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More Farmers Seeking Mental Health Support

October 12, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Australian farmers are seeking mental health support at almost twice the rate they were seeking assistance last year, according to trusted rural charity, Rural Aid.

In the past two months, Rural Aid counsellors have conducted 277 counselling sessions, a 95 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Rural Aid’s counselling helpline is currently fielding an average of 13 calls each day from primary producers.

Rural Aid’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Myf Pitcher, said the range of topics that farmers are worried about has also recently widened.

“Our farmers have moved from states of stress to states of desperation,” Myf said.

Sheep and cattle farmer Ron Dooley said the Rural Aid counselling service helped him get through a difficult time after the Black Summer bushfires.

“I had a bit of a mishap when I was fighting the front of the fire. I couldn’t see where I was going and I ran into a dam wall and stalled the tractor with the flames coming through the bottom of the tractor,” Ron said.

“After talking with Darren from Rural Aid, he [helped me to make] some decisions on what to do when feeling like that, and it did help,” Ron said.

Rural Aid counsellors catch up with their farmers where they’re most comfortable; whether it’s on farm, in town, or over the phone.

Contact Rural Aid’s counselling intake line on 1300 175 594.

New Career Development Program For Regional Young Creatives

October 12, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Young people living in regional NSW who are looking for a career in the arts and creative industries are invited to apply for Horizons, a new state-wide project of mentorships and career development.

The project will run over 18 months and will support 75 young people from across regional NSW wanting to pursue a career in the creative industries.

Regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest is one of the 15 regional organisations offering the program across the state.

“Arts OutWest is excited to provide this opportunity to regional young people aged between 16 and 27 years,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead.

“Whether they have prior experience in the creative industries or are just starting their journey, their dedication and passion is what we’ll be looking for,” Ms Shead said.

Participants will be paired with experienced mentors from their chosen field to address the needs and interests of each individual. The mentors will support them to connect into a network of peers and build strong state-wide networks early in their careers.

“Our aim is to provide participants with new pathways to explore work and study pathways in the creative industries,” Ms Shead said.

Expressions of interest are now open and close Friday 10 November 2023.

“If you are ready to embark on an inspiring journey of personal growth and learning we are thrilled to invite you to participate in this dynamic and transformative youth project,” Ms Shead said. To apply visit Arts OutWest website https://artsoutwest.org.au/pf/horizons/ or call them for more information: 02 6338 4657.

Mama Mia, Here We Go Again – Trundle ABBA Festival

October 12, 2023 By Roxane Manley

It’s a much-anticipated comeback for the Trundle ABBA Festival following the heart breaking, yet sensible decision, to cancel last year’s event due to the flooding and adverse weather conditions the region was suffering late last year.

ABBA fans from all over the world are set to pack their dancing shoes, sparkly outfits and head to the worlds one and only ABBA Festival in Trundle this Saturday, 14th October 2023.

We hope you’re in the mood for a dance, as returning to headline the festival is the world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again. These super troupers put on a fantastic show at the Parkes Leagues Club last year following the cancellation of the festival and we’re keen to see them have the time of their lives as they perform on this year’s festival stage.

Three fabulous bands will support Bjorn Again and ensure Trundle’s Berryman Oval is full of Dancing Queens throughout the day. The hottest live disco show on the circuit, Disco Revolution is set to have the crowd dancing to classic hits from the 70’s and 80’s.

For those who prefer to shake their tailfeather, the fun-loving Blues Brothers Re-Booted will entertain with their soul, rhythm and blues set.

Trundle ABBA Festival also continues to showcase local talent, with Parkes trio, Amitie, back by popular demand to harmonise with sweet sounds from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Niel Westcott, said “We are delighted to finally be hosting the Trundle ABBA Festival again this year. We have secured some of the best acts in live music and are thrilled to have Bjorn Again headlining.”

“Trundle is the home of the ABBA Festival, and we can’t wait to light up the streets with music and glitter once again,” he added.

It’s time to dance and jive and have the time of your lives at the Trundle ABBA Festival. Tickets go on sale Monday 3rd July, with youth and group discounts available. For more information, visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au

Cast Your Vote This Saturday For The Voice Referendum

October 12, 2023 By Roxane Manley

If you are over 18 you must vote this Saturday. Find your nearest polling place at https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting

This Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a single question. The question will be:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

The Voice will be an independent, representative body for First Nations peoples. It would advise the Australian Parliament and the Government and give First Nations peoples a say on matters that affect them.

If approved at the referendum, the following words would be added to the Constitution: Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia: there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

Missionary Sunday At St Paul’s Lutheran Church

October 12, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Cambodian family will be staying with Marion and Ian Unger of Parkes, from 13th -15th October in the company of Tim Fisher and his wife.

Parkes resident Marion Unger is currently preparing to welcome special visitors this weekend. Marion’s long time friend Tim Fisher and his wife, are travelling with a Cambodian family who are visiting Australia to share and give thanks for the amazing work of the holy spirit in bringing the good news of salvation to the children and the families of Cambodia.

Everyone is invited to head along to the St Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sunday at 10am to join in this unique ministry by sharing in prayer and thanksgiving.

After 18 years of leading a children’s ministry team through Trans World Radio in Cambodia, Charia You, felt God calling her to change her ministry to concentrate on independently training the children’s teachers and reaching out to all Cambodian children through face to face teaching and printed and electronic media.

Marion Unger sells roses every Mother’s Day and raises money to send to Cambodia to help support Charia’s ministry. Marion’s husband Ian, had an uncle who generously left a significant legacy to the ministry which has helped in enabling the printing costs of “The Best News Ever” which is a bilingual book that has now printed 100,000 copies and given to the children of Cambodia for free.

Charia and her husband Thearith will both be guest speakers this Sunday 15th, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church at 10am for Service with Communion, followed by morning tea at 11.15am, the first guest speaker at 11.45am, lunch will then be provided at 12.30pm. After lunch there will be games and trivia finished off with afternoon tea at around 3pm. All welcome.

Freaky Friday Cast Members Ramp Up Last Minute Rehearsals

October 12, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Freaky Friday actress Kayla Hall takes centre stage.

Kayla Hall, the enigmatic new talent of the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society, will be making her performance debut in the upcoming production of Freaky Friday.

Kayla has been a part of the band at the M&D for many years, playing clarinet in musicals including Wicked, Big and Anne of Green Gables. Kayla said that “Being in the band was great, getting to play the music and provide for the cast on-stage.”

This month however sees Kayla take on a new challenge: taking the stage herself in the new show Freaky Friday.

Kayla is taking on the role of Ellie Blake, a (somewhat) wild teen eager to take on ‘The Hunt’ – a scavenger hunt full of crazy challenges. There’s just one issue with that: her mother Katherine. On the eve of her mother’s wedding, there is no way her mother will allow her to go. In the ensuing argument where mother and daughter argue that the other doesn’t understand them, the two magically switch bodies and are then faced with experiencing the other’s challenges.

For Kayla this means taking on the acting challenge of Ellie and also the challenge of being Katherine in Ellie’s body – often with surprising and amusing results.

When asked about the experience, Kayla said, “Getting to be on-stage and being in a different position of the theatre is life changing and extraordinary seeing everything from above. Everything is more immersive and delicate.”

Kayla has always dreamed of having a career in musical theatre and has taken this opportunity to gain experience for her studies in Sydney next year.

For your chance to see Kayla’s incredible talent, head to www.parkesmandd.com.au to secure your tickets. Freaky Friday will be performed at the Parkes Little Theatre throughout the months of October and November and it’s not to be missed.

Snippets…

October 12, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Kodie-Lee Whitney, 20 years old and from Parkes NSW, has won Ampol free fuel for a year after ordering a BBQ Bacon Angus at McDonalds.

One Lucky Parkes Resident Wins Big On Maccas Monopoly: Kodie-Lee is a stay-at-home mum, with a 14-month-old daughter, Molly, and her partner is a truck driver. Kodie-Lee is extremely happy with the win, as the family has been facing hard times with the current cost of living crisis. The free fuel for a year, means the pressure is taken off having to decide whether they can visit family in Newcastle and go on holidays next year, because of the rising cost of fuel. The Maccas Monopoly win has now made it all possible.

NSW Government Bans Phones At School: Starting this month, students will not be able to use mobile phones at school, including during recess and lunch breaks. This ban comes into place after consultation with teachers, students, and parents, for a better learning environment and outcomes for all. Read more about the ban here: bit.ly/MobilePhone-Ban

National BBQ Championships Forbes: If you haven’t yet, get your team together and register today for the 2023 National BBQ Championships Forbes. Head to the Forbes Council website for registration details at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

There is an impressive $10K prize pool up for grabs. We are excited to have Master Chef contestant and Taste of Australia foodie Hayden Quinn judging and providing a cooking demonstration. The event will feature market stalls, local live music, children’s entertainment and a bar. Don’t miss all of the action on Saturday 28th October from 12pm – 8pm at Grinsted Oval, Gordon Duff Drive, Forbes. Cost is free to attend. Tickets available via 123Tix.com.au.

Local Land Services NSW: The Landcare movement has received a major boost with the NSW Government announcing $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW. Applications for the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators grants are now open, with details and program guidelines available at www.nsw.gov.au/lep

Hilltops Region – Iandra Castle Open Day: Iandra Castle is opening to the public this weekend, on Sunday, 15 October 2023, from 10am-2pm. Plan a day out with the family exploring this rich piece of history within the Hilltops Region while enjoying a delicious BBQ cooked by the Rotary Club of Young NSW. Bookings are essential and available online: www.iandracastle.com.au

Iandra Castle Open Day – Bookings are essential.

Celebrating Regional Women

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Nominations are now open for this year’s NSW Regional Woman of the Year Award.The awards provide an opportunity to recognise exceptional women doing inspiring things in their communities.

The award is all about showcasing women who contribute to the fabric of their local area by making contributions that have a significant and positive impact on the lives of others.

There’s no denying that women who live and work in rural and regional areas face conditions that sometimes require that extra level of resilience and determination, so it’s fitting that there’s an award that specifically honours women in the regions.

If you know of an inspirational woman that is making an outstanding contribution, whether it be in education, health, agriculture, the arts, fundraising, volunteer work, or just generally within the community, please take the time to nominate them.

Nominations close Tuesday 24th October 2023, and can be made at: www.nsw.gov.au

McCormack Slams Labor’s Superannuation Betrayal

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP.

Federal Member for Parkes Michael McCormack slammed the Albanese Labor Government’s proposed superannuation tax changes as a betrayal of its pre-election promise not to touch super.

Mr McCormack said the proposed changes to increase tax on unrealised gains to 30 per cent were not only a betrayal but also fundamentally flawed policy that would disadvantage farmers and young people into the future.

“Labor’s proposed changes are an absolute betrayal of the Australian public who expect consistency and honesty from the Government when it comes to superannuation,” Mr McCormack said.

“How can people have the confidence necessary to make investments into their retirement when Labor backflips on its promises and change the rules?”

Mr McCormack said he was particularly concerned about how the proposed changes would affect farmers and young workers. “While Labor might think the $3 million threshold only hurts the big guys, they have forgotten that many farmers own their farms through self-managed super funds – and $3 million doesn’t buy a lot of farm.

“These are businesses that face a lot of uncertainty and volatility in terms of weather, natural disasters, land and global commodity prices. To tax unrealised gains at 30 per cent when a farmer never knows what’s in store for them next season is just bound to hurt farmers’ ability to plan for the next season.

“Young workers aren’t going to escape Labor’s cash grab either. The proposed $3 million threshold isn’t indexed to inflation. Who knows what inflation will be over the next 30 or 40 years?

If this wasn’t simply a cash grab by Labor, the Government would do the honest thing and index the threshold to inflation,” Mr McCormack said.

Modeling by the Grattan Institute predicts around one in 10 workers retiring within 30 years will have super balances of around $3 million.

Parkes Turns Pink To Support The McGrath Foundation

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Members of the Pink Up Parkes Committee L-R Kerryn Jones, Carolyn Ricr, Marg Applebee, Margot Jolly, Vee Vian Higgins, Ken Kieth and Hannah Farrant-Jayet.

The Pink Up Parkes (PUP) Committee welcomes support from community members to join their fundraising efforts during the month of October to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses.

In Australia, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia.

There are currently 200 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia, who have supported over 123,000 families since 2005. It costs around $140,000 to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for a year including training and development.

You can help support the Pink Up Parkes campaign in so many ways: pink up your business, pink up your school, hold a pink up event, fundraise, attend a pink up parkes event, donate and support the pink up parkes campaign on social media.

PUP Chairperson Carolyn Rice said, “The Committee is still encouraging organisations and businesses to register to be a contributor to Pink Up Parkes. It isn’t too late to be involved. Just go to our webpage at www.pinkupparkesnsw.wordpress.com and all of the information on how to be involved or donate is in one place.”

“We want to support the McGrath Foundation to raise funds and awareness for our Breast Care Nurses, of whom we are fortunate to have one working to support patients and their families in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Peak Hill,” said Carolyn.

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