Parkes Phoenix Editor

Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre treasurer Aileen Allen says funding from the state government to allow it to upgrade its pavilion is much needed. The outdoor riverside facility, designed to host aboriginal cultural events and social functions, had been lacking a barbeque and seating arrangement in it’s pavilion- two essential items for outdoor socialising.

But the Dreaming Centre was successful in obtaining $10,000 of state government funding through a $55,000 grant awarded to community based organisations by member for Orange Andrew Gee late last year. The money will be used to install an electric BBQ as well as two tables with seats on either side of it.

With electricity yet to be installed at the Centre, the cost of the upgrades will total $12,000, but Ms Allen said the grant still meant improvements were possible. “We’ve raised enough money through other grants to put this project together,” she said. “We don’t have electricity here at the moment so the cost has gone up a bit to get it put in.”

“I’d like to thank Andrew Gee for the grant. Before we would bring in a portable BBQ but we really need one that is there all the time.” The Centre has, unfortunately, been subject to vandalism, with the sprinkler system installed last year coming under damage, which the Centre has constantly been left out of pocket paying for.

Ms Allen said because of this it was also important for the Centre to install security cameras before getting the BBQ up and running. “We’re looking at installing two solar powered security cameras to try and stop vandals from damaging the new BBQ,” she said. “Kids that come here have seen them before, but it’s hard to report them without evidence.”

“We’re not allowed to install a fence around the Centre, so it’s the best thing we can do to protect it.”
In another positive, the Centre will receive the services of two people from the ‘Working for the Dole’ program, a federal government initiative that allows people on welfare to accrue skills and knowledge while helping out in the community. Ms Allen said these people would provide valuable help in maintaining the facility.

NSW Premier Mike Baird, Deputy Premier Troy Grant, Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Member for Orange Andrew Gee officially opened the new $40.9 million Forbes Hospital redevelopment on Tuesday. Mr Baird said the Forbes community now has access to a contemporary hospital that will meet their needs now and in the future.

“Forbes Hospital is part of our record investment in health infrastructure across the state and I’m delighted to see it delivered,” Mr Baird said. The new Forbes Hospital features an emergency department, inpatient unit, birthing suites for maternity services and clinical support services, including medical imaging. Mr Grant said Forbes may be a small community, but it deserves only the very best in healthcare.

“The people of Forbes deserve worldclass facilities and that is exactly what we have delivered as part of this redevelopment,” Mr Grant said. Mrs Skinner said Forbes Hospital now has the best of both worlds, with the new
state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the charming heritage building. “Forbes is one of the most beautiful hospitals I have visited across the state and I’m pleased it can now offer the level of services the community expects,” she said.

Mr Gee said patients and staff have been benefiting from the new building since moving in late last year.

With hot, dry and windy conditions continuing across the State, Essential Energy is calling on landholders to be prepared and alert for bushfire – especially around the electricity network. Regional manager Northern, Mark Summers, said that summer weather could be extreme yet safety measures could help reduce the risk of electrical incidents and bushfire.

“Preparation plays a large part in mitigating bushfire risk, so we recommend completing the Rural Fire Service’s Bushfire Survival Plan which helps identify potential hazards and ways to minimise them,” Mark said.

“Clearing leaves and debris from gutters, removing combustible material from around the home and ensuring vegetation isn’t encroaching on powerlines can help to protect your property from fire risk. “Any trees growing too close to powerlines should be reported to Essential Energy.” In the event of a bushfire, property owners who decide to leave their property are advised to do so early to minimise the risk of encountering fallen or sagging powerlines
across roads and other fire hazards.

“It pays to have a fuel-operated water pump and standalone water source on hand in the event of a power outage,” Mark said. “Never attempt to fight a fire that is burning under the electricity network, as powerlines can be damaged or sag in heat.” If you decide to evacuate your property, Essential Energy recommends turning off the main power switches in your meter box to reduce the risk of short circuits and surges.

In the aftermath of a fire, be alert for damage to the electricity network, stay clear of burning poles and notify Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80 if you come across fallen powerlines. Essential Energy advises that power outages are likely to be lengthier than usual on days of Total Fire Ban as crews need to manually inspect powerlines to ensure the safety and reliability of the electricity network.

For more information on electrical safety, visit essentialenergy.com.au/safety or contact Essential Energy on 13 23 91.

The spectacular growth of Polaris with its huge range of ATVs and Side x Side models continued by out selling every other brand in every month this financial year with Australian farmers selecting Polaris models for their high specifications that belie their reasonable price tags.

Their unique and made for Australia UTE 570 Heavy Duty (HD) has become a sought after commodity on farms Australia wide and is the number one model in the big-bore (451+) ATV category, laying the foundation for the domination of this category with a share of 43.6%. It’s little wonder with its handy tipping Dump Box at the rear, powerful 570 EFI engine, power- steering and a conditional registration ready package to provide an easy option for farmers requiring legal access across roads between paddocks. It even features Australia’s first and only selectable 4-wheel Descent Control on an ATV.

Safety engineering innovations abound on all models and Polaris now boasts a range of twenty models with a Roll-Over- Protection-System (ROPS) with the Ranger, ACE and RZR models. The industry leading safety features include 3-point seat-belts whilst a number of models also include an interlock device, an optional management controlled speed management system (Speed Key), and 4-wheel descent control. These features combined with a range that covers petrol, electric and diesel options, there is little wonder that Polaris has commanded 49.1% share of side by side sales in 2015. The Polaris Ranger Diesel 1000 HD (Heavy Duty) is the number one Side x Side in Australia.

This winning form on Australian farms is paralleled on racetracks with the Polaris RZR XP 1000 winning the Australian Rally Championship for the fourth year in a row (Side x Side Challenge) in the hands of Cody Crocker ably supported by co-driver Greg Foletta.