Parkes Phoenix Editor

The Forbes Heated Pool has been identified as having significant structural failures and has been ordered closed by the facility’s insurer.
In a joint statement, the Forbes Heated Pool Committee and Forbes Shire Council announced the facility has been deemed unsafe by a structural engineer and are awaiting further direction for the future or interim use of the pool.

The Forbes Heated Pool Incorporated has been a community run facility for 50 years. The committee had recently approached council for assistance as the facility’s condition was declining and it is located on Crown Land.

Concerns regarding the building lead to the engagement of an independent structural engineer, whose report identified “the building as it currently stands is not safe for use by the public”.

“This is a devastating blow. It is such a valuable community asset. The heated pool is a well supported and much valued fixture in our community,” Forbes Shire Council General Manager Steve Loane said.

Heated Pool Committee President, David Hodder said the safety of patrons is paramount. “If we did not follow the order to close down
the heated pool we would be in a complete breach of public liability, the WHS Act and individuals could potentially face criminal charges if something were to happen,” said David.

“Our committee is committed to do what we can to make the facility structurally sound. “All current members will receive their annual fees returned on a pro rata basis and we are working with council for members to have free access to the town pool for the remainder of the season.

“While the heated pool is a massive asset for our town and region for everything from  Learn to Swim to Occupational Therapy and rehabilitation it does have its limitations. We currently have more than 722 individual users but are limited due to its size.

Once the heated pool was closed, the committee started contacting users and stakeholders to advise them prior to the public announcement. The Heated Pool Committee and Council has already begun to identify and actively seek external funding to improve and upgrade the town’s pool precinct.

The eighth year of the multi-award winning ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme was launched last week at The Two Fat Ladies Café and Lolly Shop in Lucknow. Councillor Jo McRae, Deputy Mayor of Orange City Council officially opened the eighth phase of the scheme. Guest speakers included Phillip Donato, MP Member for Orange and The Two Fat Ladies Café and Lolly Shop owner, Ms Alyson Yager.

The scheme commenced on Thursday, 1st March and will run through until Thursday, 31st May in a bid to reduce fatigue related crashes on NSW roads.The ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme offers drivers who have travelled more than 100km from the address on their drivers licence a free cup of tea or coffee from any of the 94 participating businesses in Western and South Western NSW.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said that since its inception in 2010, over 6,000 free cuppas have been given away by 185 participating businesses throughout 161 cities, towns and villages in Western and South West NSW.

“Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on NSW roads, last year it contributed to 72 fatal crashes in NSW. “The ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme targets all drivers; cars, caravans and also heavy vehicles – because all drivers face the risk of becoming fatigued whilst driving,”
Melanie said.

Drivers can use the ‘Free Cuppa’ website www.freecuppa.com.au to find participating businesses near them and also get useful information on the scheme on the ‘Free Cuppa’ Facebook page.

Eligible drivers can also enter the draw to win a prize and fuel vouchers to the value of $600.

“Don’t be shy! Just ask for your free cuppa,” Melanie said.

There has never been a better time to travel, with airfares at an all time low. We have fantastic offers to Hawaii from $748 return with Hawaiian Airlines, Asia from $613 return with Cathay Pacific, as well as last minute specials to Europe with Emirates for as low as $1,207 return to London. All prices include taxes and luggage and are subject to availability at time of booking.

We also have some great tour and accommodation offers to go with the airfares. Call Helloworld Travel on 02 6852 2344 or call in store for these great offers.

The annual Tottenham Picnic Races are on this Saturday, 10th March and is an experience not to be missed. With a prize money increase this year, these are the races to go to! The new major sponsor hosts the Tottenham Picnic Liberty Rural Race, being the major race of the day. Delta Ag is the sponsor of the free and legendary luncheon starting from 12 noon and is a must for anyone longing for some country hospitality.

The first race is at 2pm but the gates will open at 11.30am for the keen punters wanting to soak up the atmosphere. The bar and barbeque run from midday through to close, with Jade Martin and Peter Riley playing live evening entertainment.

This is a great day out for families, with $20 to enter for 17 and over (under 17’s are free). It includes a luncheon, all children’s entertainment (clown, jumping castle, merry-go-round) are all free and your night time entertainment.

The courtesy bus departs from the Tottenham Hotel in the main street and will be running at half hourly intervals from 11.30am to 2:00pm. Transport back to town starts again after the last race. There are great facilities at the grounds, with the local CWA ladies supplying afternoon tea and cool drinks. It is lovely and green with plenty of shaded area.

As part of the off-track attractions, the annual Fashions on the Field contest will be held for the ladies and gents. With very attractive
prizes up for grabs, it is sure to attract the most stylish of race goers. Come and have a great day at one of the friendliest race meetings in NSW.

A new round of grants under the NSW Government’s Heritage Near Me program will see $2.8 million directed towards projects to protect unique local heritage around the state. Heritage managers or owners in the Orange Electorate are encouraged to apply, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless announced last week.

Applications are now open for this year’s Heritage Activation grants, which are designed for owners or managers of local, publicly accessible heritage items, from buildings to parks and monuments to special natural and cultural places.

“These grants recognise the importance of bringing local heritage spaces and precincts in our community to life to conserve their heritage significance,” Rick said. “The Heritage Activation grants are for projects that actively encourage community interaction and participation with publicly accessible heritage items that are listed on a local council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

“This program supports local communities in their efforts to conserve and celebrate their stories, places and values. I encourage all heritage managers or owners across the area to apply for this funding,” Rick said. Past grants have allowed heritage managers or owners, most often community groups and local councils, to undertake conservation work, improve accessibility to their heritage item, add interpretation to a site, or  reuse an old site for a new purpose.

Applicants can apply for support for their projects for amounts from $10,000 to $100,000. Applications close on 20th April for projects that begin after 1st July.

For more information on the Heritage Near Me program, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritage-near-me-incentives, call 02
9873 8544 or email heritage.nearme@environment.nsw.gov.au.