Forbes Rugby Union Club 

Forbes Rugby Union Club welcomes applications for coaches and managers for the 2024 season. Positions we are looking to fill include head coach, assistant coach and manager for 1st grade, 2nd grade, women’s and colts. 

Details for the application form are available on the Forbes Rugby Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information please contact secretary@forbesrugbyclub.com.au or President Sam Parish on 0418 832 086. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 17th November. 

Parkes Shire Council 

Join us on Saturday 18 November at 10am in the Parkes Shire Library courtyard for an event called Crop Swap Parkes! 

What is a ‘Crop Swap’? 

Crop swapping is the cashless exchange of homegrown and homemade produce at community markets. Attendees usually arrive with produce they have too much of and trade it with others so that they leave with a basket of delicious, free produce. These events aim to reduce food waste while promoting goodwill, generosity and community connection! We hope to see you there! 

R U OK? Day 

Don’t give them opinions or try to fix things. 

Instead, listen and let them know you care and are there to support them. 

A simple yet important message to take into the weekend. 

Steve Magill Earthmoving Pty Ltd 

Out with the old, in with the new! 

We have been busy working on redesigning our website, and it is now ready to launch. 

Follow the link to check out what we’ve been up to – https://www.stevemagillearthmoving.com.au/ 

NSW Government 

Know someone itching to start a new career? 

There’s now an even greater reason to join the NSW Police Force as new recruits will be paid $30,000 to study at the Police Academy over 16 weeks. Upon graduating, students will be employed as probationary constables and earn an annual salary of about $80,000 plus allowances! 

With a shortfall of police numbers, this new incentive is being introduced to attract more recruits to help build a stronger police force for our communities. 

Enrolment details are here bit.ly/NSWPFRecruitment 

Central West Credit Union 

October Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Lolly Jar Guessing Competition Winners Announced. 

October, dedicated to breast cancer awareness, has ended, and we’re thrilled to wrap it up by revealing the winners of our Lolly Jar Guessing Competition. A big thank you to everyone who joined – your support makes a difference. 

Parkes Winner: Congratulations to Gill Kinsela for an impressive guess! 

Forbes Winner: Well done to Sandra for a spot-on prediction! 

Your participation helped us bring attention to an important cause. We appreciate your involvement and congratulate you on your success. Breast cancer awareness is crucial all year round, not just in October. 

Parkes Elvis Festival 

Ray White Parkes is looking for homes and rooms to lease for the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival through their Home Hosting Program. 

For more information on how you can be part of this program, call Gail on (02) 6862 1900 or drop into Ray White at 228 Clarinda Street, Parkes. 

Parkes High School 

A massive congratulations to our Year 12 – Class of 2023, who have all completed the HSC. As you now await your results, know we are extremely proud of you all and we can’t wait to hear of all your success and adventures in the future!. See you all on Friday at your Graduation 

R U OK?Day 

Don’t wait until someone tells you they are struggling. 

When we create safe spaces and meaningfully connect, we’re showing those we care about we’re there to support them with whatever they’re going through. 

What are YOUR top tips for connecting? https://bit.ly/3RYBSwb 

NSW Farmers 

Based in Nyngan in outback NSW, the Gary White Working Dog School is so popular that Gary travels around the world teaching the secret to training the perfect working dog. 

“You have to work with them – always be patient and kind. I’ve been training dogs for a long time now, it’s a big part of my life and much of my training is geared toward helping farmers on the land utilise their dogs in a better fashion https:// thefarmermagazine.com.au/farm-dog-school/ 

PCYC Parkes 

Join us for the PCYC Parkes Safer Driver Course on November the 17th at 4pm. 

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 

Forbes Shire Council 

How fantastic is the new footpath in Grenfell Street! And the one around the corner in Farnell Street. This project is being completed in line with Council’s Strategic Plan to link the northern end of Forbes with the CBD, thanks to the Australian Governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund. 

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW 

Reminder: membership fees are due 

If you haven’t paid already, renew today to ensure your membership continues. 

Go to www.cwaofnsw.org.au and log in to your account using your email address and password, the click the “renew now” button (under Welcome Back on the home page). 

If you’re unsure of your password, click “forgot password”. 

If you have trouble logging in contact State Office: 02 8337 0200. Note: do not create a new account – your payment needs to be linked to the account we already have for you. 

If you’re thinking of joining, find your branch: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/branches or join online https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/join (new members only). 

Forbes High School 

Recently Year 7 and their Peer Support Leaders, were invited to the Boys To The Bush Community Engagement Day. We were one of 8 schools who were in attendance, and had so much fun, despite the heat. There was dancing, singing, sports, relaxation and culture. Mrs Smith was unfairly beaten in the teacher dance off, her Cold Spaghetti was definitely the best. 

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. 

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. 

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

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.

Currajong Disability Services: Congratulations to Currajong’s Sharon Bevill on being nominated for the 2023 Condobolin Business Awards for outstanding employee. Sharon was a finalist for this award, with the event being held last Friday night.
Well done Sharon on this wonderful achievement, your care, support and dedication to participants does not go unnoticed, thank you.

Lifeline: In 2022, a total of 3,249 Australian lives were lost to suicide. Behind every statistic there is a person. We remember those who died by suicide in 2022, and those who attempted suicide. We acknowledge the many people left behind who are learning to live a life without their loved ones. Every life lost is a tragedy which beyond the individual person affects families, workplaces and communities. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and needs support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days). We’re here to listen.

TAFE NSW Forbes: Enrol now 900-81908 Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Welding at Forbes Campus 3rd to 6th October 2023, 8.00am – 4.30pm each day. Fully subsidised course. Participants must be: 16 years or older, no longer be at school and live or work in NSW. Places are limited so get in quick. Enrol at: https://online-enrolments.oneebs.tafensw.edu.au/

If you are under 18 please contact 0438 565 918 during office hours for details of how to enrol. RTO 90003

Central West Farming Systems: Field walk with Wendy Gill from Achieve Ag Consultancy on Thursday, 5th October from 3-5pm at the producer demonstration site: “North Condobolin,” Boona Road, Condobolin (meet at the shearing shed)Book now at: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1124035. For information, contact Diana Fear, CWFS CEO 0427 897 530.

Fire and Rescue NSW: With the weather warming up, it’s not uncommon for us to be called out to help with some reptilian guests. Just another day on the job for our firefighters, who regularly train to keep up their snake retrieval sssskills fresh to protect them and the community.

National BBQ Championships Forbes: We are excited to have Master Chef contestant and Taste of Australia foodie Hayden Quinn judging the 2023 National BBQ Championships on 28th October at Grinsted Oval. Come down and watch the cooking demonstration and get your team together and register today on the Fobes Council website.

Parkes Shire Library: Check out the Marramarra Makerspace school holiday program and come join us for some building fun as we make marble runs and build paper towers. Open to 6-12 year olds. Bookings essential on 6861 2309 or at the library.

Hearing Australia: Are excited to launch their new range of hearing devices which include options that are discreet, rechargeable, and feature auto adjust. For over 75 years, Hearing Australia has provided expert hearing care for all Australians, so whatever your lifestyle or budget, you can trust our audiologists to find the right hearing aid for you. Book an appointment at www.hearing.com.au

Parkes Elvis Festival: Book your tickets now for the 50’s Greatest Hits Concert with Aaron W Mansfield and Anthony Fenech with special guest Elvis tribute artists. The talented Aaron will have you singing laughing and dancing as he wears the hats of the most famous entertainers of our generation. Bushmans Motor Inn, Thursday 11th January at 7pm. Purchase tickets at 123tix.

If you need assistance call 123TIX on 02 6881 8632. 

Trundle ABBA Festival: WiFi services will be stretched with the amount of attendees expected at this year’s Trundle ABBA Festival. Make sure to be prepared with cash before arriving in Trundle to avoid disappointment. Please do not expect to withdraw cash when you arrive in Trundle. We can’t wait to see you all there!

NSW Government Budget Update: Here’s how NSW is managing the 2023-24 State Budget. This budget aims to:

• Build more homes amidst the housing crisis

• Fund more essential workers for our public services

• Revitalise our schools, hospitals, transport and roads

• Find out what all this means for you https://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/my-budget 

Grazing Down The Lachlan: And that’s a wrap! Thank you so much for coming on the Grazing journey with us for 2023. This event couldn’t happen without the dedicated and passionate committee behind it – thank you so much to Kath Garland, Olivia Turner, Kylie Brockmann, Kim Muffet and (not pictured but equally as important!) Emily Wilson, Emma Ridley and Jill Morgan.

Attention All Men: All men over 50 years, need regular testing for prostate cancer, and over 40 years if runs in family. The Parkes Prostate Cancer and Support Group have small information booklets available. It is extremely important to have regular PSA and physical testing as statistics show, if the cancer is diagnosed early the disease can be more effectively treated. Do not be turned away by your GP. Nearly 70 australian men are now diagnosed daily and more than 10 dying every day from Prostate Cancer. The number of deaths have increased by 5% this year primarily as a result of only 36% of Prostate Cancers detected at stage 1 when the disease can be more effectively treated. 

Big News For The Eugowra Show: Thanks to very generous donors who support events through the GIVIT platform, The Eugowra Show committee have been given the funds to allow every resident of the Eugowra community free membership and entry to the Eugowra Show for 2023. Please book your membership tickets online or at the gate: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/40043/eugowra-show-2023 

Rural Aid Offers Relief To Varroa-Affected Beekeepers: Australia’s most trusted rural charity has restated its support of commercial beekeepers as concern mounts over the continuing spread of the invasive varroa mite. 

More than 260 outbreaks of varroa mite have now been detected since June 2022, when the alarm was first raised at the Port of Newcastle. 

Rural Aid has provided more than $500,000 to beekeepers since 2015 and is ready to again provide a ‘hand up’ to producers when it was needed most. Rural Aid has experienced an increase in calls from distressed beekeepers who are understandably upset that their livelihoods and livestock are in jeopardy. 

Varroa-mite affected beekeepers can apply for assistance at www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided. Donations are needed, so if you would like to help you can make a donation at https://varroamite.ruralaid.org.au/ 

Parkes Shire Libraries: Don’t forget, The Cardboard Show is now open in the Coventry Room at the Parkes Shire Library. Come and see these spectacular artworks made by our talented community! 

Bookings are now open for Term 3 School Holiday Activities taking place across three of our Library branches in the holidays. Contact Parkes Library for more information on 02 6861 2309.