NSW businesses impacted by COVID may be entitled to small business grants according to NSW National’s Sam Farraway MLC.

“As a member of parliament who ran a small business in the region for many years before entering parliament, I know firsthand how our small businesses are the backbone of our regional communities,” Mr Farraway said.

“I understand how important it is to support our small businesses to get through the restrictions imposed during the current COVID outbreak in NSW. I have been in discussions with the Deputy Premier over the past two days about appropriate pack-ages of support,” he said. “I welcome the NSW Treasurers strong and swift support package announced today”.

The NSW Governments Small Business support package includes numerous benefits for small local businesses and operators are encouraged to check if they qualify:

• Dine & Discover vouchers extended to 31 August, and can now be used for takeaway – including where food is di-rectly delivered to your home from the venue;

• Small Business Support Grant for businesses and sole traders employing less than 20 FTE, depending on turnover decline. -$10,000 for a 70% decline -$7,000 for a 50% decline -$5,000 for a 30% decline;

• Hospitality and Tourism Grant, available to tourism or hospitality businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and an Australian wages bill of below$10 million, depending on turnover decline. -$10,000 for a 70% decline -$7,000 for a 50% decline -$5,000 for a 30 % decline;

• More than $11 million for increased support for people at risk of homelessness;

• Optional deferral of payroll tax payments due in July 2021.

“I would encourage impacted businesses to contact Service NSW to gain access to this support package”.

It has sat unoccupied for almost 20 years but not for much longer. The former Forbes and District Ambulance Station is now one step closer to becoming a cultural and arts centre, with the Development Application for the site progressing to the final stage.

Forbes Arts Society Chair Dr Karen Ritchie said, “since purchasing 110 Lachlan Street in December 2019, the Forbes Arts Society has been working closely with Source Architects to develop a final design for the building in consultation with key project partners and the wider community.”

The FAS vision is to develop the site into a vibrant, civic hub.

“We want a space that encourages locals and visitors to create, share and experience art and culture as well as meet, gather and connect with one another,” Dr Ritchie said.

“The design is an adaptive reuse of this prominent local building – sensitive to the site’s Local Heritage Significance status, whilst incorporating a beautiful yet functional contemporary extension.”

The distinctive two-storey building, located on the corner of Court and Lachlan Streets, was originally occupied by the Bank of Australasia before the Ambulance Service took possession of the site in 1944. On 25 October 2001, the building was extensively damaged by fire. Due to the damage caused, the Forbes and District Ambulance Service relocated to a temporary station up at the Forbes Hospital.

A second fire on 31 October 2001 gutted the building, and it has remained unoccupied since.

The Forbes Cultural Centre development is part of the $7.2 million ‘Boosting the La-chlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

For more information about the project and to view the proposed plans, visit www.forbesartssociety.com

Billy Spence has been operating Forbes Central Butchery for a few years now and what started as a small family business to service the local community has quickly turned into something far bigger.

Forbes Central Butchery now deliver in the Parkes and Forbes Shire covering from Bogan Gate and Trundle through to Tullamore and Tottenham and they deliver every Friday.

“There’s no order too big or small,” said Billy Spence. “We are now also targeting local farmers markets with our new and unique ranges of sausages and other selected products,” he said.

And with the local Forbes Rotary Markets on the monthly calendar now, what better time to trial Billy’s new snags in Victoria Park in preparation for the Forbes Central Butchery Sausage Sandwich Eating Contest at the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on November 13?

“Not sure how that guy (Martin Carney) ate all those sausage sanga’s (27),” said Billy. “He just hasn’t had my sausages yet!”

Support your local business who supports you.

Hughie Wilson Oval will get much needed upgraded amenities after getting a $390,000 grant.

In a real boost for local sports clubs and groups, the latest funding will ensure the facility remains a well-used and valued asset within the community.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the funding is being provided by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment from its Crown Land Manager Recovery Support Program.

“This $390,000 is terrific for Forbes as it will pave the way for a great new local asset that can support numerous sporting, recreation and leisure activities,” Mr Farraway said.

“Hughie Wilson Oval is used by the Forbes Rugby League Club and the Forbes Mag-pies Junior Rugby League Club,” he said.

“This funding will allow for the construction of a brand-new amenities building with change rooms to replace a portable building that has reached the end of its life and is failing to meet community needs and expectations.”

Mr Farraway said the new amenities block will provide a modern facility built to national standards that can support growth in all sporting codes that use Hughie Wilson Oval and Spooner Oval.

“The oval is also open to the general public for fitness training, community sporting and social events, and has playground equipment installed for families,” said Sam.

“The amenities building will enhance recreational facilities for community use and enjoyment and improve health and safety on Hughie Wilson Oval,” he said.

“This will address concerns that have been raised by community organisations about inadequate infrastructure at the popular Crown land reserve, which is managed by Forbes Shire Council.”

It’s back to the future for the National Party as Barnaby Joyce’s second (and successful) leadership spill in 15 months resulted in the former leader regaining his position as head of the party last week over Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack. He was sworn in as Deputy PM with David Little-proud retaining his place as deputy leader of the Nationals.

The spill comes after members of the junior coalition partner began to panic that they may lose seats at the next federal election. McCormack, is one of parliament’s hardest working and well-respected members, and had vowed to fight for his position but soon it had become obvious Joyce had the numbers.

Joyce, the Member for New England has a big role to fill. His party is fractured and voters still remember why he was consigned to the back bench three years ago. How he unites the party is anyone’s guess. McCormack meanwhile was gracious in defeat.

“Thank you to the people of the Riverina and Central West who have sent me to Canberra on four occasions to represent them and their interests in the Australian Parliament,” the statement read.

“The residents of the electorate – as al-ways – will remain my focus as I look to the future as the Member for Riverina. I am proud of what I have achieved for regional Australians and the Riverina and Central West as the Member for Riverina, Deputy Prime Minister and The Nationals’ Leader.”

What this latest move does to public perception remains to be seen – you can bet though, that voters are not as forgetful as the party room appears to be.

He stands as a representation of strength, vulnerability and connection and proudly stands at six (6) metres tall. His bold stance and keen focus cut a potent and deadly impression whilst making the inescapable suggestion that he is searching for something unseen, lost along the way, relegated to the past.

‘Heart of Country’ was officially unveiled last week as part of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) trail – located 24 kilometres from Condobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way towards Forbes. The one-tonne Cor-ten Steel sculpture explores the notions of strength, vulnerability and connection.

Melbourne sculptor, Damian Vick said the work is an attempt to acknowledge the injustices endured by the Wiradjuri people, whilst also standing as testament to the collective resilience and determination of all indigenous Australians, and their profound spiritual connection with the land.

“I was extremely conscious that the creation of this work rested on a delicate cultural landscape, and that it must be approached with the gravity and sensitivity it demands”, Damian said.

Damian said the nature of the subject matter and developing the piece in conjunction with the local indigenous community has been a profoundly enriching experience.

“Seeing it in its final location, standing tall, with its earthy finish was an extremely proud moment and gave a sense of finality to a sculpture that I consider the most powerful and important one of my career to date,” Damian added.

Chair of the Forbes Arts Society (FAS) Dr Karen Ritchie said, “We are thrilled to be unveiling the first of the four sculptures to be featured within the Lachlan Shire as part of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail expansion.”

“Through this very special installation, it’s hoped that we can achieve a deeper level of understanding, facilitate a proud shared identity, and strengthen the connection between our two Shires.”

BWR Accountants & Advisers is locally owned and operated and has been servicing the Central West NSW region for 65 years. The firm was originally established by Dick Herborn in the 1950’s.

We assist our clients with their business accounting and taxation matters including GST, superannuation administration and auditing as well as taxation business planning.

Chartered Accountant, Cathy Williams has been a partner and owner since 1998 and Brett Slack-Smith since 2001. BWR has a staff of 17 who are all locals, living within the Forbes and Parkes communities.

Over this time the partners and staff have built a reputation of providing outstanding service and quality advice to the people of Forbes, Parkes and surrounding districts and look forward to maintaining this status well into the future.

We believe that our clients deserve more than basic service to cover their compliance requirements. We offer a high level of support, knowledge and expertise, enabling our clients to reach their business and personal financial goals. At BWR our philosophy is about building futures. Visit our website at www.bwraccountants.com.au