Articles Archives - Page 145 of 452

Snippets…

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The wattles around Forbes and in the region have been in full bloom in time to celebrate the start of Spring yesterday.

Leads Please: Forbes Shire Council has received numerous complaints about dog owners not using leads around Lake Forbes. Remember that responsible dog ownership is important, and that dogs in public places must always be on a lead or leash unless they are in a specified off-leash area. Always keep your dog on a lead in public places.

Bust Your Energy Bills: Applications for the NSW Government’s Energy Bill Buster program to help households slash their power bills by up to $600 a year are now open. Eligible households include pensioners and Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders receiving the Low Income Household Rebate. Households can check their Bill Buster eligibility and apply at www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/rebate-swap.

Free RATs: Pensioners and other concession card holders can now get up to 10 free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from any Service NSW Service Centre, Mobile Service Centre or Disaster Recovery Centre until the end of October. Eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW include: Pensioner Concession card; Commonwealth Seniors Health Care card; Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care card); Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange cards. For more information visit Free rapid antigen tests to support vulnerable communities | NSW Government or any Service NSW Service Centre.

Unclaimed Money: Older people are encouraged to check if they have money owing to them with more than half a billion dollars currently sitting with Revenue NSW. Anyone can use the free service on the Revenue NSW website to search for unclaimed money. The unclaimed funding includes share dividends, trust accounts, refunds, commissions, deceased estates and money from a range of other sources. Go to https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money

Free Food Organics Workshop: Parkes Shire Council is hosting a free food organics workshop on Tuesday, 27th September from 5:30pm – 7pm at the Marramarra Makerspace Studio. Food and garden waste accounts for almost half of waste materials, takes up limited landfill space and creates harmful greenhouse gases when it breaks down. Bookings are necessary for catering purposes. To reserve your spot, visit: https://bit.ly/3cjLqTd

Parkes Public School has received funding to install and make upgrades to safety fencing at the school. NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway (right) said it was important that local schools had quality facilities to keep staff and students safe. He is with school principal Coral O’Neill. The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years.

GP Surgical Clinic Re-Opens

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

A rural generalist surgical clinic has been re-established at Parkes Hospital and is run by Dr Angus Brown.

A rural generalist surgical clinic has been re-established at Parkes Hospital that will improve access to high quality surgical care for communities across the Lachlan Valley.

The reinvigorated clinic is being delivered by Dr Angus Brown, a rural generalist with advanced skills in general surgery, endoscopy and emergency medicine, and offers pre and post-operative care for a range of procedures.

“Through the rural generalist surgical clinic, Dr Brown provides public consultations throughout the surgical process to help patients understand their procedures and coordinate any care required afterward too,” said Professor Damien Limberger, Acting Clinical Director of Lachlan Health Service.

“Dr Brown has been providing services to the region for over a year. The reinvigorated clinic continues the work of local GP surgeon Dr Stephen Morris following his retirement.”

Rach Ellem, Health Service Manager of Lachlan Health Service, which includes Parkes and Forbes Hospitals, said the clinic currently operated only at Parkes Hospital on Tuesdays once per month, but there was scope to expand.

Contact the rural generalist surgical clinic on 68612455 or WNSWLHD-Admissions@health.nsw.gov.au

CMA Addresses Skills Shortage

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

At the CMA meeting were (L-R) Scott Ferguson, Mayor Blayney Shire Council; Kylie Thomas, Mayor of Kyogle Council; Doug Hawkins OAM, Mayor Liverpool Plains Council and Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire.

The Country Mayors Association (CMA) hosted a Skills Forum recently in response to the dire situation of attracting skilled staff to councils and communities.

“Covid has highlighted Australia’s dependence on skilled migration and the need to refocus on training and education,” said Mayor of Parkes Cr Ken Keith OAM and Chair of the CMA. “We have seen a decline, particularly in regional towns, in the delivery of courses, particularly face-to-face, by TAFE and private providers.

“Course enrolments have decreased significantly by 12.7% from 2016-2021 and more importantly, only 29% of people enrolled completed their courses in 2021. One of the main issues is the lack of apprenticeships and traineeships in rural towns,” said Mayor Keith.

The forum was addressed by the National Commissioner for Rural Education Fiona Nash, as well as the director of policy for the McKell Institute, Edward Cavanagh, CEO of Parkes CUC Cr Jacob Cass, Cr Rick Firman OAM and CEO of Riverina Joint Organisation, and Julie Briggs, who outlined the Riverina’s skills shortage project.

A round table discussion seeking suggestions for positive change was held. Ideas included: specifically isolating data from metro areas to compare to regional, rural and remote local government areas; to allow flexibility for reduced class sizes and course offerings and more support and incentives for businesses to train trainees within TAFE’s community service obligation; to encourage state government to train their own trainees and apprentices rather than taking from local government and the private sector; to advocate for the aged workforce to return to work and provide training and mentoring; that the CMA membership support the McKell Institute and its endeavours to increase skills and retain skills in country NSW; and to engage with Minister Henskens and his advisors to discuss problems facing regional and rural NSW.

Lining Up For Rhyming Day

September 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Christian School Kindergarten class dressed up for a day of ‘rhymingly’ good fun in the park.

As soon as Wolf began to feel
That he would like a decent meal,
He went and knocked on Grandma’s door.
When Grandma opened it, she saw
The sharp white teeth, the horrid grin,
And Wolfie said, “May I come in?”

The pantomime of Roald Dahl’s ‘Revolting Rhymes’ version of Little Red Riding Hood by the Morley family was a big hit at last Friday’s PAINT PARKES REaD Day.

Cooke Park and the CBD was transformed into a world of rhymes and ditties with more than 600 day care, pre-school and primary kids in dress ups adding to the magical makeover.

The theme for the annual event was Rhymingly with plenty of community members and groups playing a role to bring nursery rhymes, contemporary rhymes, ditties and made-up rhymes to life.

“It was really exciting and rewarding to see hundreds of children, in great costumes, participating with such enjoyment and enthusiasm,” said founder of PAINT PARKES REaD, Rhonda Brain.

With 10 shows and 13 rhyme stations there were plenty of fun to be had. The shows included Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott and Cr Bill Jayet at the Henry Parkes statue making up rhyming songs, QUE club at Roasted Kombi, the Parkes Shire Concert Band, Project Sprouts, Marg Applebee from Landcare, Christian School, Parkes and Peak Hill libraries, Parkes School of Dance and more.

“We could not have asked for a better day to spread the importance of REaD, Talk, Sing and Rhyme with our children from birth,” said coordinator Shonel Redfern. “We’ve had great feedback, the weather was perfect and the smiles on the children’s faces was great to see.”

Rhonda said the support and contributions of so many of the Parkes community demonstrated once again the generosity and teamwork which had become so much a part of our culture.

New Look For Henry Parkes Exhibition At Museum

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Museum volunteers Rosemary Prior and Suzy Cotterell at the Henry Parkes exhibition holding the book signed by him in 1887.

It’s heritage month and a good time to brush up on your local knowledge of Parkes.

Research officers Rosemary Prior and Rose Jones at the Henry Parkes Museum have updated and revamped the exhibition on the famous figure the town has been named after.

The Henry Parkes – Father of the Federation exhibition is looking fantastic with new photos and new and updated information. It also includes a very precious item.

A great discovery was made when a book of speeches by Henry Parkes with an inscription and signature by him was found in the museum’s archives. The inscription reads: “Presented to the free library of Parkes with the compliments of Henry Parkes – July 30th 1887”

The five-time premier visited Parkes on four occasions, and he donated this book during his second visit when he stayed for a week.

His first visit was in August 1873, and it was after this visit that the Progress Committee petitioned to have the town’s name changed from Bushman’s to Parkes. The name change happened on 1st December 1873.

Henry Parkes migrated to NSW in 1839 and he started a business as an ivory and bone turner in Sydney, and later added toy making. At the end of 1850 he started a newspaper called The Empire as he was always interested in political matters. He also wrote poetry. He was elected to parliament in 1854 and became premier in 1878.

The exhibition has some personal items of Henry including some of his carvings, his wallet, and a Bible given to him by his sister Maria. There are also photos of his three wives, Clarinda who died in 1888, Eleanor who died in 1895 and Julia. Henry married Julia on 24th October 1895 and died six months later on 27th April 1896. Julia was left to look after his children from his previous marriage and died in 1919.

Let Us All Remember

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

State Member for Orange Phil Donato (second left) with members of the Parkes RSL Sub-branch at the Vietnam Memorial last Thursday.

A good crowd of veterans and family and community members attended the commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day last Thursday in Parkes.

State member for Orange Phil Donato officially opened the renovated Vietnam Veterans Memorial before the start of the service.

The memorial celebrates not only one of Australia’s longest military engagements of the 20th Century from 1962 to 1972, but also the almost 60,000 Australians who served and the 521 veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Vietnam Veterans Day takes place on 18 August, originally to acknowledge the Battle of Long Tan which took place in 1966 and resulted in 18 Australian deaths and 24 wounded after three hours of fierce fighting before the withdrawal of the Viet Cong.

Parkes RSL Sub-branch member Ian Griffey delivered the prologue saying on the 56th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan it was important to remember that “for our Vietnam veterans, life after the war could never be the same. Thousands of our servicemen have developed long-term health problems associated with what they were exposed to in Vietnam. Tragically they are over-represented in statistics on respiratory disorders, cancer, depression and suicide.”

The Australian War Memorial recognised Indigenous Vietnam veterans on the commemoration day after new research had identified more than 250 Indigenous men and women who served for Australia during the Vietnam War.

State Member for Orange Phil Donato with President of the Parkes RSL Sub-branch Keith Woodlands after the official opening of the renovated Vietnam Memorial in Parkes.

Training Boost For Local Emergency Services

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

One of the scenarios volunteers worked on at the Careflight trauma care workshop in Parkes on Sunday. (Photo: CareFlight)

Emergency services in Parkes and Forbes received a boost on Sunday when CareFlight hosted a unique community education workshop for 14 SES and RFS volunteers.

CareFlight’s trauma care workshops are one of a kind and are provided at no cost to participants. Lifelike medical manikins, simulated accident scenarios and specially-designed simulation equipment aid in the recreation of a high-pressure, hands-on environment, ensuring the training is realistic, applicable and improves participants’ ability to connect learning to real-world situations.

In addition to lifesaving skills, personnel are armed with essential leadership, teamwork, situational awareness and communication skills that will help them respond to traumas.

Head of education and training at CareFlight, Colin Brown said it was the third time in 11 years that CareFlight had hosted the workshop in Parkes. “It is one of our favourite workshops and we love doing it in country towns like Parkes.”

He said the feedback from the participants was fantastic. “Talking to them afterwards they said it was really helpful, especially as they were often the first people to arrive at the scene of an accident or emergency.”

“Some of the practical aspects they learned were how to manage patients in a particular situation, how to triage patients and what to do when they have more patients than resources.”

CareFlight was able to bring the training to Parkes thanks to government grants, and is part of CareFlight’s grassroots initiative to create a resilient and healthier community. In collaboration with local groups and their members, CareFlight is building confidence in the emergency response abilities of locals in the community.

CareFlight’s Community Education workshops are coordinated by experienced doctors, paramedics and nurses who train first responders.

Snippets…

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

It was the Peak Hill Show this week and the PA & H Association acknowledged Molly Wright for winning the inaugural Ag Shows NSW Young Rural Woman Competition at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Bulky Waste Collection: Parks Shire Council will be providing a bulky waste kerb-side collection from Monday, 5th to Friday, 16th September for larger items. It will also help to divert items suitable for recycling from landfill. Items are to be placed neatly next to the edge of the kerb and secured to avoid windblown littering. The total volume of waste must not exceed two cubic meters. Mattresses will be collected via a separate service during this time, and green waste will not be accepted during this round.

Get Skilled For Free: NSW residents who want to get skilled for a first job, a new job or a better job will have more opportunities to access fee-free training. The joint NSW/Federal Government funded JobTrainer program provides fee-free training in response to the impact of COVID-19. For more information on eligibility and locations of the fee-free training courses across NSW including online, visit https://education.nsw. gov.au/skills-nsw.

Safer Havens For DV Victims: The NSW Government is investing over $500,000 for security upgrades at more than 80 women’s refuges across NSW to protect women and children leaving domestic violence. The security upgrades will include replacing external fluorescent emergency lighting with energy-efficient vandal-proof lights and the installation of additional external illumination in poorly lit areas, including front and back yards, pathways, garages and other outdoor structures.

Flood Risk Managerment: Forbes Shire Council is seeking input from the community to help revise its Flood Risk Management Study and Plan. Council is looking for information, anecdotes, stories and images from the 2016 and 2021 floods to help inform the revised plan. Council is providing a variety of opportunities for the community to have input into this survey: Complete the survey online at YourSay Forbes: https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-floodplain-risk-management-study-and-plan-consultation, complete a paper form, or email flood@forbes.nsw.gov.au. There will be a drop-in session on Friday, 2nd September from 9am-5pm at the Council Office.

The Forbes Town Hall was lit up in Platypi blue last week after the loss of several key club members of Forbes Rugby Union Club recently.

Thurlstone For Quality

August 26, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Thurlstone Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Studs can stand up to its legitimate claim of one of the nation’s top breeders. It has behind it a swag of awards and prizes, including Most Successful Exhibitor at the Sydney and Melbourne Royal shows, and grand champion prizes from shows throughout the Central West.

The stock forms the base of the reputable studs, originally established as a Dorset stud at Cookamidgera over 75 years ago by Ron Hawken. Son, Richard, has expanded on the reputation of excellence with diversification to include Poll Dorset and White Suffolk rams. His strong interest in the industry started during his 1960s primary school years. “An indication of the success of the stud is the fact that it is free of diseases,” said Richard. “Accredited brucellosis free, Ovine Johnne’s MN3 status and footrot free.”

Poll Dorsets are one of the most popular prime lamb sires in Australia, with about 50% of lambs marketed as Dorset crossed. Another open-faced, clean legged meat sheep popular with buyers is the White Suffolk.

For more information, contact Richard Hawken on 6866 1214.

Unique pARTnership Achieves 15 Years

August 26, 2022 By Kerrie Peden

Sean James Cassidy and Scott Sauce Towney at the Centacare funded exhibition “A peoples Vision for Ancestorial voices” in Forbes in 2008.

The international art group Ub Ubbo Exchange is celebrating its 15th birthday this month. Ub ubbo is a Kankanaey word from the northern Philippines and means coming together, to share and to help each other. It emphasises a deep respect for nature with the belief that you only use what you need and that you replace whatever is taken.

Although Sean James Cassidy, Director of the Australian Chapter of Ub Ubbo Exchange, lives with severe dyslexia, he has always been supported by a strong network of family and friends. Sean has championed indigenous cultures and has encouraged Wiradjuri artists to find their voice. It is through collaborations that Sean has built trust and respect.

Sean first visited the Philippines in 2007 and met Lope Bosaing, a Kankanaey man and farmer, innkeeper and clay artist. Sean and Lope discovered that they shared similar values regarding the importance of the arts and the need to protect culture. This alliance led to the formation of Ub Ubbo Exchange.

During Ub Ubbo’s 15 years it has initiated 11 cultural exchanges and mounted 17 exhibitions across both countries. It included Melodies of Woven Light, a travelling exhibition visiting Parkes, Sydney and Queanbeyan. They produced 10 original songs and completed the Rotary Peace Precinct, The Art of Resilience art competition, an article for the Australian Physics magazine, an installation at the Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC), Wiradjuri/English language stairway art, murals and a digital component complementing the Wiradjuri Ngurambang project.

Sean, with the support of the Parkes Wiradjuri Language group, initiated celebrations for Mother Tongue Day in Parkes. In 2014, First Languages Australia, selected Ub Ubbo’s song, I Am My Elders’ Blood, to represent and promote Mother Tongue Day.

“Since working with Sean, I have witnessed the success of using art to break down barriers and close the gap between First Nation Australians and the wider public,” said Scott Turnbull, Wiradjuri artist and Ub Ubbo Exchange member.

“It might take 20 years for the patterns of contemporary Wiradjuri art to be recognised as a distinct art style but it is a reflection of the ripples and patterns in nature and the markings on Wiradjuri scar trees. It attempts, through art, to show the philosophy and spirit of the powerful Wiradjuri word, Yindyamarra.” Scott Sauce Towney, Wiradjuri artist and Ub Ubbo Exchange member.

By Kerrie Peden
(writer, composer, Ub Ubbo Exchange member)

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