Parkes Phoenix Editor

When Andrew Rawsthorne, a Trundle farmer and former Red Bend student, arrived at Forbes Shire Council as the new Grants Officer six years ago, his role was to help bring council’s vision to life. Now, he is hanging up his hat to dedicate his time to his ever-growing farming business.

“I have been lucky enough to work with some outstanding people – creative people, who I count as lifelong friends,” said Andrew. “I am privileged to have played a small part in the growth of Forbes – a town near and dear to me.”

Rawsthorne and his grants colleagues collaborated on $30million in funding during his tenure – a remarkable feat that has elevated Forbes to one of the most prosperous and idyllic rural communities to live in nationwide.

For Andrew it is all about life on the land and he wouldn’t have it any other way!

More than 140,000 students across NSW return to face-to-face learning on Tuesday, October 5, for the start of Term 4 including children in Forbes.

With COVID-19 restrictions eased across many parts of rural and regional NSW, 721 schools – almost a third of the State’s public schools – welcomed all students back on site. Students returned to COVID-safe settings that included QR code checkins, no visitors, restricted activities, increased hygiene practices and mask wearing.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said she understood how important it was to have children back in classrooms.

“Thousands of excited students returned to the classroom in the regions this week and will soon be followed by students in other parts of the state with either a staged return from 18 October, or via the easing of local restrictions,” Ms Mitchell said.

“After a disrupted Term 3, it is more important than ever that students receive the academic, social and wellbeing benefits of being in the classroom. Despite this excitement, it is important that parents and students follow their school’s guidelines for safe operations, and practice physical distancing at school pick-ups and drop-offs.”

Several measures are in place for a return to school, including increased cleaning activities and additional hygiene and safety practices.

Parents are encouraged to look at their school website, Facebook page or newsletters to learn about new procedures that have been introduced, such as changes to parents’ access to the school grounds, drop off and pick up points as well as new safety and hygiene rules.

For updated information on the return to school and restrictions, visit:education. nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families.

COMMUNITY GARDENS: Pip Thompson (front) with parents Brett Thompson and Lisa Glasson at the Forbes Riverside Community Gardens spending time at their plot.

For Heather Moore, who joined later, the gardens and the volunteers provide an outlet and a great chance to socialise and share a common passion – gardening. Whether it be spring flowers, veggies or fruit, there are a number of gardens run by volunteers with a plethora of produce.

“We have all types of plants and fruit and veg from she-oaks, tomatoes and beetroots to lemons and much more,” said Heather.

“Members can also adopt a plot and foster and nurture their own garden bed like the Thompson-Glasson family here today,” Heather said. “It is also a great way to get outside and get the family into gardening and growing their own food.”

For Brett Thompson, the gardens are a great escape for daughter Pip and partner Lisa. “It is a great way to do something together and get out and about.”

Membership is $10 and the gardens are open Saturday’s. AGM 16th October at 10am.