Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Nominations Open For Healing Heart Nursery And Midwifery Award

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Image: shutterstock

Nominations for the ‘peoples’ choice’ award at this year’s NSW Health Excellence in Nursing & Midwifery Awards have officially opened. The annual awards ceremony was put on hold due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The awards are a highlight of our calendar, but this year instead of a live event held in Sydney, we will be broadcasting the show to the nurses and midwives wherever they are in NSW with a virtual format in November,” NSW Chief Nurse and Midwife Officer, Jacqui Cross said. “The virtual show will be entertaining and meaningful,” Jacqui said.

For the Healing Heart Award, patients, families, and carers are invited to nominate a nurse or midwife who made their healthcare experience special by visiting the NSW Health website at health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/enma. Nominations close on 27 July.

The awards carry special significance in 2020, being the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. We recognise and celebrate nurses and midwives for the skill, leadership, and compassionate care they contribute to people and the broader health system every day. The Awards will be shown on 26 November.

Country Women’s Association; A Snapshot Of The Year So Far

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Paula Leadbitter, Principal of St Laurence’s School received handmade library bags for her students, presented by Jan Doyle and Elaine Bright, President Forbes CWA.

The Forbes CWA ladies have had an immensely busy six months.

The year started off strong with the CWA’s Australia Day Damper Day, where the ladies proved their famous catering for morning teas and lunches. This was followed by members Robin Pols and Anne Read’s speech to the National Trust about the history of CWA Forbes.

The CWA were delighted to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Phil Donato’s Office for their help at the CWA Hall in their immaculate hosting of the Forbes Hidden Treasures presentation. The hardworking ladies continue to give toiletry bags to the Forbes Hospital, along with teddy bears and butterflies to the Pathology Centres.

One major achievement this year was the contribution of food and service to the phenomenally successful Garema Get Up and Go, which supports mental health, with people coming in from all over the region for the day. The ladies provided all guests with an impressive spread of delicious treats for morning tea.

In the last four months, during COVID-19 restrictions, the CWA have found ways to help the Forbes community. Every school in Forbes has received beautifully homemade library bags. These bags were gratefully received by all schools. The preschools have received many items from the CWA Forbes Branch, including library bags, dolls clothes, dolls blankets, dolls quilts and

beanies. June Lamb has been busy knit- ting squares for blankets, with Dawn Ible crocheting beautiful edges. Aprons are still being made along with other items. The members of CWA have enjoyed being able to help these educational centres and the children.

The ladies have also been collecting donations to The Pantry which is operating again from the Church Hall.

The CWA is eager to welcome new members, if you are interested in joining the cheerful and dedicated team, please do not hesitate in contacting one of the members or President of the CWA Forbes Branch, Elaine Bright on 0402 025 888.

The CWA ladies have been busy making dolls clothes and many other items for the children in Forbes.

Travellers Welcome For School Holidays

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As travellers break out of the cities during the mid-year school holidays, Forbes will see an increase in tourists visiting and passing through town.

“We welcome tourists back to our beautiful part of Australia,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Reports from our accommodation providers in Forbes are that numbers have been increasing already, and they are not just the grey nomads, but young families and couples as well. When travel restrictions were eased, the beginning of June, our roads did see a steady increase of traffic.”

Forbes Shire Council was unable to hold one of its major tourism events this year, Frost and Fire, due to the restrictions. Last year’s event saw over 2000 people in attendance and provided much needed relief for many providers in town.

“Tourism is so important to regional towns, particularly after what has been many years of drought. Forbes Council has partnered with ten other local government areas in a campaign called “We Want You Back”. The campaign will air three 30 second adverts across the Prime 7 network and feature personalities from across the regions tourism and culinary industry.

“The campaign shares stories on what to see and do. We can’t wait to share our piece of NSW with everyone!”

The towns included in the Central West campaign include Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Oberon, Grenfell, Cowra, Eugowra, Parkes and as far west as Lake Cargelligo.

“Forbes is so lucky to be in such a central location to all of these areas and with so many accommodation options available, from camping through to luxurious B&Bs it makes sense to set up camp here,” said Phyllis.

Letters

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

To the Editor, 6 July 2020
Through Mr Phil Donato MP, Member for Orange:

Dear Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and my Federal Member. How dare you give the regional money that I asked you for to build us a new swimming pool complex here in Forbes to the City of Sydney? How dare you give the city of Sydney $14 million? I did not ask you for $14 million, we only need $8.1 million, Mr McCormack.

Do you think that we are just voices crying in the wilderness? We are an important part of your Federal electorate, which you have just chosen to betray, you have just sold out an important agricultural centre of NSW, sold us out to the city of Sydney. We already have 300 little children who want and need to learn to swim.

Many children drown every year in Australia, and in our heated pool, each month, there are more than 700 people from Condobolin, West Wyalong, Eugowra, Grenfell, Parkes, Peak Hill and Forbes, as well as a large group of people with disabilities who use this facility.

How dare you deny us the opportunity to provide vital construction jobs during this difficult time, and how dare you deny us the opportunity to increase our tourism events in Forbes during this very difficult time of recovery from drought and the virus?

I am very saddened by your behaviour, and disappointed that you have betrayed our important community of Forbes and the Central West.

Dianne Decker, AM JP.

Our Bloke – Charlie Bray

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

What school do you go to and what do you like most about it? I go to St. Laurence’s and I like my friends that go there.

What is your favourite subject at school and why? Sport, because we play lots of fun games.

What makes you laugh the most? Carl Barron, he is a funny dude.

What is your dream job? To be the person that turns the light on and off at the Harbour Bridge.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? The ability to see into the future, particularly, the winning lotto numbers.

What is something you are really good at? Mowing the lawn, thanks to my parents I have had a lot of practice.

What is your pet hate? Mowing the lawn.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why? Antarctica, there are no lawns to mow there.

Snippets…

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The most popular flower competition will be held at the Forbes Garden Club meeting.

Good News For Gardeners: The Forbes Garden Club has some long awaited good news, much needed after the last few months. Elvy and the committee have been working hard to organise an exciting year for garden enthusiasts in Forbes. The club is having their first meeting since lockdown, on Tuesday, 28 July at 1.15pm for a 1.30pm start. The meeting will take place in the downstairs area at the Forbes Golf Club .

There will be a surprise guest speaker followed by a show and tell by creative members who have kept busy during lockdown with crocheting, sewing, patchwork or other crafts. Perhaps some have been working on a new garden. Please bring a photo where it is not feasible to bring the item. The committee will also have their competition for the most popular flower of the month. Please write your name and that of the flower on a small piece of paper and place under the container and please bring your own mug.

Text And Rest: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), Health Protection Manager, Priscilla Stanley, is urging anyone having a test for COVID-19 to ask whether they are able to receive negative test results by text message. If you are having a COVID-19 test in a public hospital or in the mobile services operated by the Western NSW Local Health District, then you are eligible to register to receive negative test results by text message. Everyone who has a test is asked to isolate until they receive their results. The messaging service is easy to register for and those tested should receive their negative result within 24 hours. If people have a positive result, they are contacted by a public healthcare worker who will provide information on what happens next.

The Trees Go In: This week saw the first two of eight beautiful palm trees planted near the new Camp Street bridge. The construction is in its final stages with Forbes residents excitedly anticipating the convenience of its reopening. The landscaping work around the bridge and lake will continue to take shape over the coming months and promises to make this much utilised area better than ever, with far reaching benefits for the economy, health and wellbeing of the residents of Forbes.

Landscaping has begun around the Camp Street Bridge. (Credit: Forbes Shire Council Facebook.)

Busy Children Are Happy Children These School Holidays

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Bek Salmon and Alex Gibb with the City Project for the school holidays.

Build cities and dip into history and heritage these school holidays. Central West Libraries is offering take home Rock, Paper, City Craft and Activity Packs to stimulate creative minds. The two main activities on offer are:

• Rock, Paper, City: Cardboard City Project. Children can don their architect’s hats and design either their own house, or other buildings, vehicles, and neighboured adornments for a cardboard version of their town that will be on display, and grow as the entries come in. There will be several levels of difficulty involved in the construction of these buildings and structural pieces, so the activity will be applicable to a wide range of ages. Organisers are hoping to talk about the concept of a child’s identity within their community, and how all community members have a special place in our town. Children are also being encouraged to get creative, and let their imaginations run wild, with possible town improvements such as “make a unicorn stable, a slip n slide, or a giant jumping castle”. Some crafty goodness is included in the pack for building embellishments and decorations.

• Lego Challenge: Central West Iconic Buildings. Wherever you live in the Central West, you will find iconic buildings. They may be historic or modern. They can all be created in Lego. Children are being challenged to recreate Central West iconic buildings in Lego. Take photos of the original building and the Lego version. Submit them together via email to library@cwl.nsw.gov.au and go into the prize draw.

Children have until Wednesday, 29 July to submit their entries to either of the competitions, and winners will be drawn on Saturday, 1 August. To reserve a Rock, Paper, City Craft and Activity Pack, please book through Eventbrite and collect from your local library.

Renting Privately Versus Using An Agent

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Today we are discussing the advantage of using a real estate agent to manage your rental property. Private landlords often feel like agents don’t offer good value for money. They might have had a bad experience with an agent, and feel they are better off doing it themselves.

As agents we are often called to assist private landlords when things turn sour be- tween tenants and themselves. The tenant might have fallen behind with rent and the landlord doesn’t know how to address the issue, or the tenant is not maintaining the property. Quite often we step in as the third party, negotiate, and find solutions. This is where our experience and knowledge of appropriate legislation pays off. We are used to handling all kinds of tenancy related matters, and have the time and energy to commit to it.

We aim to minimise costs for the landlord with professional management and avoid costly bills that they may incur if things go wrong. At Century 21 Central West, we have an experienced team dedicated to the fields of leasing, managing, and maintaining rental properties.

Leasing is the initial letting of the property, from advertising to qualifying tenants prior to letting them have the keys. Managing includes collecting rent on time, ensuring all required documents are completed and keeping up to date with legislation. We also have a routine inspection manager and are proactive regarding repairs and maintenance required.

If you are considering using the services of an agent, contact us at Century 21 Central West for our Landlord Information Package. Email tara.kelly@century21.com.au or call 0418 465 407.

Croquet News

July 10, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet 30 June
There were 29 players for Tuesdays Golf Croquet and two potential members to the club were also introduced. Welcome Sally and Pip Perry. The surprise of the day was Sally Perry in her first game partnering Elvy Quirk and Colleen Liebich in two of her three games for a well-deserved victory. This was a big effort on her first day at the club. The winners of three games were Bill Scott, Colleen Liebich, Joan Littlejohn and Kevin Rubie.

The closest games on the day were:
• Jeff Liebich, Libby Smart 7, def Mal Smith, Denny Smith 6.
• Merv Langfield, John Littlejohn 7 def Veva MacCullagh, John Cole 6.
• John Browne, Marie Spry 7, def Tony Thomson, Pip Perry 6.
• Bill Scott 7, def Dorelle Scott, Alex Todd 6.
• Dorelle Scott 7, def Sandy Hepburn 6.
• Jill Rubie, Bob Murray 7, def Veva MacCullagh, Libby Smart 6.

Aussie Croquet 4 July
There were some brave players at croquet on Saturday. The wind chill was so bad, there were cars parked beside the croquet club house to try and block the wind. The temperature never went above 8 degrees. Everyone was rugged up and a few players pulled out after the first game. It is, after all, only a game and freezing to death is not part of the Croquet schedule. There were only three players to win three games, they were: Harley Stewart, Cherylin Cole and Bob Murray.

The closest scores on the day were:
• Harley Stewart, Lorraine Todd 14, def Alec Todd, Neville Spry 8.
• John Browne 14 def Bill Scott, ElvyQuirk 10.
• Geoff Coles, John Cole 14, def Joan Lit-tlejohn, Merv Langfield 11.
• Jill Rubie, Bob Murray 14, def Kevin Ru-bie, John Job 13.
• Harley Stewart, Bill Scott 14, def GeoffColes, Marie Spry 10.

Snippets…

July 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Library is offering more services in Phase Two of reopening.

Check Before Visiting: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation and reviewing hospital visitor rules to help ensure the safety of patients, staff and other visitors. WNSWLHD Director of Public Health, Priscilla Stanley advises visitors to check in advance to make sure they know and understand the rules at that time, and follow the directions of staff.

Visitors may not enter if they have re- turned 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. Patients can receive multiple visitors however, no more than two visitors at a time are permitted.

Women in maternity care are permitted two visitors only including the patient’s partner. School aged children and younger are being asked not to visit and visitors to aged care residents are required to show evidence of receiving the 2020 influenza vaccination. Temperature checks are still required upon entering WNSWLHD facilities.

For more information about COVID-19 please call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 088 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Library Changes: The second phase in the easing of government restrictions has seen Forbes Library expand their services to the public from 22 June. Library card holders will be able to borrow and return books as well as use the public computers, print, and photocopy as well as sit in the library to read and study.

Phase two of the road back from COVID-19 includes the re-introduction of public internet PCs. Each session will be limited to 30 minutes and the number of PCs available will be reduced to address social distancing. Photocopying and printing services will be available, and the community is welcome to use the library for research, study and reading. Visitors will also be asked to record their contact details.

The current reduced hours at Forbes of Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, and on Saturday from 10am-12pm will remain in place for the time being. Members will continue to be asked to use the self-check kiosk so it is essential members bring their library card. No public programs will be offered at this time, so Storytime, Rhyme Time, Author Events are not yet available.

Check before visiting Forbes Hospital patients as restrictions are still in place.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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