Articles Archives - Page 35 of 452

Cash In On Clutter At The Garage Sale Trail

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Find out how a clear-out can give you more space, less stress, and even help the planet.

Following last year’s success, plenty of garage sales are expected across the Parkes Shire this November, as locals join over 400,000 Australians taking part in this year’s Garage Sale Trail – one of the country’s biggest second-hand shopping events.

Held over two weekends (8–9 and 15–16 November), the event sees thousands of garage sales pop up in streets, schools, front yards and community spaces around the country. Locals can host their own sale or join a market, taking part on one day or across both weekends.

Over 2,700 Parkes Shire residents participated in the two big weekends last November extending the life of almost 8,500 pre-loved items.

“It’s a fun and meaningful way for locals to take climate action, meet their neighbours and make some extra cash,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Waste Management Coordinator, Sharyn Ware. “Garage Sale Trail makes it easy to give your stuff a second life – and keep it out of landfill.”

Registration is free and includes access to downloadable signs, how-to guides and promotion tools – making it easy to take part. Last year, the average seller made $499, proving that selling second hand is as good for the wallet as it is for the planet.

“There’s something for everyone – from designer fashion and retro homewares to kids’ toys, tools, plants and books,” said Sharyn.

NSW EPA Executive Director of Programs and Innovation Alexandra Geddes said, “Garage Sale Trail is a fantastic campaign that supports the NSW Government’s target to reduce waste and illegal dumping.

“By taking part, you’ll be part of contributing to a more circular economy by getting as much use out of products and materials as possible and helping us generate less waste.”

Participation is free thanks to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Parkes Shire Council. Register now at bit.ly/GarageSaleTrailParkesShire.

Funding Boost For FOGO Education In Parkes Shire

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council, as part of the NetWaste regional waste group, has received $119,604 under Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Scrap Together program to help households optimize their food organics and garden organics (FOGO) recycling service, to expand FOGO services, boost education, and support businesses and charities to reduce food waste.

Through NetWaste, eight Western NSW councils – including Parkes, Bathurst, Dubbo, Forbes, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Narromine, and Orange – will roll out the Scrap Together education campaign across their communities. The program includes school lesson plans, community events, and awareness materials to remind residents that “every scrap counts.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, welcomed the announcement “Food and garden waste makes up around a third of what goes into the red-lid bin. By making small changes at home, we can all help keep valuable organics out of landfill and instead turn them into compost that improves our soils,” Mayor Westcott said.

The Scrap Together campaign has already proven successful, with previous pilots achieving a 10% increase in food waste recovery. Find out how to make the most of your FOGO service, visit: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/fogo.

New Project To Further Enhance Lake Endeavour

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

An aerial view of the launch area at Lake Endeavour (bottom middle of photo) where the channel will be deepened for safer and easier access for all watercraft.

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce that a new project will soon get underway at Lake Endeavour following a successful grant application under the Transport for NSW Maritime’s Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grants Program.

Council has secured $133,220 in funding and will co-contribute $52,480 towards the $185,700 project to deepen Lake Endeavour’s launch channel. This important upgrade will make non-motorised boat and watercraft launching safer, easier, and more accessible for all users – from kayaks, paddleboards and non-motorised boats to the Parkes Dragon Boat Club, who train weekly on the lake.

Deepening the launch channel will improve safety for recreational and sporting groups, including dragon boat paddlers and mobility-restricted users, enhance fishing opportunities, with better access for non-motorised craft and potential to host community fishing competitions and attract more visitors and events, further boosting the local economy.

Parkes Dragon Boat Club President Linda Snyman welcomed the news, saying “This project is a game changer for our club.

Launching and retrieving a 30-metre dragon boat can be difficult and poses a manual handling risk when the water is shallow and the trailer cannot be submerged. A deeper launch channel will make training sessions much safer and more enjoyable for everyone. We’re thrilled to see this investment in Lake Endeavour and the benefits it will bring to our members and the wider community.”

The project is expected to be completed by May 2026. The Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grants Program is part of the Transport for NSW Maritime’s new $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, which aims to improve access and facilities for recreational and commercial boating.

Parkes Supplements Host Successful Pop Up Shop

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Meet Iszac and Emma Oliver, a young local couple who recently decided to start something of their own, an online supplements business, built from the ground-up, right here in Parkes.

Parents of a toddler, and still working fulltime, Emma in banking and Iszac in mining, they started Parkes Supplements afterhours, with no outside investors, just passion, research, and a lot of trial and error.

After three months of working hard behind the scenes, they recently had a successful pop-up store in Parkes Plaza, not just to sell, but to introduce themselves to the community and share what they’ve built.

“The idea really grew out of our own health journey. We were both working hard on improving our lifestyle and fitness,” said Iszac.

“Everyone can benefit from Parkes Supplements, from high performers in the gym or in the office, to shift workers putting in the hard yards, to busy mums and dads who need something quick and easy that won’t throw them off track. Supplements can give that extra bit of support when life gets busy or when you’re chasing a goal.”

For Iszac and Emma it’s not about a one-size-fits-all approach. They strongly encourage anyone with questions or looking for advice to reach out. “We’re always keen to share what we’ve learned and help people stay on the right path.”

“We’re not here just to sell supplements, and we strongly encourage anyone with questions to reach out to us, whether it’s through our website or social media. We want to give helpful advice and keep our customers on the right track with their health and fitness goals,” concluded Iszac.

To see the full Parkes Supplements range of products along with clear information, so you know exactly what you’re getting visit www.parkessupplements.com.au

Special Thanks To Parkes College For Seniors

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Jenny McLeod, Parkes and Forbes McDonalds Franchisee owner and Board Member Ronald McDonald House Central West, Geoff Rice, Board Member Ronald McDonald House Central West and Rebecca Walsh, Executive Officer Ronald McDonald House Central West.

The Parkes College for Seniors generously donated a collection of knitted items for Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West. Ronald McDonald House Central West has been receiving support from the Parkes College for Seniors Group for many years knitting items for our families such as blankets, teddys, booties and beanies. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Central West the Group created dolls of Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Hamburglar and Birdie the Early Bird.

You can bid on an item even if you are not able to go to the Ball. Follow link to bid https://galabid.com/orange2025

Snippets…

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Local filmmaker, Dane Millerd with Tree Faerie (far right) facilitators of “Just Ad Kids”, with assistance from Galari – river – Arts Forbes Inc members Kathy and Maree.

Galari – River – Arts Forbes Inc: Day one of Just Ad Kids, did not disappoint. Brainstorming, ideas forming and creative connections. Kids from different schools and different towns came together. Bonds were made and new skills were learnt. Huge shoutout to Club Forbes for sponsoring Just Ad Kids and thanks to Forbes Shire Council for their support. Biggest thanks to Dane Millerd for trusting us with his idea, and Tree Faerie for her creative genius and energy. Stay tuned for Day two, when these little legends start filming their ad!

Parkes Shire Council: Council is seeking community feedback on two important draft studies: Draft Parkes Town Centre Flood and Drainage Study: bit.ly/3JVPKIW Draft East Parkes Flood Study: bit.ly/4n3Bw7p Both studies are on public exhibition until 5pm Monday 13 October. Submissions can be made in writing via: email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au, post The General Manager (Draft Parkes East Flood Study), Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870 or in-person at Council’s Administration Centre. Help shape the future of flood management in our community.

R U OK? The signs that someone is doing it tough might not be obvious. Connection and kindness can help them feel less alone. It might take someone a while to open up about how they’re feeling. If you’re worried about them, let them know you care and will be there for them. And continue to check in so when they are ready to talk, they know who to turn to. For more conversation tips, visit: www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Forbes Shire Council: Were you part of the magic of Street Dreams 2025? We’d love to hear what you thought. Street Dreams was the first in a three-year series and your feedback will help us shape future festivals and make them even better. Share your thoughts and ideas by completing our short online survey: https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/street-dreams-2025-feedback

Parkes Early Childhood Centre Inc: Children and staff enjoyed listening to Senior Constable Mullins about keeping safe on our bikes. We also had our helmets checked by Haylee and Kylie from Transport NSW. Did you know that children aged under 12 years must ride on the footpath when out with their families in the community? We had so much fun!

Celebrating Bike Safety with the Bilawi Children a Parkes Early Childhood Centre.

Four Days Of Double Demerits

October 7, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage.

Motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over the October long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 3 October 2025 and ending on Monday 6 October 2025 (inclusive).Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules during busy traffic periods. They occur on select holiday periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent. Statistics show that there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crashes when double demerit points are operational.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said “During double demerit point periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are Severe” and is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

Be Part Of The Magic Of Street Dreams

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Forbes Youth Action Team getting ready for the Neon Street Dreams Festival.

Forbes’ newest event, Street Dreams is shaping up to be a hands-on night of creativity, culture and connection. On Saturday 27 September from 5pm to 9pm, Victoria Park will come alive with light, art, performance, and interactive activities designed for all ages. Step into a glowing wonderland of larger-than-life flowers, birds, bees, butterflies and dazzling garden archways.

A special feature of the event is that attendees can fully immerse themselves in a range of creative experiences, including; drumming workshops, lino printmaking, lantern making workshop, facepainting, hair braiding, photobooth, silent disco, short films, roving entertainment by CirqueUm Navigate, school-led imaginative displays by students from Forbes North, Forbes Public and Forbes High School and an outdoor youth art exhibition featuring artworks by local youth.

Alongside these interactive activities, the festival precinct will feature market stalls, food vendors and live entertainment, making it a vibrant community celebration for locals and visitors alike.

The Street Dreams Festival is the first of a three-year series that aims to strengthen social connection, support local creatives, and enhance the vibrancy of the Forbes community through inclusive, accessible arts programming.

Street Dreams Festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Council was successful in receiving $108,550 through the program, enabling the event to be delivered over the next three years.

The initiative is designed to reimagine public streets as lively, welcoming spaces that support local businesses and community connection.

Snippets…

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Board Members for RMHC, Jenny Mcleod and Geoff Rice were presented with teddies from the Parkes College for Seniors.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West NSW: Thank you to the wonderful Parkes College for Seniors group for creating these incredible auction items for our Gala Ball. You can bid on an item even if you’re not able to go to the Ball being held on 8 November, it’s a great way to support Ronald McDonald House Central West from the comfort of your own home https://galabid.com/orange2025

Women NSW: Big news for rural women in NSW & ACT! Applications for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award are now open. If you’re a woman leading a project, business or program that’s making a real impact in rural or regional Australia, this is your chance to be recognised and supported. With up to $35,000 in grants from Platinum Partner Westpac, it’s an incredible opportunity to grow your vision. agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Are thrilled to once again have the support of local State member Philip Donato and his wife Nadia at the Homegrown Parkes event. This time they will be sharing their Tiramisu making skills. If you would like to be part of this workshop at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 11 October 2025, then follow the link to register: https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2025/09/11/looking-at-landcare-11-9-2025-phil-nadia-donato-sharing-tiramisu-workshop-at-homegrown-parkes. Registrations forthe our coffee roasting workshop with The Folk Roaster can also be be found on the page.

NSW Agriculture: NSW Agriculture and Local Land Services NSW is inviting stakeholders to provide information on the electronic identification (eID) implementation for sheep and goats in NSW. Your feedback will help inform how the program is moved forward. To fill out the survey please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/i2WQrk3utC

Regional Development Australia Central West: Central West is Best is the theme for the 2025 RDA Central West Photo Competition and entries are now open via the website. Submissions are steadily rolling in – add your view of the Central West today. Entries are open to all https://rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/central-west-is-best-photo-competition/

anAssist Forbes Branch: Forbes branch of CanAssist would like to once again thank Red Bend JRL for the wonderful support they give. CanAssist members man the gate for donations at RBJRL’s gala day and Lou Grimmit day, and also supply helpers to assist in their canteen.

Collum Hopkins and Michelle Bentick presenting the cheque for $4,020 to Helen Westwood and John Schrader from CanAssist.

Choose Clear Choice Septic Maintenance

September 25, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Born and raised in Yorkshire UK, Dave Rees now calls Forbes home after marrying a local girl. Three months ago Dave branched out and started his own business, Clear Choice Septic Maintenance.

What is a septic tank? A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domestic wastewater flows for basic sewage treatment.

After seeing so many septic tanks that in his opinion were being under-serviced, Dave decided to offer a premium service at a reasonable price.

Clear Choice Septic Maintenance offers a full septic tank service including air blower, all fixtures and fittings, with the ability to fit major components on the day should they need immediate replacement. Dave can also lodge the full system reports to the local council, saving his clients the hassle of having to do it themselves.

Dave prides himself on building relationships with his clients, and also offers a “training day” to occupants of homes with a septic tank who may not know the “do’s and don’ts” of having a septic tank.

Don’t delay, if you have a septic tank, call Dave today on 0431 005 180 and book in a service before any major issues occur.

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