Zac Bray: Keeping it how it is.
Amanda Punch: I always thought of it as a day to spend time with family and friends.
Chris Hodge: As a proud indigenous man, Australia Day has different significance to me.
Councillor Pushing For More Social Housing In Forbes
Amy Shine, Director of Forbes Preschool, and Councillor Steve Karaitiana, who were each instrumental in implementing vital social infrastructure in North Forbes.
The new Goldridge Estate is set to help manage the growing population in Forbes. However, the estate will have no social housing properties included in it despite there being a major need for it. Forbes Shire Councillor Steve Karaitiana is pushing for more social housing in Forbes however, has so far come up against resistance within Council. Steve has been trying to include social housing development on Goldridge Estate, amongst the nearly 400 new houses that will be built, suggesting pepper-potting, an urban housing strategy where social housing is sprinkled amongst different residential areas across town. However, the land was given to Council under the proviso that there will be no social housing build on the land, which was donated to Forbes Shire Council by the Forbes Jemalong Aged People’s Association (FJAPA) after the group disbanded in 2019.
“We disbanded. All the money that was from the sale of the old village, we bought that paddock initially to put up the new retirement village with, which is there now. Independent living units was another bit of land that we gave to Catholic Healthcare, and the land that was left we decided, because it was community money that bought the land, what better community organization is there than Forbes Shire Council,” said Alister Lockhart, former Chairman of the Forbes Jemalong Aged People’s Association. It was included by the FJAPA as the association felt the inclusion of social housing would affect the sale value of the land. “It’s quite a big area, and it was thought that it would be quite a long time before residential could get established. And it was thought there might be some social housing that might pull in there with caravans. And that’s what the thinking was, and it was to stop that from happening because it would make the rest not sell well if there were caravans,” stated Alistair.
According to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), as of June 2020 Forbes had 206 social housing dwellings, down from 213 in 2015. The latest statistics available on waiting times from the DCJ website indicate that as of 30 June 2019, there were 20 applicants waiting for social housing within Forbes, with less than five of those on the priority list. Expected waiting times for social housing within Forbes at that time ranged between up to two years, and five years. As of July 2020, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes were dealing with approximately 45 cases of homelessness in Forbes, and throughout the year had helped 120 people at risk of living with homelessness. Specialist Homelessness Service Team Leader for CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, Andrew Bament, said homelessness is a serious ongoing issue in Forbes and believes there is a need for additional social housing. Full article available online https://katherineeverest.com/2021/01/27/councillor-pushing-for-more-social-housing-in-forbes/
Our Bloke – Clayton Clarke
How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes all my life, I love how lucky we are to have such a beautiful and historical town.
What was your first job? Grape harvesting at the nearby vineyard.
What makes you laugh the most? Seeing my cat get up to funny antics.
If money were no object, what would you do with your time? I’d complete a law PhD.
Describe your dream holiday? My dream holiday would include seeing the Northern lights from a glass igloo.
What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Reciting Bush Poetry to my grandparents.
If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? I would love to share a meal with Elon Musk, Ernie Els and Leonardo Da Vinci.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? The ability to manipulate time.
What is your pet hate? My pet hate is discrimination.
Snippets…
Parents are being urged to ensure that their child’s immunisations are up to date before they return to, or commence school.
Catch Up With Shots Before The Rush: Parents and carers with children starting NSW childcare, primary or secondary school this year are being urged to ensure they are up to date with their immunisations. Parents and carers with children starting childcare, primary, or secondary school in 2021 are reminded to ensure they provide their child’s immunisation history. Children can only be enrolled in childcare where documented evidence is if they are fully immunised for their age, are on a recognised catch-up schedule or have a medical reason not be vaccinated. Immunisation requirements in primary schools were extended in 2018 to include secondary schools. Principals are now required to request an immunisation his-tory statement when students enrol. The changes were made to help control disease outbreaks in schools by collecting accurate information about a child’s immunisation status. Students without an approved immunisation certificate and those who are unimmunised risk being excluded from school if there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease for their own safety. Parents can download their child’s statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from MyGov, the Medicare Express Plus App or the AIR enquiry line on 1800 653 809.
Be A Mate To Our Furry Friends In The Heat: RSPCA NSW is urging all pet owners to keep their pets cool, hydrated, and safe this summer. As temperatures across the state begin to rise above 40 degrees Celsius, it is crucial pet owners make precautions for their pets to avoid potential heat stress, and fatalities, this summer. Pets cannot always cool themselves down, so as a responsible pet owner, it is your job to keep them cool during the hot summer months. If possible, bring your pets indoors where there is shade, and possibly air-conditioning, to provide a cool environment to chill in. Do not under any circumstances leave pets unattended in locked cars, even if you are parked in shade or have the windows down. If pets are to be outdoors during the heatwave, it is important to provide access to shaded areas to protect your pets from the sun. Place ice in your pet’s bowls to help cool their water sources but check that your pet is comfortable with the change in water temperature. If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, please contact your closest veterinarian immediately.
Sansa the white German Shepherd adopted from RSPCA NSW keeping cool under an umbrella, in a shallow pool, and pet-friendly zinc to protect her from sunburn.
School Is In; Be Aware On The Road
The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students next week and Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.
The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged five to 14 years old.
“Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their inability to judge speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably.
“Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay extra attention and be patient when school resumes as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the road, and young pedestrians crossing the streets. Over the long summer break it is easy to forget just how busy and congested the streets around schools can get. This is especially important in country areas with higher speed limits, limited bus stop signage and no footpaths.”
“Please obey the parking signs around schools. They are there to keep children safe. The most common are ‘No Stopping’ and ‘No Parking’. You cannot stop in a ‘No Stopping’ zone, however you can drop-off or pick-up passengers in a ‘No Parking’ zone as long as you are only there for two minutes and are no more than three meters away from your car,” Melanie said.
There are 40km/h school speed zones in existence around all schools in NSW. Most school zones are operational between 8am-9.30am and 2.30pm-4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing. Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns.
“Road safety around schools is everybody’s responsibility – students, teachers, parents, carers and drivers. We all have a part to play,” Melanie said.
Adulting 101
The Forbes Youth Action Team is launching their Adulting 101, 10-week program for 16-to-25-year old’s. Registration is essential as places are limited. Council is working with seven contractors to deliver a range of programs including First Aid, resume writing and interview preparation, finance management and barista training. Register at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs.
More Workers To Support Farmers
While the Morrison Government is changing visa conditions to provide more workers to farmers struggling to find the extra hands during harvest season, some of the new conditions may undermine the basic principles of Australian democracy and cultural values by refusing to give a ‘fair go’ to those at risk of returning to countries with fatally failing healthcare systems.
Australia’s fruit picking sector has faced criticism over conditions and farms in and around the Central West are not exempt from reports of unscrupulous treatment of workers. In Queensland, Belgian backpacker Olivier Caramin died from heat stress while picking fruit, his employer was fined for breaking labour laws but avoided conviction.
According to Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke, under the changes, temporary visa holders are more likely to be granted the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa, so long as they work in the agriculture sector.
While this incentive may deliver much needed workers out West, the coercive nature of this regulatory change, that makes temporary visa holders choose between the safety of the COVID-19 visa and another round of hard labour, is a concern which warrants further enquiries.
Mrs Stitt Hands Over The Baton At Forbes Public
Sports Skills teacher Katie Stitt hands over the baton to Keith MacPherson.
Forbes Public Schools (FPS) very own Katie Stitt is taking leave from her role as sports skills teacher to pursue the creative endeavour of writing and publishing her own book. In her absence, Keith MacPherson will be taking on her position at FPS.
Katie has been so much more than a sports teacher over her seven years at FPS, with her passion for fund-raising evident in whole school community events, like the run-a-thon that raised $7,000 for the school, and the Jump Rope For Heart Skipping Show which raised $8,000 for the Heart Foundation.
On remembering her time with FPS, Katie said, “I have loved every second of this incredible school. A highlight would be witnessing a student mastering a new skill. For example, doing a forward roll for the first time in their life. Faced with fear and trepidation they choose to surrender and trust, and when they succeed, the joyful look on their faces says it all. There will always be times in their lives when taking a risk is the best option and they will never know unless they have a go. It’s like me leaving the comfort of my job at FPS to pursue my dream of writing and publishing a book.”
Katie’s enthusiasm and energy will be missed this year however, Keith MacPherson brings a unique skill set to FPS. With a background in athletics and touch football, and a degree in Graphic Design, he is looking forward to training local athletes and sporting teams.
“Many people have asked me, why would you want to leave behind the hum of the city, with all it has to offer and the achievements that can be made? The short answer is quite simple, community. I cannot deny that Sydney has exposed me to things unheard of in the country. The perspective it has provided me will aid my future in ways only a place built with a competitive nature can. However, it is time for me to return to something more familiar and Forbes is the perfect place to start,” Keith said.
“After growing up on a Thoroughbred Stud farm in Scone and leaving for Sydney to study and pursue my passion for athletics and education, I find myself pining for fence lines and heat again. The last decade spent in Sydney has seen me attain athletic success in many events, build my career as both a designer and educator, and has introduced me to some wonderful people. However, as many people would say, the city is a beast that never sleeps, and I have found myself worn down by its constant demand for more.
“This is one of the major reasons I have decided to choose Forbes as my next destination, this and a small nostalgic connection from childhood. I have been told that Forbes has a great passion for sport but also the other elements that balance a good sports person. I hope to continue this trend and guide the students at FPS to become well rounded students that value not only sport, but creativity, effort, and ingenuity. I look forward to becoming a part of this community and calling upon all the things it has to offer for the future of its younger generation.”
Be Seen
Shannon Hodge, Jesse Newcombe, Brett Hayden, and Craig Anderson.
Nick Hector and Georgia Cantwell.
Forbes Jockey Club Secretary Ellysa Cunningham.
Mayoral Notes
Happy New Year everyone and welcome to another new and exciting year ahead. Have you been down to Templar Street lately? Doesn’t it look great! Very soon we will be starting new paving along the footpaths and this will be done in sections to alleviate the need to close big areas off to pedestrians. Street furniture and gardens will also be hot-on-the-heels as well.
This year will be a very busy one for our Shire with the development work soon to begin on our new residential estate, Goldridge. You may have heard the recent interest the Central West is getting with people wanting to move out of larger centres and move to places like Forbes where houses are more affordable and the lifestyle more desirable.
Our industrial land is also hot property at the moment and further development will be taking place at the Central West Industrial Park to ensure we meet the needs of consumers.
That’s all for this now. God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller
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