General Interest Archives - Page 166 of 326

McCormack’s LRCIP Visit To Forbes

July 30, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

PROGRESS: National’s MP and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack stopped by Forbes last week to inspect a number of projects as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

National’s MP and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was in Forbes last week to get an update on a plethora of projects being undertaken in the shire.

It was McCormack’s first visit to Forbes since being unseated as National’s Leader by Barnaby Joyce and he took time to meet a number of community stakeholders.

Mr McCormack spoke at length about the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRICP) and how the program has provided a big boost to community infrastructure. He then completed a tour of town with Mayor Phyllis Miller to inspect the latest round of works. They included:

• Additional widening of road on Yarrabandi Road;

• The repair and restoration of the Lions Park picnic shelter and the installation of a rotunda, irrigation upgrade and subsequent electricity supply at Lions Park;

• Necessary upgrades to a problematic intersection on the Newell Highway on the Southern side entrance to Forbes, creation of a new access road and additional parking constructed to support the development of a new Visitors In-formation Centre at the former Lachlan Vintage Village;

• Refurbishment and repair of Forbes Heated Pool facility including improving accessibility for community;

• Installation of Closed Circuit TV system throughout the Forbes CBD.

“Forbes Council knows where this money is best spent in the Forbes community,” Mr McCormack said.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our regions, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Mr McCormack said.

Hard Vax Is COVID Not Going Any Time Soon

July 30, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GET VACCINATED: More and more locations throughout the Central West will soon be able to provide vaccines for community members. Please check with your local GP or via NSW Health for times and availability and book your vaccine today! INSET: WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

In Australia so far, COVID cases in total since the beginning of the pandemic are around 33,000 – that’s roughly the population of Bathurst and with only 13.1% fully vaccinated the number is expected to grow if NSW residents especially don’t start following public health orders and get vaccinated according to WNSWLHD Chief Executive Officer Scott McLachlan.

“The sooner we can all get vaccinated the better,” he said.

“We also need people to continue to get tested!”

With plenty of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine available and the imminent arrival of more Pfizer shots plus the increase in mobile sites, hubs, teams and locations such as medical centres, hospitals and pharmacies, there are multiple opportunities for people to get vaccinated especially over 40s.

McLachlan said that our region had just the one active case who was identified last week in the Cabonne Shire. Forbes, despite at one point being the focus of a potential COVID scare back on June 10, remains on the same restrictions as most of regional NSW and has done since an infected Victorian couple drove through Forbes on the way to the Sunshine Coast.

Key information as of July 28:

• Overnight there have been no new cases COVID-19 identified in our Local Health District;

• There is currently one active case of COVID-19 in our LHD. That case is located in the Cabonne LGA;

• As a result of contact tracing and other investigations we currently have six venues of concern in our LHD; five in Orange and one at Bathurst. All venues of trans-mission or concern are listed on the NSW Health website;

• Yesterday, more than 1,400 COVID-19 tests were performed in the Central West;

• In most cases, people will receive their results within 72 hours. If people are waiting longer than 72 hours for results, please contact our public health team between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 1300 066 055;

• Up to time of publication there had been approximately 38,000 tests conducted in the WNSWLHD in the last four weeks;

• Overnight there have been no changes to public health orders. However we encourage readers to check online for the latest updates.

Community members with questions should be encouraged to contact the National Coro-navirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

For information on COVID-19 testing locations go to www.nsw.gov.au and click the COVID-19 button to search for your nearest location. Anyone with symptoms related to COVID-19 should arrange to be tested and self-isolate until they receive their results.

For information on COVID-19 vaccination go to the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker at www.health.gov.au

Bernardi’s Round 6 BBC Recipients

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Aruma, Havana House and Holistic Avenue are just some of the recipients of Round 6 of the Building Better Communities Program. Since its inception in 2019, Bernardi’s has proudly donated $200,000 into the local communities in which they operate.

The Forbes family-owned company have been able to give back to local schools, hospitals, sporting clubs and charities with their “Building Better Communities Program” which aims to focus largely on local organisations “who need a helping hand, to keep our local communities thriving and connected”.

Co-CEO Joseph Bernardi said, “the program has been a great success for our communities and something that our family is very proud of. We love that it’s a whole community effort.” Beneficiaries will share in a donation pool of $5,000. They include:
• Aruma – who were looking to purchase new tables and chairsfor their central meeting place where they can hold meetings to catch up with individuals.
• Havana House – have been looking for donations for the day today running of the charity to provide emergency relief to womenand children.
• Holistic Avenue – hope to put their donation towards every dayrunning costs of the charity.

See more at bernardis.net.au/community

Athletes Ready For COVIDSafe PSSA Events

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

In what has already been a disruptive year for junior sport, a ‘clear’ path for PSSA activities may finally exist.

With most of metropolitan NSW in lock-down, adjustments have been daily in line with public health orders. New wording from the NSW Government clarifies where school sport stands currently within West-ern School Sports Association (WSSA) – which includes Lachlan PSSA.

“Inter-school sport and physical activity, including the Representative School Sport pathway (team and individual), can occur across Local Government Areas (apart from those in Greater Sydney) with COVID-safe practices in place. This includes gala days, trials, knock outs and carnivals.”

This means the Lachlan PSSA Athletics is back on track and the event will take place under COVID safe practices at North-parkes Oval on Friday July 30.

At this stage the event can have spectators that must adhere to our COVID safe plan, including all adults registering using the provided QR code, social distancing where practical, use of hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and all adults to wear a mask. Spectators will only be allowed into the venue after registering and must wear masks.

Check the PSSA Facebook page for latest updates and information.

Comfort Capes For Kids

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FOR THE KIDS: Christine L’Estrange, Robyn Miller (President of Forbes CWA Evening Branch) and Sue Cunningham (CWA) posing with comfort capes for children impacted by the recent uncertainty with the COVID pandemic.

Forbes Country Women’s Association Evening Branch has jumped on board with Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Care by donating comfort capes to kids.

Forbes CWA Evening Branch President, Robyn Miller said “those who work with families and children supporting them in times of need, require all the assistance they can get, particularly in these uncertain and often anxious times”.

“Forbes CWA Evening Branch are proud to assist Wilcannia Forbes Catholic Care in doing this by donating a dozen security comfort capes for them to use with children whose world is changing rapidly due to family issues,” Robyn said.

“COVID-19 had played a role in delaying the donation but now, more than ever, it is important that children have a sense of security and a bit of normalcy. We hope these capes can bring a little of security and fun to them”.

The capes were made by a CWA Evening Branch member using Toy Story images as the theme for the capes.

Christine L’Estange, representing Catholic Care said, “the capes will be used for children at the playgroups held at the Women’s Refuge and that they would be much appreciated by both children and staff”.

“I’m sure the children will find some fun in playing with their super security capes and that they (the capes) bring comfort and a sense of security wearing them”.

Ms L’Estrange also thanked Forbes CWA Evening Branch for their ongoing support of the Women’s Refuge.

7 Day Lockdown For Orange, Blayney And Cabonne

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SEVEN DAY LOCKDOWN: Orange City, Cabonne Shire and Blayney Shire are all in a 7 day lockdown until Wednesday July 28 after a transport worker tested positive to COVID last week.

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for the Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council, and Cabonne Shire Council areas until 12.01am Wednesday July 28.

Following updated health advice will apply to all people who live in these areas, or have been there on or after Saturday July 17.

Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason. These include:
• Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
• Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
• Exercise outdoors in groups of 2 or fewer (unless members of the same household);
• Work, or tertiary education, where you cannot work or study from home.
• To attend a wedding or a funeral (but only during the grace period, which ends at 12:01am on Friday 23 July 2021). After this date, funerals will be limited to ten people.
• Schools will remain open, under Level 3 restrictions. All staff and students are still expected to be at school.
• Masks must be worn indoors (not including the home) and in outdoor settings where you cannot socially distance from others (e.g. while queuing for takeaway).
• COVID-19 testing clinics are open at Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Blayney and Molong.

For more information on rules and restrictions for the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange local government areas visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions

News Briefs

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Mice Management Rebate Open
Eligible households and small businesses can now claim cash rebates through Service NSW to help cover the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after February 1, 2021. Households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000. Primary producers who live where they work will be able to claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises. Applications will close on 27 September 2021, or when funds near their allocation. To find out if you qualify and to make your claim visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/nsw-mouse-control-rebate or www.nsw.gov.au/mice

Bedgerabong Public’s New Book
Hot off the press! The Year 5 Enviro book authored by Bedgerabong Public School students has arrived and it’s great. The book “Wigglin’ Willy The Compost Worm” is a wonderful combination of poetry and factual content as Willy teaches reader’s about compost worms. It can be checked out via the link below or you can get your very own PDF version. Thanks to the Forbes Youth Action Team for all your support. www.envirostories.com.au/books

McCormack’s Whirlwind Visit
This week Michael McCormack dropped into Forbes to inspect the progress of a number of projects being delivered through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Forbes Shire Council to date has received more than $4.7 million to help boost the local economy and local jobs.

Forbes Plainsman Hotel One Of Many Cutting Energy Costs

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Hotels across the Central West are receiving support from the Federal Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business and employ more Australians.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Riverina and Central West hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes with up to 99 rooms were eligible for funding including The Plainsman in Forbes to the tune of $25,000 in air-conditioning up-dates.

“I am pleased to announce that 15 businesses have shared in more than $340,000 as part of the $10.2 million Hotel Energy Up-lift Program,” Mr McCormack said.

“When I called each recipient to let them know of their successful application, they all expressed what a difference this funding would make to their business. “From the Ariah Park Hotel installing LED lighting, new refrigeration, reverse cycling air-conditioning and a gas hot water system, to the Wagga Wagga Quest Apartments putting in split system air-conditioning, to the Federation Hotel in Parkes installing double-glazed windows and reverse-cycle air-conditioners – this program is making a real difference.”

More than 85 per cent of the grants were awarded to hotels in regional or remote communities. The Hotel Energy Uplift Pro-gram was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Further information about the program can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hotel-energy-uplift-program

Changes At Schools For Term 3

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

With school returning this week for Term 3, “strict COVID safe restrictions” will be in place according to the NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell. These will include wearing masks for pick-ups and drop-offs, hygiene measures and social distancing.

Mitchell earlier this week said that based on the latest health advice from NSW Health, that masks will be “recommended” for staff and students from Year 7 up for the first week of Term 3.

Before the start of term, Forbes Public School posted online that common sense approaches and standard health orders apply such as hygiene, social-distancing and mask-wearing requirements for school runs.

“Staff will be welcoming students with seniors on standby to assist junior students through the school to their classrooms if needed,” the statement read.

Ms Mitchell reaffirmed what NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated over a week ago when she said regional towns like Forbes would also be under COVID restrictions but that face-to-face learning could continue in regional communities provided public health orders are followed.

Parents are encouraged to speak to their school should they have any questions. As a result the restrictions will be in place until at least 11.59pm tonight Friday, July 16.

McCormack Welcomes Royal Commission Into Defence And Veteran Suicide

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ROYAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHED: A Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide has been established to address concerns over suicide rates among our veterans.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed the Federal Government’s formal establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to be led by former New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Mr Nick Kaldas APM.

“Sadly, the Riverina and Central West, as with all communities and regions throughout Australia, has been affected by suicides among Australian Defence Force members and veterans, so this development is a good outcome,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack praised the work of former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester, who led consultation on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission, assisted by the Attorney-General, Senator Michaelia Cash.

More than 3000 pieces of feedback were received during the consultation period between 19 April 2021 and 21 May. “I think this large number of submissions reflects the community’s intense interest in this most important issue,” Mr McCormack said.

“We owe a debt to those who have served or who are serving our nation in the defence forces to find why there is this unacceptably high rate of self-harm and to put in place measures to reduce the risks.” Mr McCormack said Mr Kaldas was a good choice as Royal Commissioner. As NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kaldas commanded about 14,000 staff and a budget of more than $2 billion.

Further information on the Royal Commission, including how to make a submission – https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au. The Royal Commission is due to provide an interim report on 11 August 2022 and a final report on 15 June 2023.

Subscribe