New Spring Street Footpath Open: 12,500 pavers later, the footpath on the northern side of Spring Street is now open to pedestrians. The path now matches beautifully with other footpaths in the CBD, with the same coloured pavers used to re­place the old concrete path.

Australian Rural Leadership Founda­tion: Are you ready to embrace the courage, collective spirit, and hope of changemak­ing? Join us for a two-day Changemaker Workshop to create a positive, lasting im­pact on your community. This workshop is fully subsidised with thanks to the Austral­ian Government’s Future Drought Fund. For more information and to register, visit rural-leaders.org.au

Parkes Shire Libraries: Hooray, our chil­dren’s programs for 2025 have started. Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays at 10.30am and Rhyme Time on Thursdays at 10.30am. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Contact the library on 6861 2309 for more information and to book a spot.

R U OK? Welcoming a new child into the family is a happy occasion, but the momen­tous change that it brings can also impact a parent’s emotional wellbeing. Get tips for supporting new parents: https://ruok.au/Ash

Parkes Chamber of Commerce: Provide feedback to Parkes Shire Council on what our business community needs. Survey closes Sunday 16th Feburary 2025. If we do not provide feedback, then decisions will be made without understanding the ex­act needs of our businesses in the Parkes Shire https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LocalBusinessSurvey

Central West Police District: Our com­munity are our eyes and ears. If you have information or if you see something that doesn’t make quite seem right Crime Stoppers NSW on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Art of Hope Australia: Healthcare Heroes these are for you! For each and every one of you who give everything of yourself to others – often for very little pay, reward and acknowledgement. There are so many in­credible people who support our health­care systems – I don’t want to mention any in particular because then I’ll leave other just as important ones out! But you know who you are extraordinary humans and so do your colleagues. A Heart of Hope is a small way to acknowledge someone who goes above and beyond. Get yours today at https://artofhope.com.au

Regional Business Supplies: Regional Business Supplies are proud to sponsor the Good Nature Award at schools across the Central West, helping to celebrate the amazing students in our community! Re­member, where you shop matters. Local businesses like ours can continue support­ing initiatives like this only with your help. Shop local and keep the good going.

ABC Central West: Posting back-to-school photos to social media is a popular way to mark students’ return to the classroom, so how can parents make sure they’re shar­ing safely? Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnews­app.

Parkes Shire Council: Are you a local Parkes Shire not-for-profit or community based organisation looking for a helping hand? Round 2 of Parkes Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program is now open. This round includes General grants of up to $1,000.00 for a specific pur­pose or event, and Leasing and Licensing grants to request a reduction in leasing and licensing fees on Council owned proper­ties. For more information or to apply, visit:bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants.

TAFE NSW Forbes Campus: A great op­portunity for a face to face course on cam­pus starting 18th February. Places are lim­ited so if you or someone you know would like to enrol, get in quick.

Certificate III Nail Technology SHB30321: Acquire skills to become a qualified nail technician as you learn how to make peo­ple feel their polished best.

Essential Energy Grants: Grants up to the value of $15,000 are available for com­munity-based initiatives supporting the en­vironment, education, resilience or related to the energy transition. Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations, chari­ties and community groups located within Essential Energy’s network area. Nomina­tions will close on Monday, 31 March 2025. For further information and to apply, go to: www.essentialenergy.com.au/essential­grants

Laps for Life: Could you swim 2km this March? That’s only 3 laps per day! Swim 2km this March, get a free swim cap, raise funds to help prevent youth suicide. Every­day one young person takes their own life. But you can help prevent this. By swim­ming and raising funds for ReachOut’s suicide prevention program. Swimming to save lives. Sign up today: https://www.lapsforlife.com.au

Forbes Shire Council: Congratulations to Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, who recently became the new Presi­dent of Local Government NSW. LGNSW is the peak body representing and advocat­ing for local councils across NSW. She will remain in the role until the next LGNSW general election in November 2025.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Save the date for Saturday 6 September. Excitement is brewing in Trundle, and the fantastic com­mittee is gearing up to deliver the ultimate Trundle Bush Tucker Day experience, with traditional bush games, kid’s entertain­ment, and incredible artists to entertain crowds throughout the day – there is some­thing for everyone!

Inland Rail Update: We’re making good progress in Forbes. Inland Rail contractor, Martinus Rail, have been working on impor­tant upgrades for the Lachlan River Bridge.

Work has involved replacing the existing bracing and installing strengthening plates, to ensure the bridge will be ready to han­dle the increased loads of double-stacked freight trains. Stay up to date with work happening across Stockinbingal to Parkes here: https://inlandrail.info/3Wm0wvq

Parkes Shire Libraries: Get your tickets now! This workshop is going to be fun and is one not to be missed. Inspired by the art of Sheila Hicks, Deb Jones and Hel­en Standen will guide you to make some beautiful pods from yarn and other recy­cled fabrics. You will also have the oppor­tunity to submit your pod in the Fibre Arts Exhibition, as part of a collaborative, com­munity installation. For tickets to all Fibre Arts workshops, click here: https://collec­tions.humanitix.com/fibre-arts-workshops

Forbes TAFE Campus: Begin your path into engineering and manufacturing and gain the skills in welding by enrolling in MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineer­ing Pathways (Welding). This exciting new night course begins 12 February at TAFE NSW Forbes Campus and will run every Wednesdas from 6pm-10pm for 12 months. This course is eligible for the feefree TAFE initiative (conditions apply). For more information Contact Forbes TAFE.

Kids Helpline: Heading back to school can be a tough time for some young peo­ple, especially if bullying is a concern – but you’re not alone. We’re here to support you with free, confidential counselling, self-help tools, and downloadable resources to sup­port you. Get tips on how to tackle bullying at: https://kidshelpline.info/4jjEkvB

Parkes Rotary Club: Rotary Club will once again be operating their BBQ at the Parkes Elvis Festival. The Club will be cooking steak and sausage sandwiches, chips and cold drinks. The Club’s site will be lo­cated opposite the Parkes Services Club in Cooke Park next to the War Memorial, they are looking forward to serving you.

Festival Street Closures: We’d like to re­mind Parkes locals and visitors that street closures will be taking place from Wednes­day 8 January 2025 to Sunday 12 Janu­ary 2025 to make way for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival.

Sean Luke Spiteri As Elvis: Sean is be­yond excited to kick off celebrations at the Parkes Elvis Festival in style to mark his 25th Anniversary as an Elvis Tribute Artist – performing one exclusive show only! On Saturday, 11 January from 9pm, Sean will take to the Main Stage at Cooke Park in the Feature Show of the night, performing in front of thousands of amazing Elvis fans. This will be his first performance of 2025 and he can’t wait to share his energy, pas­sion, and love for the King with you all. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars for this free event.

Utlimate Elvis Tribute Artists: We are su­per excited to announce the 20 contestants in the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest in alphabetical order are; Andrew Bithell, Anthony Fenech, Brendon Chase, Darren Armstrong, Dean Justice, Doug­las Charles, Elvis Roberts, Emilio Prince, Gerard Mascarenhas, Joe Ozzimo, Johnny Angel, Josuel Grech, Matthew Birse, Ricky Ford, Ross Mancini, Stuey V, Taurean K Mill, Terry Leonard, Toyokazu Toki, Tristan James. Congratulations to these perform­ers and thank you to those who were un­successful.

Parkes Harness Racing Club: Elvis at the Trots 2025 will be held on Wednesday 8 January featuring leading Elvis tribute artist Damian Mullin. Race 1 will be at 6.37pm, and gates open at 5.30pm, with free entry for all. Don’t miss the chance to win one of two, $1,000 fuel vouchers up for grabs on the night – ticket $10 each.

Gospel Show: Mike Hague, Kahlia Mar­tin, Phil Grove and John Coker have been busy charting and organising songs in time for The Parkes Elvis festival Gospel Show on Sunday 12 January with The C.C Band. Mike claims, “The band must have covered over 300 Elvis songs in the last 20 years but there are always more – over 700 of them I’ve been told.”

 

Northparkes Mines Street Parade: with Elvis-themed floats, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles the annual North­parkes Mine Street Parade is a spactacle like no other. Head along and join Elvis and Priscilla look-a-likes, and marching bands as they head from Bushman Street to Cooke Park down the length of Clarinda Street. The parade will be held on Satur­day, 11 January, beginning at 10am and will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Parkes Shire Libraries Photography Competition: Everyone is invited to visit the annual Elvis Photography Competition running from 8 – 31 January in the Coven­try Room of the Parkes Shire Library. The announcement of winners will take place on Friday 10 January at 4pm. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available.

Parkes Elvis Festival Eats: Fuel up fans, you’ll need plenty of beans to get you through the coming week. Find out where you can get your caffeine fix, a hearty pub meal, a snack or dine in a restaurant with our online directory of where to eat. Check out the restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes at bit.ly/PEFeat

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council is thrilled to announce their suc­cess at the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards, where they took home: Division A (popu­lation < 30,000) and Overall Winner of the Natural Environment Protection & En­hancement: On-Ground Works Award for the Parkes Wetlands Development. These awards recognise the outstanding achieve­ments of councils across NSW in protect­ing and enhancing our environment.

Forbes Shire Council: Recycle your blister packs for free right here in Forbes. Forbes Shire Council has partnered with Life Pharmacy Forbes, Flannery’s Phar­macy and Pharmacycle to make it possi­ble for residents to recycle their medicinal blister packs. Blister packs are the pack­aging most medicinal tablets and capsules come in and they cannot be recycled in the yellow lid curbside bin, meaning they often end up in landfill. This is because the aluminum and plastic in them are bound together. Pharmacycle separates these two materials and recycles them to make a range of products such as fences, building and construction materials. Recycle your blister packs by using the blue Pharmacy­cle bins located at both pharmacies instead of placing them in your red lid bin.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Ready to roll? Ap­plications for the Northparkes Mines Street Parade are open! The Northparkes Mines Street Parade is a Festival-fan favourite. Kicking off 10am Saturday, 13 January along Festival Boulevard. Sign up to walk, ride, drive or float at: bit.ly/ElvisParade

1800RESPECT: Violence of any form is never okay. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, support services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Na­tional services include: 1800RESPECT and www.1800respect.org.au. You can also contact the Men’s Referral Service at https://ntv.org.au/mrs/. Always remember, that you are not alone and that there is sup­port available.

Forbes Little Athletics: In partnership with Coles, Little Athletics NSW gave away eight $500 vouchers during Coles Com­munity Round. To enter, you had to post a photo on either Facebook or Instagram in your best Coles Community Round outfit.

Well done to the Forbes Athletics club who pulled together, got dressed in their best in the Coles Community Round outfits and were one of the eight winners announced.

Thank you to Little Athletics NSW and Coles for allowing great opportunities for our communities.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange is proving to be one of the best centres to sell sheep with an incredible 721,473 sheep being herded through between July and October. This is a jump of 40% from last year, with more vendors from Victoria and Queensland making the trip to Forbes due to its central location and high prices per head. Cattle sales rose 32%, with 30,099 sold at CWLE in the same period. Read more at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Country Women’s Association of NSW: If you would like to donate to the CWA of NSW Disaster Relief Fund, go online at www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate. The CWA of NSW Disaster Relief Fund has been used for disasters such as floods, drought and bushfires, as well as other disasters such as the recent power outages in the Broken Hill region. As members help to cover our admin costs, all your donation will go to those in need.

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation: Are you ready to embrace the courage, col­lective spirit, and hope of changemaking? Join us for a two-day Changemaker Work­shop to create a positive, lasting impact on your community. Join a network of change­makers across rural, regional and remote Australia. This workshop is fully subsidised with thanks to the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, as part of the Helping Regional Communi­ties Prepare for Drought Initiative.

Please note that fully subsidised tickets are limited, highly valued and wait lists exist for most regions. Before registering, please ensure you can commit to attending the two days and should you unexpectedly be unable to attend, please notify us so your ticket can be transferred to another local changemaker. Registrations close either when fully booked or 7 days before the workshop. For more information and to register, visit rural-leaders.org.au.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Last Thursday, members of the monthly Thursday Book Club wrapped-up the year with delightful conversation about their latest read “The Tea Ladies”. Fittingly, participants celebrat­ed with a sophisticated cup of tea and a plate of sweet treats! Thursday Book Club meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month at 5:30pm in the Parkes Library. Head along and enjoy.

Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee: Communities from across the Central West region are being urged to get behind their local volunteer finalists for the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. The NSW Volunteer of the Year finalists were chosen from 25 regions across the state and an­nounced at local and regional celebrations over the past few months. Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee has been nominated for Central West Volunteer Team of the Year. The 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards Gala ceremony will be held in Syd­ney on Tuesday, 10 December.

Parkes Shire Council: Don’t forget nomi­nations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards are still open! The three award catego­ries include: Community Awards, Cultural Awards and Sporting Awards. We encour­age everyone to nominate deserving in­dividuals and groups who have made a positive impact on our community. Nomi­nations close Friday 6 December 2024 at 5pm. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3T7IzPE

NSW Government: Abuse is never ok.

If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available. Call triple zero (000) – for emergencies; 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential advice and

support; the NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 656 463) for counselling and refer­rals; and 13 YARN (13 92 76) is a dedicat­ed support for First Nations peoples.

Meals on Wheels: Cabonne Home Sup­port are looking for volunteer drivers for Eugowra’s Meals on Wheels. If you can help out give Canowindra office a call on 6344 1199.

Forbes Shire Council: Calling all local musicians. We have an exciting opportuni­ty to busk and be part of the entertainment at our Australia Day event, which will also include food stalls and fireworks Sunday 26 January 2025, 6pm – 9pm at Lions Park, Forbes. Expressions of interest forms need to be completed and submitted by 5pm Monday 13 January 2025. Download the form at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/our-community/australia-day

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions: A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined to remember the lives of Colin Lloyd Jones, Stuart Osman, Ross Bodkin, and Michael House. As we marked 25 years since the airblast event at Northparkes, your support for the families and survivors of that day, and shared memories made the memorial service a meaningful tribute.

Thank you to everyone who travelled from near and far to attend the service.

Red Bend Catholic College: The creativity of young filmmakers was celebrated at the 2024 Parliament of NSW Parli-Flicks Short Film Award, and our Year 7 student Oscar Hendry won a medal for Best Regional En­try. This exciting competition challenged students from Year 5 to 12 across NSW to craft a one-minute short film exploring a thought-provoking question: If you were a Member of Parliament, what law would you pass and how would you implement it? Os­car’s video highlighted the doctor shortage in regional NSW and proposed incentives for doctors practicing in towns with a popu­lation of less than 20,000.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: Less than two weeks until auditions for Mamma Mia. A lot of people have told us they are auditioning, but not yet registered.

Registrations are essential for those wish­ing to audition. So far we have about 40 people registered, but we can still fit more in. We will particularly need men. Mature men and young men (18-30ish). Please check out the audition pack at the link pro­vided on their Facebook page, then get in touch with your favoured audition sessions.

NSW Government: Are you an essential worker who has moved to regional NSW (or thinking about it)? We’ve got a free ser­vice to help with all the life stuff—like find­ing housing, choosing childcare, job op­tions for your partner, and more. You can check out The Welcome Experience here nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

PCYC Parkes: Calling all passionate com­munity members! PCYC Parkes is in need of dedicated individuals to join our commit­tee and help shape the future of our club.

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who share our vision of providing positive programs and activities for the young peo­ple of Parkes. If you’re interested in making a difference and contributing your skills and time, please contact Kim via email ksher­rett@pcycnsw.org.au

Regional Business Supplies: Big con­gratulations to Marty, our amazing winner of the September Step Challenge. Not only did she crush her steps, but she also stepped up in the most heartwarming way.

Marty used her prize money to buy gro­ceries and generously donated them to Georgie’s Pantry, spreading kindness and making a real difference in our community.

Thank you to Marty for helping inspire us all to keep moving and to give back.

Parkes Shire Council: Congratulations to Marshall Munn on being awarded Young Volunteer of the Year at the RFS Youth Awards. This recognition highlights his ded­ication and outstanding contributions to our community through his work with the NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade and SES. Earlier this year, he was honoured as Parkes Young Citizen of the Year, and it’s clear that Marshall’s commitment to service and leadership is making a real difference.

We’re proud to have such an inspiring young leader among us

Forbes Library: The Forbes Library Survey is now open. Please share your thoughts to help shape the future of your local library.

Your feedback will directly influence the programs, resources, and collections of­fered at Forbes and ensure they reflect the needs and interests of the community. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to com­plete. Please go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/2T9KVPQ to participate and provide your thoughts and suggestions. Every re­sponse plays a vital role in enhancing the library experience and creating as welcom­ing space for all. Paper copies of the sur­veys are also available at Forbes Library.

Heart of the Nation: Heart of the Nation and The Heart Foundation are bringing lifesaving AEDs to our town. But knowing how to use them is just as important. Join a free training session to learn CPR, AED use, and how to respond in a cardiac emer­gency.

• 13th November: 2pm, Eugowra Show­ground Pavilion
• 13th November: 5pm, Forbes Sports and Recreation Centre
• 14th November: 10am and 12pm, Parkes Services Club.

Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions: We’re hiring for multiple roles across the site. Ready to join the Northparkes team? Follow the link to see the opportuni­ties available now: https://bit.ly/48xHN4Q

R U OK? When you encourage people to come as they are, you create a safe space for them to talk about their good and bad days.

Roylances Tractor Replacements: After yet another successful RTR Golf Day, we are proud to be able to donate $5,075 from our day to Boys To The Bush in Forbes.

They are a terrific organisation doing amaz­ing things in the community. Check out all of the great things Boys To The Bush do https://boystothebush.org.au