Forbes Phoenix

Fantastic Effort Forbes North!

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Melissa Karaitiana, Rona Ashcroft, Vicki Smart and Barb Hurford. (Photos: Lucy Cambourn)

The sun was shining as parents, families and community members returned to the grounds of Forbes North Public School to share a cuppa and raise funds for the Cancer Council last week. Over 160 visitors joined school staff and students to raise $1,235 at the school’s Biggest Morning Tea event. 

This was the first opportunity for new principal, David McGaw, to welcome families to the school grounds. “It is a real honour and nothing short of a privilege to lead this school into what I hope is a new era where parents and community regularly visit our school grounds, especially for such worthy causes such as the Biggest Morning Tea”. 

Thanks to the school canteen and staff, adults shared a range of delights including blue jelly slice, apple cake, banana cake, chocolate cake, fruit cups, individually packaged vegie crudites cups with homemade dips, scones with jam and cream and more. The table was set and the kettle was ready when guests began to arrive at 11am. 

The Junior Dance Troupe performed on the day as a treat to welcome guests. 

School Captain Will Markwort with Dad TJ Markwort.

 

Bethany and Eleanor Osborne.

Snippets…

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The NSW RFS very kindly donated 20 helmets to Learn-ing Ladder for the children to use in imaginative play. Michael Browne from the RFS handed the donation to Louise Allen from Learning Ladder.

Grease and Oil Change Workshop: This is the 7th consecutive year of the brain and body workshops for rural people started by Cherie Quade in 2015 as a way of creating conversation in our community about mental health, wellbeing and real life stories of how people in rural communities stay afloat when the rest of the world seems like a lot. The next free workshop is on Monday, 30th May at 6pm. Clinical Psychologist Vicki Maher is coming to The Back Room in Forbes for an educational, uplifting and practical conversation about mental health in these current times. Numbers are limited due to space, make sure to register at https://greaseandoilchangevickimaher.eventbrite.com.au

Loneliness: It is a growing epidemic impacting seniors across Australia with one in four older Australians identifying themselves as lonely. Community organisation Inclusee is encouraging Australians who are feeling isolated or lonely to visit inclusee.org,au to access the power of connection. Inclusee is calling for participants over the age of 65, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the age of 50, who feel they are at risk of social isolation and loneliness. The programs are completely free for participants, though some eligibility conditions apply. You can register to participate online at www.inclusee.org.au or call on 1800 287 687.

Lightweight Bag Ban: The NSW Government’s ban on lightweight plastic bags will come into force from 1st June, and from November more problematic plastics, such as cutlery, plates and polystyrene food ware and cups will be banned. Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60% of all litter in NSW. Stopping the supply of problematic plastic will help prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill. The ban will prevent almost 2.7 billion items of plastic litter from entering the environment in NSW over the next 20 years. So-called “compostable” and “bioplastic” alternatives are also being banned. For more information about the NSW plastics ban, visit http://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban

Birth Certificate Blitz: Hundreds of free birth certificates will be made available to vulnerable people in NSW, including people experiencing economic disadvantage, Aboriginal people and survivors of domestic and family violence. A new agreement will provide up to 700 free birth certificates for vulnerable people, particularly in regional and remote NSW. The free birth certificate blitz will run up to 30 June 2022.

Mason and Aiden Campbell enjoyed the Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser at Forbes North Public School.

Malaysian Dinner Concludes CWA Study

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International Committee Carol Watling, Sue Cunningham and Heather Mackinnon in traditional Malaysian dress at Malaysian Dinner (left), and Karen Wright with mum Dianne at the dinner (right).

Food not only brings people together, but is also enriching as members of the Forbes CSW Evening Branch experienced at the conclusion of their international study of Malaysia with a traditional meal last week.

Each year the CWA of NSW nominates a country for all its members to focus on and learn about the environment, the people and their customs, the traditional food and clothing, social issues and its government.

Before and after dinner, guests perused a static display on Malaysia, as well as a display of some batik material, a red hibiscus, the Malaysian national flower, and products imported to Australia from Malaysia.

National issues were highlighted including the destruction of rainforests due to clearing for palm oil plantations that is threatening critically endangered species of animals like the orangutan, pygmy elephant and Malaysian tiger, as well as unique plants species such as the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. Food and water security, climate change and the disposal of plastic waste, which has increased dramatically since Covid -19, are other issues.

“It was a very enjoyable and insightful night with very interesting information and an unusual way of presenting it. It was good to have people involved,” said President of Forbes CWA Elaine Bright.

Several of our members dressed up in traditional Malaysian costumes.

Oxley Group International Officer, Marilyn Pizarro said it was a very enjoyable evening and an impressive display of issues confronting Malaysia today. 

“The lucky dip idea for guests to choose a fact and read to guests was a great way to get people interacting with each other,” said vice president of the Forbes Evening Branch Karen Wright.

Forbes Evening Branch would like to thank Forbes Sport and Recreation Club for allowing us to host our evening at the club.

By Sue Cunningham

Get Your Flu Shot Now

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NSW residents are being urged to book in for their flu vaccine without delay, with winter just a few days away and hospitals already seeing a surge in influenza cases.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW hospitals were facing a triple threat with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, a surge in flu cases and staff furloughing due to illness.

“With almost no exposure to flu these past two years, it is imperative we all get a flu jab to protect ourselves and the community.”

NSW’s Chief Paediatrician Dr Matt O’Meara said there was particular concern for children aged six months to five years old, as young children were particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of flu.

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free flu vaccine. This includes children from six months to under five years of age; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age; people with serious health conditions, pregnant women, and people aged 65 and over.

At the time of going to press, the minister was considering making the flu vaccine free for all NSW residents.

Small Charity Doing Big Things For Forbes

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COMMUNITY CHARITY… Community donations, like this load of firewood donated by Chris Lavender (right) as a raffle prize for a Can Assist Golf Day, are vital to the charity to enable them to continue to provide assistance to people undergoing treatment for cancer. Chris is with Forbes Can Assist President John Schrader.

Each year, scores of cancer patients from Forbes and surrounding townships receive support from the amazing volunteers at Can Assist Forbes, the cancer support network that does incredible things. 

Can Assist Forbes recently became the 39th branch to receive vital funds to help keep local cancer patients’ cars on the road since the partnership between Can Assist and greenslips.com.au was established three years ago. The donation comes at a critical time after fundraising was stymied by the pandemic. 

This means Can Assist will expand its practical and financial support to cancer patients from fuel vouchers, pharmaceuticals, medical expenses, food vouchers, accommodation to now include CTP green slips insurance. President John Schrader, a cancer survivor, said the donation would be well used. “The only way to get to treatment is by vehicle as we don’t have public transport. Most cancer treatment is in Orange, Parkes or further afield, while PET scans must be done in Sydney.” 

Can Assist Forbes Treasurer Maureen Field said: “People rely on their cars to travel to and from treatment. Using your own car gives you freedom of movement for the many and various medical appointments. We estimate we’ll spend around $11,000 on clients’ travel expenses this year.” 

The greenslips.com.au donation comes at a time when Can Assist Forbes is helping an increasing number of cancer patients after a lull during the pandemic. “We help up to 70 clients, some need a lot of assistance, while others don’t need as much. And we have some clients we’ve been helping for many years,” said Maureen.

The support goes beyond financial help. “We have delivered firewood, moved furniture, and helped with patient transport. We are open to whatever assistance the patient needs and wants – but mostly it’s financial assistance,” said John.

What sets Can Assist apart from other charities is that all money raised locally stays local to help local cancer patients. The branch is funded entirely by local donations, local fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au, a CTP green slip insurance price comparison and information website that does not sell green slips. “We don’t cut people off, we help them. It gets really tough, especially if you’re not working or have large medical costs,” said Maureen. “You can see the relief on people’s faces when they know their bill will be paid, and $300-$400 on a green slip is a lot of money.”

GREATER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT NEEDED

John feels it’s vital that more people know about Can Assist and the support it provides. “Prior to my cancer treatment I had no awareness of Can Assist, but during my treatment I met other cancer patients and became aware of Can Assist’s great work.”

He urges local cancer patients to get in touch if they need financial support. “We are always encouraging people that if they have a cancer diagnosis to please contact us. Due to privacy laws, we need them to come to us. We need everyone to be aware of Can Assist so we can help more people in our community.”

Can Assist Forbes welcome new members and volunteers to help with the crucial work it does. 

Forbes Can Assist’s John Schrader with members of the Elliot family who presented a donation to the charity. New members and volunteers are always welcome to join.

Weather Apps Help Communities Prepare For Severe Weather Events

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The Bureau of Meteorology has introduced push notifications on its BOM Weather app to provide more targeted advice to communities during severe weather.

The push notifications will include six types of weather warnings; tropical cyclone, fire weather, flood, tsunami, severe thunderstorms and severe weather.

“People can now turn on push notifications for their set location and the BOM Weather app will proactively alert them when warnings are issued for those areas,” said Decision Support Services General Manager Sandy Whight.

“Once installed and enabled, a notification will appear on the person’s device’s lock screen whenever a warning is issued that is relevant to your set location, and they can also select which type of notifications they would like to receive.

“We encourage everyone to stay up to date with our current warnings and forecasts, especially throughout severe weather seasons, and this new function will make it even easier to access simple weather information at their fingertips.”

The apps needs to be updated or the latest version installed for the push notifications feature to work.

The BOM Weather app provides Australia’s most trusted weather information directly from the source. 

Giant Effort To Stage ‘Big The Musical’

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Drew Barter and Grace Powley from Forbes have semi-lead roles in the Parkes M & D production of Big the Musical. Grace plays Billie Kopecki, the main character, Josh Baskin’s best friend, and Drew plays Josh as a child.

Local theatre returned to Parkes in a ‘big’ way last weekend after another year of lockdowns, interruptions and postponements. 

With a cast and crew of 50 the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society’s production of Big the Musical once again highlights the abundance of talent in the Central West community putting on a fun-filled musical for all the family full of high-energy songs and dancing. Forbes is well represented with two cast members in semi-lead roles and more in the ensemble. 

“It’s been such a long time coming, all of us so glad to be back in the theatre,” said Lisa Ramsay as director of her third musical with the M & D. 

The production required a good dose of perseverance from Lisa as it had to be postponed twice, there were long breaks between rehearsals over the festive period and the April holiday and Elvis Festival, while managing changes in roles, finding new supporting crew members for choreography and set construction and coping with cast members getting COVID during the concluding weeks of rehearsals. 

The final result sees the Overture star from Grenfell, Henry Best in a huge lead role as Josh Baskin. Based on the 1987 smash-hit film with Tom Hanks, Josh is a frustrated adolescent who magically becomes an adult, and discovers that life is not simply child’s play. 

The other lead roles are played by Jess Morgan as Susan, Kate Walsh and Hannah Connell, with new comer Blake Martin and Forbes locals Grace Powley and Drew Barter in semi-lead roles. Grace plays Billie Kopecki, the main character’s best friend, and Drew plays Josh as a child. 

The musical includes the iconic floor piano dancing scene from the movie, and thanks to the ingenuity of two locals, Steve McGrath and Dave McCrae, the Parkes production has a giant floor piano too. “Our piano has three octaves and all the keys light up when you stand on them,” said Lisa of one of the biggest challenges of the set production. 

Whether you want to support local talent, or see the floor piano, make sure to get your tickets online for the shows this weekend and next, or buy tickets at the box office at the Little Theatre on Sundays from 10am to 12pm. NSW Discovery and Family Vouchers are accepted. 

The iconic floor piano dancing scene in Big performed by Kate Walsh, owner of the toy store, and Henry Best in the lead role as Josh Baskin.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Lifts Spirits Sky High

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FLIGHT OF JOY…Tuesday, 17th May will forever remain in the memories of five Jemalong Residential Village residents and three staff members after their exceptional experience of flying in a hot air balloon over Canowindra. The group dressed in matching Hawaiian shirts are (L-R) Dianne Golding, Nancy Dixon, Sharyl Welsh, Cathy Slessor, Helen Brown, Judy Prior, Eleanor Lewin and Sally Spence.

Fantabulous, amazing, surreal, marvellous, awesome, beautiful… 

The excitement was palpable as five Jemalong Residential Village residents and three staff members landed back on Mother earth after a 50-minute hot air balloon flight over Canowindra on Tuesday morning. 

Their smiles stretched from ear to ear and words of wonder and amazement flowed freely after this once-in-a lifetime experience literally lifted their spirits after many months of COVID lockdowns and loneliness. 

“It was such a positive experience for our residents and it was so peaceful and quiet up there,” said Cathy Slessor, Lifestyle Coordinator at Jemalong Residential Village, and one of the three staff members who went on the flight. 

“Although it was a very early start for the group leaving Forbes at 4:30am, they were all very excited dressed in matching green Hawaiian shirts to raise awareness for mental health,” said Cathy. 

“It was a perfect morning with clear skies and we saw so many kangaroos. The pilot even landed on a tree and picked a gum leaf for us. It was really special.” 

The opportunity came about through Catholic Healthcare’s MyWish program which grants residents their special wish. “We asked the residents what they wanted to do, and one suggested a hot air balloon ride.” The five residents who put up their hands ranged in age from 78 to 82. 

 “The MyWish program is about promoting and valuing life at any age and providing residents with the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional experience,” said Daniel Stanton, Senior Communications Specialist, Catholic Healthcare. 

Cathy said it was just wonderful to have been able to offer such a positive experience to residents. 

The day ended on a perfect note with a champagne breakfast at Montrose House before they returned to Forbes where many recollections are sure to be told for a while to come. 

Snippets…

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Lake Forbes has filled up considerably after almost 60mm of rain over the past week bringing the total for May to almost 70mm, which is more than double the average rainfall for the month.

Vote Tomorrow: The Federal Election is tomorrow, 21st May and voting takes place from 8am to 5pm at the following venues in the Forbes Shire: Forbes High School, Forbes Town Hall, Forbes Tennis Club and Bedgerabong Public School. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at polling stations. Remember voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over. For more information visit aec.gov.au

Australia’s Longest Road Tunnel: The NSW Government has confirmed the 11-kilometre toll-free tunnel from Blackheath to Little Hartley in the Blue Mountains as the preferred option following an in-depth feasibility analysis and extensive investigation process, making it the country’s longest road tunnel. “This is a history-making legacy project that will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for locals, tourists and freight travelling between the Central West and the East Coast,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole. The tunnel design features dual carriageways for both eastbound and westbound motorists in separate twin tunnels and a gentler gradient to cut travel times predicted to save motorists up to 30 minutes between Katoomba and Lithgow during busy periods.

Pelicans Take Flight: More than 25,000 pelicans will take flight following two large pelican breeding events in inland NSW. Pelican nests have been counted at Lake Brewster in the Lachlan Valley and Kieeta Lake in the Murrumbidgee Valley. Pelicans at both sites are part of a leg-banding research project by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and University of NSW to track how far the birds travel and if they return to breed at the site. Banded pelican sightings can be reported via peli.bands@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Seniors Travel Card Very Popular: Less than four months after applications opened for the third year of the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card, more than 300,000 people are on board. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program, which gave recipients a $250 prepaid Visa card to use on fuel, taxis, pre-booked NSW TrainLink Regional trains and coaches, and select community transport services, had received a record customer satisfaction rating of nearly 100%. Fuel continues to be the most popular purchase on the card, followed by taxi trips and then train and bus fares. Eligible seniors have until 30 November 2022 to apply for this year’s card. More information at: service.nsw.gov.au/regionalseniorstravel.

Meet Our New Phoenix Team Member

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Brett Sale is the new cadet reporter at The Forbes Phoenix.

Brett Sale has joined The Forbes Phoenix as a cadet reporter to cover all the local news in and around Forbes. 

Born and raised in Port Arthur in Tasmania, Brett is new to the Central West having only moved here in January this year from Sydney’s hustle and bustle. It was a move not only to be closer to family and friends, but also to buy a home and start a family. 

Before taking on the challenges of journalism, he said his best job was being a butcher for four years. “I enjoyed this to no end. It taught me not only a trade but a fine culinary style of cooking, which is popular at home and amongst friends.” 

The exciting aspects of being a journalist was what lured him into making a career change. “I have a thirst for information, and I’m able to strike up conversations with anyone. I also like to immerse myself in the details, I’m curious and know to ask the right questions to ensure accuracy in my stories.” 

He sees his new role as a great opportunity to grow and develop relationships with the local community. “Finding a job you love is age-old advice. Confucius probably has the best long-standing quote: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” 

When Brett is not occupying himself with journalism, he enjoys fly fishing and spending time in the outdoors. “I love to keep up with the local music scene and stay up to date with technology and world news.” 

Over the past few months he has learned to love Forbes for its picturesque, clean image. “Whether it be our magnificent heritage, abundant birdlife, or the myriad of sculptures, there’s so much to see and do.” He enjoys taking the boat out at the ski dam, fishing on the Lachlan River, relaxing at Lake Forbes, or exploring the town centre and the new digital heritage trail. 

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