Bogan Gate CWA News By Gail McKay:
Our President Marion McIntyre welcomed everyone including a visitor Kelly Thomas and her daughter Anna to our meeting last Thursday. Three members attended the CWA Oxley Group Council meeting in Condobolin on 26th November. We had our branch Christmas Party at the Bogan Gate Hotel on 12th December and surprised Hilda McPherson with Life Membership, which was very well deserved. Marion attended the Bogan Gate School’s presentation night in December. We sent flowers to Ida McIntyre who is unfortunately in hospital, we all wish her well. A very pleasant surprise at our meeting was a visit from John and Sue Rogers from the Central Coast Freemasons. We were overwhelmed with a very generous donation of $10,000 to our Bogan Gate Community. John and Sue were very pleased to meet some of our members and find out about Bogan Gate and the drought. It was very interesting talking to them about the fires and smoke in their area.

More Money for Drought Communities:
The Australian Government has extended the Drought Community Support Initiative (DSCI), providing a further $82.75 million to continue crucial support for farming households. On top of this, further drought relief support will also be available under a new

Drought Community Outreach program. Minister for Drought David Littleproud said the DCSI extension meant up to $3,000 in cash payments for more farmers, farm workers and farm contractors and suppli ers who are experiencing financial hardship and struggling to pay for basic household expenses. Eligible farming households will be able to access the DCSI from mid to late March, from either The Salvation Army or the St Vincent de Paul Society. Under the new Drought Community Outreach pro- gram, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and Rotary Australia World Community Service would each receive a fur- ther $5 million to provide vouchers of up to $500 to farming households.

Nursing And Midwifery Graduates Join Central West Hospitals:
More than 100 new nurses and midwives will begin working in hospitals at Parkes, Peak Hill, Forbes, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Coolah, Condobolin, Narromine, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Blayney, Cowra, Rylstone, Baradine, Collarenebri, Grenfell, Warren and Mudgee. The new graduates will work in all clinical areas including surgical, medical and paediatrics. They are part of the NSW Government’s record $2.8 billion investment to boost frontline health workers.

Your Chance To Have A Say: The Western NSW Local Heath District (WNSWLHD) is calling for people to join its register of health consumer representatives. “The register will provide the WNSWLHD with a pool of people interested to be on an organisational committee or to simply provide comment to matters such service plans, policy documents, publications, quality and safety programs,” said WNSWLHD Community Engagement Manager, Illona Dunn. “We are looking for people who are passionate about improving health service quality and safety and who are willing to use their experience to represent the needs of all of our communities.” For more information email WNSWLHD-Volunteers@health.nsw.gov.au or contact Illona on 6378 6274.

Open Invitation To Farewell: Lindy Farrant, Parkes Early Childhood Centre Director of 30 years, is retiring and there is an open invitation to the public, including children, to her afternoon tea farewell at the Parkes Golf Club on Saturday, 7th March from 2 – 5pm. RSVP by Friday, 28th February to pecc@bigpond.net.au

New University Students Take Note: Central West students planning to start university this year are encouraged to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now to beat the queue. Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible young people who pursue further study or an apprenticeship after leaving school.

Write To Remember Our ANZACS: Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is urging students to enter his 10th annual ANZAC writing competition. “It is imperative that we continue to build on the momentum gained during the centenary of ANZAC commemorations. This is why I produce an ANZAC Day booklet each year, which also contains ANZAC service times across the region and is distributed to every mailbox in the electorate. One of the highlights of the booklet is the publica- tion of the winning entries from the ANZAC writing competition.” Last year more than 800 entries from more than 35 different schools were received. Each winning and highly commended entry will receive a book prize with a signed commemorative label. Every student who enters will receive a signed certificate which will feature a watermark image oft his year’s cover. Entries need to be submitted by 5pm, on Friday, 28th February either by mail to the Wagga Wagga Electorate Office (Suite 2, 11-15 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga 2650) or via email to michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au.

 

Businesses Join Forces: The Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme is celebrating 10 years and 15 local businesses have put their hands up to help fight driver fatigue and reduce the road toll. Participating businesses in the Parkes Shire are Railway Arts and Crafts (Bogan Gate), Railway Hotel (Bogan Gate), Parkes Coffee Pot, Parkes Services Club, Pink Orchard Café & Florist and Casho’s (Tullamore). A total of 92 businesses across the Hunter, South West and Western regions of NSW will participate to encouraging drivers to take regular breaks by offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver more than 100km away from their home. “If it wasn’t for the participating businesses supplying the ‘free cuppas’, this scheme wouldn’t be possible and I would like to thank the 15 enthusiastic businesses across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils who are taking part in this year’s scheme,” said Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. The ‘Free Cuppa’ website, freecuppa.com.au, allows drivers to search for the nearest participating business. There is also an active Facebook page.

Takata Airbags: Thousands of NSW families are at risk from faulty Takata airbags. The manufacturers fear partners and children of vehicle owners are being exposed to danger when travelling in vehicles that still carry the faulty airbags. Car manufacturers have replaced more than 1.07 million faulty airbags in NSW, which represents more than 92% of affected airbags. There are still 90,432 faulty airbags on the road that require urgent replacement. This includes 3,308 of the highly dangerous Alpha and critical airbags. Vehicle owners should check the recall status of their vehicles by using the automotive industry’s Takata airbag recall website www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au and by taking prompt action to arrange for the free rectification of any affected vehicles. It’s a very simple check, just enter your vehicle’s registration number and state or territory. You can also check by texting TAKATA to 0487 AIRBAG (247 224).

Open Invitation To Farewell: Lindy Farrant, Parkes Early Childhood Centre Director of 30 years, is retiring and there is an open invitation to the public, including children, to her afternoon tea farewell at the Parkes Golf Club on Saturday, 7th March from 2 – 5pm. RSVP by Friday, 28th February to pecc@bigpond.net.au

 

 

 

Cheney Park: Work on the Cheney Park amenities refurbishment has started. Funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, the project includes a reconfiguration of the facility to include a separate control room and storage space, a new unisex disabled access toilet and compliant ambulant toilets in both male and female change rooms, fresh paint of facilities throughout, new kitchen appliances, and a new PA system.

Shop Parkes Gift Cards: In its first year of operation, the Shop Parkes Gift Card Program has become one of the most successful community gift card programs in NSW. From December 2018 to December 2019, over $200,000 was loaded onto the Shop Parkes Gift Cards with over $100,000 of that spent in local businesses throughout the year. Businesses wishing to participate in the program are encouraged to contact Council on 6861 2333 or council@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Innovative Model Of Care: Western NSW residents will benefit from a brand new Virtual Rural Generalist Service (VRGS) providing 24 hour virtual and face-to-face medical services across the region. Eighteen new doctors will take on roles with the VRGS, which will provide consultations via video conferencing with patients.

Western NSW Local Health District (WN- SWLHD) Rural Health Director of Medical Services, Dr Shannon Nott said the innovative model of care met community expectations for continued service delivery in rural areas. “The primary purpose of this service is to provide local support for local medical and nursing staff – it is not a replacement for our staff. It’s an innovative model of care which aims to set the standard in rural and remote virtual care across Australia and address the longstanding challenges of recruitment and retention across many rural and remote sites across NSW. The 2019- 20 budget for WNSWLHD is $979 million – an increase of $35 million. WNSWLHD will also benefit from the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion commitment to recruit a record 8,300 frontline health staff, including 5,000 additional nurses and midwives.

New Standpipe Usage Scheme: A new standpipe usage scheme started on Tuesday with no charge for water up to 25kL per week to approved farming enterprises. Any additional approved farming enterprises usage will be charged at a reduced rate of $3.50 per kilolitre. All standpipe users must reapply for standpipe access. For more information about the new Parkes Shire Standpipe Usage Scheme visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB): New members are welcome to join including students from Year 3 and community members. Dust off your instrument or hire one. The band plays at the Elvis parade, ANZAC march, ABBA, Australia Day, musicals, church fetes, ceremonial occasions, Christmas Carols, and concerts. Rehearsal times are on Tuesday nights during school term from 7 – 9 pm at the PSCB music room above Parkes Aquatic complex in Dalton Street. Contact Musical Director Duncan Clement on 0405 035 164, or President Rhonda Redenbach on 0459 373 624.

New Standpipe Usage Scheme: Parkes Shire Council is introducing a new standpipe usage scheme to maintain sustainable water supplies for the Shire. From Tuesday, 4th February standpipe water will be without charge for up to 25kL per week to approved farming enterprises. Any additional approved farming enterprises usage will be charged at a reduced rate of $3.50 per kilolitre. All standpipe users must reapply for standpipe access. Existing standpipe cards can be reauthorised by completing a new application form by 4th February. Existing standpipe cards that have not been reauthorised by this date will be deactivated. New users can apply for standpipe access through Council, subject to eligibility, which will incur a $20 card activation fee. For more information about the new Parkes Shire Standpipe Usage Scheme visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Four Days Of Double Demerits: Double demerit points will be in force for four days for this long weekend from today (Friday), 24th January to Monday, 27th January (inclusive) for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Key double demerit points in force are: exceed the speed limit by 10km/h and under; exceed the speed limit by over 10km/h; exceed the speed limit by over 20km/h; exceed the speed limit by over 30km/h; exceed the speed limit by over 45km/h; driver not wearing seatbelt; driver penalty for each passenger not wearing a seatbelt; rider on a motorcycle not wearing helmet; rider penalty for passenger on a motorcycle not wearing a helmet; use a mobile phone while driving. NSW Police’s Central West Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Melanie Maguire is encouraging all road users to pay attention to road conditions and allow plenty of travel time this long weekend.

Hear All About It: The Parkes Shire Council started audio recording of its council meeting in December last year to give greater access to the open sessions of its monthly meetings. Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM said the audio recordings would facilitate even greater transparency between council and the community, enhancing accessibility to council decision making, as well as encouraging residents to be better informed and more involved. The audio recordings will complement the written minutes to provide a more complete public record of the proceedings of the council meetings. Audio files will be uploaded to Council’s website within five working days from the date of the meeting and will be available for a period of three months. Thereafter, the recordings can be made available upon written request to Council.

Elvis At Currajong: Currajong Disability Services (CDS) in Parkes celebrated the Parkes Elvis Festival with one of the top tribute artists Ray Perrone. It has become a regular highlight of the festival calendar and this year Ray returned to entertain and sing with NDIS participants at Currajong. “I love coming here each year,” said Ray. “I think I get a bigger buzz than the participants and staff do. It’s one of my favourite gigs. Seeing them sing and dance and laugh is what it’s all about,” he said. Dane Millerd from CDS said Ray had become part of the Currajong family where he had made many friends.

More Cash For Drought-Hit Farmers: Payments of up to $3,000 will continue to be available to drought-hit farming families throughout Christmas and the New Year. The Federal Government has topped up the existing round of the Drought Community Support Initiative with Minister for Drought, David Littleproud announcing a further investment of $33.2 million in the scheme. “This is about making sure families can have dignity this Christmas and into the New Year,” the Minister said. “Eligible people include farming families, farm workers, suppliers and contractors.” The program will be delivered through Vinnies and the Salvos. Applications to be made through the St Vincent de Paul Society on 1300 846 643 or at www.vinnies.org.au/droughthelp or through the Salvation Army on 1300 551 030 or at www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought

Elvis Turns 85: Everyone is invited to celebrate Elvis’s 85th birthday on Wednesday, 8th January 2020 with a cake and free entertainment in Cooke Park near the Elvis Statue at 10am. Music will be provided by Parkes’ one and only Elvis Tribute Artist, Barry Green. Bring a chair or rug to sit on. If you share a birthday with Elvis bring along proof to go in the draw to cut the official birthday cake. The event is organised by the Elvis Revival Incorporated Committee.

Christmas Cakes: Don’t have time to make a Christmas cake? You can buy a Lions Christmas cake at Meals on Wheels in Parkes – $13 for a small one and $17 for a large one. Just call 6862 6189 to place your order, or buy it from them during office hours at Unit 2/39 Currajong St (directly opposite the Parkes Police Station).

Launch of Shop Parkes Campaign: Parkes has your Christmas all wrapped up this year, with Shop Parkes Christmas campaign launching last week. Parkes Shire Council and Parkes Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to deliver the annual Shop Parkes this Christmas retail campaign, which aims to drive spend into the local economy over the festive season. The theme of this year’s campaign is to give a gift to the community by shopping locally, which dovetails well with the ‘Buy from the Bush’ viral social media movement. Parkes Shire Councillor Alan Ward said: “When we talk about drought it’s often in relation to the impact it has on the agricultural sector, less so about the devastating knock-on effects to the broader community. When you spend in town, not only is that a direct injection of dollars, it’s also a fantastic morale boost for our local business owners and operators.” Parkes Chamber of Commerce President Geoff Rice said: “For that hard-to-buy-for friend, family member or colleague, Shop Parkes Gift Cards may be the answer. The cards can be spent at over 70 local businesses throughout the Parkes Shire, providing a convenient gifting solution while keeping shopping dollars local in the Parkes region.” To find out more about the Shop Parkes this Christmas campaign, head to www.visitparkes.com.au.

Christmas Parade: Christmas events are in full swing in Parkes and tonight a festive atmosphere will reign in the CBD with 30 floats taking part in the annual Christmas Parade down Clarinda Street at 6pm. After the parade, festivities will continue with a carnival in Cooke Park with 44 stalls featuring only locals and including everyone from local retailers, interest groups, sports clubs and service organisations for the Parkes community to see what they do and how they can get involved. There will be entertainment on the stage, and an opportunity for local clubs and associations to show the Parkes community what is available in our town.

‘Drought’ Christmas Party: On 15th December there will be a Christmas Party for farmers, small business owners, families and all people hurting due to the drought. The free event will be held at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club from 4 – 8pm. It is open to the whole family and will have a children’s play area, jumping castle, games of futsal and bowls, and a free barbeque meal at 7pm. RSVP to ucparkes@bigpond.com, or contact John Carr on 6862 5526, Graham Lancastar 0439 040 327 or Julie Green 0419 725 462.

Christmas Parade: There will be some- thing new and something old for the Parkes community on 13th December. The something old is the Action Club Christmas Parade. The Action Club has received many float entries from schools, businesses, sporting clubs, associations and community groups. There is a $330 prize each for best business float, best school float and best community float . The something new is a carnival in Cooke Park following the parade with entertainment on the stage, and an opportunity for local clubs and associations to show the Parkes community what is available in their town. Everything from local retailers, groups, karate and bushwalkers will be on show for the Parkes community. There will also be food stalls run by Parkes clubs and retailers. Don’t miss out on this community event celebrated in the Christmas spirit.

Spelling Bee: Year 5 Middleton Public School student Natan Sadykov participated in the senior section of the Premier’s Spelling Bee state finals in Sydney recently. Na- tan survived through to Round 5, but was eliminated in round 6. This was an outstanding effort, especially considering the words were unseen and officials claimed it was the toughest field the Spelling Bee have ever had. Natan is the first student to have ever represented Middleton in the State finals. He received a trove of prizes including a certificate, a medallion, a novel, a big dictionary and a great set of headphones.

Roads To Recovery Boost For Parkes Shire: Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced further financial relief for Parkes Shire as part of a comprehensive drought relief pack- age. The funding is part of a $1 billion extension of the Government’s existing suite of drought relief measures. Michael said the money would help to stimulate the local economy and keep jobs in the community.

Assistance For Farmers: Drought-hit farmers in Parkes Shire may be able to access one-off payments of up to $3,000 in Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative. The Initiative is aimed at assisting farmers to help cover their day-to-day living costs such as groceries, car servicing, energy bills and medical expenses. Registrations are now open for drought-affected farmers, farm workers, contractors and suppliers. Applications can be done through St Vincent de Paul Society by visiting https://drought.svdp.org.au/apply or calling 1300 846 643.

Get Tested For HIV: If you’ve never been tested for HIV or haven’t had a test for more than a year, Western NSW Local Health District is encouraging you to get one done, especially as this is HIV Awareness Week (23 – 30 November) and World AIDS Day on 1st December. “You can get tested at your local GP or sexual health service. Or, if you want to test yourself at home, the Dried Blood Spot testing kit can be delivered to you and results are sent back by text, email or phone,” said Kim Grant, Clinical Nurse Consultant for Sexual Health. NSW has made significant progress towards the goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2020, with a 13% drop in the number of new diagnoses between January to September, compared to the previous five-year average.