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Spring Walks For The NPA Lachlan Valley

September 26, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The National Parks Association of NSW Lachlan Valley Branch have released their walks calendar for spring 2024.

• Sunday 15th September: SWWNR Cookamidgera. Meet at gate on Coonambro Way at 9am. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586. Medium 6kms.

• Wednesday 9th October: Back Yamma SF. Meet at gate on Forest East Rd off Parkes-Eugowra Rd at 9.30am. Contact Liz MacRaild 0455 915 989. Easy 7kms.

• Wednesday 13th November: “Kokoda” Northparkes Mines Offset Block. Meet at Lions Park, Molong Road, Parkes at 9am. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586. Medium 6kms.

• Wednesday 4th December: Christmas Party Bumberry Dam. Meet at 5pm for walk then picnic. BYO everything including chair, food either to be shared or eat your own as people prefer.

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

A $2 donation for each walker is appreciated. New walkers are always welcome.

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.

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Walks are mostly on tracks or fire trails and of moderate distance. Suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. May involve some off track walking. Walk may involve shorter distance overall due to rougher conditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Danielle Mcdonald: Australian Off Road Champion

September 19, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonald (centre) celebrating with her team after being named AORC EW Champion for 2024.

Parkes local Danielle McDonald just keeps going from strength to strength. She stepped up this year from dominating in the Junior class and has just been named the EW Champion for 2024 in her first year racing in the Women’s division.

The EW championship is the Endruo Women’s class in the Australian Off Road Championship. The competition took place across four states, over six massive weekends. Danielle said, “This Championship means everything. I’ve been wanting this for years and to get it in my rookie year is unbelievable. I can’t believe we’re here!

“I raced 12 rounds of the AORC throughout this year, battling it out in the woman’s class against previous Australian Champion and my teammate Jess Gardiner, it was a super tight battle at the start of the year with Jess leading the championship by a few points. I managed to put my head down at rounds 5 and 6 and got a double win, which made me the new points leader I then went on to win all the rounds after that, I even won all my Tests (races) on Saturday for round 11.

“Thanks to my team the Yamaha JGR Ballards off road team and all the team’s sponsors big thanks to Yamaha Australia for all the support this year in the motocross scene and off roads. Big thanks to my mechanic at home Foodge Burrell and my trainer Aaron Rankmore for all the training.”

Snippets…

September 19, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The club is incredibly proud of Summers achievements and can’t wait to see her continue to grow, coach, and inspire students.

PCYC Parkes: A big congratulations to Summer Hurford for being nominated, and winning Sportsperson of the Year by the NAIDOC Advisory Group. Summer was an invaluable member of the recent Nations of Origin trip, where she contributed by fundraising for the event and offering her support in both the footy and senior leadership in our gymnastics events. She’s a true ray of sunshine in the gymnastics program and is proving to be a fantastic up-and-coming senior coach on the team.

Office Of Sport: The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is now open! The grant program is aimed at providing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and associated equipment to NSW sport and recreation facilities and clubs. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to sporting and recreational organisations. Find out more here www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants

Forbes Youth Action Team: The September/October School Holiday Program is almost here and there are so many fun events taking place over the spring holiday break! Be sure to secure your spot in these events by registering online at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

1800RESPECT: Whether it’s you, a family member, a friend or a colleague experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, 1800RESPECT provides confidential counselling, information and support. Counsellors can be contacted through call, text, online chat or video call. Available 24/7. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or online chat – Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm (except public holidays) Video call (no appointment needed).

Kerin Health: We’re pleased to announce that we will be holding two free information sessions in the next few weeks for Parents and Educators. Join us at Kerin Health to learn how to support children with their emotional, behavioural and sensory needs during these free Education Sessions with our experienced Occupational Therapist, Emilie. To learn more, or register for a session contact 0437 749 746.

Forbes Town And District Tennis Club: Bring the family this Sunday and have a fun day, win some prizes, spread awareness for Leo Doyle and help us raise some funds. To nominate for the pair’s competition please contact Peter Clifton on 0403 335 205. If you would like to know more about Leo’s journey so far, visit: https://rarevoices.org.au/personal-story/leos-story/

Follow this link to see the support Little Wings provide our community https://www.littlewings.org.au/

Arts Outwest: Dream Up Arts Activities For 2025

September 19, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The Country Arts Support Program of annual small grants is now open, but you only have a month left to apply. Funding the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake or manage arts activities in local communities across the NSW Central West.

What could you apply for? Examples of eligible activities include (but are not limited to): Arts or heritage based workshops, classes, performances, installations, exhibitions, screen/film making, writing or composition, development of new work, tours or talks, artist-in-residence programs, public art and design projects, community seminars and forums, recordings or podcasts, new arts activities attached to festivals or events – as long as they have some element of public outcome.

Grants are available up to the amount of $3,000. Applications close: 5pm Thursday 17 October 2024. Guidelines here: https://artsoutwest.org.au/pf/casp/ You can call or email Arts OutWest to discuss your application: 02 6338 4657 artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

CASP is devolved funding from the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Ben Lovett: Red And Green Ball Award Winner

September 19, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Ben Lovett is pictured front and centre at the Junior Spacemen presentation night with the Parkes Marist Under 16s Grand Final winning team.

Ben Lovett, who was once a local Parkes Junior, and now plays at the top level in the NRL for the Sydney Rabbitohs, received two prestigious awards at the annual Rabbitohs Red and Green Ball last Friday night. He then flew back to Parkes the following day to support the Junior Spacemen at their end of season presentation night.

Rabbitohs forward Ben Lovett has earned the Souths Cares Award for Most Outstanding Contributions to the Community for 2024. Ben stood out this year for his unwavering commitment to, and sheer volume of, community activities he supported.

Ben has also won the Bob McCarthy Club person of the Year award for season 2024, being recognised for his contributions to the team and the Club, both on and off the field.

Ben was also the Rabbitohs nominee for the NRL Ken Stephen Medal, nominated for going above and beyond in his involvement in charity work, youth development and community support.

Faced with a career-threatening injury, Ben’s response to adversity has been beyond impressive. Whilst undergoing a difficult rehabilitation process, Ben has never lost sight of his role within the team and has remained an exceptional teammate, providing support and encouragement, even when he couldn’t contribute on the field. His perseverance, positive attitude, and selfless dedication to others have truly set him apart.

In addition to his club commitments, Ben actively supports a wide range of community and educational initiatives. He serves as an Ambassador and Mentor for Goal College, participated in a regional trip to Brewarrina to support marginalised youth, and runs his own football clinics while promoting Junior League participation across regional NSW.

Congratulations to Ben Lovett on receiving these two outstanding awards.

Parkes Que Club Open Gardens And Markets

September 19, 2024 By Roxane Manley

QUE members look forward to your company throughout the day at the Parkes Racecourse, and in the four open gardens, on Sunday 29th September.

The Parkes Racecourse, Eugowra Road will be buzzing with activity from 9.30am, with over 25 stalls and live music from local artists. Don’t miss the fashion parade at 1pm presented by Parkes News and Gifts and of course the four beautiful open gardens.

Be sure to get a ticket in the fabulous raffle. First prize is a beautiful occasional table created and donated by local artist, Susan Maddison. Second prize is a garden trolley filled with goodies and third prize is a $50 gift voucher to Dirty Gloves Nursery.

Collect your wristband and directions from the Parkes Racecourse from 9.30am on the day. Tickets prices are: wristbands and directions to the gardens (cash/card) $15, morning tea $5 and lunch $15.

The money raised from this event stays in our local community, with a focus on supporting hearing, speech, and wellbeing. This year Parkes Que Club have sponsored every eligible child to attend Life Education Van (Healthy Harold), as well as our usual donations to schools and pre-schools for hearing amplification systems; dignity and care packs for victims of domestic violence; books for newborn babies; Southern Cross art therapy program; trauma teddies for Ambulances; participation in Paint the Town REaD; school backpacks for children in need; and sponsoring the hearing and speech assessments for pre-school children who are ready to head off to ‘big school’. Donations are also given to Can Assist, Ronald McDonald House, Sprouts, Safe Haven and other charities to benefit our local communities.

Prime Minister Ignores Farmers At National Farmer Rally

September 12, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to attend the National Farmer Rally outside Parliament House, instead, ignoring hundreds of farmers who travelled from all over Australia to plead with the Government to stop its anti-farming agenda.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said “For the Prime Minister to ignore hundreds of farmers, many who have spent days on end driving to Canberra from other states, shows that Labor doesn’t care about our agriculture industry.”

“Our Prime Minister isn’t interested in helping or even listening to those who produce our nation’s food and fibre. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins didn’t attend the rally either, which is incredibly disappointing given she has only just been appointed as Agriculture Minister.”

The National Farmer Rally organisers were calling for sensible changes including scrapping the truckie tax, scrapping new taxes for biosecurity and superannuation, scrapping water buybacks in the MurrayDarling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basin, scrapping unnecessary red tape from emissions reporting, known as Scope 3, and scrapping reckless renewables which will rip up prime agricultural land, protecting the 88-day backpacker visa, as well as overturning the decision to ban live sheep exports by sea.

“These requests are common sense solutions and without changes, farming will become unviable. The National Farmer Rally is the biggest in a generation – it has been more than 40 years since farmers have had to march on Parliament House because a federal government has made them feel so aggrieved.”

Snippets…

September 12, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council Works team members Lee and Blake.

Forbes Shire Council: Access to the Forbes Croquet Club at Lawler Street is now much easier and safer thanks to the work of Council’s Works team. Works completed include:
• Kerb cutting to create a new pathway.
• Installation of a ramp wide enough for prams.
• Digging out and installing wings.
• Installing fibre mesh.
• Concrete pouring.
• New topsoil to make the sides of the path neat and tidy.

R U OK? #RUOKDay2024 was on Thursday September 12th. But any day is the day to check in with those we care about and ask, ‘are you OK?’. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, try these four steps. 1) Ask R U OK?, 2) Listen, 3) Encourage action, 4) Check in. You can find conversation tips and download social tiles and posters of the four steps at www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Parkes Shire Council: Are you ready to kickstart your career in business? Looking for a role that offers hands-on experience and growth? Applications for the 2025 Traineeship Program are open now. Applications close 22nd September 2024 and successful applicants will begin their career with Parkes Shire Council in February 2025. Apply now bit.ly/PSCcareers

National BBQ Championships Forbes: Sponsorship opportunities are available. Join us in hosting the 2024 National BBQ Championships. Contact events@forbes.nsw.gov.au to be a part of this amazing event showcasing the fabulous produce of the central west. Team nominations are now also open at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2024/november-2024/2024-national-bbq-championships. Enter early for your chance to compete in the 2024 National BBQ Championships.

business.gov.au: You don’t need to be an adult to run a business in Australia. If you’re a young person with a great idea, you can go ahead and start your own business. You can follow the main steps to start a business, but there are some extra things to consider when you’re starting a business under 18 years old: http://spklr.io/6187tZcv

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: A massive thank you to Ellice, Bianca and the whole team at Worklocker Parkes. The Cinderella and the Crystal Slippers cast look amazing in their beautiful production jackets. Tickets for Cinderella & The Crystal Slipper are on sale now at www.parkesmandd.com.au

Worklocker did an amazing job on the cast jackets.

New Primary Industries Training Trailer

September 12, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Students in years 9 to 12 from Peak Hill Central School, Yeoval Central School, Tottenham Central School, Tullamore Central School, Trundle Central School are set to benefit from the Western Access Program’s (WAP) Primary Industries (Training) Trailer launched in Peak Hill on Tuesday, 10th September.

The launch marks a significant milestone, providing a new opportunity for students to engage in agriculture as a subject and to explore career pathways in the sector.

It’s a versatile trailer that gives teachers and students the support they need to excel in teaching, learning, and practical assessment activities related to livestock, wool harvesting, fencing, and chemical and agriculture generalist units.

The trailer will also enable the delivery of Australian Wool Innovation courses and facilitate industry and career immersion activities and practical sessions on farms and other enterprises, creating stronger connections with the industry and potential career pathways for students.

Funded by Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and constructed by a local engineer and former WAP student from Dunn’s Welding and Fabrication Peak Hill, the launch of this trailer means less of a need for students to travel to get the agricultural skills and experience they need.

’Tis The Season Tips For Your Itchy, Watery, Red Eyes This Spring

September 12, 2024 By Hansen’s Eyecare Plus

If you are one of the estimated 20% of Australians that suffer from hayfever, Spring is not a time for celebration but rather a time of sneezing, mucous and the dreaded itchy eyes! Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many a hay fever sufferer, so what is the best way for you to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. Plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your allergy symptoms should be avoided. Try saving outdoor activities to the evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly washing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little allergen particles that accumulate.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. Over the counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief for the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid using the “red eye” drops. These will only temporarily hide the redness without actually addressing the cause of your red, itchy eyes. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabiliser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

Book an appointment at Hansens Optometrists where we can formulate a personalised plan. We can prescribe more effective eye drops and treat other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy symptoms.

Eye Health Brought to you by Hansen’s Eyecare Plus

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