Gotcha4Life: Gotcha4Life & Anchor Health are thrilled to invite you and the community to a free mental fitness training day. At Gotcha4Life, we are a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting mental fitness in local communities and this unique opportunity will be held across the Central West NSW region, offering you a chance to learn tools to build your mental fitness and gain a Mental Health First Aid certification.

There are 20 spots available per session so register as soon as possible to secure your place. You can email programs@gotcha4life.org Parkes: Thursday 25th July | 9am – 5pm | Parkes Services Club

Parkes Spacemen Rugby League Page: Ben Lovett, a Parkes Spacemen junior, has been nominated for the Ken Stephen Medal for all the work he has been doing off field for rugby league. Follow the link and vote for Benny https://www.nrl.com/community/awards/ken-stephen-medal/

Forbes Library: Come to Forbes Library and build Lego creations! Lego Club at Forbes Library will be held on Thursday 18 July at 10.30am. There are many benefits to playing with Lego including improved eye and hand coordination, development of spatial skills, persistence and patience, enhanced fine motor skills, problem-solving

skills, achieving a sense of accomplishment, learning how to plan, social skills and teamwork. No experience is necessary, and all Lego will be provided. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult and those under 12 years need to be signed in and out by an adult. Book your place online via Eventbrite.com.au or call Forbes Library on 6852 1463.

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council wishes to advise that applications for Round 1 of the 2024/2025 Community and Destination Events Financial Assistance Program are now open. Council is committed to supporting the development, growth, improvement, and sustainability of local and destination events. For more information, or to apply for assistance, visit: bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants

Lachlan NSW SES: Last Saturday, members from NSW SES Southern Zone and Western Zone teams took on the elements to lead a Flood Rescue Personal Development day in Forbes, NSW. From simulated car rescues to evacuating people stranded by floodwaters, we’re ready for anything Mother Nature throws our way! A big shoutout to our partners: VRA Rescue NSW & AmbulanceNSW for joining us.

Parkes Shire Council: Council is pleased to announce that Stage 2 of the Kelly Reserve precinct upgrade is due to com­mence on Monday 8th July 2024. The new play space will include: Ninja course, inclu­sive carousel and toddler equipment. The existing play area will be fenced off from Tuesday 25th June for pre-work prior to contractor starting on 8 July and is antici­pated to take 6-8 weeks. The new water play space and BBQ facilities will remain open to the public.

Tickets To Agribusiness Today Forum 2024 Are On Sale Now: The Agribusiness Today Forum (ABTF) 2024 is set to be held at the Australian National Field Days site conference center on 1st August. Visit htt­ps://events.humanitix.com/agribusines-today-forum-2024 to secure your ticket for just $49 including lunch.

NSW Government: The NSW Govern­ment will be making the following changes to domestic violence legal processes:

• Tougher bail rules for alleged domestic violence offenders

• Only magistrates or judges will make bail decisions

• More support for remote bail hearings with new tech and extra magistrates

• From 1st July 2024, there will be new laws about coercive control (find out more at bit.ly/NSWCoercive-Control).

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.auVisit Parkes Region: Join the Central West Car Club Show ‘n Shine on Saturday 19th October at Pioneer Oval, Alexandra St, Parkes. Get ready for a ‘wheelie’ good day with cars, trucks, bikes, anything with wheels. Spectator entry is by gold coin do­nation and gates open from 9am to 3pm.

Entrant entry is $20, gates open early from 7:30am to 9am. All proceeds go to charity.

There will be a canteen on site.

Red Bend Catholic College: The school Vinnies group has been working hard, run­ning school BBQs and an Easter egg fund­raiser to contribute to this important cause, managing to raise $1,000! A special thanks to Bernardi’s Marketplace for providing the Easter eggs. These funds will go towards the local Vinnies Winter Appeal program, used to provide emergency relief for those in immediate need – things like warm blan­kets, clothing, and food. It also helps fund long-term solutions, such as housing as­sistance, counselling, and job training pro­grams.

Parkes Que Club: Parkes Que Club are fortunate in having three fine painters in their Club, and with the help of other not so artistic members, they give painting les­sons to residents of Southern Cross Aged Care Home. They recently spent an after­noon learning how to paint under the guid­ance of Que artists. With tea and scones to keep everyone going, it was an afternoon of great fun and merriment, and the group produced some pretty good artwork too.

If you enjoy helping others, making new friends and having fun as well, please give Parkes Que Club a call on 0407 894 498.

R U OK?Day: It’s OK to sit together in silence. Sometimes people just need to know you’re there for them.

Forbes Youth Action Team: Join Forbes Shire Council on Thursday 18th July for two great watercolour workshops by @Ka­ren Ritchie Art. It will be a day for children to let their inner creative speak. Registra­tion is essential as there are only 10 spots in each session. Make sure to register your child to the correct time slot based on their age. Register via www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Shire Libraries: Bookings are now open for the screen printing workshop to be held in Trundle on Wednesday 17th July. Open to students in year 6 to year 12.

Bookings are essential through Humanitix.

https://events.humanitix.com/screen-print­ing-workshop-in-trundle

NSW Department of Primary Industries: Have Your Say on Pest Animal Management in Regional NSW! Find your region here: https://shorturl.at/Ec5h0.

Submissions close on 8th July 2024. Feedback is welcome on the draft 2024-2028 Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans for 11 re­gions across NSW.

Trundle ABBA Festival: “Love isn’t easy” but attending the Trundle ABBA Festival on Saturday 19th October is! We’ve got you sorted for an amazing weekend in Trundle.

• Tickets: bit.ly/ABBAtickets2024

• Camping: bit.ly/ABBAcamping2024

• Bus transport: bit.ly/ABBAbus2024

For more information, visit www.Trundle­ABBAfestival.com.au

Forbes Shire Council Public Notice: As anticipation builds for this Saturday’s Frost and Fire, the Forbes Ski Dam will close to the public until Sunday 23rd June. Please note the Walking Track is still open to the public. Purchase your tickets today via www.123tix.com.au/events/42630/frost-and-fire

Parkes High School: There is exciting news for Parkes High School Yr 12 student Matty Price, who has qualified to swim in the NSW All Schools Swimming team, af­ter coming second at the qualifying meet.

He will swim at the Schools Sports Austral­ian Championships on the Gold Coast. We wish him the best of luck.

Amazing Forbes NSW: Celebrate 50 years of Arts Outwest with The Plinth Show.

Come along and discover the unique works of artist Ronda Sharpe at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre this June. Ronda’s art intertwines Wiradjuri culture and contem­porary environmental themes, showcasing the beauty of repurposed materials and traditional weaving. Visit us and experience history and modernity through Ronda’s stunning art pieces.

Trundle ABBA Festival: Want to arrive at the Trundle ABBA Festival in absolute style? Step on board the Railway Adven­tures ABBA Express and experience a fun 5-day, flamboyant, fully escorted tour of Central NSW and the Trundle ABBA Fes­tival by private heritage train. Trip details are 18th – 22nd October: Sydney, Orange, Parkes, Trundle, Dubbo, Wallerarang,The Great Zig Zag Railway, four breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners. For more in­formation you can visit railwayadventures.travel or call 1300 800 977.

Woodfired Eugowra: Woodfired Eugowra is returning in 2024, and we’re thrilled to announce that applications for stallholders are now open. Join us on Saturday, August 3rd, for a spectacular free event supported by the Eugowra Events & Tourism Associa­tion. With over 1,000 visitors expected, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your products and connect with our vibrant com­munity. Interested? Register your interest by emailing secretary.etta@gmail.com Don’t miss out on being part of this excit­ing day.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are working together to develop a Regional Drought Resilience Plan and we want your valu­able insights and ideas to help prepare the plan. The purpose of the plan is to consider the opportunities available to mitigate and alleviate the impacts of drought now, (QR code below) before drought is upon us. An online survey is open now and a series of local drop-in sessions and workshops will be held in:

• Bedgerabong Public School drop in session on Thursday 4 July 8.30am – 9.30am.

• Forbes at the Town Hall for a workshop on Friday 5 July from 9am – 11am.

Power Tools Plus Show Support For Tradies Under Construction In Parkes: Congratulations to the official Parkes High School Year 10 RIEP crew for completing your 5 week Introduction to Construction course. All the best for your future tradie ca­reers. A recent article in The Parkes Phoe­nix about the course inspired us to drop in on their last day with a surprise bag of good­ies to support the students as they consider their futures as apprentices. A dedicated, focused and well behaved bunch, the future is sure looking bright.

Professional Development Day – Cen­tral West NSW: Central West tourism and hospitality operators are invited to discover how to position their business as an em­ployer of choice at a free, one-day seminar.

The seminar will be held at The Remington, Orange, on Monday 17th June, 9am to 5pm which includes one hour of networking.

Australian College of Physical Educa­tion: The Australian College of Physical Education’s Open Day on 22nd June is your chance to explore your child’s potential in the sports industry. Register your child now to start their sport career journey. For more information visit acpe.edu.au/openday

Amazing Forbes NSW: 2024 Frost & Fire Food Foodies, you’re in for a treat! From smoked meats to gourmet desserts, what­ ever your heart desires, we assure you that this year’s Frost and Fire won’t disap­point. Stalls include Smoking Brothers, The Cheesecake Co, Trang Hue, Cameron Her­bert, Forbes Netball Association, The Frisky BriskeT, Sweeet Street, Mr Pizza Van, Dip N Dots, Cook Wook Wong, Spuddy Buddy, Ridgeys Delights, Simply k8terinG. Tickets are on sale now, but hurry, they won’t last www.123tix.com.au/events/42630/frostandfire

Cheers To 30 Years Festival: To celebrate 30 years of Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations, we want to thank the commu­ nity for their support. So we are hosting a free festival with Daryl Braithwaite as the headline act. More acts will be announced soon. You can register for your free tickets at www.123tix.com.au/events/44118/north­parkes-cheers-to-30-years-festival.

Forbes High School P&C Association: The transformation of the school canteen space has been exciting to watch, and the students now have an inviting area to sit and eat, while catching up with their mates. The Forbes High School P&C Association can celebrate their fundraising efforts knowing the new space benefits all students.

 

NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade: Last Wednesday was WOW day (wear orange Wednesday) . This is a day to celebrate and thank the work of the SES. We thank NSW SES Parkes Unit & NSW SES Forbes Unit for your continued efforts and dedication to the community. Thank you for all your assistance in the past and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Forbes TAFE Campus: We are currently taking expressions of interest for the following course – 800-000030 TAFE Statement in Basic Welding. Discover the fundamentals of welding in this course designed for students at any skill level. Kickstart your career in fabrication and welding, bring your existing skills up to date or develop basic skills for your own private use. Proposed 3 hours per night for 7 weeks on a Thursday. Starting 1st August 2024. Cost $940. Register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/0V5BrX3zZJ

Parkes District Hospital Retired Nurses Luncheon: Don’t forget that the retired nurses luncheon will be held at the Hong Loch restaurant on Monday 3rd of June at 12 midday. Anyone who has worked in any position at the Parkes district hospital is warmly invited along with their partners to join for a chat, lunch and catch up.

Eugowra Public School: On Friday last week, students enjoyed a visit from Toothie, Maddie and Michelle from Forbes Family Dentists. There were lots of big smiles all round.

Parkes Picnic Races: Gents… It’s time to take off those work boots and chuck on a suit, cause the Parkes Picnic Races is just around the corner. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets via the link https://bit.ly/Parkespicnicraces2024

Forbes Arts Society: Join us at the opening of our All Things ‘P’ exhibition this Saturday 1 June, 2pm at Forbes Town Hall. This exhibition is part of the Arts Outwest 50 year celebrations, and is one of four exhibitions on display this weekend.

Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations: You are looking at NSW Mining Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Awards finalists for 2024. The Frontline Services Ball has been announced as a finalist in the Community Excellence category. We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication of the amazing committee members.

 

PHS NAIDOC Celebrations: There was some amazing Indigenous art that was created by Parkes High School Year 7 students which was displayed at the schools recent NAIDOC assembly.

Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc: Do you have a passion for helping others? Are you looking for a career in the community services sector? The Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Support and Capacity Building Project have full scholarships on offer to complete a Certificate IV in Community Services. To see the full list of eligibility requirements, and to receive an information package go to lwrs.org.au

Neighbourhood Central: National Volunteer Week is Australias largest annual celebration of volunteering. At Neighbourhood Central, its an opportunity for us to highlight the important role of our volunteers. We are very grateful for all the work our volunteers do to help our communities in Parkes, Forbes, Peak Hill, Condobolin, Wyalong, Lake Cargelligo, and everywhere in between. Thank you. We couldnt do it without you.

R U OK?Day: Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle. Dont underestimate the impact a kind gesture can have for someone who needs it. It could be offering practical help with tasks, inviting them to an event or taking the time to have a chat and asking how they are going. R U OK? Day 2024 is Thursday 12th September. But every day is the day to start a meaningful conversation with those we care about and ask, are you OK?.

Parkes Shire Library: Waste 2 Art Opening. Saturday 1st June, 10.30am, Coventry Room. Waste 2 Art is open till the 29th June. Join us for the opening of Waste 2 Art and announcement of winners. Free event. Bookings through Humanitix. https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-crpdbdc5. Forbes Arts Society: As part of the Arts Outwest 50th Anniversary celebrations, Forbes Arts Society members are invited to showcase their work as part of the All Things P exhibition. This small-scale pop-up exhibition will be displayed in the Forbes Town Hall concourse on 1st and 2nd June to coincide with the Arts OutWest Anniversary Dinner. The exhibition will feature works on paper. Mediums can be paint, pastel, pencil or print. 2D works, such as pottery, will also be accepted. Entry forms can be downloaded via www.forbesartssociety.com and returned to hello@forbesartssociety.com by Thursday 30th May.

 

TAFE NSW Forbes: Following on from the success of our Native Animal Basic Rescue and Critical Care short course last year, we are seeking expressions of interest to run another one of these courses this year or something similar such as Animal First Aid. To register your interest please click here: https://forms.office.com/r/bsZpE2kPyV

Central West Police District: Central West Police District are actively targeting property offenders across the District. We request assistance from our community partners by ensuring young persons who attend service stations between 12am and 6am remove hoodies, sunglasses and balaclavas when making transactions. This simple procedure will assist in the identification of property offenders

Parkes Shire Council: The Animal Welfare League NSW’s Animal Care Truck is visiting Parkes Friday 24 May, offering free veterinary services. Services include: Free pet health checks, Free microchipping, Free Dog C3 vaccinations, Free Cat F3 vaccinations. You can find them at Parkes Showground, Mitchell St, Parkes from 8am. This offer is targeted towards low-income earners, pensioners and those experiencing financial hardship. For more information, visit https://www.awlnsw.com.au

Forbes Shire Council: Calling all pet parents in Forbes! Forbes is rolling out the red carpet once again for our furry friends AWL is back at Lions Park on the 23rd of may from 8am – 12pm, offering free vet checks and vaccinations for dogs and cats in our community. Remember, dogs must be on leads and cats in carriers. Maximum of 3 animals per household. No appointments are needed. Our rangers will also be offering free microchipping services and updating outdated chips.

1800RESPECT: Social abuse is behaviour that aims to cut you off from your family, friends or community. This is a form of domestic and family violence. To find out about examples of social abuse, visit: https://1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/social-abuse. For support you can also contact 1800RESPECT; call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au

Parkes Elvis Festival: We are being inundated with messages asking when the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express will go on sale. We are pleased to announce that tickets will go on sale at 10am on Thursday 16th May 2024. The NSW TrainLink Elvis Express is proudly supported by Transport for NSW.

Forbes High School Eisteddfod Performance: Congratulations to all the students who attended Cowra Eisteddfod last Thursday. The adjudicator and audience were certainly entertained by the FHS group and solo performances.

NSW Government: New laws on coercive control will come into effect in NSW from 1 July 2024. Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It’s domestic abuse and it causes serious harm. Learn the signs of coercive control at nsw.gov.au/go/CoerciveControl-FB If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available. Contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732

Parkes Shire Council: You’re invited to a Community Forum with the NSW Premier and Cabinet Ministers on Friday 17 May in Orange. Register now at nsw.gov.au/communitycabinet to attend and have a say about the priorities for your community. Registrations close Friday 10 May.

Forbes High School P&C Association: Meeting will be held Wednesday 29th May, 5pm, Club Forbes (Coffee Lounge). We welcome new faces who are keen to help form a fundraising team to share ideas and to contribute to the success of our school.

Lachlan NSW SES: Your community needs you. When disaster strikes, we step up to support those in need. You can too. At NSW SES, we believe that everyone has a role to play. Whether you’re a Storm & Flood Damage volunteer, a Road Crash Rescue Operator or an Admin & Logistics Officer, there’s a place for you in the Orange Army. Join us and help your community today! Visit to learn more about volunteering: https://tinyurl.com/VolunteerNSWSES

Visit Parkes Region: The Peak Hill’s 51st Annual Arts and Craft Exhibition will take place over the course of two days, 8-9 June 2024 between 9:30am-4pm. Come and witness a variety of artisan and modern contemporary style arts and crafts including paverpol, wool and yarn crafts, weaving, patchwork quilts, mosaics, pot plants and so much more! Admission is $2 pp. The Exhibition’s Official Opening is Friday June 7th at 6:00pm.

Get Out And About This Mother’s Day: Glencara is situated halfway between Grenfell and Young in the Hilltops region and the property will be open for Mothers day from 10am until 3pm. There is an entry fee but it may just be worth it to secure yourself a little ‘me’ time in that amazing maze!