Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Netball Spring Night Competitions

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

More teams have entered the Forbes Netball Spring Night competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams, so another grading game will be played this week.

There is still time to enter the competitions, but all teams must be entered by Saturday. Teams looking for players, or players looking for teams should email Secretary Mon at secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com.

There are players wanting to play who would make up half a team in mixed competition. Anyone who would like to join a team is encouraged to email Mon.

Team representatives are also asked to come to the office this week to collect the competition rules.

These are the local rules, to help make the competitions more structured for everyone. Anyone wanting to read all the rules from All Australia Netball can buy a rule book at the office, as these are the playing rules umpires must go by.

Team representatives are asked to please read through the full draw for umpiring duties. Fines are imposed for teams that do not supply one umpire when allocated.

The FNA has a COVID-19 Safety Plan, and everyone who enters the grounds must sign in with names and contact details. The entry point to Stephen Field is on the left side of the office, and the exit is between the toilet block and the skate park. If feeling unwell, we ask that you do not enter the grounds.

Teams are also reminded to bring their own positional patches if they have them.

Teams may hire positional patches from the office for $2 and they must be handed back immediately after the game. They cannot be shared by another team.

There’s More To Say After R U OK?

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

WNSWLHD Director of Mental Health Drug and Alcohol, Jason Crisp is urging all to feel comfortable in asking and answering R U OK?

In the steady wind down for the year, mental health issues can catch up to those of us who have been on autopilot for the past six months, ignoring or downplaying feelings of isolation and despair. Some have said that it is as though 2020 has been the fastest, slowest, smallest, and biggest year they have ever experienced. The Get Up and Go Garema gathering, which took place in February, set the many attendees up for good mental health practices in a year like no other, by encouraging people to speak up when they don’t feel okay.

R U OK? Day took place on Thursday, 10 September, and The Western NSW Local Health District supports this national mental health initiative by urging everyone to feel comfortable and confident to ask, “are you ok?” every day, because more meaningful conversations reduce feelings of isolation and increase a sense of communal belonging.

Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Jason Crisp said, “You don’t have to be an expert to support someone going through a tough time, you just need to be there, be able to listen without judgement, and take the time to follow up.”

“We want everyone to feel confident they know the signs someone might need support by listening to what they’re saying, seeing what they’re doing or knowing what’s going on in their life. Whenever you notice a change, no matter how small, we want you to trust your gut and start an R U OK? conversation,” Jason said.

Lachlan Health Council Seeking Members From Forbes

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Lachlan Health Council, which represents both the Forbes and Parkes communities, is looking to fill a vacancy and is seeking community members from all ages and backgrounds who are not only passionate about health and wellbeing, but also willing to speak on behalf of their community when it comes to health issues.

Lachlan Health Council Chair Carolyn Rice said, “The Health Council provides an opportunity to bring health issues from both the Parkes and Forbes communities to the attention of Lachlan Health Service and to Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).”

“Health Council members are committed to giving both Forbes and Parkes communities a voice on health issues.”

“Our local knowledge and experience is valued by the Health Service when we work with managers and clinical staff in the planning and delivering of services for our community.”

“The Health Council has a strong community voice and we are encouraging people from all backgrounds to nominate so we can continue to represent everyone’s interests. We would like to particularly encourage young people and Aboriginal community members to apply,” said Carolyn.

At a minimum, membership requires attendance at monthly meetings of the Health Council, but there are also opportunities for wider participation on committees and workshops in areas of personal interest. The Health Council meetings alternate between Forbes and Parkes locations and there is the option to phone or video call into meetings if you are not able to attend in person.

Application kits can be obtained by contacting Kylie Higgins, Senior Admin Support on (02) 6850 7103 or via email Kylie. Higgins@health.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Friday, 25 September so be sure to get in quickly for the chance to give the community a voice where it counts.

Be Seen – Springing Into Spring!

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Janet O’Donoghue and Grandson James Todd playing at Apex Park.

Brittany Roylance and baby Max with Ashleigh Miller and daughter Georgie made the most of the stunning Spring weather.

Jenny Drabsch watches her great grandson playing in the park.

Snippets

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Spring Photo Competition: It is that time of year again. The Forbes Phoenix is running its annual Spring Photo Competition where we are looking for your best and brightest spring snaps taken in and around beautiful Forbes. This year, Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography is sponsoring the competition. Sarah is a storytelling genius who loves adventure and finds great joy in capturing special moments. Sarah’s clients are treated more like friends and sessions are laid back in order to capture authentic and unique moments.

Essjay Photography is located in Forbes and has been operating for over ten years. The business is ever expanding and offers family, weddings, business, and personal photography. Winners of the Spring Photo Competition will win a $200 voucher from Essjay Photography. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix website, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. The Forbes Phoenix will accept entries until the end of October 2020.

Smart Farms, Small Grants: Farmers, fishers, and foresters can now apply for Australian Government funding of up to $100,000 to support their natural resource management efforts. Applications for Round 4 of Smart Farms Small Grants are now open. The popular program aims to benefit farms, the environment and regional communities by providing funding to help farmers, fishers and foresters to address natural resource management issues such as pest control, vegetation management, farm input efficiency, climate and market management, as well as foster the use of new technologies.

There is $6.5 million available under this round of Smart Farms Small Grants to support one to two-year projects that boost best practice sustainable farming awareness, skills, and capacity.

Smart Farms Small Grants is a sustainable agriculture element of the National Landcare Program (NLP). The Australian Government is investing more than $1 billion towards the second phase of the NLP from 2018-2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants.

Drum Muster: From Friday, 11 September and continuing every second and last Friday of the month, the Drum Muster is restarting in Forbes. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Forbes Services Club. Bookings will be made between 9am-12pm for drums to be dropped off at Twin City Recyclers in Sam Street Forbes. For further information please contact Peter Bright on 0419 463 803.

Are You A Good Tenant?

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

If you are searching for a rental property to move into, the question ‘Am I a desirable renter?’ might not have even crossed your mind, but it should. A good landlord will go out of their way to find desirable tenants.

A desirable tenant is someone who has a proven record that they are financially responsible and can take care of the property and follow the rules of the lease agreement.

Remember, if you are a tenant and are searching for a rental property and it sparks your interest, then it is likely that other people will feel the same about it. Make yourself stand out from the competition by going through this checklist below:

• Consistently paying your rent on time and having a good rental payment history.
• Adhering to the terms and conditions of your lease agreement.
• Treat the home as your own, with respect and care for the property.
• Maintaining the property, keeping it clean and tidy.
• Communicate with your landlord and report any issues promptly.
• Have good quality references – previous rental history is best.

A glowing rental history will make you stand out against other applicants and will have landlords keen to have you as a tenant. Quite often, great tenants are rewarded in small ways by their landlords as they are keen to keep you in their property.

For more information regarding becoming a tenant, or completing rental applications, please contact the Property Management team at Century 21 Central West. Servicing Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra.

Our Gal – Kaitlin Turner

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kaitlin Turner

What school do you go to and what do you like most about it? The school I attend is Forbes High School, I like the supportive environment and the atmosphere.

What is your favourite subject at school and why? My favourite subject is Legal Studies, because I enjoy learning about crime and the different types of laws.

What makes you laugh the most? My group of friends.

What is your dream job? My dream job was to become a personal trainer. I had dreamt of becoming a PT since I was 14, and I became fully qualified on my 18th birthday this year.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? If I had a superpower it would be to become invisible.

What is your pet hate? My biggest pet hate is people who chew with their mouth open.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why? If I could live anywhere in the world I would live in Queensland, I would live there because there are beautiful beaches.

Rocky Road Ahead For Businesses

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

A recent survey by the state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, suggests that businesses are less pessimistic about the months ahead, but there is still a long way to go to recovery.

“Our most recent quarterly ‘Business Conditions Survey’ indicated that business conditions hit rock bottom in the June quarter, but capital spending, revenue, profit and staffing are approaching a turning point,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager for Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“The relaxation of trading restrictions appears to have provided welcome relief for the most impacted sectors. Accommodation and food service businesses recorded the strongest turnaround when asked to look ahead to the September quarter,” Vicki said. “Easing drought conditions and the re-opening of our regions to visitors has bolstered the business outlook in much of Western NSW and provided a much-needed jolt for their business operations.”

It was reported that more than 40% of Western NSW businesses reported increased optimism in relation to the impact of COVID-19 since April. However, with 30% of Western NSW business reporting that they are at high risk of failure due to the restrictions, it is apparent that the recovery process comes with great challenges.

Vicki continued, “Businesses were only just at the starting gate for drought recovery, then COVID-19 hit, so many have now well and truly exhausted their capital and savings.”

“Businesses have entered a cost cutting phase which is starting to have a flow-on effect for customer demand, jobs and the potential for our economy to bounce back.”

Governments are being urged to continue to work closely with industry to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and avoid further restrictions that would further cripple businesses and subsequently hurt the economy.

Forbes Takes Lead In Recycling Boost

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is taking a lead in boosting initiatives to support the recycling industry by diverting tens of thousands of plastic bottles from landfill by choosing to buy 100% recycled plastic drainage pipes.

In a move to improve the environmental efficiency of its quarries, Forbes Shire Council examined ways to use recycled products wherever possible, and found products produced by regional Victorian manufacturer RPM Pipes are made from 100% recycled plastic. The decision to use RPM pipes for drainage in the quarries will divert the equivalent of 80,000 plastic milk bottles from landfill.

“Our pipes are around the same price and exactly the same quality as non-recycled pipes that are currently used across Australia, but the big difference is that we recycle the equivalent of up to 5000 milk bottles with every pipe that we sell,” RPM Pipes CEO Mr Terry Kay said.

“With major challenges ahead for Australia to improve recycling rates and find solutions for our plastic waste, we’re pretty excited to see councils like Forbes prepared to lead the way and demonstrate support for regional Australian family companies.”

The 192-metre drainage project using 100% recycled stormwater pipe for new drainage is a significant step forward in starting to close the loop for recyclable products.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller said Forbes was proud to be leading the way, supporting Australia’s recycling industry.

“Like residents across Forbes, I want to know that the milk bottle left behind after my coffee and the detergent bottle that I have just used up are going to be recycled, not sent to landfill,” Terry said.

By choosing to use these 100% recycled pipes from RPM Pipes, Forbes is demonstrating that supporting the recycling sector does not mean compromising the budget or quality of infrastructure.

What is your favourite thing about Spring?

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ken Masters: The weather.

Natalie Robb: Everything, being outside, all of the flowers, It makes me happy.

Renae Sims: Nothing, I get hayfever and the magpies are out swooping in Spring.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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