Meals on Wheels Parkes, Forbes and West Wyalong are throwing open their doors this Meals on Wheels Day, and everyone is invited to come along, have a cuppa and discover just what their local Meals on Wheels has to offer. The Open Days will be held on Wednesday 26 August from 9am to 11am.

While most people know the Meals on Wheels name, many may not realise just how much they have to offer — or that Meals on Wheels isn’t just for older people.

Sometimes cooking becomes difficult, life gets busy, or perhaps you’re looking for a little extra support for yourself or someone you love. Whatever the reason, head in, meet the local staff and volunteers, see the range of meals and find out how they may be able to help.

And of course, there’ll be morning tea — because you can’t have a proper country get-together without a cuppa! Each office will have something a little different happening on the day. There will also be 20% off all frozen meals purchased between 9am and 11am.

In Parkes, Marathon Health and Parkes Fire and Rescue will join in, with information about aged care services and free home safety checks for seniors.

In Forbes, Marathon Health and Flannery’s Pharmacy will be joining the Meals on Wheels team. Located within the HACC Centre, visitors may also have the opportunity to meet other local services on the day.

In West Wyalong, Marathon Health and Bland Shire Community Care will join the team to share information about local services and support.

Across our three communities, more than 200 volunteers help to deliver over 40,000 meals each year — local people looking out for local people.

Doors will be open in Parkes at 23 Forbes Road, in Forbes at 7 Harold Street and in West Wyalong at 72 Ungarie Road.

So head along and say hello.

There’s something special about a good bookshop — a place where stories are dis­covered and people feel welcome to slow down for a while.

At Inkwood & Ivy, we’ve spent the past six months building exactly that: an invit­ing, community-focused space for readers, gift-givers, and anyone searching for a little everyday magic.

Over the coming months, we’re excited to bring even more literary events to Parkes.

On 18 June, we’ll welcome acclaimed Australian children’s author Katrina Nan­nestad for a special live video call event in store. A bestselling and multi-award-win­ning author, Katrina is beloved for stories including Rabbit Soldier Angel Thief, We Are Wolves and The Travelling Bookshop series. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to hear about her life as an author and ask questions about her books and writing process at this free event.

On 1 July, we’ll host an author event with Forbes writer Bec George for her debut novel Painted Hearts, giving readers the chance to meet the author and celebrate the launch.

We’ll also celebrate six months of Ink­wood & Ivy with our cosy winter event, Ink­wood After Dark, on 4 July. The evening will feature delicious eats by Bec’s Catering, bookish activities, gift bags, exclusive dis­counts, and plenty of good company.

Ask in store or jump online for more infor­mation and keep an eye on our regular col­umn for announcements and events Wheth­er you’re searching for your next great read, a thoughtful gift, or simply a cosy place to browse, we’d love to welcome you into the shop.

Consider how you too could make a mean­ingful difference in your community. This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” recognises the in­credible people who already give their time to others and encourages more people to discover the difference volunteering can make.

Vinnies Central & Far West NSW extend sincere thanks to their dedicated Vinnies volunteers and members in Parkes, whose compassion and commitment continue to strengthen our local community.

Through their kindness, care, and practi­cal support, Vinnies volunteers bring hope to those in need and create a strong sense of connection and belonging. Their efforts re­mind us that communities are built through generosity and a willingness to help others.

Acknowledgement goes to the following Parkes Volunteers for their longstanding commitment:

• 30 years: Krytyna Szabo

• 25 years: Garry and Janice Hussey

• 15 years: Neil Cox and Brian Dow

• 10 years: Sarah Bowkett, Alan Curteis, Frances Scurfield, Kate Linnane and Su­san Morrison

• 5 years: Joshua Cowling and Tony Marsh

If you are interested in joining Vinnies, visit your local Vinnies store, contact our Re­gional Office on 02 6862 5758, or email wcf­svdp@vinnies.org.au. Or EOI via the link – https://mvportal.vinnies.org.au/login

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT is calling on families to apply for a 2026 Variety Heart Scholarship, offering life-changing support for young people living with disabilities, chronic illness or financial hardship.

The scholarship provides practical, finan­cial assistance to help children aged 8 – 18 years reach their full potential in sport, mu­sic and the creative arts.

Whether its funding for specialist equip­ment, competitions or training programs, the scholarship is designed to empower children to pursue their passions, build their talent and participate fully in their cho­sen field.

Variety NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner, said the program continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact for families doing it tough.

“Every child deserves the chance to fol­low their dreams and feel included, regard­less of circumstances,” he said.

“The Variety Heart Scholarship is about recognising potential and providing the support needed to help children thrive – on the field, on the stage, and beyond.”

Parents, carers and guardians of eligible children are encouraged to apply now with applications open until Thursday 21 May at 4pm. For information visit https://nsw.vari­ety.org.au/variety-heart-scholarships/.

New data has revealed the impact the Al­banese Labor Government’s disastrous en­ergy policies are having on local families.

According to the Australian Energy Regu­lator, over 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December 2025.

Since Labor was elected in 2022, 72,914 households have recorded hardship. Na­tionally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just 3.5 years, the highest level of hardship on record.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaf­fey said the energy crisis was heaping pres­sure on local households.

“It is heartbreaking to hear of the impact rising power bills, together with inflation, climbing interest rates and the fuel crisis, is having on families in the Parkes elector­ate. Many are at breaking point,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Behind this new data are people in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet, yet all they get from the federal government are broken promises.

“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Austral­ians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve.”

The wonderful team at the local Parkes Big W store recently supported the Lifestyle So­lutions foster care team with a very gener­ous donation of Easter chocolates.

For children and young people in care, holidays can sometimes be a challenging time. Small acts of kindness from the local community help create a sense of belong­ing and ensure they don’t miss out on the holiday fun.

The Lifestyle Solutions Parkes team was thrilled to receive the donation, noting the immediate impact it will have: “Big W Parkes, your kindness and support will bring joy and smiles to children in our foster care program this Easter.

“Because of you, Easter will be a little bit brighter, a little sweeter, and full of special moments for the young people we support.”

A huge, heartfelt thank you to the BIG W Parkes team for their generosity.

Children and young people all across Australia urgently need foster carers, par­ticularly in our local area. Could you open your heart and home to a child who needs you? To fond out more go to: www.lifestyles­olutions.org.au/foster-care/foster-care-withlifestyle-solutions