General Interest Archives - Page 120 of 317

Mayoral Notes

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Wow, what a weekend! Chillfest and Frost and Fire were amazing events. We have had so much positive feedback (and helpful suggestions), thank you for both. Wasn’t it just fantastic to get back to having fun, enjoying live music, beautiful food and great company? I had a house full of guests and there were plenty of people who travelled to enjoy our Forbes hospitality.

Frost and Fire absolutely met all my expectations and I hope it met yours. We are already working on ideas to help make it bigger and better every year. Can you believe we sold all 3,000 tickets beforehand?

We have also had fabulous feedback about Chillfest, our free family night on Friday. Despite the cold weather it was lovely to see so many families rugged up and ready to have fun.

Special thanks also to the Rotary and Lions Club for serving breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday. It was very much appreciated and a great idea after a big event like Frost and Fire.

Thank you also to the Boys to The Bush team who helped with some setting up in the lead up to Frost and Fire.

Talking volunteers, do you give your time and support to a specific charity or organisation? If so, we want to say a personal and sincere thank you at our Volunteers Morning Tea on Tuesday, 28th June from 10am.

Please RSVP to events@forbes.nsw. gov.au or call 6850 2300 by Monday.

Until next week, God Bless.

Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

It Ain’t Weak To Speak

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

BREAKING THE TABOO… The Forbes Mental Health Expo organisers were (L-R) Katie Shambrook (Catholic Care), Sam Webb (guest speaker and LIVIN founder), Fiona Glasheen (Catholic Care).

We all know what to do when we are injured, but how many of us know where to go when we are experiencing mental health issues?

While 20% of Autralians are impacted by mental health, it still seems to be a taboo subject in our modern lives.

Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb addressed this often painful subject speaking to about 200 students and community members at the Fobes Mental Health Expo on Tuesday.

Sam started his presentation with two words: I’m fine. “These are two of most dangerous words spoken every day. They were the last two words I heard from my good friend the night before he took his own life in 2013.”

Sam, who flew in from his home in Los Angeles, co-founded the mental health charity LIVIN after the death of his friend committing to helping people and organisations understand the importance of mental health and making wellness a priority.

Speaking from the heart his presentation focused on simple tools and strategies to live better, make a difference and be of service to other people.

“Don’t take ‘I’m fine’ for an answer any more. A lot of people use those two words just as a blow off, and what they really want to say is: Help Me!”

Sam said the “cool mantra” It Ain’t Weak To Speak was not just about mental health but could be applied to all aspects of life, like an upcoming exam, or relationship problems. He gave the audience some tips about talking to someone who is struggling. “Be honest, and don’t be afraid to have a hard conversation. It is about listening, and not trying to fix anything or solving problems.”

Another strategy Sam focused on was being adaptable in life. “It is not cool to hide your pain, and it does not get you anywhere. Find your north star – identify what you’re good at and value yourself and your worth. You have the power to make a difference in your life. It is OK not to be all right.”

For Sam self-care is vital. “We cannot help anyone properly if we do not look after ourselves first.” He said running was his best self-care option, while some answers from the audience included drawing, and talking to a friend.

Sam ended his presentation with a story about a fellow presenter who had survived a suicide attempt. He said the most important message from the survivor was that he felt instant regret the moment he jumped off a bridge.

Local Talent Showcase

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The curtain has closed on yet another successful Forbes Eisteddfod, that this year saw over 350 solo performances, 45 School Groups, 4 Open Band Groups and a massive 1,150 Dance performances across eight days of competition.

Organisers were thrilled to be able to run a full eisteddfod program this year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event and only allowed for a restricted program that excluded dance sections in 2021.

For over six decades, the Forbes Eisteddfod has provided the opportunity to showcase and celebrate our region’s most talented singers, musicians, dancers, and performers. Today, it is highly regarded and attracts accomplished performers from across the State.

The event is held annually in June at the Forbes Town Hall, however, this year the dance sections were held at Red Bend Catholic College on new tarkett flooring.

The Championship winners this year included:

• Speech & Drama 12 years & under: Carmel Kelly
• Speech & Drama 13 years & over: Harry Morrissey
• Instrumental 12 years & under: Carmel Kelly
• Instrumental 13 years & over: Reuben Kelly
• Piano 12 years & under: Abbey Roberts
• Piano 13 years & over: Meg Roberts
• Vocal 12 years & under: Madison Willmott
• Vocal 13 years & over: Hannah Dun

Well done and congratulations to all the entrants who participated this year.

Three Years Of Study To Achieve Her Goal

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Brodie Dukes is now a qualified optical dispenser.

Forbes resident Brodie Dukes has worked hard to turn her dreams into reality.

Brodie has been studying for a Certificate IV via distance education for three years at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing to achieve her goal of becoming an optical dispenser and to continue providing Forbes with the latest optical technology and services.

Brodie has been with Eyewear Specs for five years. “I had never considered becoming an optical dispenser until I met Fiona Hayward, Owner and Manager of Eyewear Specs. We discussed Fiona’s role and that got me interested and thinking about becoming an optical dispenser,” said Brodie.

When Fiona offered her a traineeship, she was quick to seize the amazing opportunity. “I enjoy the community spirit Forbes has as well as being able to help provide our community with their eye health and visual needs.

I hope to continue to learn and grow my skills as an optical dispenser and to be able to help grow Eyewear Specs to allow us to continue to provide Forbes and surrounding areas with the latest optical technology and services.”

Congratulations to all of the Forbes Eisteddfod Participants and Winners

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Championship winner – Piano 13 years & over: Meg Roberts

Members of the Grenfell, Forbes, Parkes and Orange town bands.

Anastasia Phillips with her proud dad Mark.

Championship winner – Vocal 12 years & under: Madison Willmott

Championship winner – Piano 12 years & under: Abbey Roberts.

Anastasia Phillips with her proud dad Mark.

Marley Prosser proudly displays her medals and certificates.

Instrumental Encouragement Award 13 years & over: Lila Gibbon

Instrumental Most Promising Any Age: Reuben Kelly

Piano Encouragement Award 10 years & under: Josephine Matheson.

Championship winner – Speech & Drama 13 years & over: Harry Morrissey

Remember To Spend Your Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Customers are reminded to spend any remaining Dine & Discover NSW vouchers over the next few days as the 30th June deadline is just around the corner.

Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the program had been a game changer for local businesses and families, representing over $485 million invested across NSW.

“My message to the local community is simple – don’t miss out. Check your service NSW app to see if you have any vouchers remaining and spend them on local businesses now.

“These vouchers have been an overwhelming success. During a period of instability, they boosted household budgets and ensured that more customers got through the doors of local businesses,” he said. “Around 5.4 million customers registered for the program, receiving three $25 Dine and three $25 Discover vouchers, both of which went to supporting the businesses which were hit hard by the pandemic.”

Across NSW, 16,600 businesses have been supported with the vouchers, but around $330 million are still to be redeemed.

After 30 June, Dine & Discover Vouchers will move to the expired tab in the Service NSW app, but Discover NSW registered business can still accept Parents NSW Vouchers until 9th October.

Auditions For Mock Crash Youth Actors

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The mock crash road safety initiative had seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago. Amateur actors are invited to audition for this year’s production.

The call is out for amateur youth actors over the age of 16 across the Parkes, Forbes and

Lachlan Shires to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Wednesday, 22nd June from 4pm – 7pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street,” said Melanie Suitor, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer for the three councils.

She said this road safety initiative had seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.

Following two years of COVID disruption, this year’s mock crash is going to be developed into a training video. The video will replace the live mock crash demonstration for this year but will result in a resource which allows the program to be implemented in other areas and provides a back-up option for future years’ live demonstrations.

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Melanie on 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.

Future Forecast For Forbes

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has projected that Forbes will be one of the highest growth areas in NSW between now and 2041.

Forbes Shire’s population is projected to grow by 32% over the next 20 years, expecting greater growth than the projected rate for the state of 21%.

Overall Forbes is forecast to grow from a population of 10,023 in 2021 to 13,231 in 2041, an increase of 3,208 residents.

Fire Safety A Priority With Icy Weather

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PREVENT, PREPARE, PROTECT… Forbes Evening Branch President Robyn Miller thanked Forbes Firefighter Matt Teale for his interesting and informative presentation about fire safety at home. Matt has been a retained firefighter at Forbes Fire and Rescue for nearly 15 years.

We have all felt the chill of winter over the past few weeks increasing the need for heating in our homes.

This greater reliance on fire and heating to keep warm over winter comes with the responsibility to prevent, prepare and protect our homes and loved ones against the outbreak of fire. House fires are responsible for approximately 50 deaths per year in Australia, according to Macquarie University’s Bushfire and National Hazards Cooperative Research Centre.

Forbes Firefighter Matt Teale presented a fire safety and awareness program to members of Forbes CWA Evening Branch recently. “Everyone needs to be making sure they are fire aware and protect homes and loved ones by being prepared,” said Matt.

His presentation included fire safety inside and outside the home, evacuation plans, human behaviour in an emergency, operation of fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms, the dangers of fat fires in the home and more.

Matt demonstrated how to use a fire blanket, and the most effective way to use a dry powder extinguisher by remembering the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep to put out a fire. “It is important to not only have these but also to know how to use them properly,” he said.

Matt emphasised the importance of having a fire plan. “It’s not just in bushfire prone areas that fire plans help save lives. Make sure you know how to get out of the home, where the fire assembly point is for the family to meet, what possessions you want to take, and who is in the house.

“Fire and Rescue can provide free safety visits by contacting Forbes Fire Station or go to https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits/

By Sue Cunningham

Free Heavy Vehicle Forum In Forbes

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum at the Forbes Inn on Thursday, 30th June.

Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend.

“We are really excited to be back and to be able to deliver this format which allows for more two-way discussion about the topics that are affecting the local freight industry,” said organiser Melanie Suitor, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer.

This year will feature three sessions: 1) Effluent, load restraint and Chain of Responsibility from 7.10 – 8.10am; 2) Heavy vehicle access from 8.30 – 9.40am; 3) PBS vehicles from 10 – 11am. You can register for all of the sessions, just one or two.

The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes. To register online at: https://forms.office.com/r/ETBbmuA2K1, via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Melanie on 6861 2364.

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