One of the animals rescued from the Forbes floods was Kerry Packer. Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange Facebook Page reported he came in looking a bit rough after his adventures with barb wire wrapped in his fleece. “The boys took care of him and gave him a haircut and he is looking like a new man.” (Photo: Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange Facebook page)
Record-breaking Rain: The Bureau of Meteorology’s October national and state climate summaries show a record-breaking month of rain. Rainfall in October was the 2nd highest on record with rainfall above or very much above average for most of Australia, while Australia’s national area-average mean temperature was 0.19 °C above average for October. NSW had its wettest October on record with cooler than average days and warmer than average nights. Forbes received 143.4mm in October and a total of 838.2mm so far this year. Parkes is slightly less with 142.4mm in October and a total for the year so far at 816.2mm. By Tuesday Parkes had already received 64.4mm in the first 7 days of November.
Access To JE Vaccine: NSW has widened access to free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to a broader group of people. JE vaccine is now recommended for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in Forbes and Parkes, with identified JE risk who: Spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day) for unavoidable work, recreation, education, or other essential activities, OR are living in temporary or flood damaged accommodation (e.g. camps, tents, dwellings exposed to the external environment) that place them at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, OR are engaged in the prolonged outdoor recovery efforts (clean up) of stagnant waters following floods. The key to protecting yourself from JE and other mosquito borne infections is avoiding mosquito bites. JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs). People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. Some GPs may need to order the vaccine.
Mosquitoes: Protect yourself and your family against mosquitoes by: covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps in them; removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed; improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant; wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn; applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent; and using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside). For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes
Help For Flooded Farmers: Rural Aid is offering immediate financial assistance to primary producers impacted by the recent flooding events. Eligible, registered farmers in NSW can now apply for a $500 pre-paid visa card from Rural Aid. Farmers can register at www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.