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Parkes Phoenix

Pharmacy Interns Return To Central West

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pharmacy graduates (L-R) Zandra Hinton (Parkes Pharmacy), Aisling Casey (Life Pharmacy Forbes) and Sami Duggan (Flannery’s Pharmacy) have joined LPG for their intern year.

Passion for community pharmacy, and a desire to learn, has enticed a group of pharmacy interns to the New South Wales Central West for the next chapter of their professional development.

New Zealand university graduates Ais­ling Casey (Life Pharmacy Forbes) and Zandra Hinton (Parkes Pharmacy) have joined Forbes local Sami Duggan (Flan­nery’s Pharmacy) in living and working in Parkes and Forbes for their intern year.

“I came back to Forbes because pharma­cists play such an important role in small rural communities. People rely on their lo­cal pharmacist not just for medicines, but for advice, support, and sometimes even just a friendly chat.

“Having grown up here, it means a lot to be able to give back to the community,” former Red Bend Catholic College student, turned Pharmacy intern, Sami Duggan said.

“Working in rural communities allows you to build strong relationships with patients and be part of their healthcare journey in a really meaningful way.

“You don’t fully realise the value of work­ing in a rural community until you spend time there yourself – the trust people place in you, the sense of connection, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference is incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.”

Partner at Flannery’s and Life Pharma­cies, Sarah Hazell, says “Aisling, Zandra and Sami are already making their mark in our stores. They are a wonderful example of the talent coming through our industry, and we are delighted to welcome them to LPG.”

Snippets…

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Council thanks the community for their support.

Parkes Shire Council People’s Panel: Parkes Shire Council is inviting residents aged 15 years and over to join the Parkes Shire People’s Panel – an online commu­nity panel designed to help guide the future direction of the Shire through. By joining the People’s Panel, residents will be invited to share their views through short, online surveys on services and places that mat­ter to everyday life in Parkes Shire. If you would like to join the People’s Panel, regis­ter via the link below: https://survey.places­core.org/s3/parkes-panel-form

NSW Aboriginal Land Council: NSWALC is excited to announce the 2026-2027 round of its Regional Event Grants are now open. These grants aim to support Abo­riginal organisations and events to support and promote Aboriginal culture or sporting achievements. For more information and to apply, head to the Regional Events page https://alc.org.au/regional-event-grants/

NSW Department of Education: Every public-school student in NSW can now ac­cess opportunities to pursue their talents and potential with the Inspire program, roll­ing out high potential and gifted education (HPGE) offerings in every public school. All high potential and gifted opportunities are now listed on school websites, making it easy for parents and carers to see what’s on offer.

CUC Parkes: Coffee Club is running throughout March, and we will be visiting two local cafés as part of our fortnightly morning catch‑ups. These sessions run from 9am to 10am, and we will purchase a beverage of your choice. Coffee Club is open to registered CUC students, CUC Alumni, and community members who are interested in learning more about the CUC.

March dates and locations are:

• 6 March at Be Café

• 9 March at Roasted Kombi (Outback Kombi)

• 20 March at Be Café

• 23 March at Roasted Kombi (Outback Kombi)

Forbes Shire Council: Become the neigh­bourhood waste champion or settle that recycling argument at home by joining us and our local waste educator. Turn your household into the neighbourhood recy­cling champion with this free and family friendly recycling workshop! Facilitated by local waste experts from EnviroCom Aus­tralia, this hands-on workshop will give you all the skills you need to master your yel­low bin at home. Grab a free ticket at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/forbes-free-recycling-workshop-tickets-1977481112239

Free waste workshop at Forbes Town Hall.

C&S Stockfeed Supplies Drive Community-focused Success

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Owners of C&S Stockfeed Supplies, Chris and Sharon Scott.

C&S Stockfeed Supplies is proudly owned and operated by Chris and Sharon Scott, a dedicated local couple passionate about supporting farmers, families and rural com­munities across the region.

Chris Scott is the driving force behind the business — quite literally. Whether he is loading the ute, delivering feed across the district or taking the time to chat with customers, Chris is known for his reliability and friendly approach. With a strong pas­sion for agriculture and years of hands-on experience, he understands the practical needs of local producers and hobby farm­ers alike. His commitment to dependable service and quality stockfeed has helped build lasting relationships.

Behind the scenes, Sharon Scott plays an equally vital role in the day-to-day run­ning of the business. As co-owner, she manages the office operations, oversees customer enquiries and keeps the com­pany’s social media presence active and engaging. From processing orders to re­sponding to online messages, Sharon ensures the business remains organised, connected and running smoothly.

“Supporting local families and rural com­munities is at the heart of what we do,” Sharon said.

Together, Chris and Sharon have built more than just a stockfeed supply busi­ness. C&S Stockfeed Supplies is a true family operation grounded in service, reli­ability and strong community values.

With a hands-on approach and a genuine commitment to their customers, the Scotts continue to strengthen their reputation as a trusted local business dedicated to keeping the region moving forward.

You are invited to attend the C&S Stock­feed Supplies Open Day on Saturday 14 March from 9am – 2pm at Lot 1 Woolstore Place. Drop in to the C&S Stockfeed store to discover the wide range of products available and say hi to Chris and Sharon and the team.

Parkes Shows Up In Support Of Adelaide Blunden

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured handing over the funds raised for Adelaine Blunden (L-R) is Zach Byrnes, Fiona Durkin, Moihi Parker, Joel McNamara and Elisha Nqua.

Three year old Parkes girl Adelaide (Addy) Blunden, has recently been diagnosed with Metastic MYC-amplified Medulloblastoma.

The condition is associated with poor prog­nosis and is often resistant to standard treatments.

The disease is primarily found in children and accounts for a significant percentage of all childhood brain tumors. The MYCamplified subgroup is particularly aggres­sive, with a low overall survival rate and a high likelihood of metastasis.

Due to Adelaide’s heartbreaking diagno­sis, her father Alex has made the decision to stop working so he is able to be with his little girl for an undetermined amount of time. Addy remains the same smiley happy girl despite having to undergo many surgi­cal procedures and spend time away from friends and family.

Wanting to help with fundraising efforts for Addy, on Saturday 28 February, the Parkes Aquatic Centre held a fundraising movie night and raffle with loads of prizes donated by local businesses. With over 100 people in attendance and an amazing show of community support, the incred­ible team at the Parkes Aquatic Centre are proud to share that together with the Parkes community they were able to raise $1,300 for Adelaide and her family.

Zach Byrnes, Regional Aquatics Man­ager said, “Thank you to all the local busi­nesses who generously donated prizes, and to every single person who bought a ticket or came along on the night. The Parkes community continues to show just how strong and supportive it is.”

There has also been a Go Fund Me set up and all of the funds raised will be used for ongoing expenses and treatment. If you are in the position to help Addy then please do so, all donations will be much appreci­ated by the family. Donations can me made at www.gofundme.com/f/adelaide-blunden

Licensed firearm dealers across NSW

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Licensed firearm dealers across NSW – many of them small, family-run businesses in regional communities – are facing significant financial pressure following the rapid introduction of new firearms legislation late last year.

Since these changes came into effect, local operators have reported substantial reductions in trade, with declines in sales and stock turnover placing real strain on their ability to meet ongoing costs such as wages, insurance, leases and inventory commitments.

I have been contacted by a number of businesses across the Orange electorate who are doing it tough, particularly in the current cost-of-living environment. These are law-abiding small businesses that play an important role in our regional economy, and they deserve fair consideration.

I am calling on the NSW Government to introduce a targeted support package to assist licensed firearm dealers manage the financial impacts of these legislative changes. Th is should include practical measures such as transitional assistance, support for stranded inventory and relief to address cash flow challenges.

There is clear precedent for governments to provide assistance where policy decisions have directly impacted industries, and I believe similar support is warranted in this case.

More broadly, I recently met with members of the Canobolas Hunting Club to discuss the impacts of these reforms and the importance of ensuring that law-abiding firearm owners are properly considered in future regulations. I will continue to advocate for fair, balanced outcomes that support responsible firearm ownership.

I also look forward to speaking in NSW Parliament in response to the Sporting Shooters’ Association’s record-breaking petition, which high lights the level of community concern around these changes.

I will continue working to ensure the voices that of practical, regional fair communities solutions are are heard delivered. and ,

The Sneaky Thief Of Sight

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

World Glaucoma Week 9-15 March

Believe it or not, you may already have glaucoma and not know it. In fact, around half of all people with glaucoma are una­ware they have the condition. Glaucoma usually causes no pain or discomfort, and vision loss occurs slowly from the outside in, affecting side vision first. Because of this gradual change, many people do not notice a problem in the early stages. By the time people realise something is wrong, signifi­cant vision loss has often already occurred.

Unfortunately, any vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, and if left untreated the disease can eventually lead to blind­ness.

Who Is at Risk?

Around 1 in 50 Australians will develop glau­coma, but you are up to 10 times more likely to develop it if you have a close relative with the condition. Other risk factors include:age over 50, diabetes, migraines, high or low blood pressure, a strong glasses prescrip­tion (particularly for short-sightedness).

Treatment

While treatment cannot cure glaucoma or restore vision that has already been lost, it can significantly slow the progression of the disease. For this reason, early detec­tion and treatment are critical to protecting your sight. Treatment is mainly aimed at re­ducing the pressure inside the eye. This is most commonly done using prescription eye drops, but laser treatment or surgery may sometimes be recommended.

How Is Glaucoma Detected?

Everyone over the age of 40 should have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years to screen for glaucoma, particularly if you have risk factors for the disease.

At Hansen Optometrists we use advanced technology to help detect glaucoma at its earliest stages, including:

• Visual field testing to detect subtle chang­es in your side vision

• OCT scanning to measure microscopic retinal nerve fibre changes

• Digital retinal imaging to monitor the ap­pearance of the optic nerve over time

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is with regular comprehensive eye examinations. For more information visit: www.hansenoptom.com.au. www.glaucoma.org.au

Knee & Hip OA Exercise Group

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

This morning, I got a message from Dad.

Not the usual “You home later?” or “Need anything from town?” message. This one was different. He’s finally coming across to my work… to do some exercise. (Not just sit down for a cuppa & a yarn… which, hon­estly, is usually his preferred therapy.)

Dad’s had knee pain for years. YEARS.

The slow, stubborn kind that rural blokes quietly carry like it’s just part of the deal.

He’s been told he needs a knee replace­ment, but you know how it goes… there’s always another season, another job, an­other “I’ll be right”.And he’s tried it all. Fish oil. Magical oint­ments. Every tonic sold by a bloke in a hat at the farm quip field days. If it came with a promise and a free sample, Dad’s probably given it a crack.

But now it’s started taking more than just comfort. It’s impacting his sleep. His move­ment. His day-to-day. And when pain starts stealing your rest… it doesn’t just make you sore. It makes you tired in the bones.

So today, today he’s doing something different. He’s coming over to build some strength back into that knee. To get some movement happening again. To give his joint the support it’s been begging for, quiet­ly, for a long time. Because sometimes the next step isn’t a miracle cure. It’s strength.

It’s movement. It’s doing the basics, con­sistently, with good support around you.

Which brings me to this… We have a new service: Knee & Hip OA Exercise Group (Osteoarthritis). Got achy or stiff knees or hips? Been told you have osteoarthritis and not sure what to do next? Waiting for – or recovering from – a joint replacement?This class is for you. Fridays at 9:30am — Kerin Health. Only $15 per session.

Small, supportive group. Why join?

• Strengthen the muscles that support your hips and knees

• Reduce pressure on your joints

• Move with more ease and less pain

• Stay active with like-minded people (the kind who understand what it’s like to hobble out of the ute)Regular strengthening exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis and improve everyday function — and even 8 weeks can make a real difference.

Dad’s proof that it’s never “too late”. Sometimes it’s just finally time. Move Well.

Age Well. Interested in joining or want to learn more? Get in touch with our team at Kerin Health — we’d love to help you get started.

Locals March With Farmers In Parkes To Say “NO WASTE INCINERATOR”

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Concerned Farmers and Community members gatherers in the centre of the main street in Parkes on Sat 28th and Marched Together to Cooke Park where Speeches where lead by Parkes Farmer Sharon Wood.

NSW Farmers say plans to pollute rural and regional communities with Sydney’s rubbish should be immediately rejected.

The proposed Parkes Incinerator would burn 700,000 tonnes of Sydney’s red-bin rubbish each year if approved, and NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said it was totally unacceptable to force any regional community to be the dump­ing ground for Sydney waste if they did not agree.

The Parkes region contributes signifi­cantly to NSW’s wheat, barley, oats, canola and pulse crops. Its mixed farming systems also support substantial sheep grazing for wool and meat.

The significant number of heavy vehicles on council roads, or more freight move­ments on rural rail infrastructure already in need of major upgrades will decimate our regions and agriculture’s economic return to the state budget.

Mrs Reardon spoke at the Parkes Farm­ers & Community March and said the peo­ple of Parkes felt they were being forced to become Sydney’s dumping ground.

“When these projects were proposed for Western Sydney, there was a chorus line of Labor MPs very vocal in their opposition,” Mrs Reardon said.

“Why should rural communities be forced to host projects that are considered unac­ceptable for urban centres, particularly when these same regions produce a lot of the state’s food and fibre?” “There’s also significant concerns for public health, and the impact on the food and fibre grown in these communities.

These projects should be immediately ruled out without question.”

Phil Donato MP marched alongside local farmers and said “It’s critically important that people power unites in Parkes to op­pose this project because the Government will take that into account.”

“We really need to continue and persist with that pressure to push back on this pro­posal and send a message loud and clear to the state government that Parkes does not want this facility in their community.”

Parkes Farmers March Against The Incinerator

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

A powerful message from Parkes Farmers can be seen on the Newell Highway as you are entering Parkes, and the message is very clear, Parkes does not want to be Sydney’s dumping ground.

A march this Saturday is being organised by local farmers and members of the Parkes community who are concerned about the long-term future of our agricultural region if a proposed Energy from Waste facility goes ahead in Parkes.

Parkes farmer Sharon Woods “This land is more than just a business, it is our home, our history, and our children’s future. Our livelihoods, like those of so many farming families across this district, depend entirely on the health of our soil, our water, our mar­ket access and our community. This march is about protecting the integrity, productivity and future of our region.”

Mayor Neil Westcott said, “As the May­or of Parkes Shire and as a farmer in our Shire, I fully support the march taking place this Saturday. There is no doubt about the anxiety this issue has caused among our rural constituents. The weekend will be a strong display of solidarity across all levels of government, sending a clear message that Parkes is not the place for an Energy from Waste facility.”

Phil Donato MP has also thrown his sup­port behind the march, saying: “The Parkes community don’t want this facility in their backyard. If it’s not good enough to go in Sydney, then it’s not good enough to be forced onto Parkes and other regional com­munities. Sydney should be responsible for managing its own waste.”

Meet at the Sir Henry Parkes Statue this Saturday 28 February at 9.30am to join the march to Cooke Park. Speakers on the day will include Sharon Woods – Local Farmer, Philip Donato MP, Rebecca Reardon – NSW Farmers and Cr Joy Paddison.

Snippets…

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Chat with your local SES Unit to find out how you can help.

NSW SES Forbes Unit: Forbes SES mem­bers recently took part in a ‘Drive Opera­tional Vehicles’ course. If you are looking for a way to make a real difference in 2026, why not join the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and become part of a team that helps communities when they need it most. If you have ever thought about join­ing the NSW SES go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/unit-volunteer

Parkes Shire Council: Contamination has a cost. When incorrect items are placed in recycling bins, they can disrupt the re­cycling process and lead to higher costs and more waste going to landfill. Recycling right helps protect our environment and make the most of our resources.

National Driver Fatigue Week: This week is National Driver Fatigue Week. Did you know that driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as drink driving? In fact, being awake for 17 hours has a similar effect on driving performance as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05. Identify the signs of fatigue early, like yawning and sore/tired eyes, and avoid driving tired.

R U OK? Skipping training, getting in­jured often or being less themselves – are all signs a teammate could be struggling. Register for the free Hey Sport, R U OK?resources to help teammates look out for one another and have life-changing con­versations: ruok.org.au/sport

Service NSW Business Bureau: Big rule changes are coming in 2026 – and your small businesses may be affected. From trade businesses to cafes, childcare and the real estate industry, new rules may change how you operate and compete.Check out what’s coming and how to get ready. https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/news-podcasts/news/what-nsw-small-businesses-need-to-know-new-laws-new-rules-new-opportunities-in-2026

Forbes Shire Council IWD Event: To the trailblazers, change‑makers, quiet achiev­ers, loud dreamers and every incredible woman in between. Grab your gals and guys (all welcome) for an inspiring morn­ing on Friday 6 March, from 6.30am to celebrate International Women’s Day. Get your tickets at www.123tix.com.au/events/50699/forbes-international-wom­ens-day-breakfast

SW SES Parkes Unit: The Parkes SES Unit are looking for volunteers aged 16+ for a variety of roles, including: flood res­cue, storm response, administration and support roles, community engagement and more. Are you ready to step up? Apply now at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer

The Parkes Unit’s rescue truck, along with amazing volunteers Matt, Gail and Mick.

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