The Elvis Festival in Parkes, renowned for its vibrant celebration of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, will see SEQ-based musician Rheanna Leschke on the Cambridge Hotel outdoor stage. With her signature blend of pop, rock ‘n’ roll, and country, Rheanna is very excited to be back, as a band, at the Cambridge Hotel, with their good vibes and enthusiasm.

“I love the energy in Parkes for the Elvis Festival,” says Leschke. “The people here really make it something special. The fa­miliar faces I see in the audience and new faces in the crowd when I’m playing, put sparkles in my heart.”

Having shared the stage with some of Australia’s music icons, including Normie Rowe, Pixie Jenkins and Carter & Carter, Rheanna has continually impressed audi­ences with her smooth tone, soulful de­livery, and engaging performances. Her strong musical roots, deep connection to her audience and a growing body of origi­nal work, makes Rheanna an artist for mu­sic listeners and lovers of all ages.

Her original compositions have been fi­nalists in the Tamworth Songwriters Asso­ciation Competition, reflecting her skill as a writer and performer.

This March, Rheanna is set to release her own original music, marking an excit­ing new chapter in her career. “It has been a journey bringing my music to life. I’m so excited for the upcoming release and I’m stoked for when everyone will be able to hear it too.”

Rheanna Leschke is proudly endorsed by ProMusicAustralia. Make sure to catch her at the Cambridge Hotel, find her and follow on @rheannaleschke instagram/fa­cebook — stop by and say hello!

The Homegrown Parkes event is an op­portunity for local and regional businesses and individuals who are processing, repur­posing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products, to share their skill and products with the community.

Homegrown Parkes was recently award­ed the Community Spirit and Inclusion Award at the 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns NSW Awards.

Demonstrations will again be one of the highlights of the 2025 events, highlighting processes for using locally produced food and products with the aim of encouraging locals to grow produce in their own back­yard – or at least increase their conscious­ness of food miles and purchasing locally.

Education is an important part of Home­grown Parkes, encouraging our commu­nity to grow and prepare their own produce and supporting local and regional small businesses is an important element of the event. The inclusion of a Crop Swap at the event allows locals to share excess pro­duce and encourage others.

Homegrown Parkes will provide an op­portunity for visitors and locals to fill their Saturday in Parkes with plenty of good food and local produce! The autumn event will be held on Saturday, 29 March and the Spring event will be held on Saturday, 11 October. These events are being held be­tween 9am and 2pm in Cooke Park.

The Homegrown Parkes Committee, consists of members of Central West La­chlan Landcare, Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council.

If you are interested in joining us for ei­ther Homegrown Parkes events, make sure you follow our social media, find out more information via our website at https://cen­tralwestlachlanlandcare.org/get-involved/homegrown-parkes/ or contact Marg Ap­plebee on 0418 611 053 or homegrown­parkes@gmail.com

This National Bullying No Way Week (12th-16th August), Triple P is reminding the community to help children stay safer online and stop cyberbullying before it impacts children.

Carol Markie-Dadds, Triple P International Country Director, high­lighted the urgency of this issue, noting Triple P’s largest-ever sur­vey of parents and carers found 8 out of 10 parents are concerned about keeping children safe from online dangers like cyberbullying.

“Bullying, whether it’s online through text or social media, or in person, has a significant impact on children’s emotional and physi­cal health, and puts children at greater risk of mental health con­cerns, like anxiety or depression,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Par­ents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au

Investing in the future of rural and regional communities, the RAS Foundation has se­lected a record 91 students for its 2024 Ru­ral Scholarship program, with nine scholars from the Central West named in this year’s cohort.

Now in its 14th year, the RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship program offers financial support to tertiary education students who are helping shape the future of regional NSW by forging careers within rural or re­gional communities.

Record funds of $516,000 will be distrib­uted among this year’s scholarship recipi­ents, with an aim to help ease the burdens associated with pursuing higher education such as relocating to urban centres, study costs, and the inability to work consistently due to study.

The scholarship program is open to stu­dents across NSW and the ACT who are currently enrolled or applying for study in an accredited tertiary course at an Austral­ian university, college, or TAFE, with no limits imposed on age or the types of de­gree that qualify.

Central West scholarship recipients are studying a range of courses, including vet­erinary science, psychology and agricul­ture, and are looking forward to applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills within their local regional communities at the completion of their studies.

The RAS Foundation awards up to $6000 to Rural Scholarship recipients undertak­ing full-time study, or up to $3000 for those studying part-time, made possible with the assistance of generous donors, including The Snow Foundation and UNE Founda­tion.

Over 900 scholarships have been provid­ed to students across Australia, including targeted scholarships for careers in both regional journalism and the Australian wine industry.

Applications for the 2025 RASF Rural Scholarship will open on 1 July 2024. For further information, visit www.rasf.org.au

Saturday 8th June saw the staging of the annual ‘Can-Assist Charity Golf Day’. This is a 4-person Ambrose event open to golf­ers and non-golfers alike, with a field of 116, comprising 85 golfers and 31 non-golfers.

The Scratch winners on the day were the team of Clint Hurford, Shane Sallaway, Damien Kennedy and Kell Becquet, with a score of 62.

The Nett Winners were Peter Mitchell, Andrew Grierson, Cindy Hillier and Grant Tranter, who managed a nett 51 5/8 off their 8 3/8 handicap, and who started the day with four birdies.

As usual, the community were generous in their sponsorship, so the prize list was quite extensive. Other Nett prizes included:

• R-up: C Banks, J Banks, N Morrison, J Sharkey.

• 3rd: D Ashton, Ash Davies, M Inder, N Inder.

• 4th: P Cowhan, L Cowhan, B Robinson, N Greenhalgh

• 5th: P Duke, M Duke, T Duke, Alf DaviesThe NTPs went to:

• Men: 1st J House, 3rd S Brindle, 9th S Sallaway, 18th P Mitchell

• Ladies: 1st nil, 3rd B Duncan, 9th G Bay­ley, 18th S Grierson.

• 2nd shot on 12th: Men Liam Fraser, La­dies Sharon Grierson

• Super Pin on 9th Shane SallawayAt the presentation, organiser Andrew Grierson thanked those who sponsored prizes, and the many players, both golfers and non-golfers, who had travelled to par­ticipate in the event. He also thanked the Can-Assist committee who ran the Half­way House and lunch BBQ and attended to all the other bits and pieces. The money raised amounted to over $3,000 which will help the work of the Forbes Can-Assist branch.

By Short Putt

National Seniors Australia (NSA) has proudly launched the Inaugural Everald Compton Community Champion Medal to acknowledge older unsung heroes while also recognising NSA’s Founding Father.

NSA Chief Executive Officer Mr Chris Grice said the medal honours NSA’s Found­ing Fathers’ long standing and outstand­ing contribution to the Australian commu­nity while celebrating everyday champions whose grassroot experiences and selfless contributions make a significant difference to their communities.

“At NSA, we are constantly reminded of the amazing, yet humble members of our older community. Whether they’re volun­teering, donating time and skills, or caring for others – what they do and how they do it is often so selfless and inspiring,” Mr Grice said.

“The Everald Compton Community Champion Medal is a distinguished ac­colade that acknowledges these unsung heroes among older Australians. It also re­flects NSA’s values of fairness, excellence, and respect exemplified by Everald’s own experience and achievements.”

“Too often and too easily, older Austral­ians get cast aside. But they’re an asset and shouldn’t be ignored. At 92 I am proof age brings with it experience, wisdom and a spirit that should be appreciated and cel­ebrated.”

Mr Grice said he’s keen to learn about and celebrate the inspiring stories of older Australians and encourages people who know an older unsung hero to check for eli­gibility criteria and apply.

To nominate for the Everald Compton Community Champion Medal, visit nation­alseniors.com.au/stories/everald-compton-community-champion-medal.

Nominations open on 23rd May=, close on 15th August and the winner will be an­nounced on 1st October 2024.

This week marks the beginning of this year’s NSW Seniors Festival. The annual two-week festival includes a range of events delivered for the community by Council, local community groups and service providers to celebrate our seniors and give them the opportunity to learn new skills, make new connections or find a new hobby.

If you are interested in joining in on the festivities, contact Council to find out more and register for our events. All of the details for the Seniors Festival events can be found in our weekly What’s On E-newsletter and on our social media pages. If you haven’t subscribed to What’s On you really need to – contact Council to ask to go onto the mailing list!

As you can appreciate repairs to the roads post flood is a massive job. Our teams are working very hard to undertake this work and unfortunately this does take time. There has already been over $10 million spent on repairing our roads this financial year with more to come. Please continue to bear with us as we work away at this massive task.

We currently have crews working on South Condobolin Road, Bedgerabong Road, New Grenfell Road and Lachlan Valley Way towards Cowra with recent heavy patching work undertaken on The Bogan Way and Warraderry Way.

If you are travelling in or around road work sites, please take care and follow the instruction of signs and traffic control officers to keep our community safe. Remember these staff are often our friends and family and they need to go home safely each night.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Autumn 2024

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Thursday March 7 Goobang NP East Boundary Trail south end off Wellington Rd

Meet 9am at Lions Park Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586. Medium 6kms

Thursday March 21 Nangar NP. Glen Echo Trail Medium 6kms Meet Pioneer Park,

The Escort Way Eugowra 9.30am Leaders Liz and Graeme MacRaild Liz 0455 915 989

Sunday April 21. Conimbla NP: Walk to the lookout Meet at 9.30am Gooloogong

Memorial Park cnr Main St (Lachlan Valley Way) and King St (Warraderry Way) Easy.

4km. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586

Wednesday April 24 Meeting 2pm 2499 Amaroo Way Cookamidgera

Thursday May 2 Kokoda North Parkes Mines Offset Block tbc Meet Lions Park

Molong Rd Parkes 9am. Contact: Martin Bell 0429 346 586

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

Council has officially opened nominations for our 2024 Citizens of the Year which are announced during Australia Day commemorations in Forbes. Applications are now being taken for Junior Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Who do you know in our wonderful community who goes above and beyond and deserves to be recognised. Whether it’s sporting or academic achievement, voluntarily giving of time and self to keep our town, or someone who is exceptional. Start thinking about worthy recipients and get your nominations in; application forms can be found on our website; www.forbes.nsw.gov.au 

This year’s Citizen of the Year was Paul Faulkner, recognised for his efforts guiding the Bedgerabong school community through the devastating 2022 floods. Shirley Dukes and Max Reid were Senior and Junior citizens, their efforts as dedicated volunteers and just pitching in to give a hand are definitely worth commemorating. 

It was lovely to make presentations to the latest recipients of our Community Funding Program at last month’s Council meeting. These grants are open to groups within the Forbes shire for sponsorship or assistance in a variety of areas – like sports, arts, community services and rural village enhancements. Congratulations to these groups. The next round of funding is now open (two rounds of funding are awarded each year), with applications being taken until January 31 2024. To find out more email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au – I encourage all groups to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to secure funding or sponsorship for their community. 

Until next week, fingers crossed and God bless! 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor