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October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Did you know you can attend a free mens BBQ every second Sunday at Parkes Memorial Hill.

MR PERFECT more than a BBQ: Parkes men are invited to a free BBQ for men. Enjoy some snags, chat and great company every second Sunday at Parkes Memorial Hill from 10.30am-1.30pm. On arrival you will head to the public BBQ spot in the park and there will usually be a Mr Perfect banner attached to a fence, between trees or across the pillars of the covered area. The BBQ Host cooks up the food and warmly greets everyone, attempting to introduce people to each other.

Foodwise, most of the BBQ locations cook up the basics, sausages and onions served up on bread (however, there are a couple of Mr Perfect BBQ hosts that bring along their own professional BBQs and go all out! We try to cater for most but if you have particular preferences, bring your own food or ask in the Facebook Event Chat what is likely to be cooked up. We are here for support, community and connection, for the betterment of mental health.

Do You Believe In Magic: The 2023 Forbes Magic Festival includes a sensory friendly session with no bangs or loud music – just quiet, close up magic on Friday 6th October. Bookings for this session must be made with the Events Officer on 6850 2300 or events@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Register Now For RDA Central West AI Workshop: Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) are inviting Central West businesses of all sizes, and other interested parties, to come along to their Small Business Month event in Bathurst on 19th October and learn how to utilise the power of artificial intelligence (AI). To find out more and register, visit www.rdacentralwest.org.au. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased via Humanitix.

Check Your Smoke Alarms: A we transition to daylight saving, now is the time to take proactive steps to protect your home by completing a thorough check of all smoke alarms. Linking the task of changing your clocks with checking smoke alarms is the best way to keep on top of the vital task.

National BBQ Championships Forbes: There’s more on the menu for the 2023 National BBQ Championships with live performances from local talent Georgia Sideris + Em, Cler & Jo! Enjoy a fun family day out, proudly supported by NSW Government via the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program. To register visit https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/news/july-2023/get-fired-up-for-bbq-championships. Come and join us for what is sure to be a fun filled day! Tix available from 123tix.com.au. Free for spectators.

National BBQ Championships Forbes 28th October 12-8pm at Grinsted Oval Forbes.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pink Promise

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

October 1 marked the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and at Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) the theme is “Living Well, Your Way”. With 20,458 women and 217 men expected to receive a diagnosis in 2023, raising awareness around the different support and resources available to help people live well with or beyond breast cancer is essential.

The theme recognises that many people struggle to ‘live well’ following a diagnosis of breast cancer and that a quality lifestyle looks different for different people.

“Living well looks different for everyone, and it is likely that people affected by breast cancer will require different types of support at different times,” said BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti. “It means seeing the whole person, rather than the disease.”

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BCNA will share information about different resources available, across topics such as psychosocial support and exercise. They will also share personal stories from members about what helps them to live well.

BCNA offer trusted information and a variety of resources which can all be accessed via BCNA’s newly refreshed website at www.bcna.org.au.

Parkes IGA Supports Pink Up Parkes

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Parkes IGA Store Manager Steven Langlois, and popular employee Joyce Sefonte dressed in Pink to support Pink Up Parkes.

Businesses, schools and organisations across Parkes are showing their support, and getting involved in Pink Up Parkes for the month of October to help raise money for the McGrath Foundation who support Breast Care nurses across Australia.

At IGA in Parkes the Store Manager Steven Langlois is putting it all on the line to raise as much money as he can for the cause. Steven has set a fundraising target that they will donate to Pink Up Parkes, and once the target is raised he is committing to shave his head. So head on into IGA and support a great cause.

You Are Invited To QUE Open Gardens ‘n’ Markets

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Spring has sprung and QUE has organised five beautiful gardens for you to view

Parkes QUE members look forward to your company this Sunday, 8th October, 10am-4pm at the Parkes Racecourse and in the five open gardens. Money raised stays in our local community, supporting hearing, speech, and wellbeing.

291 Back Yamma Road

Two years ago this property was a cow paddock! Last November the nearby creek flooded the garden and the house, and during this last winter the garden has endured severe frosts! This garden was chosen for our Open Gardens event to show people how quickly a garden can be established, and what plants will survive the “sometimes

harsh” weather conditions. We anticipate opening this garden again in a year or two so that viewers can measure progress.

5 Arana Place

The drought-tolerant front garden is easy care and sustainable. The back garden provides the visitor with a totally different perspective and includes a Balinese hut, decorative items such as water fountains, plants, shade, and garden art – all providing a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

1 Jubilee Street

This is a plant lovers haven, especially under the back deck where the owner has a huge variety of very loved indoor and outdoor plants and hanging baskets. Screening trees surround the house and provide a wonderful forum for the collection of artworks, sculptures, mirrors etc.

35-37 Thomas Street

With over a hundred different species, these extensive surrounding gardens have been

through quite the makeover in the last two years! Featuring a broad range of unique Australian natives alongside a careful selection of exotic plants, this garden abounds with vibrancy and colour.

Cnr Reymond and Jones Street

This is a wanderer’s paradise with lavender, pink jade, a vibrant Loropetalum with its unique tussle flowers, and a wonderful Bohemia Butterfly Tree, all with a magnificent view to the east of Parkes. (best parking in Jones Street)

Simple, Summer-Ready Checklist

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

As another scorching summer approaches, Royal Life Saving NSW is preparing communities to avoid the alarming spike in drowning incidents witnessed last year.

Are You Summer Ready? Here are four tips to staying safe this summer – before you head out to the water. The leading organisation for drowning prevention, Royal Life S aving (RLS) NSW has issued a simple, Summer-Ready Checklist of tips for a safer summer.

Craig Roberts, RLS NSW ACT TAS General Manager of Drowning Prevention said, “Preparation can help us avoid another tragic summer. Our Summer-Ready Checklist is a simple reminder of what to do before heading to the beach, coast, pool, or inland waterway.”

“In the lead-up to summer, checklists with advice for pool owners, families, regional communities and over-65s will be appearing at councils and community organisations around the state and online.

No matter where you go to enjoy the water, now is the time to:

• Learn to swim

• Get active, and check in with your health

• Learn CPR

• Check around your home and pool

To find out how, visit www.drowningprevention.org.au/are-you-summer-ready

The latest National Drowning Report found 57% of drowning fatalities last year occurred in people over 45 years old. The second highest cause of drowning fatalities was slips and falls.

“These tragedies are powerful reminders that even if you don’t intend to swim, learning or brushing up on swimming and lifesaving skills at any age can keep you and your family safe,” said Mr Roberts.

While national drowning rates decreased in 22-23 from the 10-year average, NSW still suffers almost double the number of drownings than QLD and VIC, and triple the rate of WA, with 107 lives lost in 22-23.

“We want people of all ages and from all regions, to be ready and able to enjoy the water safely, and that starts now. Check in with your family, friends, sporting and school groups to get your community Summer-Ready,” Mr Roberts concluded.

First Construction Works Successfully Completed From Stockinbingal To Parkes

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The first major construction works on Inland Rail’s Stockinbingal to Parkes section have been successfully completed, with principal contractor Martinus Rail making great progress across multiple sites.

The works were carried out during a 60-hour track possession with the Melbourne to Sydney line closed from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th September. Workers across three sites from Stockinbingal to Parkes worked around the clock to kickstart construction and return the line to operation.

New precast culverts were installed under the main line at Daroobalgie in preparation for the future crossing loop to be constructedr.

Track and shoulder formation works and track slews were completed at both the Bribbaree and Caragabal yards, allowing sufficient clearance for double stacked trains. These sites are now complete and meet the requirements for Inland Rail.

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director of Program Delivery for Albury to Parkes, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their patience as we carried out these construction tasks.”

Parkes Coradgery And Diggers Amateur Race Club Need Your Help

October 5, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Picnic Race Club Commitee pictured back row: Mark Olson, Ian Brown, Stafford Orange, Paul Perin and Mark O’Neill; front row: Ann Olson, Robyn Hawke, Tim Keith, Krys Syzabo, Natelle Perin and Christine Somers.

The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Amateur Race Club Inc held their AGM last Thursday 28th September. Tim Keith was returned as President, Mark Olson holds the Secretary position and Robyn Hawke retains the Treasurers position for another year.

The President’s report was delivered, and all things being equal, it was agreed the committee staged another successful Picnic Race meeting for 2023.

While all positions on the committee were taken up by the usual suspects, it was made quite clear by the president Tim Keith that new blood is needed to keep this iconic Parkes event happening into the future.

The current, small committee, work tirelessly in their endeavors to keep this event running each year. However, the committee recognise the importance of atrracting new and younger members, with vibrant and sharp ideas onto the committee to ensure the security of the event into the future.

“The sad fact is if we don’t get some support on all levels then there is the distinct possibility that the Picnics Race meeting may come to an end,” said Tim.

The committee feels it is up to every business in town to have a good hard look at what this event brings to town. “The reality is, it is part of our DNA, it’s the fabric of the Parkes community and we all must do our part to help it survive and succeed year after year.”

The committee will next meet on 6th February 2024 at 6pm at the Parkes Services Club. Over the next four months anyone who has some interest in helping out in any way is more than welcome to reach out and attend the meeting.

“At the end of the day, we need your help,” said Tim.

Can A Sports Injury Increase Your Risk Of Breast Cancer?

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Leading breast cancer surgeon, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier busts sporting injury myth.

If you had an active childhood spent playing sports afterschool or on the weekend you might have sustained the odd sports injury here and there in those rough and tumble days. Let’s face it, netball can get a bit rough and elbows tend to go flying at the best of times. Sometimes our old injuries can come back to haunt us as we age.

Some people believe that sports injuries can lead to breast cancer, however, Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier assures everyone that this is not the case. There is no link between sports injuries and cancer, he clarified, however, an injury may draw attention to a previously formed lump, which is then how the cancer is detected.

Associate Professor Warrier is one of the world’s leading breast health and breast cancer surgeons who has built a highly respected practice in Sydney. The practice spans three locations with its main surgical centre located at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, and the other sites at BMA House, Macquarie Street, Sydney and Bondi Junction Medical, Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.

In addition to Associate Professor Warrier’s breast health and surgical work, he also dedicates considerable time to research exploring and developing advancements in breast cancer detection and treatments to improve outcomes for patients. He also developed the world’s first Master of Breast Surgery which is delivered through the University of Sydney.

Injuries cannot cause cancer

“Injuries cannot cause cancer, but an injury may lead to finding cancer in the injured area. For example, a bone that is weak from a cancerous tumour is more likely to break. So, if an accident occurs during a sporting event and the bone breaks, then during the course of treatment for the injury, the cancer is discovered,” Associate Professor Warrier explained.

“There is no data or indication that trauma of any kind to the breast is linked to breast cancer or can cause breast cancer. This is a myth that has circulated for many years without foundation.”

Breast trauma causes lumps

“People are understandably concerned that breast injury/trauma can cause cancer because the trauma can cause lumps to develop. These lumps, however, are not cancerous. Let me explain further: there are two types of lumps that can develop from trauma. The first is called hematoma and this is a deep bruise that will heal. The other is fat necrosis, which is scarred fatty tissue in the breast that results from injury,” Associate Professor Warrier said.

“If you have had some sports injury around the breast area, and you are concerned, the best thing to do is to book in for a mammogram. This will give you peace of mind about the risks.”

So what does cause breast cancer?

“Certain risk factors are, getting older, having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, previous treatment using radiation therapy, reproductive history and genetic mutations,” Associate Professor Warrier added.

Further information https://www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au.

Walk In Solidarity With The 1 In 5 Australians Experiencing Mental Illness Each Year

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

The Black Dog Institute is calling on Australians to participate in One Foot Forward – a national virtual challenge taking place in October – Mental Health Month.

The challenge, which kicks off this Sunday, 1st October, is to walk, run, or roll 40km, 60km, 100km, 150km, or a distance that suits them throughout the month, to show people experiencing symptoms of mental illness that they are not alone and to help raise funds for Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research and support services here in Australia.

“One in five Australians experience a mental illness each year which means around 5 million people are personally affected,” says Head of Fundraising at the Black Dog Institute, Evan Jackson.

“One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health and show Australians impacted by mental illness that they’re not alone. You can take part solo, with a team or with your colleagues.”

In 2022, over 28,000 participants walked, ran and rolled over 2,286,105km during Mental Health Month and joined in on the fun, got active, and raised funds to help Black Dog Institute. All to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.

Funds raised by One Foot Forward participants this year can assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs, and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools.

Forbes North Public School Term Three In Thomson St

September 29, 2023 By Roxane Manley

If you are interested in enrolling at Forbes North Public School and would like to enjoy a whole school tour, please contact the school office on 6852 2187 and make an appointment with the welcoming Principal, Mr David McGaw.

The end of term three has arrived at Forbes North for our students from Kindergarten to year 6.

Our students enjoyed many opportunities including and yet not limited to ICAS International Competition for Assessment in Schools Years 3-6, an enjoyable Positive Behaviour for Learning Fete, a fantastic Glowtastic Disco which raised $10,426, a guest appearance on Radio 2LV for our communication portfolio and an ICON Assembly.

A big hit is our new equipment for the Infants playground, hosting the people from the Resilience Project motivational sessions, a record breaking Forbes PA&H Show stall with prize-winning entries in over twenty divisions, the Forbes High School 2024 transition for our year 6 students heading to year 7 and Forbes Shire Council NAIDOC Community Day which Kindergarten to Year 6 attended at the Dreaming Centre.

Our students attended the Lachlan PSSA Football and Oz Tag Gala Day in Forbes and Parkes respectively, the Beats N Pieces Musical Show came to us to entertain 240 students. Our Father’s Day Breakfast attracted a large crowd and the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week Parade and family barbecue which followed the Scholastic Book Fair with record sales of books.

The New South Wales Health Mobile Dental Clinic visited the school, and the Boys to the Bush program for Stage three lads was another huge success. We celebrated 100 Days of Kindergarten and our senior girls attended Girls in Aviation in Dubbo.

The Stage 2 excursion took place to Lake Burrendong Camp while Stage 3 headed to Canberra and the National Capital.

Students Also participated in the Premiers Spelling Bee for Years 3-6. As we head into spring, important messages on safety was the focus during the impressive and entertaining Snake Tails Reptile Show.

Term 4 commences Monday 9th October and will formally end Friday 15th December.

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