Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Why Did The Cattle Cross The Road?

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Farmers across NSW are set to receive government grants towards building cattle underpasses, to ensure livestock can safely move between paddocks separated by a state road.

The NSW Government has committed up to $3 million in grants for farmers, to build cattle underpasses and install warning signs and flashing lights, to help ensure safety for producers and motorists.

Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the investment delivers on a commitment between the NSW Liberals and Nationals as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSW Farmers’ Association to develop an underpass scheme to improve farm and road safety.

“Underpasses will remove the need for cattle to cross country roads, improving safety for livestock owners, their employees and motorists,” said Niall.

“This initiative, funded by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), would be particularly beneficial to dairy producers who need to move stock across roads to milking facilities every day.

“In the last financial year, NSW milk production was worth $559 million to the state’s economy, reflecting the strength and resilience of the industry which is still managing the challenges of low prices for dairy products as well as facing the current drought conditions.”

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government will offer grants for 50 percent of the cost of installing an underpass, up to $70,000.

“Farmers can also access optional grants of up to $10,000 to help cover the cost of installing warning signs and flashing lights,” said Melinda.

Member for Lismore, Thomas George said along with the productivity boost for producers, the scheme would reduce hazards for motorists. “Underpasses will reduce the risk of road collisions, traffic delays and road surface damage,” said Thomas.

“Each underpass will be built primarily for the movement of livestock with permission from Roads and Maritime Services.”

CEO of NSW Farmers, Matt Brand said the association has advocated for an underpass scheme for NSW for a number of years and is very pleased to see this come to fruition. “We have seen a similar successful scheme run in Victoria and are delighted that NSW has followed suit,” said Matt.

“The underpass scheme acknowledges the importance of improved farm productivity, increased animal welfare and better safety for motorists.

“We encourage all cattle farmers to utilise this scheme to help improve the productivity of their business and animal welfare.”

Applications for grants close on 31st October 2018 and will be considered in the order in which they are received. Every application received will be assessed against eligibility criteria listed in the Cattle Underpass Scheme guidelines. More information about eligibility and application requirements is available from https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/cups.

Preparing Students As Leaders

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Each term students in Years 3 to 6 participate in a leadership day held at Forbes Public School. This is an innovative and interactive day where they are equipped, challenged and inspired with skills that will enable them to have success in a number of dynamic areas of personal development.

This term the leadership day was held on Thursday, 2nd August and the school was privileged to feature David Acheson as the guest speaker who started off the day’s proceedings. David is an aboriginal elder involved in the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).

This was a wonderful opportunity for students to gain insight about aboriginal leadership from a local identity. Also on the same day, students who were candidates for the upcoming Junior AECG, delivered speeches to the audience as part of a leadership election process.

“It was fantastic to see the children speak with confidence and clarity to such a large group of individuals,” said Forbes Public School Principal, Dafydd Thomas.

After the formal address in the hall, students eagerly moved on to a great part of the day where they dispersed into constructive workshop groups. These groups had specific focuses to enhance their personal skills in target areas. They gained insight into developing public speaking skills, extending social skills to have success in various settings, resilience training, team building and goal setting.

At the end of the day, students were treated to a warm sausage sizzle on a freezing cold day.

Birds Of A Feather Flock Together

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Bird Club will be hosting its annual sale this Saturday at the Forbes Showground in Show Street.

There will be numerous trade stalls open on the day offering a large variety of avian products such as wood breeding boxes, cages, bird food and natural breeding logs to mention just a few.

The sale will be open to the public when the showground doors open at 10am for buyers and will conclude at 2pm.

There will be barista coffee, hot food and an ice-cream van available on the day. Donation entry $2.00 (under 10 free).

SNIPPETS…

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The ever popular Rotary Ipomoea Markets are back again after a winter break! Happening this Saturday, from 8am to 12:30pm at Sir Francis Forbes Park in Camp Street.

Rural Aid Farm Rescue fundraising auction: Join the endeavour to help drought affected farmers. The entire community is invited to attend the auction taking place tonight at the Sylo building from 7.30pm commencing at 8pm.

Farming Family BBQ: Community organisation, Grassroots Blueprint is hosting a free community morning tea and BBQ supported by the Salvation Army at the Aeroplane Park, Lake Forbes on Sunday, 12th August at 11am. Bring the whole family; there will be plenty for the kids to do. Everyone involved in agriculture is requested to be part of a photo which will be displayed at the Bedgerabong Show and then at events in Sydney to demonstrate the number of people/businesses involved in agriculture and thus affected by the drought in some way.

‘Farmers Feast’: All farmers and family are invited to the ‘Farmers Feast’ being held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church Hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

Stopped emergency vehicles: From 1st September 2018, a new road rule will require motorists to slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying blue or red flashing lights. The new rule also requires motorists to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle. The rule applies to vehicles travelling in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip. Motorists who do not comply with the rule will face a $448 fine and three demerit points.

Texting while driving: Demerit points for illegal phone use while driving will increase from four to five from September 2018. Drivers are not allowed to use their mobiles to text, email, use social media, take photos or video call while driving. Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said this will help change the way drivers act on our roads. “We have already introduced legislation to enable camera based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first,” said Melinda.

Rabobank Offers Farm Management Deposit Offsets

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud has congratulated Rabobank for offering a Farm Management Deposit (FMD) offset to their customers.

This means farmers who bank with Rabobank, which has the second biggest slice of the farm lending market after NAB, will now be able to use the money in their FMD to offset interest on their loans. Farmers can put pre-tax income into the FMD during good years and pull it out during bad years, choosing to pay tax on it then.

Farmers are allowed to have up to $800,000 in an FMD. This means they could potentially save up to $24,000 a year if their bank offers an FMD offset (3 percent interest multiplied by $800,000).

David pushed the issue of FMD offsets during his drought round table in July. NAB and CBA have since announced they’ll give farmers FMD offsets. Rabobank had initially ruled out the idea of offering farmers an FMD offset product but last weekend announced it would give farmers that option. Only Westpac and ANZ have failed to come to the party.

“I congratulate Rabobank for doing the right thing,” said David.

“I’m glad the bank was big enough to change their mind. Australia’s farmers will be better off for it.”

“Rabobank is a foreign-owned bank showing the way for Westpac and ANZ. I hope Westpac and ANZ show they care for Australian farmers very soon, because their donations to drought causes are too small to be calculated as a percentage of their multi-billion dollar profit. What would really make a difference to our farmers is an FMD offset product.”

Australian farmers have more than $6 billion in FMD’s, so if all banks offer FMD offsets on farm loans, this could save farmers $240 million a year.

QUESTION of the week -Which person in a leadership position do you admire most?

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Stevie Jackson: A leader within my online business, Karina Low. She went from being a single mum facing financial challenges to now an extremely successful business woman who inspires other woman to create financial freedom within their lives.

Barry Yetman: Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack. It seems as if he might be able to steer the ship in the right direction.

Tracey Mowbray: Nelson Mandela. I like to think that we are all born equally.

Big Weekend In Magpie Land

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Get ready for four great games against our biggest rivals! The Forbes Magpies are having a Twin Town Darby against Parkes Spaceman this Sunday.

In 1958 Forbes won the premiership and now 60 years after winning the competition the Magpies are celebrating their proud history through hosting this special day.

Oldies are encouraged to come along and wear their old guernseys.

Wear your old Magpies jumper or any pre 2000 footy jumper to show your support and receive a $5 canteen or bar voucher at the gate.

There will be replica jumpers of the 1958 premiership side auctioned after the game. Kickoff is at 11am with the girls’ league tag.

Youth Come Together To Say ‘No’ To Domestic Violence

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The second White Ribbon Cup held annually between Forbes High School and Parkes High School was blessed with sunny skies and took place at Pioneer Oval in Parkes on Monday.

The rugby league match between Forbes and Parkes High Schools is aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence and to emphasise that domestic violence is not ‘ok’. Approximately 2,500 people came out in support of this worthy cause.

White Ribbon Ambassador and Forbes High School Aboriginal Educational Officer (AEO), Barry Merrit said: “Who said our youth don’t have a voice? Our youth are standing up and saying loud and clear, ‘It needs to stop!’”

The statistics are staggering, said Barry.“On average, one woman a week is murdered in Australia in a domestic violence incident and one in four children has witnessed domestic violence in their lifetime.” The idea to hold the cup first originated within the White Ribbon Supporter Boys group at Forbes High School. Barry’s role as the AEO and team coach was to make it happen. The inaugural cup was held at Forbes High School in 2017.

Although Forbes High School brings the cup home in its second victory against Parkes, Barry marks the day is not about the game itself but about our youth coming together and raising awareness for such a great cause.

“The game was played in great spirit by both teams and sends such a strong message to both our communities that domestic violence is not ok!” said Barry.

By Gizell van Wyk

NSW Government Doubles Drought Relief Package

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

With 99 percent of the State now in drought, the NSW Government announced on Monday further support with a $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package, taking the NSW Liberals and Nationals total drought support to more than $1 billion.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said farmers are facing one of the driest winters on record, resulting in failing crops, drastic water shortages and a diminishing supply of fodder to sustain livestock.

The major feature of the Emergency Relief Package is approximately $190 million for the introduction of Drought Transport Subsidies.

The subsidies will be able to cover up to 50 percent of the full cost of transporting fodder, water for stock and livestock to pasture, slaughter or sale. The NSW Government will offer a transport subsidy of up to $20,000 per farm business.

The relief measure will also be back-dated so farmers can access additional subsidies for freight expenses incurred since 1st January, 2018.

Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair reiterated his commitment to standing side by side with farmers during the worsening drought.

“As part of the emergency funding I am pleased to announce waivers on Local Land Services annual rates, fixed charges on water licences, registration costs for class one agricultural vehicles and interest on existing Farm Innovation Fund loans,” said Niall.

“We know many families are also having to bring in water for domestic use, which is why we have also set aside additional funding for this essential service.

The package also includes funding for counselling and mental health; critical services in regional communities including transporting water and drought related road upgrades and repairs; and animal welfare and stock disposal.

The NSW Rural Assistance Authority will begin processing applications from Monday, 6th August. For more information on the package visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.

OUR Bloke -Damien Kennedy

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I lived in Forbes until I was 18, then lived in Campbelltown and Canberra for about 15 years and came back to Forbes. I like the easy going pace and laid back atmosphere.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work in a government job. I like it because there is something different every day.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy watching my daughter play soccer and being involved with the local rugby league.

What are you really good at? I used to be ok with rugby league now I’m just good at watching.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? I would like to be able to time travel… would like to solve a few mysteries.

What is your pet hate? Caravans on a busy highway.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. My best holiday was with my family going to all the theme parks at the Gold Coast.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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