MeatUp In Cowra For Red Meat Update: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is encouraging producers to register for the MeatUp Forum in Cowra on Thursday 10 August 2023. The forum, to be held at the Cowra Civic Centre will include insights on MLA initiatives, grazing management, sheep and beef updates, carbon, a visit to the Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station and more. Pre-registration is essential, visit mla.com.au/meatup or phone Pinion Advisory on 1300 746 466. Tickets are $25 for MLA members and $50 for Non-members (GST inc). 

NSW Sport And Rec Active Kids Vouchers: July is here and that means there’s a new $50 Active Kids voucher available. The voucher is available to all NSW children aged 4.5 to 18 who are currently enrolled in school. The new Active Kids voucher will be valid until 31 January 2024, so you can use it to register the kids for a summer sport they love or try a new activity! Download yours now from the Service NSW website: www.service.nsw.gov.au/active-kids 

Creative Ways To Entertain Kids These Holidays: Arts OutWest, has developed a concise list of events, workshops, shows, exhibitions, tours and other activities for kids and families right across Central West NSW. Access the list at https://artsoutwest.org.au/whats-on/list/ 

Community groups and organisations are also encouraged to contact Arts OutWest to have their events added to the list if they aren’t mentioned. 

Looking for a Central West Road trip? Or a map to find museums and galleries? Eugowra, Cowra, Manildra, and Molong all have beautiful murals to look at. Another fun day trip is the Animals on Bikes from Molong to Dubbo, spotting the fun mailboxes and sculptures along the way. To download the culture maps for Central NSW go to: www.centralnsw.com/ 

Vote Now!: Voting is now open for the Essential Energy 2023 Community Choices program.There are several local community groups listed in the program. Vote now for a group making a difference in your community – your vote may help them receive a share of $250,000. Voting is super easy. Go online to www.essentialenergy.com.au/choices, search for your favourite group by name, postcode or zone and click vote. Voting closes midnight Monday, 17th July. 

Open Everyday Of School Holidays: The Aviation Museum at Parkes Airport has been steadily growing and are excited to announce two new additions, an ex RAN Grumman Tracker and an ex RAAF Macchi jet trainer to the line up and while they both are undergoing extensive restoration work they will be on display during the coming school holidays. 

The Museum has an extensive range of aircraft on display that you can visit on board and some you can even sit in the pilot’s seat. The Museum houses many aircraft that are significant to Australian aviation history. 

The Museum is located at Parkes Regional Airport and is open each and every day of the school holidays from 9.30am to 3.30pm, cost of entry for a family is only $30. For more information you can contact Mike De La Hunty on 0418 473 175 or follow HARS Parkes facebook page. 

Backpackers To Pack It In Over Labor Visa Hike: Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has slammed the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to hike the cost of a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa by $130 to $640 from 1st July and its plan to limit these visas to just one year. 

Mr McCormack said the price increase would now make it the highest fee visa of its kind in the world. 

Caravan And Camping Holidays Surge In Face Of Economic Uncertainty: Numbers for the March quarter showed a strong surge in travel numbers with people embarking on 4.5 million trips (up 24%) around our beautiful country with and 18 million nights (up 22%) spent caravanning and camping. That takes the annual rolling figure for trips to 15.5 million trips and 62.3 million nights and $11.2bn in visitor expenditure. 

Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO, Stuart Lamont, said: “seeing growth in the industry is always great to see, but in the face of uncertain economic times, these numbers demonstrate the everlasting strength of our customer offering and our immense value for money proposition.” 

“We’re continuing to see Australian’s love affair with their country grow, spending more and more time in our beautiful regional and rural towns. That makes the growth even more encouraging, knowing that 89% of these trips are being spent in areas needing the support” said Stuart. 

Help Pave The Way For A More Liveable Future In The Parkes Shire: Parkes Shire Council invites members of the Parkes community to share their ideas to deliver liveability improvements across the Shire. 

Parkes Shire Council has secured $186,562 in funding from the NSW Government under the Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund to assist in developing the strategy. 

Parkes Shire Council’s Director Planning and Community Services, Brendan Hayes, is eager to engage with the community and gain as much input as possible into developing the strategy. 

“We are calling on all members of the community to participate in the survey to help us gather this essential information and work towards making the Parkes Shire a more attractive place to reside,” he said. 

For information and to access the Liveable Neighbourhoods survey, visit www.yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au. A limited number of paper copies of the survey are available at Council’s Planning and Environment building on Cecile Street, Parkes. The survey is open from Tuesday 13th June – Sunday 9th July 2023. 

EPA Requires Immediate Action By Newcrest To Comply: Newcrest Mining Ltd’s Cadia mine has been told it must comply immediately with the Protection of the Environment (Clean Air) Regulation 2022 (the Clean Air Regulation), the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, and its Environment Protection Licence (EPL) or face further regulatory action by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). 

Test results provided in response to the EPA’s previous Prevention Notice, and issued to Newcrest subsidiary, Cadia Holdings Pty Ltd, show the mine’s main vent is releasing an unacceptable level of dust. 

EPA Chief Executive Officer, Tony Chappel said Newcrest’s Cadia mine continues to fall well short of its legal obligations to meet clean air standards. 

“If Newcrest cannot show its subsidiary is taking immediate action to comply, the EPA will take appropriate action which could include suspension of the licence, seeking court orders or issuing further directions. 

Parenting Support – Happy Families: St Laurence’s is a member of Happy Families and this means that all parents have membership access to a website with a range of resources to support positive parenting. This is something that was raised at the recent St Laurence’s School Committee meeting and may be a jumping off point for parent education events. 

Farmers Welcome New Off-Road Ambulances: The state’s peak agricultural body has welcomed the announcement of 80 new four-wheel-drive ambulances. NSW Farmers health spokeswoman Sarah Thompson said the specially-modified Toyota Landcruiser 200 series ambulances, announced by Health Minister Ryan Park on Tuesday, would give paramedics greater ability to reach patients in difficult terrain throughout regional and remote areas. 

“The people who grow our food and fibre and keep our regional communities moving often work in hard-to-reach places,” Mrs Thompson said. “It’s comforting to know that if something goes wrong, help will be able to get to you.” 

“This is a common sense move, replacing the old Troop Carrier ambulances with their modern equivalents.” 

According to the NSW Government, the new off-road ambulances will be used for rescue and recovery operations in difficult terrain where standard ambulances cannot go. 

National Capital Art Prize Entries Close on 30th June: The National Capital Art Prize is calling on artists to submit their entries before Friday, 30th of June 2023. The nation-wide competition has over $45,000 prize money up for grabs across three categories, including: Open Prize, First Nations Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and the Sustainability Prize. 

Artists are vying for a cash prize of $15,000 in each category. A two-tiered adjudication process will see the best of the best selected as finalists for a further round of judging to decide the winners. 

Entries will close on 30th June at 7pm. Further details are available at www.nationalcapitalartprize.com.au 

Elvis: A Musical Revolution – Authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises: Penned by acclaimed international writers, Elvis: A Musical Revolution is a new bio-musical exploring the extraordinary life of award-winning cultural icon and rock ‘n’ roll superstar, Elvis Presley. 

Following an extensive nation-wide talent search with over 700 applicants, theatre and television star Rob Mallett has been selected to play the iconic role of Elvis. 

The Australian premiere will open at Sydney’s State Theatre, from 5th August, before rocking into Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 6th October. 

By popular demand, new performance dates have just been released for both cities, allowing more audiences the chance to secure seats via Ticketmaster. 

RDA Central West Welcomes New Director: Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) has welcomed Mr Steven Bowman as their new director. Mr Bowman is excited about his new role at RDA Central West, having already been a board member for the not-for-profit organisation for two years. “I have a great understanding of how this space operates and bring with me a breadth of economic development experience,” said Mr Bowman. 

Prior to joining RDA Central West, Mr. Bowman was the Business Engagement Lead for Southeast and Central NSW at nbn Co. “It feels very natural to step into this role, and I am excited to continue championing for our region’s economic growth through new and existing projects and initiatives.” 

Community Choices $250k Funding Pool Now Open: Essential Energy’s fifth Community Choices Program has opened for nominations, with community groups encouraged to nominate for their chance to win part of a $250k funding pool. 

Essential Energy Community Relations Manager, Bronya Pressler said “This year we have increased funding to a total of $250,000 to be shared between eligible groups across 20 zones in our network Netball Training 

footprint. This means $5,000 is now available to groups that get the most votes in their region”. 

Groups from small communities with populations less than 10,000 will be able to nominate and get their community voting to help them access $1,250 funding for the group with the most votes. 

Nominations are open through to 5pm on 26th June 2023. Community voting opens Monday, 3rd July and closes Monday, 17th July 2023 at 5pm AEST. Visit essentialenergy.com.au/choices to learn more or register to make a nomination. 

Two Historic Steam Locomotives Return To Bathurst This June Long Weekend: Two former NSW Government Railways steam locomotives will operate 1.5-hour shuttle rides from Bathurst Station, including a day trip to Orange this June long weekend, the 10th and 11th of June. 

Over 3,000 people are expected to travel behind historic locomotives 3526 and 3642, as they make a welcome return to the Central West. “This is a fantastic opportunity for families and heritage enthusiasts alike to step back in time and connect with our State’s rich rail history,” said Mr Moritz. 

For information and tickets, visit www.thnsw.com.au/bathurst 

Keeping The Roads Safe During Sowing: Agricultural machinery owners and operators are invited to get road ready ahead of the 2023 sowing season, by picking up a free Moving Harvest Machinery USB from all agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires. The USBs will also be available at the Council Administration Offices. 

The ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USBs contain all the relevant notices for safely and legally moving agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road, along with other useful information.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the USBs were produced in July 2022, but weren’t distributed during the harvest season due to flooding in the local area.

There are over 800 USBs available – so call into your local agricultural machinery retailer, rural supply store or the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Council Administration Offices to collect yours.

Activists ought to be called out on harassment tactics: Australia’s peak farming body, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) has come out slamming radical animal rights activists following a spate of illegal and intimidating encounters with law-abiding industry participants, and joined calls for the Government to exclude them from policy making processes. 

NFF Vice President Mr Jochinke called on the Federal Government to “Publicly and proactively condemn the people behind this intimidation campaign, and commit to not engaging with them, everyone should have the right to feel safe in their workplace.”

Have You Entered Our Dr Suess Giveaway? If you haven’t already, this is the last week you can enter the Parkes & Forbes Phoenix Dr Seuss competition. 

Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200 word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’. As the top selling children’s author of all time.

Both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres.

We are giving away five family passes including three meet and greet opportunities. Further details can be found in the ad on page 10 of this week’s paper.

Inkredible Experiences 13th birthday bash and fundraiser for Lifeline: Don’t miss out on a fun filled family day out on Sunday 28th May at Inkredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barber. It is going to be so big, the entire block in the main street will be closed off so that the fun can spill out on to the street for everyone to enjoy. 

Bring the kids for free face painting and jumping castle. They will be doing flash tattoos on the day, raffles, giveaways, barbering and piercing in-store and much more. There will be merchandise on offer and the focus of the day is to raise funds for Lifeline and encouraging people to open up and have conversartions if they are doing it tough. Entertainment will be provided by The Dyagang Boys and Foxxy Cleopatra. 

Careers NSW Under The Spotlight During Careers Week: The successful rollout of Careers NSW, a free career guidance and employment advice service, was a main focus of this year’s Careers Week (15th-21st May). The service offers free appointments with careers practitioners, and are a great opportunity to talk through next steps toward a rewarding career. 

Appointments are available at more than 40 locations across Sydney, Newcastle,  Wollongong and regional NSW, with more locations opening soon.Virtual appointments are also available. 

More than 195,000 people have accessed support through the Careers NSW website where there is customised support for people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, regional and remote communities, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and vulnerable groups. 

The Careers NSW school trials are continuing to expand support to young people, now covering more than 60 high schools across the state offering services including: 

• Group careers exploration sessions from year 7 

• Parent/carer information discussions 

• Student appointments with a careers practitioner 

• Student mock interviews 

• Careers workshops and presentations. 

Can you spot the real Costa? Local Parkes resident Deb Abela sent us this great photo which was taken on Costa’s recent visit to Parkes. It shows Costa holding a gift that was handmade for him by Deb, its a “spitting image Costa”. We think Deb did a great job and Costa was very excited to receive the gift. 

Red Cross Zone 23 Conference To Be Hosted By Peak Hill Branch: An open invitation is extended to members, volunteers and friends to attend the annual Australian Red Cross Zone 23 Conference on Tuesday 23rd May. The conference will be held at at 10am in St Stephan’s Anglican Church Hall, 99 Derribong Street, Peak Hill. Entry is $20, which includes registration, morning tea, lunch and three guest speakers. RSVP for catering 0401 223 195.

Clock Is Ticking For Grace Period Recommendation On Tax Scheme: The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is ramping up its calls to the Federal Government to extend the Instant Asset Write Off (IAWO). The IAWO and temporary full expensing arrangements allow farmers and small businesses to immediately depreciate the full cost of new assets within a single financial year. However, farmers must receive and install their new assets before 30 June 2023. NFF President Fiona Simson said “There are farmers who ordered tractors and machinery in 2020 that still haven’t arrived.”

Secret of the Dambusters unveiled for the first time: The Australian War Memorial has unveiled a key piece from one of the most famous air raids of the Second World War: Operation Chastise, better known as the Dambusters Raid.

On the 80th anniversary of the raid, 16th May 2023, the Memorial is previewing an original Sorpe Dam model, used to prepare for the raids, which will feature in the redeveloped galleries in the new Anzac Hall.

The 3D models were used by pilots and aircrew in preparing for the operation. “These models are 80 years old but look like they were made yesterday,” Australian War Memorial Senior Curator, Shane Casey, said. “The Sorpe Dam model will be displayed for the first time in the new Anzac Hall.”

The Australian War Memorial’s Senior Historian, Lachlan Grant said, “These models are 3D dioramas used by the pilots and aircrew to familiarise themselves with the targets ahead of the operation. “The Dambusters Raid boosted morale in Britain and the Commonwealth at a time when things were not going well.There were 13 Australians in 617 Squadron who flew in the Dambusters Raid, including four pilots.” 

The model of the Möhne Dam is currently on display in the Memorial’s Second World War galleries. The new Anzac Hall is due to be completed in late 2025.

Conversation Convoy Heading To Parkes: Next Monday, 15th May R U OK? will be in Parkes as part of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy 2023. The R U OK? Conversation Convoy travels to regional communities around the country.

Determined to help all Australians understand the important role they can play in looking out for their friends, family and colleagues. R U OK? will be meeting with communities for a cuppa and a chat. We’ve also got some free resources to help communities know how to have an R U OK? Conversation.

You can find more at ruok.org.au including a schedule of public events and resources to help support local communities. R U OK? is grateful for the support we receive from our Conversation Convoy partners: Connor Menswear, Kit Kat, The Audi Foundation, Spirit Super and Nescafe. 

Event Registrations Now Open For Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week 2023: Being held from 4th – 8th September, the theme for Womens Health Week is: Helping you make the right decision for your health.

In its ten years, Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week has cemented its status as the leading national event dedicated to women’s health.

The 2022 campaign broke previous records with over 2,000 events and 250,000 attendees. The upcoming 2023 week is anticipated to be even bigger.

Event registrations are now open and free for all participating community groups, organisations and individuals. Event hosts will receive exclusive access to Jean Hailes health information, promotional materials and merchandise.

This year’s theme focuses on helping people make the right decisions for their health.

Register your event and find event promotional tools such as posters, name tags and templates by visiting womenshealthweek.com.au

Drop-In Community Sessions To Provide Updates On The Parkes Bypass: Community members can access the latest information on the Parkes Bypass project through two drop-in sessions to be held next week.

The two-lane corridor will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including one over the rail corridor and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.

The drop-in sessions will be held at The Little Theatre, 34 Bogan Street, Parkes on:

• Tuesday 16 May, 9am – 6pm
• Wednesday 17 May, 4pm – 7.30pm

The project’s engineering site team, hygienist and geologist will be on-hand toprovide more information and answer any questions from community members.

Rural Roads Alliance Outlines Infrastructure Priorities To Parliament: Newly-formed Rural Roads Alliance has this week given evidence to a parliamentary inquiry, reiterating its call for an emergency funding package totalling nearly $5.5 billion in next week’s Federal Budget. 

In the lead up to the Federal Budget, the Rural Roads Alliance is calling for an emergency funding package totalling nearly $5.5 billion, including: 

• A one-off injection of $1 billion over four years directed at regional road and infrastructure reconstruction for councils impacted by flooding and other natural disasters to ensure the rebuild is to a standard more resilient to future disaster events; 

• $800 million a year over four years for the Roads to Recovery Program; 

• $300 million a year over four years to address first and last mile freight productivity; and, 

• Targeted funding through the Roads of Strategic Importance program to improve the long-term climate resilience of freight networks. 

Cost Of Living Data Proves Need For Payment Reforms: The latest ABS Living Cost Indexes show pensioners and other government payment recipients are hit the hardest by rising cost of living pressures. 

National Seniors Australia Chief Operating Officer Chris Grice said the latest quarterly figures reveal a worrying increase with pensioner and age pensioner households recording the largest rise at 2.2%. Households receiving other government payments recorded a rise of 2.1%. “Under the current system, pensions are adjusted every six months, in March and September. This leaves recipients playing a game of catch up when inflation is unusually high.” 

Mr Grice said the federal government should index the pension more frequently during times of high inflation to help those most vulnerable. 

Coles Shoppers Helping To Clean Up Australia: Unilever Australia, maker of household staples including Omo, Rexona, TRESemmé, Dove and Streets ice creams, has partnered with Coles and Clean Up Australia to supply free Clean Up Kits to schools and communities across the country. From 3rd to 30th May, whenever shoppers buy one of Unilever’s participating products at Coles supermarkets or online, 10 cents from each purchase will go to Clean Up Australia.