PCYC Parkes: A big congratulations to Summer Hurford for being nominated, and winning Sportsperson of the Year by the NAIDOC Advisory Group. Summer was an invaluable member of the recent Nations of Origin trip, where she contributed by fund­raising for the event and offering her sup­port in both the footy and senior leadership in our gymnastics events. She’s a true ray of sunshine in the gymnastics program and is proving to be a fantastic up-and-coming senior coach on the team.

Office Of Sport: The Local Sport Defibrilla­tor Grant Program is now open! The grant program is aimed at providing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and associat­ed equipment to NSW sport and recreation facilities and clubs. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to sporting and recreational organisations. Find out more here www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants

Forbes Youth Action Team: The Sep­tember/October School Holiday Program is almost here and there are so many fun events taking place over the spring holiday break! Be sure to secure your spot in these events by registering online at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

1800RESPECT: Whether it’s you, a family member, a friend or a colleague experienc­ing domestic, family or sexual violence, 1800RESPECT provides confidential coun­selling, information and support. Counsel­lors can be contacted through call, text, on­line chat or video call. Available 24/7. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or online chat – Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm (except public hol­idays) Video call (no appointment needed).

Kerin Health: We’re pleased to announce that we will be holding two free information sessions in the next few weeks for Parents and Educators. Join us at Kerin Health to learn how to support children with their emotional, behavioural and sensory needs during these free Education Sessions with our experienced Occupational Therapist, Emilie. To learn more, or register for a ses­sion contact 0437 749 746.

Forbes Town And District Tennis Club: Bring the family this Sunday and have a fun day, win some prizes, spread awareness for Leo Doyle and help us raise some funds. To nominate for the pair’s competition please contact Peter Clifton on 0403 335 205. If you would like to know more about Leo’s journey so far, visit: https://rarevoices.org.au/personal-story/leos-story/

Forbes Shire Council: Access to the Forbes Croquet Club at Lawler Street is now much easier and safer thanks to the work of Council’s Works team. Works com­pleted include:
• Kerb cutting to create a new pathway.
• Installation of a ramp wide enough for prams.
• Digging out and installing wings.
• Installing fibre mesh.
• Concrete pouring.
• New topsoil to make the sides of the path neat and tidy.

R U OK? #RUOKDay2024 was on Thurs­day September 12th. But any day is the day to check in with those we care about and ask, ‘are you OK?’. If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, try these four steps. 1) Ask R U OK?, 2) Listen, 3) En­courage action, 4) Check in. You can find conversation tips and download social tiles and posters of the four steps at www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Parkes Shire Council: Are you ready to kickstart your career in business? Look­ing for a role that offers hands-on experi­ence and growth? Applications for the 2025 Traineeship Program are open now. Appli­cations close 22nd September 2024 and successful applicants will begin their ca­reer with Parkes Shire Council in February 2025. Apply now bit.ly/PSCcareers

National BBQ Championships Forbes: Sponsorship opportunities are available. Join us in hosting the 2024 National BBQ Championships. Contact events@forbes.nsw.gov.au to be a part of this amazing event showcasing the fabulous produce of the central west. Team nominations are now also open at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2024/november-2024/2024-national-bbq-championships. Enter early for your chance to compete in the 2024 National BBQ Championships.

business.gov.au: You don’t need to be an adult to run a business in Australia. If you’re a young person with a great idea, you can go ahead and start your own busi­ness. You can follow the main steps to start a business, but there are some extra things to consider when you’re starting a business under 18 years old: http://spklr.io/6187tZcv

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: A massive thank you to Ellice, Bianca and the whole team at Worklocker Parkes. The Cinderella and the Crystal Slippers cast look amazing in their beautiful production jackets. Tickets for Cinderella & The Crys­tal Slipper are on sale now at www.parkes­mandd.com.au

Play Music for Life: Parkes Shire Concert Band’s legendary musician Doug Rich­ards has many titles to his name – song­writer, music arrangement maker, teacher of drums and guitar, band member keep­ing the beat going. He is testimony to the adage music has no age or mobility barri­ers, or the idea that if you used to play, you never lose it.

Doug is still sharing his passion for oth­ers to learn music and volunteers at Parkes Public School every Tuesday with the school band. If you carefully read the plaque inscription regarding his brother Digby, lo­cated at the Elvis Wall of Fame at Bush­mans Dam, you will learn Doug wrote his ‘hit song’ and was a lead player in the foun­dations of the Australian Music Industry.

Doug was awarded the Parkes Shire Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 and will be involved in the Parkes Shire Concert Bands next performances at Homegrown on 12th October, and the ABBA Festival on 19th October.

Playing music has no barriers, and pro­vides many opportunities, so if you used to play, or would like to learn, head along to Tuesday rehearsals from 7 – 9pm during school terms above the Pool Complex. En­quires to Music Director Duncan Clement on 0405 035 164 or follow on Facebook.

NSW Government: Grants are available to support programs for seniors to learn, stay active and connect with their communities.

Organisations are encouraged to apply for grants up to $5,000, and local councils are able to apply for up to $10,000. Applica­tions for the Seniors Festival Grants Pro­gram close on 6th September. To Learn more or to apply, go to: nsw.gov.au/go/Seniors-Fest-Grants

Galari River Arts Forbes Inc: The Galari River Arts Forbes committee would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported our 2024 “Ripple” festival.

We are sometimes described as ‘the people involved in everything’, and it’s true:

with limited volunteers, those who commit, commit wholeheartedly. Our dedication stems from a deep love for our community, and as a humble group, we thrive on con­nection.

Knowing us, you’ll understand that step­ping into the spotlight isn’t easy, rather, it is our way of truly acknowledging your in­credible support Forbes. This festival is a testament to our collective efforts and the support of our Forbes community.

For our fellow volunteers, thank you, once again for your unwavering support or contribution. For everyone else, thank you for your kind words, messages or for at­tending the festival.

NSW SES Forbes Unit: A great day out at Bedgerabong Show. The NSW SES Forbes Unit were in good company with neighbours from Central West Police and Mid Lachlan Rural Fire Service. It was a good opportunity to catch up under more relaxed circumstances.

Australian Hotels Association NSW: Last year, you crowned the Bogan Gate Pub the winner of the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence – People’s Choice Award.

It’s time to make your voice heard once again and vote for your favourite pub of 2024! Nominate your local favourite and help them earn the title of the most popu­lar pub in NSW. By nominating, you’ll also have the chance to win one of four $250 Pub & Bar Gift Cards to dine at your local pub. Nominate now at: https://www.survey­monkey.com/r/X73WNW6. Hurry, the com­petition closes at 11:59pm on Friday, 30th August 2024.

Forbes Country Music Club: The Forbes Country Music Club Annual General Meet­ing (AGM) will be held Wednesday 6th No­vember 2024, 7pm at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. Nomination forms will be available at upcoming musters on Sunday 8th September and Sunday 6th October, or can be emailed to you. Nomi­nation forms can also be collected from the Secretary Steven Dixon at 19 Prince Street Forbes or can be mailed. All nomination forms must be returned by 5pm Wednes­day 30th October 2024 either to Secretary Steven Dixon or by mail; Forbes Country Music Club Incorporated, PO Box 728 Forbes NSW 2871.

NSW Woman Of The Year: The search is on! Nominations are officially open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.

We’re looking for ground-breaking think­ers, everyday heroes, social reformers and innovative role models who inspire us all.

Let’s celebrate the incredible and inspiring women in your community by nominating them for one of these categories: Pre­mier’s NSW Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Com­munity Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations are open until 15th September. Recognise their achieve­ments and nominate them now: https://bit.ly/3BibUNc

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Organisers are super excited to have the current Aus­tralian Ladies Whipcracking Champion, the amazing Emiliqua East, coming to this years Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

Forbes Arts Society: The 2024 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artists is open for applications. This award opens up avenues for regional artists seeking to further their professional development, ex­hibition opportunities or deepen research with a $10,000 scholarship. Applications will close Monday 2nd September, 11.59pm. Apply now: https://regionalartsnsw.com.au/windmill-trust-scholarship-2024/

Lifeline: This Loneliness Awareness Week, Ending Loneliness Together, is sharing real stories to spark conversations about why we feel lonely and encouraging all Australians to create a culture of con­nection at home, work, school and in the community. Play your part: www.lonelines­sawarenessweek.com.au

Kerin Health: Are proud to now offer regu­lar Physiotherapy clinics in four locations across the Central West. Would you like to see a regular Kerin Health Physiotherapy clinic in your town? Let the team at Kerin Health know! For all bookings, head to their website: www.kerinhealth.com.au/book-an-appointment

1800RESPECT: Safety planning is think­ing about things you can do to be safer when living with violence or abuse. To create your own safety plan, you can get help from a trusted friend or family mem­ber. You can also use a support service like 1800RESPECT. You can learn more on our website: https://www.1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/safety-planning/checklist

Galari River Arts Forbes Inc: Indulge your taste buds with a world of flavours at our Festival! Oh So Sugar, A Taste of Greece, Trang Hue Vietnamese food and our Rotary Van will sort you out. You can even pack your own picnic. Galari River Arts Festival Forbes, 10th August at Lion’s Park, 9am till late.

Create NSW: Applications are now open for Regional Arts Touring Round 1. Funding consists of two categories: up to $60,000 for Small Tours and up to $120,000 for Large Tours, which will deliver world-class arts and cultural experiences to tens of thousands of people in every corner of NSW. Find out more https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/regional-arts-tour­ing-for-individuals/groups.

Parkes Shire Council: Council is excited to share that Stage 2 of the Kelly Reserve precinct upgrade works is progressing well. Stage 2 includes: A ninja course, An inclu­sive carouse, Toddler equipment These works are on track for a September com­pletion. To stay up to date with this project, visit: bit.ly/ParkesNinjaPark

Parkes Elvis Festival: Applications for the Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations Street Parade are now open! Northparkes Street Parade is a festival-fan favourite, taking place on Saturday 11th January, 2025 at 10am along Festival Boulevard.

Sign up here to walk, ride, drive or float: https://bit.ly/ElvisParade

Kerin Health: The founder of Kerin Health, Rach, has created a new instagram page to share some tips, and her writing. If you’re a female in business or a leadership role – she’s got a passion for you, and has lots of great content to share to help women be the best version of themselves. We highly recommend you add her to your Instagram feed! You can follow her @rach.kerin

Parkes Shire Council: A friendly reminder there are guidelines in place when bringing your fury friends to Council’s cemeteries, parks and sporting grounds in the Shire.

Always remember to pick up after your dog, if your dog is being exercised in an approved off-leash area, your dog must be under effective control by a competent per­son, dogs are only permitted in cemeter­ies if they are on an appropriate lead. For information visit: bit.ly/CompanionAnimal­Guidelines.

Forbes Youth Action Team: The theme for Local Government Week 2024 is “Your Voice, Your Council”. This week aims to help move the conversation beyond roads, rates and rubbish, to the important and farreaching role Councils play as the hub of the community. Over the next week check out Forbes Shire Council’s socials to gain insight into their roles and responsibilities in the community.

Central West Credit Union: Our branches will be closed on Monday, 5th August for the Bank Holiday. We will reopen on Tues­day, 6th August. You can still manage your finances seamlessly via secure Internet Banking or via our mobile app, available 24/7, from anywhere.

Parkes Show Society: The Young Farm­ers Challenge will be on again at the 2024 Parkes Show. Criteria is simple, you must be older then 15 and can get a team of 4 together. $1,000 prize money up for grabs thanks to sponsor Dwyer Contracting. Don’t forget, tickets are now available for the 2024 Parkes Show. Three day show pass­es will be available online at www.123tix.

com.au. until 11:59pm Sunday 25th August or at the Show office before close of busi­ness Friday 23rd August. Get in early to beat the crowds!

Red Bend Catholic College: College Alumni and Raiders Jersey Flegg assistant coach, Darby Medlyn, presented the u14s boys rugby league team with their jerseys ahead of the Cochrane Cup state semifinal in Canberra earlier this week.

Neighbourhood Central: Neighbourhood Central hosted The Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC to their head office in Parkes.

Natasha is the Shadow Minister for Fami­lies and Communities, Disability Inclusion, Homelessness and Youth. The Family Sup­port team provide events and services such as Parkes Paint the Town REaD, literacy events, supported playgroups, Boori Easter community event at Peak Hill, supported parenting programs, youth groups and case management. The Neighbourhood Centre at Parkes and the Community Hub at Peak Hill are vital resources for community sup­port and information.

Galari – River – Arts Forbes Inc: “Com­munity” & “Friendly”…says it all! Every Wednesday we’ve been meeting at Club Forbes.We thoroughly appreciate the space and assistance provided to us during our planning journey this year. Established in 1918; Club Forbes’ commitment to the Forbes community is truly embedded. Sup­port the club that supports our town.

Rural Women’s Network: Do you want to learn how to capture your audience’s at­tention through compelling videos? Don’t miss out on the next TAFE NSW – Women in Business webinar, Social Media Video Strategies for Success. Wednesday 31st July, 12pm-1pm. Hosted by digital market­ing expert Laura Prael, who was the recent winner of two prestigious Business NSW

awards, Outstanding Business Leader, 2022 – regional and state titles and Excel­lence in Small Business, 2022 and 2023 – regional title. Register now at https://www.tafenswevents.com.au/event/women-inbusiness—social-media-video-strategiesfor-success-e8539

Forbes Shire Council: If you are looking for a Council donation or sponsorship (both in-kind or cash contribution) towards a pro­ject or event, Council’s Community Fund­ing round is open, closing on 31st July. For more information https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 6850 2300 or commu­nity@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Central West Farming Systems: GRDC Harvester SetUp Workshops are back.

Registrations open now for the Tichborne GRDC Harvester SetUp workshop. Learn practical advice to increase harvest efficien­cy, minimise grain losses and prevent fire.

Free and catered event, Thursday 5th Sep­tember. Register at http://bit.ly/43vWe52

Forbes Magpies Junior Rugby League: The GUYS catch up is back on Sunday 28th July from 7:30am at the Boys to the Bush Office by the Lake in Forbes. Come along for ice baths, connections and breathwork.

Register at https://www.talk2mebrocatch­ups.org.au/forbes-guys/

Parkes Golf Club: For those wonder­ing what’s happening at the Parkes Golf Club, they are currently building a new driving range. A huge thanks to the David Thomson McPhersons Parts & Service and Bernard and Matt McCabe Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete, Nathan Munday Builder and Western Temporary Fencing along with our hard working members Rob Sta­ples, Lindsay Elliott, and Bill Bourke.

Forbes Shire Council: Learn essential first aid skills with Forbes Community Re­covery Officers and expert Jack Barnes. From CPR on babies and children to han­dling snake bites, choking, allergies, and asthma, this interactive 2-hour session has got you covered. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. This event hosted during Forbes Playgroup will be held Thursday, 25th July, 10:30am – 12:30pm at Forbes Youth and Community Centre, Battye St, Forbes. Register now and save a life htt­ps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponseP­age.aspx.

Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd. – ARTC: Do you have children and live near our rail network? ARTC are taking expressions of interest for primary schools interested in having ARTC team members come and educate children about safe be­haviour around the rail corridor – we even have a cool animation to show! If you are interested, please the expressions of inter­est form and we’ll be in touch: bit.ly/3zIdGtT

Parkes Shire Libraries: Each weekday afternoon during school holidays, Parkes Library’s Nintendo Switch can be booked by children and youth for a fun game with friends and family. Book your hourly ses­sion by calling Parkes Library on 6861 2309. Please note: children under 10 must be supervised by an adult.

Cancer Council NSW: Thousands of pas­sionate fundraisers will be supporting can­cer research this Daffodil Day, 22nd Au­gust. Will you be one of them? Fundraise any way you want – at work, online, in your community: wear yellow, take the daffodil day dip, hold an event. Visit www.daffodil­day.com.au to learn more.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch: Your community needs you. The benefits of vol­unteering include new skills and valuable work experience, making new friends, bet­ter physical and mental health and wellbe­ing, giving something back, improving your confidence, sense of connection to others in the community, and improving how things work for the better. Show your commitment and come along every second Wednesday 6.30pm at the Vandenberg Hotel. All are welcome.

PCYC Parkes: Holidays are here! Forget the stress of trying to entertain your chil­dren at home these holidays. Send them to the PCYC, where they can spend their holidays having fun, participating in activi­ties and meeting new friends. Special offer: every second day at half price.

NSW Electoral Commission: Expres­sions of interest to work at the 2024 NSW Local Government elections are now open. This is a call-out for people with great cus­tomer service skills to work with us. There are a range of roles available. All are paid positions and no election experience is needed. Some roles are for election day only while others are up to several months. Visit our website to register your interest: https://bit.ly/4csLwld.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Calling all Elvis fans and performers! The Parkes Elvis Fes­tival is bringing the Elvis Quest to Chromef­est on Sunday, 27th October. Secure first or second place to win a $200 Visa gift card plus automatic entry into the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival’s UETA Competition Heat held on Friday 10th January 2025 in Parkes. Don’t miss your chance to show you’ve got what it takes to be the King. For more information, and to apply visit bit.ly/ELVISQUESTCHROMEFEST

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: The commit­tee of the Trundle Bush Tucker Day would like to advise that due to the number of amazing attendees last year, they have made the difficult decision to cap ticket sales. We are strongly encouraging all 2024 attendees to pre-purchase your entry tickets. There will be no guarantee that tick­ets will still be available on the gate on the day. So buy your tickets now, you are able to cancel/refund your tickets up to 7 days before our event. To purchase tickets go to www.123tix.com.au/events/42707/trundlebush-tucker-day-2024

Flannery’s Pharmacy: Next week is Dia­betes Week and the team at Flannery’s Pharmacy will be doing their part by up­grading your BGL machine for free, con­ducting free bloody glucose tests and of­fering free consultations with our very own credentialed diabetes educator, Catherine. Come and see the team in blue to see what we can do for you. Call us on 02 6852 1111 to book in.