Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Our Gal – Ally McCleary

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? We moved here in 2016, into our fifth year in Forbes now. I love the lake, the family-oriented culture and small-town community.

What was your first job? I’m a chef by trade and worked in hospitality since leaving school, spending 10 years in the industry.

What makes you laugh the most? My own personal jokes, I laugh at myself a fair bit. My boys’ sense of humour makes me laugh and so does being with friends.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? I’d probably travel the world.

Describe your dream holiday? The one I just had. I went to Prague, Dresden, Berlin as well as a friend’s wedding in Ireland. I enjoyed catching up with friends, eating great food, shopping and sightseeing.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Family camping trips in the camper trailer, bonnet surfing on an old car, going to youth group and being silly with friends.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I think God has got me right where he wants me right now, so I am happy to be where I am.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? Jesus, Bono from U2 and my husband.

Go Online With Musica Arioso

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

If you had asked Musica Arioso six months ago if they would be a predominantly online business by Easter 2020, they would have laughed.

And then the unimaginable happened, a global pandemic, social distancing and the closure of non-essential services.

“We simply had to dive in boots and all. We are in uncharted territory with our children feeling the stress of our stress and the uncertainty of what lies ahead,” said Gail Smith.

Music is well known for its benefits of relieving stress and anxiety. While sporting clubs and events have been cancelled, and social gatherings are on hold, music has not been cancelled.

Musica Arioso are now bravely striding into the vast online world, and that is where you come in! With so much time at home, regular music lessons can help bring some structure to your day. You could discover a talent.

They are offering 30 minute online classes for a range of instruments including piano/keyboard, ukulele, voice, recorder and guitar.

Contact Gail Smith on 0414 478 585 or email musicaarioso@gmail.com for information on how to book your time. After all, everyone deserves a little music in their life.

Adapting This Easter Through Faith, Family And Fun

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Pastor James McCleary with wife Ally and sons Finley, William and Harvey rely on routine and plenty of play to survive extended time at home.

In the lead up to one of the most significant dates on the Christian calendar, Easter, Pastor James McCleary of Forbes Baptist Church has been busy harnessing the power of the internet to reach church members. While he acknowledges the feeling of distance and isolation, especially during such a significant holiday, James also expressed gratitude for the technology that allows him to reach members of the church, both young and old.

With the usual and highly anticipated activities around Easter cancelled this year, it is important to be flexible and balanced. Pastor James recommends a healthy balance of work, exercise, family and social time, relaxation and sleep to stay on top of his mental health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, with so little face-to-face social interaction and without regular support networks available, it is crucial to be patient and forgiving to oneself. “This climate has forced us to slow things down and gives us a chance to reflect.”

With many older members of the church, James was impressed with how adaptable they have been with the sudden changes, stating: “It has been really encouraging to see the older generation get on board, being flexible and engaging.” While he acknowledges the distance people feel from the community they are used to interacting with each Sunday, and the yearning people feel for face-to-face interaction, he points to “the goodness of God in using technology to continue his work.”

James urged Forbes people to stay in touch over Easter, saying that “ringing people and video calls on messenger are great ways to stay connected.”

Talking Teens And Mental Health

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes teen Kalasin Cain keeps busy on a tight schedule at home. Her mother Donna says that structure is a must.

With teenagers at home for an indefinite time, and especially over the Easter break, those with pre-existing mental health issues are at a greater risk of falling into depression. Kiama based Clinical Psychologist Caroline Jones has some strategies that parents can use, as well as warning signs to look out for when it comes to mental health.

Healthy eating, good personal hygiene, daily exercise, adequate sleep and limiting screen time to around two to three hours a day are essential practices in maintain- ing good physical and mental health. This can be achieved by implementing routine. “They think they don’t need routine, but they really do,” says Caroline, who cannot stress the importance of routine and family time enough. “It is important to acknowledge that it’s completely normal to feel anxious about spending time together as a family over the Easter break.”

Making sure families eat at least one meal together ensures parents can touch base with their teens and get an insight into how they are coping with the changes and restrictions that have been put into place. Some signs to watch out for are lethargy, withdrawal, low motivation, racing thoughts and disengagement, teens should also not be in their rooms too much. By encouraging projects, involvement in chores and maintaining a structured day, parents can keep a close eye on boredom levels and possible destructive use of social media.

Caroline recommends the Smiling Minds app, Kids Helpline and Headspace as excellent resources for young people to utilise in order to improve on, acknowledge and talk about their mental health in a safe and supportive environment. “The problem with pre-existing mental health stuff like depression, is that it finds gaps to feed off, which is why structure, communication and self-care are so important in promoting good mental health, now more than ever.”

Mayoral Notes

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Another big week in COVID-19 land. I hope you are all doing well and taking care of each other, from a distance.

An interesting call came into Council this week about my son Joshua coming home. Joshua’s gym in Wollongong has closed due to the Coronavirus regulations and therefore he has lost his income. Joshua came back to Forbes prior to any travel restrictions and he did not have to self-isolate. I am very lucky to have a home big enough to have him back.

This Easter however, my message cannot be any clearer, I am asking all residents to please stay home.

We have received very strong advice from our Public Health officers that anyone who travels around our state has the potential to carry the virus COVID-19 so it is imperative we reduce the risk and stay home.

This crisis has impacted all of us and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have contracted the virus, to their families and to the amazing health care workers who are working so hard to look after us all.

The sooner we stop the spread, the sooner life can return to normal. Then, we can start planning all those parties and holidays we missed over the time we have been staying home.

God Bless
Your Mayor Phyllis Miller

Meal Delivery Program Bolstered To Support Senior Regional Australians

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mc- Cormack with Forbes Meals on Wheels Chief Coordinator Sheryl Garner.

Senior Australians across the region will benefit from the latest announcement from the Federal Government, Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack. Meals on Wheels and similar services will be reinforced and prioritised as senior residents are urged to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and stay at their homes.

Michael said this $59.3 million measure was an important step to ensure some of our most vulnerable residents receive the support they need. “I cannot stress how important it is for our older residents to stay home as this crisis continues to unfold. The Federal Government is acutely aware of what this means which is why we have made this announcement today,” said Michael.

The funding will mean the provision of more prepared meals, food staples and essential daily items are available to those members of the community who need them the most. In total, $50 million will fund 3.4 million meals for 41,000 people for six weeks – the equivalent of two meals a day.

To date, the Government’s total support for the economy during this crisis totals $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP.

The latest targeted package of support will:

• Prioritise home delivery for senior Australians registered with My Aged Care, ensuring direct access to grocery suppliers via online and phone ordering

• Ensure the availability of prepared meals and essentials services, with an extra $50 million to support aged care providers, and with more flexibility for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

• Work with supermarkets and commercial providers – that have been supporting airlines and the entertainment industry and now have spare capacity- to support Meals on Wheels services.

Senior Australians who are isolated and do not have access to the internet, will be able to call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 for access to basic food and necessities.

Local Business Urged To Join The Fight Against COVID-19

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Businesses across the Orange electorate are being encouraged to join the fight against COVID-19 and start producing much needed medical equipment for NSW. Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said the unprecedented global demand on much needed medical supplies had seen traditional suppliers now unable to fill urgent orders to service NSW.

“Hand sanitiser, handwash, gloves, cleaning products, protective clothing, masks, eyewear and paper products are now in such high demand,” Phil said.

“The NSW Government is now calling on local businesses in the Orange electorate to convert their production lines to make these products to fill the gap. The products required urgently include hand sanitiser, handwash, gloves, cleaning products, protective clothing, paper products and masks.”

Phil said this was also a great way for businesses who may be seeing a downturn in revenue due to COVID-19 to adapt and remain strong during these uncertain times.

“This is a great way for businesses to diversify and keep as many workers in a job as possible. Businesses who are able to join the fight against COVID-19 are urged to register their interest at www.nsw.gov.au.”

Pandemic Business Boom Or Bust

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

With the sudden and recent changes to rules and regulations affecting businesses in the Forbes Shire, and Australia as a whole, there has been much talk concerning job loss and a lack of resources Forbes residents would endure if business are forced to shut down in the face of an economic recession. The University of South Australia’s business growth expert, Professor Jana Matthews, has urged business to reassess their current model in order to survive these challenging times.

Jana says that the survival of business is dependent on the changes business owners make in adapting to the shift in the market. One crucial way in which Forbes businesses can maintain themselves is by “doubling down on winners,” meaning, business owners must assess which services or products are in demand, and identify a demographic of existing customers to target their marketing and focus on providing their most in demand services.

Social media has and will continue to play a fundamental role in shaping the way in which money and services flow throughout the community. By changing the way in which a service or product is offered, that is in line with the restrictions in place, employers are also able to retain staff by identifying and transferring their skills and resources to new positions.

Professor Jana Matthews goes on to advise businesses to identify “weak spots” by thinking critically to identify where the first cuts need to be made. It is time for business owners to lead with both their brains and hearts and have the courage to enter unchartered territory and implement change, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Golfers Final Hit

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Last weekend Forbes golf course was the place to be with 75 in the men’s competition, plus a ladies division, while dozens more social players enjoyed the course.

“George get it to the hole,” was the word for most of the round on Saturday as golfers experienced something new in playing flag free and cups raised due to safety health regulations brought on by the current Coronavirus situation.

There was a great sense of humour enjoyed by competitors on the day, after the ball toss prior to the first hole for the in-group match play, George Falvey, with a handicap of 13, drew none other than John Betland, who has a handicap of plus 4. Enough said.

With greens on the ‘slow’ side due to recent renovations, John Betland enjoyed his time to score nine birdies. Despite a strong game from the tee George took a while to get the message, ‘don’t be short’, as he continually frustrated his talented partner. One who did not have to worry about the putter was Ronnie Morris who scored a hole-in-one after ‘tipping’ the cup on the par three ninth.

Division 1 winner Max Haley was able to score six over par for 45 points while runner-up, Jacob Bernardi, a ‘newer’ player who highlighted brute strength from the tree only a couple over par for 43 points.

Jack Dobell took all honours winning Division 2 with 46 points, eight over par 80, while Ronnie Morris was runner-up on 42 points.

Unfortunately, all future events have had to be cancelled. Golf in Forbes, like all other sports, is now finished for the foreseeable future amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew McDonald, President of the Forbes Golfers Association, stated that from Monday, 30th March, Forbes Golf Club will be closed following the advice from Golf Australia.

By Short Putts Mate

Corona Count

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As of Wednesday, the Western NSW Local Health District have recorded 37 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death.

To help protect the community people are asked to:

• Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow.
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Keep your distance from others as much as possible through social distancing.

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

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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