Parkes Phoenix Editor

NSW CWA Forbes Evening Branch meetings have been disrupted like everything else this year with the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the necessary restrictions that have come with it to keep our communities safe. The August monthly meeting, however, was able to take place but members of the CWA Forbes Evening Branch were disappointed to hear what we had all been expecting. Confirmation that many of the community events members had been looking forward to participating in during August, September and October were cancelled or postponed to 2022.

Community events such as Birth to Kinder Reading DownTown Day (postponed), the local Forbes PA & HA Show (cancelled), the Rural Women’s Gathering (postponed) and Grazing Down the Lachlan were all postponed or cancelled.

We were able to listen to two guest speakers, Amanda Dunn and Eleanor Falkiner from Inland Rail. An overview of the project was followed by a more detailed explanation about the works on the line from Stockinbingal to Parkes.

Members were able to ask questions and get clarification on specific issues at the end of their presentation. Members appreciated this opportunity to hear specific info about how Forbes would be impacted. Thank you Amanda and Eleanor.

CWA events such as the Oxley Group Council Meeting and the International Country of Study event that was to be held in Dubbo were also cancelled. Not to be daunted by a worldwide pandemic, NSW CWA Head Office organised for this event to go online via a zoom meeting where Forbes Evening Branch members Robyn Miller, Heather Mackinnon and Sue Cunningham joined with over 85 other CWA members to discuss the Country of Study for 2021-22, Malaysia. The Malaysian Acting High Commissioner to Australia, Mr Mohd Fareed Zakaria, and senior officials from the Malaysian Consulate including representatives for Agriculture, Culture, Tourism talked about all things Malaysian, giving us a great insight into their country. A Culinary expert also discussed popular spices and foods Malaysians enjoy which will assist us greatly in preparing for our branch’s International Dinner to be held in 2022.

We all look forward to our next get together in October… hopefully. Stay safe all. Forbes Evening Branch CWA

Starting this week school, early childhood, TAFE NSW, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university staff can access the Qudos vaccination hub in Homebush for Astra Zeneca vaccinations as well as 35 walk-in clinics in Western NSW.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said tens of thousands of vaccinations have been reserved exclusively for education staff, with vaccinations one of the best lines of defence against the virus.

“The Qudos hub is complimented by 35 walk-in clinics in western NSW, and countless more clinics, GPs and pharmacies across regional NSW who are taking bookings,” Ms Mitchell said.

“As we prepare for a staged return to school from 25 October, and holding HSC exams from 9 November, vaccinating all staff is essential to increase safety and minimise disruption.

“I’m pleased to see that large numbers of the teaching workforce have already come forward to be vaccinated. Vaccinating staff, along with stringent school restrictions including mask wearing, will help make schools as safe as possible when students return.”

From 8 November 2021, all NSW school and preschool staff will be required to have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

“With more supply entering the system I am hopeful we can create even more opportunities for staff and students to be vaccinated.”

The Department of Education will continue to work with NSW Health to prioritise vaccinations for all staff across NSW, as well as HSC students over the coming weeks. Walk-in locations and booking details for education staff in regional areas are available at the following link: https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination

The NSW Government this week announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.

This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.

Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions
in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until the 14th January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this further $3.9 billion in ongoing support would be vital to help keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“We are giving businesses, employees and families across the State certainty they can access the financial help needed to get them through,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know business and communities are doing it tough and this ongoing support will not only help get them through the depths of the pandemic but will also provide them with a springboard to bounce back once restrictions ease.
“We will continue to stand by businesses and individuals and provide the support needed. We will also be there on the other side as we emerge from lockdown and head towards recovery.”

The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.