Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Mayoral Notes

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Please be assured that I am working very hard to solve the Target dilemma. I need you all to continue to email Wesfarmers, articulating how important Target Country is to this town and your families. Here is their email address again: info@wesfarmers.com.au

Most importantly I ask that you continue to shop locally at all our stores. It is essential that we keep our businesses viable. We do not want to lose being able to walk from shop to shop while socialising. The Forbes community has always stuck together in a crisis and may I suggest this is one if we are not careful.

For those that don’t know, we have a wonderful service available in Forbes called Riding for the Disabled. This volunteer service allows people with a disability to experience equine assisted activities. If you know anyone who would like to volunteer, please get in touch through Council.

We have our June Council meeting this week and we will have a lot to talk about with the Youth Strategic Plan, Homemakers Centre report and many other things to discuss.

Enjoy your week. God Bless.

Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

What is your message to the public during these turbulent times?

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Chief Inspector David Cooper, Central West Police District: This year has certainly been one of challenges – as we all battled our way through a devastating drought and then the catastrophic bushfires – we thought things were finally starting to look up. Then COVID-19 hit and life has not been the same since. What these things have really shown is that our communities are adaptive, strong and resilient. What was considered “normal” in our day-to-day lives may never be the same again, but we have all managed to adapt and change the way we do things.

Internationally the “Black Lives Matter” movement has come to the fore and has brought with it many conversations. The actions of some police from overseas, as portrayed in the media, appear abhorrent. What I can say is that the police support our community because they are part of the community. Our police and community relations are strong and have been built over many years. Police rely on the community for their support just as much as the community relies on police to maintain law and order. I look forward to continue working with the community as we move forward and face the challenges together.

Our Bloke – John Clarke

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? All my life, I like that it’s a friendly country town.

What was your first job? I was an apprentice butcher. I started a long time ago too.

What makes you laugh the most? My girls and my grandchildren, anything makes me laugh really.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? I’d move to Wagga Wagga to spend more time with my daughters and my grandchildren.

Describe your dream holiday? Anywhere with my family.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Going yabbying with my dad.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? Forbes, and now really. You get used to the place you live.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My wife and children.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To be able to see into the future.

What is your pet hate? People with no manners, no please and thank you.

Mayoral Notes

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

I am hearing the many voices in the community not happy about the recent announcement of Target closing next year. I want you all to let those voices be heard! Email info@wesfarmers.com.au, and let the Chairman of Wesfarmers know the Forbes community would like this store to remain in town, I have already sent my email and I encourage you to write to the Chairman directly. If you prefer to write a letter here is the mailing address: Wesfarmers Limited, Level 14, Brookfield Place Tower 2, 123 St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000 WA.

Next week Apex Park is getting a little makeover with a new shade structure being installed and the park will be closed for a few days. I am so proud of the wonderful parks and playgrounds we have in our Shire. We are conducting a survey on recreation and open spaces and want to be able to incorporate your vision in our plans. To participate in the survey head over to www.yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au or there is a link down the bottom of our homepage on the website.

Speaking of websites, you may have noticed Council’s has changed. The new website is much easier to navigate and it looks great either on a desktop computer or mobile device. Jump on and have a look, we would love to hear your feedback.

Till next week take care. God Bless.

Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

Croquet Players Happy To Be Back On The Courts

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

A roll up of 33 turned out for the first game of Croquet after lockdown on Saturday

Extra, extra, read all about it, croquet is on again and there is no doubt about it! It is hard to believe, but the team of enthusiastic players really are back on the croquet courts for the first time since 21 March 2020, finally.

The Forbes Croquet Club welcomed back 31 players on the first day. Players laughed and joked and carried on as though they had never been away. The courts were magnificent thanks to John Browne, Neville Spry, Alec Todd and John Allegri.

The club President, Elvy Quirk, informed members about what was expected of them in regard to social distancing and sanitising information in order to keep players safe from COVID-19.

There were only two winners of the three games on the day. They were: John Browne and Bill Scott.

The Croquet Club was very happy to welcome new player, India Thomson, grand- daughter of Tony and Pam Thompson, who surprised everyone with her first effort at croquet.

Some of the closest games on the day were:
• Marie Spry, Harley Stewart 14, def Tony Thomson, India Thomson 13.
• John Cole, Joan Littlejohn 14; def Robin Pols, Lorraine Todd 13.
• Lorna Field, Merv Langfield 14, def Bruce Field, Doreen Rogers 12.
• Barry White, Ray Burridge 14, def Col- leen Liebich, Geoff Coles 13.
• Bill Scott 14, def Dorelle Scott 12.
• Elvy Quirk, John MacCullagh 14, def Anne Stewart, Cherylin Cole 11.
• Jeff Liebich, John Allegri 14, def Judy Ellis, Barry White 13.
• Doreen Rogers, Lyn Simmonds 14, def Merv Langfield, Veva MacCullagh 12.

Alec Todd, John Browne and Neville Spry always willing to set up prior to the game.

Health Check From Home

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Despite the impact the COVID-19 outbreak has had on our lives, preventative health and routine screening are still vital. This week is HIV Testing Week in NSW. The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is urging our communities that even during the COVID-19 outbreak, getting testing for HIV is still important.

Social distancing measures and changes to how Sexual Health services are running during the COVID-19 outbreak has meant people may be putting off getting tested for HIV. WNSWLHD Sexual Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Kim Grant, said: “It’s great so many people are keeping safe by practising physical distancing, however keeping on top of preventative health, in particular, HIV testing is just as important”.

Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing is also an option for people who meet eligibility criteria to test for HIV as well as Hepatitis C at home. It is free, easy, reliable, and confidential. It does not require an appointment with a doctor or a clinic.

“DBS tests can be ordered online, done in the privacy and safety of your home, and mailed directly to the lab.” Kim said.

Results from DBS tests take around a week, and clients can choose how to receive them. A nurse will be in contact via text message, email, or phone call, and are completely confidential.

WNSWLHD, Manager of HIV and Related Programs, Ann Ryan said, “HIV is a treatable health condition. The first step to living a long, healthy life with HIV is getting tested.”

To see if you are eligible for a Dried Blood Spot test head to www.hivtest.health.nsw.gov.au or get in contact with your local Sexual Health Service for an appointment or an assisted DBS test.

Survey Highlights How Libraries Combat Loneliness

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Librarian, Bronwyn Clark assures the public that the library is open and welcome for borrowing and returning books.

Central West Libraries is asking members to respond to an online survey about what they “missed most” while libraries were closed due to Government COVID-19 shutdown.

The first 500 responses to the nationwide survey of library users has shown that, after book borrowing, social interaction has been the biggest loss felt by the community during the COVID-19 lockdown of public libraries.

The survey, run by the Australian Library and Information Association and Australian Public Library Alliance, found that while 87% of respondents missed being able to borrow print books, 44% missed having expert, friendly help from library staff. 40% of respondents simply missed being around other people and 36% missed participating in events and activities for adults.

Sue McKerracher, CEO of the Australian Library and Information Association, explained, “The role of libraries as places of books, study and learning has always been understood, but the role of public libraries as places where people feel connected continues to emerge. Even before the pandemic, governments were concerned about the mental health problems linked to loneliness. These concerns have been heightened over the last three months during the lockdown. Libraries clearly have an important part to play in promoting a greater sense of belonging.”

“As this was an online survey, we weren’t expecting a lot of people to tick “using the internet”, but we know that the loss of access to PCs and high speed broadband connection has caused hardship for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our communities, including homeless people, who rely on the internet through libraries to access Centrelink, MyGov and essential health information,” Sue said.

Public libraries were identified as an important service that could be reopened as part of Step 1 of the National Cabinet’s COVID-19 plan, when it was announced on 8 May. This is evidence of the government recognising the importance of libraries in both cities and regional areas and understanding the loss that people felt in losing access to print books, including larger print books for those with limited vision, free internet, library spaces, face-to-face storytime, rhymetime and craft activities. These services are essential across the Forbes Shire for people of all ages and abilities.

The My Library Survey can be found online; www.cwl.nsw.gov.au

Farmers’ Flexibility Put To The Test Again

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Callen Thompson from the Central West Local Land Services has some great advice to help farmers adapt to recent change.

Following earlier rainfall, warmer temperatures, and generally lower numbers of stock across the region some producers are now considering silage as an option for storing excess feed.

Central West Local Land Services mixed farming advisor Callen Thompson said while excess feed was a good problem to have there were a number of things to keep in mind before trying silage for the first time.

“Particularly if they have sown grazing crops or their cereal crops have started to run up growers are looking at their options to conserve this fodder for future use or create a saleable product to help with cash flow,” Callen said.

“Silage can be a great fodder source used to fill gaps in feed supply,” he said. The growth stage of the crop, what the silage will be used for and how it will be made were all important considerations for producers.

If cut at the right time, silage can retain much of the crops fodder quality, unlike hay which decreases in quality through the hay making process. “At this time of year you need to know if you will be able to dry the cut material quick enough to ensure feed quality, you may need to wait until daytime temperatures start to increase,” Callen said.

The decision on whether to produce bales or chopped silage would also depend on how much would be used at a time and whether it would be used on the farm or sold. Bales can be a better option if you only want to feed out small amounts at a time and wrapped bales can be sold off farm more easily.

For more information on considerations for making silage or to be notified of upcoming silage workshops contact Central West Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

New Parent Groups Go Ahead

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Clinical nurse and child and family health consultant, Anne Roth and Meagan Evans, clinical nurse specialist for child and family health WNSWLHD.

Keeping new parents connected during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Child and Family Health Nurses developing a new way of working.

The WNSWLHD is now offering first time parent’s access to a Virtual New Parent Group.

WNSWLHD, Consultant Child and Family Health Clinical Nurse, Anne Roth said, “New Parents Groups are normally provided face to face in centres across the WNSWLHD and we’ve had a great response to the first group, with 52 first time parents registering since it started on 22 April.”

COVID-19 has meant that these face to face groups can no longer operate as normal but the need to stay connected is more important than ever.

“This is particularly important for new parents who can feel vulnerable at this time. It may be hard right now for them to know how to balance the joy and excitement of having a new baby with the fear caused by this unprecedented global pandemic,” Anne said.

The Group is led by Meagan Evans a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Family Health and is held weekly over four weeks with each session running for 90 minutes.

The Difference That Lasts A Lifetime

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School has been operating for 38 years and has over 235 students. The year 2020 will see its sixth HSC cohort and with excellent facilities, an extensive curriculum and well-trained, enthusiastic teaching staff PCS helps to create an exciting journey of learning throughout all aspects of School life from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Students travelling from Forbes also have access to travel by our private charter bus supplied by the school. This picks up from several locations around Forbes and travels directly to the school.

Enrolments are now open for 2021, with limited spaces available. If you would like to enrol your child, book a school tour, trial day or have an enrolment pack sent to you, please contact the school office on 6862 4164. Secure your position today!

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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