Articles Archives - Page 3 of 408

Reducing Road Trauma In Parkes Shire

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

With a national focus on road safety this month, researchers from The George Institute for Global Health are asking locals to share their thoughts on driving in an anonymous online survey.

The survey is part of a larger road safety project known as Community Action for Safe Speeds (CASS). Taking place across New South Wales, the CASS study will help researchers understand attitudes toward safe speeds on our roads, with the aim of finding innovative ways to reduce speeding-related road trauma.

Road trauma can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on everyone involved. In 2023 alone, there were 33 casualties from 44 crashes on Parkes Shire roads, with speeding listed as a contributing factor in 25% of these crashes.

Parkes Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said speeding is the highest contributor to injury crashes in our region and the most complex road safety issue in our community and many others.

“We’re committed to improving road safety in our region and working with global researchers on the topic of speeding, to help us shape ideas for making our local roads safer for everyone,” Ms Suitor said.

To participate, you must be aged 18 years or older, be willing to complete two surveys 6 months apart, live or work in the Parkes Local Government Area, and be able to complete the survey in English.

Upon completing both the initial and 6-month follow up surveys, participants will enter a draw to win one of four $250 e-gift vouchers. The survey can be accessed via https://bit.ly/3SHAwbl

Grants Mission To Continue Ride Against Domestic Violence

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

ABOVE: Phil Donato MP speaking to ride organiser, Grant Nicholson before the group departed from Bunnings carpark in Forbes to make the trip to Parliament House.

An estimated 4.2 million Australian adults (21 per cent) have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a partner, according to information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Women are more likely than men to have experienced this type of abuse by a partner, and when Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst was murdered by her ex-partner on 22 April, 2024, it didn’t just shake the Forbes community, it rocked the nation.

Forbes’ Grant Nicholson was inspired by the loss of Molly to lead 120 motorcycles on a Ride Against Domestic Violence. The ride kicked off on Friday 11 April from Bunnings carpark in Forbes, with local member Phil Donato MP in attendance to farewell the riders.

“There were many failures in the system that should have provided Molly more safety and security,” said Mr Donato.

The group rode 280km, picking up riders along the way, to hold a meeting in the assembly area of Parliament House in Canberra to demonstrate their concern over “The lack of action by our leaders to combat DV in our communities,” said Grant. The date, 11 April was chosen as it was the day before Molly’s birthday.

Grant spoke in front of the crowd in Canberra, with the intent to be loud and peaceful, in an attempt to show society that domestic violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

The event was covered by television crews including Channel 7, Channel 9 and ABC, but Grant wont accept praise for raising awareness to this cause, humbly stating, “We’re trying to do something, it’s the only thing I know how to do.”

Grant, who is part of the Central West Riders Forbes group, says in a few weeks he will meet up with fellow riders from Dubbo in an effort to start planning next year’s ride.

BELOW: One of the riders clearly demonstrating their support of this important cause.

Youth Actor Mock Crash Auditions

May 29, 2025 By Roxane Manley

William Ellis recording his victim impact statement in 2023.

Calling all amateur actors across the region! Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth actors to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging local youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative. The initiative seeing a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.

“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Thursday 5 June from 5pm – 8pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. The youth actors will also undergo road crash rescue training to see what it’s going to be like being cut out of a car and removed on a spine board.

“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new. So, if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16, register and come along” Ms Suitor said.

The program offers experience with filming as well as a live performance. Dates are still being set for the live mock crash demonstration, but will likely be August.

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Ms Suitor on either 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.

au for more information and to book your place.

Snippets…

May 29, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Mr Martino, Mr Dwyer, Mykel Coe, Amelia Smith, Aunty Florence Onus, Skye Harris and Barry Merritt at the Red Bend Catholic College Sorry Day assembly.

Red Bend Catholic College: We were fortunate to be joined by Aunty Florence Onus for our Sorry Day assembly. Florence is a Birrigubba, Bidjara and Jagalingu woman from North and Central Queensland and is a survivor of the Stolen Generation. Florence spoke about our shared Australian history and her personal family story, and we thank her for her insight.

Women NSW: Are you ready to return to work? Future Women Jobs Academy is a free, year-long virtual program designed to empower women with the knowledge and connections needed to return to work and thrive. The program begins on 4 August 2025 and concludes in June 2026. This program is free, flexible, and self-paced. Applications close on 21 July 2025. Learn more here: nsw.gov.au/fwja

Lock it or lose it! Central West Police District continues to see a spike in Steal from Motor Vehicle offences in the Forbes township. The majority are from unlocked vehicles, however there have been incidents where the window has been smashed.

Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle overnight. Sensor lights and CCTV are also an excellent deterrent.

CUC Parkes: Did you know that the CUC offers a coffee machine, complete with flavoured syrups, tea, and hot chocolate in the kitchen for students? Every Monday at 10am, we invite students to join us for a Monday Morning Catch-Up at CUC Parkes.

Our Centre Manager, Jacob, and Learning Skills Advisor, Brooke, will be present to engage in friendly, informal conversations.

Companionions Thru Cancer Inc: The Parkes Companions Thru Cancer Group held A Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday 21 May at the Parkes Red Cross room raising an amazing $843.16. Thanks to all who supported this important event.

Henry Parkes Learning Community: Last term, staff from Parkes High School, Parkes Public School, Parkes East Public School and Middleton Public School, took part in a 10 week exercise challenge. Ninety-nine public school staff members took part and each donated $10 to join. The four schools then recorded their accumulative exercise hours each week to get an overall champion school. Congratulations to Middleton Public School who took out the honours this year. Middleton staff then chose Ronald McDonald House Orange to receive the funds raised.

Mr Geoff Rice, Board member for Ronald McDonald House Orange, accepting the $1,000 raised.

Protect Yourself Ahead Of The Flu Season

May 29, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Vee Vian Higgins is pictured administering a flu vaccination to Teresa Knowles at Parkes Pharmacy. If you want to enquire about a flu vaccination you can contact Parkes Pharmacy (02) 6862 2411 or parkes@lifepharmacygroup.com.au

Influenza cases are rising fast across Australia with many cases already confirmed across the country, a jump of more than 50 per cent from this time last year.

It’s a timely reminder for families and vulnerable members of the community to speak with healthcare providers about vaccination.

The best time to get vaccinated is from now, peak flu season is from June to September, so we want as many people as possible protected and vaccinated against influenza before that peak season hits to take pressure off our doctors and hospitals.

Quite often long weekends and school holidays are a time for family gatherings, you might be seeing the older relatives in your family, or those with babies, and we want to protect those individuals. It takes two weeks to get full protection from the vaccine so now is the opportune time.

The flu vaccine is recommended for all Australians over six months of age with modelling suggesting influenza cases may be higher than reported.

Those who are at more risk of serious illness and hospitalisation have access to free flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Little ones under five years, adults who are 65 and over, those people with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk of having more severe disease, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and pregnant women are the ones we really want to protect with vaccinations, so the government has a free vaccine for them to get that protection.

Patients who would like the flu vaccination are encouraged to speak with either their local pharmacist, or GP, to determine which vaccine is suitable and who qualifies for the NIP. For more information on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) you are encouraged to visit: www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine

Funding To Empower Aboriginal Carers In The Central West

May 29, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Minns Labor Government is supporting more Aboriginal carers in rural and remote communities in Western NSW with a $300,000 funding boost Carers Investment Grant Program 2025-27.

The funding for the Regional Enterprise Development Institute’s Yadama Yoorayga project will drive greater awareness of support services available to Aboriginal people who care for family and friends.

Many Aboriginal people in New South Wales provide unpaid care to a person with a disability, health condition or due to old age, and account for 3.6 per cent of all carers in New South Wales.

While they experience many of the same challenges as other carers, they say they felt less recognised as carers by service providers. In a 2024 National Carer Survey, 30.4% said they sometimes or never feel services are culturally safe.

The Regional Enterprise Development Institute is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation which has served Western NSW for more than 25 years. This funding will ensure that culturally safe services, which recognise Aboriginal carers’ history and needs are provided. The project includes ongoing education and training to service providers to better equip them to meet the needs of Aboriginal carers in Western NSW.

The Yadama Yoorayga project is one of seven projects funded under the NSW Government’s $3.1 million Carers Investment Grant Program 2025-27 to support carers across the state.

For more information about the grants and recipients, including a Carers NSW program to help Aboriginal Health workers better identify and support Aboriginal carers, you can go to https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/carers/carers-investment-grant-program.html

Restraint Checks Securing Child Safety In Parkes And Forbes

May 29, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor pictured at the recent child restraint checking events in Parkes and Forbes.

The recent free child restraint checking events, a service provided by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, discovered that 79% of the child restraints checked were incorrectly fitted.

The service provided free child restraint inspections in Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin, by local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters. Nineteen child restraints were brought in by parents and grandparents for checking – mostly rearward/forward facing converter child restraints or forward facing/booster converter child restraints. There were also two installations.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said these bi-annual events continue to be popular.

“The child restraints that were incorrectly fitted had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child” Ms Suitor said.

“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. It is important to make sure that your precious cargo is safe and buckled up every time they are in the car – whether it’s a five minute or five-hour journey” Ms Suitor said.

While these safety checks were free biannual events, local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters can install and check child restraints all year-round for a small fee. The local fitters in Parkes are Col Fletcher Ford & Kia and Parkes Tyrepower. The local fitter in Forbes is Jelbart Dawson. The local fitter in Condobolin is Central West Tyre Service.

National child restraint laws have been in effect since 2010. All children must be safely fastened into the correct child restraint for their age and size. Children need to be at least 145cm or taller to use an adult lap sash seatbelt.

Research shows children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured.

You can visit www.childcarseats.com.au for more information about child restraint rules.

Topsoil Organics Named 2025 Western Nsw Business Of The Year

May 22, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Forbes based business, Topsoil Organics was named Western NSW’s 2025 Business of the Year at a Gala event at Dubbo RSL Club, in front of 210 business leaders.

They also were awarded top honors in the categories of Excellence in Large Business and Excellence in SustainabilityTopsoil Organics is a family-owned business that launched the Central West Nutrient Return Centre in 2021, which diverts 200,000+ tonnes of organic waste from landfills into premium compost for broadacre farming.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, they are expanding with the Topsoil Organics Regional Regenerative Energy Hub. This innovative facility will feature an anaerobic digester to generate renewable electricity, EV fastcharging stations, and a café and meeting space.

The independent judges praised Topsoil Organics for their business excellence which is grounded in environmental innovation, local economic development, and operational resilience.

“Topsoil Organic’s win showcases the incredible innovation, determination and ingenuity, by transforming waste into energy and regenerative solutions, they are creating lasting environmental, agricultural, and community benefits for a cleaner future” said Vicki Seccombe, Regional Director – Western NSW, Business NSW.

“This year, we recognised an incredible group of winners from across Western NSW, each business leader and business has showcased innovation and sustainability, with a focus on their teams and their local communities.”

Winners of the 2025 Western NSW Business Awards, will now go on to represent the region at the State Business Awards being held in October.

Snippets…

May 22, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A beautiful blast from the past.

Forbes Shire Council: Members of the Humber Car Club gathered at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre with their vintage treasures gleaming in the car park. Julie Ridley had the crowd captivated with tales of the Lachlan Vintage Village about its rich history and its enduring charm. What a way to celebrate 50 years of memories, heritage, and horsepower!

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council advises that, effective Monday 2 June 2025, all customer enquiries and services relating to planning matters will be managed through Council’s main Customer Service area, located at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Building, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes. This change is part of Council’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring a more streamlined experience for customers through a centralised point of contact. Council appreciates your cooperation and understanding. For further information or assistance, please contact Council during business hours on (02) 6861 2333

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2025 is a highly anticipated family friendly event in the Central West. A day full of wholesome entertainment, delicious flavors, and unforgettable memories. Tickets on sale now for Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2025 on the 6th September: www.123tix.com.au/events/46970/trundlebush-tucker-day-2025

Philip Donato MP: Calling all teachers and principals! Take advantage of new travel subsidies for regional schools and bring your students to NSW Parliament for a free, hands-on learning experience. Visit the Parliament of NSW Education website to find out more: https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au/

Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee: Western NSW Local Health District provide a number of amazing services for those affected by Family and Domestic Violence. – PARVAN (Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect) – Community Health and Social Work. If you or someone you know needs help, call Parkes Community Health on 6861 2400 or Forbes Community Health on 6850 7300. If you are in immediate danger cal 000.

PCYC Parkes: Get 20 hours off your log book and be a step closer. In just 5 hours, get 20 hours off your log book and learn how to; Recognize hazards, Identify safe gaps in traffic, Reduce crash risk. Fully funded spots available for the Parkes Course being held on 23/05/25 – MUST email the club at parkes@pcycnsw.org.au for voucher number to use this offer.

Are you a learner driver?

Empowering Regional Youth To Connect And Thrive

May 22, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Young people, businesses and community organisations from across the Central West are invited to register for Connect and Thrive – Pathways, a dynamic, free youth event focused on building leadership skills, making real-world connections and preparing for future opportunities.

The event will take place at the Cooke Park Pavillion in Parkes on Tuesday 3 June and will equip young people aged 15 to 20 with the tools, networks and confidence they need to shape their futures.

Delivered by the NSW Office for Regional Youth, Connect and Thrive – Pathways is a direct response to feedback from the 2024 Your Voice, Our Future consultation and NSW Youth Summit, where young people called for more meaningful, face to face engagement in their own communities.

The agenda includes a youth-led networking session, a leadership and communication skills workshop and a Pitch It session featuring local businesses, councils and community groups sharing opportunities for youth employment and engagement.

Another highlight is the Think Tank session, where young people will collaborate with their peers to co-design solutions to challenges they face in their communities.

Registration is free, but it is essential. For local young people who would like to register to attend this event, go to: https://tinyurl.com/connectandthriveparkes

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