Articles Archives - Page 95 of 452

Students Encouraged To Enter Christmas Card Design

November 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Last years third place winner

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is encouraging Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students to enter his 10th annual Christmas Card Design competition.

Mr McCormack said the theme for this year’s competition was “Christmas in My Back Yard”. “Christmas is always a busy time for everyone, but it is important to remember the reason for the season and to try to look at what this time of the year looks like through the eyes of a child,” Mr McCormack said.

“I encourage school students in the Riverina and Central West to create a scene depicting a quintessential country Christmas in a rural back yard. “A regional Australian Christmas is unique – it can involve a casual barbecue in the back yard, a camping trip to one of our many beautiful waterways or fully embracing the

traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.”

The design judged as the winner will feature on the front of Mr McCormack’s 2023 Christmas card. Second and third place will appear on the back of the card.

“The three winning entries will receive book prizes and every student who submits a design will receive a keepsake participation certificate,” Mr McCormack said. “More than 1,300 entries were received in last year’s competition, with last year’s winning design being a Christmas koala enjoying a day on the water. “The Christmas cards will be sent to community members and prominent political figures.”

Mr McCormack has sent letters and entry forms to Primary schools across the Riverina electorate inviting students to enter the competition.

This year’s competition closes on Friday 10 November 2023 and is open to Kindergarten,Year 1 and Year 2 students in the Riverina electorate. Completed entry forms can be sent via email, michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au or can be delivered toMcCormack’s Parkes office.

Ron Finemore Transport Backs AAA Data

November 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

“Despite billions of dollars being spent each year, more people are dying on our roads”. said Ron Finemore AO (Pictured)

Ron Finemore Transport Chairman Ron Finemore AO has today backed growing national calls for data-driven road funding and new Commonwealth-state funding arrangements that will oblige state governments to report on road quality and safety performance as a condition of federal funding.

Mr Finemore AO agrees with a broad coalition of transport and medical bodies campaigning for greater use of road trauma data to create more effective road safety policies and reverse the ongoing increases in annual road deaths.

State and territory governments hold this data, but do not share it with other governments or show it to the Australian community or motorists.

The Federal Government must require all states and territories to release this data as a condition of receiving their share of its annual $10 billion a year road budget.

“Australians deserve transparency so they can see whether politicians are spending their taxes on the areas of greatest need, rather than courting support in marginal seats.”

“Using this evidence in a transparent way to drive road safety policy will make our roads safer for all motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and the men and women who make their living on our roads as drivers,” Mr Finemore said.

“If data is not made available to the Australian Government, Commonwealth, road infrastructure funding decisions will continue to be made in the back rooms of government and subject to the whims of politicians and the political cycle.”

For more information info@datasaveslives.org.au

Snippets

November 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Our FireFighter Chefs from left to right B.Hayes, M.Willis, T.Bentick and M.Teale

FIRE AND RESCUE NSW STATION 294 FORBES

As the National BBQ Championships Forbes winds up for the year it’s not without a outstanding Achievement by our crew at 294 Forbes taking out overall winner. Well done to all involved and to the organisers for putting this great event on for the community and visitors.

CENTRAL WEST POLICE DISTRICT

Police in the state’s western region have charged 96 people since the launch of Operation Regional Mongoose.

The ongoing high-visibility operation commenced on Wednesday 27 September 2023, to tackle serious property-related crime committed predominately by young offenders.

To date the operation has resulted in 96 people – including 73 juveniles – charged with more than 159 offences, of those 53 were for breach of bail.

Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM said police are seeing pleasing results from the operation as they continue to work with the community.

Investigations under Operation Regional Mongoose continue.

Anyone with information about Operation Regional Mongoose is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

R U OK?DAY

Asking ‘are you OK?’ Doesn’t have to be scary, but if you’re unsure how to start a conversation, here are some tips.

1. Pick an appropriate time and place

2. Ask R U OK? In a way that is comfortable for you both

3. Focus on listening to them, rather than finding a solution

4. Check in after the chat to keep the conversation going

For more tips, visit https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

PARKES LEAGUES CLUB

Our General Manager, David and Administration Manager, Lisa had the pleasure of visiting the team at Currajong Disability Services this week, to give a donation to support their great work. A special thanks to Doug and the team, for showing us around, and explaining exactly how our support will contribute to the amazing work you do.

The Leagues Club is here for the community, and with support of our members and visitors, we can contribute more and more back. We sponsor local sporting teams, various charities and provide a facility for the community to use.

OFFICIAL PARKES HIGH SCHOOL – PHS PINK DAY

The Parkes High School SRC students held a very successful PHS PINK DAY recently which raised $645 for the McGrath Foundation! Students and staff dressed up in pink, ate pink cupcakes and played pink related musical bingo to help spread the word about Breast Cancer awareness along the way.

IMAGE: Caption.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day

Stunning Federation Home Hits The Market In Forbes

November 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Step back in time when you walk through the front doors of 31 Oxford St, Forbes

New Anglesea has been owned by the same family, the MacCallum’s for almost 40 years.

It took Marie and Ian MacCallum many years to find their perfect home and many years of restorations and landscaping to achieve such a stunning lifestyle property.

31 Oxford St, Forbes was purchased by the MacCallums in 1985, it is a property with a rich history and they took the time to lovingly restore it to the magnificent home it is today.

Marble fireplaces were sourced for the formal living rooms and soft furnishings updated with fresh heritage trim and Paint. In the early 2000’s, the kitchen and dining room extension and casual screened in cedar lined alfresco dining and living room were added. Signature properties of this caliber are rarely offered for sale.

Contact the Exclusive Agents – Ainslie Toole at Nutrien Harcourts Forbes for a private viewing or for more information 0407 946 838.

Timeline of the historic Forbes Home

Amazing aerial view

Dr Richard Draper Awarded Australian GP Of The Year

November 2, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Dr Draper pictured with Dr Nicole Higgins, RACGP President

Dr Richard Draper is the Principal GP at Medicine & Mind in Forbes, and also now the RACGP GP of the Year. He is a Parkes local with over 29 years experience working in the Central West in both the private and public sector in general practice, emergency medicine, obstetrics and anaesthetics.

Dr Draper had no idea he had even been nominated at the State level when he received a call from the RACGP, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, to inform him that he had taken out the top award for NSW/ACT (combined) GP of the Year. It was that award that placed him in the running for the National GP of the Year award. Dr Draper said when he heard that he had actually won the national award “I was genuinely stunned”.

Dr Draper is passionate about improving access for patients to quality mental health services in rural areas and has implemented a unique model of care at Forbes Medicine & Mind that sees clinicians working collaboratively with many providers to improve the health and wellbeing of patients.

As GP of the Year, Dr Draper hopes to use his platform over the next 12 months to highlight the needs for more support from Government for General Practitioners to be able to continue to provide such essential services, especially in rural communities and in the wake of natural disasters such as the recent flooding that affected the Forbes community

Parkes Community Choir

October 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Community BandPhoto Credit to Chris Ace Williams

The Parkes Community Choir recently celebrated their 5th anniversary last Thursday 19th October at one of their regular practice nights at Parkes Public School Hall. 25-35 members attend the group regularly which meets at the PPS hall from 7.00-8.30 pm, every Thursday from weeks 1-8 of each school term.

The Choir formed in 2018 as a response to the crippling drought the Parkes Shire had been suffering for some years. It was an initiative to support mental health and well-being in the community. The inaugural committee consisted of Kerrie Peden, Colleen Leonard, Sherree Rosser and Sonia Bland. We have been lucky to have been supported by pianists Nerida Wolrige and Pam Parkin over the years. Parkes Community Choir is a free, fun community activity which runs for the first 8 weeks of each school term. They hold supper twice a term so members can enjoy a cuppa and a chat. There are no fees or auditions and everyone is welcome. The group performs for free at public and community events. Recently, PCC welcomed members of the Peak Hill Choir to join us.

The group have been lucky enough to have had support from Parkes Shire Council, Northparkes Mines and Rotary. Choir Director Kerry Peden said “Music has always been my passion, we are not a professional group, we definitely do it for the fun”.

Some of the events that the Parkes Community Choir have performed at this year are, Elvis Gospel Service, Southern Cross Fete, Music That Warms the Soul Concert, Presentation Dinner-Birth to Kindergarten/Paint The Town REaD 25th Anniversary, ABBA Festival Trundle, and Flourish Music School concert.

Snippets

October 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Don Jewell thanking guest speaker Michael Lynch

COMBINED SERVICES DINNER

Recently the Parkes Action Club hosted a combined services dinner, the first combined dinner since COVID.

In attendance were representatives from Parkes Que Club, Parkes Rotary, and Parkes CWA. Each club outlined their role in the Parkes Community

Michael gave an engaging informative and thoughtful talk about prostate cancer. Michael spoke about the importance of diagnostic techniques and encouraged all men over the age of 50 to seek regular screening with their GP. Michael said that 10 men per day in Australia die from prostate cancer.

The evening was rounded off with a humorous fine season lead by Wendy Neville of the Parkes Que Club. Wendy’s clever wit called out many members to pay a fine, all monies raised were directed to prostate cancer research.

AUSTRALIAN RURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

Leadership activities are coming to 35 regions across the country thanks to the #FutureDroughtFund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.

If you’re in one of these communities, this is your chance to become part of a journey that empowers individuals and uplifts communities through skill-building, networking, and resilience strategies, especially tailored for confronting challenges like drought and climate change.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in your community? Do you want to be the catalyst for change and help your region thrive? If yes, then we’re looking for you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, learn, and lead. Register your interest https://bit.ly/3s26Uf6

WORKLOCKER PARKES

Snake season is in full swing, people. The warmer weather has arrived, which means as we head outdoors to enjoy the warm weather, so do our slithering friends! Spring is the beginning of breeding season for Snakes, so as they get more active and aggressive, we need to be prepared for the potential for Snake and Spider bites.

FastAid have you covered on how to prepare for and effectively respond to Snake and Spider bites with must-have first-aid kits for this season.

Head to your local Worklocker to grab a kit today!

FORBES AUTO SPORTS CLUB

Same faces, same outlook & same goal. Bring on the new season.

President : Jake Redfern, VP : Jono Collits, Treasurer : Luke Stevo, Secretary : Alex Bass Hutchings, Publicity Officer : Shar Wild Plus all of our amazing partners and offsiders that help just as much along the way.

Forbes Auto Sports Club are ready to take on 2024

Karen Ritchie’s First Solo Exhibition – Natural Connections

October 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is artist Karen Ritchie setting up in the Coventry room ahead of Opening night which is this evening at 6pm.

Karen Ritchie is an artist who has lived in Parkes for over 30 years. Karen had always been interested in art and went to TAFE to study art and started exhibiting and selling her art before full time work and family life got in the way.

But since retiring a couple of years ago Karen has happily returned to her passion.

“Council has been very supportive of local artists and provided me with an opportunity to have my first solo exhibition, so I’m really thrilled” said Karen.

Opening night of Karen’s exhibition of paintings kicks off at 6pm in the Coventry room. $10 entry payable at door.

RSVP via Parkes Library 6861 2309. The exhibition closes on 12th November with free entry for everyone after opening night. The exhibition will be open during library hours and Karen herself may be in attendance on weekends between the hours of 1 0am – 2pm. All the exhibited works are also available for purchase

Karen went on to say “My work is inspired by the local environment, I’m happiest painting landscapes, florals or animals. I called the exhibition Natural Connections to highlight our relationship with nature and our need to have that as a focus”.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

October 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Cunninghams IGA Manager Steven Langlios pictured with hairdresser Nicole Ross during and after the big shave. After the shave Steven said he felt “light and refreshed”.

This year is the first year that Cunninghams IGA in Parkes has jumped on board to support the Pink Up Parkes initiative which runs throughout the entire month of October to raise money and awareness for the McGrath Foundation during breast cancer awareness month. The McGrath Foundation funds McGrath Breast Care Nurses who support individuals and their families experiencing breast cancer. The nurses provide physical, psychological and emotional support from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment. Support is available for anyone with breast cancer, whether you’re in public or private care. Parkes and Forbes are fortunate enough to have a dedicated breast care nurse in the area. No referral is required. Simply use our Find A Nurse Map and give your nearest nurse a call. Support is absolutely free.

Cunninghams IGA Store manager Steven Langlios decided he would offer himself up as a way of raising money for Pink Up Parkes. The targets set were, $500 raised would see Steven shave his long locks and signature sideburns, and $1000 raised would see Steven branded with an IGA tattoo. The $500 target was reached and the staff were excited to gather around at the front of the store on Tuesday the 24th of October to support Steve during the big shave. Local Hairdresser Nicole Ross was kind enough to donate her time to come along and perform the shave, Nicole said she was more than happy to support this “very important cause”. Nicole and her family have been personally touched by cancer and she said “it’s the least I can do”.

To donate directly to Pink Up Parkes Campaign click https://www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/pinkupparkes/pink-up-your-town

Happy 100th Dorothy

October 26, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Dorothy Breraton, who is a resident of Southern Cross Village in Parkes, just recently celebrated her 100th birthday. It was quite a special occasion indeed. The Central West Car Club donated their time to pick Dorothy up in one of their classic cars and took her for a drive around town before heading up to Spicer Caravan Park where Dorothy had no idea her family had travelled from Canberra to celebrate her birthday with her.

Dorothy was living on the Central Coast but faced some health difficulties and was no longer able to live unaided, Dorothy’s son Malcom lives in Yeoval and so when he needed to help her find a suitable living situation for his mother he was happy to find Southern Cross Village as an option. Dorothy has been in Parkes now for three years and she is a much loved resident at Southern Cross Village, the staff and residents were excited to help make Dorothy’s day special.

The Birthday girl Dorothy Breraton Pictured with her son Malcom Brereton.

Dorothy pictured with her letter from King Charles. She received seven other letters from other dignitaries

COMBINED SERVICES DINNER

AUSTRALIAN RURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

WORKLOCKER PARKES

FORBES AUTO SPORTS CLUB

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