Articles Archives - Page 49 of 452

Snippets…

May 1, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A showcase of creativity, passion, and imagination.

Forbes Youth Action Team: Celebrating the incredible talent from the FYAT art competition. A big thank you to Kim Featherson and Katie Ragg, the ladies from the Forbes Art Society joined as judges. Kim and Katie shared that they were blown away by the quality of entries across all categories! Winners: 5–10 years winner Willa Thornton, 11–17 years winner Imogen Collits. Highly Commended Awards: 5-10 years Darby Edgerton, 11-17 years Saranchuluu Zorig.

Rural Women’s Network: The RWN is running a survey of people across rural NSW to answer these questions and more. Have your say at bit.ly/RWNSurvey2025 before the end of May 2025.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Storytime and Rhyme Time return for Term 2 next week at Parkes Library! Storytime is for pre-school children aged 3-5 and Rhyme Time is for babies ages 0-3. For bookings, please ring the Library on 6861 2309.

R U OK? As humans, we crave connection. That’s why life’s ups and downs are better shared. Create space for your people to share the good and bad times. Follow our four steps: www.ruok.org.au/howto-ask

Dolly’s Dream: Bullying shatters lives, but together, we can create a kinder, safer world for everyone. This Do It For Dolly Day, let’s go blue and take action: Wear it, wave it, or bake it. Host a blue event. Fundraise to support Dolly’s Dream. Every donation directly supports programs that protect children and strengthen communities across Australia. Go blue on 9 May and make an impact.

PCYC Parkes: Healthy Harold’s Colour Run is returning to Parkes. Come and join the fun. Wednesday 7 May, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, Keast Park, Parkes NSW. This free event is a great way for families to enjoy time together while learning about health, safety and wellbeing: Run, walk or skip your way through a colourful chalk course. Enjoy a free BBQ and fun giveaways throughout the afternoon.

Forbes Evening Branch CWA: On 29 April Forbes CWA and Forbes CWA Evening Branch participated in the ACWW Walk the World Day with friendship, to raise awareness of their work and to support their charity. Some of CWA values include supporting each other, advocating on community issues, sustainable development and the protection of the environment and social Issues. CWA gives women a voice to help make change.

Some of the work CWA does in our community can be viewed on the Facebook page: Forbes CWA Evening Branch.

Breathing New Life Into Old Toys

May 1, 2025 By Roxane Manley

2025 Waste 2 Art community exhibition and competition, celebrating creative ways to reuse waste materials.

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce its involvement in the 2025 Waste 2 Art community exhibition and competition.

Waste 2 Art is open to all residents of the NetWaste region and showcases creative works made from reused waste materials.

The aim is to challenge peoples’ perceptions about ‘rubbish’ and to celebrate the reuse and recycling of waste through arts and crafts.

Waste 2 Art provides an innovative approach to waste education, invites individuals, schools, and community groups to take up the challenge and create a new life for materials that would otherwise have been thrown away or considered useless. Over the years many materials have been used including soft plastics, tin cans, bottle tops, plastic bags, scrap metal and clothing, the options are endless. Instead of heading to landfill, these waste materials can be turned into fantastic works of art.

In the lead-up to the competition, Parkes Shire Library is running a Community Workshop on Saturday 10 May, facilitated by Waste 2 Art artist Helen Standen. With a focus on the Year of Toys, participants will use items like Minecraft Cubeez and other supermarket collectibles to create their artworks. If you already have a project idea, this workshop is a great opportunity to gain creative input and expert guidance. Tickets are available via Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-toy-workshop-with-helen

Each year a specific waste item will be featured, 2025 is The Year of Toys. That doesn’t mean that you have to use this material in your artwork, but we want to raise awareness each year of one particular problem waste stream.

Entry forms are available online – https://bit.ly/2025Waste2ArtEntryForm. Visit the Parkes Shire Council website or the Marramarra Makerspace Studio Facebook page for key dates. Or contact Sharon Degeling at Parkes Library and Cultural Centre on 6861 2309.

The Outdoor Gym: Digging, Planting, and Growing Together

May 1, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Pilates is back for Term 2 in Parkes and Forbes. TGo book, go to: www.kerinhealth.com.au/pilates

Nestled at the base of the hill our home sits on, is an old abandoned homestead.

In its front yard, recently dozens of beautiful bulbs spring up from the neglected garden beds. I piled the kids in the ute and we drove down, shovels on the back. We dug out bulbs and they played in the old house.

I liked the sound of their childish laughter.

Our hands dug deep into the dirt. The sun warmed our backs as we pulled, shoveled and lifted; carting loads back to the ute. I was sweating, my legs ached and my heart rate was up.

We drove home, cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright from the exercise, arms and legs happily sore from the exertion.

We worked quickly. We transplanted the bulbs into our garden, the kids dug holes haphazardly, shoving them into the warm soil. They turn the hose on the transplanted bulbs briefly, then on each other. They ran, they played, blood pumping, muscles growing, and bones getting stronger.

Could exercise get any more enjoyable? I once asked a client what she did for exercise. “Oh nothing really, I don’t go to the gym, I don’t go for walks. I’m just in the garden most of the day”. I asked what she did in the garden. She listed a range of activities, including using a push mower up steep hills, mulching and lifting heavy branches.

“That’s all great exercise,” I reassured her.

I catch a glimpse of the new plants through the window. Sunning themselves in their new home, a happy reminder of a day at our very own outdoor gym.

Are you not a gardener, but are looking for ways to exercise? Join our pilates classes or senior exercise classes at Kerin Health.

Lachlan Valley Branch Walks Calendar

May 1, 2025 By Roxane Manley

New walkers are always welcome with the Lachlan Valley Branch Bushwalkers group.

The walks are generally pretty leisurely, taking time to spot birds, plants, spiders and other animals. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post- walk cuppa is recommended. The walks are generally pretty leisurely, taking time to spot birds, plants, spiders and other animals.

There are three grades of walks:

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

• Saturday 3 May SWWNR Coradgery 4-5km easy walk: Meet at Bushmans Dam, Kelly Reserve cnr Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9am. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.

• Tuesday May 27 2025 SWWNR Cookamidgera: Meet at the gate on Coonambro Way at 9.30am. Medium 6kms South end of the reserve some off track, bush bashing. Leader Liz MacRaild 0455 915 989.

• Saturday June 7 East Cookeys Plains State Forest: Meet at Bushmans Dam, Kelly Reserve cnr Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9am. Easy 6kms, mostly flat. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586

• Thursday June 26 Moorillah Merran and Peter Cannons 345 Cooka Hills Rd Cookamidgera: Meet at the address at 9.30am Medium 3-4km scrambly, up and down, off track. Leader Peter or Merran 6866 1225.

Please contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come.

A $2.00 donation for each walker is appreciated.

For safety reasons those walking stay together as a group. Please consider bringing a companion if for any reason you are unsure of your ability.

Head Along To Cooke Park This Saturday For Homegrown Parkes

April 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Register to enjoy one of the many workshops on offer or just head along to Cooke Park from 9am to 2pm to check out the locally grown and made products and produce

If you like the idea of locally grown markets, or perhaps fancy yourself as a homegrown producer, head along to Cooke Park Pavillion this Saturday 26 April for Homegrown Parkes. This community gathering celebrates local produce, crafts, and sustainability initiatives. There will be plenty of new tips and tricks to learn with an exciting program of workshops and with each workshop registration, you will go in the running to win some wonderful prizes from the local Homegrown Parkes businesses.

Chef Jack Brown, an Indigenous chef who is trained in traditional French cuisine, will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am. Then at 12.30pm, Kath Whitchurch will be providing a workshop on Sourdough Making. The final Pavilion Workshop at 2.00pm, willfeature talented landscape designer Elizabeth Briton, sharing her knowledge of local plant species and design concepts.

Clancy The Bee Man will provide informal workshops on the lawn in front of the Pavilion at 10.30am and 1.00pm. There will also be also a free, live reptile display throughout the day, with Andrew providing two formal presentations at 11am and 1.30pm.

Funding for this event has been granted under the Open Streets Program, funded by Transport for NSW, in addition to support from Central West Lachlan Landcare and volunteers from Parkes Community Arts. Chef Jack Brown is attending thanks the support of Landcare NSW.

For further details on the full program, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or follow the Homegrown Parkes Facebook page.

Canowindra Balloon Festival Ready To Take Off

April 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Balloons taking off at the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Festival. Image Credit: Farmpix Photography

The skies over Canowindra are set to dazzle as the beloved Canowindra Balloon Festival returns from 26 April to 4 May.

This vibrant week-long celebration of hot air balloons, music, art, food, and community spirit offers something for everyone.

Festivities lift off with the Welcome Street Party on 26 April, featuring live music from Nerida Cuddy and the Neil Gill Band, alongside a sizzling BBQ competition, delicious food, and market stalls. Throughout the week, enjoy Flicker Fest at Rosnay, creative Paint and Sips, inspiring workshops from The Creative Cure, and Sue Hodges’ art exhibition at the Canowindra Services Club, just to name a few of the offerings for the week.

Test your trivia knowledge at the Trivia Night hosted by the Canowindra Public School P&C. Then, don’t miss the Home Ground Sounds Concert on 2 May, headlined by country star Casey Barnes, with performances by Furnace and The Fundamentals, Big Night Out, and Nathan Lamont.

Saturday, 3 May, begins with the thrilling Balloon Key Grab, followed by the CWA All Day Breakfast, a colourful street parade, and the spectacular Cabonne Community Glow—gates open from 3pm.

Whether you’re here for the balloons or the beats, the Canowindra Balloon Festival is an unforgettable autumn escape. Balloons fly from 27 April to 2 May mornings and afternoons, weather permitting.

Tickets and more information available at Balloon HQ located on Gaskill Street and 123tix.com.au.

Snippets…

April 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Lights were left on across Forbes and Parkes for Molly on the evening of 22 April.

Her Name Is Molly: Forbes and Parkes residents left their lights on for Molly on Tuesday 22 April. Molly Ticehurst lost her life to domestic violence in April 2024. A year on from Molly’s passing, and the hashtag #hernameismolly has lit up facebook with photos of people from all across Australia leaving a light on for Molly. Households, businesses, councils and sporting grounds all paid tribute to Molly by leaving a light on and shining a bright light on domestic violence issues.

1800RESPECT: Support is available for people experiencing violence and abuse.1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via the website https://1800respect.org.au

Visit Parkes Region: The town with a heart of gold is calling! Wander the leafy main street, discover hidden gems in charming antique stores and the charm of the Carrington Hotel, and don’t miss the breathtaking views from the open cut gold mine walking trails. Peak Hill is the perfect place to stop, explore and soak up history, nature, and small-town charm. Learn more at bit.ly/4idL4cB

Forbes Garden Club: The Forbes Garden Club bus trip to Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate is on Thursday 15 May, leaving at 9.30 am and also visiting three gardens in Parkes. We need 30 members and friends on the bus at a cost of $35 each which includes a Devonshire tea. Pack lunch or food can be purchased at Parkes Services Club. Ask your friends or family to join us we need numbers for this to go ahead. Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes can be contacted on 6851 4494.

Parkes Shire Council Need Your Help: The 2025 National Awards for Local Government are underway, and we need your support to help Parkes Shire take home the win. Our entry is Fleet Optimisation and Innovation: A Smarter Approach to Asset Management. Parkes Council is a finalistsin two categories: Productivity through Infrastructure and Outstanding Rural and Remote Council. Want more information? Go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/nalg/

Early Voting In Forbes: If you wish to vote before the Federal Election Day on Saturday 3 May 2025, simply pop into Town Hall for pre-polling. For further information about the 2025 Federal Election visit www.aec.gov.au

If you can’t vote on Saturday, 3 May then vote early on the above dates.

ANZAC Day In Parkes And Forbes

April 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

On Friday 25 April 2025, Australian’s will mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war. Parkes and Forbes residents are invited to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Services to be held across the Parkes and Forbes Shires:

PARKES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:30am at Memorial Hill

• Breakfast Bistro 6:30am at Parkes Services Club

• Church Service 7am at Holy Family Catholic Church

• Church Service 7:30am at Parkes Anglican Church

• ANZAC Day March 8:30am at Welcome Street, Chamberlain Square and Clarinda Street to Cooke Park

• Commemorative Service am at Cooke Parkes

• Wreath Laying Pilgrimage 10:45am at Parkes Cemetery War Graves

• ANZAC Day Luncheon 12pm at Parkes Services Club

• Sound Retreat 5pm at Cooke Park

• The Ode 6pm at Parkes Services Club

FORBES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:20am Harold Street, form up 5.15am Templar Street, adjacent to Club Forbes

• ANZAC Day March 10:15am Cross Street, Cross Street, Lachlan Street, Harold Street terminating at Cenotaph

• Commemmorative Service 10:30am Harold Street

Neighbourhood Central To Host Innaugural Seniors Expo

April 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The dedicated staff from Neighbourhood Central will be on hand on the day to help guide you.

Established in 1977, Neighbourhood Central is a not-for-profit community organisation that provide a variety of community support services to people living in the Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Bland Local Government Areas. On 2 May, they will be hosting the innaugural Parkes Seniors Expo, providing local seniors and carers with a one-stopshop of services and assistance available, empowering seniors to lead their best life.

No matter what level of assistance you or your loved ones need, Neighbourhood Central’s Seniors Expo will connect you to the right people. The expo will showcase the latest in products and services for inhome aged care, healthcare support, mental health and general wellness.

On the day you will be able to speak to representatives from a whole range of services including Catholic Care, OPAN, Carer Gateway, Advanced Care Planning, Philip Donato, Centrelink, Vital Call, NSW Police, All Ages Podiatry, Red Cross, Yoorana Gunya, Matthew Williams Lawyers, Kerin Health Physio, Central West Allied Health, Standby-after death care, Legal Aid, Service NSWHead along and speak with the experts about what is available to help individuals and families embrace the future with confidence. Morning tea will be provided, there are plenty of lucky door prizes to win, and it’s free to attend. No matter what care looks like to you – Neighbourhood Central care. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Neighbourhood Central Senior Expo is being held on Friday, 2 May in the Starlight Lounge at the Parkes Services Club, starting at 11am ending 1pm. At 11:30am the Expo will be officially opened by Philip Donato MP. For more information call 02 6862 5045 or email admin@ncentral.org.au

Coalition Commits $10 Million To Support Veterans

April 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway The Nationals candidate for Calare said “Our veterans have given so much for our country – we owe them more than just thanks,”

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud was happy to make an announcement for Veterans and their families in the Central West, who will receive a much-needed boost in support under a Dutton-Littleproud Government, with the Coalition committing $5 million to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bathurst and $5 million to expand the Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre in Dubbo.

David went on to say “They will deliver integrated support to veterans and families, by improving access to local services such as wellbeing, advocacy, employment and housing advice, social connection and physical and mental health.”

The Nationals candidate for Calare Sam Farraway said the funding commitment would provide a critically important space for veterans’ services and advocacy organisations to co-exist and deliver integrated support to current and ex-service personnel and their families.

“The commitment will bring services together under one roof so that veterans and their families across the Central West can access the support they need, when they need it.

“Too many veterans slip through the cracks because help is too far away or too hard to find. I hope this will make a lasting difference to those who’ve worn the uniform and their families.”

The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said “We must never forget the sacrifices made by our local veterans and always act to ensure that they and their families have the support they deserve.

“This investment will not only provide further support for veterans in Dubbo (and Bathurst) but a regional base for surrounding areas. Support services like today’s announcement will build on the support already available for veterans. There is no doubt more work needs to be done, but it’s a start.”

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