General Interest Archives - Page 178 of 326

Maynard The Allrounder Has Bright Future

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GREAT EFFORT: Despite not having a coach or training like the other competitors, Brock Maynard finished 9th in the state at the NSWLAC in Sydney last weekend.

Some people are blessed with one skill if they’re lucky then there are those like Forbes Public School youngster Brock Maynard, who after finishing 9th in the NSW Little Athletics Track and Field Javelin competition on the weekend, is now gearing up for a run in the Western Region AFL side to travel to Byron Bay in May.

Along with Maddox Bruem, the pair have been picked to headline a U12s side that some say are an outside chance for the title. Toby Smart is the shadow reserve.

Yet for the affable 11 year old, it all comes naturally and he takes each selection and award with the same no nonsense and grace as he does everything.

“I like playing sports as it’s fun and a great way to meet people and make friends,” said Brock.

“AFL is a little new to me as I know and prefer rugby league but it’s fun,” he said. “Both are very different to javelin!”

Maynard threw 24.3m, only 64cms short of 8th which would’ve seen him take a place in the money round top 8 shoot-out but poor weather and the fact he is still learning about the sport and gaining big match experience counted against him at the last moment.

“It was a great experience and I hope I can go back again,” he said. “I do enjoy javelin though if I had to pick I would say I love rugby league the most,” Brock said.

And who’s his tip for the NRL title in 2021? “Penrith Panthers of course!” Of course.

Big Turn-Out For Ronald McDonald House Forbes Fundraiser

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Shire Council fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange held last night was an outstanding success with a strong turn-out by locals.

“All funds raised on the evening will remain in Orange to directly support families from Forbes and other areas of the central and far west who come to stay at the house in Orange while seeking specialist and life-saving treatment for their baby, child or adolescent,” said Ronald McDonald House Media Representative Janice Harris.

“Since the house in Orange opened, 77 families from Forbes have stayed at no cost for a total of 301 nights,” Janice said.

“They have been supported with a range of services including emergency meals, toiletries, and new toys, activities and books for the child in hospital.”

In total, 838 families from the central and far west have stayed at the house in Orange for a total of 6,795 nights free of charge.

Wear Red Day began four years ago as an initiative of the Principal of Denison College in Bathurst, Ken Barwick.

“Can’t wait for 2022!”

Forbes Part Of New Regional Health Model

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HEALTHY START: At the launch of the new collaborative care model for five regions in Parkes on Tuesday were (L-R) Dr Shannon Noll (Rural Director for Medical Services NSW), Jenny Webb (Deputy Mayor Forbes Shire), Scott McLachlan (Chief Executive of Western NSW Local Health District), Ruth Stewart (National Rural Health Commissioner), Mark Coulton (Federal Regional Health Minister), Michael McCormack (Deputy Prime Minister), Barbara Newton (Deputy Mayor Parkes Shire), John Kramer (Chair of Rural Doctors Network) and Richard Colbran (CEO of Rural Doctors Network).

Last week a new collaborative health care model built on a community-based response was launched for Forbes and other centres throughout the Central West.

Forbes will join other regions in the trial to find innovative solutions to local healthcare problems with an investment of $5 million from the Australian Government to support what the communities come up with. The other regions are Parkes, Tullamore, Trangie, Tottenham, Trundle, Canowindra, Snowy Valley and Wentworth.

Regional experts, including the NSW Rural Doctors Network, the Western NSW Local Health District and the Western NSW Primary Health Network are working closely with local councils, community and health professionals to design an innovative solution.

The difference with this approach to traditional health workforce solutions that focus on individual towns, is the focus will be on sub-regions to address healthcare access issues.

“By servicing multiple towns, there is an opportunity to achieve economies of scale, create sustainable practices and provide better access to primary health services for rural and remote Australians,” said Deputy Prime Minister and member for Riverina Michael McCormack at the launch.

“The aim is to demonstrate how new and flexible approaches can address workforce shortages in the bush and find sustainable ways of delivering services across a number of smaller, connected rural communities,” said Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton.

“The challenge of delivering health services in small communities is well known, and it is clear the existing one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working for everyone.” The CEO of the Rural Doctors Network, Richard Colbran agreed, and believes the days of a doctor settling into a town for 40 years were gone.

“The aim with the new model would be to get doctors to stay for at least five years,” said Richard.

“That would allow patients to build a relationship with their GP.”

Apprentice Subsidy Extension A Boost For Local Business

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

In more positive news for the Forbes Shire and Central West region, the state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, says the extension of the Commonwealth Government’s apprentice subsidy is great news for Western NSW’s skilled workforce. The extension is especially important given the effects of COVID-19 over the past year on industry especially regional Australia.

“The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements policy has certainly lived up to its name,” said Business NSW Regional Manager Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“The Commonwealth Government hit the right note with this initiative, with reports from right across Western NSW of unprecedented demand for new apprentices and trainees,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Last October, our report Skilling Australia for a better future: Sup-porting apprenticeships through COVID-19 forecast a reduction of 54,000 new apprentices and trainees from 2019 to 2020.”

“Since that time, there is the very real prospect that commencements in 2020 will outstrip 2019. This is a great result and testament to the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to supporting businesses and young people through this very challenging period.

When the subsidy was announced, no one could have envisaged it having such a huge impact. In fact, it became a victim of its own success, with the 100,000 places exhausted well before the anticipated ending in September.

“This is why we called for an extension of the subsidy in our 2021 Commonwealth Pre-Budget Submission. This initiative helps gives businesses the confidence to invest in training someone for four years and helps create jobs for our young people so they are able to stay and work locally.” Ms Seccombe said.

Funding Of $30,000 For Forbes Golf Club Crown Reserve

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FUNDING BOOST: NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway at Forbes Golf Club last week for the announcement that $30,000 would be donated for a new chemical shed and work room.

In a real boost for the Forbes community and golf enthusiasts throughout the shire, NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway today announced $30,000 in funding for a new chemical shed and work room provided by the NSW Government under its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

“It’s fantastic to report $1,466,823 has been secured for projects across the Orange electorate this year under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund with $30,000 going to Forbes Golf Club,” Mr Farraway said.

“This funding will see infrastructure upgrades to reserves, sportsgrounds, showgrounds and the racecourse, as well as the maintenance of reserves through noxious weed control.”

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government is providing $51.7 million from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund this year to support 705 maintenance and upgrade projects on Crown reserves across the State.

“This year’s fund has received a $40 million boost to support communities that have been impacted by bushfires and COVID-19, to fund infrastructure improvements and support jobs for local trades and materials suppliers,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Protecting and enhancing Crown land reserves is essential for the well-being of communities and our environment, and to support recreation, tourism, business, and local economies.”

With this latest development, recent rains and new owners over the club’s recent history, it is a real win for members and staff who work tirelessly to keep the venue operational.

COVID-19 Vaccination Commences For Health Staff

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Western NSW Local Health District will start providing COVID-19 vaccinations to its staff from Monday, 22 March rolling out across the region.

“The Australian Government has developed a schedule that will see the most at-risk groups receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” said Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

“Phase 1a includes healthcare workers who work in areas such as emergency departments and intensive care units. It also includes aged care residents, including those living in our Multipurpose Service (MPS) facilities. Phase 1b includes all other healthcare workers.

“For our healthcare workers, we will have fixed clinics in Orange and Dubbo taking bookings from 22 March, with the Bathurst clinic opening the following day.”

Additionally, there will also be two mobile clinics in operation from 22 March that will visit all the smaller health facilities over the coming weeks.

The vaccination requires two injections at least twelve weeks apart, so those clinics will be booking staff in for both their appointments.

“Our clinics will be providing the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. Both the current vaccines are very effective, and Oxford/AstraZeneca offers advantages for our District given the challenges of distance,” said Mr. MacLachlan.

“I would encourage people to use the Australian Government’s online eligibility checker to see when and how they can access vaccination.

“This is a really exciting development. Our staff, and our communities have, had been incredible in taking action to minimise the spread of COVID-19, and we all want the vaccination program to be a success,” he said.

“We’re fortunate to have the vaccine available and it will be a relief for our healthcare workers to have this extra layer of protection.”

Forbes Celebrates International Women’s Day

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FORBES CELEBRATES IWD: Mayor Phyllis Miller, Leigh Bartholomaeus, Scarlett Garland, Meg Staples, Amy Shine and Codie Smith.

The annual International Women’s Day celebrations were a little different this year with Forbes Shire Council partnering with the Forbes Business Chamber to hold a Cocktail Night instead of a breakfast, as they have done in previous years.

“We were joined by over 120 local women to celebrate this amazing event,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“It was held at the renovated Masonic Lodge, which was so perfect for an event celebrating women!”

“Local musician, Georgia Sideris performed while finger food, drinks and cock-tails flowed throughout the night. We paused to listen to five of our Legendary Local ladies speak about their achievements and challenges of being a woman in the 21st century.”

“Our Legendary ladies included; Scarlett Garland, Leigh Bartholomew, Meg Staples, Amy Shine and Codie Smith. They all spoke so well and were very inspiring. We have so many talented and dedicated females in Forbes it is lovely to see them celebrated in this way.”

“Given the recent events it is important women stand together to get noticed and listened to. There is a real push for women to be a part of the conversation and we are very fortunate here in Forbes to have three women, there was 4, sitting around the table at Council making decisions for our community.”

This year Council was supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Orange with their fundraising efforts. The Council will be holding another charity event on the 25th March with a High Tea in Lions Park.

Tickets are available through www.123tix.com.au/events/16085/ronald-mcdonald-house-high-tea.

International Women’s Day for most of the 20th century was celebrated at a grass roots level and a rallying point for social justice. In 1975, the UN adopted International Women’s Year and confirmed March 8 as International Women’s Day.

Forbes Shire Council Purchase The Presbyterian Church

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

COUNCIL OWNED: The Presbyterian Church is now owned by Forbes Shire.

Forbes St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church recently sold to Forbes Shire Council for an undisclosed sum. Despite efforts to keep the church in operation, the 144 year old heritage listed church was unable to remain viable with a dwindling congregation.

“Given the location to Town Hall, Council wanted to ensure the building remained in safe hands, so we made an offer,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The plans for the site are not finalised as yet but we have a few suggestions.”

“It is so important to keep this amazing heritage-listed building in the condition it is worthy of,” Mayor Miller continued.

“The church sits within a very important square of Forbes, Victoria Square and is part of our very popular Heritage Trail.”

“Local stonemasons assisted in building this stone church back in 1877 and many locals don’t want to see it go into disrepair.”

Built in a Gothic Revival style with an octagonal belltower and spire, St Andrew’s is constructed in coursed stone with smooth dressed stone to quoins and surrounds and openings. It was classified by the National Trust in 1975.

Wonderful Women Exhibition

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WONDER WOMAN: Sarah Hodge will be showcasing the Wonderful Women Exhibition this Saturday at Platypus Gallery.

The Wonderful Women Photographic Exhibition will be launched by Tracey Callinan, Executive Officer of Arts Out West at 6.30pm on Saturday, 20 March at the Platypus Gallery, 111 Lachlan Street in Forbes. The event has been co-organised by the Forbes Business Chamber to coincide with the International Women’s Day celebrations.

Wonderful Women showcases women from Forbes and surrounds. Our photographer, using black and white film, has photographed 27 groups of like-minded women and/or individual shots of women with up to four generations in one frame.

Participants are from all cultures and will include: Women who have strived to make Forbes home, women of colour, those with disabilities, women that work in male dominated industries, are aboriginal or Torres Straight islanders, lesbian and gay women, and women from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Each photograph is accompanied by a story of these wonderful women.

Drink and nibbles provided. COVID restrictions will apply. Please enter through the Lachlan Street door of Platypus Gallery where you will be required to sign in. No refunds apply to all tickets purchased.

High-Tech Road Safety Exhibition Coming To Parkes And Forbes

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Immersive road safety exhibition, SafeT360, recently came to Forbes to educate young road users around the state about how they can share the road safely with trucks. Statistics show 16-25 year olds are the most overrepresented group of drivers involved in crashes on our roads. SafeT360 puts young road users in the virtual driver’s seat to show them how to stay safe on the road, giving insight they don’t get from learner driver logbooks.

Proudly supported by Transport for NSW and Interlink Roads, SafeT360 visited students at Forbes High School on Wednesday 17 March as part of the exhibition’s NSW tour. Developed by the Australian Trucking Association, SafeT360 is an interactive custom-built road safety exhibition that uses virtual reality and interactive messaging all packed into a real travelling truck and trailer.

SafeT360 Marketing and Engagement Coordinator, Kayla O’Brien said that 16 to 25 year old road users are the most over-represented group of people involved in crashes on our roads. “This must change,” Kayla said.

“SafeT360 has one clear goal – to save lives. Whether in a regional or urban area, we all have a role to play in road safety and need to understand how to share the road safely with trucks.”

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