Forbes Shire Council’s Mayor, Phyllis Miller has been honoured with a prestigious Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government in the Elected Representative for Regional/Rural Category.

Phyllis was recognised for the many years of commitment to the Forbes community. “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award, especially since it is for something I truly love doing,” said Phyllis.

“I joined Council back in 1995 after the death of my son in a tragic vehicle accident. The community support I received during this time was incredible and I was so appreciative of the support and kindness our family received and I wanted a way to give back to the community in which I was a part of.”

“I do this job because I am passionate about achieving the best for my community and whilst it hasn’t been easy I can tell you, with my fellow Councillors, our brilliant GM, Steve Loane and the wonderful dedicated staff, we at Council have achieved so many amazing things over the 25 years I have been with Council.”

For Phyllis, there have been numerous moments to be proud of when it comes to serving the community of Forbes. In being elected as President of the Shires Association of NSW in 2003, Phyllis was the first and only woman to be elected as President since the Association’s inception one century ago. In 2007 Phyllis was also awarded the Medal of the Order for her service and contribution to local government and the environment.

“I would like to encourage all women to think about representing their community in local government. My advice to those wanting to take the challenge is to gain knowledge, ask questions, get training, and be persistent and patient. Local Government is a slow-moving organisation, and with patience so many great things can be achieved,” Phyllis said.

Due to COVID-19 the Awards ceremony was unable to take place at Parliament House however, the ceremony was conducted live on YouTube.

The Forbes community is again rallying to ‘support its own’ with funds raised for Ronald McDonald House and a highly successful blood donation campaign last week.

Forbes Preschool’s community jumped into action to support the family of Andrew and Rebecca Pengilly after their son Robert was diagnosed with leukaemia on his third birthday.

During Forbes Preschool’s Canteen Week the children enjoyed a warm cooked lunch, just like at big school, and parents received a break from packing a lunch box.

An extra bonus this time is all the money raised was matched by the preschool, and was donated to Ronald McDonald Westmead, where the Pengilly’s will stay during the months of Robert’s treatment.

“Everyone wants to help so we hoped this was one way a lot of families could pitch in to help out one of our much-loved families. We will be planning more events throughout the year as well,” Preschool Director Amy Shine said.

“We’re blown away to learn that the Forbes Preschool community has raised $3,500 in support of families with a seriously ill or injured child, staying at Ronald McDonald House Westmead,” Belinda Woolford, CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney said.

“These funds are a huge help and will support 20 nights’ accommodation for a family with a sick child. Thanks to generous communities like Forbes, over 2,000 families are provided with a home-away-from-home each year. Thank you all!” she added.

Last week, close family friend Ashleigh Dent also organised a successful blood drive for the ‘Red Cells for Robert’ group to support Robert who will have to receive many blood products during his treatment.

Staff across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) are encouraging patients coming to the hospital to bring spare clothes, as part of the #EndPJParalysis 90 Day Challenge.

WNSWLHD project lead, Rachael Hallam said: “The international campaign focuses on the mental and physical benefits of patients wearing day clothes and keeping active during their stay in hospital.”

Our clothes influence our feelings, behaviour, and identity. “Wearing normal day clothes instead of pyjamas helps make patients feel more confident and independent,” Rachael said. By wearing their own clothes, patients are also encouraged to maintain a routine and be more social which in turn, keeps them active with a more positive mindset.

“It also makes it easier to keep active which reduces the risk of muscle weakness, falls and pressure sores. This is especially important for the elderly, one week in a hospital bed can lead to a loss of 1.5kg muscle and 10% loss of general fitness,” Rachael said.

Forbes Hospital will begin the challenge on Tuesday, 1 September and staff are participating in the challenge to get as many patients up, dressed and moving each morning as possible. “Patients can support the campaign and improve their health by bringing comfy day clothes to hospital or asking family, friends or carers to bring suitable clothes,” Rachael said.

The #EndPJParalysis initiative was created by Professor Brian Dolan, to encourage patients to get up, dressed and moving to reduce the risk of deconditioning while in hospital.

Contributing an annual turnover of $330 million to the local economy, the Central West Livestock Exchange is a crucial asset for the Shire of Forbes and Council are asking residents to help ensure its continuation as a major business through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our community is very fortunate to have this asset that will help us to work our way out of drought, and can continue to be a good earner for the Shire even through coronavirus restrictions,” says Forbes Shire General Manager, Steve Loane.

“We are very proud of our connection to agriculture and the livestock industry. It is central to our core values and how we see ourselves as a community.”

“Safety at the site is absolutely key for the CWLE to continue to operate through the current crisis. Buyers are actively demonstrating their commitment to protect the industry; you would have seen the Fletchers buyers always wearing a mask. As a business they have asked all staff to wear them as part of their COVID safe plan,” said Steve.

The Council is asking people to recon- sider attending the Livestock Exchange if they are unwell, to strongly consider wear- ing a mask, and to follow the instructions of staff on site.

“The staff of the CWLE work hard to maintain and smoothly operate this great facility. We are all working hard to ensure that the yards continue to operate and contribute economically to the shire.”

With more than 2000 tonnes of concrete and 221 tonnes of steel, the new 70-metre long bridge not only makes crossing the lake safer and easier, but ties in with the modern, clean lines of the landscape that has already begun to take shape around the lake, with more improvements to come.