Articles Archives - Page 124 of 452

$1.1 Million In Community Support From Inland Rail

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment.

The sixteenth round of funding from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program has been announced, for community groups across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Twenty-four community groups and associations including sporting clubs, history groups, schools, and museums will receive a combined total of $73,000 from the sixteenth round of funding. This takes total support over the life of the program to close to $1.1 million for local communities and associations along the Inland Rail alignment since its launch in 2019.

The program has now supported community projects and events like local festivals and celebrations, school STEM initiatives, upgrades to sporting facilities, and support for health and wellbeing groups.

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment said “‘We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities”.

“We offer funding between $1,000–$4,000 for groups and organisations that operate along the Inland Rail route and contribute to local and regional prosperity, well-being, and sustainability.”

“I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding.” Applications for the next round of funding close 30th April.

We encourage you to check your funding eligibility and apply. Please include as much information as you can to tell the story of what you want to achieve and how it will benefit your community.

Check the Community Sponsorships and Donations program page for more information and to access the guidelines which explain eligibility. If you have any further queries, please phone 1800 732 761 or email: ircommunitysponsorships@artc.com.au.

Marramarra Youth Summer Sessions A Resounding Success

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Local youth enjoying the Marramarra youth summer sessions workshops.

Parkes Shire Council was lucky to receive a $12,600 grant for 2022-23 school holiday activities for youth aged 12-24 years in the Parkes Shire from the NSW Government Holiday Break Program. Parkes youth had the opportunity to:

• Develop new creative skills in ResinPouring and Bali Batik ink techniques inflag making.

• Learn about stand-up comedy and develop their own routine with Aussie comedian Anthony Lamond; and

• Team up together to complete a photoscavenger hunt around the Parkes CBD.

“Diversity in our offerings for youth is so important”, said Creative Learning Programs Coordinator Roxanne Gallacher, the Summer Sessions Project Manager.

“Being able to access grant funding to deliver these sessions to the youth of Parkes is a privilege, and we are extremely grateful to the Office of Regional Youth for the opportunity to bring something different this year,” Roxanne said.

As a result we had 92 young people attend across the seven events. Feedback that the programs were giving youth opportunities not readily available, with a good variety and comparable, or exceeding those of larger regional centres.

Ability to reach youth who had not been to library events or workshops before and they have been willing to connect into the library as a source of creativity and information.

There has been an increase in bookings for other library programs and events, bringing new youth into the Library spaces and connecting youth from different schools together in a relaxed environment.

“Life” Course Commencing Soon At The Presbyterian Church

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Do you want to truly understand what life is all about and live life to the full? Then join us as we look into life with Jesus.

“LIFE” is a five week course investigating the claims of the Bible and of Jesus, seeing how they can truly grant us, not just a full life now, but also eternal life.

This free course will run for five weeks from 8th March to 5th April at the Presbyterian Church, Cnr Gap St and Hill St on Wednesday nights from 7 – 8:30pm.

The course will be run in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment and will include free food, an engaging talk and the opportunity to chat and ask questions.

When you come to understand who Jesus really is and the love that God has lavished upon us in sending Him, it really will change your life, forever.

Jesus said: “I have come that they might have life and have it to the full” John 10:10. So please join us as we look into life with Jesus and discover how you too can have life and have it to the full.

Starting Medicine At 40

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Suzie Hill is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program, which is on offer in Dubbo.

Becoming a doctor was never a lifelong dream for Suzie Hill, but with two children who are now adults and have left home, she began looking at the next stage of her life.

Suzie is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. She will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo with clinical training centered on Dubbo Hospital.

Suzie had previously been practicing as a Radiographer for over 15 years. Like many rural residents, she is acutely aware of the impact the shortage of doctors has on our communities. She has been inspired by the care and support her son received by a specialist and the efforts he went to in bringing treatment closer to home as well as some gentle encouragement from Radiologists she has worked with over the years.

“Being able to study in Dubbo has been a huge attraction in maintaining my family life. I love that I’ll be learning in a smaller cohort and the opportunity to develop relationships with teaching and clinical staff that, hopefully I’ll be working with one day as a doctor.”

Suzie is part of the second cohort of students now studying the University of Sydney’s entire four-year Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. Students in Dubbo study the same world-class medical education as their peers in Sydney, while gaining hands-on experience in rural and remote medical practice.

The Dubbo Stream is only available to students eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and pathways are available for First Nations students and those with rural backgrounds.

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo features state-of-the-art medical education facilities including learning studios, anatomy teaching lab, and six-suite simulation training centre.

For more information visit sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/dubbo

Snippets…

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

A reminder to all local men that the Rotary Men’s Health
Education Rural Van is in Forbes today and tomorrow.

Saving Men’s Lives: The purpose-built Rotary Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) is staffed by a male nurse, Bill Power. It offers free-of-charge health screening services to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar (diabetes). The consultation takes about 10 minutes and provides immediate results, helping to improve health outcomes for men.

MHERV will be located in Forbes opposite Town Hall, Harold Street, today Friday 3rd March 9:30am – 3:30pm, and tomorrow

Saturday 4th March 9:30am – 12:30pm.

For further information contact MHERV Program Manager Graeme Hooper on 0417 203 603.

Government Must Consult Farmers On Superannuation Changes: Australia’s peak farming body has warned that superannuation changes announced by Treasurer, Jim Chalmers could cool investment in agriculture, unless the detail is worked through with farmers.

National Farmers’ Federation CEO Tony Mahar is now calling on the Government to undertake formal consultation before the measure is budgeted and legislated later this year.

“For many farmers, their farm is their superannuation, and it’s not uncommon to hold land assets in superannuation – particularly as the next generation enters the business.”

“Now is not the time to dampen investment in one of Australia’s growth industries that creates jobs in regional Australia and plays a central role in our transition to a low carbon economy,” Mr Mahar concluded.

Black Range Station: Johnston Rural Group is pleased to present Black Range Station, approx. 15,264ha (37,717ac) mixed farming and grazing powerhouse.

The proprty offers income diversification for cropping, goats, sheep, cattle and carbon opportunities. The cultivation consent includes 4,238 ha (10,472 ac) cultivation license and 2 PVP’s. Water security is offered through 16 large dams, ‘drought-proofing’ solar bore, tanks and troughs.

Rangeland goats are currently trapped and sold or retained in an on-farm breeding operation. The property is well fenced with excellent internal, containment and exclusion fencing. Livestock facilities include shearing shed and sheep yards, three goat yards and two cattle yards.

Improvements include a five bedroom station homestead, garage and seven bay machinery / hay shed.

For further information on this property contact Gary Johnston on 0427 574 270 or go to www.johnstongroup.com.au

A large, dynamic and well-developed mixed farm located
approximately 85km north west of Condobolin in western
New South Wales.

$137,000 Awarded To Upgrade Trundle Showground

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway announced that the Central West community has secured close to $330,000 under the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to upgrade two showgrounds across the electorate.

Mr Farraway said the funding would support both the Canowindra and Trundle Showgrounds in making essential upgrades to their facilities.

The local funding in Orange under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will provide $137,000 to the Trundle Showground for upgrades to the Sheep Pavilion, including the installation of a water tank and replacement of trees, providing much-needed improvements to this important community asset.

“I am delighted to see the NSW Nationals delivering this funding to support the Central West community and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our region,” said Mr Farraway.

The grants are part of $16.48 million being offered to support 264 projects on Crown land reserves across NSW to benefit many thousands of people and the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of local communities.

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

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

FRIDAY FLICKS

Described as a wonderfully weird, exhilarating all-over-the-place absurdist comedy, this 2022 movie lives up to its title. Incredible acting, stunning visuals, with a deeply powerful story, this movie is as funny as it is moving. Friday, 31st March at 6pm. Bookings essential.

SCANNING WORKSHOPS

Throughout March, Parkes Shire Library will be out and about with our high-quality scanner (during library opening hours). If you have photos you’ve always wanted scanned come along and learn about this piece of equipment. Call 6861 2309 for more information.

Wed 8th March: Tullamore Library

Sat 11th March: Bogan Gate Village Fair

Tue 14th March: Peak Hill Library

Fri 24th March: Trundle Library

Wed 5th April: Parkes Library

WHILE THE WORLD WAITS

This exhibition showcases the work of artists across the central west in response to their experience of the COVID pandemic. Don’t miss this beautiful exhibition in the Coventry Room from 25 Feb – 11 March 2023 from 9:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 9:30 – Midday Saturdays. FREE

LEARN SOMETHING NEW IN MARCH

4 Mar Waste to Art T-Shirt Yarn Workshop: 9am – 12pm $30pp bookings essential. Join local artist Helen Standen in learning to create yarn from old t-shirts.

The following workshops are funded by NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program.

11 Mar Festival Bunting Workshop: Free 9am – 12pm. Join local artists Deb Jones & Helen Standen to make batik bunting in preparation for the upcoming Homegrown Parkes. Limited spaces, so book now.

18 Mar Costa Rocks, Beards and Carrots Drop-in maker session: Free 9am – 12pm.

Get ready to join in the fun of Homegrown Parkes and Costa Georgiadis’ visit to Parkes. Join local artists Deb Jones, Helen Standen and Elsie Mahon to make Costa Rocks for the ‘rock concert’, Costa Beards for the Parade of Beards and carrots for the carrot tree. Book now at Parkes Library.

Currajong Disability Swimming Carnival

February 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured left to right are: Lucy Turner (support worker), Chris Spicer, Blake Huntly, Bonitta Brady and Angela Wall-Powell.

The highly anticipated Currajong Disability Swimming Carnival will be taking place this Wednesday, 1st March.

In 2012, Jodie Turner and Currajong took over the carnival from Cowra and a few other service providers. Currajong have been hosting this event since then, and in the past 11 years, there was only one year the event was not held due to COVID.

The event promotes inclusion, an active and healthy lifestyle and is an opportunity for a social interaction for people living with a disability in the central west. Participants travel from as far as Trangie, Temora, Cowra, Forbes, Orange, Bathurst and Parkes.

The Currajong Disability Swimming Carnival is an event that all participants and spectators look forward to and it averages 50 or more attendees each year.

The Currajong Dissability Swimming Carnival will be held at the Parkes Aquatic Centre, Dalton St Parkes. Arrival time is from 9am onwards, events will commence at 10am and finish by 2:30pm. The cost is $10 which includes pool entry, sausage sizzle, drink and an ice-block. The kiosk at pool will be open for other purchases.

A list of events and agenda for the day include:

• 50 metre freestyle: unassisted
• 25 metre freestyle: unassisted
• 50 metre any stroke: assisted
• 25 metre any stroke: assisted

Across pool relay/novelty events: assisted and unassisted

For more information and to register, phone 6863 4713 or 0409 264 394 or email douglas.pout@currajong.org.au. Race entries must be returned 27th February.

Please reply ASAP. Assisted swim support workers will have to swim with the participants. For any service that wish to stay the night in Parkes, please feel free to call 6863 4713 for assistance.

$250 Hip Pocket Bonus For Regional Apprentices And Trainees

February 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

More than 50,000 regional apprentices and trainees can now apply for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative would help ease budget pressures for apprentices, trainees and university students in the bush.

“We know that young people in our regions are faced with greater travel costs than those in the city, often having to travel long distances to work or training,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This card will reduce travel costs by providing a $250 boost to the budgets of young apprentices and trainees in the bush, covering the cost of fuel, taxis and public transport.

“Slashing travel costs will make a real difference to young people in the bush who clock up the miles travelling to work or to university.

“This $250 hip pocket bonus for regional apprentices and trainees is only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Successful applicants will receive a $250 prepaid debit card within weeks.

Around 51,000 regional apprentices and trainees, aged between 16 and 66, can start taking up this offer right now by applying through Service NSW and save $250 on fuel, taxis and public transport to help with the cost of traveling to work or study.

Applications for university students will open from the end of April when enrolments are confirmed. Apprentices and trainees have until 30 November to apply for the 2023 card.

The initiative will run as a two-year trial until the end of 2024.

Parkes Liveability Strategy To Be Developed Thanks To NSW Government

February 24, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is helping Parkes Shire Council be better prepared to create opportunities in the community thanks to a $186,562 grant from the Business Case and Strategy Development Fund.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the program will provide funding that will enable the Parkes Shire to engage experts to investigate new project ideas and assist with funding applications.

“Investing in the liveability of our regional communities is crucial for their sustainable growth and success,” Mr Farraway said.

“With this funding, Parkes Shire Council will be able to develop a comprehensive strategy that identifies key projects and infrastructure requirements to support our skilled workforce and industries.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regions are bursting with people full of ideas with the potential to create jobs, boost economies, and attract investment.

“Any successful project starts with evidence-based planning and this program will help take great ideas and concepts a step closer to reality, benefiting entire communities,” Mr Toole said.

“This is about helping make business cases stand out and be more competitive, it will help break down project costs, outline how projects will benefit the community and identify any challenges that need to be met.

The Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund is part of the $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund. For further information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/BusinessCaseFund

FRIDAY FLICKS

SCANNING WORKSHOPS

WHILE THE WORLD WAITS

LEARN SOMETHING NEW IN MARCH

Subscribe