The Parkes Library and Cultural Centre is inviting the community to celebrate National Science Week with The Big Think – a weeklong program of hands-on workshops, interactive experiences and inspiring presentations designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations of all ages.

Running from 15 to 23 August, The Big Think will bring together science, creativity and innovation through a diverse program of activities encouraging participants to explore big ideas, experiment with new technologies and discover the wonders of science in everyday life.

Parkes Shire Council’s Cultural, Education and Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones, said, “The Big Think is about inspiring curiosity and showing that science is for everyone.

“Whether you’re interested in space, engineering, technology or simply trying something new, there’s something in the program for all ages to enjoy. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover what’s possible through creativity, innovation and hands-on learning.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Neil Westcott said Council was proud to support National Science Week by providing opportunities for the community to learn, create and connect.

To view the full program and book your place, visit:

https://collections.humanitix.com/the-big-think-national-science-week

Pictured are members voting on a motion at last year’s NSW Farmers Association Annual Conference.

The Bogan Gate Branch, NSW Farmers Association, presented one of the first motions to be voted on at the Annual Conference at Rosehill Tuesday 21 July.

The Motion, which was moved by Ron Umbers, asked for NSW Farmers to advocate for amendments to the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 (NSW) to allow registered Veterinary Practitioners to conduct Telehealth consultations. This including for S4 drug compliance and prescribing, where initial check has occurred and a bona fide Veterinary – Client – patient relationship has been established, subject to existing professional, animal welfare and regulatory safeguards.

As it currently stands, a farmer must transport a lamb, or representative animal of their commercial operation, to a Vet surgery to prove they are a person involved with commercial animal operations. This requirement must be repeated every year even if the Vet has a long-term business relationship with the farmer and they are fully aware of their commercial animal production status. The process is cumbersome, time consuming and very stressful for the animal (and farmer) involved.

Bogan Gate branch’s Policy submission aims to streamline the process while still maintaining security with regards to the necessary veterinary products that farmers need to use in their operations.

The vote sailed through to become NSW Farmers Policy which will now be followed up by the advocacy team, who will approach the relevant authorities to achieve this resolution.

Gavin Tom, Region 5 Executive Councillor said, “This is a great example of how NSW Farmers can improve on modern farm practice which can involve plenty of red tape.

“As Region 5 Executive Councilor I was very pleased to vote for this, along with the vast majority of delegates.

“Being a member of NSW Farmers can give you a say in forming and improving policy, whether it be state, federal or local government along with the many other organisations we have to deal with on a daily basis.

By Gavin Tom
Region 5 Executive Councillor, Parkes/Forbes Branch

For several years, I have been raising concerns about whether theMental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) is giving sufficient weight to community safety and the concerns of victims when making decisions about forensic mental health patients.

The recent reported death of 74-year-old Quang My Pham in Western Sydney has reinforced why these concerns deserve serious attention. While the circumstances are still subject to investigation, I have written to the Minister for Mental Health requesting an urgent review into reports that the alleged offender was a recently released forensic mental health patient.

This is not about opposing rehabilitation. It’s about ensuring there is an appropriate balance between rehabilitation, victim welfare and community safety.

For years, victims and families have shared their experiences with me, describing a system where they feel their concerns are heard but not always meaningfully considered.

One such case is that of Wendy Robinson, who has spent years attending MHRT hearings to advocate for her family’s safety following the murder of her parents by a family member found not guilty by reason of mental illness. After years of lobbying, I am pleased that the NSW Parliament’s Law and Safety Committee has now agreed to conduct an inquiry into the MHRT following my formal request earlier this year.

The inquiry will examine whether the current system adequately protects victims and communities, provides sufficient transparency and accountability, and strikes the right balance between patient rehabilitation and public safety. I will continue advocating for stronger oversight, greater transparency and reforms that ensure victims’ voices are genuinely considered indecisions that may affect public safety.

Our communities deserve confidence that appropriate safeguards are in place, and victims deserve confidence that their safety remains a central consideration in every decision.

Cheers, Phil

AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

It will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, the system needs to be tested.

On Monday 27 July, your mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.

The test times across Australian time zones are:

• 2:00pm AEST (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS)

• 1:30pm ACST (SA, NT, Broken Hill NSW)

• 12:00pm AWST (WA)

The message will vibrate and include a loud, siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds.

If this could disrupt you or cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time in your location, and leave them off for at least one hour.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn what an AusAlert sounds like, visit ausalert.gov.au

Child safety will be in the spotlight this term with a new road safety campaign being rolled out across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils that aims to educate parents and care givers about the rules and how to correctly use the ‘No Parking’ (drop off/pick up) zones at local schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said, “Drivers will notice the installation of the corflute pole wraps at each ‘No Parking’ (drop off/pick up) zone. They are brightly coloured, located at eye level when you are in a vehicle and remind you of the rules that apply.

“A ‘No Parking’ sign means that you can only stop on a length of road or in an area to which the ‘No Parking’ sign applies to drop off or pick up passengers.

“You can’t stay in the zone longer than two minutes and the driver has to be within three metres of the vehicle at all times. The sign will tell you what times the zone is operational,” Ms Suitor said.

Ms Suitor said it is also important to understand the rules for ‘No Stopping’ signs.

A ‘No Stopping’ sign means that the driver of a vehicle must not stop at any time on a length of road or in an area to which the ‘No Stopping’ sign applies – not for a minute, not for a second, not at all.

“‘No Stopping’ signs are installed in areas where clear sight is required for safety reasons, such as on the approach or departure to crossings or at intersections.

“Line of sight around schools is critical to both motorists and pedestrians alike.

When vehicles obstruct that line of sight, tragedies can occur, particularly with small children who are so difficult to see,” Ms Suitor said.

“So, help keep our local kids safe and abide by the parking signs,” Ms Suitor said.