvement to the current state of the facility with the changerooms having been relatively unchanged since the 1960s.”

During summer, the pool is an important social gathering precinct for people of all ages and demographics and the provision of suitable facilities for females is essential to encourage not only active lifestyle choices, but also social interaction, especially among peers.

Councillor Ken McGrath said: “Parkes often hosts regional and state level events for swimming throughout the season. The upgrade of these facilities will ensure the continuation of these fantastic opportunities that bring people from near and far to the Shire.”

“This refurbishment will turn the female amenities into a place that gives easy access, privacy, dignity, safety and convenience to a broad spectrum of users, from mother’s group participants, female students and older swimmers to disability service providers,” he added.

The project is expected to be completed towards the end of September 2023.

Be A Voice For Generations

May 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Forbes Community Corrections team are jumping for joy to be able to be involved in hosting Forbes first Sorry Day event today, Friday 26th May.

Forbes Community Corrections in conjunction with Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Legal Service and Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation are hosting Forbes National Sorry Day today, Friday 26th May at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club.

Sorry day leads into National Reconciliation week from 27th May to 3rd June. This year’s theme is “Be A Voice For Generations”.

National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, is an annual event that has been held in Australia on 26th May since 1998.

People of all generations are invited to gather on Wiradjuri land for this free community event. The day will commence at 10:30am with a welcome to Country, and morning tea, followed by guest speakers, a BBQ lunch, performances, interactive artwork, Johnny cakes and barefoot bowls.

National sorry day is a day to remember the suffering and grief experienced due to forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, from their families and communities from the earliest days of European occupation of Australia.

This is also a day for all the community to come together in celebration of the resilience, of the incredible indigenous culture that is now widely recognised in our town and to support one another in leading to a better and brighter future for the entire Community. We hope to see you on the day to have a yarn, enjoy some tucker and embrace our Forbes Community.

Act today for a reconciled tomorrow.

Welcome Home To The Catholic Church

May 26, 2023 By By Fr Barry Dwyer

Have you drifted away from the Catholic Church? Are you thinking about returning to the Church and need some guidance? The Church wants you back as part of our faith community, and Holy Family Parish Parkes invites you to come along to these 6 sessions. Come to as many or as few sessions as you want. If you wish to bring a support person, even just for the first session, they would be welcome.

There are a number of reasons why people have left the Church. They get busy with work or distracted by family responsibilities or they just drift way, and others are angry or hurt. Many non-practising Catholics would like to return to the Church but they just don’t know where to start. Some feel embarrassed, some mistakenly think they are not allowed to come back, others are confused and mixed up about Catholic beliefs.

But lapsed or inactive Catholics can come home and re-establish their relationship with the Church. For those who have been away for a while, these sessions offer an informal and friendly re-entry.

Holy Family Parish hopes you will accept this invitation to return and rediscover the Catholic faith.

Regardless of why you left or got out of the habit of going to Mass, you can always come home. The words of a popular and beautiful hymn are, “Come as you are, that’s how I want you. Come as you are, feel quite at home. Close to my heart, loved and forgiven; come as you are, why stand alone?”

Everyone is welcome, no matter where they are from. We are Catholic. Welcome home.

By Fr Barry Dwyer

What Will One Dollar Buy You?

May 19, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Op Shop volunteers sorting and arranging clothes for sale.

This weekend will see the final three days of operation for the CWA Op Shop at the Forbes Showground Pavilion. From Friday 19th to Sunday 21st May, all remaining stock has been priced-to-go at just $1.

Over the past few months, CWA members from the Forbes Evening Branch and the Forbes Day Branch have worked tirelessly, unpacking and sorting through the donations from the Queensland Islamic Council.

It has been amazing to see so many people support this fundraising initiative. Most people have found bargains, some leaving with armfuls of items.

There are still many bargains to be snapped up. Particularly baby and toddler outfits, boys and girls’ clothes and gents’ shirts. There are long pants and jeans, track pants and T shirts, tops and dresses in a range of sizes.

Brand new items of apparel including Corfu jeans and tops are still available. You never know what you will find!

Money raised from the CWA Op Shop will go to local families in Forbes and district who have been heavily impacted by the floods. Flood-affected families may also access clothing free of charge at the Op-shop.

Flood-affected families in Forbes and district residents needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Forbes CWA Evening Branch via Facebook messenger or email: forbeseveningbranchcwa@gmail.com to discuss ways the CWA can offer assistance. Information will be strictly confidential.

The CWA Op Shop will be open at the Forbes Showground Pavilion, Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

When “Normal” Is A Good Thing

May 19, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Rabobank animal protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird

Australia’s beef sector is set for a return to “more normal” market conditions in the season ahead, after a recent extraordinary period marked by record prices levels and volatility, according to Rabobank’s Australian Beef Seasonal Outlook 2023.

But while prices are projected to track in a narrower range – at close to current levels – through the year, this is still “historically high’ and expectations are that beef producer margins will remains strong, the agribusiness banking specialist says.

The lower prices and resulting market stability will have “an upside”, according to report author Rabobank senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird, with cheaper cattle improving Australia’s competitive position in export markets and less price volatility allowing supply chains to rebalance.

“While high cattle prices in recent times have been great for producers selling cattle, this legacy remains and we are now working our way through some very expensive cattle in much softer consumer markets,” he said.

“A more stable price range for 2023 will allow the supply chain to rebalance, once these expensive cattle are cleared. Cattle prices have returned to more average levels, making Australian beef competitive again and creating a more sustainable market for everyone in the supply chain.”

This price stability also provides an ideal opportunity for cattle producers to plan for the future. “This greater stability, along with the expectation that farm profits will still be strong, also provides an ideal time to plan and prepare for the future,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“And with a number of wetter seasons behind us, there is increased likelihood of a dry season ahead, so now is the best time to prepare for future, less favourable years.”

Karsyn Blanco

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