General Interest Archives - Page 13 of 303

New Parkes Roundabout To Be Biggest In The Central West

July 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

NSW Labor’s Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said “The Parkes Bypass is a project that will provide improve road safety, reduce travel times and increase efficiencies for the freight industry.

The biggest roundabout in central west New South Wales will be built on Condobolin road as a key feature of the Parkes Bypass.

The Newell Highway bypass of Parkes has been in planning for decades to alleviate the constant flow of heavy freight vehicles and visitor traffic passing through the town.

The Australian Government is contributing $229.7 million to the $287.2 million project, with the remaining contribution being made by the NSW Government.

The project is part of the $1.5 billion investment from the Australian and NSW governments into the Newell Highway Corridor, with the Australian Government committing $1.1 billion.

State Member for Orange Phil Donato said “It’s fantastic to see this once in a generation Parkes Bypass project progressing.

“Also importantly, this project is not only delivering road and transport benefits — it’s also supporting 350 jobs and injecting vital funds into small businesses in Parkes and the broader Central West region, which is bouncing back stronger than ever after unprecedented floods.”

Construction work to build the new 98-metre-diameter roundabout started during the July school holidays.

The large roundabout – which will allow motorists to travel at 80 km/h – will also feature a large sculpture in its centre, which has been designed in collaboration with Parkes Shire Council.

Motorists will be detoured around the site during work. For further information on the Parkes Bypass you can visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/parkes-bypass

Less Than One Week To Go To Have Your Say On Telecommunications Issues

July 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote communities have under a week to have their say on telecommunications issues as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Telecommunications Review.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Chair, Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, has urged people to spread the word about the Review to friends, family and colleagues across regional Australia before it closes on Wednesday 31st July at 11:59pm.

People can have their say in a number of ways:

1. Making a submission online, or in writing to: Regional Telecommunications Review, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA ACT 2601

2. Completing a short survey which takes 10 minutes.

Previous Reviews have led to policy initiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage; all a result of community feedback.

For information on the Review, making a submission, or completing the survey, visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation

Rooting For A Greener Parkes: Celebrate National Tree Day

July 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Each year, approximately 300,000 Australians volunteer their time to participate in various environmental activities, educating themselves and others about the natural world.

Parkes Shire Council, in collaboration with Central West Lachlan Landcare and Planet Ark, is celebrating National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July 2024, 10am to 12pm. The event will take place at the Parkes Wetlands on Akuna Road, adjacent to the Parkes Wastewater Treatment Plant. National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community treeplanting and nature care event.

Participants are able to register to volunteer through the National Tree Day website or sign up in person on the day of the event.

Attendees are urged to wear durable footwear and warm clothing, and to bring adequate quantities of water.

For the Parkes Shire, this year’s planting efforts will focus on re-establishing Fuzzy Box woodland community and connecting it to the mature riparian vegetation along Goobang Creek. This initiative builds on previous National Tree Day activities held across the wetlands site and promises to leave a lasting legacy.

Parkes Shire Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator, Michael Chambers, expressed the benefits of the tree planting initiative.

“Over decades, the plantings will mature and eventually become hollow-bearing trees, creating crucial habitat for many native animals. This will enhance the local ecosystem and improve outcomes for our local natural environment,” Mr Chambers said.

Getting involved in National Tree Day offers citizens an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a personal contribution to the environment. The event aligns with Planet Ark’s vision of fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

In addition to National Tree Day on 28 July, Parkes will also observe School Tree Day on Friday 26 July. Since the initiative began in 1996, the National Tree Day program has significantly impacted Australian communities, with approximately 27 million trees planted to date.

Nominate A Local Hero That Needs Support

July 25, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Do you know of a community member who deserves recognition and support? If you do, we encourage you to nominate them to win free Jim’s Group services.

Aussies are doing it tough at the moment.

The cost-of-living crisis is hurting a lot of people and yet despite this many people continue to soldier on helping out others across the local community demonstrating incredible kindness, fortitude and selflessness.

Jim Penman, founder and head of the nation’s largest franchise group, the Jim’s Group, wants to help our nation’s local heroes and he has launched a Local Heroes Program to give back to people who are struggling and acknowledge and reward them for their incredible contributions to the community.

The Jim’s Local Heroes Program is an extraordinary initiative that will give away over $100k worth of services this year to struggling Aussies across the country. The program is being delivered nationwide with members of the community invited to nominate a local hero who is doing it tough and deserves recognition and support.

The program officially kicked off in Melbourne and is now being rolled out across the entire country. Local heroes will receive any type of Jim’s Group service that they need. Every week, one winner will receive up to $2,000 worth of Jim’s Services. The program is being described as life changing.

“We are proud to help out Aussies in need and we are calling on people to nominate a local hero who deserves a helping hand and would benefit from the donation of Jim’s Group services,” Penman said.

“The Jim’s Group comprises over 50 divisions including lawn mowing, cleaning, painting, bathroom renovations and plumbing, landscaping and much more. With our broad and wonderful range of highly rated services and amazing group of franchisees, we are looking forward to helping out Aussies in need.”

The giveaway also includes Jim’s Healthcare services which launched this month.

Nominations are now open for the community to nominate via https://jims.net/jimslocalheroes/

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Is Back Again For 2024

July 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show committee members Andrew Kerr, Amy Slessor, Paul Bennett, Alistair Lunn, Ian Bartholomaeus, Judy Kerr, Adam McGregor, Janine Whitfield, Karryn McGregor, Pierre Dalle, Martine Dalle, Mark Watts, Jenny Watts and Paul Kay with the entries at the 2023 show.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show has entries rolling in for the 32nd annual event. Entries close next week, and the committee is expecting another great show with similar numbers of wines to be entered as last year.

President Mark Watts said there were also a number of wineries who hadn’t entered previously entering this year. “We are really looking forward to another successful event,” Mark said.

Mark Richardson is returning as chair of judges and judging will take place from Monday 19 August to Wednesday 21st August at the Forbes Town Hall.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show finishes with the Public Tasting held on Friday 23 August from 6.30pm at the Forbes Town Hall.

All the wines entered in the show will be available for patrons to taste and finger food will be provided. Tickets are $30 per person.

The next event is the Gourmet Wine Dinner, which will also be held at the Forbes Town Hall and celebrates the trophy winners of the show.

The dinner will be held Saturday 21st September from 7pm with a four-course meal catered by Eat Your Greens featuring trophy winning wines to complement the meal.

Tickets for this event are $130 per person.

If you purchase your tickets to both events in the same transaction, you will receive a $10 discount, making attending both events $150 per person.

Tickets are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show

Farmers Urged To Reach Out For Help

July 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Australia’s most trusted rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance this Farm Safety Week. “This year’s Farm Safety Week theme is ‘in safe hands’,” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said.

“Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers when they need it most. We’re encouraging farmers to register with Rural Aid, so that our organisation and its passionate donors, can support farmers’ wellbeing and safety with a hand-up.”

Rural Aid’s range of assistance measures help farmers improve their lives and businesses before, during and after disaster events – be it drought, bushfire or flood.

“Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing team do a fantastic job of heading on-farm to chat with primary producers, at no cost to the farmer,” Mr Warlters said.

Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, Myf Pitcher, said it takes strength to reach out for help.

“We want farmers to treat themselves as their most precious business asset and be open to receiving help with their busy workload,” Ms Pitcher said.

“Registering with Rural Aid means we can support farmers when they need it, now or in the future, and it helps us support rural communities as well.”

To register, visit www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624.

Tullamore Shows Support For Local Nurse Di Green

July 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The team who put the night together from left: Rae Quade, Juanita Horsburgh, Julie Strudwick, Leanne Porter, Di Green, Karlos Lindner, Zita Carey, Rhonda Horsburgh, Deidre Andrew and Robyn McMahon.

The Tullamore Community came together on Saturday 6th July to host a “Cosy Casserole Pink Night”, in support of the McGrath Foundation and their local McGrath Breast Care Nurse Di Green. The fun-filled evening held at the Tullamore Bowling Club featured hearty homemade casseroles, raffles, a 100 club draw, an auction and musical entertainment.

A staggering $3,323.60 was raised on the night, with McGrath Breast Care Nurse Di Green saying, “I enjoyed the night, as they (Tullamore) are always such a welcoming community, and so supportive of the work I do for all women and men in the area who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Without community support the McGrath Foundation wouldn’t be able to provide nurses across Australia and it is communities like Tullamore who always have such big hearts and once again came together to help ensure their community has the support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.”

Event organiser, Leanne Porter would like to thank the team of community members who came together with all their support, those who donated raffle and auction items, Bernadette Binnie the auctioneer on the night, Lindner Bulk Haulage Trundle for their support of the event and Alana Potter who provided the entertainment for the evening. Winners on the night for the 100 club were Rowan Egan, Robert Porter and Leanne Porter.

The McGrath Foundation raises funds to place Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia, providing invaluable support and care to individuals and families experiencing breast cancer. Whether you are in the private or public health system, you can access a McGrath Breast Care Nurse at no cost. If you need any assistance, you can search for a nurse near you on the interactive map, or call their telephone support service at 1800 183 338.

Cultural Grants Awarded As Part Of Naidoc Week Celebrations

July 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The representatives for each group are pictured with Member for Orange Phil Donato and Parkes Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee.

The Parkes Shire Council annual Cultural Grants Program aims to nurture local skills, talents and abilities across the shire. Through these grants, council supports community groups in their endeavours to deliver creative and innovative activities that enrich our lives. The following five group have been awarded grants:

• Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group, represented on the day by Geoff Anserson, Michael Anderson and Iesha Charlton, received a grant of $3,000.

• Parkes Pottery Group, represented by Tracey Byrnes and Janelle Faunt, received a grant of $2,100.

• The Suburban Review, represented by Clair Albrecht, received a grant of $2,000.

• Trundle Bush Tucker Day Inc, represented by Tamilla Bolan, received a grant of $1,500.

• Currajong Disability Services, represented by Douglas Pout, received a grant of $1,400.

Over the past seven years the Cultural Grants Program, has provided up to $80,000 to more than 30 local organisations.

Unprecedented Opportunity For Parkes And Our Indigenous Community

July 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes PCYC delegation beforeboarding the bus to head to Sydney for the Nations of Origin Tournament.

In an unprecedented opportunity, Parkes PCYC have sent a delegation to participate in the Nations of Origin Tournament, which is held around NAIDOC week each year.

Parkes PCYC have sent two rugby league teams and a gymnastics team to Sydney to represent their nations and Parkes PCYC.

This prestigious event brings together approximately 1,500 indigenous and non-indigenous students to compete in a variety of sports.

Parkes PCYC Club Manager Kimberley Sherrett said, “This is an experience most children will likely not experience again, and for that we are thrilled to be a part of it.

“We have aimed to raise all funds needed to offset the costs associated with this event. Between donations, fundraising and sponsorship we raised a huge $20,000. We even secured funding to take the kids aqua golfing, which they are so excited for.”

In the lead up to the event, last Saturday 13th July, the two under 16 rugby league teams headed to Peak Hill for the indigenous round of the men’s and league tag teams. The PCYC teams played a trial game against each other and were presented with their new uniforms, that had been organised specifically for the Nations of Origin Tournament.

“We have had a helping hand from volunteer coaches, who have come on board to prepare these teams. Ollie, Kate and Andy Thomas have prepared one football team, Torin Hando and Jordan McDougall have prepared the other football team and Sam Clark has prepared our gym girls,” said Kimberley.

Rolls Royce Derwent Turbojet Engine Arrives In Parkes

July 18, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Photo courtesy RAFM Hendon.

HARS Parkes Aviation Museum has a wide variety of military and commercial aircraft and aviation related items on display, and the latest to arrive is a 1940’s Rolls Royce Derwent centrifugal compressor turbojet engine.

The Derwent turbojet engine was developed from the original Whittle design of the late 30’s and 40’s and was the second jet engine to go into production. The RR Derwent powered the Gloster meteor aircraft, the first jet powered fighter aircraft to join RAF squadrons at the end of WW2. They were used extensively to down German V1 flying bombs.

In November 1945 the Gloster Meteor with a Derwent engine set a world speed record of 606 mph or 975 kmh. The Meteor was in service with the RAAF from 1946 to 1963 and saw service in the Korean War between July 1951 and July 1953, they were first used in a fighter role against the Chicom Mig 15’s and outclassed and then succeeded in a ground attack role using rockets and napalm. Australia lost 32 pilots and 53 Meteors during the conflict.

In addition to this iconic jet engine, you can also see the largest jet engine in the Central West, a Rolls Royce RB211 that powered the Boeing 747, Neptune engines, both piston and jet and the de Havilland Goblin engine that powered the Vampire.

The Museum is expanding and looking to recruit more volunteers to either be receptionists or tour guides or even in hands-on roles looking after the aircraft and exhibits.

Contact Mike on 0418 473 175 or speak to any one of the volunteers. Flexible shifts and training will be provided.

The Museum is located in a former RAAF hanger at the Parkes Regional Airport and is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm Thursdays and Sundays and entry is $30 per family.

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