Forbes Phoenix

Family Operated Businesses Form Backbone Of Forbes Economy

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Dwane Hanley ready for a day of earthmoving with his trusted tipper truck.

Husband and wife team Dwane and Kellie Hanley who run LaserEyes Earthworx are just one of many family owned and operated businesses in Forbes who work tirelessly to provide services essential to the growth and sustainability of small towns in rural NSW.

After working in the earthmoving industry for more than 10 years, Dwane started his own earthmoving business alongside his wife Kellie in 2017. It’s the ‘get up and go’ attitude and strong initiative to put ideas into action that puts Forbes businesses on the path to success.

Dwane is a Forbes man, born and bred, while his wife Kellie moved here 11 years ago. Dwane is the muscle behind the operation, while Kellie assists in both projects and administration of business, all while running her own renovation business and raising their three daughters.

The family business offers large trenching services with their specialised machine, the Ditch Witch, which is used in carrying out large trench jobs for big irrigation on farms. They also do residential trenching with a bobcat trencher for power and water irrigation around the house. They also do shed pads, house pads, post hole boring – ticking those structural requirement boxes that Council often require – as well as tree removal and yard clean ups. Their laser grading attachment ensures 100% levelling jobs for driveways and more. Dwane and Kellie also source landscaping needs such as soil, boulders, stones, granite and metal dust. The excavator, bobcat and tipper truck have all the attachments to meet any earthmoving need.

This is just one example of the important services that small, family run businesses provide. The families behind them are both inspiring and essential to the growth and development of the towns and regions in which they operate.

Celebrating Catholic Education

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Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated across the Diocese of Bathurst and Catholic schools will be offering a variety of activities and educational initiatives to showcase their values to members of the community. There are 33 schools in the Bathurst Diocese contributing to the long and rich tradition of quality Catholic schooling in this country.

Having contributed to the fabric of Australian society in the past, Catholic schools continue to strive to partner with families and their local community to provide a holistic, quality education for students.

Founded on the view that each human being is unique, possessing their individual gifts and talents, catholic schools are professional learning communities, relentlessly focused on calling forth and developing each student’s potential.

Forbes Shire Recreation Fnd Open Space Strategy Underway

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If residents of the Forbes Shire are visiting a park or sport facility over the coming weeks, don’t be surprised if you see people wandering around facilities taking photos and notes. Council has engaged consultants to undertake and assist development of a Recreation and Open Space Strategy for the Shire.

“If you are approached by one of the ROSS Planning team for a quick chat please take the time to get to know more about the project and share your thoughts, ideas and experiences as your input will help lead to better outcomes for the project,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The Recreation and Open Space Strategy will investigate the current organisations, services and sport and active recreation facilities in the Shire, community demographics and population projections, the recreation needs of the community and actions required to provide a diverse range of sustainable active recreation and sporting opportunities for the community into the future,” Mayor Miller said.

“There will be plenty of opportunity for residents to be involved in shaping this important Recreation Open Space Strategy to benefit residents and visitors,” Mayor Miller concluded.

Champagne And Celebrations For International Women’s Day

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Come down to Lions Park to hear inspiring guest speakers whilst enjoying a champagne breakfast for International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in the community. Forbes Shire Council will host this celebration with a champagne breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday 8 March.

“We will be joined once again by some of our ‘legendary local ladies’, telling their unique and wonderful stories,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “Start the day balanced after a mindfulness meditation session and feel nourished with a gourmet breakfast on offer including hot and cold options.

“You will be able to spice up your morning by visiting our ‘Make Your Own Mimosa Bar’ complete with juice, fresh fruit and more!”

This year’s theme is ‘Each for Equal’ which encourages women to challenge the stereotypes, fight bias and broaden perceptions, because equality is essential for economies and communities to survive.

The morning starts with a mindfulness session at 6.30am. Bring your own mat or towel and stay on for the breakfast, entertainment and guest speakers. The ticket includes a delicious breakfast, a hot drink and a glass of sparkling wine. Tickets are $10 and available through 123tix.com.au.

Additional glasses of sparkling wine will be available for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds to be donated to Breast Cancer Support.

Nominations Open For 2020 Resilient Australia Awards

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Submissions are now open for the 2020 Resilient Australia Awards, celebrating those in our community who show initiative in helping to create a more disaster resilient Australia. Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the recent fires, drought, floods and storms remind us that disasters are a fact of life for Australians.

“While we have to live with disasters, we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike,” Minister Littleproud said. “The Resilient Australia Awards highlight achievements that may otherwise be unrecognised, with stories that promote disaster resilience.”

Littleproud went on to say, “The Australian Government is committed to making our communities safer, stronger and better prepared. These awards are part of that commitment.”

Now in their 21st year, the awards are open to all Australians, including individuals, not for profit organisations, small and large businesses, local and state government, schools, education institutions, research bodies and emergency service agencies.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions in six categories: community, business, local government, government, school and photography. The Australian Government is proud to sponsor these awards in partnership with the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, states and territories.

Submissions are open until 18 May 2020. For more information and to apply go to www.aidr.org.au/resilient-australia-awards

‘Get Up And Go’ To The Gathering In Garema

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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.”

Nursing And Midwifery Graduates To Be Dispersed Throughout Western NSW Hospitals

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More than 100 new nurses and midwives will begin working in Western NSW Local Health District hospitals this year as part of their annual new graduate intake.

WNSWLHD Nursing and Midwifery Transition and Workforce Manager, Jackie Corliss, said the recruits are part of the NSW Government’s record $2.8 billion investment to boost frontline health workers by 8,300, including 5,000 nurses and midwives, over four years.

In WNSWLHD the nurses and midwives will join hospitals at Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Coolah, Condobolin, Narromine, Peak Hill, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Blayney, Cowra, Forbes, Rylstone, Parkes, Baradine, Collarenebri, Grenfell, Warren, and Mudgee. “The new graduates will work in all clinical areas including surgical, medical and paediatrics,” Jackie said.

This news must come as somewhat of a relief to Forbes residents. Since the Parkes Maternity unit has closed, Forbes Hospital continues to take on the maternity care for Forbes women as well as those from Parkes and some from as far as Condobolin. An astounding accomplishment with such a limited number of nurses and midwives, OBGYN’s and Anaesthetist’s being brought in from elsewhere. The lack of reliability and consistency is a concern for many.

It is no secret that healthcare in Western NSW is lacking in staff, resources and funding and this is all too apparent when one is faced with the results of such neglect. Hopefully Forbes will see significant, positive changes over the course of the plan.

Seniors Festival In Full Swing

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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.

Flooding And Mosquitoes

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Western NSW Local Health District is warning the public to take care against mosquito-borne viruses following recent heavy rains and associated flooding.

This increase in rain and flooding may result in an increase in mosquito breeding, particularly where there is pooled water. Much of the pooled water still remains in paddocks, on grassy roadsides and around the Ski Dam and Lake Forbes. Whilst being bitten is irritating, mosquitoes can carry disease such as Ross River, Barmah Forest Fever and Murray Valley Encephalitis.

These infections can cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, fever, and sore or swollen joints. Symptoms usually resolve within several days, but some people may experience symptoms for weeks or even months. Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis can cause more severe symptoms such as encephalitis.

Western NSW Local Health District Public Health Manager Priscilla Stanley advises residents and visitors to take preventative action to avoid being bitten.

Priscilla suggests people should protect themselves by screening all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside, using spray when mosquitoes are inside and wearing appropriate clothing and using repellent when outdoors at dusk and dawn as this is when mosquitoes are most active. It is also important to have septic tanks professionally pumped if they were inundated by flood water and to ensure mesh is in place on septic vents.

Students From Forbes Should Claim Early To Stress Less

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Central West and Riverina students planning to start university this year are being encouraged to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now to beat the queue.

Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible young people who pursue further study or an apprenticeship after leaving school and Austudy provides assistance to students and apprentices aged 25 or older.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said by applying now students could stress less. “They need to be able to focus on the classes ahead, not worry about their finances,” Mr McCormack said. “Thousands of students apply, and you don’t want to be waiting for your first payment when you are several lessons in.”

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert encouraged students to apply to avoid the last-minute rush at the start of the new semester. “Eligibility for additional support will also be assessed. For example, students who move away from home to study may get the increased away from home rate of Youth Allowance.”

Students are among the first to benefit from the large-scale business transformation under way to modernise the delivery of government payments and services.

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