General Interest Archives - Page 170 of 326

Boys To The Bush Secure NSW Government Grant

June 11, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway MLC was in Forbes on Friday to present a NSW Government grant on behalf of Minister for Regional Youth, Bronnie Taylor MLC to Boys to the Bush to support their community outreach program.

“After visiting and speaking with Tim West, Program coordinator for Boys to the Bush in April I was able to see firsthand the outcomes this organisation was achieving for local youth in the Forbes and Central West region,” Mr Farraway said.

“After meeting with Minister Taylor, we both share the admiration for the work Tim and his team are achieving and I’m delighted to present Boys to the Bush with a grant of $10,000 to support their camps and out-reach programs,” Mr Farraway said.

The $10,000 grant will be used to purchase a new boat, portable fridges, boating & camping equipment to enhance their outreach program for vulnerable youth within the central west community.

With outcomes for youth high on the priority list for the NSW and Federal governments the funds will no doubt make a massive difference.

Bernardi’s Marketplace And Gunn’s Menswear Urge Businesses To ‘Shop Local’

June 11, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

LIVE LOVE SUPPORT LOCAL: Bernardi’s along with Gunn’s have applied the Phoenix mantra to great effect as they forge a strong partnership supporting each other’s local business with the creation of a new line of uniforms for Bernardi’s staff across the Central West made by Gunns in Forbes.

Bernardi’s Marketplace has launched a brand new staff uniform across their stores in Forbes, Bathurst, Blayney & West Wyalong. Louise Bernardi, Image Consultant, was responsible for the design and facilitated the uniform induction across all stores.

The new uniforms are sourced locally through Gunn’s Menswear who have been contracted to supply more than 2,000 uni-form items for about 450 members of Bernardi’s staff. In addition, Bernardi’s will also source new uniforms from Gunn’s for their newest venture – “Ten Tops” discount stores, located in Dubbo, Fyshwick and Wagga, and opening soon in Nowra.

Joseph Bernardi, CEO of Bernardi’s, said “it’s important for business houses across the Central West to first look in their own backyard to source materials, hospitality, produce, and services, before going elsewhere.”

“Partnerships such as our contract with Gunn’s Menswear are what keep our coun-try towns alive, and I urge other businesses in Forbes to seek similar mutual support opportunities.”

Gunn’s Menswear is an iconic family-owned business in Forbes, established in 1952, delivering a friendly, professional service at competitive prices to the locals for nearly 70 years.

As part of the new uniform launch, Bernardi’s Marketplace has also engaged local hairdressers to participate in their ‘look good, feel good’ staff awareness approach with the spotlight on the importance of good grooming.

“The aim is to encourage all staff members to feel good about themselves in their new uniform, and to support our talented hairdressers across Forbes,” Joseph said.

This initiative gives every member of our staff, both casual and full-time, a $10 voucher to offset the cost of their next haircut. Participating salons are: V Air, Hair with Style, and Bron’s Hair Design, are offering their own discounts to clients presenting Bernardi’s vouchers. The offer extends until the end of August.

New Office Space For Forbes And Parkes Phoenix

June 11, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

PHOENIX RISING: New Forbes Sales Manager Jordana Freney and Parkes Sales Manager Emma Henderson were on hand facilitating the office move as the Phoenix Newspapers takes its next steps in multi-media expansion across NSW.

Locals could be excused for wondering what the hive of activity was in the arcade in Forbes this week as the Forbes and Parkes Phoenix office was unofficially opened where 2PK/ ROK FM used to be based.

Phoenix Newspaper Group owner Josh Matic, who succeeded as owner from Sarah Maynard two years ago, said the latest investment in space, skills and packages puts the Phoenix in a league of its own and forms a new culture in the organisation. He is hopeful everyone in the business communities of Parkes and Forbes will continue to support the brands.

“We offer complete multi-media solutions and video has proven extremely popular for those who commit to longer term campaigns with us,” he said.

For Parkes-Forbes Manager and Forbes Editor Dane Millerd, the importance of an office space, a free weekly community newspaper and for business and community contributions is vital.

“The Phoenix is unlike any other publication in that it has a dual purpose of providing a platform for public interest journalism as well as to promote each respective town it represents like tourism and council organisations do,” he said.

“Our mailbox drops and distribution points are all reflective of the demand for the paper and we will only continue to grow as our owner is invested in our region.”

So, shoot a message to Jordana or Emma today at – sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or sales@parkesphoenix.com.au and book your campaign.

Intimate Reconciliation Week Ceremony At Town Hall

June 11, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes closed off National Reconciliation Week last Thursday with a moving ceremony at Forbes Town Hall. The event was initially slated to take place at Lions Park, however inclement weather caused the event to move to the Forbes Town Hall.

National Reconciliation Week takes place from May 27 to June 3 every year and is all about closing the gap and connection and according to the Reconciliation Australia website, this week is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Benevolent Society, Marrabinya, Forbes Learning Ladder, Forbes TAFE, Forbes Arts Society and Catholic Care Women’s Group were also on hand at the event.

Formalities were led by Taylor Bliss who hosted the event while it also doubled as a fundraiser for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to raise vital funds for cancer research. For more information about National Reconciliation Week visit https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/

Bogan Fest Postponed Til November 13

June 11, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

POSTPONED TIL NOVEMBER 13: Australia’s Biggest Bogan Fest has been postponed til November 13 due to COVID.

In another COVID casualty case, Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival has had to postpone their event from June until November 13 after another flare up of the virus forced some vendors and entertainers from interstate to cancel at the last minute.

Organiser Luke Acheson, while disappointed, remained upbeat.“It’s a postponement not a cancellation and that will allow us to fine-tune some things so maybe it’s a blessing and not a curse after all,” he said.

“We want to run the safest and best event we can for our punters and a June long weekend event would not have guaranteed that and we were not prepared to risk it,” Luke said.

“November means warmer weather, more time to prepare and more options – not to mention the fact that Corona may well be a light beer again and not a virus.”

Tickets and a new program will be advertised soon however most of the initial program from preliminary discussions should remain the same.

“Struggles aside we should be able to really promote this and hopefully get a big turn-out – especially now we have a wet t-shirt comp!”

Follow Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all the latest info.

NRW 2021: We Need To Do More To Close The Gap

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

CLOSING THE GAP: Despite giant strides over the past 25 years there is still plenty to do to close the gap according to Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre’s Aunt Aileen Allen.

Wiradjuri elder Aunt Aileen Allen has lived a full life and she has seen some remarkable things. She can still see them, they are all around her and a part of her all at the same time.

She has seen the struggles of her people and she knows that it is a never-ending challenge closing the gap. Closing the gap with others and closing the gap amongst themselves. “I keep thinking – how can we close the gap, what else can we be doing?” Aunt Aileen said.

“How do we make people understand it’s about doing right not being right,” she said.

Aunt Aileen believes closing the gap is about helping and educating people about all of our history and culture and removing politics.

“We all know the importance of understanding who we all are and where we’ve all been in regard to moving forward together with respect, knowledge and awareness – and that’s the only way to close the gap.”

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 – the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples). By 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. Today, 25 years later NRW is celebrated (May 27-June 3) and acknowledged in workplaces, schools and other organisations Australia-wide with hundreds of events being held each year.

We may not have closed the gap and there is still plenty to do but it is closing.

Committing To Quit On World No Tobacco Day

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) was on May 31, with Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) encouraging smokers to ‘Commit to Quit’ as part of a World Health Organisation (WHO) a year-long global campaign.

Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. In WNSWLHD, 12.4% of the population smoke tobacco daily, compared with the NSW state average of 11.2%. Smoking puts people at an increased risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19, and is a major risk factor for diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes.

The WHO has released a list of ‘More than 100 reasons to quit tobacco’ which includes; tobacco’s negative impacts on physical appearance, the risk of second hand smoke to family and friends and negatively affects every organ of the body among others.

WNSWLHD, District Smoking Cessation Coordinator, Nakarri Ferguson, said, “The benefits of quitting smoking are felt almost immediately. Within six hours, your heart rate slows and your blood pressure becomes more stable. Lung function improves within two to twelve weeks, coughing and shortness of breath decreases in one to nine months and your risk of stroke, cancer, and coronary heart disease continues to decrease the longer you don’t smoke”.

“The 2021 WNTD theme encourages smokers to make the pledge to ‘Commit to Quit.’ If you are a smoker and need help to make a quit attempt support is available. You can discuss quitting smoking with your General Practitioner, Aboriginal Medical Service or call the Quitline on 137 848 (13 QUIT)”, Ms Ferguson said.

For support to quit smoking call the Quit-line on 13 78 48, or visit www.icanquit.com.au

Jobs Boost For Forbes With $4 Million Project

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

DEVELOPING FORBES: Forbes Central West Business Park is nearing closer to completion.

The Federal Government has committed almost $4 million to help deliver a Central West Industrial Park at Forbes, to strengthen economic growth and drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said the project formed part of the Australian Government’s commitment to jobs and economic diversification.

“This investment will go towards Part 1 of Stage 2 of the Central West Industrial Park in Forbes,” Mr McCormack said.

“When Stage 2 is complete, the development will create opportunities for new local businesses and innovation in agriculture as well as boosting the local economy and driving jobs growth.

“The $3.99 million from the Federal Government will go towards construction of a significant portion of the drainage works as well as part of the associated road works.”

Mayor of Forbes Shire Cr Phyllis Miller OAM said the development of the Central West Industrial Precinct was a “gamechanger” for the region.

“We have been taking many enquiries from interested stakeholders keen to invest in the region,” Cr Miller said.

“The industrial precinct is located close to the Central West Livestock Exchange, a major driver to the Forbes Shire economy.

“This funding from the Federal Government will allow the project to get to the next stage.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Hon Nola Marino MP said she approved the project as it was an excellent example of investment in the region to further support local business to recover and diversify.

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s commitment of $100 million over two years to fund the Regional Recovery Partnerships in 10 regions across Australia. The Partnerships reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to working with all levels of government to deliver jobs, economic recovery and economic diversification.

Six Million COVID-19 Tests But No Room For Complacency

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW has reached a major milestone in its fight against COVID-19, with more than six million tests conducted since the beginning of the pandemic almost 500 days ago.

More than 3.5 million people have been tested for COVID-19 in NSW, with almost 1.4 million people being tested more than once.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the NSW community should be very proud of this milestone.

“As recent events show, COVID-19 can re-emerge at any time, even after lengthy periods of defences against COVID-19 as they allow us to detect new cases early and prevent further transmission,” Dr Chant said.

“NSW has one of the highest COVID-19 testing rates in the world and reaching six million tests reflects the fantastic efforts of the people of NSW since the beginning of this pandemic,” she said.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone in NSW who has come forward and been tested and urge you to continue to do so – if you have even the mildest of symptoms it is so important you come forward and get tested.”

Of the 3,514,483 people who have taken COVID-19 tests in NSW, 61 per cent (2,138,516) were tested once, with 39 per cent (1,375,967 people) tested on multiple occasions. More than 52,000 people have been tested five or more times.

People in the 30 to 39 year age group accounted for the highest number of tests (1,077,602, 18 percent of all tests), followed by those aged 20 to 29 (923,657 tests, 15 percent) and those aged 40 to 49 (855,231 tests, 14 percent).

There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

New Life For The Lachlan Vintage Village

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.lachlanvintagevillage.com.au/

The Lachlan Vintage Village was jointly developed in the 1970’s by the Forbes Municipal and Jemalong Shire Councils with considerable community input and effort. This tourism attraction showcased days-gone-by and old trades and was a popular location regionally for school excursions and visitors. The Lachlan Vintage Village, formally closed to the public in 2004. Forbes Shire Council purchased the site in 2017.

In 2021 the Lachlan Vintage Village building will be revived, repaired and refurbished to become the new location for the Forbes Visitor Information Centre with an ideal location adjacent the Newell Highway and on the way to some of Forbes Shires stunning sculptures.

“We are so excited to be rejuvenating the Lachlan Vintage Village site as Forbes Tourist Information Centre,” Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said.

The internal fit out and external cladding and verandah works are to be completed by December with the Visitor Information Centre operating a short time afterwards.

“Local Contractors will be utilised where possible, contributing to the local economy,” Mayor Miller said.

This project is funded by the NSW Government Drought Stimulus Program for the building component and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

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