Roxane Manley

CEO Announcement On HRNSW Rehoming

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Peter Buckman CEO, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW)

Dear Stakeholders,

I am pleased to announce a significant development that reflects our ongoing commitment to equine welfare and the preservation of our social license at Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW).

In close collaboration with the Harness Racing Industry Consultation Group (HRICG), we have successfully completed the integration of our re homing operations. The decision and subsequent integration enables HRNSW to directly oversee the re homing effort and ensure that we consistently uphold the highest standards of equine welfare. This strategic shift underscores HRNSW’s steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of our equine athletes and our responsibility to the industry and the broader community. We firmly believe that by taking direct control of the re homing process, we can provide our retired standardbred horses with the care and attention that is expected.

It is of the utmost importance that HRNSW maintain high standards in equine welfare while continuing to lead the industry in a responsible and forward-thinking manner. HRNSW remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all standardbred horses and we are confident that this strategic move will further strengthen our capacity to uphold these vital responsibilities and ensure the well-being of our equine partners.

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the previous Re homing Company members for their unwavering commitment in supporting the re homing of standardbred horses.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to reach out to our team.

Sincerely,

Ron Finemore Transport Backs AAA Data

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

“Despite billions of dollars being spent each year, more people are dying on our roads”. said Ron Finemore AO (Pictured)

Ron Finemore Transport Chairman Ron Finemore AO has today backed growing national calls for data-driven road funding and new Commonwealth-state funding arrangements that will oblige state governments to report on road quality and safety performance as a condition of federal funding.

Mr Finemore AO agrees with a broad coalition of transport and medical bodies campaigning for greater use of road trauma data to create more effective road safety policies and reverse the ongoing increases in annual road deaths.

State and territory governments hold this data, but do not share it with other governments or show it to the Australian community or motorists.

The Federal Government must require all states and territories to release this data as a condition of receiving their share of its annual $10 billion a year road budget.

“Australians deserve transparency so they can see whether politicians are spending their taxes on the areas of greatest need, rather than courting support in marginal seats.”

“Using this evidence in a transparent way to drive road safety policy will make our roads safer for all motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and the men and women who make their living on our roads as drivers,” Mr Finemore said.

“If data is not made available to the Australian Government, Commonwealth, road infrastructure funding decisions will continue to be made in the back rooms of government and subject to the whims of politicians and the political cycle.”

For more information info@datasaveslives.org.au

Be Seen @ Generosity Church

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Our Gal – Courtney Hodges

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Name: Courtney Hodges

Where were you born? Forbes

Were you named after anyone? No

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Sounds cliche, but my children.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The COVID-19 pandemic – to watch the world grind to halt and then slowly put itself back together again made for an interesting time to be alive.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Follow your heart, but take your head with you.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Deciding to ‘go again’ and rebuild our general practice after floods in a rural area where there are chronic workforce shortages during a time of extreme inflation.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Three rambunctious children, wine and a good book.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Book a holiday.

When are you happiest? When I’m with my siblings and our ever-growing families!

Snippets

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Our FireFighter Chefs from left to right B.Hayes, M.Willis, T.Bentick and M.Teale

FIRE AND RESCUE NSW STATION 294 FORBES

As the National BBQ Championships Forbes winds up for the year it’s not without a outstanding Achievement by our crew at 294 Forbes taking out overall winner. Well done to all involved and to the organisers for putting this great event on for the community and visitors.

CENTRAL WEST POLICE DISTRICT

Police in the state’s western region have charged 96 people since the launch of Operation Regional Mongoose.

The ongoing high-visibility operation commenced on Wednesday 27 September 2023, to tackle serious property-related crime committed predominately by young offenders.

To date the operation has resulted in 96 people – including 73 juveniles – charged with more than 159 offences, of those 53 were for breach of bail.

Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM said police are seeing pleasing results from the operation as they continue to work with the community.

Investigations under Operation Regional Mongoose continue.

Anyone with information about Operation Regional Mongoose is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

R U OK?DAY

Asking ‘are you OK?’ Doesn’t have to be scary, but if you’re unsure how to start a conversation, here are some tips.

1. Pick an appropriate time and place

2. Ask R U OK? In a way that is comfortable for you both

3. Focus on listening to them, rather than finding a solution

4. Check in after the chat to keep the conversation going

For more tips, visit https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

PARKES LEAGUES CLUB

Our General Manager, David and Administration Manager, Lisa had the pleasure of visiting the team at Currajong Disability Services this week, to give a donation to support their great work. A special thanks to Doug and the team, for showing us around, and explaining exactly how our support will contribute to the amazing work you do.

The Leagues Club is here for the community, and with support of our members and visitors, we can contribute more and more back. We sponsor local sporting teams, various charities and provide a facility for the community to use.

OFFICIAL PARKES HIGH SCHOOL – PHS PINK DAY

The Parkes High School SRC students held a very successful PHS PINK DAY recently which raised $645 for the McGrath Foundation! Students and staff dressed up in pink, ate pink cupcakes and played pink related musical bingo to help spread the word about Breast Cancer awareness along the way.

IMAGE: Caption.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day

Stunning Federation Home Hits The Market In Forbes

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Step back in time when you walk through the front doors of 31 Oxford St, Forbes

New Anglesea has been owned by the same family, the MacCallum’s for almost 40 years.

It took Marie and Ian MacCallum many years to find their perfect home and many years of restorations and landscaping to achieve such a stunning lifestyle property.

31 Oxford St, Forbes was purchased by the MacCallums in 1985, it is a property with a rich history and they took the time to lovingly restore it to the magnificent home it is today.

Marble fireplaces were sourced for the formal living rooms and soft furnishings updated with fresh heritage trim and Paint. In the early 2000’s, the kitchen and dining room extension and casual screened in cedar lined alfresco dining and living room were added. Signature properties of this caliber are rarely offered for sale.

Contact the Exclusive Agents – Ainslie Toole at Nutrien Harcourts Forbes for a private viewing or for more information 0407 946 838.

Timeline of the historic Forbes Home

Amazing aerial view

CEF And UNSW Gives Aspiring Forbes & Parkes Uni Students Chance To See UNSW

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Since its birth in 1993 the CEF has awarded almost 8000 individual grants and scholarships totalling over $17 million, with over 400 volunteers across its network of local foundations working hard to provide local students the support they need.

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF), in collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), has made it possible for nine aspiring Forbes and Parkes university students to see a university campus, with a fully subsidised trip to UNSW for its 2023 Year 11 Regional Residential Program.

The program is part of UNSW’s Gateway Admission Pathway, ran between the 25th and 27th September, and was open to year 11 students who attend school at one of UNSW’s Gateway Partner Schools, which features schools in low socioeconomic areas, primarily in regional NSW

CEF, through its partnership with UNSW, was offered a number of places on the program.

Kelsey Mann, Makayla Sloane and Kyle Wilson of Parkes High School, Grace Barbary and Czarah Alexa Saladino of Forbes High School, and Mia Baker, Vienna Farrell, Lauren House and Sophie McGrath of Red Bend Catholic College took advantage of this amazing opportunity, which covered their costs for transport, accommodation, and meals.

The students, of which there were 37 in total, took the opportunity to learn about the university, the courses it offers, and all other benefits of studying there, and were chaperoned by UNSW staff and Ambassadors, with two CEF staff joining them as well.

They also got to enjoy a two-night stay at Sydney’s beautiful Coogee Beach, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and enjoyed a dinner on the first night where they got to hear from CEF alumni currently studying at UNSW.

As part of its partnership with CEF, UNSW also provides four annual $5000 scholarships, for each year of study to a maximum for four years, to students that have enrolled at UNSW and already received a grant from their local CEF foundation.

For more information on the CEF please visit www.cef.org.au or phone 1300 652 144.

Forbes Sports And Recreation Club

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

How good are these kids? They had a great time and bowled really well.

Thanks to all our bowlers that helped the kids understand the game

Dr Richard Draper Awarded Australian GP Of The Year

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dr Draper pictured with Dr Nicole Higgins, RACGP President

Dr Richard Draper is the Principal GP at Medicine & Mind in Forbes, and also now the RACGP GP of the Year. He is a Parkes local with over 29 years experience working in the Central West in both the private and public sector in general practice, emergency medicine, obstetrics and anaesthetics.

Dr Draper had no idea he had even been nominated at the State level when he received a call from the RACGP, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, to inform him that he had taken out the top award for NSW/ACT (combined) GP of the Year. It was that award that placed him in the running for the National GP of the Year award. Dr Draper said when he heard that he had actually won the national award “I was genuinely stunned”.

Dr Draper is passionate about improving access for patients to quality mental health services in rural areas and has implemented a unique model of care at Forbes Medicine & Mind that sees clinicians working collaboratively with many providers to improve the health and wellbeing of patients.

As GP of the Year, Dr Draper hopes to use his platform over the next 12 months to highlight the needs for more support from Government for General Practitioners to be able to continue to provide such essential services, especially in rural communities and in the wake of natural disasters such as the recent flooding that affected the Forbes community

Mayoral Notes

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Fantastic news this week with the announcement from our Premier Chris Minns that $50 million has been earmarked for our region for rebuilding after the devastation of the 2022 floods. I have long been lobbying for this – our residents need to be able to raise their buildings or rebuild and retrofit with materials that can withstand future floods. There will be more floods, and a home is a huge investment that one cannot just walk away from. It will give me no greater pleasure than to bring such good news to people whose lives have still not had the chance to return to normal. The finer details of the funding will be worked out between affected area, but it is a solid start Now we just need the Commonwealth Government to come to the party.

Last week spoke of Forbes being innovative and progressive, and this week further proves my point At the start of the week, I had the great pleasure of welcoming the Rural Doctors Network for a workshop and tour. Forbes was the venue of choice in recognition of how proactive Forbes Shire Council is in attracting and retaining medical services over the past two decades. We recognise how important it is to have these facilities and opportunities here for those who are not well enough to travel, or are not able to travel, and as a hub for our smaller towns. There is always so much room to grow and improve and networks such as this are so important in keeping the focus back on rural health.

I also spoke at a parliamentary inquiry into the mining sector last week, and whilst this topic can be divisive, it is important to understand that for many regional areas, mining is the backbone of a community, and its importance cannot be downplayed. We do all want however for this to be done safely and sustainably, and as consciously of environment and culture as possible, and this is what we need to keep in mind. These companies invest so much in employment, infrastructure, community support each and every year.

Finally, what an amazing day at the National BBQ Championships on Saturday. The atmosphere was amazing, the cooking demonstrations second to none, the entertainment was spot on – and how proud are we to keep the title of the BBQ champs in Forbes, congratulations Station 294! Both our visiting teams (one from Rockhampton, and another from Emu Plains) both said they will be back – bring on the challenge i’ say!!! I look forward to what next year will bring.

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

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