Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Croquet Notes

July 20, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

This week we are sending best wishes for a complete recovery to one of our major stalwarts in Alec Todd. We hate to see any of our members not well enough to join us at Croquet, so hurry and get those tests done and get back to us Alec. We all miss you and Lorraine. Thanks to John and other members for stepping up to help Libby set up. Another one out of action is our Secretary Anne. Hope you are mended soon Anne.

Golf Croquet
On Tuesday 11 July magic numbers went to Jeff Liebich, Libby Smart and Lyn Simmonds with three games each, closely followed by Lorna Field, Robin Pols, Caryl Slattery, Jill Rubie, Harley Stewart, Tony Thomson and Barry White with two games each.

Aussie Saturday
Last Saturday there were some good games with close scores. What began as an extremely foggy morning turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. The day’s hat tricks went to Veva MacCullagh, Robin Pols and Kevin Rubie with 2 wins each to John H Browne, Dorothea Croker, John MacCullagh and Dorelle Scott.

Wedding Guide

July 20, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Happily Ever After: Make Your Wedding A Day To Remember

Ultimately, your wedding day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner and, while it’s important to plan for your guests, you don’t have to go bankrupt trying to throw a blockbuster wedding. Beautiful weddings can be designed on a budget if you get the small details right.

Get Professional
Planning a wedding shouldn’t be stressful, but often is. Acacia Events is launching an exciting new service to give couples a wedding day that will be memorable for all the right reasons. Hiring a wedding planner with industry connections and knowledge can save you money and reduce stress, so you can enjoy your special day.

Location, location, location.
While destination weddings are all the rage, local weddings have their own charm. The Parkes Services Club can seat up to 300 guests, and their chef has created a selection of menus to cater for all dietary needs. The Hart Bar provides an alternative venue choice for a more intimate reception. With its romantic name, stylish décor, and contemporary menu it’s an ideal option for a bespoke-style wedding without the stress of DIY.

Keeping An Eye On Blood Pressure Key To Stroke Prevention

July 20, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and is a leading cause of disability in Australia. It kills more women than breast cancer, and more men than prostate cancer. The Stroke Foundation website reports that, in 2017, there will be more than 55,000 new and recurrent strokes – that is 1000 strokes every week or one stroke every 10 minutes.

The good news is that more than 80% of strokes can be prevented, and keeping an eye on your blood pressure plays a big part in that.
Throughout May and June, people around Australia took part in Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check, making it a huge success.
During the campaign a record 63,211 checks were delivered by Stroke Foundation in partnership with Priceline Pharmacy across the country. The campaign far exceeded last year’s tally of 56,000 health checks.

Disturbingly, one in three participants was found to have high blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for stroke. The results came as a wake-up call to many, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Those found to have high blood pressure and an increased stroke risk were referred onto their doctor for advice on lowering their blood pressure, reducing their risk of stroke and improving their overall
health.

There are many things we can all do to help protect ourselves from stroke, like managing our blood pressure, getting more active, maintaining a healthy diet, stopping smoking and reducing our alcohol consumption. Sharon McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of the Stroke Foundation, is grateful for the support the Stroke Foundation receives around the country. “Thanks to our incredible supporters,
more Australians are aware of their stroke risk than ever before. But the work doesn’t stop here – it is our mission to prevent, treat and beat stroke. With your help, the Stroke Foundation can continue to run free community health checks to identify Australians at risk of stroke and save lives.

“If we can reduce high blood pressure we will have a direct and lasting impact on the rate of stroke in this country,” said Ms McGowan.
It is important to know your blood pressure numbers, so if you haven’t had your blood pressure tested lately, make a time to see your doctor for a quick check.

The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
• Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms Can they lift both arms?
• Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation. For more information, talk to your doctor, or visit www.strokefoundation.org.au

Legal Eagle

July 20, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Why Are Minutes Of Your Meeting Essential?
The answer is that they are required by Section 50 the Associations Incorporation Act, 2009 and must be kept by the Secretary. Similarly, corporations are required to keep minutes of meetings too. Members may at all reasonable times inspect the minutes, although shareholders of corporations have only limited ability to view minutes of Directors’ meetings.

There are no absolute rules about how minutes of meetings should be set out, other than they need to be in English and be reasonably
understood. We suggest that minutes should include; a list of attendance, apologies, correspondence (including electronic) and a Treasurer’s report. The meeting date and location should be recorded, along with the meeting’s start and finish times.

Motions need to be accurately set out by the Secretary in the minutes and he or she should indicate if they were carried, lost, or amended and carried. The Chairperson might ask for a show of hands or may pass the motion on the voices. Too often the Chairperson fails to declare the motion as passed and that can lead to controversy. Some laws or rules require motions to have secret ballots, and these must be strictly observed.

There should always be a motion to confirm the previous minutes with or without amendments. The Chairperson should sign and date the minutes to certify they are correct. Circulating minutes via email eliminates the need to read out minutes at subsequent meetings, saving time.

All Chairpersons, the Executive, and members should read articles on the internet about meeting procedure. If you have questions on Minutes, Meeting Procedure or anything else, please contact any of our Solicitors at Matthews Williams.

Footy Tipping Results – Round 19

July 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Nominations open for Forbes Indigenous and Junior Indigenous Person of the Year Awards

July 13, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council has opened nominations for Forbes Indigenous Person of the Year and Forbes Junior Indigenous Person of the Year Awards.

The Forbes Indigenous Person of the Year Award is open to local Indigenous people aged over 18 years, while the Indigenous Young Person of the Year Awards

Sean Choolburra entertaining the crowd at last year’s local NAIDOC and Indigenous awards celebration.

“Forbes has many outstanding Indigenous residents and this is a chance for the community to see they receive the recognition they deserve,” Mayor Graeme Miller said.

The awards are part of NAIDOC celebrations, but while the national week runs in early July, Council will hold a local event on August 24 to ensure more people can participate.

“NAIDOC Week falls during school holidays. Having our celebrations later means we can get more of our young people involved, and hopefully the weather will be a little kinder,” Mayor Miller said.

The celebrations will feature a march, performances from local schools, and a community barbecue. World class Indigenous performers, Koomurri, will also perform.

“Koomurri have performed at the AFL and NRL Indigenous rounds, the Rugby World Cup, and the Sydney and Athens Olympics. More recently they’ve performed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and we’re delighted to welcome them to Forbes,” Mayor Miller said.

Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday, August 11. Nomination forms can be completed by visiting Council’s Administration Office. Contact Community Relations Officer Blake Nicholson on 6850 2355 for more information.

Deputy Premier Invites Forbes To Lunch

July 13, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Skills and Small Business John Barilaro MP will visit Forbes this Saturday as part of an electorate-wide visit to the Orange Electorate.

Mr Barilaro will be accompanied by the Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless MLC and will be available to meet with members of the Forbes busi- ness community, dryland farmers, irriga- tors, livestock producers and members of the community at the Vandenberg Hotel, 7 Court Street Forbes at 12.30 pm on Saturday 15th July.

“It is important that all sections of the community fully understand the direction the new leadership of the government is taking NSW”, said Mr Colless.

“There are some exciting new funding programs bringing serious money to regional NSW which I am sure the Deputy Premier will bring people up to speed with on Saturday.”

“John Barilaro is absolutely committed to improving the infrastructure and commu- nity facilities throughout regional NSW and this will be an opportunity for those community groups to crystallise their ideas for moving their communities forward”, Mr Colless said.

Lunch will be provided for $20 per head.

To assist with catering please RSVP to Bruce Adams (0429 151 280), Mick Molloy (0412 985 720) or Jeffory Herdegen, Orange Electoral Council Chairman (0428 689 310) by Thursday 13 July.

Shane Sallaway Scores An Ace

July 13, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday, Shane Sallaway eclipsed all the Monthly Medal contenders with his Hole-in-One on the 18th hole. The shot was straight and true, rolling in for only his second ‘ace’ ever.

The field for the Monthly Medal 18-Hole Stroke sponsored by Walkers AGnVET, saw 69 players compete against the tight fairways and well-placed pins.

Richard Nixon won the A-grade with a nett 72, which included only one birdie. Runner-up was Barry Shine with 73 nett and on count back from two others.

The B-grade went to Malcolm Langfield with a cool nett 72. Behind him Adam Borg- er got the nod on count back with Nett 74.

In the C-grade the winner was Denis Culley with a 73 nett. Don Ridley was the best of the rest with his nett 75 to finish runner-up.

The ball sweep went to 77 nett on count back, going to: 72 – M Langfield, R Nix- on; 73 – B Shine, P Dawson, D Culley, D McAuliffe; 74 – P Cowhan, S Sallaway, A Borger, M Spice; 75 – P Grayson, P Py- mont, D Ridley, G Coles; 76 – R Sander- son, B Carpenter, R Smith, P Kay, J Ridley, D Churchill; 77 – S Hayes.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – P Tilden; 18th – S Sallaway. Peter got his “2”. There were six 2s overall, with the 3rd being the easiest target.

Sunday’s Stableford Medley had a good following once again. Bruce Carpenter won the day with 37 points, slipping away from Ray Taylor with 35 points. The ball sweep went to 33, being awarded to Jill Cripps. The NTP’s went to: 9th- J Cripps; 18th – E Coombes.

Membership fees are due and must be paid for players to be eligible to win any of the closely scheduled Championship events.

In addition to existing membership categories, there are two new options. The new limited membership allows a player to compete in 15 Competition events through the year; and new social membership al- lows a player to pay members rates for Social, Summer 6s and Winter 3s golf. More details are available at the Pro Shop or from a Management Committee member.

Sat July 15 and Sun July 16 is the Men’s Foursome Championships, sponsored by S & S Welsh Transport. There will be a Stableford Medley on Sunday 16, with tee time preference to be given to the Four- somes Championships.

Helping Farmers With Mental Health

July 13, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Farmers are one of the most at-risk groups for suicide in Australia. Gaining and building trust, and talking openly about challenges, is the key to protecting their mental health.

New research from the University of South Australia assessed the difference between farming and non-farming adults to examine what stops them from using mental health services.

“What we really wanted to pin down with the study was, do farmers have a really dif- ferent set of values and circumstances that might put up barriers to getting help when they need it. Evidence suggests rural Australians prefer to seek non-professional support to manage health concerns, and they have a real desire to be independent and maintain pride, all of which may delay or even stop them from seeking mental healthcare or support,” said Melissa Hull. Farming can be a very physically and psychologically demanding occupation, often in difficult and isolated environments.

Communication often becomes a bar- rier in rural Australia where there is a ste- reotype of self-reliance and stoicism. There is also a preference for seeking help from family and friends rather than profession- als. The research recommends that those support people seek professional advice to help them ensure the safety of the person who has approached them for help.

Signs to look out for when someone is facing a mental illness.
Behavioural: inability to achieve tasks, poor concentration, social withdrawal, disinterest in normal tasks, and reliance on alcohol.

Emotional: feelings of sadness, guilt, frustration, defeat.
Thoughts: feeling like a burden on others, worthlessness and a sense of failure.
Physical signs: disrupted sleep, headaches, fatigue and digestive issues.

If you are someone you know is expe- riencing mental health challenges, the most important thing to do is talk about it. Beyond Blue is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636. You can also email them at any time of day, or chat online from 3pm-12am, seven days a week.

In an emergency situation, and/or if someone is at immediate risk of harm, you can call the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Together, we can help make it easier to talk about mental illness, and support the people we care about.

Question of the Week

July 13, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

What could we do in Forbes to boost tourism?

Ned Hamilton: The lake is such a great attrac- tion. It would be good to offer more activities down there, canoeing, weekend coffee stalls, and music.

Buffy Phillips: It would be great to expand the local farmers’ market. We live in Bathurst and will travel anywhere for a good market on weekends.

Leanne Kennedy: Support our local community and farmers to offer packages of local experiences, such as droving, camp cooking, and hay-making as part of farm stays; or running regular cultural heritage experiences along the Lachlan River.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe