Parkes Phoenix

Parkes Crowned NSW Tidiest Town

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One of the many stallholders at the Award Winning Community Event – Homegrown Parkes.

 

Christmas Card Competition Closing Soon

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Federal Member for Riverina Michael Mc­Cormack is reminding schools and stu­dents across the Riverina and Central West his 2024 Christmas card design com­petition is closing soon.

“This year’s Christmas card design com­petition theme is “We Wish You a Riverina Christmas,” Mr McCormack said.

“The top three designs will be featured on my personal Christmas card, which will be sent to key stakeholders and parliamen­tary colleagues.

“Schools have until Friday 8th November 2024 to submit their entries to my Wagga Wagga office.

“Last year more than 1,700 entries were sent in from eligible students in Kindergar­ten, Year 1 and Year 2.

“Unfortunately, this year will be the last opportunity for some schools to enter the competition, as schools in Bland, Forbes and Parkes Shires will no longer be in the Riverina electorate after the next election.

“I urge schools and students in these shires to make the fullest of this opportu­nity.

Submissions from schools are requested to be enclosed and posted in a single pack­age to Suite 2/11-15 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, or alternatively, submissions can be scanned and emailed to michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au

Parkes Shire Garage Sale Trail

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Left to right – Cr Bill Jayet, Sharyn Ware -Waste Manage­ment Coordinator, Pat McCallum – Holy Family Parish Boot Sale Coordinator, and Committee Members Lynn and Wayne Rogers.

Clear out, cash in, and join Australia’s larg­est second-hand treasure hunt as the Ga­rage Sale Trail comes to Parkes Shire this weekend and next.

The Holy Family Boot Sale, a highlight of the event, will take place on Saturday 9th November, from 9am to 1pm at the Holy Family School Oval, Albert Street, Parkes.

The Holy Family Boot Sale Coordinator, Mrs Pat McCallum, said Holy Family Par­ish are looking to raise funds. Sellers can register for a $20 car boot site fee, then all profit made is your own.

“Mark it in your diary. We’re selling eve­rything from handmade goods to antiques and even locally made pottery. There really will be something for everyone!,” Mrs Mc­Callum said.

“Not only will you find second-hand de­lights in your neighbourhood and help keep stuff from landfill, you’ll also help our Parish to continue to work within the community,” Mrs McCallum said.

The event promises more than just bar­gains, with a delicious morning tea and sausage sizzle available for lunch for all visitors. A $500 fuel raffle will also be drawn at the end of the day.

Cr Bill Jayet is encouraging everyone to get involved, highlighting the value of reus­ing items within the community.

“It’s fantastic to see Parkes Shire lead­ing the way in sustainable practices by em­bracing this event. I encourage everyone to get out there, explore what’s on offer, and support our community,” Cr Jayet added.

For more information about the Holy Family Boot Sale, contact Pat McCallum on 0408 623 199.

To find out about other garage sales that are happening in the Parkes Shire, visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au/Parkes

The Official Opening Of The Lake Endeavour Activation Project

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Parkes Shire Council marks a significant milestone in transforming the lake into the Parkes Shire’s first developed natural water location for recreational use. This $1 million project, brings new opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Endeavour.

The project features include a 90-metre floating pontoon, a sandy foreshore, CCTV cameras for enhanced safety, dual toilets, seating and shelters, and more. The Parkes Dragon Boat Club attend the opening and took Mayor Neil Westcott and Cr Bill Jayet for a special joy ride

Illabo To Stockinbingal Takes Final Step On Approvals

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The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has received Federal Government approval, green-lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

The Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of Inland Rail has received Australian Govern­ment approval, green-lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

The project was assessed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which focuses on the avoidance, minimisa­tion and management of impacts on biodi­versity matters of national significance.

The Commonwealth’s conditions of ap­proval supplement the NSW approval to protect threatened species and habitats in the project area. The approval is available online in the EPBC public portal.

The 39-kilometre Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail will create a new di­rect route from east of Illabo tracking north to Stockinbingal in New South Wales and is the only new section of track from Bev­eridge to Parkes.

The route will bypass the townships of Cootamundra and Bethungra and the wind­ing, steep section of track known as the Bet­hungra Spiral on the Main South line, open­ing a more efficient way to transport freight.

Works on the Illabo to Stockinbingal sec­tion will be carried out by construction part­ner John Holland, which has been awarded the Design and Construct (D&C) contract.

The work will include the construction of several bridges and level crossings, nu­merous culverts, as well as a new crossing loop.

I2S forms part of the Inland Rail section in NSW from Albury to Parkes which has provided considerable employment and business opportunities. Since July 2023 Inland Rail has spent $7.4 million with 86 local businesses on the project between Albury and Parkes. On the same section, Inland Rail has employed a total of 434 people. 135 of the total are local residents, and 40 of the total are women. 40 of the to­tal are First Nations people. Of the 135 lo­cal residents, 24 are First Nations people.

For information please visit https://inlan­drail.com.au/where-we-go/projects/illaboto-stockinbingal/

You’re one point away from postnatal depression

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“You’re one point away from postnatal de­pression” said the family health care nurse scoring the questionnaire I had just com­pleted in her office.

I was on the verge of breaking point. My baby, our third addition, was breastfeeding every 40 minutes overnight and would not take a bottle.

The nurse explained that I was in a zone called postnatal depletion. My hair was fall­ing out, my nails were cracked, my mind was playing tricks on me. I was depleted.

Being pregnant, breastfeeding, caring for other humans, not getting enough sleep had taken its toll.

Fast forward a few weeks as I now sit in front of Laura, my Nutritionist, as she reviews the results of my blood test. The numbers on the page in front of us tell the story of how I feel.

I was a tired Mum, so exhausted that I was surviving on frozen pizza and dino chicken nuggets. I’m sure many of you can relate!With the help of Laura I began to rein­corporate foods into my diet that were rich in the vitamins and minerals my body was lacking and pretty quickly, my nails healed up and grew. My hair stopped clogging the shower drain, and I didn’t feel exhausted every time I woke up in the morning.

We’re thrilled to share that Laura is now offering her Nutrition Consultation services to our community in Parkes or via Tele­health to any location. If you are seeking support to feel your best, reach out to our team to book an appointment with Laura today on 0437 749 746 or learn more at www.kerinhealth.com.au

Forbes’ Jack Buckley Announced Pharmacist Of The Year

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Forbes Pharmacist Jack Buckley has been named the Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

The part owner of Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy in Forbes received the accolade for his dedication to rural health­care. A trained pilot, Jack’s innovative ap­proach to healthcare delivery was first recognised during the NSW flood crisis in November 2022, when he utilised his fly­ing skills to transport medical supplies and pharmacy staff to towns along the Lachlan River.

By combining his professional expertise as a pharmacist, with his passion for fly­ing, Jack has revolutionised the delivery of essential medical services to remote com­munities.

Jack said “I think the key message is, don’t underestimate what community phar­macy can offer patients, particularly in re­gional centres. We are very service based and place a huge emphasis on patient management and, the great thing is, we are making a difference to the community.”

The award is one of Australia’s most prestigious and regarded pharmacy acco­lades, with LPG CEO, Michael Flannery saying “This award is a credit to Jack and all the work he puts into the Forbes stores and his local community. He has been a wonderful addition to LPG since joining us over 12 years ago”.

Jack has embraced the Forbes commu­nity, and is an excellent Pharmacist. The impact he has made in recent years, par­ticularly utilising his love of flying, highlights his dedication and commitment to commu­nity health.”

Snippets

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This memorable day was shared with friends, family, and distinguished guests, including Michael McCormack, Senator Perin Davey, Jamie Chaffey, Councillors, and staff.

Parkes Shire Council: Council were hon­oured to host a citizenship ceremony at the Parkes Shire Council Chambers where we welcomed Adan Salad Gonjobe, born in the upper eastern region of Kenya, Ann Tran, born in Vietnam, Leo Paul Pius, born in In­dia and Olamide Rhoda Kolawole, Olufemi Abefe Kolawole, Folakemi Adele Kolawole, and Damilola Louisa Kolawole, originally from Nigeria, the Kolawole family arrived in Parkes from Adelaide in 2023. Welcome to Australia and the Parkes community.

NSW Government: Encourage the wom­en in your life to get a breast screen with BreastScreen NSW. For women aged 5074, having a breast cancer screen every 2 years saves lives! Did you know – it’s free for women aged over 40, takes just 20 min­utes and no doctor’s referral needed. Learn more (the website is in 27 languages): bit.ly/BreastScreen_NSW

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions: We are pleased to share the 2024 Annual and Sustainability Report from Evo­lution Mining. This report highlights our op­erations, sustainability achievements, and overall business performance for FY24. To learn more about Northparkes and other Evolution Mining operations visit: https://evolutionmining.com.au/case-studies/

Kerin Health: Kerin Health have just opened up new clinic hours for Physiother­apy treatment before work every Thurs­day morning. The clinic will be open and available for appointments each Thursday from 7:30am in the old ANZ bank building at 74 Lachlan Street, Forbes. Don’t forget, Kerin Health are also located at Forbes Medicine and Mind, around the corner on Cross Street, every Tuesday between 9am and 1pm. To book an appointment at either location in Forbes, go to www.kerinhealth.com.au/book-an-appointment

Parkes Elvis Festival: Declare your love at the Parkes Elvis Festival with the popu­lar Renewal of Vows ceremony. Held under the ‘Love Me Tender’ arch, this is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to renew your vows before an Elvis wedding celebrant. For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/PEFvows

Forbes Shire Council: FSC are prepar­ing the dam for the busy summer season ahead by dredging to restore the water’s depth, so boat users can enjoy the dam.

The dam will be closed to boats from Thursday 24 October to Thursday 31 Oc­tober while the dredging takes place. It will remain open for fishing and exercise. For more information please contact Forbes Shire Council on (02) 6850 2300.

Have you noticed dredging machinery in the water at the Forbes Ski Dam?

Women’s Health Services Transformation

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Australian women in every state and territo­ry can now access treatment for uncompli­cated urinary tract infections at a community pharmacy, without a prescriptionIt follows a decision to empower commu­nity pharmacists to do more for their female patients. UTIs are the second most frequent preventable cause of hospitalisation and on average 1 in 2 women develop a UTI in their lifetime.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey said “Women are busy mothers, carers, bosses who need timely easy-to-access access relief to get on with their day and prevent long-term health complications.”

Professor Twomey said increased access to UTI treatment was part of a larger evolu­tion of women’s health services in commu­nity pharmacies across Australia.

There are more than 6000 community pharmacies across Australia that have the opportunity to provide additional services and prescriptions for everyday health condi­tions.

“The widening of the services provided in community pharmacy is meeting the expec­tation of the modern patient and is reliev­ing the pressure on other parts of the health system.

“Community pharmacists are highly skilled health professionals and we’re ready, willing and able to deliver more for our pa­tients,” Professor Twomey said.

Parkes Shire Council Named Finalist In Tidy Towns Awards

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Parkes Shire Council is proud to announce we have been selected as a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) Tidy Towns Awards. The Parkes Shire has been recognised as a fi­nalist in multiple award categories including:

Galing Gindhay Water Play and Lake Endeavour Project – Finalist for Liveable Towns Award: This inclusive space com­bines water play, adventure elements, and shaded seating. Integrating Wiradjuri cultur­al knowledge and highlights the local water story through design and storytelling.

Homegrown Parkes Community Events – Finalist for Community Spirit and Inclusion Award: Homegrown Parkes is a free, community-driven event that brings to­gether people of all ages to celebrate local food, art, and sustainability.

Waders and Woodlands: Parkes Wet­lands – Finalist for Biodiversity Conserva­tion Award:

Parkes Shire Council has reha­bilitated 25 hectares into a thriving wetland ecosystem, supporting native flora and fauna. The wetlands serve as an essential habitat for migratory and threatened bird species and feature more than 3,000 native plants and macrophytes.

Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL)

– Contributing to the Overall Tidy Town Award: The RWSL is a key water security project, storing and managing water using solar energy and gravity.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, celebrated the recognition and commended the efforts of everyone involved in delivering these impactful projects.

“We are incredibly proud to see Parkes Shire recognised at this level. These achievements would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of Council staff, lo­

cal contractors, community volunteers, and the generous support of our partners,” Cr Applebee said.

The 2024 Tidy Towns Awards winners will be announced on Saturday 2 November in Bathurst. Parkes Shire Council is honoured to be recognised among the state’s best in sustainability, community development, and environmental preservation. This acknowl­edgment reinforces our commitment to cre­ating a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive community for all.

Phoenix Office
7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

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editor@parkesphoenix.com.au

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