Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Croquet Results

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet 14 July

There were 32 participants who braved the chilly conditions for golf croquet last week. There were only three players who won the three matches. Congratulations Ray Burridge, John Cole and Barry White.

After the matches were played, participants had a visit from the council who talked about COVID-19 and what was expected of all to be able to continue playing during the pandemic. Social distancing and health issues, especially around food, were discussed and morning tea has been graciously welcomed back.

The closest games on the day were:
• John Allegri, John Job 7, def Dorelle Scott, Lyn Simmonds 6.
• John Cole, Mal Smith 7, def Elvy Quirk, Libby Smart 6.
• Colleen Liebich, Jeff Liebich 7, def Kevin Rubie, Vince Roberts 6.
• Judy Ellis, Alec Todd 7, def Marie Spry, Merv Langfield 6.
• John Job 7, def Elvy Quirk 6.

Results Aussie Croquet 18 July

A beautiful morning welcomed 28 players on Saturday for Aussie Croquet. Warmth was the order of the day when it turned out to be a warm morning with the sun’s appearance. It was a very competitive morning with six players winning their three matches. The winners were Ray Burridge, Joan Littlejohn, Jill Rubie, Libby Smart, Neville Spry and Tony Thomson.

The closest games on the day were:
• Libby Smart, Colleen Liebich 14, def Jeff Liebich, Cherylin Cole 13.
• Dorelle Scott, Sandy Hepburn 14, def Elizabeth McLean, Bill Scott 12.
• Barry White, John MacCullagh 14, def John Job, Elvy Quirk 11.
• Judy Ellis, Lyn Simmonds 14, def Dorelle Scott, Kevin Rubie 11.
• Jill Rubie, Merv Langfield 14, def Bruce and Lorna Field 13.
• Toney Thomson, Bill Scott 14, def John MacCullagh, Barry White 11.

Northparkes Community Investment Program

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There were 16 recipients from round one of the Community Investment Program.

The successful recipients from round one of the China Molybdenum Co Ltd (CMOC) and Northparkes Mines Community Investment Program have been announced. The program has two rounds annually, with $40,000 donated each round. Since its inception, over $760,000 has been invested in the Parkes and Forbes Shires.

Northparkes Managing Director Hubert Lehman said, “The Community Investment Program has been one of the successful programs we have used to support the sustainability of the Parkes and Forbes Shires. Despite the COVID-19 health pandemic, we want to ensure we are still able to support our local community through this investment program.”

The successful applicants for round one in the Forbes Shire were Aruma Disability Services, Bogan Gate Golf Club, Forbes District Soccer Club, Forbes Golf Association and Forbes Rugby Union Club Inc.

“Congratulations to the successful recipients and thank you to everyone who took the time to apply. It is always a very challenging task for the committee to select the successful recipients when there are so many quality applications,” said Hubert.

The Community Investment Program has an independent committee, made up of local community members of Parkes and Forbes to review the applications and allocate the available funding. This involves ensuring the applications meet the economic, social, environmental, cultural, recreational, and educational needs of the local communities.

Round two of the Community Investment Program is now open, visit www.northparkes.com to apply. For more information, please contact Ali Standen on 02 6861 3621 or ali.standen@au.cmoc.com.

Free Workshop For Arts Funding

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There is currently $10million of extra arts funding available nationally through the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund (RAF). Arts OutWest is offering a free, online workshop to help people in the region prepare applications for the RAF.

The free workshop will be held via Zoom on Friday, 31 July from 10.30am-12pm and participants are encouraged to bring their project ideas or beginnings of their applications to discuss.

The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government Program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia: designed to benefit regional and remote arts practitioners, arts workers, audiences and communities. The standard 2021 round of the Regional Art Fund is now open and closes 21 August 2020.

The funding recognises that the creative industries are central to thriving and healthy communities across regional, rural and remote Australia and that arts and culture activities are vital in the recovery and renewal process. The Recovery Boost grant program will be implemented in three stages moving from Relief to Recovery and Renewal.

RAF Relief is currently open for quick turn-around grants; expressions of interest for the Renewal program are also now open; and Recovery projects funding closes 29 October.

“Between the standard Regional Arts Fund funding program and the special Recovery Boost program there are significant funding opportunities for artists, arts organisations and communities in our region, but from the outside it can look like a bit of a maze,” said Arts OutWest executive director Tracey Callinan. “Our workshop is about unpicking the options and designing projects that match the opportunities.”

To register for the Arts OutWest funding workshop, email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au, or call 6338 4657.

Illegal Removal Of Trees Is A Costly Exercise

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kim Muffet reminds all that security will be further enhanced to ensure appropriate use of Gum Swamp.

As the cooler weather brings chainsaws out of sheds, and firewood collection be- comes high on the agenda for many families, Forbes residents are being reminded that the removal of trees from council land without permission is illegal.

“We were shocked to see the amount of damage in the Wildlife Reserve area at Gum Swamp,” say Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Countless trees have been felled recently and some are even close to the water’s edge.”

“This whole area is a protected wildlife reserve and we cannot and will not allow this to happen. Some of the recent State Government funding received by the Forbes Art Society has been allocated to this area for the construction of new bird hides and improving the existing bird hide. People travel from all over Australia to admire our amazing diversity of birds who occupy this region and we cannot afford to have this prized habitat destroyed.”

Council rangers will be patrolling the area regularly with on the spot fines of $3000 issued to those caught cutting and collecting timber from the area. If Council deems it necessary court-imposed fines of up to $500,000 can occur.

“It disappoints us greatly that people would disrespect this beautiful wildlife refuge,” says local resident and Forbes Art Society project manager, Kim Muffet. “Taking timber from this area is criminal given it provides habitat for so many species of birds.”

Illegally acquired firewood has already been seized and donated to the Men’s Shed for fundraising.

Drought Stimulus Provides $900,000 For Forbes Shire

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Phyllis Miller, John Barilaro, Steve Loane and Sam Farraway met in Victoria Park for the exciting announcement.

A total of six new projects in Forbes will benefit from $900,000 in funding from the NSW Government. The exciting announcement was made this week on Wednesday, 22 July during a visit to Forbes by NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, and NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway.

The new projects will facilitate the flow of money through local economies, generate jobs and support local businesses will soon start rolling out across Forbes Shire.

“It is great to see so many local projects get funding through the Drought Stimulus Program. Projects aimed at boosting tour- ism and local opportunities across the region including a new Visitors Information Centre and Function Centre and much needed upgrades to Forbes Town Hall,” said Sam.

One announcement on the day was that of the new Forbes Visitor Information Centre, which will utilise and refurbish the former Lachlan Vintage Village in three stages, with stage one seeing a road and carpark constructed at the site. The centre will also include a venue for events. “It is really important to see this site brought back to life, we have had a lot of positive feedback on this project,” said Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller.

Forbes Shire Council GM Steve Loane went on to thank the NSW Government for having trust in local government with these projects, to be completed on time and on budget.

The Drought Stimulus Program will provide funding for the following projects in the Forbes Shire:
• Forbes Visitor Information Centre $450,000
• Forbes Town Hall Refurbishment $200,000
• Shade Sails, Forbes Central West Live- stock Exchange $80,000
• 150 Years of the Forbes Shire Council $30,000
• Garema Recreation Grounds Tennis Courts $55,000
• Nelson Park BBQ Area $15,000
• Lake Forbes Activation Plan $30,000
• Bedgerabong Recreation Grounds Irrigation Upgrades.

For further information about the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package, visit www.nsw.gov.au/droughtstimuluspackage.

Letters…

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

I am writing to express my appreciation to everyone who supported The Smith Family’s 2020 Winter Appeal.

At a time when Australians have been challenged like never before, we have been humbled and inspired by tremendous generosity. Our charity supports the educational achievement of children in need as a practical pathway out of poverty. The donations we received for our Winter Appeal will mean our vital out-of-school learning and mentoring programs can now be delivered to thousands more students living in disadvantage.

The public’s help could not have come at a better time. Even before the COVID-19 crisis, there was strong evidence that disadvantaged students were falling behind at school through not having the same learning opportunities as their more advantaged classmates. At age 15, the gap is equivalent to around three years of schooling.

In recent weeks, the Grattan Institute has confirmed that disadvantaged children who were already falling behind before the crisis, will have slipped further back. It is hard to stay on top of your learning when you don’t have essential resources for home schooling such as a computer, internet access, textbooks and stationery. These children will need extra support to catch up.

With the donations received, The Smith Family will provide additional educational support for over 16,000 children and young people during terms 3 and 4. These include our home-based programs boosting the reading skills of children, mentoring support, and our after-school Learning Clubs, helping children to increase their literacy and numeracy skills.

The Smith Family exists to change children’s lives through supporting their education. To do this, we rely on the generous support of thousands of Australians. To everyone who offered a hand up to support a child in need through our Appeal, please accept my grateful thanks.

Dr Lisa O’Brien
Chief Executive Officer
The Smith Family

Be Seen

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ally Coe and Vicki Swadling from Wirajduri Condobolin.

Jeff Nicholson and Graeme Miller.

Jenny Webb and Chris Roylance.

Mayor Phyllis Miller, Joy Russell and Aileen Allen.

Snippets…

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller took Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for a walk around the impressive sculpture.

DonateLife Week: Despite most Australians saying they support organ donation, only one in three are registered. Registering as an organ donor gives hope to the 1,600 Australians and their families that are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Many more Australian lives can be transformed through tissue donation. Registering is quick and easy at donatelife.gov.au. It only takes a minute with your Medicare card. In NSW, you can no longer register via your driver’s licence. DonateLife Week runs from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 2 August 2020 and is the national awareness week for organ and tissue donation.

Changes To Visitors At MPS’s: NSW Health has implemented new measures due to the current risk of COVID-19 now in the community. Anyone with fever or respiratory symptoms, even mild, is excluded from the facility. Any visitors who have been in Victoria in the last two weeks are excluded from the facility. Until the end of July, any visitors to any residential aged care facility who have been in Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly areas in the last two weeks are also excluded from the facilities. It also remains in place that visitors may not enter facilities if they have; returned from overseas in the last 14 days, returned from the greater Melbourne area in the last 14 days or have been in contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days. To protect aged care residents, visitors must show evidence of 2020 influenza vaccination.

Heavy Foot Traffic At New Attraction: Within the first week of it’s launch, Varanus the 22 metre long Goanna, has attracted 1,500 visitors. The awe-inspiring sculpture by Northern NSW sculptor Glen Star was officially launched on Wednesday last week, with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Upper House MP Sam Farraway stopping by for a visit on Thursday last week. The Sculpture, which is the first of many to be placed along the Lachlan River between Forbes and Condobolin, promises to contribute to a massive boost in tourism for Forbes and surrounding towns. The roads in and around Gum Swamp are currently closed for repair and maintenance work, as well as the construction of new bird hides and the rehabilitation of the current bird hide.

Sculptor Glen Star welded pieces of Varanus together the day before the official launch.

JobKeeper Payment Extension Welcomed By Business NSW

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Originally due to run until 27 September 2020, the Australian Governments JobKeeper wage subsidy will now continue to be available to eligible businesses, those who are selfemployed and not-for-profit organisations until 28 March 2021. In addition, the rate will be dropped from $1,500 per fortnight to $1,200 from 28 September 2020.

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, says the confirmed extension to the JobKeeper wage subsidy will be welcomed by the Western NSW business community.

“Many of the changes to the JobKeeper wage subsidy are in line with what we have been advocating for and part of our recommendations we made in our recent “Back on Track” report,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“JobKeeper has been a critical pillar of the response to the economic crisis, but it did come with some adverse effects for our businesses which have been addressed with the announcement.”

“The extension and targeted changes will support those industries most heavily impacted by restrictions and consumer demand, as well as providing much needed confidence for all businesses to plan for the next 6 months.”

The Benefits Of Allowing Pets At Your Rental Property

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Today I am discussing whether to allow pets at rental properties.

Although landlords may feel apprehensive, there are some benefits in allowing pets at your investment property.

Most Australian households have pets, with approximately 62% of people owning an animal. So, allowing your rental property to have pets may attract a longer-term tenant or family, which is what landlords desire, as it provides stable rental income.

In addition, allowing pets may enable landlords to aim for a higher return of rent and can assist with renting the property a lot quicker with a larger number of tenant applications to choose from.

At Century 21 Central West we require tenants to complete a Pet Application Form at the beginning of the tenancy, so we can find out what type of pets they have, and the age of the pet, which helps us to ascertain if the property they are applying for will accommodate that type of pet.

During inspections, we will monitor the pets’ living conditions and report back to you, so any issues can be addressed to ensure the property is being looked after.

When a tenant with pets vacates the property, we can enforce a pest spray in the yard and carpet cleaning inside the home.

There are benefits to letting tenants have pets at rental properties, and we recommend assessing this on a case by case basis. For more information on this topic please get in touch with the Century 21 Central West team today.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Golf Croquet 14 July

Results Aussie Croquet 18 July

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