General Interest Archives - Page 161 of 326

2nd Dose ADF Vax Clinics Commence From This Weekend

September 17, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ADF VAX CLINIC THIS WEEKEND: ADF run 2nd dose vax clinics will be back operating from Forbes Town Hall this weekend Sept 18-20.

Supported by Western NSW Local Health District, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will begin administering second doses of COVID-19 vaccines this weekend in Forbes and other centres as the next phase of a region-wide vaccination blitz starts.

The ADF will return to more than 30 communities across the district in the next three weeks to hold second-dose clinics, which will result in thousands of residents being fully vaccinated.

The clinics over the next three weeks are only for second doses, the ADF will not deliver first doses, and they are not walk-in clinics.

The people who received the Pfizer vaccine will be contacted with advice on when they can return to their relevant clinic to receive their second dose.

Those who received AstraZeneca will be contacted with advice on how to receive their second dose of the vaccine, in line with the recommended interval between first and second doses. Locations and dates below for our region are as follows:

• Parkes: Northparkes Oval 14 September – 16 September
• Forbes: Council Town Hall 18 September – 20 September

Donato Unhappy With State Road Map

September 17, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ROADMAP TO NOWHERE: NSW Shooters Party MP Phil Donato has questioned the NSW Liberal Berejiklian Government over the Roadmap to Freedom.

NSW Shooters Party MP and Member for Orange, Philip Donato, has criticised the NSW Government for their Roadmap to Freedom. Donato believes what we currently have are merely a new set of conditions without any defined point at which we can reclaim a life of real freedom and without health order restrictions.

“On September 9th the Premier and her Deputy released their document titled “Roadmap to Freedom” www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/roadmap-to-freedom-unveiled-for-fully-vaccinated
“This isn’t a map at all, it’s yet another mishmash variety of the Government’s health order restrictions which are confusing to community and business,” he said. “Freedom doesn’t come with T’s & C’s or strings attached. We need a solid plan with a realistic vaccination goal of the willing, at which our lives are no longer controlled by health order restrictions.”

Donato also said he believed that the impacts had driven many to breaking point as businesses close, mortgages default and relationships and mental health become strained.

“The NSW Government has subscribed to the Doherty Institute’s modelling, which is centred on 50, 60, 70 and 80% vaccination targets. The modelling shows substantial COVID transmission reduction by 70 and 80% targets. Given this is the accepted measure, 80% vaccination is the official high target and therefore the point at which society should resume normality, free of health order restrictions,” Donato said. “I’m calling on the Premier to give us a defined benchmark for the return of our pre-COVID freedom.”

Templar Street Works Continue

September 17, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is working to a plan adapted by Council and the community for the improvement of the CBD. This plan will build economic resilience for the Forbes Shire and serve to provide a pleasant environment to shop for locals and visitors alike.

With funding from Stronger Country Communities and Building Better Regions FSC have been able to achieve the new paving and stamped asphalt in Templar Street, front to kerb car parking including line marking, installation of planter boxes and the trees planted in the eastern end of Templar Street.

This new component of the project will deliver the following stages:

1. Seating around the trees to provide additional seating for pedestrians, and also to provide protection to the tree roots

2. Removal of rose beds at the Lachlan Street corners of Templar Street (out the front of Platypus Gallery and Made of Fridays) and the paving to be extended. The rose beds will be repurposed around town

3. Pergola Structures (part roofed/ part vine covered) within pedestrian verges at the four corners of this section of Templar Street. The vines covering these pergolas, although they will take some months to grow, will provide shade in summer and additional sun in the winter months as the focus will be on deciduous species.

Large benches installed along Templar Street to provide additional seating, these benches will have back railing and bollards to minimise the risk of vehicular/pedestrian interactions.

“There are also several exciting com-ponents of the CBD masterplan to follow these works which will occur as funding is readily available,” FSC said in a media release.

“Construction is underway off-site and Council is hopeful it will be installed and completed by the end of December 2021.”

Council will be utilising local Contractors where possible, in accordance with Building Better Regions funding.

COVID-19 Vaccination Key To Getting Freedom Back

September 17, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ROLLING UP THE SLEEVES: National’s Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has thanked his electorate for getting vaccinated and asked his constituents who haven’t done so to protect our families and community. INSET: Mr McCormack getting his jab recently and doing his part for the vaccination effort. Pop Up Clinics are back this weekend in Forbes Sept 18-20 at Forbes Town Hall for eligible 2nd dose recipients.

Regional Australians are among the most resilient people in the world – make no mistake.

The very worst of circumstances always brings out the very best in regional and rural people.

We battle through fires and drought, storms and floods – and we do it together.

We band together, we help our fellow community members. It is what we do. It is this moral fibre which makes our local communities the wonderful places they are to live, work and raise a family.

Now the COVID-19 pandemic is another significant challenge and, again, our regional and rural communities will rise to the occasion – together.

The Delta strain of COVID-19 has presented a situation not experienced on our shores since the Spanish Flu pandemic of more than 100 years ago.

Getting the jab is not only important for you, your friends and family, it is key to getting back to enjoying this wonderful region we call home.

I thank each and every person who has rolled up their sleeves and received the jab and I urge and encourage those who have not yet done so to discuss your options with your local GP to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

You can go to www.health.gov.au to find the nearest available COVID-19 vaccine clinic and to book your vaccination.

Please do not delay – you will be saving lives and livelihoods.

Michael McCormack
Federal Member for Riverina

Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HARVEST VIRTUAL FIELD DAY: Farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day via Zoom on Wednesday 15 September from 8am. Photo by Sean Lindsay.

Farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day via Zoom on Wednesday 15 September from 8am.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that unfortunately due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be held online for the second year in a row.

“Last year’s online delivery was well received and attended. We had 50 attendees on the day and a further 20 people had signed up for the waitlist.

“It was very pleasing to see many of the regulars join us for the online event last year, but there were also a large number of first-time attendees from right across the Central West,” Ms Suitor said.

The Virtual Field Day is supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers, Australian Custom Harvesters Association, Graincorp and the Grain Transport Safety Network.

Topics which will be discussed include access, permits, fire safety, fatigue, load restraint and much more.

Registration is free but spaces are limited, so get in quick. Register online at www.eventbrite.com and search ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day’.

All attendees will receive an information pack which includes; an NHVR cooler bag, NSW Rural Fire Service Grain Harvesting Safety Index magnet and sticker, relevant brochures and a 2021 ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USB, which contains all the notices and information you need in the lead up to and during harvest.

“If you have a specific question you would like answered please contact me or either (02) 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au so that it can be covered in the presentations,” Ms Suitor said.

Cancellations, Inland Rail And Malaysia

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW CWA Forbes Evening Branch meetings have been disrupted like everything else this year with the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the necessary restrictions that have come with it to keep our communities safe. The August monthly meeting, however, was able to take place but members of the CWA Forbes Evening Branch were disappointed to hear what we had all been expecting. Confirmation that many of the community events members had been looking forward to participating in during August, September and October were cancelled or postponed to 2022.

Community events such as Birth to Kinder Reading DownTown Day (postponed), the local Forbes PA & HA Show (cancelled), the Rural Women’s Gathering (postponed) and Grazing Down the Lachlan were all postponed or cancelled.

We were able to listen to two guest speakers, Amanda Dunn and Eleanor Falkiner from Inland Rail. An overview of the project was followed by a more detailed explanation about the works on the line from Stockinbingal to Parkes.

Members were able to ask questions and get clarification on specific issues at the end of their presentation. Members appreciated this opportunity to hear specific info about how Forbes would be impacted. Thank you Amanda and Eleanor.

CWA events such as the Oxley Group Council Meeting and the International Country of Study event that was to be held in Dubbo were also cancelled. Not to be daunted by a worldwide pandemic, NSW CWA Head Office organised for this event to go online via a zoom meeting where Forbes Evening Branch members Robyn Miller, Heather Mackinnon and Sue Cunningham joined with over 85 other CWA members to discuss the Country of Study for 2021-22, Malaysia. The Malaysian Acting High Commissioner to Australia, Mr Mohd Fareed Zakaria, and senior officials from the Malaysian Consulate including representatives for Agriculture, Culture, Tourism talked about all things Malaysian, giving us a great insight into their country. A Culinary expert also discussed popular spices and foods Malaysians enjoy which will assist us greatly in preparing for our branch’s International Dinner to be held in 2022.

We all look forward to our next get together in October… hopefully. Stay safe all. Forbes Evening Branch CWA

Vaccination Blitz For Education Staff

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Starting this week school, early childhood, TAFE NSW, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university staff can access the Qudos vaccination hub in Homebush for Astra Zeneca vaccinations as well as 35 walk-in clinics in Western NSW.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said tens of thousands of vaccinations have been reserved exclusively for education staff, with vaccinations one of the best lines of defence against the virus.

“The Qudos hub is complimented by 35 walk-in clinics in western NSW, and countless more clinics, GPs and pharmacies across regional NSW who are taking bookings,” Ms Mitchell said.

“As we prepare for a staged return to school from 25 October, and holding HSC exams from 9 November, vaccinating all staff is essential to increase safety and minimise disruption.

“I’m pleased to see that large numbers of the teaching workforce have already come forward to be vaccinated. Vaccinating staff, along with stringent school restrictions including mask wearing, will help make schools as safe as possible when students return.”

From 8 November 2021, all NSW school and preschool staff will be required to have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

“With more supply entering the system I am hopeful we can create even more opportunities for staff and students to be vaccinated.”

The Department of Education will continue to work with NSW Health to prioritise vaccinations for all staff across NSW, as well as HSC students over the coming weeks. Walk-in locations and booking details for education staff in regional areas are available at the following link: https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination

COVID-19 Economic Support Measures Extended

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The NSW Government this week announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.

This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.

Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions
in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until the 14th January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this further $3.9 billion in ongoing support would be vital to help keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“We are giving businesses, employees and families across the State certainty they can access the financial help needed to get them through,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know business and communities are doing it tough and this ongoing support will not only help get them through the depths of the pandemic but will also provide them with a springboard to bounce back once restrictions ease.
“We will continue to stand by businesses and individuals and provide the support needed. We will also be there on the other side as we emerge from lockdown and head towards recovery.”

The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.

Fire, Flu And Now Floods

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

MORE RAIN TO COME: After another wet weekend the extended forecast for Forbes for the remainder of 2021 shows that more rainfall is likely meaning potential flooding. INSET: NSW Forbes SES Unit filling up sandbags in preparation for looming floods. Photo courtesy of Forbes SES.

It is well documented the past 18 months have resembled something from a Spielberg disaster film with fire, flu, vermin and now floods. One could be forgiven for thinking this is the end of days. Fortunately it isn’t but it will be wet for the rest of 2021 and that means floods in Forbes.

The Lachlan NSW SES advised Forbes Shire Council to expect moderate to major flooding on last Tuesday with everyone from WaterNSW to the Bureau of Meteor-ology keeping an eye on the weather and rising water levels.

After more rain last weekend and more to come, along with water already being released from Wyangala Dam, the next few weeks will be critical.

Already roads are covered in water with flooding west and south of Forbes.
Forbes Shire Council has also asked residents to keep an eye on the Forbes Shire Council social media pages, SMS messaging service and website to keep all residents and visitors up to date particularly info on roads.

If you aren’t a subscriber to the SMS service contact council and get yourself on the list, it’s easy – just email your mobile phone number and name to communications@forbes.nsw.gov.au or call Council to register.

For NSW State Emergency Service Ph: 132 500 or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
RMS Live Traffic is another good source of information regarding major roads www.livetraffic.com

Look to Councils communication channels for all other roads, including the website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/residents/emergency-information/road-closures

Bogan Fest Canned Due To COVID

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

LAST DRINKS: Australia’s Biggest Bogan Fest has been cancelled after COVID forced the postponement of the event back in June. Pictured is comedian Chris Franklin with the 2019 Australia’s Biggest Bogan – Ryan ‘Bogan’ Edwards.

It surely must be one of the saddest announcements we’ve heard in 2021 and will disappoint flanny-wearing Ford drivers everywhere – Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival is cancelled.

After initially scheduling a June 13 date, a COVID scare on June 2 after a Victorian couple drove through on their way to the Sunshine Coast, forced Forbes and surrounds into a spin. That forced organisers to postpone the festival and by June 10, the decision turned out to be the right one as Forbes entered a difficult eight weeks along with the rest of NSW.

“By then the event had been postponed to November 13 and we thought we may have a chance,” said organiser Luke Acheson.

“The way things are and the time everything is taking, we feel it is the best move to cancel the event,” he said. “It isn’t what we wanted but we have been left with little choice.”

With acts coming from across Australia and plenty of organising to do for the committee, Acheson was disappointed but realistic.

“Who knows what the future holds but for now we are cancelling the event and sorting out everything so please be patient with us,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported us and given it a go,” Luke said. “Keep an eye on the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page for announcements”.

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