Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Concussion

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

With pre-season training for winter sports commencing, it is a relevant time to discuss sports related head injuries and consider what can be done to prevent or minimize the impact a concussion injury has on an athlete. In the medical world, a concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury.

Concussions occur not only from direct contact of the head with a solid object but also when indirect forces cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull such as a fall on the buttocks or a whiplash injury. Contrary to popular belief, you can sustain a concussion without losing consciousness.

Common symptoms of concussion include headaches, memory and concentration dif- ficulty, decreased balance and coordination, drowsiness, vomiting and light or sound sensitivity. The ability to perform normal activities with the same speed, reaction time and precision as prior to the injury is often significantly altered. When managed appropriately most signs and symptoms are temporary and resolve within seven to 10 days, however complications can occur including prolonged duration of symptoms and increased susceptibility to further injury. There is also growing concern about the po- tential long-term consequences of multiple concussions.

The brain needs time to heal and rest after a concussion. This includes rest from both physical activity and cognitive loads. Returning to sport too early increases the chances of another concussion.

It is worth considering performing baseline testing such as a SCAT-3 or King Devick Test in the pre-season to establish a bench- mark offering comparison when an athlete has sustained a concussion. This helps determine when they are ready to return to sport.

“For the fitness of you”

Linda Reilly

Jemalong Wool Weekly Market Update

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The NRI continued to explore uncharted territory with a 52 cent increase to close at 1582c/kg, making 2017 the best start to the calendar year since 2011.

From the opening bid on Wednesday, prices jumped quickly and continued to strengthen throughout the day to close 30-50 cents dearer. Thursday saw more increases, with the NRI adding a further 22 cents to the 32 lift achieved the previous day. The skirting market followed the lead of the fleece and experienced rises of 50 to 80 cents compared to the previous sale, with some finer better style types recorded increases in excess of 100 cents. The crossbred market maintained its re- newed support and managed to post increases for the third consecutive week, generally increasing by 20 to 40 cents. The oddment market did not get left behind with a 12 cent rise in the Northern region.

The sharp increase in prices has en- couraged more sellers into the market, pushing next weeks offering to 47,500 bales.

Central West Diesel Offers Full Range Of Services

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Brian King, owner of Central West Diesel, completed his apprenticeship at Cummins before returning to work in Forbes in 1978. He became a partner at Central West Diesel in 1991, and took over the business in 1994. He started expanding the business and built it up to its current 12 full-time staff members.

Today Central West Diesel provides a full range of services, repairs and heavy goods vehicle parts and accessories to truck drivers throughout central NSW, from Oberon to Condobolin and everywhere in between. With its fleet of support vehicles, Central West Diesel offers road- side assistance anywhere in the central west of NSW.

To find out more about services, or to book a truck in for services, call Central West Diesel on 6851 4999.

Mayoral Notes

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes hosted the Local Government Heavy Vehicle Access Forum on Tuesday at the Town Hall. It was a great event. We heard from a number of speakers regarding heavy vehicle regulations and it was very informative for those in attendance.

The Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Awards were held ‪on Saturday night and I congratulate the winners, especially Darcie Morrison who was awarded the Forbes Advocate 2016 Sportsperson of the Year.

The Forbes Seniors Festival has been a great success and we had a fantastic turn out for the seniors variety concert on Sunday. Thanks to Neil and Jane Gilmour for the great job they did in helping to organise the event.

Forbes has been announced as a Celebration Community for the Queen’s Baton in the lead up to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The baton arrives on Monday, 29th January and we are currently organising the festivities for the day.

On Wednesday, Council organised an In- ternational Women’s Day Breakfast by the lake and from all reports it was a great success with 90 tickets sold.

Last week was the opening of the Forbes High School Wellness Hub and I would like to thank those Councillors who attended the opening. I was also in attendance but a late arrival due to another commitment.

The Wellness Hub is a great initiative with Forbes High partnering with local services to support students and families by offering professional support programs and counselling.

Mayor Graeme Miller

Consider St Gregory’s For Your Son’s Secondary Education

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

St Gregory’s College is a boarding and day secondary college in the hills of the Mac- arthur region in Sydney. Founded in the Marist tradition and operating since 1926, the college remains dedicated to providing a holistic education enhancing each student academically, spiritually, socially, culturally and physically.

St Gregory’s offer full time boarding with three junior and two senior boarding hous- es with each boy having his own space and privacy in a home style environment. Boarders come from all over country NSW, ACT and NT. With a focus on academic excellence, the dedicated staff, many of whom live on site, provide guided and supervised tuition and study periods each night.

With a state of the art TAS facility, music facilities, refurbished science labs and new IMAC labs, not to mention the college’s own swimming pool, gymnasium, basketball and tennis courts, cricket and football fields and fully functioning farm, St Gregory’s facilities are of a high standard. A recent addition is the new learning centre and refurbished dining rooms.

The boarding and tuition fees combined are comparatively lower than many other independent boarding schools’ fees in NSW.

St Gregory’s offer a myriad of courses, including agriculture and primary industry, and assists students in choices for future studies. The St Gregory’s College family has a unique spirit with a sense of belonging. The challenge is to impart the qualities that will provide a source of strength to each individual, enabling them to take an active and responsible role in society in the spirit of the gospel as expressed in the college motto: “As you sow, so shall you reap”.

For more information visit: www.stgregs. nsw.edu.au

Rangers Program For Aboriginal Youth

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

“Aboriginal kids are asking for their heritage. They want to know why their parents don’t talk to them about it.”

Peter White, founder of Wiradjuri Cultural and Environment Rangers (WCER), said it was time to forget the past and start building the future.

WCER is a non-profit organisation aiming to assist aboriginal youth and their families improve their cultural, social and economic conditions by employing them as rangers.

Youth rangers from 14 to 19 years, and rangers 20 years and older, will assist in feral pest and weed control, identifying and protecting endangered species, manage natural environments and help visitors en- joy national parks. They will also facilitate

cultural training and art groups. “The intention is also to work with job agencies and assist within the juvenile justice areas for our youth,” said Peter.

He also hopes the program will help break down cultural barriers by inviting non-aboriginals to learn about aboriginal culture.

WCER will initially be concentrating on the Parkes/Forbes region. “It is important we put boots on the ground to get things done and achieve goals to gain credibility,” said Peter.

The Council of Elders will be consulted on 10th March and the WCER inaugural meeting will be held on Monday, 13th March.

By Dianne Collie

Croquet News

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Croquet Club has decided to keep up with technology and set up a Face- book page to be more accessible to people interested to play or join the club. You can find them at Forbes Croquet Club Inc.

A reminder to all members the general meeting is on Tuesday. If you would like to add an agenda item, contact Anne Stewart on 6851 5320, or add to the list at the cro- quet grounds.

A big thank you goes to the Forbes Council staff for the extra work to greening the lawns and to Tony Thompson for helping out. The heat has taken its toll on the lawns.

The last few weeks croquet games have been well attended as the mornings are becoming cooler. Our outstanding players with full scores of three games in golf croquet on Tuesday, 28th February were Jeff Liebich, Mary Hodges and Bruce Field. In Aussie croquet on Saturday, 4th March, full scores of three games were played by John Cole, John MacCullagh, Kevin Rubie and Bill Scott.

By Anne Stewart

New Feeder Can Cut Workload In Half

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

With stock prices high at the moment, and local farmers having plenty of grain over from harvest, now is a good time to invest in a new supreme feed processor from Supreme International available at Forbes Ma- chinery Centre.

A supreme feed processor is a powerful feed cutter that allows you to accurately process all types of roughage into uniform lengths. It is also a thorough feed mixer that blends feed and feed additives into a single, uniform ration without grinding or damag- ing the feed. Finally, it is an efficient feeder that allows you to discharge ration in even, measured amounts for unparalleled control of your feeding operations.

Supreme feed processors are more durable with simple, professionally engineered designs, minimal moving parts and premium quality components that will reduce down- time and fewer maintenance related costs.

Supreme feed processors cut material uniformly, and cleanly, so you don’t lose food value, while the mixing action is gentle and accurate to thoroughly blend feed and additives.

Employing four separate auger patents, the Supreme will cut and mix material simul- taneously and can reduce your daily work- load by up to 50 per cent over most other vertical mixers. Over the course of a year, the speed and accuracy advantages will translate into substantial savings in time, labour, fuel, and feed costs.

For enquiries call Forbes Machinery Cen- tre on 6852 3211 or visit at 2 Parkes Road

Junior Rugby

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Junior Rugby Union Club is gearing up for a big season with registration numbers already up on previous years. Junior Club President Paul Shepherd said there were strong numbers already regis- tered in Wallas, 13s, 15s and 17s.

Official training starts for the Wallas (7,9,11s) on Friday, 24th of March at 5:30 to 6.30pm followed by a sausage sizzle. Official training starts for 13s 15s and 17s on Tuesday, 14th March from 5.30 to 6.30pm and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday nights.

If you can’t make it to training but want to register, email Forbesrugbyjuniors@hot- mail.com or on Facebook: Forbes Junior Rugby.

Question of the Week

March 3, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

What is your favourite animal and why?

Leo Curran: The Giraffe. I can’t really say why they are my favourite except for the reason that they are graceful and streamlined and so well adapted to their environment with their long necks.

Rayleen Paradowski: Dogs are my favourite. They are so faithful. I have two pug dogs, Ruby and Pippa. I am certain they are half human.

Cathy Murda: Dogs, especially cocker spaniels as they are so cute. Our beautiful cocker spaniel Georgina was with us for ten years and can never be replaced.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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