Parkes Phoenix Editor

The Central Police Area Command will welcome a new probationary constable following last week’s attestation parade of Class 333. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless congratulated tall new recruits on graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy and thanked them for their extraordinary commitment to the safety and security of the people of NSW.

“The new probationary constable appointed to the Central West will be great asset to the community and will undoubtedly play a vital role in identifying, disrupting and combatting local crime.”

“Becoming a police officer is a tremendous honour, however it can be an extremely challenging and demanding profession.”

“Having recently completed eight months training at the Police Academy, the new officers will continue to receive on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced police to ensure they are adequately prepared for this important new role,” said Rick.

Minister for Police Troy Grant said the NSW Government committed to increasing the authorised strength of the NSW Police Force to a record 16,795 over this term, and that has been achieved and more.

Class 333 brings the number of sworn officers to pass through the Goulburn Police Academy to 4,596, since 2011.

Leading disability services provider, House with No Steps will soon start construction of a new Aussie Biscuits factory in Forbes, which will increase employment opportunities for people with a disability.

Aussie Biscuits, which is one of nine businesses owned and run by House with No Steps, has been operating in Forbes for over 40 years and has developed a strong community presence. It provides not only employment and training opportunities for people with disability, but also the sense of connection, pride and independence that comes from working.

Last year, Aussie Biscuits received $210,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund towards a $456,000 project to scale up its operations.

Brett Lacey, House with No Steps Executive Director Businesses, said the new factory will create much needed employment opportunities for people with a disability in the area.

“Construction starting at our new location marks a new chapter for Aussie Biscuits. We will be able to bake more biscuits and deliver them to even more people.

“Employment opportunities for people with a disability are scarce in regional areas. We’ll be able to provide additional opportunities for Australians living with disability in the Central West region of New South Wales,” said Brett.

The fit-for-purpose factory will include new ovens, a specialised cool room and mixing room for biscuit production. Employees will also have access to a new lunch room and a welcoming reception area.

Matt Pronesti, one of 30 supported employees who works at Aussie Biscuits, has been with the company for 21 years. Construction starting on a new location has been a long time coming.

“I’ve worked here for 21 years. I do mixing, biscuit making and control the hopper in the oven, as well as some oven maintenance.  I love making biscuits. I’m looking forward to the new equipment so we can make even more biscuits,” he said.

The new factory is located at Rankin Street, Forbes, across the road from Aussie Biscuit’s existing factory. Construction starts on Monday, 7th May and is expected to be complete by late July.

Australia’s warmest April on record (for mean maximum temperature) has just been confirmed, with multiple records broken across the nation, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data.

The BOM’s ‘Australia in April 2018’ summary also shows that the mean monthly temperature was the second hottest for April, climbing 2.38°C above average, with daytime temperatures reaching exceptionally high levels in each state. Alongside this record-breaking heat, Australia also experienced below average rainfall with last month going down as the driest April in almost a decade.

Climate Councillor and international climate scientist Professor Will Steffen said the ‘abnormal April’ records highlights the impact climate change is having across the country, driving more severe and more frequent heatwave events that are lasting longer than ever before.

Professor Will said the window of opportunity for Australia to tackle climate change was rapidly closing, as climate change driven extreme weather events continued across the nation.

“Australia must urgently slash its rising greenhouse gas pollution levels through continuing the transition to clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy and storage technology,” he said.

Forbes Heritage 2018 is coordinated by Council to build heritage awareness and education while shining a spotlight on the great work that is carried out in our community to promote our natural, built and cultural heritage.

To connect with our local heritage, learn about it, appreciate and share it, take part in the exciting program of events planned for next week.

Step straight back into time at the Forbes Historical Museum Open Day on Saturday, 5th May from 11am to 3pm. The museum has an extensive range of interesting and historical items on display.

If it’s the people in our history who excite you, the Family History Group is also opening its doors on Saturday, 5th May from 11am to 3pm. The family history rooms are a carefully curated and vast collection of facts and details about individuals, families, building and cultural heritage.

On Sunday, 6th May from 9am at the Town Hall, Council and Michael Robinson are partnering to host our own Antiques Roadshow. Bookings are essential, from the website or by emailing community@forbes.nsw.gov.au. Items will be appraised and onlookers can enjoy a cup of tea.

The Forbes Heritage 2018 Presentation Evening will feature the presentation of awards such as the Forbes Heritage Medal and the Forbes Heritage Volunteer of the Year. Entertainment will be by Chloe and Jason Roweth. The night will commence at 6pm on Tuesday, 8th May at the Forbes Town Hall.

Council Heritage Adviser, Graeme Hall will be the special guest for the Heritage Workshop on Wednesday, 9th May starting at noon. The workshop will include lunch as well as Graeme’s address about the Local Heritage Assistance Fund and the CBD Heritage Revival Program. RSVP by 4th May to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Another popular event will be the next chapter in ‘Discovering our Doctors’. Well known former local doctors, Blaise Braganza and Apollonia Lobo will be honoured as well as outstanding nurses who have served our community. To be held at the Forbes Medical Centre starting at 6.30pm on Thursday, 10th May. Bookings are essential on 6850 2300 by Wednesday, 9th May.