Thursday winners at the Parkes Bridge Club were Anne Berkeley, Helen McQuie, Catherine Smith and John Quin.
Breastscreen Van In Parkes: The mobile screening van will be in Parkes until Friday, 9th July at the Little Theatre Carpark. BreastScreen NSW provides free mammograms to eligible women aged between 50 and 74. All necessary measures in relation to COVID-19 have been taken to protect women, staff and the wider community. Meg O’Brien, Manager BreastScreen NSW (Greater Western), says a screening mammogram is one of the most important things women can do for their health. “Around 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.” No referral is needed. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
Reduce Energy Costs: Central West community organisations are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) in a grant program designed to help reduce energy costs. Funding of $67,700 has been allocated to the Riverina electorate for up to 12 grants of between $5,000 and $12,000 each. Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the grants could pay for up to 100% of eligible project costs for not-for-profit organisations such as PCYCs, childcare centres, local aged care bodies, non-distributing co-operatives, companies limited by guarantee, Indigenous not-for-profit corporations and some local emergency service volunteer organisations. Further information and EOI forms can be obtained by telephoning the Wagga Wagga electorate office on 6921 4600 or by emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au. The EOI period closes on Friday, 16th July.
Firewood Collection In National Parks: As the weather cools, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents across the Central West that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves and heavy fines apply. “We are getting the message out there that collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,” said NPWS Central West Area Manager Fiona Buchanan. “Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival. “NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts.
Woody debris provide habitats for many native animals, which makes it illegal to collect firewood in national parks and other protected areas.