A loyal Forbes resident all her life, Marg Stirling started feeling about 12 months ago the need to do her part for local women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The inspiration came during a time when Marg started frequenting the gym as part of a rehab program. She became aware of a group of ladies also visiting the gym that were there for breast cancer exercises. “Once I got involved with the ladies after seeing them as well as hearing of the others, I thought it would be nice to do something
to give back to them and others that might go through the same thing,” said Marg.

Last Monday, Marg’s inspiring initiative to help local women living with breast cancer, finally came to fruition when she was able to present a cheque to the value of $6,700 to Lachlan Health Services McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Dianne Green and Janice Cassidy of Cassidy’s Hair Salon in Parkes. These funds will be allocated towards material headwear (which can be quite expensive) and the local Wig Library, run by Janice.

The Wig Library services all people living around the Central West that is losing their hair because of cancer treatment. “People come to us to find a wig that suits them. We style it to suit their face and we also shampoo wigs that are worn very often. It’s all free of charge and they can have the wig as long as they need it,” said Janice.

As part of Marg’s fundraising efforts she organised a luncheon at the Forbes Inn in April last year where more than $900 was raised through ticket sales, a raffle and also generous donations.

The shaving of Marg’s hair was done at the Forbes Rugby Union Club as part of their Ladies Day held in June with a couple of hundred people bearing witness to Marg’s big moment. Before the shave, Marg’s hair was plaited in preparation to be used for a child’s wig.

“We had items donated from various businesses and people in town which was auctioned on the Ladies Day. Among the auction items was a signed Sydney Swans jersey, Forbes Rugby Union Club football, Mahlah Molloy print, a wine pack and many other items,” said Marg. The day raised a total of $5,393.

“I have just been amazed with people’s donations and their support in my raising funds for this cause. A big thank you to the Forbes Rugby Union Club, the Forbes Inn, the Forbes Credit Union and anyone else that donated to my fundraising efforts,” she said.

By Gizell van Wyk

Woman holding senior woman’s hand on bed

Thousands of families with loved ones who suffer from a life-limiting illness will receive more choice about the help they need from an additional 100 palliative care nurses at refurbished facilities.

Nationals Candidate for Orange, Kate Hazelton said that $45 million palliative care investment has been made possible by strong economic management.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care at the best possible care facilities,” she said. The investment is on top of a $100 million package for palliative care that was announced as part of the 2017-18 Budget, which is already delivering more palliative care nurses and community-based palliative care services.

The additional 100 palliative care nurses will work in hospitals, palliative care facilities, and in communities and homes to ensure patients can access the care they need, in the setting they choose.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro said 64 of the 100 palliative care nurses would be assigned to regional and rural NSW. Hospitals in the Western NSW local health district will be assigned six nurses.

The commitment also includes $10 million for improvements to existing palliative care facilities across the State.

Local expertise to boost freight efficiency and road safety, as well as flood preparation, are front and centre as the Australian Government’s Newell Highway Corridor Strategy gets under way, with PwC Australia selected to deliver the study.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said the strategy will provide a comprehensive picture of the current performance and future challenges along the Newell Highway.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing $2 million to the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, because we know this highway is the backbone of country NSW,” said Michael.

“A better Newell Highway will mean more competitive agricultural and mining sectors, thanks to a more reliable freight network through regional NSW. This will in turn support the growth of regional communities along the length of the Newell Highway,” he said.

Efficient outcomes in the movement of regional freight, as well as challenges such as road safety and flooding, and the relationship between the Newell Highway and Inland Rail will be key to its inquiries. The strategy will be able to be used to inform the investment decisions of both federal and state governments.

Michael said community, local government and industry involvement will be central to the strategy, ensuring the Government proceeds based on the best transport and economic data and a thorough understanding of communities and businesses’ needs and expectations.

“Many towns, farmers and small businesses throughout the Central West, Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and Western NSW rely on the Newell to connect product from paddock to plate – that’s why we will work with communities along the Newell to ensure it continues to be at the heart of country NSW,” said Michael.

“Bland Shire Councillor, Tony Lord and Moree Plains Shire Mayor, Katrina Humphries – two experienced and respected local Councillors from either end of the Highway – will head the community consultation to encourage locals to get involved and have their say.

“A number of workshops will be held along the corridor at different locations so vital local knowledge can inform outcomes and recommendations of the strategy.”

The Australian Government is fully funding the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy. Further details about the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, including its objectives, can be found at https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/.