FORBES EQUESTRIAN CENTRE It was a delight to officially open the new $3.52 million Multipurpose Forbes Equestrian Centre, late last month. This is an outstanding facility for the Forbes and surrounding districts for horse riding enthusiasts and broader fraternity. Not only will this precinct be a statewide beacon for equine events, but because it is strategically located in the middle of the state and along the Newell Highway – it will provide infrastructure for the spelling of horses being transported. This project delivered on time and in budget is a credit to the Forbes Shire Council team of councillors and staff. It is pleasing that local tradies were used in the construction of this facility, helping the local economy to flourish and give a sense of pride to those locals who helped build it. Congratulations again and I look forward to seeing this facility put to good use. MENTAL FITNESS It was a real pleasure to meet Gotcha4Life co-founder Vicki Worland, who was in town last week. Gotcha 4 Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to building a mentally fit future. They have developed and deliver mental fitness campaigns, workshops, programs and resources in schools, sports clubs, workplaces and communities all across Australia. I am a huge advocate of mental health, which is important to everyone’s overall health and wellbeing – which has to be continually maintained. So, whenever I see new and effective initiatives in this space, I am eager to health promote and get people involved. Gotcha4Life have already been doing great work across the region. If your school or club wants to get involved, get in touch with Gotcha 4 Life. SENIORS LOCAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - NOW OPEN You are invited to recognise an outstanding older person in your community with nominations for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards now open. The 2025 Seniors Festival and the Local Achievement Awards celebrate the tremendous contribution seniors offer to their community. If you know a senior who strives to make our community a better place through volunteering, innovation, or simply supporting family and friends, now is the time to nominate them for the Local Achievement Awards. We are indeed fortunate to have so many seniors in our local community who are generous with their time, energy and commitment. By highlighting seniors’ continued efforts in helping our local communities thrive, we are continuing to challenge ageism and empower seniors to overcome social stigma. Nominations are now open for the awards program, one of many initiatives the NSW Government promotes to support the state’s seniors living happy, healthy, and active lives. Winners of the Local Achievement Awards will be announced during the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival which runs from 3-16 March. The awards program is part of an exciting schedule of events across the state. For more information about NSW Seniors Festival and the Local Achievement Awards, visit https://shorturl.at/jwEeS $70k for M AND D Last Tuesday I visited Parkes’ Little Theatre to personally congratulate Lyn Townsend of the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society on receiving a $70,000 grant which will fund new microphones and digital audio. My wife Nadia and I have had the pleasure of seeing a few productions at this fantastic theatre, and I’m pleased this NSW Government Infrastructure Grants Program funding will enhance the audience experience in future productions. If you haven’t yet been to one of their shows, I highly recommend you do; they are of professional quality and are sure to entertain the toughest of critics. Well done to Lyn and all members of the Society. I look forward to seeing the next show, Mamma Mia. FIREFIGHTERS FINALLY HONOURED It’s taken over four decades for 10 courageous local firefighters to be finally recognised. On May 23rd 1983, these men faced almost certain peril to fight and extinguish a fuel tanker fire at Parkes, and it was a miracle it did not explode or spread to the nearby fuel depot tanks - for if it had, the result would have been catastrophic. Only five of the ten heroes are still alive today, and it is regrettable that those who are now deceased were not recognised during their lifetime, and although this late recognition provides them no solace perhaps it does, to an extent, for their families, fellow fire fighters and the community they saved. I was only made aware of this five years ago, when retired firefighter Don Jewell, and his wife Jenny, visited my office in Orange. I lobbied both the previous and the current state governments over that time to have these men’s bravery appropriately acknowledged. I wish to acknowledge Emergency Services Minister Jihad Jib, who responded to my speech on this issue in the NSW Parliament last year, which got the ball finally rolling. Current Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW Jeremy Fewtrell responded by issuing individual awards for the ten heroes. Those brave firefighters, are Captain Gordon Northey, now deceased; Engine keeper Rodney Bradley, now deceased; Firefighter Robert Tinker; Firefighter Graham Dixon; Firefighter Roger Larsen; Firefighter Graham Thompson; Firefighter Robert McDonald, now deceased; Firefighter Don Jewell; Firefighter Bruce Shanks, now deceased; and Firefighter John Ashcroft, now deceased. It was an honour to host a presentation event at Cooke Park Pavilion in Parkes, to finally recognise these men’s heroism and extraordinary service. ‘Tis the season… Schools are now winding-up for another year, and summer holidays begin. Lots of families will now be hitting the road to go on holidays or to visit their friends and relatives. Consequently, our roads become increasingly busy. I want everyone to arrive safely to their destination, so be sure to buckle-up, be patient - take your time, and avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks on longer trips. As the weather heats up it is always nice to cool off by taking a dip in the water—but water safety is also essential. Grown-ups, always supervise kids and please look out for one-another - don’t take risks! Let’s all be summer safe. Please take care out there everybody, Phil.
