General Interest Archives - Page 100 of 326

Do You Have Something To Contribute To The Forbes Vintage & Collectables Fair?

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Following a successful innaugural event last year, the Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea will again host the Forbes Vintage & Collectables Fair on Saturday, 6th May at the Forbes Town Hall.

Head along to view displays and collections from eras past. Travel through time looking at items for display and for sale and remember things from your childhood or your grandparent’s lives.

There will be a large selection of items for viewing and as well for sale, ranging from dolls to bears, crockery to kitchen containers, glassware to bottles, vintage giftware and a mystery item competition where festival goers have to guess and vote on the origin or use of a mystery item. Fair goers will also be treated with tea and scones all day. Entry is by gold coin donation.

For more information or to express your interest in adding to the displays or trading tables ph 0413 274 735 or 0439 708 456.

Forbes Heritage Celebrations is a beloved event on the Forbes calendar each year. Held during the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival: 10th April – 14th May. Forbes Heritage is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate all the wonderful aspects of heritage and history that colour our community.

Urgent Need For Supply Chain Inquiry As Farmers Lose Billions

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Farmers is calling for an immediate ACCC inquiry into the grain supply chain following reports of billions of dollars bleeding from the economy.

According to GrainGrowers, ‘large pricing anomalies’ last year saw farmers underpaid for their grains and oilseeds despite high global prices and constrained supply due to the war in Ukraine.

NSW Farmers Grains Committee chair Justin Everitt said farmers were bleeding billions of dollars a year – hurting the economy – and the Australian Government must immediately act and direct the ACCC to review the grain supply chain, the market, and pricing fairness.

“There are market failures occurring across the supply chain due to a lack of competition, and there is the real possibility of monopolistic behaviour because of bottlenecks in the system,” Mr Everitt said.

“We’re out there in the paddock trying to grow food for Australia and the world, but then we’re forced to take lower prices because we don’t have the supply chains or markets that would allow real competition.

“Failure to act on this issue will see our economy continue to bleed billions of dollars when we can least afford it, we need immediate action.”

Local Voters Head To The Polls

March 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

MP Phil Donato retained his seat as an independant for the Orange electorate following Saturday’s NSW State election.

Saturday, 25 March saw the NSW elections run with more democratic sausages sold across the state than ever before.

The Labor Party took the lead early in the count and in record time, was deemed to take the leadership of NSW, winning 46 seats. There is a requirement to hold a majority government of 47 seats and at the time of printing, there were still 6 seats yet to be decided across NSW.

In the electorates of Orange, MP Phil Donato retained his seat as an independant. Mr Donato, won the Orange electorate comfortably and had this to say to the electorate. “I am truly humbled and honoured to be re-elected as the State Member for Orange.

“The level of support from the community I received was amazing. Being your local state representative is a responsibility and commitment I take seriously to represent this beautiful part of NSW and its people for another term.

“I would also like to thank all my supporters, and the hundreds of volunteers who helped across the electorate last weekend. It was a mammoth effort, of which I am sincerely appreciative.

It doesn’t matter where you live across the electorate, I will continue my style of representation, being accessible, available and approachable to help with any issues you need assistance with.

Thank you again for placing your trust in me to continue representing you as your local State Member. It is a privilege and an absolute honour.”

Spiralling Business Costs Lead To Job Cuts

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

One in five businesses are looking to cut staff because of the spiraling cost of doing business.

The survey of more than 1,200 businesses has revealed 59% of owners will maintain the same headcount while only 19% are looking to bring people on.

The remaining 22% of business owners intend to cut staff, with the highly casualised workforces of arts and recreation, accommodation and food services and retail most likely to be the sectors hardest hit by job cuts.

Business NSW, Regional Director – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe said enterprises are feeling the pinch.

“It’s worrying to see staff cuts emerge as a response to the cost increases.

“Locally, Western NSW businesses are showing similar results to the overall state results, with 24% of businesses advising they are planning to cut staff.

“At the moment, 26% of Western NSW businesses consider themselves to not have enough business activity to survive 2023 and the rising cost of business is regarded as the biggest barrier to operating at full potential, said Ms Seccombe.

Housing shortages continue to impact business, more than one in three (35%) of business owners refer to affordability of housing for workers as the biggest barrier to hiring new employees.

More BreastScreen Vans To Save Lives In Regional Areas

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Four new lifesaving BreastScreen NSW vans will roll into regional and remote communities under a $21.7 million investment by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government to make breast cancer screening more accessible.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to improving health services for women, with re-election announcements of $16.3 million for new endometriosis and pelvic pain services, $7 million in research grants for gynaecological cancers, a $4 million expansion of the $80 million Affordable IVF Initiative, $2 million to help women suffering miscarriage, pregnancy loss, stillbirth and a $95 million infrastructure overhaul for The Royal Hospital for Women’s Newborn Care Centre and Birthing Unit at Randwick.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government have also committed $40 million as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget to establish four Menopause Hubs and 12 specialised services across the state.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new BreastScreen NSW vans will visit up to 50 more communities for the first time, including in Northern and Western NSW, saving women significant travel time. “Making sure that every woman in NSW has the opportunity to detect breast cancer early,” Mr Hazzard said.

$1 Billion To Support Farm Innovation, Resilience And Sustainability

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will double the amount farmers can access under a $1 billion expansion of the successful Farm Innovation Fund.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said farmers will now be able to borrow up to $2 million to identify and address risks to their businesses, improve on-farm infrastructure and ensure long-term productivity and sustainable land use.

“For almost a decade, the Farm Innovation Fund has given farmers access to long-term, low-interest loans of up to $1 million to finance projects that contribute to productivity and resilience – now we are doubling that,” said Mr Toole.

“To date, more than $840 million in loans under the Farm Innovation Fund, Seafood Innovation Fund and Drought Assistance Fund have been approved, assisting more than 8,600 NSW farmers to help launch crucial innovation and infrastructure.”

“Not only are we planning to increase the maximum loan amount from $1 million to $2 million, we also want to expand the program so the loan can be accessed for the adoption of new technologies, usage of automation and robotics to address labour shortages and carbon farming infrastructure.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said farm productivity will always be a priority for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

“The fund will no longer be limited to on farm infrastructure but rather the imagination of farmers who want to future proof their land, their operations and their businesses.

“Through this boost, farmers will be able to invest in a range of initiatives to become more profitable, resilient and sustainable such as new energy generation, automation, boosting soil carbon, reducing emissions and increasing vegetation.”

Chief Winemaker at Robert Stein Winery Jacob Stein said he’s excited for what this support will mean for the future of his business.

“I have always been keen to look at opportunities for automation within our winery and our vineyard but haven’t had the cash flow to do so,” Mr Stein said.

The Masters Of The Mandagery Put On A Show For Forbes

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

In excess of 1,000 people flowed through the gates on game day last Saturday in Forbes.

This year saw the fifth annual Masters of the Mandagery, however due to the devastaing flood last year, it was forced to move from its usual homeground in Eugowra to Forbes, where the event was warmly received.

Event organiser, Andrew Barnes said the day was a massive success despite a few of the regular teams from Woolongong and Cootamundra unable to attend. A total of 15 teams registered to play in the event and over 1,000 people went through the gates.

“Teams travelled from far and wide to enjoy some good old fashioned footy, and that’s what it is all about. It’s a massive social event,” said Andrew.

Andrew set the goal of raising $500,000 and so far the total has reached $102,880, including proceeds from Saturday. If you would like to support Andrews efforts then you still have time to jump online and purchase some raffle tickets.

A massive thank you goes out to Forbes for hosting The Masters of the Mandagery event, to all of the players and officials involved in the event and to the supporters who came along on the day and made it such a great event.

Come Down To The Postie To Meet Liz And Daz

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Behind the bar at the Post Office Hotel in Forbes are new licensees, Liz and Daz.

Meet the new Licensees of the Post Office Hotel (Postie) in Forbes, Elizabeth Power and Darren Phillips. Elizabeth is a Forbes local having been born and raised in the town, while Darren is from Canberra, but has lived in Forbes for the last two years.

Elizabeth (Liz) has a background in nursing and Darren (Daz) worked in Canberra for Qantas before COVID struck.

The two have spent the last few years working in disability support, but the constant travelling was wearing them both down. That’s when Liz saw that the Postie was up for lease and they decided to go for it.

“We’ve hit the ground running, it was such a great opportunity, the pub was really run down and needed a lot of TLC, so hopefully we are giving it that,” said Liz.

Liz also has three sons who are all local farmers, who she is very proud of.

Liz and Daz will be introducing more live entertainment to the hotel are interested in having a DJ/Karaoke in addition to providing the opportunity for local bands to perform. If you are in a local band and would like to perform at the Post Office Hotel, please reach out.

Chef Bee is the new head chef at the Postie and was British Army trained. She describes her experience as being “Pubs, pubs, clubs and pubs.”

We asked her what made her relocate from Sydney to Forbes for the role, she said, “It just felt right, Liz and Darren are two of the finest people you will ever meet.”

Bee went on to say, “I’m building a great team and the locals have all been so kind. I’m extremely adamant about using local suppliers as much as we possibly can, the meat out here is astounding, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Björn Again – The World’s Number One ABBA Show

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Thank ABBA For The Music 2023 Tour.

ABBA fans get excited as Björn Again bring ABBA’s timeless hits back to the stage in a sing-along, dance-along extravaganza. Heading to Cowra for the very first time, the show will be absolute not to be missed!

Björn Again are “One of the most entertaining rock shows in the world today” (Time Out, New York) and will play all the biggest ABBA hits from Waterloo, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Fernando to Take a Chance, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, and more!! With all the glitzy 70s costumes, Swenglish banter and hilarious stage antics, you will have the ‘time of your life’.

Their critically acclaimed shows have been attended by Tom Jones, Dave Grohl, Paul Kelly, Metallica, Robert Plant, Bill Gates and Nirvana just to name a few.

“Björn Again are Phonomenal in every sense of the word!” – The Stage UK

“I like Björn Againbecause they are the ABBA for this generation. Why should we miss out?” – David Lawrence UK.

Björn Again have performed over 7,000 shows in more than 120 countries worldwide, are endorsed by the members of ABBA and are regarded as the most successful tribute show of all time.

So what are you waiting for? Dust off those flares, platform shoes and satins and send out an SOS and Ring Rin and come along to Björn Again’s Thank ABBA For The Music 2023 Tour.

The concert will be held on Friday, 14th April at Sid Kallas Oval, Cowra. Gates open at 5:30pm. Tickets will be on sale soon via www.123tix.com.au.

20,000 Fingerlings Released Into Lake Endeavour

March 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

20,000 fingerlings were released, consisting of 14,000 Murray Cod and 6,000 Golden Perch.

Parkes Shire Council recently released thousands of fingerlings into Lake Endeavour, as part of ongoing efforts to promote the health and biodiversity of our region’s waterways.

In total, 20,000 fingerlings were released, consisting of 14,000 Murray Cod and 6,000 Golden Perch. The release was made possible by the Recreational Fishing (Freshwater) Trust through a native fish stocking initiative run by the Department of Primary Industries Fisheries.

Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, Michael Chambers, said fish stocking supports native fish populations, benefitting our community in several ways.

However, recreational fishermen will need to wait some time before these fish are ready to be caught. “Generally, it takes at least two years before fingerlings reach a catchable size.”

“However, Parkes Shire Council has regularly carried out fish stocking at Lake Endeavour since 2016, making the site theoretically ideal for fishing now,” added Mr Chambers.

Murray Cod and Golden Perch usually occur together in Australian freshwater ways. Both species are widespread throughout the Murray Darling Basin but have declined or completely disappeared in many areas. The decline of these fish, like so many freshwater species, is due to several human drivers, namely river regulation, disrupted migrations and spawning behaviour, cold-water pollution under large dams, and barriers to migration and recolonisation created by weirds and dams.

Anglers wishing to fish at Lake Endeavour must apply for a recreational fishing licence through the Service NSW website and pay the associated fee. Access permits for Lake Endeavour are available from Council for recreational activities such as bushwalking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking.

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