It’s so true what they say – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and there is no truer case of this than with Central Western business Topsoil Organics.

Topsoil Organics, a Forbes based company is revolutionizing the way people think about their food waste and has made it a key mission of their business to focus on educating people on how to ensure their food waste stays out of landfill.

“Once the food scraps are on the ground here at the Central West Nutrient Return Centre – our team works to create a beautiful rich compost which can be used in our agricultural market on farms for crop and feed growth,”

Topsoil Organics Business Manager Dan Nicholson said. Topsoil Organics prides itself on leading the way in agricultural innovation and works on the ground to closely monitor the process to develop a high-quality premium compost from its natural state.

“The product is decontaminated, put into windrows, mixed with green waste, temperature checked, watered and turned over for three months and then tried and tested,” Dan said.

“It’s at this point where it is ready to be returned to the farm to grow our food once again.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While it may not have been the dinner and show with Tommy Jeffs everyone was hoping for, a strong crowd turned out recently in Forbes to support Ronald McDonald House Orange.

Organiser Debbie Roylance was elated with the response from the community considering the challenges of the past year from kind donations to the plethora of generous sponsors.

“It was disappointing not to have the Christmas in Vegas Event with Tommy,” said Debbie.

“Despite that, we have been able to hold this event and I must say we have a very generous community,” Debbie said.

Rebecca Walsh, Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Orange, a facility that has helped many Forbes families during times of illness, was also on hand on the day to assist with the raffles and draws. She also acknowledged the great Forbes community spirit and tremendous sponsors after $3600 was raised.

“Big thank you to everyone who has supported Ronald McDonald House Orange,” she said.

Sponsors include – Roylances Tractor Replacements, Flannerys Pharmacy, Willa Blue, Metro Hair, Acheson’s Mitre 10, Made Of Fridays, Allure, Blue Sky, Undercover Lingerie, Robb’s Jewellers, Hair With Style, Little Extras, Hutcheon and Pearce and Platinum Painting.

Last Friday December 3rd was International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and while it wasn’t held at the Forbes Olympic Pool like previous years, many providers and organisations across the region chose to acknowledge the day in a variety of ways.

“At Aussie Biscuits today and in fact every day, we celebrate and appreciate our amazing Aussie Biscuits team,” a statement from the Aussie Biscuits Facebook page read.

In 1976 a delightfully small and very Aussie biscuit business began in regional NSW with a single mission: to create employment for people with a disability. The same opportunity most of us don’t even think twice about.

“From a single Jam Drop, lovingly made with a recipe donated by Forbes local Noelene Hudson, Aussie Biscuits grew and grew. In 1976 their employees hand-made 600 Jam Drops a day. By 2018 they had outgrown their original factory and moved into a brand-new location, creating more jobs, and even more delicious bikkies!”

Previously known as House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation – two great organisations, with over 100 years of combined experience, both came together in 2018 to form Aruma and run Aussie Biscuits.

“Today Aussie Biscuits produce thousands of biscuits a day, in six different flavours – still made with love – for the retail market, hospitality industry and fundraising groups.”

Aussie Biscuits employ more than 30 people with a disability and some of them have been making yummy bikkies for over 40 years! “Our biscuits have changed lives. We’re living proof of the difference a humble biscuit can make. You are simply awesome Team Aussie! Happy IDPwD!”

 

Mrs Wilma Hepburn left an indelible imprint on the Forbes community with her long and outstanding humanitarian commitment to the Australian Red Cross.

Wilma first joined as a volunteer with Emergency Services in 1989, later joining as a member of the Forbes Branch, then Club in 1999. During this period Mrs Hepburn held executive roles of Secretary, Vice President and President of Forbes Branch, then Liaison Officer since 2008 when the Branch became a Club. She was also a Life Member.

On World Red Cross Day in May 2010, Mrs Hepburn’s dedication was recognised with a NSW Service Award. She received a National Outstanding Service Award in 2014, followed by a Special Mention Certificate for the John Fries Award in 2019.

In October 2020 Mrs Hepburn received her 30 Year Service Bar.

Mrs Hepburn instigated and gladly supported Branch activities and was a dedicated fundraiser for the community. She connected with the local community and other organisations working together to raise the profile of the Red Cross.

She also led the Emergency Services team and supported the community through all flood events during her leadership. Wilma Hepburn will be sadly missed by friends, and the broader community alike for her significant contributions to helping those in need.

 

Cabonne Shire will soon benefit from infrastructure improvements and programs that help the community thrive, thanks to the NSW Government’s $75 million Resources for Regions Round Eight.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier Sam Farraway today announced $2,621,696 for the Activation of Cabonne’s Town and Villages. “This project focuses on town activation works for Cabonne’s two population centres Molong and Canowindra as well as the replacement of town and village entrance signage throughout the shire”

“These upgrades will leverage off each town and village’s unique characteristics, to improve wayfinding whilst also providing residents and visitors with access to improved community infrastructure.”

It is envisioned that these upgrades will ensure that the offerings of the region continue to appeal to locals and that Cabonne leaves a positive, memorable impression on visitors to the LGA, promoting the growth and prosperity of Cabonne and encouraging returned visitation,” Mr Farraway said.

For more visit: www.nsw.gov.au/resourcesforeregions.