Kalasin, Kaltia and Kadence Cain made beautiful red poppy art for Anzac Day.
Paul Skinner from the Forbes Shell service station is excited to offer authentic doner kebabs in the coming weeks.
One of Forbes’ younger residents, Alice Sukkar, enjoys her morning walks around the lake.
A Classy Touch Florist
Open Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm. Online orders and delivery available. Phone 6852 1457.
Isabella’s Place
Open Monday to Saturday 8am – 2pm for takeaways and free delivery. Mobile Eftpos available. Full menu available all day plus specials. Phone 6851 5296 or text 0428 139 360.
Forbes Central Butchery
Open Monday to Friday 7am – 5pm and Saturday from 8am – 12pm. Free home delivery. Phone 6851 6745.
Forbes Veterinary Clinic
Still trading and open Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm and Saturday 9am – 12noon. Closed on Sunday. After Hours phone 0459 766 746.
Made of Fridays
Offering free local delivery on all online orders at www.madeoffridays.com.au. All design and print services available, send enquiries to hello@madeoffridays.com.au.
Shell Service Station
Open Monday to Friday 5am – 10pm, 9pm is the cut off time for takeaways. Open 6am – 10pm on weekends. Doner kebabs coming in three weeks. Phone 6852 1973.
SportsPower
Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and on Saturday 9am – 12pm. Offers free delivery as well as bike repairs and sales. Phone 6851 2277.
The Bakehouse
Open Monday to Friday 6am – 5pm and Saturday 6am – 12pm. Takeaway and delivery available. Online ordering at thebakehouse2871.com.au or Facebook and Instagram. Full menu, bakery items, pie drives, Al Desko dining. Phone 6855 3388.
The Brew
Open for takeaways 7.30am on weekdays and 8am – 12pm on weekends. Phone 0475 376 494.
Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 3.30pm and Saturdays 9am – 12.30pm. Online shopping available. Phone 6851 4405.
Jamal and Zara Alghamdi loved the snow machine at last year’s Frost and Fire night.
Officially Frozen: The much anticipated second year of Frost and Fire has been cancelled. Council voted to cancel the event, at their 16 April meeting, before any more time and money was spent on the event.
Construction Sector Vital to Economy: The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to work closely with the construction sector during this unprecedented pandemic to ensure longevity and job creation throughout and on the other side of COVID-19. Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack said construction is key to navigating Australia out of the pandemic while maintaining jobs and economic growth.
The Federal Government has called on States and Territories as well as the 537 local governments to ask them what infrastructure can be brought forward. The government is now assessing that infra- structure with responses received from three-quarters of the local councils. There are around 160 major projects currently underway including the 1700-kilometre Inland Rail project.
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia CEO, Adrian Dwyer, said the focus on keeping construction going has been vital for the sector and the economy. “It’s not just about the 1.3 million people employed in the sector, it’s the flow-on effect to their families and the broader economy which makes it so important that we maintain a strong and viable sector through the COVID-19 crisis and out the other side.”
Inland Rail to Continue: The Australian Government has welcomed additional public health and safety measures implemented by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) on national rail infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, said Inland Rail’s construction would continue with other major construction projects, critical to securing the nation’s freight future. “We all rely on the freight network to deliver the essential supplies such as food, medicine, medical equipment, which are critical now more than ever. Inland Rail will support 5,000 jobs in New South Wales, and we are already seeing the benefits of this in Parkes and the surrounding region, with a boost to employment and supplier contracts flowing from construction”. Find out more at www.inlandrail.artc.com.au.
Ski Dam Revamp: Landscaping has commenced at the Ski Dam and is now closed to all public vehicles. The playground also remains closed however, walkers, joggers and cyclists are still welcome to use the path through this area. Council reminds those using the path to exercise caution in this area.
Upgrades continue to improve the Forbes Ski Dam.
Once again 25 April, Anzac Day has come and gone. For the past 48 years I have attended both the Dawn Service and Mid-Morning Service with my Dad (WWII), until he passed away in 1996, and my brother Terry (Vietnam).
For circumstances beyond everyone’s control, Anzac Day this year was to be somewhat different. No one really had any idea how the day would play out, but the people of Forbes and district rose to the occasion and made the day most memorable. Aaron Parry once again turned up at 5.30am to play the Last Post, our Mayor Phyllis Miller and I laid wreaths, and the Ode was recited at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park. Very different from past years but just as moving.
At 6am I stood out the front of my house with a candle and lowered the flag to half-mast. I looked down the street and couldn’t believe my eyes, candles, torches, lights on phones all the way down the street. And from a lot of reports most streets in Forbes all doing the same thing.
Sunday morning, I went to the Cenotaph and counted 43 wreaths that had been laid around the Cenotaph from Individuals, families, service organisations, charity organisations, and all Forbes Schools. What a wonderful gesture from the people of Forbes and district, to honour and remember the 153 men from Forbes and district who lost their lives, and the other 1,439 men and women who gave service to our country, and also to those who are still serving.
Although there was not an organised ceremony of Remembrance the people of Forbes still remembered those service men and women.
A day of Remembrance and a day to Remember.
Lest we Forget.
Forbes RSL Sub-Branch.
Michael Walker President
Ben Hall Beau Thai
0481 399 883
Friday & Saturday from 5.30pm
The Bakehouse
6852 3388
Monday to Friday 6am – 5pm, Saturday 6am – 12pm
Dancing Noodle
0476 034 140
Friday to Monday 11am – 9.30pm
Domino’s Pizza
6850 8020
Friday to Sunday 4pm – 9pm
Forbes Garden Chinese
6852 2700
Friday to Monday Lunch 12pm – 2pm (except Monday) Dinner from 5pm
Forbes Golden Dragon Chinese
6852 1468
Friday to Monday Lunch 12pm – 2pm Dinner from 5pm
Forbes Pizza House
6851 1555
Saturday to Monday from 5pm
Forbes Inn Hotel
9772 8001
Friday & Saturday Lunch 12pm – 3pm Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm.
Sunday & Monday Lunch 12pm – 2pm Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm
Golden Century Restaurant
6855 6506
Friday to Sunday Lunch 11.30am – 3pm and Dinner 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Heritage Restaurant
6851 1399
Friday & Saturday Lunch 12pm – 2pm Dinner 5.30pm – 8pm
Lakeside Takeaway
6851 5005
Friday 9am – 8pm, Saturday 8am – 12pm
McDonald’s Family Restaurant
Friday to Monday 6am – 10pm
Saturday & Sunday 5am – 11pm
Pittstop Takeaway
6852 4193
Friday to Monday 9am – 8pm
Roundabout Bakery
6852 3257
Saturday to Monday 7.30am – 2.30pm
The Brew Coffee & Juice Bar
0475 376 494
Saturday 7.45am – 12pm
Shell Service Station Cafe
6852 1973
Friday & Monday 5am – 9.30pm Saturday & Sunday 6am – 9.30pm
Vandenberg Hotel
6852 2015
Friday & Saturday 5pm – 8.30pm
Wattle Cafe
6852 4310
Friday to Monday 9am – 8pm
Wan Wah Chinese
6852 2161
Saturday to Monday Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm and Dinner 5pm – 9pm
Another week down in lockdown and may I suggest a few to go. I acknowledge it is tough on everybody, but we must continue to do what we are advised to do, to keep everybody safe.
Disappointingly, I have heard of some bad behaviour towards our supermarket staff. I would ask you to think twice before you get annoyed with staff, they are trying to do their best.
A big shout out to our wonderful medical staff here in Forbes. They are doing a superb job in adapting to COVID-19. A big thank you from all Forbes residents.
I want you to know we have a local committee known as the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), the purpose of this group is to ensure communities’ needs are being met and with everyone in lockdown it is proving difficult to receive the views of the community. This committee determined a local information phone line is needed to assist residents on what services are available to them. The phone number is: 6850 2393.
Don’t forget to commemorate our ANZACs this Saturday. Go to the front of your driveway with a candle or light at 5.55am.
Play the Last Post and have a minute of silence for the wonderful men and women who have fought for our freedom.
Take care everyone.
God Bless.
Your Mayor Phyllis Miller
Message From The Forbes Business Chamber Inc
Most businesses have had to alter how they do business, their opening and closing hours and internet usage. In addition, all types of electronic forms of communication have been put into place. The Forbes Business Chamber has been forwarding all relevant information to businesses but are mindful of information overload.
All businesses are finding trading difficult so please try to Shop Local and Support Local where you can. Here is a list of businesses who are Why Leave Town supporters and/or load up stores which are identified by the use of an asterix.
If you have a Why Leave Town card in your wallet or drawer please remember that you can still use the card at any open and participating business. Businesses such as beauticians have a closed shop front but they are still selling products online.
The use of websites, emails, Facebook and Instagram have grown dramatically. It is worth remembering to google a business you are interested in and find out what they have in stock, services they are providing or other important information. I encourage everyone to check what businesses are doing and not assume anything as guidelines and restrictions change very quickly.
If anyone requires business information please don’t hesitate to contact the Forbes Business Chamber by email at forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com or visit www.forbesbusinesschamber.com.au
By Marg Duggan
Why Leave Town Participating Businesses
If you have a WLT card please remember to use it at one of the following businesses: Acheson’s Home Timber Hardware, Agriwest Forbes, Allure on Main, Anytime Fitness, Bernardis, Blue Sky Outdoors Experts, Blush Organic Beauty, Bowns Sportspower, Brons Hair Design, BWR Accountants & Advisors, C&D Floor Coverings, Cahills Footwear, Central West Diesel, Chapter Two, Findex Pty Limited, Euphoria Road, Eyewear Specs, *Flannerys Pharmacy, Forbes Automotive Services, Forbes Country Bakehouse, Forbes Family Dentist, Forbes Inn, Forbes Services Memorial Club, Forbes Shire Council, Forbes Small Engines, Forbes Smash Pty Ltd, Forbes Veterinary Clinic, Gunn’s Mensland & Embroidery, Power Tools Plus, helloworld Forbes, Hozpots Garden Centre, Jessica’s Essential Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extras, *Loomzy’s Fish N Fix, Made Of Fridays, Mid West Pest & Water Management, Midpro Engineering, *News on Rankin, Painted Daisies Gift, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, Sweet Three Vintage Van, *Terry Bros Carpet Court, Turners Furniture One, *Undercover Sleepwear, Vandenberg Hotel, Walkers AGnVET Services and Woolerina.
*load up stores are identified by the use of an asterix.
Spotlight On Local Businesses
• Bernardis are offering grocery delivery for those with chronic health issues, senior card holders and people with a disability within Forbes. Check Bernardis Facebook page for more information or email forbes@bernardigroup.com.au.
• Blush Organics orders can be placed online, delivery options available. Salon will be open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am – 5pm.
• Forbes Bakehouse have online orders via Instagram, Facebook or their website www.thebakehouse2871.com.au. Open Monday to Friday 6am – 5pm and Saturday 6am – 12pm.
• Jessica’s Essential Beauty and Wellness full range of products is available, check Facebook page or call 6851 4707 for more information.
• Lakeside Takeaway are offering take away, full menu available on Facebook. Saturday’s coffee hours are 8am – 12pm. Order through text on 0417 004 110 with name and pick-up time.
• Painted Daisies are offering online shopping through both Instagram and Facebook and are part of a Mother’s Day giveaway valued at almost $600. For more information check out Painted Daisies on Instagram.
• Sweet Three Vintage Van will be open for Anzac and Mother’s Day. Check their Instagram for more information.
• Vandenberg Hotel is offering take-away dinner from 5pm – 8.30pm with food and drinks available. Menu available on Facebook.
Businesses Open For Takeaways and Deliveries
Ben Hall Beau Thai – 0481 399 883 Friday & Saturday from 5.30pm
Country Bakehouse – 6852 3388 Saturday 6am – 12pm
Dancing Noodle – 0476 034 140 Friday to Monday 11am – 9.30pm
Domino’s Pizza – 6850 8020 Friday to Sunday 4pm – 9pm
Forbes Garden Chinese – 6852 2700 Friday to Monday – Lunch 12pm – 2pm (except Monday) / Dinner from 5pm
Forbes Golden Dragon Chinese – 6852 1468. Friday to Monday – Lunch 12pm – 2pm / Dinner from 5pm
Forbes Pizza House – 6851 1555 Saturday to Monday from 5pm
Forbes Inn Hotel – 9772 8001 Friday and Saturday Lunch 12pm – 3pm / Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm. Sunday and Monday Lunch 12pm – 2pm / Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm
Golden Century Restaurant – 6855 6506 Friday to Sunday Lunch 11.30am – 3pm / Dinner 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Heritage Restaurant – 6851 1399 Friday and Saturday Lunch 12pm – 2pm / Dinner 5.30pm – 8pm
Lakeside Takeaway – 6851 5005 Friday 9am – 8pm, Saturday 8am – 12pm
McDonald’s Family Restaurant – Friday and Monday 6am – 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 5am – 11pm
Pittstop Takeaway – 6852 4193 Friday to Monday 9am – 8pm
Roundabout Bakery – 6852 3257 Saturday to Monday 7.30am – 2.30pm
The Brew Coffee & Juice Bar – 0475 376 494. Saturday 7.45am – 12pm
Shell Service Station Cafe – 6852 1973 Friday and Monday 5am – 9.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 6am – 9.30pm
Vandenberg Hotel – 6852 2015 Friday and Saturday 5pm – 8.30pm
Wattle Cafe – 6852 4310 Friday to Monday 9am – 8pm
Wan Wah Chinese – 6852 2161
Saturday to Monday Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm / Dinner 5pm – 9pm
While drivers closer to Sydney are enjoying remarkably lower fuel prices, Forbes residents are still waiting for local petrol prices to reflect that of Sydney and surrounds.
National’s Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is calling on local fuel retailers to do the right thing and pass on savings from plummeting world oil prices to consumers. Since early March, there have been large falls in international crude oil and international refined petrol prices which are flowing through to Australian wholesale prices.
“I am pleased lower wholesale prices are being passed on in some areas, but I am alarmed that there are pockets – including parts of the Riverina electorate – where motorists are being slugged with prices way above what they should be paying,” Michael said.
While acknowledging that there are factors that result in higher fuel prices and the delay in price drops in rural communities, Michael warns that locals’ patience is starting to wear thin, saying “In these tough times when people’s incomes have been cut or they have been thrown out of work, they need and deserve a fair go with petrol prices. We are in this together and now is not the time to make big profits at the expense of people who can least afford to pay.”
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has no power to set prices but it has called out retailer behaviour where there is evidence of excessive prices. The Federal Government will continue to watch the actions of fuel retailers in regional areas closely.
Expect to be checked. Nurses will check your temperature before entering Forbes Hospital.
Temperature Screening: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is implementing screening and temperature testing for all people coming into health services as part of the state-wide response to COVID-19. Health services will primarily be using thermal thermometers. This means that no contact is required to test the temperature of everyone entering a health facility. The testing will apply to all visitors, staff, and contractors.
These measures are being implemented in all NSW health facilities. The screening questions to all people coming to local health facilities will be:
1. Have you returned from overseas travel (or a cruise ship) in the last 14 days?
2. Have you had any close contact with a COVID-19 positive case?
3. Do you have any flu-like symptoms?
The WNSWLHD has previously introduced restrictions on visitors in all its facilities, with one visitor per patient in larger facilities, and no visitors in MPS facilities, where aged care residents may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. These are challenging measures for everyone to adapt to, but at the heart of WNSWLHD response measures is the need to do everything pos- sible to protect the most vulnerable people in the community. For more information on COVID-19 follow the WNSWLHD on Facebook, contact the Public Health Helpline on 1300 066 055 or contact healthdirect online or on 1800 022 222.
Blood Is Still Essential: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is calling on people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. We need donors now more than ever. The government has made blood donation one of the 16 reasons you can leave your home.
WNSWLHD, Haemovigilance Clinical Nurse Consultant, Karen Beattie said, “There are 800 blood donation cancellations per day, nationally, and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality.”
“The need for blood never stops. Blood is needed every day by Australian patients including road trauma patients, surgical patients, medical and orthopaedic patients, pregnant women and cancer patients,” Karen said.
The WSNWLHD is calling on eligible Australians to become blood donors and for existing donors to make and honour their appointments to prevent a potential shortage of blood supplies. You can make an appointment online or call 13 14 95. Remember the mobile van also visits Forbes from 4th – 6th May and is open from 9.30am-2.30pm.
The mobile blood donor van will be visiting Forbes early in May.
Forbes Shire residents and businesses are now able to access a COVID-19 Local Assistance hotline through Forbes Shire Council by calling 02 6850 2393. The hotline number is available from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.
The service will provide answers to queries about services and advice available to residents during this pandemic.
“This is the biggest health challenge Forbes has ever endured and it isn’t just impacting individuals, but businesses as well,” says Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “We want to help all residents to ensure they are led to the correct information regarding their situation. With so many sources available for people it is hard to know what services are available to whom.”
“The Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) has met twice already to work through the future challenges the local community shall endure in the coming months. They identified that there are vulnerable members of the community in our area and LEMC wishes to support them and their challenges. This may include but not limited to food, medical supplies and essentials.”
A customer service officer will lead callers to the relevant government departments or charity service groups that are providing assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The services available include;
• Groceries
• Prescription medical supplies
• Prepared meals
• Financial counselling
• Parenting services
• Men’s support
• Accommodation/Homelessness and domestic violence
• Men’s Health Early Intervention
• Financial assistance available from the State and Federal Government
“A lot of people feel they have lost trust in the Internet and random phone calls promising to help,” says Mayor Miller. “Residents know they can trust Forbes Shire Council; they have the best interests of residents at heart.”