Articles Archives - Page 29 of 452

LGNSW And Country Mayors Association To Strengthen Local Government Voice

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) have extended a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between the two bodies and to amplify the voice of local government across the state.

LGNSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM signed the agreement alongside CMA Chairman Rick Firman OAM during the first day of the 2025 LGNSW Annual Conference.

The extension of the existing MoU continues to strengthen the relationship between the two organisations and sets out a framework for cooperation on issues impacting councils, particularly those in remote, rural and regional communities.

Through the partnership, LGNSW and the CMA will collaborate on policy development, advocacy campaigns and information sharing, working together to deliver stronger outcomes for councils and communities right across New South Wales.

Mayor Miller said the agreement would help ensure the challenges and opportunities of regional and rural communities remain front and centre in statewide advocacy efforts. “This MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the collective voice of local government and ensuring every council – no matter how large or small – has a seat at the table,” Mayor Miller said.

Health Minister Ryan Park Has 35 Days To Respond To Petition

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

On 21 November, 2025, the Legislative Assembly clerk announced that a paper petition signed by 500 or more persons had been lodged for presentation. A Petition requesting that the Legislative Assembly call on the Government to increase the levels of nurse staffing, administration support and security provision in the emergency department at Parkes Hospital.

NSWNMA Parkes Hospital branch delegate Tania Elsley said “The submission of our petition to parliament is the first step in making our state aware of our fear and safety concerns and then responsible for funding the changes needed. Parliament and State Health are responsible for providing what is required for our town’s local public hospital. They are no longer “unaware”.”

“If our town wants our local hospital to deliver appropriate and safe care, community support needs to continue until we see improvement. Sadly if we stop being visible and vocal then people assume it has happened. This includes our local council pursuing this on our behalf as it affects their families the same as our own.” said Tania.

Phil Donato MP said “I have been in routine contact with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association area organiser, with whom I have regularly discussed challenges experienced by the branch members concerning the Parkes Hospital on 7th April 2025 I met with Parkes branch members, who first raised with me issues concerning nursing staff shortages, system improvements, and the need for dedicated security staff around the clock. Following that meeting, I made formal written representations to the Minister for Health regarding staffing, and I also tabled a question on notice regarding the issue of hospital security.”

The Health Minister’s written response is due by Friday 26 December 2025. Once the Minister’s written response is received, it will be publicly viewable on the following link: https://shorturl.at/fBw7r

Snippets…

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Let Worklocker Parkes know who has got the best mo.

Worklocker Parkes: Wright Farming are rocking their @trademutt shirts for Movember — raising funds, awareness, and a few questionable moustaches along the way. All for a good cause! Let Worklocker know who has got the best mo on their facebook page. You too can play your part by donating here https://au.movember.com/team/2483050

NSW Government: There’s a first-of-itskind digital service to help domestic and family violence victim-survivors stay safe. DV Notify sends text or email updates when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody, so victim-survivors know what’s happening and where to find support. Find out more: www.nsw.gov.au/dvnotify

Amazing Forbes NSW: Are you looking for a christmas gift for that hard to buy for person? or just want to thank your clients or staff for a big year? Don’t forget we do #amazing gift boxes at our Visitor Information Centre Shop! Talk to our friendly staff about giving the gift of Forbes this Christmas.

Central West Police District: Central West Police District participated in the White Ribbon March and Service held at Forbes – Victoria Park – together, we stand against violence in all its forms and continue working towards a safer, more respectful community for everyone.

Visit Parkes Region: Did you know Peak Hill is home to Australia’s first upright silos! Built in 1918 as the nation’s first upright bulk wheat silos, and standing tall in the heart of the Parkes Region, these historic structures mark a turning point in Australia’s agricultural history, showcasing innovation that transformed the way wheat was stored and handled. For more info visit: bit.ly/4fWlQzW

R U OK? Conversations about the holiday period and end of year gatherings can be overwhelming. If there’s someone you know who may find this time of year tough, you can make a difference by checking in and having a meaningful conversation. Find tips at ruok.org.au/holiday

The Forbes Historical Museum: Come and see the wonderful collection of memorabilia in the Girl Guides display at The Forbes Historical Museum. Classic Girl Guides uniforms, patches and badges, shields and trophies. Girl Guides played an important role in empowering young women in Forbes and this display is a tribute to that legacy. Where: Forbes Museum, Cross Street, Forbes. When: 2pm to 4pm daily.

Step back in time with a fantastic piece of local history.

Local Students Set To Shine In End Of Year Performance

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Pictured are Harvey and Margot Williams.

Parkes School of Dance Inc is a community-run regional dance school established in 2013. Committed to providing age-appropriate dance education in various styles, fostering creativity, and celebrating the performing arts.

This Sunday, Parkes School of Dance Inc will celebrate a joyful finale to the year as 50 of their amazing dancers take to the stage for their 2025 End-of-Year Performance which is a colourful showcase of creativity, confidence, and community spirit.

After months of hard work in the studio, our dancers, who range from tiny beginners to dedicated seniors, are now ready to share the magic they’ve been creating.

This year’s theme, ‘Better When We’re Dancing’ captures exactly what makes our school special: the energy, connection, and pure happiness we feel when we move together.

“We’re so proud of what our dancers have achieved this year,” said President, Catherine McQuie. “This performance is a celebration of their growth, their dedication, and the friendships they’ve built along the way.”

The event would not be possible without our incredible teaching team Miss Lily, Miss Megan, Miss Nat and Miss Viv, who each support and nurture every student and bring out the best in them. We also extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers and committee, whose behind-the-scenes dedication from costumes and props to logistics and support, is what keeps our notfor-profit school thriving.

The performance will be held on Sunday 30 November at 10am for 10.30am start at the Starlight Lounge, Parkes Services Club. Families, friends, and community members are warmly invited to join us for an afternoon of music, movement, and memorable moments. Tickets available online. https://www.trybooking.com/DHIPR

Parkes Bypass Opens After 60 Years Of Community Advocacy

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments have announced the completion of one of the central west’s largest ever transport infrastructure projects – Parkes Bypass. The $287.2 million upgrade has delivered a brand new 10.5-kilometre section of the Newell Highway, which opened to traffic in April this year.

The 1,062-kilometre-long Newell Highway is one of the nation’s busiest freight routes, linking Victoria and Queensland.

The Parkes Bypass means truck drivers and freight operators will be able to get from Dubbo to Forbes without the need to navigate the Parkes town centre, removing up to 1,200 trucks per day from local streets and busting congestion in the regional hub.

Pedestrians and those shopping and moving around in the Parkes CBD are now enjoying the improved safety and ease of travelling without heavy vehicles navigating local streets.

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill had this to say “This project is delivering real benefits for people in Parkes and across the central west. “Safer roads, better traffic flow and more welcoming town centres are exactly what strong regional communities deserve. It is a major investment in the future prosperity of the region.”

Big Mac Burgers, Big Donations, Bigger Purpose: Mchappy Day 2025 Raises $4.8 Million

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The results are in, and Aussies have once again rallied behind McHappy Day, and shown their generosity in a big way, raising an extraordinary $4.8M for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Thanks to the generosity of Macca’s crew and customers, more than 30,000 nights together will be provided to families supported by RMHC across Australia.

The funds raised through McHappy Day will help RMHC deliver its full range of vital Programs including Houses, Family Rooms, Family Retreats, Hospitality Carts and the Learning Program – all designed to provide comfort, care and support to families when and where they need it most.

Aussies showed up in incredible numbers to support McHappy Day 2025 by:

Rocking Silly Socks – Grimace and Hamburglar designs brought smiles and style, Wearing Bucket Hats – Showing heart from head to toe, Purchasing Helping Hands – Coloured in and displayed proudly in restaurants and homes, Donating online – Every click made a difference and Buying a Big Mac, with a BIGGER purpose – $2 from every Big Mac sold on McHappy Day went directly to RMHC Barbara Ryan, Chief Executive Officer for RMHC Australia, said: “It’s truly heartwarming to see the incredible generosity shown on McHappy Day. We couldn’t have achieved this result without the support of Australians everywhere – from Macca’s crew and Licensees to every customer who bought a Big Mac, a pair of Silly Socks or a Helping Hand for a cause that means so much to families with children who are ill or injured.

“Every dollar raised makes an impact.

Thanks to you, we can continue to ease the journey for families.”

McHappy Day is the largest annual fundraiser for RMHC. Since launching in 1991, McHappy Day has raised over $83 million, helping RMHC support more than 69,000 families every year.

Visit www.mchappyday.org.au

One Battery Can Spark A Blaze

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Battery fire in a garbage truck.

This week marks the launch of a major new phase of the successful ‘Never Bin A Battery’ campaign rolling out across New South Wales.

Fires caused by the incorrect disposal of household batteries and products with embedded batteries are a growing hazard. In NSW, Fire and Rescue have responded to more than 280 incidents caused by lithiumion batteries this year alone.

Meanwhile, the waste industry reports an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 battery-related fires a year nationwide, posing a significant risk to human health, the environment and to critical infrastructure that we rely on to process waste.

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director of Programs and Innovation Alexandra Geddes said, “Everyone has a role to play in the safe use and disposal of batteries, which should never be disposed of in kerbside bins.”

The campaign reminds people to:

• Tape the ends of small loose batteries with clear, sticky tape

• Keep them safe in a ventilated, glass container

• Drop them off at nearby B-cycle collection points, like supermarkets and hardware stores

• Dispose of large batteries (5-20 kg) for free at Community Recycling Centres

• Drop off items with embedded batteries for free to one of 34 CRCs participating in the embedded batteries recycling trial

New Free Toolkit Helps Manage Money And Support Mental Health This Festive Season

November 27, 2025 By Roxane Manley

With the festive season approaching and cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households across the country, Beyond Blue and Financial Counselling Australia have launched a new free resource to help people manage their finances and look after their mental health.

The Money and Mental Health Toolkit includes practical tips for managing thoughts and emotions, budgeting, having conversations with banks or utility companies and finding the right support when you need it.

Its launch comes as demand for financial support via the National Debt Helpline phone service remains high, with almost 170,000 calls and chats in the 12 months to the end of October.

Recent results from Beyond Blue’s Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check found financial pressure was the leading cause of distress for nearly half (46%) of all respondents.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said the festive season could be a particularly challenging time for many people, when financial and emotional pressures often intensified.

“There are so many expectations around this season and that can bring added pressure, especially when money is tight,” she said.

Ms Harman encouraged those experiencing distress not to wait. “There’s always a way forward. Talking to someone can help lighten the load and give you hope that you can get through this.”

The Money and Mental Health Toolkit is available now on the Beyond Blue website beyondblue.org.au

March Against Violence: Forbes White Ribbon Day

November 20, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Forbes community is invited to once again come together on Tuesday 25 November 2025 for the annual White Ribbon Day event, raising awareness and showing support for ending violence against women.

Chairperson of the Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee, Stevie Darcy said, “By joining together at this event, our community will stand united against violence and show our commitment to supporting one another.”

The day will begin with a community march through the CBD, assembling at 9.30am in Spring Street, followed by an official ceremony in Victoria Park commencing at 10.15am. Local services and community groups will host stalls and activities.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to come together as a community, united in our stand to end domestic and family violence.

“As we march together, we will walk not just in solidarity, but with purpose. This is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, more respectful future for everyone”, the Mayor said.

“I encourage everyone to continue the conversation – in our homes, schools, workplaces, and throughout our community. Together, we will build a future where respect is the norm, and where every person can live free from fear and violence.”

To ensure the safety of participants, Spring Street and surrounding streets along the march route will be temporarily closed from 9.30am to 11.00am. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes during this time.

Snippets…

November 20, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Arts Out West are calling all artists with disability in Central Western NSW to submit their work for POV: art | disability.

Arts Outwest: Final Call Out. POV: art | disability closes this Sunday 23rd November. If you’ve been thinking about submitting your work, now is the perfect time to complete an application. POV: art | disability is all about celebrating diverse perspectives and showcasing the incredible talent within our community. Whether you’re an emerging artist or have been creating for years, we would love to see your work represented in this year’s exhibition. Apply here: socialfutures.org.au/service/pov-art-disability/

Forbes Business Chamber: Make sure you have Friday 12 December, 5pm – 9pm locked in your diaries. Templar and Rankin Streets will be closed off for a night of entertainment, food, market stalls and kids rides! Plus a special guest will be making an appearance…

PCYC Parkes: Massive shout out to Bunnings Forbes and Discount Dave’s Parkes. Our Halloween Disco was an absolute spectacular success — and it wouldn’t have been the same without their amazing donations. Lollies thanks to the legends at Discount Dave’s. Decorations thanks to the awesome team at Bunnings. Your support helps us keep creating fun community events just like our Halloween Disco. We’re so grateful.

NSW Government: Plastic bread tags, non-compostable fruit stickers, unrecyclable sushi takeaway containers and singleserve condiment bottles packages will be phased out. Safer, recyclable alternatives are coming. We’re also requiring takeaway food and beverage packaging items to be recyclable, redesigning takeaway containers, regulating harmful chemicals in packaging, and banning helium balloon releases. Find out more: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Plastics/plastics-plan-20

Forbes Youth Action Team: Got your P1 (Red Ps) and aged 17–20? Sign up now to start collecting rewards! Here’s how to join: Download the app and sign up, fill out a quick 10-minute survey, drive as you normally would and complete the post-trial survey to get paid. Your information is kept secure and will only be used by the University of Melbourne for research. For more info or to sign up, visit: https://feedbacktrial.net/#faq

Visit Parkes Region: Escape to the Parkes Region and discover the charm of Trundle. A town rich in heritage, heart, and a pub that’s impossible to miss! From its welcoming community to its iconic landmarks, Trundle offers a slice of country life you won’t forget. For information on the Parkes Region visit: bit.ly/4fWlQzW

Trundle is situated 65km north-west of Parkes on “The Bogan Way”.

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