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Connection Through Commemoration, Lest We Forget

April 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Anzac Day this year is set to be like no other. With public services cancelled Australia wide, grassroots movements are in motion to make Saturday 25 April, as significant as it has been in previous years, despite the lockdown.

Forbes residents are being encouraged to stand at the end of their driveways, front gates, balconies or verandas with a candle, or any suitable light, and observe one minute of silence at 6am, in commemoration of our ANZACs. The nation-wide gesture has been unanimously endorsed by RSL branches in every state of Australia.

Whether Forbes residents choose to do this or not, the silence of dawn will be broken by the playing of the Last Post by members of the Forbes Town and District Band, who will be playing from home.

President of the Forbes Town and District Band, Sue-Anne Nixon is encouraging all Forbes musicians to give it a try, saying, “any instrument can play the Last Post, not just the bugle or trumpet. You may just hear the sombre tribute being played from a neighbour’s driveway in your own street.”

Alternatively, ABC Radio Australia will be broadcasting from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra beginning at 5am, the service will conclude with the observing of a minute’s silence followed by the playing of the Last Post at 6am.

While this year has thrown many challenges our way, the optimism, determination, and spirit of the Forbes community is the vehicle that unifies, despite the distance. While we cannot physically stand together on this day, we will stand together in spirit to remember the service and sacrifice for this nation.

The atmosphere of this Anzac Day provides a chance to reflect on something bigger than ourselves. Perhaps more than ever, many Australians will have a better capacity to understand the sacrifices of our ANZACs.

Coiffeur Confusion

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes hairdresser Eliza Acret is confident in following government guidelines for the hairdressing industry.

An open letter has been penned by the Australian Hairdressing Council to the State Premiers and members of the National Cabinet. The letter voices heartfelt and genuine concern for the safety of those workers in the hairdressing industry who feel at risk working in such close proximity to their clients. Half of Australia’s 15,000 salons have voluntarily closed, salons that employ 40,000 hairdressers and barbers. Because no salons have specific training in infection control, it is up to individual businesses to read and implement safety measures put into place by the government. Forbes hairdressers have mirrored the sense of confusion in the lack of clarity around rules, experienced by themselves and their clients.

Safety measures like ensuring adequate distance between clients and maintaining a strict limit to the amount of people allowed in the shop at a time reduces the risk of infection spreading however, with the work itself requiring close proximity between hairdressers and their clients, the Australian Hairdressing Council states that they are “a risk to and at risk from our clients.”

The letter further poses the question as to whether the government is prepared to be accountable for death and illness should their “lack of leadership” and lack of clear guidance prove to be inadequate.

For Forbes hairdresser Bronwyn of Metro Hair, the confusion is the result of the changing rules and regulations regarding the hairdressing industry. While Bronwyn has implemented strict guidelines and rules around social distancing in the salon, as well as undertaking a vigorous disinfection routine between clients and says: “I can only do my best, I don’t know what to think, It’s impossible to completely obey social distancing when you are cutting hair.”

Eliza from Hair With Style also confirmed that the salon has implemented a strict dis- infection and social distancing routine, as well as not accepting any clients from out of town.

“As hairdressers, we only know what the government tells us, so we are just taking it day by day, apart from new regulations, it is business as usual,” said Eliza, who also stated that much confusion around the hairdressing industry came about when the government closed the beauty industry, leaving clients and hairdressers confused.

Forbes is yet to have any COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, 15th April. While hairdressers in Forbes understand the Australian Hairdressing Council’s concern for the health and safety of hairdressers in cities and urban areas with high rates of COVID-19, and understands their calls for the government to shut the industry down, Forbes still maintains a sense of security. For the most part, residents and businesses are doing the best that they can with the information they have. Until further notice, Forbes hair salons are still open for business.

Adapting This Easter Through Faith, Family And Fun

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Pastor James McCleary with wife Ally and sons Finley, William and Harvey rely on routine and plenty of play to survive extended time at home.

In the lead up to one of the most significant dates on the Christian calendar, Easter, Pastor James McCleary of Forbes Baptist Church has been busy harnessing the power of the internet to reach church members. While he acknowledges the feeling of distance and isolation, especially during such a significant holiday, James also expressed gratitude for the technology that allows him to reach members of the church, both young and old.

With the usual and highly anticipated activities around Easter cancelled this year, it is important to be flexible and balanced. Pastor James recommends a healthy balance of work, exercise, family and social time, relaxation and sleep to stay on top of his mental health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, with so little face-to-face social interaction and without regular support networks available, it is crucial to be patient and forgiving to oneself. “This climate has forced us to slow things down and gives us a chance to reflect.”

With many older members of the church, James was impressed with how adaptable they have been with the sudden changes, stating: “It has been really encouraging to see the older generation get on board, being flexible and engaging.” While he acknowledges the distance people feel from the community they are used to interacting with each Sunday, and the yearning people feel for face-to-face interaction, he points to “the goodness of God in using technology to continue his work.”

James urged Forbes people to stay in touch over Easter, saying that “ringing people and video calls on messenger are great ways to stay connected.”

Forbes Student Recognised For Literary Excellence

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Riverina MP Michael McCormack congratulates all of the students who entered the 10th annual Anzac Day writing competition.

Amongst 680 entries received from 34 schools across the Riverina electorate, it was year 11 student, Alexandra Davis from Red Bend Catholic College who won the North Division for Secondary Schools category of the 10th annual Anzac Day writing competition.

“Students and teachers throughout the Riverina and Central West can hold their heads high regarding the quality of entries in this years competition,” stated Riverina MP Michael McCormack, who also went on to thank every student and teacher who put in the time to submit entries. It was Alexandra Davies’s piece that stood out amongst a sea of talent to win in her category. Entries were put into primary and secondary categories with the Riverina electorate divided into North, South, East and West divisions.

Michael went on to say, “As Anzac services have been cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is now more important than ever for us all to remember our Anzac’s and invoke their resilient spirit.” This competition serves as an alternative way to commemorate our Anzacs, which is crucial in the current and unprecedented environment.

Each of the student’s winning entries can be found in Mr McCormack’s 10th annual Anzac Day commemorative booklet, which will be delivered to letterboxes throughout the electorate in coming weeks.

The 36-page booklet contains a vast array of stirring stories from across the Riverina and Central West, from towns including Collingullie, Coolamon, Cowra, Forbes, Ganmain, Jugiong, Junee, Parkes, Ungarie, Wagga Wagga, West Wyalong and Young.

Coming Together Despite The Distance

March 27, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes residents can still observe a minute’s silence on Anzac Day despite ceremony cancellations nationwide. (credit:Facebook)

Due to the current restrictions in place and to protect the public from further spread of COVID-19, the Anzac Day March and Memorial Service has been cancelled in Forbes and throughout Australia.

The War Memorial in Canberra will host a private Anzac Day commemorative service in the Commemorative Area and Hall of Memory on Anzac Day. The traditional Dawn Service, National Ceremony and veterans’ march will not take place.

The event will not be open to the public but will be broadcast live across Australia by the ABC and streamed online via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In response to the cancellation of Anzac Day ceremonies throughout the country, Australians have rallied on social media to get the word out about an initiative that can see Australians honouring veterans while maintaining a safe social distance. The Facebook group ‘Aussies & Kiwis for Anzacs’, has attracted over 158, 000 members in only a matter of days. The initiative calls on Australians to stand at the end of their driveways as they observe a minute’s silence at 5:55am on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April. The man behind the idea, Justin Wilbur of Ballarat is urging Australians to light a candle on their veranda or driveway to honour our veterans.

While the future is uncertain, what we can rely on in Forbes is a healthy sense of optimism and inventiveness to overcome new challenges faced as a community

Jemalong Tickled Green For Saint Patrick’s Day

March 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Neil and Jane Gilmore entertained residents at the Jemalong Retirement Village on St. Patrick’s Day.

There was no better place to be on Saint Patrick’s Day than Jemalong Retirement Village (JRV), where residents and staff alike were treated to a set of Irish classics by The Gilmores, the husband and wife duo who sing regularly at JRV, as well as three retirement villages in Parkes. The JRV dining room was vibrantly decorated in all shades of green with the residents and staff dressed to match.

Spirits were high as the audience was treated to an array of the classics as well as modern Irish folk songs including ‘If You’re Irish, Come To The Parlour,’ ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ and ‘Flight Of Earls’ by the very talented Forbes residents, Jane and Neil Gilmore. Jane and Neil are also an integral part of the Seniors Choir and serve as the driving force behind the annual Seniors Week Variety Concert in the Town Hall.

Lifestyle Therapist at JRV, Judy Prior said, “The day was fantastic, we had 90 residents come down, had fantastic entertainment, a BBQ, which all of the residents love, lots of helpers came and the staff pulled together a fantastic celebration followed by bingo and Irish Jokes.”

Judy expressed how important events like this are for residents, especially with the recent excursion cancellations which can result in an overwhelming sense of isolation for residents without the community gatherings hosted at the village. Next week JRV will host a gathering with music and a BBQ for National Epilepsy Day.

Garema Got Up And Came To Forbes

March 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Guest speaker Sam Bailey and Event organiser Tom Norris.

The Get Up and Go Garema gathering went ahead last Thursday, with a last-minute venue change from the Garema Hall to the Central West Livestock Exchange.

Council worked hard to clear space and pulled off making the venue both vibrant and practical. The gathering was a coming together of community groups and organisations and five powerful and inspiring guest speakers who demonstrated the importance of taking positive steps to better mental health.

Event organiser Tom Norris developed his vision for the event after attending a similar one years earlier and recognising the life changing impact it had on his own life and mental health. Tom was in great spirits at the event saying, “I am over the moon with this rain and especially grateful to Forbes Shire Council for throwing their support behind this and all they have done for us.”

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program Coordinator, Di Gill weighed in on the significance of such an event, stating that, “With the fire, flood, dust, smoke and drought, addressing mental health in rural and regional communities is more important than ever.”

Forbes Council, Centrelink, Community Health, Local Land Services, NSW Farmers, Forbes Preschool, Forbes High School and many more organisations and groups were there to offer information on the support and resources that are available to farmers and farming families.

The Central West Livestock Exchange served as an impressive venue for the gathering.

Many community groups lent their skills in hospitality, which made the day all the more comfortable for the many who had travelled from Garema and surrounds to attend on the day.

MC, Bruce Reynolds of Blayney Shire Council introduced the line-up of speakers with Geoff Chase, a cattle farmer from Tottenham, speaking first in intimate detail about his own battle with depression. Geoff gave incredible insight into the disease and provided understanding and hope for those who suffer from the disease, as well as the family of the sufferer, stating, “The one’s closest to you end up taking the brunt of it.”

Guest speaker Craig Semple, former Investigative Detective who spent 25 years on the force provided insight into suicide in rural communities. He also shared his own experience and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression, giving the audience a sense of the process of healing and recovering from mental illness.

Sam Bailey moved the audience with his personal story of resilience and making it through the darkest depths of the human psyche. Chris Wilson of Wantabadgery advised that it was only the attention and support of family that enabled him to recognise and seek the help he needed in his fight against the disease. Chris summed up mental illness perfectly in saying, “There is no shame in mental illness, just a shame if you don’t do anything about it.”

Fighting Driver Fatigue, One Cuppa At A Time

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jenny Webb, Kerrie Hodder, Ben Macfarlane and Melanie Suitor at the Free Cuppa For the Driver morning tea in Templar Street, Forbes. Kerrie Hodder from the Bakehouse, Forbes, was honoured for 10 years of support for the initiative.

Last Thursday saw business owners, members of the public, Road Safety Officers, Police officers and representatives from various regional Councils converge in Templar Street Forbes for the 10 year launch of the Free Cuppa For The Driver safety initiative which runs from 1st March to 21st May.

Road and Safety Officer for the Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Melanie Suitor, was Master of Ceremonies. Melanie introduced Inspector Ben Macfarlane from Dubbo, who spoke about the dangers of driver fatigue and the frustration police feel at being unable to police and prevent it. Forbes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb also spoke and gave a heartfelt thanks to local businesses who are supporting the initiative.

Kerrie Hodder, owner of the Forbes Bakehouse, who has been involved in the initiative for the 10 years that it has been running, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her long time support.

Guests enjoyed a free cuppa and piece of cake while they mingled after the ceremony. The initiative, which impressively encompasses 15 Councils and over 80 businesses, aims to tackle driver fatigue by encouraging drivers to stop and take a break when driving long distances.

Drivers who are travelling 100km or more away from home can claim a free cup of tea or coffee from participating businesses, whilst there, drivers can go into the draw to win fuel vouchers by filling in an entry form and dropping it into the entry box in-store.

‘Get Up And Go’ To The Gathering In Garema

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Guest Speaker Sam Bailey will share his story of tragedy, triumph and romance.

Community members from Garema are inviting people from Forbes and surrounding areas to come along to a free event and find out more about what drought support is available, how to get help for mental health issues and to hear from a number of lived experience speakers.

The event will be held on Thursday, 5 March from 9.30am at Garema Hall and everyone is welcome to attend. Guest speaker, Sam Bailey is a C6/C7 quadriplegic who has conquered his disability to become a successful farmer, ultralight pilot, inspirational speaker, best-selling author and role model for children.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinator Di Gill said there will be something for everyone including a health check, kids’ corner with childcare, and a free morning tea and lunch, stating

that “we want people from these smaller communities to come together and learn more about how they can help themselves or others with mental health issues.”

Event organiser and local farmer Tom Norris said he was inspired to get this event off the ground after he himself attended a similar event during the Millennium Drought which was “a turning point” for his own mental wellbeing.

Tom acknowledged his supporters, “Thanks to a combined effort between the Garema Hall committee, the Forbes Shire Council, RAMHP, the Department of Primary Industries Rural Resilience Program, the Country Women’s Association, Forbes’ Men’s Shed, the Forbes Lions Club and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) this event has been able to happen.”

Seniors Festival In Full Swing

February 21, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Meditation in motion, Tuesdays Tai Chi class was a great opportunity to exercise, socialise, and have fun.

Forbes has been celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival this week with its very own Give It A Go Festival.

The week-long celebration kicked off last Sunday showcasing exceptional talent at the Seniors Variety Concert in the Town Hall with proceeds going to the CWA Drought Relief. The concert, attended by many, was followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea which was generously provided by Council whilst supporting local businesses.

Yoga, croquet, indoor bowls, talks by renowned historians, dancing, fishing and drawing have been included in the festival’s line up this year, to include something for everyone.

On Tuesday, Cheryl Shirvington and Sandra Nicholson led a class of 25 ladies in Tai Chi at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. Cheryl and Sandra teach the class weekly and said that the best thing is that it is suitable for all abilities and fitness levels, with no commitment required. The classes are also a great excuse to socialise.

Forbes resident Alison Baker attended Tai Chi and saw it as “proof of what a great community Forbes is,” stating, “we are so grateful to the Council for all they do, not just for the seniors,” a sentiment shared by many attending the class on Tuesday.

The NSW Seniors Festival continues until Sunday with the Seniors Social Sundowner on the back deck at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club from 4pm-6pm. RSVP to Council on 02 6850 2300.

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