We are currently taking expressions of interest for Firearms Training in Parkes and Mental Health First Aid Training at Peak Hill.

Of course these are totally separate offerings, but we are keen to fill both courses.

The Firearms Training is scheduled for Parkes, but if we receive a cohort from a particular area, we are happy to look at options for hosting placements. We are still finalising dates with the two separate trainers.

Central West Lachlan Landcare are offering two subsidised training events to women who would like to complete their NSW Longarm Firearms pre-licence requirements and gain confidence in the use of firearms in a safe and supportive environment.

The Longarm Firearm Pre-licence two-hour course is for women who do not have their firearms licence. They will be run by registered trainer, John Gorman and includes the pre-licence test required to apply for your firearms licence. A 50% subsidy has been applied.

The Firearms Familiarisation and Practical four-hour training with Liz O’Grady is for women who already have their licence and those who complete their pre-licence qualification, we are offering a training session with Liz O’Grady from Ag and Pest Solutions.

The program is designed for women and includes a comprehensive safety briefing, an easy to understand breakdown of a large range of firearms and ammunition, shooting technique and plenty of target shooting. Groups are limited to four participants to ensure a personalised experience. You do not need your own firearm to attend this training. An 80% subsidy has been applied.

Preference is given to EOI who wish to attend both workshops. You can submit your EOI here.

The second training opportunity, that we flagged a couple of weeks ago is for Peak Hill Mental Health First Aid Training. After the response that was received for the first training session in April, we are fortunate to be able to deliver a second session, with the support of Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), Western NSW Local Health District and Primary Health Network. You can register to attend the workshop on Wednesday and Thursday, 5 and 6 August 2026 here.

Both of these projects are possible with support from the Landcare Enabling Program.  A collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, Facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare or contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.