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.

The Greater Bank Finance Academy is proud to announce that teachers across the Central West can deliver the High School Fi­nancial Literacy Program in 2024.

The free program allows teachers to deliver the full course cur­riculum in their classrooms – empowering Year 9 and 10 students to access crucial financial literacy.

Covering topics such as budgeting, saving, planning for the fu­ture, and understanding financial products like credit cards and loans, the program also addresses modern financial trends, giv­ing students a comprehensive understanding of the financial world they will navigate.

Greater Bank Chief Distribution Offer, Emma Brokate, said the teacher-led lessons aim to inspire students across the state with vital money management skills. “Financial literacy is not just about managing money, it’s about encouraging individuals to make in­formed decisions that enhance their financial stability and wellbe­ing,” said Ms Brokate.

“Enabling teachers to deliver the full program ensures that more students can access essential money management skills directly within their educational environment.”

Dean of the University of Newcastle Business School, Professor James Skinner, highlighted the partnership’s benefits.

“We are proud to enhance the financial literacy in our communi­ties and offer our students practical experiences that prepare them for the future” Professor Skinner said.

Schools interested in participating in the Greater Bank Finance Academy can visit www.greater.com.au/uon to get in touch.

On Saturday 8th July, only 27 players braved the cold, however the arrivals found the game enjoyable. Three wins were recorded by Merv Langfield, Joan Littlejohn, Neville Spry and Rex Toole. Well done to those players and particularly to Merv as he hasn’t been around for a while so great to see him back.

We are looking forward to our home game on Sunday 23rd July 23 at Gaggin Oval. The day is set to be a beauty, with five junior grades. This will see the debut of our under 10’s side which will be made up of our senior Auskicker’s who will transition into junior footy for the first time. Get excited!

Cutting-edge motorcycle detection testing technology has been introduced at Transport for NSW’s vehicle testing and research centre to help make our roads safer for both drivers and motorcyclists across the state.

The newest and most advanced testing technology is aimed at preventing motorcycle collisions and has been rolled out alongside the completion of a new 400 metre intersection at the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal.

The new technology can assess how well a car detects and avoids collisions with motorcyclists. In NSW, motorcycle registrations have jumped by 20 per cent to nearly 280,000 in the last five years, and tragically, on average, 58 motorcyclists are killed and almost 1000 seriously injured on NSW roads every year.

“This new technology upgrade will allow ANCAP to advance to the latest, most sophisticated set of criteria for its vehicle safety ratings in NSW and cements this facility as a world-class autonomous technology testing site.

“The safety testing carried out at this site benefits all road users from families to freight operators, and importantly keeps jobs and knowledge in Australia.” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said.

The NSW Government’s expansion of its testing capabilities and on-site expertise in Cudal is critical to the work of Australasia’s independent vehicle safety testing organisation, ANCAP. 

The world-class site is helping the automotive industry and developers realise the next generation of safety enhancements that will benefit all road users.

The new crossroad intersects the existing 1.6-kilometre runway at the former Hazelton airport site. The $1.2 million intersection was constructed by TfNSW teams from across the Central West, along with a contractor’s local crews.

To date the Cudal site has delivered more than 80 test and research programs. Other recent upgrades to the FMTRC include the installation of EV charging facilities, refurbishment of the existing house with fit-for-purpose office spaces for testing teams, and an upgrade to 5G connectivity across the site to facilitate advanced vehicle testing.