Articles Archives - Page 86 of 452

Snippets

March 7, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Thank you to our wonderful school ambassadors for their leadership.

Official Parkes High School

NAVAL CEREMONIAL SUNSET

PHS Captain, Jessica Towns, and Prefects, Danilo Bottaro-Porter, Jesse Woods and Frasier Beaton, represented PHS at this evenings Naval ceremony in Cooke Park.

The ‘Ceremonial Sunset’ is derived from the oldest of naval ceremonies, dating back centuries to the age of sail. Ceremonial Sunset reflects the worldwide naval tradition of saluting the lowering of the ensign at sunset each day in ships in harbour and shore establishments.

Central West Farming Systems

Want to hear about farmers experiences on rotations with legumes, Nitrogen banking and early sowing?

See you Monday 18th of March at the CWFS Fettell Centre.

We are fortunate that John Kirkegaard CSIRO and Mathew Dunn NSW DPI are hitting the road for a series of workshops with Riverine Plains, Southern Growers inc, FarmLink and Central West Farming Systems to discuss the project: Improved Drought Resilience Through Optimal Management of Soil and Water https://riverineplains.org.au/improved-drought-resilience-through-optimal-management-of-soil-and-water/

To register bit.ly/3OTFNLq

Life Pharmacy Forbes

Your gut is the brain of your immune system. The microbial community that lives on and in the human body exerts a major impact on human health, from metabolism to immunity. Human health and the human microbiome are what AP Probiotics researches every day.

We have their entire range of probiotics in store, designed for every stage of life, and most common health needs. From sleep and mood health to IBS and children’s immunity, come in and ask our pharmacists about our new range of AP Probiotics.

Parkes Shire Council

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for the leasing of the following land:

• The former Driver Reviver site at Kelly Reserve for the purpose of a “Kiosk”

• Vacant Cropping Land (Peak Hill Airport Land)

• Farmland off Hamilton Road, Parkes NSW

To find out more and submit an expression of interest, visit the links below:

bit.ly/FormerDriverReviverSite

bit.ly/PeakHillAirportLand

bit.ly/ParkesVacantLand

Ron Dunford Chemist Parkes NSW

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and our team are here to put the spotlight on this common and painful condition.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissues like the ones inside the uterus are found in other parts of the body, with symptoms including:*

Pain in the stomach, back, and hip areas

Pain during menstruation, bowel movements or urination

Discomfort during intercourse:

There is no current cure, our pharmacy team are here to support you if you or someone you know has Endometriosis. Come and chat with oUr Pharmacist to see how we can help

*https://endometriosisaustralia.org/about-endometriosis/

Forbes Sports Person of the Year

Association

FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL FAIR GO AWARD

This award is chosen by Forbes Shire Council and is presented to an organisation within our community that is inclusive and accepting of all participants regardless of their race, gender, religion or ability. The 2023 Forbes Shire Council Fair Go Award goes to Forbes Public School Forbes Public School are encouraging and welcoming to all participants and are inclusive regardless of age, ability and skillset.

Forbes Public School have been very successful
with individual and team sporting representation in
numerous sports..

Danielle McDonald Named Parkes Sportsperson Of The Year

February 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonal pictured after being awarded Parkes Sportsperson of the Year for 2023.

Parkes teen Danielle McDonald was deservingly named Parkes Sportsperson of the year for 2023, and it comes as no surprise as Danielle has been consistently at the top of her sport, racing both Offroad and Motocross.

Danielle came back from Argentina with a Silver medal after competing for Australia alongside teammates Jessica Gardiner and Tayla Jones, in the 2023 International Six Day Enduro, she also won national titles in junior motocross. Danielle now adds a fulltime campaign in the Ezilift WMX class along with her AORC commitments. Danielle being one of a few who competes in both disciplines, offroad and motocross.

Danielle recently competed in Wonthaggi, VIC, in her first Senior Women’s race and was thrilled to come away with the win, Danielle saying “Super happy to claim the win at the AMX Open down in Wonthaggi ‘’.

The main focus lately has been training, but in 2 weeks time Danielle and her team head up to Roma, QLD, to compete in the AORC, and then a week after that she heads back down to Wonthaggi to compete in the ProMX Series;

With so much time spent travelling, we asked Danielle what she misses about home, she said “I miss my friends and just doing friend things, I miss my dogs and just the comforts of home”. Danielle also went on to say about her parents “They are a major part of what I do, they are the ones who got me where I am, so a big thanks to them”.

Snippets

February 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

I’ve done a few things in my life – modelling isn’t one of them! But I was proud to promote the Blokes for Birds Shirt recently which are now on-sale to help raise awareness of domestic violence.

Philip Donato

Domestic violence (DV) is a scourge in the community.

Birds in the Bush, a not for profit volunteer organisation will be hosting their annual fundraiser on 2nd May at Banksia, near Orange.

Special guest this year is former international tennis star and commentator Jelena Dokic.

Proceeds will go to The Orchard, Housing Plus Domestic Violence Refuge Facility in Orange for the protection of women and children.

You can purchase a shirt like the one i’m wearing, and tickets to the event online Birds In The Bush and help support this wonderful event and important cause.

Red Bend Catholic College

2024 OPEN DAY – Sunday March 17, 10am-1pm.

Make sure to mark this date in your calendar. Open Day is the perfect opportunity to come and visit the College to see what we have to offer. Oh, and the food is amazing also

Parkes Shire Council

Community groups and businesses in the Parkes Shire will be able to find grants easier with the launch of a free funding platform on the Parkes Shire Council website.

All you need to do is register on the Parkes Shire Grant Finder (grantguru. com) site to give you access to the 364 community grants worth $28.5 billion currently available.

Parkes Shire Council’s Mayor, Neil Westcott, said the platform will be a valuable tool for our community. You can start your new grant journey by registering here: Parkes Shire Grant Finder (grantguru.com)

For information contact Council’s Grants team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Forbes Uniting Church

A new and exciting event for Forbes Uniting Cafe Church is starting next Saturday!!!!

Sylvia and the team Lachlan Vintage Village Cafe are working on some great food options and we are so blessed that they have come on board to be our venue.

Everyone is welcome to attend and spend time in fellowship and share in the Word of God

Parkes Christian School

PCS enrolments expo – monday, 4 March.

Our High School provides so many opportunities for senior students and thanks to Compressed Curriculum. This system sees students complete three entire HSC subjects in Year 11 and then three more in Year 12.

To find out more about Compressed Curriculum and our school in general, come along to our Expo from 5pm next Monday evening.

Landcare Australia

It’s not too late to take part in Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 3 March, 2024.

It’s Clean Up Australia’s biggest week of practical environmental action and a great way to help improve your local area or a place that needs some TLC.

Go to https://register.cleanup.org.au/ and register now to receive your Clean Up kit of materials.

St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes

We have just announce our 2024 Mission Captains. We’re proud to present the dedicated individuals leading our efforts in Project Compassion this year. Their commitment to serving others and raising funds for Caritas is truly inspiring. Stay tuned for updates on our fundraising initiatives and join us in making a difference

Meet our 2024 Mission Captains.

$1 million For School Environmental Projects

February 29, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The grants offer primary schools and early learning centres the opportunity to apply for up to $1,000.

Woolworths, in partnership with Landcare Australia, is offering over a million dollars in grants to schools and early learning centres for more Aussie kids to get involved in outdoor learning projects. Schools across Parkes Shire are encouraged to apply for the latest round of grants.

The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants support projects with a focus on sustainable food production, improving waste management or enhancing native habitats. Last year, Tower Street Public School in New South Wales used its grant to create a ‘Crunch and Sip’ garden, where students selected in-season fruits and vegetables to plant, helped design the garden beds and plant the seedlings.

Woolworths Parkes Shire Store Manager, Kerrie Kennedy, said: “The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is all about supporting fun and engaging learning experiences that can help younger generations connect with natural environments.

“Our store team across Parkes Shire have been proud to connect with local schools who have previously been awarded a grant. It’s been great to hear how the funding has helped enhance local school communities and support students as they get outdoors and learn more about the local environment.”

Dr Shane Norrish, CEO of Landcare Australia, said: “Being outdoors in the natural environment has positive benefits for the mental health and wellbeing of children.

“The partnership between Woolworths and Landcare Australia has enabled hundreds of educators an opportunity to provide meaningful environmental education programs. These programs offer experiences that are helping children learn how they can care for the land and be the next generation of Landcare leaders.”

Applications for the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program are now open. Visit www.juniorlandcare.org.au.

Parkes Mayor Addresses Bypass Concerns

February 29, 2024 By Mayor, Neil Westcott

There has been a lot said regarding the future of the Parkes Bypass. I have been in continual contact with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), including the Minister, and consequently I have no concern about the complete delivery of the bypass, including the Victoria Street Bridge.

The negative media on this project is at best mischievous. In my view TfNSW have done a great job consulting with the public then amending the design to address concerns. There is always compromise and construction impacts, and the occurrence of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) was very unfortunate, but no one’s fault.

There are around 1200 trucks a day on Bogan Street, that is nearly 1 per minute, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, and by all predictions that is set to double.

Council worked with TfNSW, ensuring a seamless access to Parkes from both ends of the bypass and creating a convenient central entry point at the Condobolin Road intersection. This guarantees smooth passage for travellers eager to explore our town, not just pass through. Council is actively developing plans for the western entry route, further enhancing accessibility and inviting visitors to delve deeper into Parkes’ unique offerings. We’re transforming into a sought-after destination rather than a pitstop along the way.

Once the bypass is finished, it presents Parkes with an opportunity to become a thriving destination for highway travellers, offering quiet accommodation, pubs, clubs, eateries, shops, a strong service sector, clever agile businesses and a welcoming community.

For more information

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/work-continuing-on-fully-funded-parkes-bypass-project

Mayor, Neil Westcott

Tracie Robertson Representing The Region For A Third Term

February 23, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Tracie Robertson who most know as the Principle of Ray White in Parkes.

Regional Development Australia Central West have just recently announced its new Committee members.

Joining the Committee are Ricky Puata, Deputy Director, Regional Coordination & Delivery for the Department of Regional NSW; Owen Williams Director at ASIR Pty Ltd; Eleanor Falkiner non- executive Director of Haddon Rig and co-owner of Boridgeree; Therese Herbert of Gundamain Pastoral Co and Joshua Devitt, Chief Engineer – IPWEA NSW & ACT.

Returning Committee member, and Parkes local Tracie Robertson said “I was honoured to be appointed to the board for RDA Central West back in 2018 by the then Chair and ex local, Christine Weston nee Freebairn and am now in my third term and 7th year or representation. It was humbling to join a long admired friend on the board, the late Cr John Magill, and to follow the late Robert Wilson OAM. Parkes has been well represented in the past and I am committed to my role on the board to ensure we have continued strong representation for the Parkes Shire and other areas where my business operates including Forbes, Condobolin and West Wyalong.

“The board is made of 11 community leaders from business and government sectors, each from a different part of the Central West and in varied industries. We work across 3 levels of government and assist with important programs to our region, such as skilled migration visa’s, youth mentorship programs and innovations to promote new thinking and partnerships across government, industry and community to help realise the regions vision and economic potential.”

Parkes Leagues Club To The Rescue

February 23, 2024 By Roxane Manley

President Karen Ritchie, Leagues Club Manager, Dave Brennan, IWD Coordinator, Wendy Neville, Committee member, Pat McCallum .

The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix published a request from Parkes Que Club for help to finance their International Women’s Day luncheon. This year the Club missed out on the $1000 grant which helps keep the costs of the event low. On the day the request was published, the co-ordinator of the event, Wendy Neville, received a phone call with an amazing offer from the Leagues Club. They would fund the whole $1000 shortfall! A huge thank you to Manager, Dave Brennan and his committee.

Dave spotted the story regarding the Parkes Que Club seeking community support and Dave said “I was disappointed to read that the Que club was unsuccessful in receiving a grant for delegates to attend the event and I was instantly compelled to make a phone call and support the group, without hesitation. It brings us great pride to assist our local community and endorse the valuable contributions of the Que club”.

Additional donations came in from Elders Real Estate and Bartley’s Barkers, as well as some individual donations.

Thank you to the amazing people of Parkes who support our town and especially our not-for-profit Club which raises money to support our local community.

This funding also allows us to pay for two senior students and a teacher from three local high schools to attend. Two wonderful guest speakers have been lined up in Tracy Hambridge, BAppSci(Nut), MNutDiet who is coming from Canberra and Janna Flanagan from the local Elders Real Estate business.

Our entertainment this year is from Adrian Day and the local Filipino Australian Choir. For the first time we have invited four local artisans to display and sell their produce and products and we are excited that Susan Maddison’s mosaics, Mel McIntyres craft/art, Kiki’s Candles, and Tumbling Downs Olives will be at the luncheon.

Add to all of that a raffle and lucky door prizes and the event is set for a wonderful afternoon around this year’s International Women’s Day theme which is “Inspire Inclusion”.

Tickets which are selling fast are available to purchase online from www.123tix.com.au/events

Snippets

February 23, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictures is Cr Ken Keith, Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet and local residents Malcolm and Pam Nankivel.

Parkes Shire Council

Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet and Cr Ken Keith presented local resident Malcolm Nankivell with a Certificate for his 100th Birthday, which was celebrated on the 11th February.

Malcolm and his wife Pam have 4 children (all born in Parkes) and have been a wonderful asset to our community. Malcolm and Pam assisted with the implementation of the Learn to Swim Program in Parkes, growing the program to well over 100 kids who could swim 50 m each year.

On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and residents of the Parkes Shire we wish Malcolm a very Happy 100th Birthday

Forbes Farmers’ Markets

We are back!!!

The first market for 2024 is next Saturday, 24th February.

A reminder our market is on the 4th Saturday of every month.

8am – 12noon | Victoria Park.

Inland Rail

We’re winding back the clock on freight transit times with InlandRail

Once fully operational, the travel time for rail freight between Melbourne and Brisbane will drop from 33 hours down to 24 hours or less

Meaning your goods will get to you faster, safer and more reliably

Learn more about how Inland Rail will be used on our website www.inlandrail.com.au/using-inland-rail

R U OK?Day

Do you really know how your friends, family members and colleagues are going? Sometimes those who are always smiling and laughing are struggling the most. Ask R U OK? Because a conversation could change a life.

Find tips at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

Lachlan Valley Vets Forbes/Grenfell

A number of plants are poisonous to pets. These can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. It’s important to check the safety of any plants before giving your pets access to them.

If you think your pet has ingested a toxic plant call the clinic on (02) 6851 1100

https://www.aecvets.com.au

Philip Donato

Central West Recovery Sessions Alert!

Flood-affected community members, don’t miss the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s drop-in sessions. Get the latest on the $100 million Recovery & Resilience package and discover available support services.

Forbes-20 Feb, Forbes Town Hall, 4-7pm

Parkes-21 Feb, Cooke Park Pavilion, 4-7pm

Eugowra-22 Feb, Eugowra Bowling Club, 4-7pm

There are no formal presentations and there is no need to register. Drop in at any time between 4pm to 7pm to meet the team. For more information on the sessions call 1300 003 227

Central West Police District

Five things you need to do before going to bed tonight: Remove valuables from your car, this includes all keys; Lock up your car & house; Check CCTV is working; Switch on down stairs alarm at night (if possible); Report Suspicious Activity to 131 444.

TAFE NSW Forbes

It’s great to see staff and students back on campus and classes up and running for 2024. We have several courses at Forbes this year including Welding Apprentices, Beauty, Automotive, Individual Support (Ageing) and many more. Are you considering enrolling in a TAFE course?

Pop down to Forbes TAFE Campus and check out what courses are available .

Parkes Que Club Needs Your Help

February 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Models from the wedding parade from the 2023 International Women’s Day luncheon.

International Women’s Day is fast approaching, and the Parkes Que Club is once again organising their annual luncheon. The club normally receives a grant that covers entertainment and provides tickets for two students and a teacher from Parkes High School, Parkes Christian School and Red Bend Catholic College to attend the luncheon. The club were unsuccessful with their application so are now calling on the community to help.

Parkes Que Club President, Karen Ritchie said “The International Women’s Day luncheon is run as a not-for-profit event and the $1000 grant meant that we could cover costs and keep ticket prices low.”

“We would love local businesses to help. If four businesses each donated $250 we would be able to cover our costs. We are also seeking donations for our fundraising raffle” added Karen.

This year’s luncheon local guest speakers are Tracey Hambridge BAPPSCI (Nut) NNUTDIET (Dietician) and Janna Flanagan from Elder’s Real Estate Parkes.

Entertainment from Parkes based Filipino Australian Community Choir and Adrian Day, also be tables displaying/selling products from local Women. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better World.

The Parkes Que Club International Women’s Day Luncheon, Sunday, 10th of March, 11.45am at the Parkes Services Club. Tickets $35 + $1 booking fee from 123tix.com.au

Businesses or locals that would like to help with sponsorship or donating raffle prizes can contact Wendy Neville on 0418 469 294.

Parkes, Forbes & Lachlan Shire Councils Respond To Rex Airlines Schedule Adjustments

February 15, 2024 By Roxane Manley

For enquiries relating to flight times, bookings and luggage requirements please phone REX on 13 17 13.

The Parkes Regional Airport is a major gateway to the Central West region and is located a short five kilometres east of the Parkes town centre, off the Henry Parkes Way.

The airport is serviced by Regional Express (REX), which provides daily return passenger services between Parkes and Sydney. We recommend you contact REX directly for further information about passenger services, including flight schedule, bookings and luggage requirements.

Joint Statement

The Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire Mayors – Neil Westcott, Phyllis Miller OAM, and Paul Phillips acknowledge the recent announcement by Rex Airlines regarding adjustments to their regional flight network, including services affecting their communities.

Rex Airlines stated the need to “prolong the regional network reductions implemented in various stages in 2023 due to continuing dislocated supply chains post COVID that are heavily impacting the provision of aircraft spare parts, especially aircraft engine parts.”

The regions Councils recognise these ongoing challenges faced by airlines globally, and also understand Rex is further impacted by pilot shortages, despite their ongoing pilot training and development programs.

We have always worked very cooperatively with Rex to establish workable flight schedules for the Lachlan, Forbes and Parkes region, and we are very appreciative of the partnership approach during this difficult period.

We appreciate the constraints facing the airline and we understand that the three (3) return services each weekday cannot be maintained. We are however grateful for the introduction of two (2) return flights each weekday, and a total of twelve weekly return services. This includes an early morning and middle of the day service from Parkes to Sydney and a middle of the day and evening service from Sydney to Parkes. This revised flight schedule is set to commence at the start of April and will allow day-return travel to Sydney for the region, which is particularly important for those travelling for health and business reasons.

Rex airlines has been servicing Parkes since the commencement of the airline and we are very appreciative of their continued support as it is important to the region.

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