Remembering the atrocities of war is a complex business. We are encouraged to place our veterans on a pedestal and yet we must remember to not glorify the feats they enacted.

We are currently preparing for Anzac Day in the midst of World War I’s centenary, and it is more important now than ever that we mark this time with dignity and respect. As the people of our country sacrificed their livelihoods, relationships, homes, let us too make a sacrifice, whether it be with our time as we go to a ceremony, money as we donate to our veterans, or even lay a wreath of flowers.

While poppies remain an enduring symbol, hardy fresh natives of our land represent the hardy young people that we sent off to war. To order your fresh floral wreaths, call the Pink Orchid on 02 6862 3522 for a fitting tribute from you on this Anzac Day.

Children across the Central West will be more secure following the training of 12 new Authorised Child Restraint Fitters across the region.

Mobility Engineering have been contracted by Roads and Maritime Service to conduct the training and oversee the
Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Station network in NSW. Mobility Engineering’s General Manager, Ali Akbarian, said the training would be held annually and aims to increase the number and spread of Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Stations in regional NSW.

“Two in three child restraints are not being used properly. If you have trouble fitting or adjusting your child restraint, visit an Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Station.”

“There are more than 300 Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Stations across NSW. Visit www.childcarseats.com.au/findan-authorised-fitting-station and click on the link for NSW to search for your nearest Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Station,” Mr Akbarian said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, welcomes the new Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Station in Forbes – Forbes Auto Electrical, who will join the existing Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Stations – Jelbart Dawsons (Forbes), Col Fletcher Ford and Kia (Parkes) and Parkes Tyrepower.

“The correct selection and installation 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.

There will be another free training course held in the region in early 2019. If you are interested in attending and becoming an Authorised Child Restraint Fitting Station, please contact Mobility Engineering on 02 9482 4572. For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention
Officer, Melanie Suitor, on 02 6861 2364.

Incapacity…Physically And Or Mentally

What might happen when you become unable to look after yourself is something that most people do not want to think about. While that is understandable, not having instructions in place can have unwanted effects.

Most people know about making a will and having instructions in place for when they die, but planning for being incapacitated in some way is very often overlooked. Unfortunately, although you might be incapacitated in some way and cannot attend to things like paying your mortgage, keeping the car registered and so on, these things do not go away. Doctors and other professionals cannot make decisions about how to treat you and keep things in order when you cannot do so for yourself.

That is why it might be wise to draw up a set of instructions, to be carried out by a trusted family member, friend or professional, about how to manage your financial affairs and health decisions when you cannot. There are any number of reasons why you might not be able to manage: age, sickness, you are going overseas on your trip of a lifetime to climb Mt Everest…

In New South Wales you can appoint someone under an enduring power of attorney to look after your finances and an enduring guardian to make decisions about your health. Both documents are enduring in that they can operate even when you cannot. Both can be tailored to suit the level of care that you think you might require.

If you think that you, or a member of your family, might benefit from this sort of planning, we at MATTHEWS WILLIAMS can help you not only with the formalities, but with advice about the sorts of matters that might matter. Do contact us.

Community Open Day + Tree Planting

As part of Council’s Earth Day celebrations, the Advanced Water Recycling Facility (AWRF) will be open to the public for a hands-on community education initiative, inviting residents to learn more about the new Parkes Water Recycling Scheme, and participate in a tree planting to rejuvenate the newly opened site.

The AWRF was constructed alongside the new Sewage Treatment Plant, and treats effluent to a high standard. It produces clean, safe, high quality recycled water to be used for irrigation.

The AWRF was completed for Phase 1 of the new Parkes Recycled Water Scheme at a cost of $5.9m. The design and construction created 61 local jobs and generated a local spend of 38% of the budget. Phase 2 of the Recycled Water Scheme is currently in development.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said, “Water security in a changing climate is a key issue facing many communities. This facility provides a tremendous benefit to the town, creating a local, drought-proof water supply while reducing environmental impacts.”

“We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about Parkes’ award winning wastewater and water recycling facilities to come along and take part in the interactive tours and activities,” Mr Keith said.

The Open Day will be held on Saturday 21st April from 10am to 12pm at 84 Akuna Road, Parkes.

Activities include information sessions on the Recycled Water Scheme, tree planting local fuzzy box woodland species, and special “encore” tours of the Sewage Treatment Plant. Guided tours will be held every half hour between 10am and 11.30am. Participants must wear enclosed shoes, a hat, and bring gardening gloves. There will be giveaways and a light lunch for participants.

To pre-register email Raen.Fraser@parkes.nsw.gov.au or call 6861 2333. For more information visit www.parkes.nsw. gov.au.

Puppies are currently a popular pet option for residents of Parkes.

Parkes Pet Barn stocks the only dog food on the market that contains colostrum, an important nutritional supplement for young puppies. Colostrum contains all the immune factors necessary for protecting a newborn from bacteria, allergens, toxins and viruses.

The first year of your dog’s life (or two years for large breeds) is crucial to their long-term health. During this period your puppy requires the most advanced and efficient combination of nutrients to help them attain optimal health by developing their immune and digestive system, skin and coat, as well as help them build strong teeth, muscles and bones.

The Purina Pro Plan Puppy with Optistart range for puppies was inspired by scientific research and discoveries around how to improve immunity in puppies. However, the Purina Pro Plan range of products are also available and customised for dogs of all sizes, all life-stages, and for dogs that require specialised products.

To support you to achieve your activity and weight goals for your dog, feeding amounts are clearly stated on the pack, however these can be adjusted based on your dog’s weight level and health. To help your dog maintain an ideal body condition, monitor your dog’s weight on a regular basis, making sure that their ribs are easily felt, and their waist is visible when viewed from above. Maintaining an ideal body condition can benefit your dog’s lifelong health.

Visit Parkes Pet Barn to find out more about the Purina Pro Plan range. The store also stocks a range of products and accessories for all your puppy needs.

When you think about how much we use our hands especially when playing ball sports, it’s not hard to understand why hand and finger injuries are so common. Most of these injuries heal spontaneously, which is why they are often neglected by athletes. Many people don’t seek help until it is too late for effective treatment however an early, accurate diagnosis to identify potentially serious injuries can prevent long term functional impairment and deformity.

Knowledge of the mechanism of injury or how the injury happened can also help with an accurate diagnosis. A punching injury often results in a fracture to one of the metacarpal bones, commonly the base of the fifth metacarpal. A direct blow to the point of the finger often causes a dislocation or sprain of one of the finger joints. Sometimes the finger flexor tendon can pull a plug of bone off its attachment causing an avulsion fracture.

This most commonly involves the ring finger and occurs when a player grabs an opponents clothing during a tackle.
As a general rule of thumb, if there is any deformity present, either with the hand open or closed, persistent swelling or any of the hand or finger joints don’t move as they should, it is important to have the injury checked out by a professional. Some fractures may require surgery, some immobilisation or splinting. Sprains or dislocations may require swelling management with ice or an oedema glove and exercises to prevent loss of range of motion.

An early diagnosis and appropriate management can prevent a lifetime of deformity and loss of function.

For the fitness of you,
Linda Reilly

A new Advanced Water Recycling Facility in Parkes will produce high-quality recycled water for irrigation purposes and reduce commercial demand for potable water and is phase one of a three-phase Wastewater Treatment Plant and Recycled Water Scheme development.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr McCormack said the project gave the region greater water security into the future. “Water is the lifeblood of our regional towns and cities and the Advanced Water Recycling Facility will ensure Parkes can thrive into the future.

Not only will it leave more water available for domestic use, it will also provide a water source that is drought-resistant.”

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the project represented a major investment in local jobs and the region’s economic future.

“This project will deliver substantial benefits to the Parkes community, supporting 61 jobs during construction,” Dr McVeigh said. “The facility reduces the need to pump water 25 kilometres from Lake Endeavour Dam, and 30 kilometres from the Lachlan River and Lachlan Borefields, saving money and providing substantial energy savings for the Parkes community.”

“The Advanced Water Recycling Facility creates an entirely new water source for the town, allowing us to maintain our parks and sporting grounds year-round,” said Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire Council Barbara Newton.

“We would like to thank the Australian Government for partnering with Parkes Shire Council to make the Advanced Water Recycling Facility possible. This will provide water security and build community capacity, positioning Parkes well into the future.”

Climate Smart Innovation
Climate Smart Innovation for the Central West is a conference being held in Cowra on 18th and 19th April exploring the future of agricultural practices. The conference will showcase the latest in the region’s agricultural, environmental and conservation projects. It will promote new and sustainable production methods for land production and environmental stakeholders in the Central West.

Major speakers at the conference include Mick Callan of Central West Councils Environment & Waterways Alliance who will speak about Environmental Protection Projects in the region. Mick is the current winner of the Jo Ross Memorial Award for his contributions to the environment of the Bathurst Region for implementing projects such as “Racing to Save the Mount Panorama Woodlands” and “Protecting and Connecting Bathurst Copper Butterfly Habitat”.

Dr Paul Gibson-Roy, the Lead Scientist for Greening Australia will be speaking about “Bringing native biodiversity back into rural and urban landscapes”, which will touch on both ecology and amenity and the techniques used. Paul will speak about how native species are not only used to reduce soil or water surface loss but are also useful in farming systems for fodder or for their integrated pest management attributes.

A visit to one of the country’s leading dairy, “Moxey Farms”, will also feature. See how the farm of 6,000 cows manages innovative technology to run sustainably, including a tour of their new bio-digester which is turning farm waste into fertiliser.

Kristy Good, the Splash Program Coordinator for Sydney Water will be running a workshop on “Living Waterways Framework”, providing participants with the skills to identify, design and promote solutions for water sensitive urban design strategies.

For more information and to register, contact Cowra Council on 02 6340 2040 or go to www.cowracouncil.com.au

Re’lish Home And Living
Re’lish Home and Living is a home décor boutique in Cowra. The store offers a range of homewares, gifts and associated products, including locally sourced produce. Re’lish Home and Living was nominated in the Cowra Business Awards for 2018, as a business that is integral to Cowra, provides an exemplary product and/or service, and continues to leave a legacy of very happy customers through sound, efficient and ethical business performance.

As Mother’s Day is coming up soon, the store has stocked a range of items including Glasshouse Candles, as well as inspirational books, notecard sets, jewellery, and scarves. Brands include Gingerlilly Australia, Cadelle Leather, Najo, Swarovski, Ruby Star Traders, and Tea Tonic. Drop in any time between 9.30am to 5.30pm, at 9A, 95-109 Kendal St, Cowra.

Cowra Tourism Centre
Cowra is a town steeped in rich history and culture, from the beautiful rolling hills of the Cowra Japanese Garden to the solemn site of the great POW Breakout, history and culture are an integral part of what makes Cowra beautifully unique.

With friendly locals, exquisite local wine and produce, a great range of accommodation options and so much more, Cowra truly is the great escape, a town that is just begging to be explored.

For history buffs, a visit to Cowra’s POW Campsite, War Cemeteries, and famous POW Hologram at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre are a must! Ring Australia’s World Peace Bell located just outside the Cowra Council Chambers and take a walk around Cowra’s tranquil Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.

There is a little something for everyone in Cowra, with plenty of events on throughout the year including the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival, the Cowra Christmas Street Festival, the Cowra Wine Show and so much more! A full list of events is available at the Visit Cowra website at www.visitcowra.com.au/events. For further information on Cowra contact the Cowra Visitor Information Centre at 02 6342 4333 or email info@cowratourism.com.au.

Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are a significant cultural, architectural and historical feature of Cowra and the Central West region. Ken Nakajima designed the Kaiushiki (strolling) garden to embody the entire landscape of Japan, where every bend takes the visitor on a voyage of discovery: the striking hill representing Mt Fuji; manicured hedges cascading across the garden like rolling hills; streams flowing like rivers; and ponds glistening like inland lakes and the sea – ponder a moment or feed the koi. Special features of the garden include: a Bonsho bell; traditional Tatami room; an authentic open air Tea House; Bonsai House; Giftshop and Café.

Friends of the Garden are treated to a range of benefits including: 12 months unlimited entry for member/s plus one guest; free entry to special events; 5% discount in gift shop; discounted group rate for additional guests; and will also receive the quarterly newsletter. Individual Pass – $50 (incl GST), Family Pass – $60 (incl GST).

Hippity Hop
Hippity Hop Kids is a family owned Boutique and online store located in Cowra. This unique store attracts many people from near and far, offering special children’s items – not only clothing, but also a range of accessories, toys and fabulous decor items for their rooms.

The owners take pride in personally selected products and friendly service, and hope to make your life a little easier by being able to shop for all of your favourite brands in the one spot.