Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

April 4, 2024 by Phyllis Miller, OAM

I hope you all had a joyful and relaxing Easter break. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the Forbes outdoors over the long weekend.

The long weekend also saw our new Driver Reviver van open for all our visitors at Victoria Park. I would like to thank the volunteers with Forbes Lions and CWA for making sure everyone was caffeinated for their travels over the weekend.

It is important to schedule regular breaks when driving long distances to ensure you arrive safely to your destination.

This week we are hosting the Country Mayors Association forum from Sunday 7th to Tuesday 9th April. I am excited to welcome mayors from all around NSW to our beautiful town for this event. It is such an opportunity to be able to showcase the projects we are working on to this diverse group, and I am looking forward to further developing the strong relationships I already have with my fellow Mayors.

Coming up very soon are a few weeks of events for young people in our town for Youth Week and the school holidays.

Tickets are available for the drive-in movie at Forbes ski dam on Friday 12th April at 123tix. There is also a comedy workshop on Sunday 14th silent disco on the 19 th , creative community concepts on Monday 22 nd and ice skating on the 27 th. For more information on any of these events you can contact Council on 6850 2300 or youth@forbes.nsw.gov.au or head to Council’s website for the full program and registration.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Labor’s Family Car Tax To Hurt Bush Families

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is the Hon David Littleproud MP. Leader of the Nationals Party.

As you head down any highway across regional Australia the landscapes may change drastically but certain things stay the same. Some of the most common sights you’ll pass during your travels are four-wheel drives, utes, and family cars. It doesn’t take much investigation to figure out why these types of vehicles are so popular in the bush.

They are designed to accommodate the whole family, carry your tools of the trade, and importantly are designed to travel long distances, which is the reality of living in regional Australia. However, regional Australians are set to pay significantly more for these types of vital vehicles under this Labor Government’s new ute and family car tax.

Under this policy, in February, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries predicted the price of Australians’ favourite vehicles is set to skyrocket. The cost of a Ford Ranger is predicted to rise by $17,950, while the price of a Toyota Hilux is forecast to soar by $14,490 and the Isuzu D-Max could increase by $13,830. This Labor Government has labelled it as an efficiency standard, but it simply is a tax.

We all want to see cleaner and cheaper cars and utes on our roads as we head towards net-zero by 2050, but Labor’s plan is not the answer.

There is proof of these types of plans having adverse impacts in other countries such as New Zealand where a similar tax drove up the cost of a car by about NZ$7,000.

There are also concerns that some manufacturers will withdraw from the Australian market altogether.

It’s not just a differing view of politics, industry leaders have warned that carmakers will have no choice but to pass on the costs associated with Labor’s efficiency standard.

In February, Australian Automotive Dealers Association CEO James Voortman said “this policy goes too far too fast and that consumers will be the big losers”.

This type of prediction is a worrying one for all Australians during a cost-of-living crisis, but especially for those of us who live in the bush where we rely on these vehicles to support our families and our communities.

Don’t Let The Flu Catch You

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is urging all eligible Australians to get their flu shot following an alarming number of flu cases across the country.

In the first quarter of 2024 there were 26,836 influenza cases reported by the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).

By February, case numbers were already double the number than what was reported the same time last year.

Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey says Australians should get ahead of the flu season and get their vaccination now.

“The flu season typically runs from May to October,” Professor Twomey said.

“However, flu vaccines for the 2024 season are available now in community pharmacies across Australia.

Professor Twomey said that getting vaccinated ahead of the flu season is important for protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu and its complications.

“Although the vaccine will last throughout the year, it is most effective in the first three to four months following its administration.”

According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), people who received an influenza vaccine in late 2023 are still recommended to get the flu vaccine in 2024.

ATAGI also advises that flu vaccines can be given on the same day as other vaccines, such as COVID.

The Australian Government funds influenza vaccines for eligible patients under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Further information will be available from the Department of Health and Aged Care when NIP-funded influenza vaccines become available.

Ask your community pharmacist about your flu vaccine or visit www.findapharmacy.com.au to book an appointment.

Be Seen @ Forbes TAFE Campus

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes TAFE held a very successful morning tea.

All staff and students onsite were invited.

Wonderful to see so much engagement, networking and campus vibrancy.

Snippets

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Disaster Risk Reduction Fund is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc

A massive thank you to the Forbes Riverside Community Gardens for hosting our workshop with Graham Ross AM and the emergency services this morning.

Thanks to David Hodges from NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade and Roc Walshaw from Forbes SES for providing information on emergency preparedness.

This workshop was possible with the support of Landcare NSW’s People Led Prevention project, empowering communities across regional NSW in developing disaster resilience and preparedness skills.

Cheney’s Electrical Contracting

We’re very excited to announce that we are the proud new owners of Parkes Decor Shoppe. We can’t wait to show you all what we have in store for the future! A very warm welcome to the Parkes Decor Shoppe team joining us here at Cheney’s Electrical.

As always, for all your electrical needs – contact Dylan on 0447 012 179

PCYC Parkes

Open Day with a FREE Membership Offer. Come down to the PCYC Open Day on April 6th between 12-2pm and score a FREE 12-month club membership (valued at $30 for seniors & $15 for juniors) Plus, get automatic entry into our draw for 5 class passes, valued at $65. We’ll also have an amazing raffle available for entry with 3 incredible prizes up for grabs:

– FREE Term of Basketball Learn to Play (valued at $125)

– FREE Term of Gymnastics Classes (valued at $155)

– FREE Term of Art Lessons with Sean (valued at $125)

Don’t miss out on this chance to join the PCYC fun

Central West Police District

Crime prevention tips. Lock it or lose it.

Thieves are opportunistic and know that people tend to leave items of value in their vehicles. We receive reports of vehicles being broken into and items stolen frequently and have created these tips to help protect your belongings:

– Don’t leave expensive tools and equipment in your vehicle.

– Keep your vehicle doors and windows up, locked and secured when leaving your vehicle unattended.

– Park in well-lit areas, especially during nighttime.

– Don’t leave anything of value visible inside your vehicle.

– Don’t hide spare keys inside or underneath your vehicle.

– Remove any documents from your vehicle which reveal where you live.

– Consider using a secure parking facility or garage when available.

– Consider investing in anti-theft devices or tracking systems for added security.

Parkes Shire Libraries

Packaging, packaging and more packaging! The Makerspace is filling up with packaging as we prepare for the launch of Waste 2 Art this Saturday at 10:00AM in the Makerspace. Everyone welcome. Call 6861 2309 for bookings. FREE event

NSW Farmers

We’re calling on the State and Federal Governments to make sure rural road repair is front and centre in their upcoming budgets.

Take a fresh photo of a badly damaged road and let us know where it is, and we’ll make sure the government knows about it

Eugowra Rural Transaction Centre

The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre is coming to Eugowra. They will be set up at 54 Nanima Street on the following – Wednesday, 17 April 2024 from 1pm- 3pm

Come down and chat to Service NSW Mobile
Service Centre on 17th of April in Eugowra.

Forbes Croquet News

April 4, 2024 by Pegging Out

We had 26 players show up on Saturday the 30th, ready to get started on a nice chilly morning for Aussie Croquet. Great to report we had another 3 new players Hawart Smart, Glen Scott and Adam McCullum. If you’re keen to try Croquet, come along. Also another visitor Charlie Thomson Grandson of Tony and Pam Thomson. There were 3 players who managed to win 3 games Colleen Liebich, Elvy Quirk and Carolyn Neilsen

The big winners

• 14—8 Geoff Coles and Vince Robers

• 14—9 Elvy Quirk and Colleen Liebich, Kevin and Jill Rubie

Mid winner

• 14—10 Elvy Quirk and John Browne, John Farah and Bruce Field, Bill Scott and Glen Scott

• Carolyn Neilsen, Kevin Rubie and Adam McCullum

Close games

Colleen Liebich and Rex Toole 14 Fay Picker and Harley Stewart 13 Carolyn Neilsen and Merv Langfield 14 Enid Baker and Allan Jones 13 Rex Toole and Geoff Coles 14 Robin Pols and Allan Jones 13 Robin Pols and Russell Anderson 14 Cherlyn Toohey and Bruce Field 11 Cheryle Toohey and Russell Anderson 14 Fay Picker and Vince Roberts 11 Merv Langfield and Bruce Field 14 Tony and Charlie Thomson 11 Bill Scott and Glen Scott 14 John Farah and Adam McCullum 11 Colleen Liebich and Jill Rubie 14 Cheryle Toohey and Geoff Coles 11

Carolyn Neilsen and John Browne 14 Tony and Charlie Thomson 111 Elvy Quirk and Robin Pols 14 Vince Roberts and Merv Langfield 11.

There was no Croquet on Tuesday the 2nd of April, rain was the winner on the day. Although we still enjoyed our Monthly Luncheon at the Vandenberg Hotel, we had a very large and tasty meal of roast Pork and Beef. We also celebrated three birthdays, being John Allegri , Mal Smith and Robie Pols.

Thats it till next week

By Pegging Out

McDonald Claims Another First

April 4, 2024 by Roxane Manley

WMX Results – Rd1. 1st Charli Cannon – 50. 2nd Tayla Thompson – 44. 3rd Danielle McDonald – 40 (Yamaha Racing).’

It was another weekend and another first for Parkes’ teenage dirt bike sensation, Danielle McDonald. With a junior career littered with national championships in off road and motocross, then a gold medal at the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) last year not long after her sixteenth birthday, McDonald is putting together a lengthy list of achievements for her resume. 2024 has started well with success at the opening round of the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), she won the Women’s division on day two. She also racked up another milestone, by landing on the podium at round one of the ProMX in the Women’s class.

McDonald was nervous prior to racing getting underway as she is new to the ProMX scene. Race one saw her make a couple of mistakes as she shook off the nerves, resulting in two small crashes, yet she was able to pick herself up and fight all the way to the finish and cross the finish line in third.

Race two and she was again in the thick of the action and was in a tight battle with seasoned campaigner, Emma Milesevic, who challenged her right until the end. The pair swapped positions several times in the later stages of the race, but McDonald was able to hang on for another third place and was sent straight to the podium for third on the day.

A pattern is forming here with Danielle: Her first ProMX, her first ProMX podium. Her first senior AORC, her first podium. Her first ISDE, her first ISDE podium. Keep an eye out for the talented and determined teenager as she continues to gain experience in both the motocross and off-road paddocks.

McDonald explained “I had a great time at the ProMX round and really enjoyed the racing. It’s much bigger than I thought with so many major teams and the media presence at the race. I still have a lot to learn and there are a lot of fast girls but I’m looking forward to doing this year’s series and thankful Yamaha Australia has given me support to race it”.

Upgrade Creates Accessible ‘Space’ at The Dish

March 28, 2024 by Roxane Manley

(Left to Right) – Vince Williamson, Darrin Souters, Peter Parkes, Dr John Reynolds, Matt Spittles, Mayor Neil Westcott, Phil Donato MP, Nick Marjason (CSIRO), Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet, Rhonda Towney, Cr Lousie O’Leary, Melissa Schrader, Kelly Hendry, Tricia Trim (CSIRO).

Visitor areas at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory has received a major upgrade thanks to $500,000 from the NSW Government. The investment supported the installation of wheelchair accessible paths, automatic doors at the Visitor Centre and accessible and renovated bathrooms to ensure the observatory remains a major drawcard that can be enjoyed by everyone. The funding also included the construction of an inclusive space-themed playground with accessible equipment, soft fall ground cover, and sun cover. Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the accessibility upgrades to the visitor areas at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory will bring great benefits to the Central West, this project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when various levels of Government work together.

“This is now a great accessible space to host young space fans, further cementing itself as a world- class tourism destination for budding astronomers who visit the region,” Minister Moriarty said. Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Neil Westcott said: “Increasing the accessibility to all indoor and outdoor visitor areas at the facility, and by making the Visitor Centre more mobility friendly, inclusive and family friendly, will improve the visitor experience.”

The icon of Australian science attracts over 100,000 visitors per year. The observatory is home to Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope, used by astronomers from around the world to explore the universe. CSIRO Director of ATNF Operations Dr John Reynolds said “These upgrades to our Visitors Centre help us share the wonders of the Universe with all our visitors.”

Be Seen @ Hayley Redfern Nine Records

March 28, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Current LC Record achieved at 2023 Australian Girevoy Sport Nationals.

Long Cycle & Jerk sets at the 2023 Australian GSAA Nationals.

30 min Long Cycle set at the 2021 IKMF Championships.

2024 Capital Strongman Open.

Increased Nursing Access For Forbes Residents

March 28, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Claire Nicholson a Nurse from Life Pharmacy Forbes.

Forbes residents are lucky to now have increased access to nursing services without the need for long waiting times.

Three nurses, with varying specialties including child and family health, and aged care, are now available to help patients at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies in Forbes.

The service is designed to provide the community with an alternative walk-in clinic, allowing residents in the Forbes and surrounding areas to access additional healthcare support without an appointment.

Registered Nurse, Claire Nicholson, is based at Life Pharmacy each Tuesday to assist with child and family related matters such as breast-feeding support, nutrition, sleep and settling support. Claire also provides vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and wound care.

Registered Midwife, Evin Penney, is at Flannery’s Pharmacy each Thursday and offers support for new parents including breastfeeding and baby weights. Evin also provides vaccinations, blood pressure checks and wound care.

While Brian Dunn, who is an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse with over 12 years experience in aged care, will be available at Flannery’s each weekday to assist with mobility aids, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), blood pressure and glucose level checks, incontinence, and wound care.

As we approach the winter months, those aged over six months are also recommended to receive an annual influenza vaccination.

Flu vaccines are available, without charge, under the National Immunisation Program for all children aged 6 months and under five years; all adults over 65 years; and specific populations aged five to 65 years, who are at increased risk of complications from influenza – that is, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those who have certain medical conditions and pregnant women.

A fee may apply for those not eligible under the NIP. Flannery’s Pharmacy can vaccinate anyone 10 years and older. Families with younger children please contact Life Pharmacy to book an appointment.

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