Forbes Phoenix

Now Is The Time To Use Your Dine & Discover Vouchers

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DINE AND DISCOVER: Community members are being encouraged to use their Dine and Discover vouchers at a number of different venues around Forbes. Photo courtesy of Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club.

Business NSW is encouraging the Western NSW community to use their NSW Government’s Dine & Discover vouchers before they expire on Saturday 31 August.

“The Greater Sydney and Orange region lockdowns has had a devastating impact to many businesses right across Western NSW and using your Dine & Discover vouchers is one way you can support your local businesses and their staff throughout this trying time,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“We surveyed our members at the beginning of the restrictions, and high-level results suggested business revenue was down by at least 40% in certain sectors across Western NSW. We have no doubt that this is still the case for many businesses, particularly across the Orange, Cabonne and Blayney local government areas,” she said.

The Dine and Discover program was recently updated so that Dine NSW vouchers can be used for Takeaway purchases as well.

“This change means we can continue to support businesses, even if we are not able to get out and about due to recent restrictions and lockdowns. We’ve been hearing that some people are yet to apply for their vouchers or don’t know how to apply, but this is a simple process and we encourage all Western NSW residents to apply via the Service NSW website or call Service NSW if you need assistance,” said Ms Seccombe.

“There are two categories of vouchers – Two $25 vouchers can be used for takeaway meals and dining in restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, pubs and clubs. The remaining two $25 vouchers are for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues. Now is the time to use your Dine and Discover vouchers and support your businesses, so that they will still be here when this is all over,” Ms Seccombe said.

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GET A SKIN CHECK: Dr Dan flew into Forbes last week for a visit and checked 63 patients for skin cancers. Studies show more people in regional Australia are likely to get skin cancers than their city cousins.

Dr Dan’s Flying Skin Cancer Visit: Dr Dan recently travelled solo to Parkes, Tottenham, Condobolin and Forbes. Liz Mitchell in Parkes and Forbes helped navigate COVID risk assessments and secure the clearance so Dr Dan could still conduct skin cancer checks and treatments in their towns. Unfortunately, RN Sammy was stuck in the Sydney lockdown, checking in patients from afar. Dr Dan saw 63 patients, and one-third required skin cancer treatments. In metro areas, about one in 10 people need skin cancer treatment. In rural Australia, the rate is much higher, mainly because people don’t have the same access to advanced skin cancer services.

Goldridge Estate Cable Laid: It’s the new development that will go a long way towards addressing housing challenges and the sewer mains for the new Goldridge Estate should be laid by the end of August, with works on water mains to begin immediately thereafter according to councils’ engineering department at the July council meeting. The report said the construction team had started making some good progress after some wet weeks and delays laying almost 200 metres of sewer main each day. Goldridge Estate is a council land release that will feature 221 residential blocks with a central green space for parkland. The first stage will have 25 blocks available for purchase off the plan by Spring all things being equal.

An Easy Way To Donate To CanAssist: Commencing on February 22 this year, Forbes CanAssist will become a donation partner on the Forbes Return and Earn vending machine in Sam Street, Forbes. This means that anyone using the machine from then will be able to donate their proceeds directly to CanAssist Forbes by pushing the appropriate button on the vending machine. Forbes Canassist will be a donation partner for 6 months from February 22nd until August 22nd. We hope you will consider this and help CanAssist continue to provide assistance to Forbes and district residents living with and/or receiving treatment for cancer.

POSTPONED: Local Government elections will be post-poned until December 4 after recent COVID restrictions from a spike in cases.

 

RDA Central West Welcomes New Committee Members

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Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) held its 55th Committee Meeting this week and marked the occasion by welcoming three new members.

RDA Central West Chair Ruth Fagan announced that Rich Evans from Portland, Scott Barrett from Windera and Steve Bowman from Bathurst were inducted into the committee on Thursday.

“Firstly I would like to recognise everyone who applied for the RDA Central West Committee and congratulate Mr Evans, Mr Barrett and Mr Bowman on their appointments,” said Mrs Fagan.

“They are all active leaders in their respective communities and will bring a broad range of local knowledge and experience to the committee and I look forward to working with them as we build a stronger Central West region.

“By volunteering for your local RDA Committee, you have the chance to give something back to the community and help facilitate future investment in the region and I’m proud to Chair the Central West Committee as we do just that.”

To find out more, visit the RDA Central West website at www.rdacentralwest.org.au

Black Spot Road Funding Will Deliver Safety Upgrades To Two Busy Roads: Mccormack

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Users of two busy roads will soon enjoy welcome safety improvements from a $1.345 million investment by the Federal Government through the 2021-22 Black Spot Program, says Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

Mr McCormack said the Government would spend $685,000 on Calarie Road between Wyndham Avenue and Daroobalgie Road at Forbes.

“The project includes road shoulder improvements, road edge lining, installing new guideposts and reflective road pavement markers,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said $660,000 would be spent on Middle Trundle Road between 8km and 10.9km east of the Bogan Way intersection at Trundle.

“The work includes installing curve markers, improving the curved shoulder and installing new curve and advisory signs, as well as new reflective road pavement markers and guideposts,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said regional projects in the latest round of the Black Spot program would receive 60 percent of recommended funding in NSW ($20.7 million of $34.4 million) and 42 percent of projects (41 of 97) were in regional areas. For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/fund-ing/blackspots.

McCormack’s LRCIP Visit To Forbes

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PROGRESS: National’s MP and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack stopped by Forbes last week to inspect a number of projects as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.


National’s MP and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was in Forbes last week to get an update on a plethora of projects being undertaken in the shire.

It was McCormack’s first visit to Forbes since being unseated as National’s Leader by Barnaby Joyce and he took time to meet a number of community stakeholders.

Mr McCormack spoke at length about the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRICP) and how the program has provided a big boost to community infrastructure. He then completed a tour of town with Mayor Phyllis Miller to inspect the latest round of works. They included:

• Additional widening of road on Yarrabandi Road;

• The repair and restoration of the Lions Park picnic shelter and the installation of a rotunda, irrigation upgrade and subsequent electricity supply at Lions Park;

• Necessary upgrades to a problematic intersection on the Newell Highway on the Southern side entrance to Forbes, creation of a new access road and additional parking constructed to support the development of a new Visitors In-formation Centre at the former Lachlan Vintage Village;

• Refurbishment and repair of Forbes Heated Pool facility including improving accessibility for community;

• Installation of Closed Circuit TV system throughout the Forbes CBD.

“Forbes Council knows where this money is best spent in the Forbes community,” Mr McCormack said.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our regions, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Mr McCormack said.

Hard Vax Is COVID Not Going Any Time Soon

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GET VACCINATED: More and more locations throughout the Central West will soon be able to provide vaccines for community members. Please check with your local GP or via NSW Health for times and availability and book your vaccine today! INSET: WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

In Australia so far, COVID cases in total since the beginning of the pandemic are around 33,000 – that’s roughly the population of Bathurst and with only 13.1% fully vaccinated the number is expected to grow if NSW residents especially don’t start following public health orders and get vaccinated according to WNSWLHD Chief Executive Officer Scott McLachlan.

“The sooner we can all get vaccinated the better,” he said.

“We also need people to continue to get tested!”

With plenty of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine available and the imminent arrival of more Pfizer shots plus the increase in mobile sites, hubs, teams and locations such as medical centres, hospitals and pharmacies, there are multiple opportunities for people to get vaccinated especially over 40s.

McLachlan said that our region had just the one active case who was identified last week in the Cabonne Shire. Forbes, despite at one point being the focus of a potential COVID scare back on June 10, remains on the same restrictions as most of regional NSW and has done since an infected Victorian couple drove through Forbes on the way to the Sunshine Coast.

Key information as of July 28:

• Overnight there have been no new cases COVID-19 identified in our Local Health District;

• There is currently one active case of COVID-19 in our LHD. That case is located in the Cabonne LGA;

• As a result of contact tracing and other investigations we currently have six venues of concern in our LHD; five in Orange and one at Bathurst. All venues of trans-mission or concern are listed on the NSW Health website;

• Yesterday, more than 1,400 COVID-19 tests were performed in the Central West;

• In most cases, people will receive their results within 72 hours. If people are waiting longer than 72 hours for results, please contact our public health team between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 1300 066 055;

• Up to time of publication there had been approximately 38,000 tests conducted in the WNSWLHD in the last four weeks;

• Overnight there have been no changes to public health orders. However we encourage readers to check online for the latest updates.

Community members with questions should be encouraged to contact the National Coro-navirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

For information on COVID-19 testing locations go to www.nsw.gov.au and click the COVID-19 button to search for your nearest location. Anyone with symptoms related to COVID-19 should arrange to be tested and self-isolate until they receive their results.

For information on COVID-19 vaccination go to the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker at www.health.gov.au

Bernardi’s Round 6 BBC Recipients

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Aruma, Havana House and Holistic Avenue are just some of the recipients of Round 6 of the Building Better Communities Program. Since its inception in 2019, Bernardi’s has proudly donated $200,000 into the local communities in which they operate.

The Forbes family-owned company have been able to give back to local schools, hospitals, sporting clubs and charities with their “Building Better Communities Program” which aims to focus largely on local organisations “who need a helping hand, to keep our local communities thriving and connected”.

Co-CEO Joseph Bernardi said, “the program has been a great success for our communities and something that our family is very proud of. We love that it’s a whole community effort.” Beneficiaries will share in a donation pool of $5,000. They include:
• Aruma – who were looking to purchase new tables and chairsfor their central meeting place where they can hold meetings to catch up with individuals.
• Havana House – have been looking for donations for the day today running of the charity to provide emergency relief to womenand children.
• Holistic Avenue – hope to put their donation towards every dayrunning costs of the charity.

See more at bernardis.net.au/community

Athletes Ready For COVIDSafe PSSA Events

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In what has already been a disruptive year for junior sport, a ‘clear’ path for PSSA activities may finally exist.

With most of metropolitan NSW in lock-down, adjustments have been daily in line with public health orders. New wording from the NSW Government clarifies where school sport stands currently within West-ern School Sports Association (WSSA) – which includes Lachlan PSSA.

“Inter-school sport and physical activity, including the Representative School Sport pathway (team and individual), can occur across Local Government Areas (apart from those in Greater Sydney) with COVID-safe practices in place. This includes gala days, trials, knock outs and carnivals.”

This means the Lachlan PSSA Athletics is back on track and the event will take place under COVID safe practices at North-parkes Oval on Friday July 30.

At this stage the event can have spectators that must adhere to our COVID safe plan, including all adults registering using the provided QR code, social distancing where practical, use of hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and all adults to wear a mask. Spectators will only be allowed into the venue after registering and must wear masks.

Check the PSSA Facebook page for latest updates and information.

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SUPPORTING OUR MOST VULNERABLE: Member for Riverina Michael McCormack in Canberra last week with Parkes School students while pushing his support for the new disability gateway.

McCormack Welcomes Dedicated National Referral And Support Service For People With Disability: Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is urging those with a disability in the Riverina and Central West to take advantage of a new national referral and support service. Mr McCormack said the dedicated one-stop service would provide advice and up-to-date information.

“This is an important service for those with a disability, as well as their loved ones, across the Riverina and Central West,” Mr McCormack said.

The Disability Gateway can assist with a range of support, from locating advocacy services, finding a sporting team that meets the needs of a person’s disability or identifying local disability-related events.

It is available at www.disabilitygateway.gov.au or by calling 1800 643 787 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST.

Conditions Of Entry For Bird Sale And Poultry Auction: Central West bird sale, community markets and poultry silent auction will be going ahead as planned on Saturday 14th August (pending further COVID restrictions). At this stage all sellers and the public will be subject to the following –
1. COVID check-in meaning you must have access to a smart phone;
2. Masks MUST be worn (a COVID Mar-shall will ask anyone to leave who is not complying);
3. A proof of address such as license will be checked. Anyone from a current hot spot including any area subject to COVID restrictions will be refused entry.

Other precautions we will implement include:
• We will have several sanitising stations throughout the venue;
• The toilets and hi-touch areas will be sanitised every 30 minutes;
• Three sheds will be used for selling of birds to lessen crowding;
• All market stalls will be outside;
• All sellers will enter via rear gate; (Racecourse Road) and general public by main entry (Show Street);
• All sheds will have entry and exit doors.
• Sharon 0406 512 851 for more info.

Mitre 10 Ladies Night: Ladies night is on again at Acheson’s Mitre 10 in Forbes. The blue chip event will be held on Thursday August 26 from 6-8pm. There will be promotions, prizes, info, refreshments and much more! Check their Facebook page for more info and latest COVID announcements and restrictions.

LADIES NIGHT: Thursday night August 26 from 6-8pm Acheson’s Mitre 10 Forbes will be holding another ladies night! Prizes, promotions, refreshments and much more! Check their Facebook page for more info!

 

 

Comfort Capes For Kids

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FOR THE KIDS: Christine L’Estrange, Robyn Miller (President of Forbes CWA Evening Branch) and Sue Cunningham (CWA) posing with comfort capes for children impacted by the recent uncertainty with the COVID pandemic.

Forbes Country Women’s Association Evening Branch has jumped on board with Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Care by donating comfort capes to kids.

Forbes CWA Evening Branch President, Robyn Miller said “those who work with families and children supporting them in times of need, require all the assistance they can get, particularly in these uncertain and often anxious times”.

“Forbes CWA Evening Branch are proud to assist Wilcannia Forbes Catholic Care in doing this by donating a dozen security comfort capes for them to use with children whose world is changing rapidly due to family issues,” Robyn said.

“COVID-19 had played a role in delaying the donation but now, more than ever, it is important that children have a sense of security and a bit of normalcy. We hope these capes can bring a little of security and fun to them”.

The capes were made by a CWA Evening Branch member using Toy Story images as the theme for the capes.

Christine L’Estange, representing Catholic Care said, “the capes will be used for children at the playgroups held at the Women’s Refuge and that they would be much appreciated by both children and staff”.

“I’m sure the children will find some fun in playing with their super security capes and that they (the capes) bring comfort and a sense of security wearing them”.

Ms L’Estrange also thanked Forbes CWA Evening Branch for their ongoing support of the Women’s Refuge.

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