Articles Archives - Page 72 of 452

Western Sydney Solar Team To Visit Hars Aviation Museum

August 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The Western Sydney Solar Team will be pulling their solar car into HARs Parkes at approximately 9:30am to 12pm on Tuesday, 10th September.

The Western Sydney Solar Team is a student-led project from Western Sydney University. Comprised of 25 students hailing from diverse areas of study, the team collaborates over an intensive 18-month period to design, engineer, and manufacture an innovative and cutting-edge solar-powered race car.

This remarkable vehicle is then put to the ultimate test in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge – a gruelling 3,022km journey from Darwin to Adelaide. The global event attracts over 40 teams from around the world, all competing for the top spot in solar car technology and endurance.

In 2023, the Western Sydney Solar Team achieved significant success with their latest creation, Unlimited 5.0. The team secured an impressive 9th place overall on the international stage and proudly took 1st place among Australian teams. This achievement was a testament to the relentless hard work, ingenuity, and dedication of every team member and supporter involved in the project.

As the team gears up for the next Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, scheduled for next year, they are also embarking on an exciting outreach initiative. This September, the team will be touring regional New South Wales as part of a Roadshow aimed at engaging with communities and showcasing their cutting-edge solar vehicle.

One of the highlights of the Roadshow will be the team’s visit to the HARs Aviation Museum in Parkes on 10th September. From 9:30am to 12pm, the team will be on-hand to engage with visitors, discuss their journey, and provide an up-close look at the remarkable Unlimited 5.0.

The visit will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the future of sustainable transport and to meet the talented students driving innovation in solar technology. The team warmly invites everyone to join them for a chat and a close-up view of this incredible solar-powered machine.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Judging Wraps For 2024

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

It’s been another successful year for wineries across the state, with 585 entries from 99 wineries swirled, sniffed and sipped during judging for the 2024 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show.

The show wrapped up on Wednesday with the final medal count; 50 gold, 74 silver and 202 bronze, with 23 trophies awarded.

Chair of judges, Mark Richardson said the overall quality of wines entered into the 2024 show was impressive.

“It was a strong year, especially for the classics including the chardonnay, shiraz and semillon classes,” Mark said.

“The alternate varieties are also getting better every year and to see such quality in the show is a good thing for the future of NSW winemakers.”

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show president Mark Watts said it was a very successful show.

“All of the judges commented on the quality of the wines and the efficiency of the show.”

The Public Tasting is on tonight, however the event has sold out and there are no tickets available at the door.

Tickets are still available for the Gourmet Wine Dinner, which will be held at the Forbes Town Hall to celebrate the trophy winners of the show. The dinner will be held on Saturday 21st September from 7pm with a four-course meal catered by Eat Your Greens featuring trophy winning wines to complement the meal.

Tickets for the event are $130 per person and are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show or by calling 0418 237 051.

Snippets…

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

A popular display for the young children on the day.

NSW SES Forbes Unit: A great day out at Bedgerabong Show. The NSW SES Forbes Unit were in good company with neighbours from Central West Police and Mid Lachlan Rural Fire Service. It was a good opportunity to catch up under more relaxed circumstances.

Australian Hotels Association NSW: Last year, you crowned the Bogan Gate Pub the winner of the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence – People’s Choice Award.

It’s time to make your voice heard once again and vote for your favourite pub of 2024! Nominate your local favourite and help them earn the title of the most popular pub in NSW. By nominating, you’ll also have the chance to win one of four $250 Pub & Bar Gift Cards to dine at your local pub. Nominate now at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X73WNW6. Hurry, the competition closes at 11:59pm on Friday, 30th August 2024.

Forbes Country Music Club: The Forbes Country Music Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Wednesday 6th November 2024, 7pm at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. Nomination forms will be available at upcoming musters on Sunday 8th September and Sunday 6th October, or can be emailed to you. Nomination forms can also be collected from the Secretary Steven Dixon at 19 Prince Street Forbes or can be mailed. All nomination forms must be returned by 5pm Wednesday 30th October 2024 either to Secretary Steven Dixon or by mail; Forbes Country Music Club Incorporated, PO Box 728 Forbes NSW 2871.

NSW Woman Of The Year: The search is on! Nominations are officially open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.

We’re looking for ground-breaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers and innovative role models who inspire us all.

Let’s celebrate the incredible and inspiring women in your community by nominating them for one of these categories: Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations are open until 15th September. Recognise their achievements and nominate them now: https://bit.ly/3BibUNc

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Organisers are super excited to have the current Australian Ladies Whipcracking Champion, the amazing Emiliqua East, coming to this years Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

Whipcracking demonstrations by Emiliqua East.

Miss Peg’s Final Act Of Kindness

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Miss Peg will be donating her hair to make a wig for someone in need.

Peg Lynch, affectionately known as ‘Miss Peg’, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. While she prepares herself spiritually for her final journey, she wants to do one last act of charity. Peg wants to donate her hair, so that it may benefit another and at the same time raise some funds to assist Parkes CanAssist.

Peg, who has been a teacher all her life, earned the name ‘Miss Peg’ during her time at Parkes Early Childhood Centre and as director at Peak Hill, with the little ones she loved dearly.

She has been known for her many acts of charity as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at local, regional, central and state levels. During the drought period, she travelled, with her husband, ‘Mr Peg’, throughout the Diocese of Wilcannia Forbes, offering support and assistance.

Peg is also a foundation member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group.

On Saturday, 31st August, Peg, with the assistance of Janice, from Janice Hair Salon, and Adele from Adele’s Hair Salon, will have her hair cut and donated for the purpose making a wig for someone in need.

Please support Peg in her final act of kindness by donating at: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/351308/pegs-fundraiserfor-can-assist

Parkes Celebrates Sustainable Creativity

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

This community art exhibition and competition, open to all residents of the NetWaste region, challenges perceptions about ‘rubbish’ and celebrates the creative potential of waste.

This year, 14 Councils participated in the Waste2Art competition, with the winning artworks from local exhibitions across the region now on display in the Coventry Room at Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre.

The exhibition showcases the innovation and creativity of artists of all ages, from preschool and school-aged children, to community groups and professional artists.

Parkes Shire residents made a significant mark on this year’s competition, taking home several awards. We proudly congratulate Michelle Hazelton, who was awarded the overall Waste2Art winner for her intricate artwork, Entomology Collection.

Overall, 30 winners and 19 highly commended awards were announced, showcasing the immense talent and commitment to sustainability within the region.

Waste 2 Art encourages individuals, schools, and community groups to reuse materials that would otherwise be discarded, transforming them into thought-provoking art pieces. This year’s theme focused on packaging, inspiring participants to repurpose materials like paper, cardboard, tin, and plastic into unique works of art, diverting them from landfill and giving them a second life.

The Waste2Art initiative offers an innovative approach to waste education, providing both aspiring and professional artists with a platform to explore and share their messages about waste reduction. As part of the opening ceremony, the theme for the 2025 competition was revealed: The Year of Toys.

The Waste2Art Regional Showcase is proudly sponsored by Sims Metal, NetWaste, and Parkes Shire Council. The exhibition will be open until 31st August at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre, so head along and check out some of the amazing talent in our region.

Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day

August 22, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The recent “Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day” held at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange was a success with approximately 60 people attending.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network, NSW Police, SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers and the Australian Custom Harvesters Association.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said anecdotal feedback from attendees on the day was very positive.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period. Thanks to Forbes Machinery Centre, Hutcheon and Pearce, O’Connors, Bob Wythes, Luke Magill and Nina Hooper who were very generous in loaning equipment for the display.”

If you missed the field day, there will be free satellite events:

• Tuesday 27 August: Tottenham War Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Wednesday 28 August: Parkes Show Farmer’s Day 1.30pm – 3.45pm (please note: you will be required to pay the gate admission)

• Thursday 29 August: Wirrinya Community Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Friday 30 August: Bogan Gate Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

John Anderson AC In Parkes

August 22, 2024 By Lynn Rogers

Fr Barry Dwyer, MC Lynn Rogers, Fran Scurfield and John Anderson AC FTSE.

The Parkes Holy Family Parish hosted a Spirituality in the Pub event on Friday 16th August at the Parkes Services Club, where 160 people filled the Starlight Room to hear John Anderson address the topic, “Does the West Need a Spiritual Reawakening?”.

John Anderson, who served as Deputy Prime Minister, back in the Howard government; spent 10 years in cabinet and walked away from politics with the deep respect of his colleagues on both sides of the house.

John Howard once stated, “I have not met a person with greater integrity in public life” than John Anderson.”

He currently farms on the family property whilst also being active in his podcast series and YouTube conversations, various directorships, public speaking, and in the not-for-profit sector. He is a sought-after speaker in Australia and abroad.

John is concerned about political and public life, and now sees our biggest challenge is that of cultural breakdown. From the audience comments it is obvious that many people agree that our social structures have been crumbling. The Western world is plagued by self-doubt and confusion regarding our values and beliefs.

There is a fear that we are losing our freedoms, safety, security and community spirit. People need community. We are not meant to ‘do life’ on our own. It was obvious from the audience enthusiasm and applause, that we are all looking for people to speak up and speak out about the issues that affect our daily lives. People want truth and open debate and the freedom to express themselves with dignity and reasonable argument.

For those who are interested, readers can find John Anderson Conversations on YouTube, (and also on Podcasts) where he has interviewed an amazing number of critical thinking people on a range of topics that concern us all.

By Lynn Rogers

“the Magic Of Reading” Parkes Annual Community Reading Day

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Children (and adults) enjoying one of the many activities that were held last year for Reading Day.

In line with this year’s book to be featured in the National Book Week, th Paint Parkes REaD committee chose a magical Reading Day.

Excitement among the organising committee continues to grow as news of the wonderful, community-minded, local Talents have once again so readily accepted the invitation to participate.

The committee is delighted to announce the participation of the outstanding storyteller and decorator, Martina Hribar, courtesy of Penrith Council Library. Martina will operate in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Martina was a major contributor to the 9th National Conference held in Parkes last year, providing one of the activities in the main street with her “suitcase fairy tales”, Martina created the most extraordinary display in the auditorium and foyer at the RSL, much to the delight of the Governor General and Lady Hurley who sat in a small teepee and read.

Another added attraction is that of Pooka the Entertainer from Dubbo who will be performing “magic” tricks, referencing reading and its importance. Pooka will be holding shows in an open-sided tent near the astronaut in the park.

On the 23rd of August, performances will be held in Cooke Park, the pavilion and in Clarinda Street, from Discount Dave’s to the park, the Reading Bug invites you all to come along.

Coordinator, Shonel Redfern from Neighbourhood Central, said “It is so gratifying to see our towns commitment to promoting the need to read, sing, talk and rhyme to children from birth.”

Time Is Running Out To Complete Your Farm Census

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Time is running out for NSW farmers to report their livestock numbers and agricultural land use before the annual land and stock return portal closes on 31 August.

Local Land Services Executive Director Regional Delivery Rob Kelly said around 170,000 land managers were taking part in the 2024 farm census.

“This is the last chance farmers have to lodge returns before the reporting portal closes,” Mr Kelly said.

“Understanding what landholders use their land for also plays a role influencing the fit-for-purpose services we deliver to our NSW farming customers.”

Completing returns is an easy process, with two options available, you can submit returns online via www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or return the paper form via mail or to a Local Land Services office.

Mr Kelly said it was important all landholders completed their annual land and stock return even if they carried no livestock.

“The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to their next rates notice if they fail to complete their return.”

For information visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or phone a Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.

Donation To Havannah House

August 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Jenny Watts, Mark Watts, Julie Virtue from Havannah House, Alistair Lunn and Amy Slessor.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show has donated $1,000 to Havannah House in Forbes to assist with their 2024 Christmas Lunch, which they provide for the less fortunate people that live in our community.

Pastor Julie Virtue received the cheque this year and thanked the committee members in attendance for the continued support.

Organisers have received a great response to entries for this year’s show, with 585 wines entered from 99 wineries. Judging taking place from Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st August.

The Public Tasting is on Friday 23rd August from 6.30pm at The Forbes Town Hall. All the wines entered will be available for patrons to taste and finger food will be provided. Tickets are $30 per person. The annual Gourmet Wine Dinner will be held on Saturday 21 September from 7pm at the Forbes Town Hall.Tickets are $130 per person. If you buy both tickets in one transaction, the bundle is $150 per person. Tickets are available online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wineshow but get in quick as they are limited.

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