Mary Lou Kemp (U3A), Carol Scifleet (2LVR Community Radio), Lesley Teale (Forbes Evening Branch of CWA), Nic Little (President of Forbes Evening Branch CWA).

Following much lead-up work and consulta­tion with numerous volunteer organisations in Forbes, along with fellow CWA Branches in the Oxley CWA area, the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA hosted a first aid information afternoon on Saturday 26 July.

Mr Tod Healey from Tod Healey First Aid training presented an overview of key first aid topics to the gathered participants. The topics were focused on those that people may encounter in everyday life; asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetic care (hypo and hy­per events), CPR, the differences between bandaging for injury, bleeding and snake bites.

Practical demonstration and practice by participants was encouraged to understand the use of a spacer for administration of asthma medication, how to use an EpiPen, and the application of bandages for varying reasons.

The emphasis of the presentation was to show, demonstrate and participants to prac­tice using the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) machines that are available in both Forbes and Parkes.

Participants were shown the AED’s that exist in both towns, encouraging everyone to observe where they are located in their town along with our neighbouring town of Parkes, due to the number of Forbes resi­dents that travel to Parkes for various rea­sons.

It was stressed that the access to Forbes and Parkes AED’s is different. Forbes AED’s are accessed by keying in the Forbes post­code 2871, where in Parkes the AED is opened by lifting the cover lid.

At the completion of Tod’s presentation participants were invited to the prepared af­ternoon tea by the members of the Forbes Evening Branch members.

Much chatter was entered into over the cuppa session about the importance of Tod’s presentation. Women of all ages are welcome to come along to the Forbes CWA Evening Branch meetings, held at 6.30pm on the second Thursday of the month.

Bill Little (Men’s Shed), Graham Everest (Bogan Gate Golf Club), Barry Kemp (U3A).

New South Wales’ love affair with Return and Earn recycling has reached a new high, with the 14th billion container officially returned.

The positive environmental impact of re­turning 14 billion bottles and cans for re­cycling instead of making new containers with virgin materials includes: Water sav­ings equivalent to 32,840 Olympic swim­ming pools, energy savings equivalent to powering 191,100 homes for an entire year, carbon emission savings equivalent to taking 1,017,400 cars off the road annu­ally. This impressive milestone means over $1.4 billion in container refunds has gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living” said James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coor­dinator, Exchange for Change, said over $82 million has been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees, supporting their important work from providing food and shelter to environmental conservation.

The 14 billion milestone coincides with Return and Earn releasing the latest Local Government Volume Report, which shows the enthusiastic community participation in container returns by council area in the last six months. For information visit returnan­dearn.org.au.

A new national online platform is now live, providing educators, students and community groups with engaging, age-appropriate tools to build biosecurity awareness across Australia. The Youth Biosecurity Hub offers a centralised library of curriculum-aligned lesson plans and interactive resources.

The development of the platform follows the success of the National Biosecurity Training Hub, an online library of biosecu­rity training resources developed by PHA in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and Agriculture Victoria in 2023.

Sarah Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of PHA, said early edu­cation is key. “A strong biosecurity system starts with awareness and shared responsibility. By equipping young Australians with the knowledge and tools they need from an early age, we’re helping to build a more resilient, informed future.

The Youth Biosecurity Hub is a national resource that empow­ers teachers, students, and communities to take part in protecting what matters most.”

With accessible, ready-made materials tailored for primary and secondary schools, the Youth Biosecurity Hub makes it easy for teachers to bring biosecurity education into the classroom and for parents and community groups to reinforce learning at home or in local programs.

Whether it’s protecting Australia’s precious wildlife, safeguarding agricultural industries, or ensuring future food security, biosecurity awareness starts with education.

The Youth Biosecurity Training Hub is available at youthbiosecu­rityhub.com.au.