Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

A Guide For Dads: Caring For Your Family During Perinatal Mental Illness

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It is Perinatal Mental Health Week and expectant and new parents who are feeling more anxious or down than usual are being encouraged to ask for support.

Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) Coordinator Perinatal and Infant Mental Health SAFE START, Christina Hunt said one in five new mums and one in ten new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, and parents need to know that it is okay to ask for support.

“While parents can expect normal periods of fatigue, worry or irritability as they adjust to parenthood, it’s really important to talk to your GP if low or anxious feelings persist,” Christina said.

NSW Health, led by the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health team in South East Sydney LHD, has launched a series of videos and tips for dads whose partners are unwell and unable to take care of the baby while they receive treatment.

“To those dads who are taking on the role of two parents, please know you’re not alone,” Christina said.

“Many men have been through what you’re going through now. Things do work out.”

To watch the video, read tips and hear from other dads, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/parents/dads/Pages/default.aspx.

Mayoral Notes

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance for writing the column last week and attending a few meetings. I had a shoulder operation and I have tried to take it easy this past week, although I have been very busy on the phone, don’t you worry!

The Forbes Shire Council crew have been working hard on Templar Street. Last weekend the street was planned for closure Saturday afternoon and all-day Sunday to pull up the pavers, but the crew were able to complete the job on Saturday afternoon, which was brilliant! This week they are drilling underground to put in the cabling.

You may have noticed six new picnic tables and chairs around the Lake. Council was helped by Aruma services to install this wonderful new furniture around our much-used walking tracks around the Lake. They are positioned in some great spots for people to stop and have a rest or even a picnic.

I want to congratulate three of our young girls who were successful in being selected into the Wagga City Wanderers FC side.

I would like to congratulate Katie Schultz, Lilly Browne and Josie McKensie on their selection. Also, I want to commend the committee and Doug on their tireless effort and dedication to the sport, the parents and kids of Forbes and district thank you. You really have made soccer a truly wonderful sport for the kids to be involved in, not only through Winter, but all year round too!

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Landmark Suicide Monitoring System Launched

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The NSW Government has introduced the state’s first ever Suicide Monitoring System, which will provide up-to-date data for health and support services about the number of suicide deaths across the state.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the Suicide Monitoring System will inform critical decisions about services and local health responses in communities impacted by suicide.

“Instead of relying on two-year-old data released by the ABS, we now have near real-time data that means we can be more responsive and target services to current community needs,” Sam said.

Earlier this year, community support organisations, residents of Forbes, and farmers from across the region attended the Get Up and Go Garema gathering which was held at the Livestock Exchange.

The gathering, organised by Tom Norris, and featuring many inspiring guest speakers, including Sam Bailey, shed light on the challenges of rural life and its impacts on the mental health of those living on the land.

Accessing support out west is both a mental and practical challenge. However, with the Government using technology to better understand this challenging, tragic and often overlooked issue in the region, funding can be better distributed to where it is needed the most in order to help support those who need it.

Towards Zero Suicides is a NSW Premier’s priority and the NSW Government is investing $87 million over three years in new suicide prevention initiatives.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Snippets…

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller and Forbes High School Captains Brodie Acret and Hannah Staines attended Remem- brance Day in Victoria Park. (image credit: Forbes Shire Council.)

Remembrance Day: At 11am on Wednesday, Forbes residents, young and old, gathered at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park to honour those who have died in War. Wreaths were laid before a minute of silence, which was broken by the playing of the Last Post. Originally called Armistice Day, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month commemorates the end of World War I.

Rural Aid Webinar To Tackle Loneliness: During National Psychology Week, one of Australia’s largest rural charities is inviting farmers and rural residents across the country to attend this month’s edition of the popular “On The Couch” webinar series.

Hosted each month by one of Rural Aid’s specialist counsellors, this month’s edition focuses on the topics of isolation, loneliness and being alone. Counsellor Gary Bentley will host the webinar which will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, 18 November.

Any members of rural communities are welcome to attend. Attendance and comments made using the chat functionality of the webinar is strictly private and confidential. Register online at https://my.demio.com/ref/AEP48BZuWaHHjiBI to attend the webinar: ‘Isolation, loneliness and being alone: The challenges of living a solo life’.

Listen Up: The Hearing Australia Bus is coming to Forbes. Over 175,000 people have checked their hearing aboard the Hearing Australia buses since the mobile service launched in 2009. An estimated 3.6 million Australians are affected by hearing loss, and this is projected to more than double to 7.8 million by 2060, meaning nearly one in every five Australians will be affected. A hearing check is a quick and easy way to help identify if your hearing might not be as sharp as it used to be. The Hearing Australia bus is stopping into Forbes to offer free hearing checks and raise hearing health awareness in the local community. The service will be available from 9am- 2pm on Tuesday, 17 November, in Harold Street, opposite Council.

Congratulations To Kathryn: Kathryn Matheson was named as the winner of the Forbes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition for her beautiful portrayal of Spring in her Tulips photograph. There were so many fantastic entries this year, thank you to those who sent their photos in. Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography, who sponsored the competition, met with Kathryn last week to congratulate her on winning the $200 voucher for some amazing photography.

Croquet Catch Up

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet
On the beautiful, sunny Tuesday, 3 November there were 28 players at Golf Croquet. It was Melbourne Cup Day, so before play began, five sweeps were drawn. There were four lucky winners with one winning twice. The four winners of three games were Bruce Field, John MacCullagh, Evelyn Mahlo and Bob Murray. The close games played were:
• John Allegri and John Job 7, defeated Marie Spry and Denny Smith 6.
• Bruce Field and Mary Hodges 7, defeated John Job and Tony Thomson 6.
• John Browne and John Farah 7, defeated Kevin Rubie and Vince Roberts 6.
• Geoff Coles and Tony Thomson 7, defeated John Farah and Mal Smith 6.
• Barry White and Jeff Liebich 7, defeated Sandy Hepburn 6.
• Dorelle Scott and Denny Smith 7, defeated Elvy Quirk and Vince Roberts 6.
• Bruce Field and Bob Murry 7, defeated Colleen Liebich and Lyn Simmonds 6.

Aussie Croquet
Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday, 7 November after the previous two Saturday games being cancelled due to wet weather. There was only one winner of three games, well done John Job. Close games played were:
• John Browne and Lix McLean 14, defeated Merv Langfield and Lorraine Todd 12.
• Harley Stewart and John Job 14, defeated Bill Scott and Sandy Hepburn 13.
• Dorelle Scott and Bob Murry 14, defeated Doreen Rodges and Ray Burridge 12.
• John Browne and Marie Spry 14, defeated Joan Littlejohn and Colleen Liebich 12.
• John Job and John MacCullagh 14, defeated Lix McLean and Doreen Rogerd 13.
• John Allegri and John Job 14, defeated Marie Spry and Tony Thomson 13.
• John MacCullagh 14, defeated Lorraine Todd 13.

Pegging Out

The Evolution Of Grazing; A Partnership Extended

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Arts Society President Karen Ritchie, Chair of Grazing Down the Lachlan Committee Wendy Muffet, Evolution Mining Community and External Relations Officer Renee Pettit, and Forbes Arts Society’s Tourism Promotions and Marketing Manager Emily Wilson at the announcement of the partnership extension.

Grazing Down the Lachlan (GDTL) is set to return on Saturday, 18 September 2021, and so too will Evolution Mining who is back on board as the event’s major sponsor.

Following the event’s sell-out success in its first three years, GDTL and Evolution Mining have chosen to extend their partnership to 2025.

The new five-year sponsorship agreement is valued at $150,000. The general manager of Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operation, John Penhall said the mine was proud to secure its partnership with the award-winning event.

“The mine has stood alongside the Forbes Arts Society since Grazing Down the Lachlan was launched,” John said.

“Since then we have had the pleasure of watching it grow year-on-year and I’m proud to say we will be continuing our partnership for the next five years as the major sponsor of the event.”

Chair of the Grazing Down the Lachlan committee, Wendy Muffet said, “This is our dream partnership. Based on the bedrock of shared values, it enables us to leave a legacy as one of the funding streams for the extraordinary Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail and related projects.”

In 2019, the GDTL committee decided to take a 12-month break to refresh the event, a decision which has been deemed a sheer stroke of luck in light of COVID-19.

“We used our one-year hiatus to review Grazing’s existing format and explore new and different opportunities and ideas,” Wendy said.

“Next year’s event has been developed in conjunction with a robust COVID-19 safe plan, and we are so looking forward to announcing the 2021 program early next year.”

Proceeds of GDTL support the Forbes Arts which so far have facilitated the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, the redevelopment of Gum Swamp reserve and the construction of a new Cultural and Arts Centre.

Our Bloke – Martin Cahill

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I’ve lived in Forbes my whole life, so 56 years, and I just love our small-town community, everyone knows each other.

What was your first job? Box boy at Barry Sullivan’s supermarket.

What makes you laugh the most? My grandkids.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Have one long holiday.

Describe your dream holiday? Cairns, Port Douglas, sitting back at the pub having a few schooners, doing nothing.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Growing up in a small town with all my mates living around me where I could just jump on my bike and ride to their places, I just had to be home before night-time.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’d still live in Forbes because I think it’s the best town in Australia, and I’d live in the 80’s.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My mum, my dad and Nelson Mandela.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To cure cancer.

What is your pet hate? Indecision.

Nominations For Citizen Of The Year Now Open

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Australia Day 2021 will be celebrated differently than previous years by the Forbes Shire, but it will be celebrated. Next year, Forbes Shire Council are asking residents to celebrate our great nation at home with family and friends, ensuring the COVID safe protocols are adhered to.

“I call on you all to celebrate Australia Day with a BBQ, a few friends and family around, and think about the incredible year we all have just lived through,” said Deputy Mayor, Chris Roylance. “We are disappointed not to be celebrating like we did last year, by the Lake with hundreds of people for a Party in the Park, but we do need to keep our wits about ourselves and remain COVID free.”

“It is now time to nominate your local heroes. We will still crown our amazing citizens of the year, and recognise their great achievements, because no doubt they do deserve to be recognised,” continued Chris.

The categories this year there are: Citizen of the Year, 25 years or older, Young Citizen of the Year, 25 years or younger, and Senior Citizen of the Year, 65 years or older. The award ceremony will be livestreamed on Facebook.

“We can also happily inform everyone that the Australia Day fireworks will still go ahead,” said Chris. “They will be from a new location though to ensure everyone in the town can get a view of them from their own backyard. We will let you know more in the coming weeks.”

The Australia Day Ambassador for 2021 is local hero, Phillip Adams, Commonwealth and Olympic medal winner shooter who is highly regarded as a great sportsman and a generally great guy.

It Is Brave To Ask For Support

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Rural Aid counsellor Jane McCollum urges people who are struggling to ask for help.

During Mental Health Month in October, Rural Aid asked their rural counsellors to share what they want farmers to know about their mental health.

Rural Aid counsellor, Jane McCollum, says the one message she’d like primary producers to know is that it’s okay to admit it when the chips are down, and you need some support.

“At any given time in anyone’s life we all need support in some way. Talk to a friend or family member you can trust and connect with a counsellor if you need to chat with someone outside your personal community. It is brave to say, “I need some support” or even to reach out to someone who you can see may need your support,” Jane said.

“As a Rural Aid counsellor, I believe all humankind deserves to be supported and assisted in difficult times. Rural people are having a particularly difficult journey as they navigate through crucial issues such as drought, social changes, an increasing technological world that can often leave rural people feeling fearful and overwhelmed.”

Outside of helping farmers individually, Jane can be found at fodder deliveries, community events and recovery projects, helping towns and communities build stronger futures.

Question of the week

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Emily Jack: When I am with family, on the weekend at mum and dad’s place near the river.

Sophie Huckel: At work, when I have clients and I’m doing what I love.

Lisa Staines: I am happy when I’m with my family and have my kids all together. On holidays, when my kids are happy, I’m happy.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe