General Interest Archives - Page 6 of 303

National Photo Comp Reopens For Agday

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today opened its popular photography competition, ahead of National AgDay next month.

NFF President David Jochinke said the competition attracts hundreds of entries each year. “It’s a real highlight of AgDay celebrations to see the amazing snaps of life on the land from every corner of this beautiful country,” Mr Jochinke said.

“I encourage everyone to send in their photos and videos over the next few weeks; there are some great prizes on offer.”

First place will receive $2,000, second place is awarded $1,000, and runners up receive $500 each.

Participants are also encouraged to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #AgDayAU.

The theme “Grow you good thing!” is again the catch cry for this year’s AgDay.

“National AgDay is a fantastic celebration of everything that makes the agricultural industry so special,” Mr Jochinke said.

“You can show your support on the big day by attending or hosting an event, taking part in the photo comp, or by proudly donning some “I love farmers” merchandise.”

National AgDay falls on Friday 15th November 2024. For more information, visit https://agday.org.au/

Apply Now For A 2025 Traineeship

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is calling on anyone aged 16 years and over to apply for 12 exciting traineeships that are now open and commencing 2025.

These traineeships offer the perfect opportunity to kickstart a career in local government, to work in a professional team gaining valuable experience, getting paid while studying and securing a qualification.

Forbes Shire Council Multiskilled Operator – Events Support, Luke Evans, said “It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone should look at applying for a traineeship. It’s a positive workplace that is really inclusive and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.

There are 12 roles covering all areas of Council including:

• Civil Construction (Certificate III, two years)

• Irrigation and Sporting Ovals (Certificate III, two years)

• Horticulture/Gardening (Certificate III, two years)

• Agriculture/Saleyards (Certificate III, two years)

• Business Support (Certificate III, two years)

• Community Projects (Certificate IV, two years)

• Surveying and Drone Operations (Certificate IV, two years)

• Sewer Plant Operations (Certificate III, two years)

• Cadet/Graduate Town Planner (Bachelor Degree, six years)

• Graduate Building Surveyor (Diploma, two to five years)Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, said Council prided itself on the diversity of employment opportunities it is able to provide.

“These traineeships are a perfect opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our community by working for Council and being a part of our day-to-day operations,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for Council to have so many traineeship opportunities and they will all contribute to its growth and the services it is able to provide to the shire,” said Cr MillerTo RSVP to the information session go to https://forms.office.com/r/6bwiAZgtsy.

To find out more about traineeships and apply go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/working-with-council/2025-traineeships. Applications close 21st of October 2024.

The Count Down Is On For Homegrown Parkes This Saturday

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

If you have never attended Homegrown Parkes before, please make sure to come along tomorrow, Saturday 12th October.

The popular Homegrown Parkes is back this weekend, kicking off off at 9am with a sausage making demonstration in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Parkes Shire Concert Band will be performing in the Park grounds from 9am and crop swap in front of the green wall will run until 11am.

The event will be officially opened at 10am, followed by a performance from Parkes M&D featuring the musical Cinderella and the Crystal Slipper.

The Parkes M&D will then provide performances for park entertainment from the low stage between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Bill Tink will provide a Netwaste workshop in the Pavilion also commencing at 10.30am and WildTalk snake bite first aid demonstration will follow in the Pavilion at 11am.

The Parkes School of Dance will be sure to delight, with performances on the main stage of the Pavilion between 11.30am and 12.30pm.

The noodle making workshop commences at 12.30pm in the Pavilion and the Parkes M&D performers will be back on the low stage between 12.30pm and 2pm.

There will be a wonderful selection of local and regional food vendors and stallholders. Keep the kids busy with the animal farm and jumping castle – and you know there will be face painting.

You can keep up to date by visiting the Homegrown Parkes Facebook and Instagram pages. For further information contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.

Makes Cents Not To Bin It

October 10, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire joins nation’s biggest garage sale trail this November.

Everyone can clear out and cash in on the Garage Sale Trail this November as Parkes Shire Council joins the nation’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt.

Over two big weekends on 9th-10th and 16th-17th November, the Garage Sale Trail will be coming to Parkes Shire, with the event offering savings for savvy shoppers on everything from the essentials you need, to the pre-loved gems you want.

Parkes Shire residents are invited to host their own garage sale or join a group sale in their neighbourhood, and can take part over one day or do more across both weekends.

Do you have pre-loved treasures too good for the bin? Hold on to them and cash in! Acting General Manager of Parkes Shire Council, Mr Andrew Francis, said selling or shopping at garage sales is a fun and simple action we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint.

“Garage Sale Trail helps neighbours connect, make some money and keep their good stuff out of landfill,” Mr Francis said.

“With free registration, how-to guides and promotional resources, its garage sales made easy over two big weekends.”

“We hope to encourage garage sales locally in the Parkes Shire, contributing to the 15,000 sales expected nationwide.”

Amidst a growing focus on reuse and recycling, Australians are decluttering and seeing the rewards. Data shows that those hosting a sale on the trail make an average of $4,571, proving that pre-loved is both planet- and pocket-friendly. With profits like these, it’s no wonder that 3 million items will be up for grabs over the trail weekends, offering bargains for every shopper.

“There really will be something for everyone; designer fashion, mid-century furniture, cookware, vinyl, kids stuff, tools and more,” said Mr Francis.

Parkes Community Grieves The Loss Of Local Couple

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The Pakes community is in shock, after learning local husband and wife Graeme and Sue Tait, both 57, were fatally injured in a tragic two car collision on the Newell Highway in Tomingley, just south of Dubbo around 9:20pm on Friday 30th September.

Graeme and Sue have left behind five children aged between 16 and 26. The couple were well known and much loved local residents. Graham was an experienced, well respected coach driver and fundraiser, while Sue was a beloved teacher and assistant director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre, having worked there for 17 years.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organised by Amii Marchant on behalf of Bernadette Tait to support the children of Graham and Sue Tait. Please get behind this fundraiser for the five Tait children who now require a large amount of support. You can show your support by making a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/graham-and-sue-tait

The two other fatalities from the horror crash were Lochie Jacobs 19 and Joey Urban 18. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss. Support the boys families at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lochie-jacobs-and-joey-urban

The sole survivor was a 23 year old driver of one of the two vehicles involved in the crash. On Monday he was charged and granted bail, and will appear before Dubbo Local Court on 21st October.

Be Alert This Bushfire Season

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Farming communities across NSW are encouraged to stay alert to fire risks as the state’s rural Bush Fire Danger Period begins today.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee member Garry Grant said the danger period is set to be in force until at least 31 March, with landholders urged to remain vigilant.

“If you’re planning on lighting an open fire anytime soon, it’s also critical that you seek a Fire Permit and notify your local fire authorities and neighbours well before you burn.

“Awareness, preparedness and communication will be key to stopping bushfires in their tracks this summer, so we can all stay safe.”

Residents in rural communities across the state are encouraged to prepare themselves for this year’s bushfire season, Mr Grant said, with a few simple measures critical to ensuring safety during a bushfire event.

“Downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app is an easy way to stay up to date with fires that are in your region or other regions if you’re travelling around the state this summer,” Mr Grant said.

“Bushfires always spread faster than we think they will, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Parkes Elvis Festival 2025 – Festival Program Announced

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Pictured front and centre on Launch day at the Cooke Park Pavillion was Michael McCormack MP.

It’s time to get all shook up—Parkes Elvis Festival is back for 2025! Running from 8–12 January, the 32nd annual festival will pay tribute to Elvis with a groovy 1960’s Easy Come, Easy Go theme, offering fans a packed program of concerts, dancing, markets, and a few surprises along the way.

More than 25,000 Elvis lovers are expected to shake, rattle, and roll into Parkes, NSW, making it the largest celebration of The King in the Southern Hemisphere.

Australia’s official Elvis hometown will once again come alive with festival favourites like the Evolution Mining Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, bustling markets, and electrifying performances on the Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage.

A major highlight of 2025 will be the launch of the Gates of Graceland, a full-sized replica of the iconic Graceland gates, located at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. This beautiful new attraction will honour key contributors to the festival, with stars also commemorating the winners of the Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Festival founders Bob and Anne Steel will be the first to be officially recognised at the gates for their pivotal role in establishing the event.

Festival goers can look forward to stunning outdoor installations, including Under Our Umbrella, a vibrant 250-metre canopy of colourful umbrellas providing shade and a perfect photo op, and Vivid Elvis, a nightly lighting display illuminating the main drag.

Staying connected will be easier than ever with the new mobile app.

Joel Ulbricht, Festival Producer, said, “Each year we work to capture the essence of Elvis, and the 2025 Festival will be no different. This year’s program offers something for everyone.”

Tickets went on sale Monday 23 September for Parkes League Club shows and 2pm Tuesday 24 September for all other events, at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

F-ABBA-LOUS Lineup

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is excited to announce the F-ABBA-LOUS lineup for the 2024 Trundle ABBA Festival, set to return on Saturday 19 October 2024. As Australia’s only and original ABBA festival, this year’s event will feature a spectacular array of performances that will have fans dancing the afternoon and night away.

Headlining the festival is the world-renowned ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again.

These super troupers are back by popular demand after their sensational performance last year.

The festival will be hosted by Tristan MacManus, best known for his five-season stint on Dancing with The Stars, a co-host of Studio 10 and runner-up on this year’s “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”.

Joining the lineup are:

• Furnace and the Fundamentals. Prepare to dance like never before with Furnace and the Fundamentals, a six-piece band described as “humanity’s most exhilarating dance party,” these Sydney showmen will deliver an unforgettable party set filled with the greatest songs of all time.

• Disco Revolution. Step back into the glittering world of the 70s with Disco Revolution, a seven-piece show band that reignites the disco flame with passion and flair.

• Andante Andante Choir. For a touch of nostalgia and harmony, the Andante Andante Choir will take the stage to perform ABBA’s most beloved hits.

• DJ Diggz. Adding a modern twist to the festival, DJ Diggz will keep the party going with his infectious dance and pop beats.

This year’s festival marks the 10th anniversary of Trundle ABBA Festival and the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s historic Eurovision win with “Waterloo.” Join us for a day of music and magic of ABBA in the charming regional town of Trundle. For information visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au

Inland Rail Completes Major Works Blitz

October 3, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The awning at Forbes Station was trimmed by 300mm and the track was slewed laterally by more than half a metre during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.

After more than 100 hours of round-the-clock activity, Inland Rail has completed a gruelling schedule of work which puts the Stockinbingal to Parkes section well on the path towards completion.

Starting last Saturday, 13 September, at 6am and finishing on Thursday 19 September, at 10am, teams from Inland Rail and principal contractor Martinus Rail completed work at four key sites during a 100-hour shut down of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goobang Junction.

To get this work finished on time, up to 240 rail workers across the four sites completed shifts which began ahead of the shutdown and finished after the line reopened.

James Kennedy, Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes (A2P), Inland Rail, said “The work we have carried out this week can only be done safely when the line is closed.

“Safety is our highest priority and so we make the most of the two available track possessions which take place each year.

“To do that we undertake rigorous and methodical planning, working hand in hand with Martinus Rail, to ensure we complete our work and return the line to the operators on time.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while we carried out these construction tasks.”Treaven Martinus, Martinus Rail CEO and founder, said “The successful completion of this super possession is a testament to the dedication and planning of both the Inland Rail and Martinus teams.

“Across multiple locations, from the installation of turnouts to extensive earthworks and track formation reconstruction, every task was executed with safety and efficiency as our top priorities.

“We are grateful for the community’s support and patience.

“Martinus remains steadfast in our mission to deliver this landmark project safely, effectively, and with a focus on creating lasting value for Australia’s future.”

A tamper packs down the ballast supporting the newly installed rails at the Wyndham Avenue road bridge, where the rail line was lowered by two metres during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.

Our Nurses Are Overworked And Underpaid

September 26, 2024 By Roxane Manley

NSW Public Health is in the midst of a staffing crisis, which is why you may have seen members of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, gathered on Tuesday morning in the main street of Parkes from 10am to 12pm. These members were part of an organised strike that also took place at various locations across the state.

Our nurses and midwives are burnt-out and exhausted. Shockingly, NSW nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in Australia, with other states paying nurses a significant 18 per cent more. NSW nurses are asking the NSW government for an immediate 15 per cent pay increase, so they can afford to stay in the professions and the towns they love.

Tracy Boney, President of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said: “We love our profession, we care, we want to make a difference for our patients and our communities.”

Tracy wants people to know that they aren’t just striking for more money. The increase in pay will also help with other worrying factors such as unsafe staffing levels, nurse to patient ratios and staff retention.

“We are living in 2024 on 2008 wages,” said Tracy, who is outraged that NSW has lost around 16,000 nurses last year alone.

To show your support for our amazing nurses and midwives, go to: https://www.nswnma.asn.au/campaigns/ratios4nsw/

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