Tax Service: Neighbourhood Central’s accredited ATO-trained volunteer is available by appointment to help you prepare and lodge your tax return. To be eligible for this free service you must have simple tax affairs and an income of around $60,000 or less. Contact Neighbourhood Central on 6862 3757, or call in to enquire at 80 Currajong Street.

Agribusiness Today Forum Postponed: The Agribusiness Today Forum committee announced the postponement of this year’s event due to the increased risk related to the latest COVID-19 outbreak in NSW. The forum will take place next year at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel on Thursday, 4th August and will be followed by a local field visit on 5th August. The theme, ‘Mixed Farming Enterprises – Adapting to a Changing Climate’ will remain the same. Refunds will be issued to those who have already purchased tickets. Stay up to date on new developments and announcements on the 2022 event by following the Agribusiness Today Forum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Visit the Agribusiness Today Forum website at https://agribusinesstodayforum.com/

Use Your Dine & Discover Vouchers: Business NSW is encouraging the Western NSW community to use their Dine & Dis-cover vouchers before they expire on 31st August. “The Greater Sydney and Orange region lockdowns has had a devastating impact to many businesses right across Western NSW and using your vouchers is one way you can support your local businesses and their staff throughout this trying time,” said Business NSW, Regional Man-ager – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe. Residents can apply for the vouchers using the Service NSW website or call Service NSW if you need assistance.

‘Hug’ 500 cancer patients: For cancer patients, the surge in COVID-19 cases has limited the number of friends and family they can see, created a risk to their compromised immune systems and could impact their ability to fight the cancer. Cure Cancer and The Big Hug Box aim to deliver 500 hug boxes to cancer patients across Australia. The gift boxes contain a curated selection of products to support patients through their cancer treatment and are sourced as much as possible from small Australian businesses that specialize in organic and natural products. Go to thebighugbox.com to donate.

Elvis Photo Entries: The Elvis Photography Competition is a popular festival event for discovering and exhibiting photographs taken at past Elvis festivals from amateur to established photographers. The good news is entries for the 2021 competition will be rolled over to 2022. Categories include: Best digital camera black and white image; Best digital camera colour image; Best digital portrait; Best smartphone image; Overall champion; and Overall highly commended.

A selection of entries will be on exhibit during the 2022 Parkes Elvis Festival, while winners will be announced on Friday, 7th January at 4pm. Entrants do not need to be present at the Festival to win. New entries can be submitted by 20th August at https://bit.ly/pefphoto22

Tip Vouchers: Residents in Parkes and Peak Hill will be provided with new tip vouchers for the 2021/22 financial year. These have been included with the rates notice that will be sent out later this month, so make sure you check your envelope. If you don’t receive the vouchers, please call into Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Building and see the Planning & Environment team to collect yours. The vouchers are valid for one year and can be used at any time until 30th June 2022.

New ‘Warm’ COVID Vaccine: A ‘warm’ COVID-19 vaccine suitable for remote and resource-limited locations lacking access to cold storage supply chains is one step closer following an international collaboration between scientists from India and Australia. CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, played an important role in evaluating heat-tolerant COVID-19 vaccine formulations developed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and biotech start-up Mynvax. Most vaccines require refrigeration to remain effective, like Oxford-Astra-Zeneca which must be kept between 2-8°C and Pfizer, which requires specialised cold storage at -70°C. CSIRO’s Dr Rob Grenfell, said a ‘warm vaccine’ was critical for remote or resource-limited locations with extremely hot climates which lack reliable cold storage supply chains, including regional communities in Australia’s outback and the Indo-Pacific region.”

Presenters Wanted: Farmers, landcarers and community groups with a story to tell are being encouraged to submit their ideas for an opportunity to present at the 2022 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference in Tweed Heads. Interested presenters can find out more information and download their expression of interest form at www.nswlandcareconference.com.au/presentations, with submissions closing on Tuesday, 31st August.

 

Parkes Airport Business Park: Parkes Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest to lease stage one of the Parkes Airport Business Park at the Parkes Regional Airport. The airport is a major gateway to the region, and is serviced by Regional Express (REX) providing regular passenger services between Parkes and Sydney. Stage one of the Business Park covers a total of four acres of land, suitable for a range of uses including charter airlines, aviation maintenance providers, courier companies, pilot training, manufacturing business among others. The seven available sites range in size from 1,700m² to 3,029m² with long-term leasehold tenure, appropriately zoned and serviced, with no noise restrictions and approved for 24-hour operation, plus airside location, access to two runways, each one mile long. The airport itself is home to on site Nav Aids, DME VOR, PAPI, RTIL and refuelers. To view and lodge your Expression of Interest, visit www.parkesairport.com.au Additional allotments will be released in stage two and three. Expressions of interest close 26th August.

Creative Kids: The NSW Creative Kids voucher can be used for Parkes Shire Concert Band membership or instrument hire. Membership is $30 per school term and in-strument hire $25 per school term. PSCB is a registered Creative Kids provider. To apply for a NSW Government voucher for up to $100 per calendar year, go to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher.

New Chair For Health Board: Matthew Irvine has been appointed as Chair of the Western NSW Local Health District Board. He takes over from Scott Griffiths who served in the position since 2017. Matthew is from Bathurst, and brings 20 years of experience in corporate governance to the board. Matthew said he was looking forward to taking up the role. “There are few areas of more importance to local communities than health care. The new Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Board, had its first meeting this week. Along with the new Board Chair Matthew Irvine, new member Annette Crothers joined the current serving members; Darren Ah See, Fiona Bennett, Jason Cooke, Colin McClintock, Amanda O’Brien and John Walkom. The Western NSW Local Health District, under the governance of the Board, is responsible for providing health care to more than a quarter of a million people. The Board oversees the delivery of a budget of more than a billion dollars, and a workforce of around 8,000 people.

 

National Young Judge: Clarissa Peasley (18) from Forbes is one of seven national finalists in the prestigious annual merino fleece young judges competition announced by Agricultural Shows of Australia (ASA). The competition brings together the best young Merino fleece judges aged from 15 to 25 in each state. Clarissa is the NSW state finalist and currently in year 12 doing her final months before graduation. “I have a strong passion for the sheep industry and ten years from now I hope to have made an impact in the agricultural industry.” She started doing shows at Red Bend Catholic College, and in year 10 moved to St Pauls College in Walla Walla for their amazing agriculture program.

Free Mental Health Programs: As COVID-19 flares up across NSW, Marathon Health, a not-for-profit, registered charity, encourages anyone feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed to reach out to the mental health support options available to them. Barbara Geddes, Marathon Health Registered Psychologist said maintaining a strong mind during these periods included exercising daily, eating well, and trying to remain connected as much as possible, whether that be via social media, FaceTime or Zoom. Marathon Health has a range of programs available for people feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. The free services are available for people from the ages of 12. Visit marathonhealth.com.au and search for Strong Minds, NewAccess or headspace for more information.

Fast Tracking COVID-19 Treatments: CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will spearhead a $1.7 million project to identify new treatments for COVID-19. Scientists will develop a faster, smarter way of rapidly screening existing drugs and advancing those that can be used to treat COVID-19 and aim to have identified three suitable TGA- or FDA-approved drug candidates to progress to phase 2-3 human clinical trials within a year. CSIRO scientist and project leader, Dr S.S. Vasan, said in addition to vaccines, there was an urgent need for safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 treatments that specifically targeted the virus. “A great strategy to find potential COVID-19 treatments is to repurpose drugs already approved for other diseases, but the current methods to do this are expensive, time-consuming and not fit-for-purpose. The funding will enable us to develop a multi-tissue drug screening tool, which could help fast-track drugs for human clinical trials and minimise the need for animal trials.”

Free Online Program For Seniors: Healthy and Active for Life is a free and online healthy lifestyle program for people aged 60 years and over, and Aboriginal people aged 45 years and over, living in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). It is designed for people living at home who wish to increase their confidence, knowledge and skills to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Each program runs for 10 weeks during the NSW school term. The next program begins on 12th July and registrations are now open. Participants will also receive phone call support at a time that suits them. For further information or to book, visit: https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/home/healthy-and-active-for-life-online/

Canberra’s Cultural Icons: A distinctive collaboration between 12 of Canberra’s national attractions is set to position the city as a leading cultural destination. The ‘Cultural Icons’ campaign, the first of its kind, will focus on how Canberra’s cultural attractions are ‘Made of Australia’, with all Australians able to find themselves reflected across the 12 icons. The Cultural Icons are:
• National Library of Australia
• National Gallery of Australia
• Questacon • National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
• National Museum of Australia
• Australian War Memorial
• Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
• Australian Parliament House
• National Archives of Australia
• Royal Australian Mint
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Capital Authority The campaign launched last week and will run until 31st August.

Funding For Veterans’ Health Week: Veterans and their families in the Riverina and Central West are encouraged to increase their physical activity, with $200,000 in funding available nationally to assist community groups and ex-service organisations with planning and hosting Veterans’ Health Week events from 16th to 24th October. Ex-service and community groups are encouraged to apply for $720 in funding to support their activities. For more information visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website, call 1800 838 372 or email vhw@dva.gov.au. Applications close on 10th September.

Breastscreen Van In Parkes: The mobile screening van will be in Parkes until Friday, 9th July at the Little Theatre Carpark. BreastScreen NSW provides free mammograms to eligible women aged between 50 and 74 across. A screening mammogram is one of the most important things women can do for their health. No referral is needed. To book a mammogram with Breast-Screen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit book. breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

Indigenous Artist Workshop: A three-day workshop teaching new artists Indigenous styles of painting and print is starting at the Marramarra Room at the Parkes Library from today to Monday, 28th June. Run by well-known artist Irene Ridgeway the work-shop will focus on artworks that have been started by local indigenous artists with Irene facilitating suggestions on how they can realise their vision. Funding has been provided by Arts OutWest with assistance from Parkes Shire Council. The public is welcome to visit daily to view the works from 11am every day. School groups can attend on the Monday. For all bookings, call Conrad Mill on 0431 967 365.

Craft Corner Reopens: The Parkes Craft Corner has reopened in its beautifully re-furbished shop at 257 Clarinda Street Parkes. The shop was flooded in the super cell event in January.

Draft Housing Strategy On Exhibition: At the Ordinary Parkes Shire Council Meeting last week, it was resolved to endorse the Draft Parkes Shire Housing Strategy (2021-2041) for public exhibition. The strategy sets a 20-year vision for housing in the Parkes Shire, in line with the NSW Government’s Local Housing Strategy Guideline and the Parkes Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) 2041. Visit yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au to view the Draft Housing Strategy and Issues Paper. All submissions must be in writing and ad-dressed The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, PARKES NSW 2870 or emailed via council@parkes.nsw.gov.au Submissions Close at 5pm on 15th July 2021.

$1 million Fund: Australia’s leading rural charity, Rural Aid, has announced a $1 million fund to assist mouse plague affected farmers across the country. Individuals and businesses can donate via the Rural Aid website. Farmers can assess their eligibility and apply for the financial assistance via the website: www.ruralaid.org.au/mouse-plague

 

Stork News: Joshua Carter (2) welcomed his new sister, Suzanna Carter, to the world with dad Mark Carter and Mum Nataliia Hamanenko. Little Suzanna was born on 6th June in the Forbes Hospital weighing 3.52kg and measuring 53cm.

Save the Platypus: The iconic platypus is to be given much-needed help thanks to plans by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia and RSPCA NSW to build a new Platypus Rescue and Rehabilitation Facility. The new purpose-built facility at Taronga Zoo in Sydney is on the way, thanks to a $600,000 donation from RSPCA NSW and will serve as a refuge for platypus requiring urgent care and respite. The RSPCA NSW’s donation was made possible by the outpouring of public support during the Black Summer bushfires through RSPCA NSW’s emergency appeal. Once complete, the facility will be able to provide refuge and rehabilitation for 9 – 12 platypus at any one time, dependent on sex ratio.

Planning Applications Move Online: As of 1st July, Parkes Shire Council will be integrating with the NSW Planning Portal to accept and process development applications online. Development applications will be submitted online, anywhere, at a time convenient to the applicant via the NSW Planning Portal. The NSW Planning Portal is a digital space where community, industry and government can work together to better understand and meet their obligations under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The use of the portal will be compulsory to lodge development applications as of 1st July. You will need to register a secure login to access the portal before you begin. There is a community information session on 23rd June in the Council Chambers from 6 to 7:30pm.To register your attendance, visit Council’s website or contact the Planning & Environment Department on 6861 2373. For more information on how to use the portal, view the quick reference guides at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au or by visiting Council’s website.

Knitting For A Cause: Every Friday is ‘Yarn Day’ for the Parkes College for Seniors at 10am. It is a time to crochet, and knit ‘n natter for Ronald McDonald house in Orange. Over the years they have made hundreds of blankets, jumpers, beanies, ponchos, washers, bibs, mittens, booties and toys. “We thoroughly enjoy the morning get togethers, and knowing we are helping children and families from our surrounding communities encourage us to continue for many more years to come,” said Maree Mulligan.

 

 

 

Double Demerits This Weekend: The double demerit point period across NSW will be in place for four days, commencing today, 11th June and ending on Monday, 14th June (inclusive). As today is a publicly notified school day, double demerit points will apply to all relevant school zone offences committed today. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said the Queen’s Birthday Operation, the annual state-wide high-visibility traffic enforcement operation, would run over the June long weekend. “We want everybody to make the most of their time off and enjoy the company of their friends and family, but we want everyone to do their bit and travel safely. Officers will be targeting excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt, helmet and mobile phone offences.

Bogan Fest Postponed: Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival has become the latest COVID casualty having being postponed from June to 13th November. The latest flare up of the virus forced some vendors and entertainers from interstate to cancel at the last minute. Organiser Luke Acheson, while disappointed, remained upbeat. “It’s a postponement not a cancellation and that will allow us to fine tune some things so maybe it’s a blessing and not a curse after all. November means warmer weather, more time to prepare and more options.” Follow Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all the latest info.

Load Restraint Quiz Winner: Congratulations to Donald Wood, a truck driver from Narromine, who is the winner of the Load Restraint Quiz. Donald has won $500 worth of new load restraint equipment and was one of over 450 people who took part in the online quiz.

Heavy Vehicle Breakfast: Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum at the Forbes Inn on Wednesday, 23rd June. Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, who is organising the forum said this year’s event would be focusing on three ‘hot’ topics: effluent, load restraint and chain of responsibility; heavy vehicle access: and PBS vehicles. Register online at https://forms.office.com/r/g5hNK5jyec or call Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364. The forum is free, but registration is required for catering and COVID purposes.

Bridge Banter: Our member Jennifer Calvert played her last game before moving to Orange. Jennifer has always been a joy to play with or to play against at a bridge table and she will be sorely missed, especially by her long-time partner Dawn Phipps. We bid our farewell to Jennifer after ten years. All of us at Parkes Bridge Club wish Jennifer the very best in this new chapter of her life and we hope to see her again someday at the bridge table. ‘Bridge is a wonderful game,’ said Jennifer, ‘and I have enjoyed learning and playing with the wonderful people at Parkes Bridge Club.’ Winners last week were Tuesday Val Worthington and Bev Laing; Thursday Louise Payne with Peter Quin north/south and Margaret Hawken with Joan Reilly east/west and Monday Gary Somers and Greig Ball. New players are welcome on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lutheran Church Hall. Go to https://www.parkes.bridge-club.org or call Greig Ball 0429621712 or Bev Laing 0418114826 for more information. By Beth Thomas

Bogan Fest: Fat Pizza and Houso’s star Pauly Fenech will open this year’s Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival from 11 – 13 June at Bedgerabong Racecourse. He will do a stand-up set, interviews, shooting clips for his shows and having a crack at the record for thonging most people (bogans) at one time and place. “There’ll be a car display, food vendors, cold beverages, lawnmower racing, mullet haircuts, promotions, comedy, activities and inevitably the crowning of Australia’s Biggest Bogan by Chris Franklin and defending champ Ryan ‘Bogan’ Edwards,” said Luke Acheson, co-founder of Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival.

“Studio 10s Daniel Doody (Channel 10) will also be in Forbes on Thursday, 10th June from 8am-12noon doing live crosses from Acheson’s Mitre 10 and we encourage all locals to get in the Bogan gear and come down,” he said. Find tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australias-biggest-bogan-festival-tickets-93021733509

Cycle of Inspiration: Royal Far West’s seventh Ride for Country Kids was a huge success for kids needing support in rural and remote communities. A total of 79 riders cycled from Dubbo to Cobar, via Narromine, Warren and Nyngan, on a three-day, 400km fundraising adventure. Royal Far West’s Executive Director, Business People and Culture Jacqui Emery said: “The fundraising target for the Ride was $450,000, so we were thrilled to reach $535,000.

 

Breastscreen Van In Parkes: The mobile screening van will be in Parkes until Friday, 9th July at the Little Theatre Carpark. BreastScreen NSW provides free mammograms to eligible women aged between 50 and 74. All necessary measures in relation to COVID-19 have been taken to protect women, staff and the wider community. Meg O’Brien, Manager BreastScreen NSW (Greater Western), says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women can do for their health. “Around 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.” No referral is needed. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

Reduce Energy Costs: Central West community organisations are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) in a grant program designed to help reduce energy costs. Funding of $67,700 has been allocated to the Riverina electorate for up to 12 grants of between $5,000 and $12,000 each. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the grants could pay for up to 100% of eligible project costs for not-for-profit organisations such as PCYCs, childcare centres, local aged care bodies, non-distributing co-operatives, companies limited by guarantee, Indigenous not-for-profit corporations and some local emergency service volunteer organisations. Further information and EOI forms can be obtained by telephoning the Wagga Wagga electorate office on 6921 4600 or by emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au. The EOI period closes on Friday, 16th July.

Firewood Collection In National Parks: As the weather cools, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents across the Central West that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves and heavy fines apply. “We are getting the message out there that collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,” said NPWS Central West Area Manager Fiona Buchanan. “Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival. “NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts.