Parkes Phoenix Editor

Pick A Perfect Spot At Wyangala Waters

It’s that time of year when the days are longer, warmer and call for adventure. Wyangala Waters sits on the shore of Wyangala Dam, an easy drive from Forbes Cowra, Bathurst, Blayney and the wider Central Tablelands of NSW.

It’s about the simple things at Wyangala Waters: good company, beautiful natural surrounds and picturesque water views. Take the boat out for some water-skiing fun, or make the most of the excellent fishing. Let the kids go wild in the bush building forts and bike riding. Enjoy bushwalking, spotting kangaroos and birds, then finish the day around the campfire, toasting marshmallows under a big starry sky. Life doesn’t get better than this!

The park is big enough to pick your perfect spot and make yourself at home in your RV, caravan or tent. Powered sites are still available for the summer, while there is a range of cabins, cottages and bungalows too. Reflections Holiday Parks Wyangala Waters is dog-friendly for camping and caravan sites to enjoy the bush experience with the whole family.

Stay On The Water In A Houseboat

Wyangala Houseboats offer a unique accommodation experience with two houseboats available for hire: Moomba and Tango. Each one accommodates up to 10 people featuring a kitchen, bathroom and bbq facilities. Grab a group of friends or family and spend the weekend or week cruising, skiing, fishing or just relaxing along Wyangala Waters. No special licence required. You will be thoroughly briefed to ensure you are comfortable with the safe handling of the houseboat before going on your way. Gift vouchers available. For bookings and enquires phone Wyangala Waters on 6345 0877.

The Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW) provides for dedicated workplace surveillance legislation in NSW.

Generally, an employee must consent, either expressly or impliedly, to the surveillance of private activities or private conversations. The Telecommunications (Interceptions and Access) Act 1979 (Cth) also places limitations on the recording of telephone conversations.

The legislation relating to surveillance devices specifies what constitutes a “private activity” or “private conversation”. Private activities or conversations may occur in any workplace, whether a corporate office or a public space, such as a retail store.

Use of surveillance as evidence can ensure employees are not engaging in misconduct, however surveillance must be properly obtained by an employer to enable it to rely on the surveillance in disciplinary action or court proceedings. The recent Federal Court decision of Chappell vs Griffin Coal Mining Pty Ltd [2016] FCA 1248 is a sound reminder of this.

In the case of Chapell vs Griffin Coal Mining Pty Ltd, an employee was caught making adverse comments about the employer to an external person on a video surveillance device worn by a security guard hired by the employer. When the employer sought to rely on the surveillance as evidence of misconduct, the employee argued that the evidence was improperly obtained – it was a private conversation that he did not consent to being recorded. The court agreed and the surveillance could not be used as evidence.

Where employers intend to undertake surveillance in the workplace, they should inform employees in writing and how the surveillance will be undertaken. Best practice is draw up a workplace surveillance policy that is easily accessible by employees, and provided to all new employees.

Much To Celebrate At Forbes Preschool

The 60 year celebrations continue through the year at Forbes Preschool. Last Thursday saw 1,000 family members and friends at Nelson Park enjoying some spectacular singing and dancing. Proceeds of the day’s sausage sizzle were donated to the Can Assist Dancing With the Stars fundraiser, which saw the preschool secretary, Lisa Jarick and committee member, Darren Keane bust a move! The preschool are proud to be able to give back to our community that has given so much to us over the years. Visit www.forbespreschool.com to put your child’s name on the waiting list.

We’d Rather Be About It, Than Talk About It

Forbes High School operates as a community of people invested in the future. But don’t take our word for it, the proof is in the way students access opportunities for lifelong success and is indicated by Sydney University’s preference to send practice teachers here for internships. Sydney knows this is a school where teachers teach and learners learn; Forbes High School recognises the potential of education to enable, expand and enrich the lives of young learners inside and outside the classroom. Forbes High School is leading the way in using technology to enrich learning with a future-focussed approach that enables students’ voice and choice. Our students are encouraged to grow as creative and critical thinkers. Forbes High School is currently taking enrolments for all years. Enrol now!

Quality Care And Education

Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre is a locally owned early education and care service. We concentrate on offering high quality care and education to children aged six weeks to six years. Our highly motivated and experienced team strive to provide the best possible experience for every child and family and take a multi faceted approach to learning across all age groups. Our preschool program is exceptional and is designed in close conjunction with local primary schools and support services to ensure that our preschool graduates are ready for ‘big school’, and beyond. We are currently taking enrolments for 2019 and invite you to come up for a tour of our beautiful service. For more information, please call Kym on 6851 4597 or email director@brightbeginnings.net.au.

Stimulating Learning

Forbes Public School students learn in a stimulating and challenging environment with a 21st century approach to schooling. Students are supported as individuals ensuring all children reach their full potential as we develop creative, confident and informed future leaders of the community.

Strong academic, sporting, cultural and creative arts programs, highly dedicated expert staff and wonderful families offer you and your child/children a school community that has the students at the heart. Forbes Public School enables students to become the best they can be and prepares them with a holistic view to education. We are currently taking enrolments for 2019, so please make the most of the opportunity and contact the office for a meeting to discuss the future for your child in this dynamic setting.

Quality Programs, Quality People

Forbes North Public School focuses on continual improvement for the school as a whole and for each and every individual student.

The school’s mission statement, “learning for life through quality teaching in a safe and caring environment” is supported by the simple mantra of being better today than we were yesterday. The individual learning needs of every child are identified and the most effective learning opportunities to address these needs are applied each day. As well as outstanding teachers the students are supported by a team of Learning Support Officers, specialist Learning Support Teachers, an Aboriginal Education Officer and a Speech Therapist. Two Instructional Leaders work with students and also identify the best professional learning for staff to address their students’ needs.

Crave. coffee cafe catering is a coffee shop cafe in Forbes that offers seated dining or take away, has a brand new coffee blend and can cater for any occasion.

Located in Shop 1 at 15 Rankin Street, in the old Royal Hotel, Crave offers convenient front and rear parking, has wheelchair access and customer lavatories. It also features comfortable inside dining with a small child friendly lounge area to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a coffee break and has courtyard seating enclosed from the elements.

Isabel Haley has been the proud new owner of Crave. coffee cafe catering since September and is excited to announce that Crave is now a supplier of Bay Beans Coffee. “We have had an excellent response from customers so far. Our Bay Beans blend is very smooth with gentle spice flavours and a sweet aftertaste. You won’t be disappointed!” said Isabel. Red Sparrow loose leaf tea is also available and is served in your choice of beautiful fine china tea cups.

The menu is varied but simple with some of the most popular items being the bacon and egg rolls, homemade hamburgers and toasted wraps. Isabel bakes all sweets and goodies herself with the raspberry white chocolate slice proving to definitely be the crowd pleaser. Some gluten free options are also available.

Summer salads, mini cob loaf, zucchini slice, brownies, banana bread, chocolate cake and cookies are some of the items waiting for you to delight in.

All items on the menu are available any time of the day and opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.

“If you haven’t already, call in and say ‘hi’ to the friendly staff at Crave, who will always greet you with a smile and provide you with excellent service,” said Isabel.