Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

NSW Health Excellent In Nursing And Midwifery Awards

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Image: shutterstock

All are invited to join in celebrating the achievements, commitment and skills of nurses and midwives at this year’s virtual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

This is the eighth Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards event, and the first time they have been presented virtually, allowing the community to take part in a COVID safe way.

NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross, said the Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards will be a little different in 2020, but will still be an opportunity to acknowledge nurses and midwives for outstanding clinical practice, leadership, and dedication to their profession and the people they care for.

“Judging the finalists and winners of this key nursing and midwifery event is always a challenging task. There is so much to be proud of and celebrate and 2020 is no exception,” Jacqui said.

“This is the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. It has been a year like no other where the contribution of nurses and midwives has been highlighted during our response to COVID-19. If there was ever a time to pause and celebrate the 53,000 nurses and midwives of NSW, who make up more than 50 per cent of the State’s public health workforce, it is now.”

“We invite everyone to join the celebration and watch the show in recognition of the exceptional care of the nurses and midwives of NSW,” Western NSW Local Health District Executive Director Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, Adrian Fahy said.

The Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards will be streamed at 2pm on 26 November 2020 on the NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/enma. To share photos and messages of congratulations and acknowledgment through the show, tweet or post using the hashtags #ExceptionalCare and #EINMA2020.

Diverting Valuable Resources Away From Landfill

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is encouraging commercial and industrial businesses in the Shire to divert over 1,000 tonnes of food waste away from landfill each year and instead send organic food waste to Food Organics Garden Organics collections.

“We have some amazing businesses in Forbes, and we know how keen they are to ensure our environment is kept free of pollution,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Everyone has to be more environmentally aware these days and food organics really has no place in landfill when it can be used by being made into beautiful compostable soil for our farmers and for ourselves to use in our gardens.

“Council wants to provide businesses like cafes, butchers and supermarkets the recognition of taking part in FOGO by accrediting them. Businesses will have access to front and back of house signage, stickers and advertising material that shows their participation. We will also promote these businesses through our media channels.

“We really need to change the way we think about waste because if we don’t, our beautiful clean air will be no longer. The methane gases from decomposing food in our landfill is both toxic and can leach into our soils and groundwater. Given the waterways we have in and around Forbes this is definitely something we do not want to happen here!”

The FOGO business service is $123 per year for a 240-litre bin. Businesses can apply to have more than one bin and multiple pickups per week.

Call Council on 6850 2300 and ask to speak with the Waste and Environmental Specialist for more information.

Saving Dignity, One Handbag At A Time

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Get ready to put it in the bag with Ami Reynolds, Rochelle Courtenay, Katie Norbury and Nadia Chinn.

Share the Dignity, a charity helping women and girls in need, are asking for help to make this Christmas special for women in our community experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or living in poverty.

The charity is hosting their annual It’s in the Bag campaign and are asking the community to donate a bag and drop off at collection boxes at Bunnings stores between Friday, 20 November and Sunday, 29 November.

To take part simply donate a handbag in good, used, or new condition. Fill it with items that will make a difference to the daily life of a woman or girl in need. Include the essentials such as period products, roll-on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and soap. Little luxuries such as a new lipstick, a hairbrush, hair ties, a gift card or a notebook and pen can be added, along with a thoughtful note or Christmas card that shows someone cares. Bags can be dropped off to the collection box at Bunnings between Friday, 20 November and Sunday, 29 November.

Share the Dignity’s Founder, Rochelle Courtenay says, “We want to help women, and girls this Christmas that may be in a refuge, shelter, on the streets or experiencing poverty.”

Bunnings General Manager of Operations Ryan Baker said, “It’s been a tough year and we know the need for this support in the community is much greater than ever before, so we are proud to be able to play a part in helping Share the Dignity to continue the great work they do.”

Visit Share the Dignity’s website for more information www.sharethedignity.org.au.

Our Bloke – Alexander Hussl

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived here for six months and I like the town, the lake, the people, and the mood of Forbes. It’s nice to live here.

What was your first job? I was a concrete worker.

What makes you laugh the most? Funny videos, animal videos, memes, and stupid people.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? That is a hard question, maybe I’d travel around the world, but I like working so I’d start my own business.

Describe your dream holiday? A party holiday, hanging with friends in a big villa with an infinity pool, and good food in the United States.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Christmas, a German white winter.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’d like to live in the Wild West in North America in the 1800’s.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My grandpa, my father, and my mother.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To be the best soccer player.

What is your pet hate? Liars.

Netball News

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Netball Association Spring Saturday Junior Inter town competition Night Competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams will play the second last round this week.

Teams that are affected by harvest should contact the committee as soon as they know if they cannot field a full team. Teams may get players to fill in for them so all games can be played. Team representatives are asked, if they are using Facebook to communicate with the committee, please send an email rather than posting the comment so that Secretary Mon can respond, and the committee is able to help with players substituting or teams playing.

Last week, Mixed Bunch did not supply an umpire and were fined $50.

Saturday Junior Inter town competition 2021.
The Forbes Netball Association committee has been working for the past three years to establish a junior inter-town Saturday competition.

The Committee is excited to announce that an inter-town competition will be played on Saturdays during winter 2021. The Saturday junior inter-town competition will be played between Forbes, Parkes, and Young Netball Associations.

This dynamic new competition will benefit all members of the three netball associations, which includes players, coaches, and umpires.

Betland Shines At Frank Spice Classic

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Nissan sponsor Michael Spice and Richard Plowes from Northparkes Mines with classic golf winner Steven Betland.

On Sunday, Steve Betland stamped himself as the form golfer in the district, winning the Frank Spice Nissan Classic with a superb round of four under par 68.

While the superbly presented Forbes course proved a test for players from most areas of the state, and some from interstate, due to the 6100 metre length complemented by fast yet true greens, it did little to deter the ability of the big hitting Forbes Club champion.

After posting par 36 scratch for the easier front nine holes of his game, Betland came together in the run home with a run of triples birdies at the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, followed by another at the 15th for 32 scratch.

Keeping it in the family, younger brother John finished runner-up with equal par 72.

Results for the title of ladies’ champion was more exciting with current ladies’ president Julie Hurkett winning a play-off over 18-year-old Brianna Duncan after both finished equal on 84 scratch.

Saturday’s four-ball scratch winners for the Club Forbes trophy were Jacob Bernardi and Joshua Coulthurst, with one under par 37 points. The ladies’ winners were Heather Davidson and Sarah Black with 23 points.

There was one player who, despite not collecting a major trophy, left Saturday evening more than happy. Brendon Hooper scored a hole-in-one on the short par three 9th.

Feeling for the success of the Classic, Cabramatta Golf Club captain Andrew Marsh said that he felt what Forbes presented over the weekend was “as good as it gets,” and he and fellow travellers will definitely be back next year.

“This course is great, what a layout, and the greens, how good are they? A credit to all concerned and the country hospitality just as good. A top weekend and I’ll be back to play some more here,” the Sydney scratch handicap player said.

By Short Putt’s Mate

Croquet Catch Up

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Croquet Club President Elvy Quirk is off to Sydney to have an ear operation, and members wish her all the best and look forward to her return.

On Tuesday, 10 November there were 29 players at Golf Croquet. The winners of three games were John Browne, Ray Burridge, Joan Littlejohn, Bob Murry and Barry White. There was one winning combination of John Allegri and Elvy Quirk winning 13 to 0. Other good wins 10 to 3 were Barry White and Bob Murry, Colleen Liebich and Lorraine Todd, Evelyn Mahlo and Tony Thomson, and Kevin Ruby and Bob Murry. Close games played were:
• Lorraine Todd and Vince Roberts 7, defeated Harley Stewart and John Allegri 6.
• Kevin Rubie and Evelyn Mahlo 7, defeated Elvy Quirk and Tony Thomson 6.
• John Browne 7, defeated Bruce Field 6.
• John MacCullagh and Ray Burridge 7, defeated Harley Stewart and Sally Perry 6.
• Merv Langfield and Joan Littlejohn 7, defeated Eveln Mahlo and John Job 6.

Aussie Croquet was played on another beautiful Saturday. The five winners of three games were Jeff Liebich, John MacCullagh, Bob Murry, Kevin Rubie and Neville Spry. Close games played were:
• Jeff Liebich and Neville Spry 14, defeat- ed Lorraine Todd 11.
Barry White and Sandy Hepburn 14, de- feated John Allegri and Merv Langfield 11.
• John MacCullagh and Bill Scott 14, de- feated Judy Ellis and Joan Littlejohn 11. Kevin Rubie and Ray Burridge 14, de- feated John Browne and Tony Thomson 11.
• Neville Spry and Sandy Hepburn 14, defeated Marie Spry and Joan Littlejohn 11.
• John Browne and John MacCullagh 14, defeated Lorraine Todd and Doreen Rogers 11.

Pegging Out

Yellow Ribbons For National Road Safety Week

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor met with Mayor Phyllis Miller, Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Cr Steve Karaitiana, and local emergency service representatives in Lions Park in support of the National Road Safety Week.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be getting behind National Road Safety Week 2020 with a range of activities.

The Week runs from 15 to 22 November, and honours the memory of the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 44,000 seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year.

During the week, road users are being asked to think about how they can actively protect all those who are vulnerable on the road ahead and to sign an online pledge to not drive distracted, to not speed and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the Councils’ have been supporting the initiative since 2017.

“During National Road Safety Week, yellow ribbons will be displayed across the country to remember those we have lost on the roads and to remind us to drive safely.”

“The trauma caused by road crashes echoes through our community and is felt by so many others, family and friends, work colleagues, community groups, emergency service workers and local communities.”

The Forbes Town Hall will be lit yellow for the week and Forbes residents are being encouraged to sign the online pledge online at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au.

Sculpture Down The Lachlan Grows By Two

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kim Muffet, Dr Karen Ritchie of the Forbes Arts Society Chair, Stephen King, Cr Keith Mullette, The Hon. Sam Farraway MLC, Warwick Rolfe, Phil Donato MP, Rosie Johnston, Joy Russell and Wendy Muffet, Grazing Down the Lachlan Chair.

There is double the excitement for the latest additions to the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) public art trail.

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said: “Everyone has been eagerly awaiting the next instalment since the unveiling of Varanus in July, which has already clocked up over 15,000 visitors. So, we are delighted to continue the roll out of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan expansion with not one, but two new installations.”

Tower, by Walcha-based sculptor Stephen King was officially unveiled last week along Wilbertroy Lane, 33 kilometres from Forbes on the Lachlan Valley Way towards Condobolin. King is renowned for his distinctive timber structures and carvings and was recently awarded the Helen Lempriere Scholarship at the 2020 Sculpture by the Sea and first prize at the 2020 Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival.

“The tower represents our need to control our resources. The water tower has almost been made redundant,” Stephen said.

“Advances in technology continue to change the way we store and use water. The old water towers stand as sculptural relic and reminders of what we leave behind in our attempts to meet the challenges of life on earth.”

Arhab Bik Bialhabi, I Welcome You with Love, by Western Australian-Iraqi sculptor, Ayad Alqaragholli arrived in Forbes last month, finding its permanent home in Albion Park. The bronze couple symbolises loyalty, love, and a sense of belonging.

To appropriately accommodate the new addition, Forbes Arts Society have teamed up with Forbes Shire Council to give Albion Park a makeover, which includes an underground irrigation system, new bench seating and pathways, as well as upgrades to the toilet block and signage.

Albion Park will be home to three sculptures in total. Anta Omri has taken the place of The Hunter which will be relocated to Gum Swamp.

The SDL extension is part of the $7 million Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project, it includes the construction of a new cultural and arts centre on the corner of Lachlan and Church Street and the Gum Swamp redevelopment.

The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining. The project aims to promote the Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination.

On Alert; South Australian Arrivals

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Health is contacting people who have recently arrived on flights from South Australia following the emergence of the Parafield COVID-19 cluster in Adelaide.

Passengers on recent flights to both Sydney and Broken Hill are being contacted with NSW Health advice and are being alerted to a number of venues of concern in Adelaide.

NSW Health is screening passengers arriving on flights and trains from South Australia, including asking if people have attended any of the venues of concern.

Anyone who is travelling to NSW from South Australia, or has recently done so, regardless of their mode of transport, is asked to check if they have attended any of the venues of concern.

The details of locations and times of concern, and associated health advice, are available from www.sahealth.sa.gov.au

Please contact NSW Health on 1300 066 055 if you have any queries or would like assistance in accessing testing if you have been at any venues or sites identified by SA Health.

All people travelling from South Australia, particularly Adelaide, to NSW, including recent arrivals, are asked to monitor for even the mildest of symptoms and get tested and isolate if they appear. They must remain in isolation until a negative result is received, in line with routine advice for all people in NSW.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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