Talk2MeBro Forbes! Talk2mebro’s Con­scious Connection is coming! Unearth hid­den traumas, release emotions, & embrace well-being with Talk2mebro’s Conscious Connection Workshop. Join our intensified workshop and experience breathwork & ceremonial cacao like never before. Limit­ed spots available 6:30 PM – 9:45 PM Date: Fri, 30th May 2025. Get your tickets today: https://events.humanitix.com/talk2mebro-conscious-connection-workshop-forbes-fri-30th-may-2025

Central West Police District: Operation Amarok X is a statewide offender focused operation with Central West Police Dis­trict actively working to arrest outstanding offenders, serve Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) and conduct compliance checks. This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to preventing and addressing domestic and family violence.

Parkes Shire Council: Council is advis­ing that a temporary shoulder closure will be in place to facilitate the construction of kerb and gutter from the intersection of Bogan Street through to the intersection of Ward Street, Parkes. Works are scheduled to take place from 7:00am on Monday, 19 May 2025, through to 5:00pm on Friday, 1 August 2025, weather permitting. For infor­mation visit: bit.ly/44ZZ2vN

Volunteering Australia: Join us for an online celebration as we shine a spotlight on the millions of volunteers making an extraordinary impact on their communities. Friday 23 May, 12pm – 1pm. Register now and be part of this special event. events.humanitix.com/connecting-communities

Parkes Picnic Races: The Parkes Picnic Races committee are thrilled to announce that local legends EasyGoin’ will be hitting the stage at the Parkes Picnic Races on Saturday 7 June. So dust off your picnic rug, gather your mates, and get ready for a fun-filled day of racing, relaxing, and rock­ing out. Book your tickets now at https://bit.ly/parkespicnicraces

Central West Police District: Lock it or Lose it! Please lock your doors at night, fur­ther stealing incidents have been recorded in Forbes and Parkes where opportunistic offenders have gained entry through un­locked doors.

Neighbourhood Central: Keast Park was bursting with colour, laughter and commu­nity spirit at Healthy Harold’s Colour Run. It was fantastic to see the whole community connect to celebrate health and wellbeing. A huge thank you to our local community partners who volunteered and to all that came along and joined in the fun.

The construction phase of the Quorn Park Hybrid Farm project, on Back Trundle Road, Parkes NSW, is progressing. Initial construction activities have started onsite, with materials delivered for access tracks and working areas. Further road upgrades to Henry Parkes Way and McGrath Lane, including an upgrade to the intersection, are scheduled to commence shortly.

Piling works have also commenced on site and are expected to continue for approximately four months. These works involve steel posts being driven into the ground by a specialised piling machine, forming the framework for panel installation. Due to the hammer-like nature of the piling machines, there will be some noise associated with these works. Construction hours are Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm, and Saturday 7:00am to 1:00pm. All construction works are undertaken in accordance with the conditions of the Develop­ment Approval and relevant legislative requirements.

Vehicle movements are being continuously monitored to minimise impacts to local road users where possible. Light and heavy ve­hicles will continue along Henry Parkes Way, McGrath Lane, and Back Trundle Road as materials and personnel are transported to site, generally between 7.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

Potentia Energy intends to work closely with the local community to enhance the economic and social conditions in the local area and proactively share benefits within the local community.

Also committed to local sourcing throughout the project’s opera­tional and construction phases, where it’s possible. It is expected that the project will create significant local employment and supply opportunities during construction, and work closely with the main contractors.

Election day is Saturday, 3 May. You can vote at any polling place on polling day, just don’t forget to vote. Polling places are usu­ally located at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings. Voting locations can be found at aec.gov.au On election day you’ll receive two ballot papers: a green one for the House of Rep­resentatives and a white one for the Senate.

On the white ballot paper you can choose to vote either above or below the line. On the green ballot paper, you need to number every box for your vote to count.

Major centres in the Parkes Electorate include Moree, Walgett, Narrabri, Coona­barabran, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Forbes, Parkes, Condobolin, Cobar, Broken Hill, Bourke and Brewarrina.

Candidates for the Parkes electorate will appear on the ballot paper in the following order:

Mark Carter (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)Stephen Pope (Shooters Fishers and Farm­ers Party)Trish Frail (The Australian Greens Party)Petrus Van Der Steen (Trumpet of Patriots)Bob Wilson (Independent)Nathan Fell (Australian Labor Party)Jamie Chaffey (National Party of Australia)Maurice Davey (Family First Party)Stuart Howe (Independent)Sally Edwards (Libertarian Party)

The Central West Greens this week an­nounced Councillor Trish Frail the candidate for Parkes and Ben Parker as the candidate for Calare at the upcoming Federal Election.

Cr Trish Frail, the Greens candidate for Parkes, is a Ngemba woman who calls Brewarrina home. Trish is a Councillor on Brewarrina Shire Council and is currently working with the Council and the community to put the Biami Ngunnhu Fish Traps on the world heritage list as the oldest man-made structure in the world. Previously, Trish led a successful campaign against the establish­ment of a nuclear waste facility in the shire.

“Parkes is in need of a change. We don’t need a local member from a party pushing the nuclear fantasy as a solution for our en­ergy needs. We need someone who cares for the whole electorate, for our environ­ment, and for our future generations,” she says.

In Calare, the Greens candidate is Ben Parker, a university student studying Infor­mation Technology at Charles Sturt Univer­sity. Ben’s primary goal is to inspire young people to get involved in politics and show them how powerful their voice really is.

‘With Gen Z and Millennials set to out­number Baby Boomers in this upcoming federal election, I believe my perspective as a young candidate makes me uniquely po­sitioned to connect with and represent the younger voters in our electorate. By advo­cating for urgent action on key issues like climate change and the cost of living crisis, I am committed to fighting for policies that put people and the planet first,’ he says.

In the Senate, electors in Calare and Parkes can re-elect current Greens Sena­tor and Deputy Greens Leader, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, for a second term. Mehreen is a civil and environmental engineer and life-long activist for social and environmental justice.

In 2013, she joined NSW State Parliament, becoming the first Muslim woman to sit in an Australian parliament. In 2018, Mehreen became Australia’s first Muslim Senator.

Mehreen is a hard-working and passionate advocate against racism and misogyny.

Labor has failed to find a live sheep ‘transi­tion advocate’ more than six months since it passed the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said despite the position having a $1.7 mil­lion commitment from Labor, not one single person in the entire country wanted it.

“It is Australia’s least wanted, highest pay­ing job, paying an enormous $1600 a day for up to 80 days. It is clear no one wants to be the transition advocate, because no farmer wants the phase out of live sheep exports to proceed.”

Parkes Shire Concert Band: The Parkes Shire Concert Band are putting a call out to anyone who may have taken a photo of the band leading the Elvis parade? If so they are asking you to send a copy via email gaveltom@hotmail.com

Lifeline Central West: Did you know we also have financial counsellors who pro­vide information, support and advocacy to help clients overcome financial difficulties.

You can book a free phone, online or faceto-face appointment on 1300 798 258 or email info@lifelinecentralwest.org.au

Gooloogong Valentine’s Day Markets: The Gooloogong Park Valentine’s Markets will be held on Sunday, 9 February 2025, 9am to 1pm. To date they have over 30 stalls booked in with a wide range of prod­ucts on sale. This an ideal opportunity to purchase a special gift for a loved one.

Don’t forget that EFTPOS facilities are not always available due to poor internet reception so bring along some cash just in case. For further information and stall bookings email gooloogongparkmarkets@gmail.com or text 0488 237 678.

Talk 2 Me Bro: The guys are catching up this Sunday 3 February from 7:30 at the Boys to the Bush office. Come along for ICE baths, connections and breathwork.

Come and enjoy a morning of Connection with yourself and others. This event will be facilitated by the Talk2mebro Team. Regis­ter here https://www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbes-guys/

Munch and Move SWS: Starting school can be exciting but also challenging for some children. Parents can help their chil­dren have a good start to school by joining this free and online Small Steps webinar.

Ask questions and learn about separation anxiety and how to help children face any worries with small steps. The free event runs on Tuesday 11 February from 6pm to 7.15pm. Families can register at: https://events.humanitix.com/small-steps-separa­tion-anxiety-seminar

Parkes Chamber of Commerce: Calling for business feedback for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival. Closes midnight 2 February https://dnsw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0VTsXdNNI3zB1X0

Forbes Shire Council: Calling all commu­nity groups, charities and not-for-profit or­ganisations based in Forbes Shire. Could your organisation use some funding to help out with an upcoming event or project? You can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, with a total $75,000 available across four cat­egories. Applications close midnight on Fri­day 31 January. For more information and to apply go to https://forbesshire.smart­ygrants.com.au

2024 HSC Success For Red Bend Cath­olic College Student: RBCC want to congratulate Freya Hooper, who was an­nounced as being one of 4 students to top the state in Primary Industries in the 2024 HSC exam. Congratulations also to the three other country girls who came equal first in the course, which covers everything from fencing to driving a tractor and drench­ing sheep; Jorja Banett from St Paul’s Col­lege Walla Walla, Poppy Starr from Scots All Saints College and Josephine Galcsik from St Philip’s Christian Education Foun­dation.

R U OK? Not everyone has the same thoughts, feelings and experiences over the holiday period. Someone you know might find it a really tough time of year.

Keep an eye out for the signs a mate is struggling, and take the time to check in.

Double Demerits In Force From Today: Philip Donato MP is reminding everyone that double demerits are in place for 13 consecutive days in NSW over the festive season, from Friday, 20 December 2024 until the end of Wednesday, 1 January 2025 inclusive. “A timely reminder to be ex­tra safe out there on the roads this festive season – arrive alive!” Take care, Phil.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Everyone is in­vited to visit the annual Elvis Photography Competition running from 8 – 31 January in the Coventry Room, at the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre. The announcement of winners will take place on Friday 10 Janu­ary at 4pm. Everyone is welcome. Light re­freshments will be available.

Forbes Veterinary Clinic: Are you going Fishing over the Holidays? Fishing related litter and debris can have a big impact on wildlife that interact with it. Birds, turtles, platypus and other aquatic animals can be accidentally injured by discarded fish­ing tackle, including fishing line, hooks and sinkers, lures, traps and nets. At some pop­ular fishing sites, it can also impact visitors and their dogs.

Central West Police District: A reminder as we get into the holidays and people are travelling. Driving fatigued is one of the three biggest killers on NSW Roads. htt­ps://testyourtiredself.com.au/

Parkes Public School: We wish Mrs Whit­ty all the best in her retirement! Thank you Mrs Whitchurch for 31 years of service at Parkes Public School and over 40 years of service to the Department of Education.

You have made such a wonderful impact on the PPS school community

Power Tools Plus: Power Tools Plus do­nated a Kincrome cooler and other mer­chandise toward the Forbes Town & Dis­trict Tennis Club Charity Tennis Family Fun Day. Coming up on 22nd September, the event is aimed at raising money for the great folks at Little Wings and Forbes local Leo Doyle. It is sure to be a great event.

Forbes Show: The Forbes Show sched­ule sections are now on the website. Go to: https://www.forbesshow.com/schedules

Looking For A Loyal Companion? The Parkes Shire Animal Shelter have some furry friends looking for a loving home. Bring joy into your home and theirs by adopting today. To view the animals, visit: bit.ly/AnimalsForAdoption

NSW Aboriginal Land Council Scholar­ships: There are four weeks left to apply for the NSWALC Educational Scholarship. NSWALC has committed annually, to two scholarships of $10,000 each, to assist students with funds to help complete their studies and is aimed at NSW Aboriginal undergraduate/graduate degree students, via any mode of delivery, at a tertiary insti­tution. For more information and to apply go to: www.alc.org.au/educational-scholar­ship.

Red Bend Junior Rugby League: A huge congratulations to the Red Bend Catholic College under 14’s Sky League Tag team who have taken out the minor premiership. The first round of finals will be played at Canowindra on Saturday, with all matches to follow on from the 9am game in order as listed. You can get tickets at: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44991/ldjrlweek-1-canowindra

Parkes Show Society: Don’t miss the jaw dropping entertainment from Airtime FMX at the Parkes Show! All thanks to two major sponsors Evolution Mining North­parkes Operations and McPhersons Parts & Service. Grab your tickets at: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44177/parkesshow

NSW Reconstruction Authority: If you were impacted by the 2022 floods and were unable to attend a recent Resilient Homes Program Central West information ses­sion, this is your opportunity to have your say on the proposed Program approach. Share your thoughts and feedback about the Resilient Homes Program Central West at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/resilient-homes-program-central-west before 11:59pm on Friday 16th August. Eugowra residents can visit 45 Broad Street, Eugowra on Friday 16th August, from 9am to 4pm.