Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Our Bloke – Grant Dukes

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I am a born and bred Forbian. I love the river and country living lifestyle.

What was your first job? I was a paperboy with Nock’s Newsagency when I was 10 years old.

What makes you laugh the most? Good humour and my own jokes.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? I’d camp, hunt, fish and travel.

Describe your dream holiday? The Maldives for sure.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? World Expo in Brisbane, 1988.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’d live in the 1930’s, the mafia and gangster world back then.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My dad, my mum and my son Beau.

The lockdown and social distancing rules have changed the way we go about our day to day business, but for a demographic of women in our community, this time can induce more fear and uncertainty than most will experience. Pregnancy and childbirth in Forbes can be uncertain on an average day, with resources, staff and facilities stretched to accommodate women in Forbes and surrounding towns. It is not uncommon for women with high-risk pregnancies to be sent to Dubbo and Orange to give birth.

Now women face the additional challenges of giving birth during a pandemic. Birthing in lockdown has been met with both confusion and praise. Praise for the exceptional work that the midwives, staff and Obstetricians at Forbes Hospital do, and the care they provide to women during their most vulnerable time. There is also confusion surrounding the rules once women return home. While in hospital, the rules are clear, no visitors except for one support person. However, upon returning home, one Forbes mother of two found herself stuck.

Recovering from a Caesarean delivery with a one-year-old at home and a partner who works away for days at a time, Forbes woman Umima Austral found herself confused and concerned. Relying on family for care and assistance meant she needed visitors in her home, “Are they (the police) going to come and knock on my door be- cause there are four cars parked at my house?” she wondered.

Many have criticised both a lack of transparency and enforcement around lockdown rules and as it stands, seems to be a learning experience for both the public and law enforcement. In the coming weeks and months, we should see a rhythm take place and a sense of normality gained as the Forbes community adjusts to life in lockdown.

Have the rules on social-distancing and lockdown been made clear enough?

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Umima Austral: Yes and no. I think the rules outside are clear but there is still some confusion with rules around the household and visitors.

Sienna Sukkar: No, not initially anyway. I think Scott Morrison delivered a confusing series of press conferences but thanks to the media, no one really has an excuse not to know what the rules are, unless they live under a stone.

Coiffeur Confusion

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes hairdresser Eliza Acret is confident in following government guidelines for the hairdressing industry.

An open letter has been penned by the Australian Hairdressing Council to the State Premiers and members of the National Cabinet. The letter voices heartfelt and genuine concern for the safety of those workers in the hairdressing industry who feel at risk working in such close proximity to their clients. Half of Australia’s 15,000 salons have voluntarily closed, salons that employ 40,000 hairdressers and barbers. Because no salons have specific training in infection control, it is up to individual businesses to read and implement safety measures put into place by the government. Forbes hairdressers have mirrored the sense of confusion in the lack of clarity around rules, experienced by themselves and their clients.

Safety measures like ensuring adequate distance between clients and maintaining a strict limit to the amount of people allowed in the shop at a time reduces the risk of infection spreading however, with the work itself requiring close proximity between hairdressers and their clients, the Australian Hairdressing Council states that they are “a risk to and at risk from our clients.”

The letter further poses the question as to whether the government is prepared to be accountable for death and illness should their “lack of leadership” and lack of clear guidance prove to be inadequate.

For Forbes hairdresser Bronwyn of Metro Hair, the confusion is the result of the changing rules and regulations regarding the hairdressing industry. While Bronwyn has implemented strict guidelines and rules around social distancing in the salon, as well as undertaking a vigorous disinfection routine between clients and says: “I can only do my best, I don’t know what to think, It’s impossible to completely obey social distancing when you are cutting hair.”

Eliza from Hair With Style also confirmed that the salon has implemented a strict dis- infection and social distancing routine, as well as not accepting any clients from out of town.

“As hairdressers, we only know what the government tells us, so we are just taking it day by day, apart from new regulations, it is business as usual,” said Eliza, who also stated that much confusion around the hairdressing industry came about when the government closed the beauty industry, leaving clients and hairdressers confused.

Forbes is yet to have any COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, 15th April. While hairdressers in Forbes understand the Australian Hairdressing Council’s concern for the health and safety of hairdressers in cities and urban areas with high rates of COVID-19, and understands their calls for the government to shut the industry down, Forbes still maintains a sense of security. For the most part, residents and businesses are doing the best that they can with the information they have. Until further notice, Forbes hair salons are still open for business.

Mayoral Notes

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

I hope you all enjoyed the lovely Easter break we had last weekend, the weather was beautiful wasn’t it. It did feel strange not having the usual large gathering of family around during this time, but nice to catch up with them on the phone or on facetime.

This week I received a lovely call from the NSW Governor, Margaret Beasley AC QC. She called to find out how Forbes is travelling during this difficult time and how residents are coping from the years of drought we have experienced. She sends her good wishes to everyone and promises to come out for a visit when all of this is over.

I would like to introduce a new service the Council is offering to local residents during this troubled time, it’s called COVID-19 Assistance. This phone number 02 6850 2393, is for residents to call for more information regarding services and support available to them by government departments and local charities. It will be answered by our staff between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm and they will direct you to the relevant services.

If you have a health query we recommend you call 1300 687 327, which is a Coronavirus COVID-19 helpline.

Take care everyone. God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Snippets…

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Blood Donations ‘Essential’: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWL-HD) is calling on people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. “We need donors now more than ever,” said WNSWLHD Haemovigilance Clinical Nurse Consultant, Karen Beattie. “The government has actually made blood donation one of the 16 reasons you can leave your home. There are 800 blood donation cancellations per day nationally and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality.” The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood need 29,000 blood donors every week. They have introduced procedures to meet social distancing requirements and keep their donors safe. “The need for blood never stops. Blood is needed every day by Australian patients.” The WNSWLHD 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. Make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Corona Count: As of 10.00am Wednesday 15 April, the Western NSW Local Health District has 45 confirmed cases of COVID-19. A total of 35 people have recovered from COVID-19.

Local Government Area	No. Cases
Bathurst Regional	9
Blayney Shire	3
Cabonne Shire	2
Coonamble Shire	1
Dubbo Regional	6
Mid-Western Region	4
Narromine Shire	1
Orange City	8
Warren Shire	1
Warrumbungle Shire	1
Weddin Shire	1

Building and Growing: On Wednesday work began on the new median island on the Newell Highway in front of the new Caltex service station. Changed traffic conditions are to be in place from Wednesday 15 until Wednesday, 29th April between the hours of 9.30am to 3.30pm. Please slow down when driving through this area and exercise patience. The work will take two weeks and benefit drivers for years to come.

Newell Highway.

Men’s Golf

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Todd Callaghan ready for a solid round. John Betland in the background.

The golf course was very wet due to the welcome rains but that did not stop John Betland from posting another faultless round to win the A grade Monthly Medal stroke event last Saturday, sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets. Power and touch resulted in 66 nett to win from Jacob Bernardi on a countback.

Tony Wallace hasn’t been seen on the course much lately but he ‘fleeced’ his mates scoring the round of the day, 64 nett in B grade. Doug Churchill runner-up with 67 nett. In C grade, Bede Tooth with 66 nett was winner from Jack Dobell 67 nett.

Due to Coronavirus regulations there were no nearest the pins, while ball sweep winners included, 66 nett Ethan Gaffney, 68 nett Lee Grierson, who is home from study in Wollongong, Jeff Haley, Stuart French, Brett Thomas, Phil Maher, 69 nett Ben Robinson, Todd Callaghan, Peter Dawson, Shane Sallaway, Charlie Dwyer, Ross Williams, Max Haley, 70 on a c/b Brian Everest.

Sunday was the final of the Summer Sixes competition. Grand final winners were Forbes Automotive Services consisting of Jack Dobell, Kyle Biles, Kallum Tyne, Jon Cutler, Nick Ryan and Brad McMillan with a score 94.5 from EHAG 98.5, Pro Shop Dream Team 100 and Flip Floppers 104.

Despite distance and health regulations concerning COVID-19 there is still plenty to keep all regular golfers on course including a hit from 9.30am with regular Tuesday social players. The same for veteran social players on Thursday with tee off around 10am and then the weekend competitions.

One very important message to all, listen to what is being said when paying green fees at the window of the Pro Shop. These instructions are vital to golf being played in the coming weeks and months.

By Short Putts Mate

Snippets…

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Have you spotted any bears hiding around town?

We’re Going On A Socially Distant Bear Hunt: With young children spending much more time at home, parents are looking for new and innovative ways to keep children active, engaged and away from electronic devices. A social movement which is gaining traction for families with young children is the bear hunt, with a twist. Forbes residents are encouraged to participate by placing a teddy bear in their front yard somewhere that is visible but not immediately obvious to passers-by. Children who walk or drive by with their parents will be on the hunt to spot the elusive teddy bears.

Bear hunting is an innovative way to keep young minds and bodies active while abiding by social distancing laws and restrictions and anyone can participate by placing their own bears for little eyes to find.

Hashtag It Out: Huge changes and developments in the way people communicate, connect and relate to one another are taking place with more and more older Australians getting on board. Apps like TIK TOK and Instagram provide a platform to see how others are and are not coping with staying at home. Recipes, dance moves, activities, crafts and jokes are shared through short videos or photos and it has proven to be instrumental in keeping many people sane and entertained while they are doing the right thing by staying indoors unless necessary. It is excellent to see social media platforms being used in such a positive way, bringing people together during a time we are in forced separation.

Connecting Youth: Stay connected to the Forbes Action Youth Teams Facebook page with their 50 Things To Do At Home initiative. The virtual Easter hat parade has resulted in some stunning entries.

Bella and Jed both had fabulously colourful hat creations.
Photo Credit: Forbes Youth Action Team Facebook.

Be Seen

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Hottest place to be as Forbes cools down

Sarelle Blow and Craig Dwyer make the most of the beautiful weather on an afternoon walk.

Forbes mother Phoebe Costello gets her sons Tom, George and Max out of the house for some fresh air and exercise.

Heather Davidson is determined to keep active and fit under the current restrictions.

How do you plan to survive and thrive over the Easter period?

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Tina Bray: I work and walk around the lake a whole lot more than usual.

Tiarna Clathier: I’m going to exercise and I bought a colour-in book to keep me busy.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Hottest place to be as Forbes cools down

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