Articles Archives - Page 92 of 452

Applications For Jack Scoble University Scholarship Now Open

December 7, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Jack Scoble Education Scholarships have provided financial assistance to students to the value of $131,000 between 2006 and 2023..

Parkes Shire students undertaking their first year of full-time university studies in 2024 are encouraged to apply for a Jack Scoble Scholarship.

The Jack Scoble Scholarship offers local students the chance to receive funding to put towards their tertiary studies, such as the purchase of a laptop and textbooks, relocation and accommodation costs.

Council’s Manager of Cultural Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones said, “It’s important that we encourage our local school leavers to think about what opportunities are available to them and support them to achieve their aspirations.”

“Receiving a financial boost can help make university education more accessible for regional young people and help ease the financial pressures of tertiary studies. I also strongly encourage students who will be registering with the Parkes Country Universities Centre to consider this scholarship as they are also eligible to apply.”

The late Mr Scoble MBE, OAM was Mayor of Parkes from 1966 to 1979. He died in 2003, providing a profound legacy of community involvement, civic pride, leadership and high personal values.

In 2023, four students were awarded the Scholarship – Charlotte Darcy, Cody Morgan, Elsa Cusack, and Jorja Mann.

Cody Morgan attended Parkes High School and is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at University of Wollongong. As he reflected on his first year at university, Cody said “the Jack Scoble Scholarship provided great assistance throughout my first year of university.”

“The scholarship enabled me to focus on my coursework full time without worrying about working on top of Uni studies. I also used the funds to buy essential items for my course such as textbooks” added Cody.

https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-honours-and-scholarships/Jack-Scoble-Scholarship-Fund

Applications close 19 January 2024 at 10am. For more information, contact Kerryn Jones, Council’s Manager Cultural Education & Library Services, on 02 6861 2338.

“You Can’t Replace People Like Joyce”

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured are staff from Cunningams IGA farewelling longtime staff member Joyce Sofant who is third from left .

Those of us who are regular customers at Cunninghams IGA in Parkes may have noticed a very familiar face has been missing as of late. Joyce Sefont, who has been a long term employee and a very recognisable face at the local IGA supermarket, has recently taken her retirement. The staff at Cunningams IGA held a morning tea at the store to farewell Joyce and then a more formal dinner to celebrate her long service.

We spoke to Joyce and she recalled ”I started working here in Feb 2010, and I have been here ever since. I have enjoyed my time here, yes, I am sad to go but my back needs a rest. People don’t realise that I am nearly 70, because I don’t act it.”

Joyce also went on to say “I’ve always worked in this type of business, even when I was in NZ, I spent 8 years in the supermarket there in a supervisor role. It’s the customers that I enjoy”.

Cunninghams IGA Store Manager Steven Langlois had to say “Joyce has been such a great help to us, especially when the store transitioned from being owned by Janine, to being our store. Since I have been here for a year now, Joyce has been a massive help, she’s great with the customers, everyone loves her, people come in here just to have a chat. We just want to thank Joyce for all her hard work.”

Beyond Blue And Lifeline Link Up To Support More Australians

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Lifeline and Beyond Blue are linking up under a new partnership to make it easier and more efficient for people to find the support that best suits them.

Community demand for mental health and crisis support rises and resources become increasingly tight, Lifeline and Beyond Blue have designed their new strategic directions to be complementary.

Lifeline will continue to focus on supporting people in crisis and Beyond Blue will continue to focus on prevention and earlier intervention, supporting people at the first sign of struggle.

Together, the organisations support millions of people a year with information, advice, online self-help and referrals via telephone, text, webchat and digital platforms.

Beyond Blue Chair The Hon Julia Gillard AC said: “Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention systems are too often crisis-driven. People often only get support when they’re at breaking point. So Beyond Blue will continue its focus on supporting people early on – helping people to feel better sooner, to get well and to stay well.”

Lifeline Chair Jacinta Munro said: “Lifeline will continue to focus on crisis support and suicide prevention, supporting Australians in times of crisis and equipping individuals and communities to be suicide safe.”

“This partnership between Lifeline and Beyond Blue helps to deliver a more integrated system, with more clarity for help seekers, smoother transitions between services and a greater focus on holistic support.”

Earlier this year, the organisations formalised a three-year collaboration agreement that will build on their long record of working together in operations and advocacy. This year, the Victorian Government engaged Lifeline and Beyond Blue to lead the first stage of a sectorwide co-design to deliver on a Victorian Royal Commission recommendation to create better referral pathways across the state’s helplines.

Beyond Blue and Lifeline worked closely during the Black Saturday bushfires and the height of the pandemic, including by linking young people to Lifeline’s crisis text service from the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service delivered by Beyond Blue.

Now official, the partnership means Lifeline and Beyond Blue will be better placed to share resources and connect people with the information, advice and support that suits them best, regardless of where their journey begins.

In the past four years alone, more than 400,000 people have used the app with more than 150,000 safety plans made.

Parkes Shire Library

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Indyreads Summer Book Club

Over summer read “Funny Ethnics” by Age Book of the Year shortlisted author, Shirley Le, along with readers throughout NSW on the Indyreads app. If you need assistance downloading the app or getting started, come and see us at the Library.

An evening of tales Come to the Parkes Library for a delightful evening of tales, food, wine and friends showcasing our community’s writing talent. Book a place by calling 6861 2309.

Christmas Flicks

Join us in December for a special Christmas edition of Friday Flicks with a romantic comedy with a Christmas theme. Wear your favourite holiday outfit to celebrate!

Friday 15 December at 6pm. Book now!

Marramarra Makerspace Fun

Gift Wrapping, Tags and Fandangles Workshop: Pimp up your Christmas wrapping in this fun workshop. BYO gifts to wrap and brown paper bags to decorate. Wed 6th December 10am-Noon.

Cost $20. Book online through Humanitix. Call 68612309 for details.

Christmas Craft in the Makerspace. Throughout December during Makerspace opening hours (Mon, Wed, Thur 3-5:30pm) come and make: Paper stars & Christmas trees + Personalised baubles + Gift tags + Laser cut decorations.

Who Is Parkes? Photography Exhibition

To mark 150 years of the naming of Parkes, the Who Is Parkes? exhibition is a glorious collaboration of our community and those who made it. It is an exhibition that shows us where we have come

from, who we have become today, and a celebration of belonging to Parkes and the Parkes Shire. Don’t miss our final exhibition for 2023 in the Coventry Room from 1-22 December. Official opening & morning tea 2nd December at 10am – all welcome!

Snippets

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

IMAGE: Some of the current members enjoying the final meeting at the Parkes Services Club on Tuesday evening. Back-Wendy Stoker, Adrianne Brown,Pat Bailey, Marion Parsons, Janet Offner, Jan Powter, Lois Godden, Carmel Hanson, Chris Stait, Chris Duffy, Front-Marilyn Pizarro, Cheryl Thompson, Adrienne Brown, Marg Stone, Shirley Edwards.

Parkes Evening View Club

Sadly due to declining membership, the Parkes Evening View club celebrated its final meeting this week after 23 years of actively sponsoring disadvantaged children through the Smith Family. Although a “Day View Club” has existed in Parkes for 50+ years the Evening club was formed in 2000 to enable “working women” to have an opportunity for increased social activity as well as to enjoy fund raising to sponsor these students. Most members are no longer committed to full time employment and will transfer their membership to the Day View club.

R U OK? Day

When asking R U OK?, show someone you’re genuine and that you care about them.

Meaningful connections can make a huge difference when those we care about are struggling with life’s ups and downs.

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

PCYC Parkes

Join us for the PCYC Parkes Safer Driver Course on December the 20th at 9am!

Equip your child with life-saving tools and add 20 hours to their log book. Plus, we’ll provide afternoon tea and water bottles for all attendees.

What’s more, your contribution to the course goes towards supporting our local community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Reserve your spot now: limited spots available: pcycdrivereducation.org.au/book-a-course

Inland Rail

Nobody achieves anything alone – especially when building 1,600km of track through regional Australia

We’re committed to giving back to our corridor communities. Beginning with creating opportunities for local residents and businesses to get involved with Inland Rail. With two sections of Inland Rail complete (and operational!) and work well underway in Victoria, take a look at the community benefits that the entire project has delivered in the past 5 years.

Visit our website to see the opportunities available to you and your community: https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/

Forbes High School P&C Association

Forbes High School P&C Association are holding their last P&C meeting for 2023 on Wednesday 6th December 5pm at Club Forbes. It is then time to celebrate all of the wonderful achievements the P&C have accomplished throughout the year. Not to mention the highly successful Forbes High School Community Day.

Christmas Dinner will start at 6.

Bring along a $10 Kris Kringle gift for a bit of fun. All welcome, we would love to see you there.

Parkes Shire Libraries

Join us next week for a fabulous night out at Parkes Shire Library on Tuesday 5th December for ‘An Evening of Tales’. Hear the work of our community’s fabulous authors while enjoying nibbles and wine. Call 6861 2309 to secure your spot.

Eugowra Historical Museum & Bushranger Centre

The museum was successful with a grant from the Stronger Communities program for $20,000. This will go toward installing a ceiling in the old building which is at the front of the museum. We still need further funding to complete this project and hope funds can be arranged to get this underway soon. Great things ahead for this museum.

IMAGE: Andrew Gee said “In the twelve months since the devastating storms and floods hit Eugowra, the dedicated team of volunteers at the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre have been hell bent on bringing it back”.

Local Leaders Welcome Additional Flood Recovery Support

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

IMAGE: L to R: Mr Ken Harrison, Director Central West, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Deputy Mayor Councillor Marg Applebee, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Mayor Councillor Neil Westcott.

On Wednesday 15 November, Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Neil Westcott, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marg Applebee, welcomed a brief visit from Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, and Mr Ken Harrison of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Ms Saffin, visited the region in representation of the Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, attended flood-impacted areas in Parkes Shire and surrounds on the 12-month anniversary of the catastrophic flood events of 2022.

The visit follows recent commitments from the Federal and NSW governments, totalling $100 million, for flood recovery and resilience in the Central West.

This funding package includes support for the repair and replacement of critical community assets, improving the resilience of public infrastructure, assistance with housing programs, and legal aid assistance.

This funding is a significant step forward and will help to boost the community-led recovery of the Central West.

These important projects will be overseen by a forum of community leaders and representatives from both Commonwealth and State Governments, to ensure all levels of Government are committed to the long-term recovery of the Central West.

Over the coming months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.

Cr Westcott raised the importance of an equitable approach to those residents affected by floods who have not been able to access insurance.

“Some residents have borrowed significantly to undertake the repairs to their homes as they were not insured for the flood, being in an area considered flood-free.”

“Other residents are still unable to inhabit their homes due to delays in repair, and some residents are in limbo as the unknown threat of future floods complicates the decision to reinvest,” he said.

The 8kms of water main from Lake Endeavour scoured from the ground was also raised as an urgent project, as was placing particular attention on all areas across the Shire which are repeatedly damaged in flood events.

This funding package is a significant step forward, with Council eager to be involved in the discussion on the mechanisms to best invest the money.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said “It’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods.”

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting community members to sign up to get the latest information on the recovery program. To be kept up to date, send your contact details – name, email address, phone number and/or postal address – to CentralWest.Recovery@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.

Here’s What Marnie Has Been Getting Up To In Germany

November 30, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Marnie pictured enjoying herself whilst on student exchange in Germany.

I started getting to know one of my host sisters. At this time I didn’t know she would be my host sister. But it really was a blessing that her and her family became my host family!

I made friends with my new neighbour and we went on many walks in the fields together. Fun fact; when I say fields I mean fields of farmers crops. In Germany you are allowed to walk around the crops. There are dedicated paths for people, and there aren’t even fences or gates. How funny!

I went to visit Flora in her home town! If you don’t know who Flora is she is an exchange student from Germany that our town hosted. And my family was one of her host families for 3 months. It had been 6 months since I had seen her. Because I last saw her in Australia. It was amazing to see her again and to meet her family. One of the things we did together was climbing a “ waterfall of rocks”. It was a bit out of Frankfurt.

Went to Bonn. Bonn is a city about 3 hours from where I am living. And it has a population of about 338 thousand people.

In Bonn I saw many cool old buildings, went to museums about German history and history/ art.

My class and I went to Berlin for a 5 day class excursion. Berlin is the capital of Germany.

Whilst we were there we did many things but just some were; a guided tour, going to a photo museum and Parliament House.

Towards the end of the monthI moved to my new host family. It was such a blessing to meet them and I was so excited to spend the next 6 months with them!

Goodbye for now Parkes!

Emergency Services Applauded

November 23, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Working hand in hand to combat the fire that flared up three days in a row on Staircase Road, situated East of Parkes.

Sunday the 19th of November was a big day for NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade. At 12:08pm they were called to attend a grass fire on Staircase Road. Which is situated approximately 15 km east of Parkes. All trucks responded as well as crews from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 417 Parkes. The fire was upgraded to watch and act when crews struggled to contain and control it. Crews from Canobolas Zone NSW RFS were also called in to help, from Orange and Manildra and surrounds. Aircraft including helitaks and the LAT were also needed to help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. It was a huge afternoon and most crews didn’t return until well into the night. The fire was downgraded back to advice once contained. Crews worked through the night to monitor the fireground, and returned along with the helitaks to continue to mop up. In total there were 20+ trucks and 100+ firefighters and 5 aircraft involved.

It was under control sitting at 291ha. But flared up again on Tuesday and had burnt 446 ha. Wednesday saw the third flare up and it escaped into the hill ranges. The fire is currently sitting at 469ha and is under control now. Wednesday’s rain definitely helped.

A massive thank you goes out to all the crews for their assistance, especially those from Canobolas zone, and the aircraft.

Please continue to be vigilant with the weather conditions. If you see an unattended fire please call 000 immediately.

School’s Out! Graduates Reminded ‘Don’t #uck With A Truck’ When Travelling To Schoolies Events Across Australia

November 23, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding school leavers of the importance of sharing the road safely with trucks, ahead of graduation festivities over the coming weeks.

A recent study conducted by the NHVR, surveyed 1000 drivers aged 16-25 across Australia and highlighted the disconnect between young drivers’ self-assessed confidence and their actual comfort level sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

The survey revealed that just 29% felt very knowledgeable about the rules, bringing to light a real risk as an influx of school graduates prepare to travel to Schoolies events across the country.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said while heavy vehicle safety is not a usual topic of discussion amongst young people, the NHVR’s goal is to bring the conversation to life, and help teach inexperienced drivers how to safely share the road.

“This year alone, Australia has recorded 167 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles and 190 lives lost,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“Our studies show many young drivers experience anxiety or nervousness driving near heavy vehicles, and with our road toll only continuing to rise, this is a huge cause for concern.

“Typically, around 70 per cent of serious incidents involving both heavy and light vehicles are the fault of the light vehicle, highlighting the need for greater education with our young drivers.

Don’t #uck With A Truck is a campaign created by the NHVR last year, to improve young drivers’ awareness and education of how to drive safely around trucks.

The campaign will also feature on social media (TikTok, Instagram), Spotify and outdoor billboards throughout the duration of Schoolies

For more information www.dontmuckwithatruck.com.au

Snippets

November 23, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Thank you to Central West Credit Union for your continued support of our wonderful volunteers.

Parkes Elvis Festival

We are looking for volunteers to help us deliver the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who would like to gain experience in the Events industry, make new friends and give back to the community.

Perks include:

• Official festival volunteer merch
• Festival volunteer pass
• Behind-the-scenes access to fabulous events and competitions
• A warm, fuzzy ‘feel-good’ feeling
• New connections with other volunteers, festival staff and the community
• Gratitude and appreciation from the Parkes Elvis Festival team

Become part of our festival family bit.ly/ElvisVolunteer. Applications close 22 November.

Forbes Business Chamber

Forbes Central Butchery ~ Another amazing business in our Find it in Forbes Annual Christmas Promotion.

Simply make a purchase at participating businesses (with a Christmas tree on display) & scan the QR code in store, (or fill out the paper entry if you don’t have a phone handy) for your chance to WIN Forbes dollars. $20,000.00 prize pool, with weekly draws!

Kerin Health

Brand New Service Alert.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new service – Lactation Consultations.

Did you know that our brilliant Speech Pathologist Felicity is also an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant?

And we are so excited to share that Felicity’s books are now open for anyone seeking education, support and guidance with breastfeeding.

This is a service that we know is so lacking in our local community.

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 294 Forbes

On 18/11 3:23pm crew responded to a 000 call of a car fire at a central Forbes Motel.

On arrival Firefighters found 2 pillows had been left in the back of a car and self combusted due to today’s high temperatures.

High outdoor temperatures can cause the inside temperatures of a vehicle to rise up to 40’ degrees hotter in as little as one hour in direct sunlight.

Pillows were removed from vehicle and extinguished before any serious damage was caused to the car.

Forbes Country Music Club

Due to being postponed due to sickness the Forbes Country Music Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) will now be held Wednesday 29th November 2023 7pm at Forbes Sport and Recreation Club.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society

Director Lyn Townsend reports we have had an overwhelming response for junior auditioners, but not so many adults. We need adults for this production to go ahead. Please consider auditioning to be a part of this wonderful musical production. Register by emailing parkesmandd2870@gmail.com.

More information is available by following the link on our website www.Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society.

Philip Donato

Most of you know Greg’s personal experience and survival following a cardiac arrest. Greg is here today because of the timely first aid he received and timely access to an AED. Survival from a cardiac arrest without AED use prior to ambulance arriving is just 4%. Rate of survival jumps to 30% when an AED is used before arrival by ambulance. I’m keen to see more of these accessible in our communities.

NSW State Member for Orange Phil Donato caught up with Greg Page (of The Wiggles and Heart Foundation).

Indyreads Summer Book Club

Christmas Flicks

Marramarra Makerspace Fun

Who Is Parkes? Photography Exhibition

Parkes Elvis Festival

Forbes Business Chamber

Kerin Health

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 294 Forbes

Forbes Country Music Club

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society

Philip Donato

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