Front Page Archives - Page 32 of 56

An Army Of Support

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Sandra Walmsley and her team of volunteers are grateful to have their doors open again, especially during the cooler months.

When Sandra Walmsley, Corpse Officer of the Forbes and Parkes Salvation Army, arrived in town in January this year, she could not have predicted the changes coming her way. Previously stationed in Deniliquin for five years, Sandra could not believe her luck at being sent to Forbes. “Forbes is a bit like coming home,” she said. “I got married here, it’s where my husband is from and our friends are here so it’s good to come back to familiar surroundings.”

Prior to the pandemic, the Forbes Family Store operated with 10 volunteers and now, due to their ages, the store is running on five volunteers who are working tirelessly to process the donations from generous Forbes residents.

With an abundance of donations, Sandra was thankful that the Forbes community did not flood donation bins, which have to sit in a 72-hour quarantine before being processed. “There is a fair bit of work to be done. Every op shop is always busy and while there is a lot to do, these family stores are a great way to connect to the community. It is a shop that services so many in the community regardless of wealth.”

“It was challenging for us to keep our doors closed with the recent dramatic change in weather, it’s when vulnerable people in our community rely on us the most,” Sandra said, who also wanted to assure the public that unsold items are not thrown away. “The Salvation Army sends stock that isn’t sold locally to One Ten, a charity organisation that supports widows and single women in Africa by mending damaged items and sending them on to communities where they are needed.”

Long term plans for the store are slowly taking shape, with plans for a community space where people can come in and have a cup of tea and chat. Volunteers and members of the public who want to connect and combat loneliness are always welcome.

Reconciliation; In This Together 2020

June 5, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Fletcher Morrison and Max Davies delighted in the cultural celebration of National Reconciliation Week.

National Reconciliation Week has been celebrated differently this year in Forbes. National Reconciliation Week is celebrated from 27 May to 3 June each year with these dates commemorating the anniversaries of the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision. The week-long celebration calls for Australians to explore and engage in the conversation of reconciliation.

While Forbes Preschool would normally invite families and partners from the community into the preschool for a BBQ and activities, this year has seen a focus on discussion and understanding.

Forbes Preschool won the 2019 Narragunnawali for their implementation of the principles of reconciliation. These principles aim to foster pride and knowledge in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Preschool Director Amy Shine said that this year, in the yarning circle, children and educators discussed “who we are and where we belong.” Amy added that the preschool has been utilising social media to connect to and engage with the community.

Forbes is fortunate to have Wiradjuri elders who bring so much cultural enrichment and historical insight into the area, with many having witnessed tremendous change in their lifetimes.

While the usual Reconciliation Week celebrations couldn’t go ahead this year due to restrictions and Dreaming Centre upgrades, “It’s still important for non-Aboriginal Australians to learn about the history of this ancient land,” said Wiradjuri elder Aileen Allen.

“To me, reconciliation is about closing the gap together and we are making steady progress,” adding “respect and understanding go hand in hand.”

Forbes Preschool is celebrating National Reconciliation Week in small groups this year.

Targeted For Closure

May 29, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Target is set to close by mid-2021.

The recent announcement by Westfarmers that Forbes Target, alongside 159 other mostly regional stores, is to be closed or converted into Kmart has been met with unanimous expressions of disappointment throughout the Forbes Shire.

While Target has said they would focus on increasing awareness of their online business for regional communities, as well as broaden their online capabilities, Forbes Business Chamber’s Marg Duggan has warned that this would only further damage the local economy. “It’s really disappointing, closures by corporate business have a bigger impact here than in cities,” said Marg.

Both the Forbes Shire Council and the Forbes Business Chamber are going to approach Westfarmers to urge them to reconsider the closure of Forbes Target, which currently services over 65,000 people in the Forbes Shire and surrounds.

“The size of the store, should it remain empty, will have a tremendous impact on our beautiful CBD and the reduction in traffic will have devastating consequences for smaller businesses in town.” Marg went on to say that the closure is “a tough reminder of the consequences of online shopping and the changing global economy,” urging consumers to “reconsider their shopping habits and shop locally before going out of town.”

While many Forbes small businesses have an online presence, the sustainability of the CBD relies on foot traffic coming into the bricks and mortar stores, with the Forbes Business Chamber reminding shop owners that they have the responsibility to provide a good shopping experience for their customers.

A Forbes retail veteran and store owner, Stewart Robb said: “We think it’s terrible. We have been here for 40 years, before there was a department store there and it was pretty dire then. This closure will drive locals out of town for basics,” adding, “Grenfell and Condobolin and all the other towns in between will be going to Parkes,” a move that will have a devastating impact on the local economy.

One Forbes saleswoman believes that the Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council’s energy is better spent in finding a replacement, such as Best&Less, to occupy the space. “Everyone else will be chasing up Target,” a company many retailers expressed have “made their decision based on numbers, so there is no way to change their mind.” Forbes Target is set to close mid-next year, and while the predicted impact of the closure is daunting, the ingenuity and resilience of the Forbes community is sure to find a solution.

Forbes Families Welcome Reopening Of Parks And Playgrounds

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Parker Claire headed straight for his favourite park equipment, the slippery dip.

Outdoor parks and playgrounds reopened to the public from Friday last week, with many families coming out over the weekend to enjoy their favourite playgrounds in Forbes. The highly anticipated reopening of the Ski Dam playground has been celebrated throughout the Shire with a steady flow of families enjoying the much-loved playground and upgraded facilities that received finishing touches this week and are now ready for the public to enjoy.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM acknowledged the enthusiasm of the community for life to return to normal but urged residents to continue to be mindful when returning to parks and playgrounds, asking residents to “keep the health of your family and others in mind when using the equipment.”

No longer bound by the eyesore of fluorescent orange safety bunting, Forbes playgrounds are looking more inviting than ever. However, there is still a limit of 10 people at playgrounds in the Forbes Shire at any one time. The limit was largely respected over the weekend, with families staying mindful of numbers and time spent in the area.

“We are so proud of the work completed around our beautiful Ski Dam, you must come and have a look,” said Mayor Miller. “I must congratulate our amazing staff who have worked tirelessly to bring all of this to fruition, well done.” The upgrade includes multiple seating and dining areas, BBQ facilities and soft green grass, all centred around the picturesque nature playground overlooking the water.

A Coffee On Cowal

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Simon Coates gifting a voucher to Dr Richard Draper. The Evolution Senior Environmental Advisor distributed vouchers to educators and health care workers in Forbes.

Last Friday, Forbes health care workers and educators were recognised and thanked by Evolution Mining who recently rolled out ‘A Coffee on Cowal,’ a fantastic, community focused initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative saw Forbes Shire essential workers in the health and education sector gifted with a free cup of coffee from Evolution Cowal. The initiative not only supports local business through the purchase of the coffee vouchers, but also acknowledges and thanks those health care workers for the fantastic job they are doing to keep our community safe. The thanks extends to Forbes Shire educators for the challenging, fast-paced, ever changing work that they are doing to support their students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and the government’s response to the pandemic has brought changes, minor and major, to the lives of all and this is one way that Evolution Cowal has stepped in to show their thanks and support for Forbes’ health workers and educators.

Simon Coates, Senior Environmental Advisor to Cowal, who handed out the vouchers said, “It was great to touch base and share stories with these workers and it was very clear the small gesture of a cup of coffee was very much appreciated and they were grateful for the recognition.”

Evolution handed out 300 vouchers to 10 businesses in the Forbes Shire and endeavours to continue to support the community during these challenging and uncertain times.

Calling All Tradies And Suppliers

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Marg Duggan and Duke Jelbart from the Forbes Business Chamber are urging Forbes tradespeople and businesses to update their contact information.

Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council have joined forces to update and add to the current business database.

Both organisations are looking for all businesses to update their contact details with the Forbes Business Chamber. “We are looking for details of tradies and suppliers,” said Marg Duggan, President of Forbes Business Chamber.

“Forbes has many exciting projects happening in the next couple of years and as details for quotes and contracting opportunities become available, we need to be able to contact the relevant people.”

The Forbes Business Database has been growing over the past three years. “Currently the database has over 450 Forbes businesses and not-for-profit organisations listed,” said Marg. “At times it is very hard to get businesses to update their details which makes it difficult for Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council to pass on very important information.”

“I encourage all of our tradies and suppliers to jump on board this initiative,” said Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, Phyllis Miller OAM. “We continue to support locals where we can and provide contact details to our newcomers to town as well as any enquiries that present at Council.”

“Forbes is very lucky to have so many tradespeople in our town and by working together we can ensure the work is here to keep them around,” added Phyllis.

Please email Forbes Business Chamber at forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com to have a database update form sent to you.

Phase Zero Commences In Forbes Schools

May 1, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The children of essential workers are still permitted at school during phase one of the Return to School Guidelines.

Phase Zero of the NSW Department of Education’s Managed Return to School Guideline will commence on Monday, 11th May.

Like the rest of the State, Forbes school students are currently in phase one of the plan which encourages families to keep their children at home wherever possible, and to continue to support home learning.

Forbes schools have been in consultation mode, organising for Phase One of the guidelines which will see students split into groups to return to school for one day a week. Establishing which group attends on which day is to be decided at the school’s discretion, however preferences are to be given to siblings.

This guideline is supported by Forbes Public School, with Principal Meg Staples saying, “For us, we will look at family groups and follow the government’s phased, deliberate approach to returning children to school.”

For parents who have concerns for their child’s progress while learning from home, Sydney University vice-chancellor, Michael Spence weighed in with some encouraging advice, saying that the Australian education system is adaptable enough that teachers are able to identify where a child may need extra support, and provide that.

“The process of education is not a neat, straight progression forward, sometimes it leaps forwards, sometimes it plateaus and sometimes it goes backward, so have faith in your child’s ability to bounce back into learning at school and their teachers ability to work with their individual needs.”

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.”

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