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Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Mayoral Notes

August 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It has been another busy week in our Shire and the growing uncertainty around the situation in Victoria swells. I want you all to know I am working hard to ensure our community is safe and I ask you all to continue the good work of remaining socially distanced when out and about. If unwell, stay home and get tested. This week a COVID-19 testing centre has opened in Forbes. We have partnered with Western NSW PHN to provide a COVID-19 testing clinic three days a week in Hill Street at the back of JREC. This testing clinic operates on a referral system so you will need to contact your GP to arrange a referral before heading down to the testing clinic. This service will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8am and 1pm. Even the mildest of symptoms can be associated with the disease so please get tested.

NSW Health are recommending wearing a mask when out in public. I have been wearing one and it is uncomfortable but I do believe it is necessary so I will keep wearing it. There has been talk in

the media about masks being compulsory at the Central West Livestock Exchange. We have not made it compulsory to wear masks, but safety at this site is key. This means responsibility is being taken at all levels and one of our buyers, Fletchers are insisting their staff wear a mask on sale day. We continue to ask people to remain away from the yards if they are not required to be there and if unwell, not to come to the yards at all. This facility is essential, and we need to ensure it can remain open and business can take place as usual.

Last but not least, we have been celebrating Local Government Week this week. It gives us the opportunity to highlight all the wonderful things Council does in the community. It is often thought Council only deals with roads, rates, and rubbish, but we do so much more than that! The last 12 months have been one of the toughest years to date with droughts, fires and now the pandemic. They all affect our community and it is Council’s job to ensure we get through it as best as we can, both personally and economically. We don’t want to blow our own trumpet but we do want to share the ways in which we help our community, share the services we provide and how we would like our community to grow and prosper.

God Bless
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

More Support For Higher Success In Early Learning

August 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Preschool has extended its early learning services to offer NDIS to support children from zero to six years of age. “We are very excited to provide NDIS services to deliver the Early Childhood Early Intervention approach,” Preschool Director, Amy Shine said. “As an NDIS provider, we can also help families to understand the potential benefits of NDIS support for their child.”

“The ECEI approach supports children aged from 0-6 years who have a developmental delay or disability, as well as their families and carers. Our approach supports families to help children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and to achieve the best possible outcomes throughout their life,” Amy added.

Every child is different, Forbes Preschool understands this and tailors support programs for each child’s unique and individual needs, while considering their circumstances. The team at Forbes Preschool are focussed on giving all children the best possible start to lifelong learning. This is partly achieved through the Preschools consistent play based approach, where educators incorporate play and occupational therapies and speech into daily programs. Forbes Preschool now offers individual and specialised programs to ensure every child has as much assistance needed offered in a fun, safe environment. Staff have also introduced audiology as an important diagnostic tool for learners.

A highlight for the FPs team in becoming an NDIS provider is being able to offer integrated appointments and programs in a child’s own environment, in addition to the comprehensive educational programming.

For more information about the Forbes Preschool NDIS services please contact the team on 6852 1040.

New Residential Estate Needs A Name

August 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There will be a vote to name a new estate on Edward Street.

The Forbes Shire Council are looking for feedback from the Forbes Shire community to help name the new residential estate coming soon to Edward Street.

“We are so excited to open up this end of town to a new residential estate,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller. “Council has considered the heritage and history of the area and determined two possible names for the Estate. Now we want the community to vote!”

The two names proposed are Blackridge Estate and Wheatfields Estate. Blackridge was the original name given to the goldfield area where current day Forbes town centre is located. This name acknowledges Forbes’ unique history as a gold rush town and its heritage significance.

Wheatfields Estate derives from Forbes’ local economy which is based on a strong and diverse agricultural industry, and particularly grain crops including cereals and legumes grown in this region.

Anyone wishing to, can complete the simple online survey and vote on the preferred name choice for the Estate. Consultation closes 31 August 2020.

“Community sentiment and feedback is so important, especially when naming something so substantial for our town,” said Phyllis. “The Estate will have up to 223 lots and a development of this size will set Forbes up for future residential housing for a long time.

“The recent trends show people are want- ing to move to regional Australia and I want Forbes to be in a position to offer them something they can’t refuse.”

The proposed site will be located at the junction of Bogan Gate Road and Edward Street, northwest of the Forbes CBD.

The Your Say survey can be found through the Forbes Shire Council community engagement site www.yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au. For more information please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300.

Playtime Boost Thanks To Generous Donations

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Peter Nixon who delivered the tractors to Forbes childcare services presenting the donation to Goodstart Director Simone Inder.

Early Childhood Education Services in Forbes were delighted to receive a generous donation of ride-on tractors from Forbes Machinery Centre (FMC) last week, with the children wasting no time in making good use of the tractors.

Simone Inder, Director of Goodstart Early Learning Centre Forbes said, “We are super grateful for their contribution, the children are absolutely loving their new tractors.”

FMC gives back to the community through sponsorships, fundraising for community groups and donations to schools and early learning centres. Goodstart Early Learning, Learning Ladder, Bright Beginnings and Forbes Preschool each received a New Holland pedal tractor with trailer and two New Holland push along tractors.

Snippets..

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Council General Manager Steve Loane and Mayor Phyllis Miller unveiling the plaque at the 150th anniversary of Forbes Shire Council.

Forbes Shire Council Celebrates 150 Years: On Thursday, 23 July Forbes Shire Council celebrated 150 years after the ordinary July Council meeting. Celebrations began with previous Mayor of Forbes, Alistair Lockhart reading the first Council Meeting minutes from July 7, 1870.

The Councillors and staff members had gathered various mementos to be placed in a time capsule which was buried in the Chambers courtyard. Some of the mementos included in the time capsule were a copy of the Mayor’s Column, Council necktie and a facemask to recognise the interesting times we live in, plus more cultural and time reflecting items.

The small crowd then moved over to Victoria Park to plant a tree representing the special occasion. The tree is to symbolise the legacy of Council and all that they have achieved over the last 150 years.

Bulky Waste Collection: Next week, from 3-7 August is the annual bulk waste kerbside collection. Council will be collecting bulk waste on their yearly collection drive for items that can no longer be used. Fridges, washing machines, microwaves and stoves must have doors removed. Televisions, mattresses, furniture, and carpets are all accepted. Items that cannot be accepted are building waste, car parts, furniture exceeding two cubic metres in dimension, liquids, or any hazardous waste products. Please place waste items neatly to the edge of the kerb without blocking the footpath this weekend and separate into three piles, general bulky waste, bundled organics and finally, scrap metal, white goods and e-waste.

A tree symbolling the achievements of Forbes Shire Council over the last 150 years was planted in Victoria Park.

Early Learning Matters

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Sadie Keane and Valentine Karaitiana practiced their superman pose, which is one of the most important postures for sensory integration.

It is Early Learning Matters Week next week and Forbes Preschool (FPs) will be launching it with their first Facebook Live seminar for parents on Monday, 3 August at 7pm to share how important quality early learning is.

“High quality education and care supports children to be confident, enthusiastic learners, building a foundation for wellbeing and achievement through their whole lives,” FPs Director Amy Shine said.

“Our preschool has always focused on developing the best outcomes for our children and Early Learning Matters Week 2020 is helping spread the message to the community at a national level.”

Early Learning Matters was started by Service providers, peak bodies and re- search and advocacy groups to better inform political decision makers of the importance of quality early education. This year FPs is expanding that message to include families and communities.

“We have long been working towards the best outcomes for our children, but we need the whole community to understand the positive implications early learning has in supporting families and building our society.”

“All early learning centres in Forbes are working hard every day to develop exciting programs to help our children become strong independent learners,” said Amy.

FPs has recently become an NDIS provider and continues to offer Occupational Therapy, Speech and Synergetic Play Therapy as an integrated part of all programs. “NDIS is about working with children in their own environments and FPs is able to provide extended and specialised learning in a child’s own safe preschool space –  programmed specifically for their own very personal needs,” Speech Pathologist Jess Schofield added.

To attend the webinar, find the Forbes Preschool Facebook and record your interest in attending under ‘Events’. Facebook will send a reminder before 7pm to join. Get settled in a comfy, quiet spot so you can tune in for a discussion about the FPs 2020 school transition program.

Be Seen

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Bright Beginnings loved the blue tractors donated from Forbes Machinery Centre.

 

Yarangirri and Jakieal Ware performed a smoking ceremony at the opening of the Camp Street Bridge.

 

Forbes Learning Ladder delightfully received the three tractors from Peter Nixon.

 

Mayor Phyllis Miller attended the Bridge opening on Sunday.

 

The River Spirit Dancers.

Bright Beginnings Offers The Best Start For Early Learners

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Children learn more in the first three years than they ever will, which is why the work educators do at Bright Beginnings ELC is vital, as it builds a strong foundation for all future development and learning. We underestimate how much children learn before they begin formal schooling, but the professional team of educators are committed to providing high-quality learning environments that offer a variety of rich and stimulating educational opportunities. The goal is to ensure every child has a strong foundation to reach their full potential.

Netball News

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday Junior Netball
The Forbes Netball committee last week held a very successful Welcome back to Forbes netball day for all girls and boys wanting to play junior netball on Saturdays. The day started with NetSetGo for all players aged five-years and up at 10am and then games for under 15s at 11.15am.

The registrations and games will continue for the next two Saturdays, at the same time each week, and then teams will be formed for the competition.

Anyone needing help with registrations should come to the office on Saturday, and details can also be found on the Forbes Netball Facebook with a link to MyNetball.

The FNA has a COVID-19 Safe Plan for all players and one parent that can accompany the player to the courts, observing social distancing.

FNA thanks all for observing the restrictions that are in place so the committee can run junior netball and all players can enjoy their time at netball in a safe environment.

Spring Night Competitions
This year the committee is including a 17 and under ladies division in conjunction with Division 2, for ladies who would prefer to have a more social game, and the young teenagers who would prefer not to play the experienced ladies teams in Division 1.

Players must be attending secondary school to play in the competitions.
The Spring Night competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams will start on 26 August with the first grading games.

The second grading games will be played on 2 September, and the competitions will start on 9 September. Team entries close on 19 August.

Our Gal – Milli Robson

July 31, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

What school do you go to, and what do you like most about it? Forbes North, I really enjoy the sport and sporting activities we get to do.

What is your favourite subject at school and why? English, because I really enjoy writing.

What makes you laugh the most? My class this year, 5/6Y.

What is your dream job? A pharmacist.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? What Matilda has in the story written by Roald Dahl.

What is something you are really good at? Netball.

What is your pet hate? When someone eats with their mouth open.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why? Forbes, because all my friends are here.

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