I’ve done a few things in my life – modelling isn’t one of them! But I was proud to promote the Blokes for Birds Shirt recently which are now on-sale to help raise awareness of domestic violence.

Philip Donato

Domestic violence (DV) is a scourge in the community.

Birds in the Bush, a not for profit volunteer organisation will be hosting their annual fundraiser on 2nd May at Banksia, near Orange.

Special guest this year is former international tennis star and commentator Jelena Dokic.

Proceeds will go to The Orchard, Housing Plus Domestic Violence Refuge Facility in Orange for the protection of women and children.

You can purchase a shirt like the one i’m wearing, and tickets to the event online Birds In The Bush and help support this wonderful event and important cause.

Red Bend Catholic College

2024 OPEN DAY – Sunday March 17, 10am-1pm.

Make sure to mark this date in your calendar. Open Day is the perfect opportunity to come and visit the College to see what we have to offer. Oh, and the food is amazing also

Parkes Shire Council

Community groups and businesses in the Parkes Shire will be able to find grants easier with the launch of a free funding platform on the Parkes Shire Council website.

All you need to do is register on the Parkes Shire Grant Finder (grantguru. com) site to give you access to the 364 community grants worth $28.5 billion currently available.

Parkes Shire Council’s Mayor, Neil Westcott, said the platform will be a valuable tool for our community. You can start your new grant journey by registering here: Parkes Shire Grant Finder (grantguru.com)

For information contact Council’s Grants team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Forbes Uniting Church

A new and exciting event for Forbes Uniting Cafe Church is starting next Saturday!!!!

Sylvia and the team Lachlan Vintage Village Cafe are working on some great food options and we are so blessed that they have come on board to be our venue.

Everyone is welcome to attend and spend time in fellowship and share in the Word of God

Parkes Christian School

PCS enrolments expo – monday, 4 March.

Our High School provides so many opportunities for senior students and thanks to Compressed Curriculum. This system sees students complete three entire HSC subjects in Year 11 and then three more in Year 12.

To find out more about Compressed Curriculum and our school in general, come along to our Expo from 5pm next Monday evening.

Landcare Australia

It’s not too late to take part in Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 3 March, 2024.

It’s Clean Up Australia’s biggest week of practical environmental action and a great way to help improve your local area or a place that needs some TLC.

Go to https://register.cleanup.org.au/ and register now to receive your Clean Up kit of materials.

St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes

We have just announce our 2024 Mission Captains. We’re proud to present the dedicated individuals leading our efforts in Project Compassion this year. Their commitment to serving others and raising funds for Caritas is truly inspiring. Stay tuned for updates on our fundraising initiatives and join us in making a difference

Meet our 2024 Mission Captains.

Pictures is Cr Ken Keith, Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet and local residents Malcolm and Pam Nankivel.

Parkes Shire Council

Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet and Cr Ken Keith presented local resident Malcolm Nankivell with a Certificate for his 100th Birthday, which was celebrated on the 11th February.

Malcolm and his wife Pam have 4 children (all born in Parkes) and have been a wonderful asset to our community. Malcolm and Pam assisted with the implementation of the Learn to Swim Program in Parkes, growing the program to well over 100 kids who could swim 50 m each year.

On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and residents of the Parkes Shire we wish Malcolm a very Happy 100th Birthday

Forbes Farmers’ Markets

We are back!!!

The first market for 2024 is next Saturday, 24th February.

A reminder our market is on the 4th Saturday of every month.

8am – 12noon | Victoria Park.

Inland Rail

We’re winding back the clock on freight transit times with InlandRail

Once fully operational, the travel time for rail freight between Melbourne and Brisbane will drop from 33 hours down to 24 hours or less

Meaning your goods will get to you faster, safer and more reliably

Learn more about how Inland Rail will be used on our website www.inlandrail.com.au/using-inland-rail

R U OK?Day

Do you really know how your friends, family members and colleagues are going? Sometimes those who are always smiling and laughing are struggling the most. Ask R U OK? Because a conversation could change a life.

Find tips at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

Lachlan Valley Vets Forbes/Grenfell

A number of plants are poisonous to pets. These can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. It’s important to check the safety of any plants before giving your pets access to them.

If you think your pet has ingested a toxic plant call the clinic on (02) 6851 1100

https://www.aecvets.com.au

Philip Donato

Central West Recovery Sessions Alert!

Flood-affected community members, don’t miss the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s drop-in sessions. Get the latest on the $100 million Recovery & Resilience package and discover available support services.

Forbes-20 Feb, Forbes Town Hall, 4-7pm

Parkes-21 Feb, Cooke Park Pavilion, 4-7pm

Eugowra-22 Feb, Eugowra Bowling Club, 4-7pm

There are no formal presentations and there is no need to register. Drop in at any time between 4pm to 7pm to meet the team. For more information on the sessions call 1300 003 227

Central West Police District

Five things you need to do before going to bed tonight: Remove valuables from your car, this includes all keys; Lock up your car & house; Check CCTV is working; Switch on down stairs alarm at night (if possible); Report Suspicious Activity to 131 444.

TAFE NSW Forbes

It’s great to see staff and students back on campus and classes up and running for 2024. We have several courses at Forbes this year including Welding Apprentices, Beauty, Automotive, Individual Support (Ageing) and many more. Are you considering enrolling in a TAFE course?

Pop down to Forbes TAFE Campus and check out what courses are available .

All have a connection to Bogan Gate. Don McKeowen, Robert McIntyre, John Caldbeck, Daniel McKeowen, Gabriel Rossi, Stephen Butler, Janelle Watts, Ros Caldbeck, Lynne Rossi, Jenny Butler, Marion McIntyre, Lyn Watts

Bogan Gate Reunion 71 Years

On 1st Sunday in February we met in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney.

We have been meeting for 71 years. This Reunion was started by 3 Ex Residents Sandy McKeowen, Jack McKeowen and Ted Naughton in 1953. We had a good turn out this year.

Parkes Shire Libraries

Bookings are open now for the first Youth Library Lock In of 2024! Youth in year 7-12, it’s time to wave goodbye to the long hot summer! Join in free games, dinner and fun challenges in the air conditioned comfort of the Library. Book now at events.humanitix.com/feb24youthlockin

Forbes Rugby Union Club

MERCH STORE NOW OPEN https://au.paladin.sport/collections/forbes-rufc

Pre-orders are now open for off field kit for players and supporters. The shop will close on the 11th of March and orders will arrive 6-8 weeks after this. Get in quick to avoid missing out!

Parkes Shire Council

Parkes Shire Council is calling on not-for-profit organisations and groups serving the Parkes Shire community to apply for funding in Round 2 of the 2023/2024 Community Financial Assistance Program. The two types of funding available include:

Leasing and Licencing – Funding to reduce leasing and licensing fees on Council owned properties.

General – A ‘helping hand’ through the provision of funds for a specific purpose or event up to an amount of $1,000.

Applications will close Sunday 10 March 2024. To find out more visit: bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants

Forbes Veterinary Clinic

Due to high demand of veterinary care and staffing shortages, we will now be charging a $75 fee for walk-ins effective immediately.

This is to ensure that the people who make an appointment get seen in a timely manner and will help encourage our non-emergent cases to make an appointment.

Genuine emergencies are also strongly encouraged to call ahead so our team can be prepared for your arrival and be able to care for your pet as fast as possible. Taking care of our clients and staff is of the utmost importance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any additional questions, please call our clinic and ask to speak to Elle.

PCYC Parkes

Join us for the PCYC Parkes Safer Driver Course on March the 15th.

Equip your child with life-saving tools and add 20 hours to their log book. Plus, we’ll provide afternoon tea and water bottles for all attendees.

What’s more, your contribution to the course goes towards supporting our local community.

Reserve your spot now: pcycdrivereducation.org.au/book-a-course

Michael McCormack MP

Met with fruit and vegetable industry representatives to discuss the impact Labor’s changes to the PALM Scheme are having on our horticulture industry.

It is clear these changes are hurting productivity, affecting farmers and disincentivising the use of PALM Scheme workers, weakening our ties in the Pacific.

The Government must listen to those on the ground who know this industry back-to-front to make sure the concerns of farmers in regional Australia are satisfied.

Michael McCormack Mp met with industry representatives.

Woodbine Pastoral of Parkes had a very successful sale with a pen of heavy 1st X shorn lambs fetching $208.

AWN Parkes

Tuesday 7th Feb sheep and lamb market saw most of the usual buyers present and competing. A larger yarding of 28,000 was recorded with mixed quality presented. In comparison to last weeks sale trade weight lambs eased slightly alongside heavy lambs and extra heavies held firm. The mutton job held firm with the light mutton job showing strong competition once again .

For full details contact one of our experienced livestock agents.
Cooper Byrnes: 0427 417 480
Greg Miller: 0448 433 317
Clint Hooper: 0456 797 307

Visit Eugowra

See you in Eugowra at our beautiful showground for the Tom Curtain & Katherine Outback Experience show from 4pm – 6pm this Sunday 11th Feb.

Bar and BBQ will be available.

Make sure you’ve got your tickets!

https://events.humanitix.com/tom-curtain-tour…/tickets

Georgie’s Hub – Anglican Parish of Parkes partnering with Anglicare

Our first Meeting for 2024.

We are trialling new hours at the Pantry until Easter due to the hot weather & customer demand – 9.30am – 1pm

Georgies Pantry is an invaluable asset to Parkes providing fresh food & fresh produce to in excess of 200+ people per week. The demand is growing larger due to the economy of rising food prices & high costs of living pressures contribute to higher demand. For your generous donation of $25, you receive a good supply of foodstuffs. Our Pantry is self-sustaining as of 2023. See the poster on our page for days open & check the new times til Easter.

Local Land Services NSW

Following the floods last year, we responded to over 1,200 calls for assistance, animal welfare assessments, support for at-risk livestock and emergency fodder.

This, along with many of our on-ground activities, was made possible with the help of your rates. They contribute to helping us provide vital emergency management, biosecurity and animal health work.

Your rates play a crucial role in keeping your community safe and your land productive and healthy. Keep an eye out for your postie! Rates notices will be hitting mailboxes soon.

Find out more about where your rates go at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/rates

Visit Parkes Region

Put your hands up if you loved Sounds of the Decades: 70’s, 80’s and 90’s?

Take a moment to fill out our survey and share your thoughts via: bit.ly/4bvZKla

Keep your eyes peeled for photos and a highlight video showcasing the incredible talent on stage as well as the crowd livin’ it up and enjoying the night.

Forbes North Public School

Link Up To Forbes North begins in Week 3- Tuesday 13 February!

Link Up is a year-long transition program aimed at students beginning school at Forbes North Public School in 2025.

Your child is exposed to teaching and learning activities that prepare them for Kindergarten in a safe and caring environment.

If you are interested or would like to enrol your child, please pop into our Office or call on 68 522187. We can’t wait to see your child at Link Up at Forbes North.

We run two sessions every week, both Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Keep up to date on the rules for mobile phones and devices at Parkes High School.

Parkes High School

IT’S AS SIMPLE AS 1 2 3
Parkes High School Mobile Phone, Electronic Devices and Pouch plan
All families please make yourself familiar with our plan.
https://parkes-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/newsletter.html

Forbes Rugby Union Club

Registrations are now open via Rugby Explorer for the 2024 Junior Rugby season. A reminder to parents to register before the end of January to make use of your Active Kids vouchers. When registering please update players height and weight. Any questions please contact Junior Rugby President Daniel Beard at juniors@forbesrugbyclub.com.au

NSW Government

We’re supporting eligible homebuyers to enter the property market by contributing up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes and up to 30% for existing ones, based on borrowing capacity and lender criteria.

The property is yours and your name will solely be on the deed.

See if you qualify by visiting nsw.gov.au/go/SEHBH_FB

Parkes Shire Council

Parkes Shire Council would like to extend a huge thank you to the Parkes Shire community for their ongoing efforts in helping rehome animals held at the Parkes Animal Shelter.

Last week all impounded animals found their forever home, including two cats and three dogs, with the support of the Parkes Shire community.

If you are looking to adopt an animal in the future, please visit http://bit.ly/AnimalsForAdoption

NSW Rural Assistance Authority

If you have been approved for a Special Disaster Grant or Rural Landholder Grant for the floods that occurred from August/September 2022 and you haven’t yet claimed the maximum approved grant amount, you can still submit additional invoices to claim via our website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Claims for the Special Disaster Grant close on 8 May 2024.

Claims for the Rural Landholder Grant close on 5 June 2024.

Early submissions are encouraged to avoid a longer than average processing time, which can occur when there’s an influx of claims towards the end of a program.

TAFE NSW Forbes

Thank you to everyone who attended our Open Day yesterday. It was great to see so many people and have so much interest. It is not too late to enrol call in, phone or message us now. The campus is open 8.30am-4.30pm weekdays.

Parkes Services Squash Courts

We are super excited to be one of the 8 sports involved in the Parkes Masters Games in March. (Not just for Parkes residents – everyone is welcome!)

We are now taking registrations – https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/2024-Parkes-Masters-Games

Entry into the squash event will also get you an awesome bag of PMG goodies! So, jump on and register today!

Forbes Family History Group Inc

Hats off to Cheryl Barton, our extraordinary Secretary at the Forbes Family History Group, and one of our Research Officers, Rex Barton (and all-around good bloke) – both named the 2024 Forbes Citizens of the Year.

Their unwavering dedication to documenting the history of Forbes is truly commendable. Our congratulations to you both

Keep up to date on the rules for mobile phones and devices at Parkes High School.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation 

Yoorana Gunya will be closed from Friday 22nd Dec and will reopen Monday 8th Jan 2023. For any medical emergencies during this time please call 000 or go to Forbes Hospital located on Elgin St, Forbes. 

What a prosperous year it has been, thank you to our supportive community, very valued patients and great employees. Each year Yoorana Gunya grows and we are so grateful and pleased to be one of the largest medical services within our area. We have more exciting things happening next year and will continue to be more equipped for our community’s needs. 

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society 

Congratulations to our CAT award nominees for 2023! 

Lyn Townsend, Gail Smith and Anthony Leonard – Best Original script, lyrics, music and musical arrangements for CRACKS IN THE MIRROR 

The Cast (Ruth Barnes, Kimberley Ryan, Maddison Collits, Jade McGovern & Amelia Regnier) Best Ensemble in a Musical, Variety or Dance Production in CRACKS IN THE MIRROR 

Aaron Kingham – Best Actor in a Leading role in a Play – as Gilbert Bodley in NOT NOW DARLING 

Lyn Townsend – Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play – as Maude Bodley in NOT NOW DARLING 

Rounding off a wonderful year of theatre for Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society. 

Forbes Shire Council 

A very unassuming Shirley Dukes, who loves working behind the scenes volunteering for many local organisations , was presented with the 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication and efforts. 

“I was surprised to be nominated, but I love to do anything for my grandchildren,” she said. 

“Committees should put forward names for awards such as this. There are so many who work in the background – and it is so important for people to be on committees and actively helping otherwise these things won’t keep happening. “ 

Do you know someone who is just as deserving as a volunteer, someone like Shirley who works tirelessly behind the scenes? Council is seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year – for application forms or more information head to our website: www.forbes.nsw. gov.au 

R U OK? Day 

This is your reminder that it’s normal to feel a little flat at this time of year. 

If you’ve noticed this with someone you know, check in and see how they’re going. 

We’ve got tips to help you start the conversation at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n 

Generocity Church Parkes 

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1 

It is such a joy to spend time together and worship our Saviour. 

Local Land Services NSW 

Santa’s making a list, he’s checking it twice… and this elf has not made the cut 

Even though we have spotted him doing some helpful jobs, we’ve also noticed him up to no good. Unlike this elf, don’t get caught out. Instead, check out Visit NSW for some caravan and campground ideas https://brnw.ch/21wFo 

Did you know that you are not allowed to camp on Travelling Stock Reserves?

Are you curious about how this service works over Telehealth?

Kerin Health 

Did you know that our amazing Speech Pathologist Felicity is also a qualified Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant? 

That’s right – AND she is now offering Lactation Consultations via Telehealth 

To learn more or to book in for an appointment with Felicity, contact our reception on 0437 749 746. 

Parkes Elvis Festival 

Back by popular demand! 

The very best of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley in a show that has three of the very best tribute acts bringing these Legends back to life. PARKES SERVICES CLUB Thursday 11th Jan 1pm 

$40 + BF Grab your tickets here: bit.ly/3QVvtCY 

Flannery’s Pharmacy 

‘Tis the season for giving! Life Pharmacy Group proudly supports a number of Australian charities each year. 

One of our chosen charities is The Cova Project. The Cova Project provides menstrual cups and menstrual health education to people who menstruate, across Africa. We do this in an effort to help bridge the 50 day school attendance gap due to menstruation. 

Click the link to find out more about their amazing work and to make a donation. 

https://www.thecovaproject.com/donations 

Visit NSW 

The Three Sisters is the ultimate POV. These iconic weathered sandstone peaks are in the Jamison Valley of the Visit Blue Mountains, and they are best seen from Echo Point lookout. 

Featured in ‘Australia.com recommends – 15 Places to Say G’day in 2024’, make sure to add this to your bucket list. Have you visited the Blue Mountains recently Please plan ahead and check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for the latest park details and alerts. 

Parkes Shire Council 

Have you heard about Council’s exciting new project to turn our old wastewater ponds into a thriving wetlands system? Have you been involved in any of the planting events that have been held onsite in the last few years? 

Council is inviting community members to complete a short survey on the Wetlands Project. 

Complete the survey here: bit.ly/41iyzpw 

Learn more: bit.ly/3ReQ714 

Council’s Biosecurity Team is currently targeting Blue Heliotrope and Silverleaf Nightshade around the Parkes Shire. Help us protect our unique environment by reporting priority weeds to our Biosecurity Team on (02) 6861 2343. 

Inland Rail 

Australia’s population surges towards an estimated 40 million by 2050, the need for a robust freight network has never been more pressing. 

#InlandRail is laying the tracks for a faster, more reliable and efficient, future-proofed freight network. Some of the benefits include: 

Less congested roads: a 1800m double-stacked freight train carries the equivalent of 110 B-double trucks, meaning less trucks on our roads 

Reduced carbon emissions: rail is 4x more fuel-efficient than road transport 

Fast and reliable: rail freight travel time between Melbourne and Brisbane will be cut by almost a third 

Forbes Business Chamber 

Terry Bros Forbes Proud sponsors of our Christmas Promotion – The support of our fabulous local businesses is just amazing!!! Shop at participating stores, scan the QR code to enter & win a share in a $20,000 prize pool 

Look for the Find it in Forbes Christmas trees for you chance to win while shopping.

From left to right FF Chris Allegeri, FF Brad McMillan, FF Joel Cuskelly And FF Tom Bentick.

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 294 Forbes 

On behalf of Forbes Fire rescue station 294 we would like to introduce to the Forbes community and welcome them to our crew our four new recruits. 

We are thrilled to have you join our team and embark on this journey of serving and protecting our community. 

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations and assure you that you are about to embark on a career that is not only rewarding but also filled with purpose 

Parkes Shire Council 

Not long now until the Christmas Carols at Cooke Park. 

Brace yourselves for Christmas cheer on Sunday 10 December, 2023, starting at 6:30pm Get set for a magical evening packed with tasty food, amazing performances, and a joyful atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t forget your blankets or chairs. 

Kerin Health 

Summer Series Reformer Pilates! 

We’re running a Summer mini term of Reformer Pilates this January in both Forbes & Parkes studio locations! 

Our Summer Series kicks off on 8th January, running for four weeks and wrapping up on 2nd February 2024. 

This is the perfect opportunity to try our reformer workouts if you’ve never been to a class before! Grab a four week term pass, or a single casual pass and join us in the studio. 

For booking details, timetable and pricing, head to our website kerinhealth. com.au 

Forbes Business Chamber 

Hozpots Garden & Vintage Forbes ~ Shop to win in our Find it in Forbes Annual Christmas Promotion. 

Want to display your car but need accom-modation? Book at Graceland on the Green now bit.ly/GracelandoGreen.