General Interest Archives - Page 183 of 326

Baby It’s Time

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Birthing with the Lachlan Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) began booking in expectant mothers from 21 January 2021, with many mothers now able to choose to give birth at either Parkes or Forbes Hospitals under the care of a midwife.

Acting Lachlan Health Service Manager, Jenni McGee said, “Midwifery Group Practice provides a mother with a midwife who cares for them during pregnancy, birth journey and afterwards. The MGP midwives work together in a small group.

“MGP is for women with a low-risk pregnancy, and no medical conditions. Midwives are trained specialists in normal pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. They also have support from specialist GP obstetricians if required during pregnancy.

“When pregnant women call the central intake line on 6861 2439, they will get to speak to our maternity team about the choices available, and which may be the right option for them. This is ultimately a decision based on both a risk assessment and the mother’s choice.

“Where the pregnancy is low risk, mums can now choose to birth at either Parkes or Forbes Hospital through the MGP. They will have a primary midwife working with them throughout their pregnancy which really helps develop understanding and trust,” Jenni said.

The Lachlan Maternity Service will also commence Maternity Antenatal/Postnatal Program (MAPP) clinics from 1 February 2021.

MAPP provides a mum with a midwife who cares for them before the birth and afterwards at home. The woman’s labour and birth may occur at Forbes, Orange, Dubbo or other hospitals depending on the woman and her baby’s needs.

“We are very excited for the women in Lachlan and the wider region because they will have a choice of several different models of care. We know the difference it will make for women to be able to give birth to their babies close to home”. Jenni said.

WNSWLHD Project Recognised On National Stage

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has showcased the Signs of Strangulation (SOS) Project at the National Stop Domestic Violence Conference. Danielle Allen and Julieanne Potts, presented their project, Improving Responses for Victims of Domestic Violence Presenting with Non-Fatal Strangulation at Orange Emergency Department. WNSWLHD Executive Director Integrated Care Julie Cooper said, “This project started as part of the Clinical Leadership Program but has turned into something so much bigger.” The project included the development of a vital medical alert resource card to provide to victims of DFV and SOS card.

“The SOS card is now being used by the majority of NSW Local Health District’s and other service providers including other government and non-government services who assist victims of Domestic and Family Violence,” Julie said. “I am extremely proud that we have turned this into a whole of Local Health District (LHD) response. The safety and health of our patients in every part of the WNSWLHD is important. The WNSWLHD stands against any form of domestic and family violence. “The commitment to creating positive change for our LHD by Danielle and Julieanne is inspiring,” Julie said.

Installation Of New Birds Hides Underway At Gum Swamp

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Midpro Engineering and Irrigation driving the footings for one of the new bird hides at Gum Swamp.

Gum Swamp, usually a serene nature reserve, has been a hive of activity as work commences on the installation of three new bird hides.

Midpro have spent four months constructing the two-storey frames for the new hides off-site at their depot. Last Tuesday, the steel footings were driven into place near the water’s edge in preparation for the timber and steel structures to be transported out to site and assembled.

In addition to the construction of three new bird hides, the existing hide was recently refurbished as part of the Gum Swamp redevelopment project.

Built in 1992 with support from Dick Smith, Australian Geographic, and several local community groups, the ‘bunker’ was in dire need of a makeover.

Forbes Arts Society’s Chairperson, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “The existing bird hide has been a tremendous community and tourism asset for close to 30 years, so we are delighted to see it refurbished to be utilised for decades to come.”

While Gum Swamp is commonly known as a destination for bird watchers, this project will encourage residents and visitors to utilise the wetland sanctuary for other passive recreational activities.

“The landscape lends itself to a diverse range of opportunities. We hope that this redevelopment will attract new user groups, including photographers, artists, health and wellness enthusiasts, and those wishing to just immerse themselves in nature,” Karen said.

Work on the new bird hides is anticipated to be complete by April 2021. Construction of the new pathways, and installation of handrails, seating and wayfinding signage will commence thereafter.

The Gum Swamp redevelopment is part of the $7 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’, proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Councils and Evolution Mining.

Member for NSW Upper House, Sam Farraway MP said the redevelopment of the bird hides will boost tourism and improve the visitor experience. “This initiative is exactly what the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund is designed to deliver, and I am thrilled to see it becoming a reality,” Sam said.

More Workers To Support Farmers

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

While the Morrison Government is changing visa conditions to provide more workers to farmers struggling to find the extra hands during harvest season, some of the new conditions may undermine the basic principles of Australian democracy and cultural values by refusing to give a ‘fair go’ to those at risk of returning to countries with fatally failing healthcare systems.

Australia’s fruit picking sector has faced criticism over conditions and farms in and around the Central West are not exempt from reports of unscrupulous treatment of workers. In Queensland, Belgian backpacker Olivier Caramin died from heat stress while picking fruit, his employer was fined for breaking labour laws but avoided conviction.

According to Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke, under the changes, temporary visa holders are more likely to be granted the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa, so long as they work in the agriculture sector.

While this incentive may deliver much needed workers out West, the coercive nature of this regulatory change, that makes temporary visa holders choose between the safety of the COVID-19 visa and another round of hard labour, is a concern which warrants further enquiries.

Five Days Of Double Demerits

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Senior Constable Baldwin from Parkes Highway Patrol is one of many on local roads to enforce safe driving.

As we get ready to celebrate Australia Day and with school holidays coming to an end for thousands of local students, drivers are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force for five days.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that double demerit points would be in force from Friday, 22 January to Tuesday, 26 January for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

“Please drive safely and take extra care on the roads this holiday period. Driving over the speed limit to save a couple of minutes, pushing on driving when you are tired, answering your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel and driving after a few drinks isn’t worth the risk of not arriving at all,” Melanie said.

“We all have a part to play in reducing the number of crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, don’t drink and drive, limit distractions in the car and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said.

Australia Day 2021 In Forbes

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Australia Day celebrations will look very different in 2021, and Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM is calling on residents to tune in to a virtual celebration this year.

“COVID-19 restrictions have made this year’s event a virtual one, which I know the Forbes community will embrace nonetheless,” says Phyllis. “Celebrating our amazing citizens is so important, we couldn’t miss this opportunity. So, this year we will be live streaming the awards on Facebook and celebrating their wonderful achievements with a private ceremony.

“It is unfortunate we couldn’t all join together in person this year, but we really need to continue our great work in staying healthy and safe. We do invite you all to visit our beautiful waterways and grab a bite to eat at the various food vans which will be placed around the Lake and the Ski Dam, Lions and Rotary Parks and near the Waterpark during the day. We really are so lucky to have the Lake in our town and we want you all to enjoy it on this significant day of Australia Day.”

At 6pm the Awards ceremony will be broadcast via Facebook and the awards will include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Senior Citizen of the Year.

“I look forward to sharing the evening with our nominees, as well as their family and friends in a private function,” said Phyllis, “the awards will be broadcast live on Facebook to ensure the whole community knows how great our citizens really are.”

The Fireworks display will also be broadcast live from the Forbes Shire Council Facebook page at 9pm. Pet owners are being urged to restrain animals during this time to ensure pets do not panic roam from home.

Building Better Regions Fund

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The guidelines for Round Five of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) have been released and Riverina and Central West communities are being urged to apply, with applications open until Friday, 5 March.

“The Australian Government is supporting regional communities across the nation with a particular focus in this round on regional tourism,” Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said.

“The Building Better Regions Fund has supported several infrastructure projects across the Riverina and Central West with more than $26 million being delivered through the first four rounds of the program, including upgrades to the main streets of Forbes, Cowra, Gundagai and Parkes, a new medical hub in Grenfell and upgrading the original Temora Aerodrome runway and associated main apron and taxiways.”

There is $100 million available for tourism-related infrastructure to get regional tourism back on its feet, while $100 million is available for broader community infrastructure and investment.

The guidelines can be found at www.business.gov.au/bbrf. Applications are open from 12 January 2021 until 5 March 2021. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.

Tourism Infrastructure Projects Benefit Local Business

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Adam Tandy and Tim Wood from Outback Soils in Forbes are one of the local contractors working on the Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project.

The $7 million Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project is set to transform our region’s tourism landscape. While still only in the early stages of delivery, the project is already having a positive impact on the regional economy with a number of local businesses involved in the construction phase.

The project includes the redevelopment of Gum Swamp reserve, the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) public art trail, and the construction of a new Cultural and Arts Centre.

As part of the Gum Swamp redevelopment, Midpro Engineering in Forbes fabricated the two-storey frames for the new bird hides, before sending off to Cowra’s Central Plate and Gal to be galvanised.

Midpro owner Ian ‘Bart’ Bartholomaeus said, “Our team at Midpro have really enjoyed being involved with this project. We have almost completed all the components for the three new bird hides and are preparing to start the on-site works now that harvest has wrapped up, beginning with the footing foundations.”

Installation of the new hides is anticipated to be complete by March 2021. Outback Soils in Forbes will then carry out the re- remaining work on the walkways, handrails, and concrete seating.

Outback Soils are also working in partnership with landscape architect, Outscape from Grenfell on the landscaping for the Sculpture Down the Lachlan extension and the Albion Park redevelopment. The custom SDL concrete blocks that feature at each site were designed and manufactured by Outback Soils owner, Tim Wood.

Orange-based consultants, Source Architects were engaged earlier this year to re-develop the former Forbes Ambulance Station on the corner of Lachlan and Church Streets into a Cultural and Arts Centre, and construction is due to commence mid-2021.

Director of Source Architects, Sally Sutherland said, “Progress on the design of the Cultural and Arts Centre is well under-way, with plans to be lodged to Forbes Shire Council for Development Application early in the new year.

“The design incorporates a multifunctional room, gallery shop and a 32-seat café on the lower level with additional outdoor dining and a takeaway service. The main gallery and a meeting space will be located on the upper floor.”

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “Engaging local suppliers and contractors, where possible, is part of our vision to diversify our rural economy, build economic resilience, and grow our Shire’s reputation as a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, visit and invest.”

The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

The project aims to foster visual arts throughout the Forbes Shire, grow the visitor economy and promote the Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination.

Outback Soils designed and manufactured the custom Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) concrete blocks that will feature at the entrance of every sculpture site.

A Santa Surprise

December 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The big surprise at the Forbes North Schools as Community Centres (SaCC) Playgroup, CatholicCare Playgroup and Rhyme Time Christmas Party was that Santa made it through quarantine in time to bring some Christmas cheer to the party. The families were delighted to see Santa, who delivered Christmas cheer and books to all of the children. Santa’s helpers Tash, Maree, Candice, and Lucy were on board to help with delivering presents and providing some Christmas activities and morning tea. “What a lovely way to end the year,” said Maree Yapp from Forbes North SaCC, “I was so excited to see Santa, especially this year.”

Playgroups and Rhyme Time will be back in February in 2021 and there will be an activity every week day for families with young children. “I am looking forward to 2021 and working with the families again” said Tash Harris from CatholicCare. The team from Forbes North SaCC and CatholicCare look forward to working with the Forbes community again next year and wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

WNSWLHD Celebrates Nurse Practitioner Week

December 18, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Nurse Practitioner Linda Doherty has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to health in the Western NSW Local Health District.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Nurse Practitioner Day, on Saturday, 12 December.

Western NSW LHD (WNSWLHD) Executive Director Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, Adrian Fahy, said, “It is so important to celebrate and acknowledge the Nurse Practitioners (NP’s) who work across our district.”

“Our NP’s are highly skilled, advanced practice registered nurses who are trained to independently assess patients, order diagnostic tests, interpret the results of these tests, from working patient diagnoses and prescribe certain medications to treat illness.”

This year there were 10 finalists for the Western NSW Local Health District Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award. “It was a difficult choice only selecting one winner,” Adrian said. The 2020 WNSWLHD Nurse Practitioner of the Year is Linda Doherty.

Linda is a Nurse Practitioner who works within Alcohol and other Drug Services to support people manage their addictions across the local health district.

Director of Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Jason Crisp, said, “Linda is extremely deserving of this award. She is an innovator who is always looking to improve the health outcomes for people within the community. Linda is a great mentor to staff, an educator, compassionate, caring nurse and professional.”

Adrian went on to express gratitude for all of the NP’s working across the Western NSW Health District and hopes that the award not only highlights the fantastic work they do, but also recognises the significant contribution they bring to health services and communities.

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