Safer More Secure Water In Forbes
Forbes Shire Council has secured $300,000 in funding to undertake a scoping study to upgrade the Forbes water filtration plant, under the government’s $1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program.
Minister for Regional Water, Niall Blair said the Forbes filtration plant currently processed drinking water for Forbes, Calarie, Alcheringa and Daroobalgie as well as parts of the Parkes and Lachlan Shires.
“The funding will be used to undertake necessary assessments and planning for the replacement of the existing filtration plant,” said Niall.
“Everyone in NSW deserves access to reliable water services and that’s why we are getting on with the job of delivering critical water infrastructure in our regions.”
“We know that our rural and regional communities rely on access to clean, reliable and affordable water and with more than 1.9 million people living in regional areas, it is vital we continue to invest in essential local infrastructure,” said Niall.
Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless said the funding was a major boost for the region, with water security being more important now than ever before.
“We know that NSW is facing one of the driest periods on record, with ongoing drought conditions impacting not just our farmers, but our communities as well,” said Rick.
“It is great to see that government is committed to ensuring every regional community has access to a safe and reliable water supply and essential water infrastructure.”
Forbes Shire Deputy Mayor, Jenny Webb welcomed the announcement, saying the project will be a major boost for the region.
“This funding will go a long way towards completing the scoping study, with the project expected to cost around $500,000,” said Jenny.
The Program co-funds eligible water and sewerage projects that deliver economic growth in regional NSW through improvements to public health, water security, environmental outcomes and social benefits.
News From The Netball Courts
The netball games on Wednesday nights are full of action with everyone having fun playing with friends and family. The Autumn night competitions for both mixed and ladies teams have a high standard of netball, with the FNA committee catering for all the family playing together in their teams.
All team representatives are asked to please update their team sheets as sometimes the ladies and mixed games may be played on the same time slot. Team representatives are asked to write on their team sheet if any of their players are playing in the two competitions.
This week, players will not be able to take the court unless they are registered. Registration includes registration to NNSW and Forbes NA, plus the competition levy of $40 per player and $20 per player for the second competition.
The canteen will be operating with a variety of food sold each week. A roster for volunteering was discussed at the last meeting. All teams are asked to please check the roster when it comes out.
Umpiring Duty
Team representatives are asked to please check each week for umpiring duty. Representatives at a meeting last year asked if a badged umpire could go with the player umpiring, for support and to learn. This is working quite well and takes the pressure off the team to supply umpires.
Boys Gala Day
A free Boys Gala Day will be held this Friday at the netball courts from 3:30pm till 6pm. All boys will receive a free netball and they are asked to please send an email to secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com with a booking so the afternoon can be planned with the number of players attending. Boys will have fun playing games and being involved in activities, to gain extra knowledge and skills of netball.
A Good Day In Forbes
The Forbes District Tennis Club and the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre were both successful in receiving funding through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program
The good news was brought by Member for Orange, Phil Donato last Tuesday. “I am pleased to announce the Forbes District Tennis Club will receive funding of $14,000 to go towards replacement of the clubhouse roof. Sport is a vital part of our local community that unites us all,” said Phil.
President of the Club, Peter Clifton said the roof repairs were needed to keep the building in good condition. “It’s quite an old building and some nails are starting to lift,” said Peter. “We want to fix it up before it’s too big of a problem.”
Peter also added that other parts of the club were currently undergoing a beautification process, so the club is being brought up to date.
Phil also announced that the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre will be receiving $10,070, the full amount of funding applied for. “This will go towards a new Cultural Hub at the centre,” said Phil.
“This funding is important as it will improve awareness of the Wiradjuri culture and further enhance the centre,” he said.
Secretary of the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, Aileen Allen said the funds would be used for costs such as connecting electricity and purchasing new artefacts and would only add to what was already a great environment.
“People tend to visit and just soak up the atmosphere of the place,” explained Aileen. “It’s a space where I can offer visitors a yarn and a cuppa.”
“I was very happy to get behind these projects and provide my support,” said Phil.
Croquet News
Week ending 16th March
Our club made an effort to host a friendly match against West Wyalong for Tuesday’s golf croquet competition. The same minority crew set out the courts, the side show fun games and three large gazebos to cater for our visitors. Food was bought for a sausage sizzle and some desserts were prepared.
At the very last minute West Wyalong cancelled their visit. It was very disappointing for all concerned but we made the best of the day. Congratulations to Jenny Job who, as a relative newcomer, won two games out of three. The winners of three games were John Browne, Harley Stewart and Geoff Coles.
Saturday’s Aussie croquet was a quiet affair with 24 players on the courts. Man of the moment was John Job who had a great win playing two balls against Colleen Liebich, the final score was 14-13. Bob Murray is back in form, winning his three games. Other winners of three games were John Browne, John MacCullagh, Kevin Rubie, Tony Thomson and Alec Todd.
By Anne and Harley Stewart
Catch Of The Week
Jock Townsend with his cod caught in the Lachlan River recently.
Our Gal -Jenny Webb
How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like most about living here? Tim and I moved to the Warroo/Bedgerabong district in 1990. My great grandparents owned the Mulguthrie pub some 100 years earlier so I felt I was already a local. I enjoy that on the whole Forbes is a kind and tolerant community.
Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I have a few hats… a radiographer, Deputy Mayor of Forbes and a farmer’s wife. The best part of work are the people that surround me.
What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I enjoy walks around the lake, extreme gardening and patchwork.
What makes you proud? I’m proud to feel that I am a valued member both at work and on council and that the community sense that I am someone they can approach and engage with.
If you could be an animal which one would you choose and why? My dad calls me Jenny Wren and believes I have some of their characteristics. They are very active, inquisitive birds that sing all of the time… just like me.
Tell us about your best holiday. A family trip to New Zealand, hot air ballooning over Christchurch, hiking up Fox Glacier and extreme sports in Queenstown.
Almost Time To Get Your FluShot
With Autumn upon us and influenza vaccinations arriving in the next few weeks it is time to think about protecting yourself and those closest to you.
In 2018, we saw a record 11 million Australians vaccinated against the flu, nearly a third more than during 2017. Pharmacies were recently acknowledged by the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt as playing a large role in the dramatic expansion of herd immunity against influenza as he quoted a 90 percent reduction in deaths from flu during 2018 in comparison to 2017.
The Chief Medical Officer states that annual vaccination is important as the virus changes each year. He recommends that we begin immunisations in mid-April to allow people to develop immunity in time for the flu season while also providing coverage right through the peak winter months.
Tracey Edwards, Pharmacist in Charge at Flannery’s Pharmacy states: “We are proud of the role we play by providing readily accessible vaccinations to ensure the health of the whole community of Forbes.”
“This year we have expanded our services and are able to immunise anyone older than 10 years of age with no appointment necessary. Drop in to either Flannery’s or Life Pharmacies today and speak with our pharmacists and registered nurse about the importance of you and your family receiving your annual influenza vaccination,” said Tracey.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
The last few months has highlighted the importance of GP’s and medical professionals in our town. A country town without doctors just cannot survive.
Late last year, four doctors left Forbes.
This not only put pressure on the existing doctors in town but put immense pressure on our hospital emergency department.
The amount of ED patient presentations tripled during this period.
My colleague had a family emergency last Sunday, which saw the Medical Imaging Department cancelling ultrasound appointments.
I searched nationwide to find a replacement sonographer, to no avail. Specialists are extremely hard to recruit in regional Australia.
At last week’s Country Mayors meeting in Sydney, I voiced the issue of doctor retention in country towns. In some instances when a country doctor leaves town, they not only loose a GP, but also the town’s anaesthetist or obstetrician. Forbes has seen the occasional reduced maternity services due to local doctor shortages.
We need more focus on graduating students moving to smaller regional and rural towns after university. We require policy initiatives and strategies to boost recruitment of regional GP’s as well as all medical professionals.
It is with a saddened heart that Forbes Hospital farewelled a dearly valued colleague and friend, Dave Ranger. My condolences go out to his family.
I witnessed the Great Debate last Tuesday night at the Forbes Services Club and it was good to see the politicians all in action.
Don’t forget to vote this Saturday!
By Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb
Forbes Rugby President’s Lunch Set For Success
The day of the highly anticipated Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch has finally arrived with the annual event taking place this Saturday afternoon at the Grinstead Oval.
Once again the occasion has attracted a record number of interest, with well over 1,000 people expected to attend.
Chris Sweeney, Committee Chair of Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch said:
“We’ve cracked the 1,000 mark with tickets sold out in approximately four weeks. The event is so popular because it brings together club and community to celebrate the start of the rugby season.”
“Members of the community and many people from far and wide get together to attend an event that provides an opportunity for conversations, chats and camaraderie, especially in tough times so that you don’t have to look at those dry paddocks,” said Chris.
The President’s Lunch is the rugby club’s major fundraiser, with a variety of community groups benefiting from the proceeds each year.
This year’s President’s Lunch will take place in an even more magical setting with the new fence that’s been put up around the oval by farmer tradespeople, which was partially funded by the Forbes Rugby Club.
The lunch will see the return of the Peter Murphy Foundation, which supports locals in need as well as an astounding line-up of auction items for the afternoon.
Special guest for this year and supplying the afternoon’s entertainment will be Vietnamese- born Australian renowned author, comedian and artist, Anh Do.
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