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Double Demerits For June Long Weekend

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Sergeant Mitchell Gage who wants to send a clear message to drivers over the long weekend.

Motorists across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.

Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 6 June until Monday 9 June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

School zones are in operation on Friday 6 June and additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police will also be targeting the “four Ds” of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

“Around 95% of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour – like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

“Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend.

“There will be more Police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that drivers should make sure that they are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel, and that they are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.

Snippets…

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Students enjoyed a full term of the Nginhgau Students Art Workshop.

Forbes High School: Nginhgau Students are very appreciative of the Art Workshop delivered to them by Kiesha-Lee Bowden, Local Wiradjuri artist and former student of Forbes High. Throughout the workshop, students learnt about Traditional Aboriginal art and how to create stories through art. This engaging workshop spanned the term.

Parkes Picnic Races: Enjoy a day full of fun, flair and fantastic country racing! Saturday 7 June, 11.30am at Parkes Racecourse. Tickets cost $20 online (+ booking fee) at https://bit.ly/parkespicnicraces or $25 at the gate. Free entry for kids under 16. Thanks to all of the fantastic sponsors for their support.

The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival Of Arts: Get ready to line the streets of Grenfell, for the Henry Lawson Festival: 5– 9 June. Featuring art and writing competitions, food stalls, market stalls, live music, events, street parade and a street party. All in honour of Henry Lawson and to promote and recognise his works. For more details go to: henrylawsonfestival.com.au

PCYC Parkes: Book a Safer Drivers Course on 28 June to get 20 hours off your log book and be a step closer to your P plates. In just 5 hours you can get 20 hours

off your log book. Fully funded places are available for the Parkes course by emailing the club at parkes@pcycnsw.org.au for a voucher number to access this offer.

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: We’ve released $250,000 from our Disaster Relief Fund for drought relief for primary producers in NSW or the ACT in drought or drought affected areas. Drought in South West and Western regions of NSW is leaving many farmers facing a long and difficult winter. CWA of NSW will help with household expenses up to $3,000 for eligible applicants. Find out more or apply at: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid

Beanies At The Corner: Craft Corner in Parkes extend a massive thank you to all the fantastic participants in their “Beanies at the Corner” competition. The incredible entries are on display at Craft Corner, showcasing the vibrant creativity of our community. Congratulations to the winners, Kids: 1st Maralyn Wise, 2nd Sharyn Preisig, 3rd Sarah Hankinson. Classic: 1st Liz Mulligan, 2nd Mary Ewin, 3rd Sue Ridley. Quirky: 1st Sharyn Preisig, 2nd Melissa McIntyre, 3rd Keira Bartrop. Rainbow: 1st Melissa McIntyre, 2nd Keira Bartrop, 3rd Elizabeth Kay. Encouragement: Sarah Hankinson.

Visit Craft Corner and find a handmade treasure at 237 Clarinda St, Parkes.

Registration Open For Heavy Vehicle Breakfast

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, which will be held at the Forbes Inn on Thursday 12 June. Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, who is organising the forum said this year’s event will focus on higher productivity vehicles, safety, compliance and industry case studies and there will be a high productivity vehicle on display.

“Since its inception in 2012, the breakfast forum has brought together the local freight industry to discuss issues affecting them.

“Come along to listen, learn and ask questions of industry experts from NHVR, Transport for NSW, Parkes Shire Council, NSW Police, Essential Energy, Midland and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds” Ms Suitor said.

You can register online with this link: https://forms.office.com/r/pkPN1Vt4Ji via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

The forum will kick off at 6.30am with breakfast. The official program starts at 7am. The event will finish at 11.30am. The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes.

If you are unable to make it on the day, the event is being recorded and the link to the video will be available to view on the Councils’ Facebook pages and in follow-up media articles or contact Ms Suitor on 0428 400 627 or via Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au to register your interest in receiving the link.

Help Combat Invasive African Boxthorn

June 5, 2025 By Roxane Manley

African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) is one of the most invasive and damaging weeds threatening the region’s environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.

Parkes Shire Council is calling on residents to be vigilant in identifying and reporting African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), one of the most invasive and damaging weeds threatening the region’s environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.

Native to southern Africa and introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s, African boxthorn has become a widespread and destructive pest species. It forms dense, thorny thickets that can reach up to five metres in height, hindering access for both livestock and people, outcompeting native plants, degrading bushland, and providing shelter for invasive animals such as rabbits and foxes.

Michael Chambers, Environment and Sustainability Manager at Parkes Shire Council said “This plant is extremely versatile and thrives in a wide range of climates and ecosystems.”

“African boxthorn is one of the worst weeds in Australia due to its invasiveness and the serious economic and environmental impacts it causes.”

African boxthorn is a listed Weed of National Significance (WONS) and is considered a Priority Weed in New South Wales. It reduces agricultural productivity, is toxic to humans and animals, and spreads rapidly through birds, water, vehicles, and dumped garden waste.

The plant is easily identified by its pale lilac to white tubular flowers with purple blotches, bright green teardrop-shaped leaves, and small orange to red berries about one centimetre in diameter.

“We’re here to support the community in managing this weed, but lasting success depends on all of us working together,” Mr Chambers added.

Residents are urged to report any sightings of African boxthorn, especially along roadsides, creek lines, and public reserves.

For assistance with weed identification, contact Council’s Biosecurity Team on 02 6861 2343. For information, visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Services/Biosecurity.

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

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