Parkes Phoenix Editor

Bernardi’s Marketplace has launched a brand new staff uniform across their stores in Forbes, Bathurst, Blayney & West Wyalong. Louise Bernardi, Image Consultant, was responsible for the design and facilitated the uniform induction across all stores.

The new uniforms are sourced locally through Gunn’s Menswear who have been contracted to supply more than 2,000 uni-form items for about 450 members of Bernardi’s staff. In addition, Bernardi’s will also source new uniforms from Gunn’s for their newest venture – “Ten Tops” discount stores, located in Dubbo, Fyshwick and Wagga, and opening soon in Nowra.

Joseph Bernardi, CEO of Bernardi’s, said “it’s important for business houses across the Central West to first look in their own backyard to source materials, hospitality, produce, and services, before going elsewhere.”

“Partnerships such as our contract with Gunn’s Menswear are what keep our coun-try towns alive, and I urge other businesses in Forbes to seek similar mutual support opportunities.”

Gunn’s Menswear is an iconic family-owned business in Forbes, established in 1952, delivering a friendly, professional service at competitive prices to the locals for nearly 70 years.

As part of the new uniform launch, Bernardi’s Marketplace has also engaged local hairdressers to participate in their ‘look good, feel good’ staff awareness approach with the spotlight on the importance of good grooming.

“The aim is to encourage all staff members to feel good about themselves in their new uniform, and to support our talented hairdressers across Forbes,” Joseph said.

This initiative gives every member of our staff, both casual and full-time, a $10 voucher to offset the cost of their next haircut. Participating salons are: V Air, Hair with Style, and Bron’s Hair Design, are offering their own discounts to clients presenting Bernardi’s vouchers. The offer extends until the end of August.

Forbes closed off National Reconciliation Week last Thursday with a moving ceremony at Forbes Town Hall. The event was initially slated to take place at Lions Park, however inclement weather caused the event to move to the Forbes Town Hall.

National Reconciliation Week takes place from May 27 to June 3 every year and is all about closing the gap and connection and according to the Reconciliation Australia website, this week is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Benevolent Society, Marrabinya, Forbes Learning Ladder, Forbes TAFE, Forbes Arts Society and Catholic Care Women’s Group were also on hand at the event.

Formalities were led by Taylor Bliss who hosted the event while it also doubled as a fundraiser for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to raise vital funds for cancer research. For more information about National Reconciliation Week visit https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/

In another COVID casualty case, Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival has had to postpone their event from June until November 13 after another flare up of the virus forced some vendors and entertainers from interstate to cancel at the last minute.

Organiser Luke Acheson, while disappointed, remained upbeat.“It’s a postponement not a cancellation and that will allow us to fine-tune some things so maybe it’s a blessing and not a curse after all,” he said.

“We want to run the safest and best event we can for our punters and a June long weekend event would not have guaranteed that and we were not prepared to risk it,” Luke said.

“November means warmer weather, more time to prepare and more options – not to mention the fact that Corona may well be a light beer again and not a virus.”

Tickets and a new program will be advertised soon however most of the initial program from preliminary discussions should remain the same.

“Struggles aside we should be able to really promote this and hopefully get a big turn-out – especially now we have a wet t-shirt comp!”

Follow Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all the latest info.