General Interest Archives - Page 187 of 326

Stay On Label And Know Your Market Before Using Desiccants

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Cereal, pulse and oilseed growers are being reminded to adhere to label directions for herbicides used as a desiccant and understand their target market requirements this harvest to avoid issues with chemical residues.

It is critical growers are aware that maximum residue limits (MRLs) in Australia could differ from MRLs in international grain markets such as the European Union, according to Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Manager Chemical Regulation, Gordon Cumming.

“Late season rain has created harvest issues across areas of Australia, and growers are now carefully considering their options when it comes to managing their crop and maximising yield, weed control and grain quality to achieve the best profit margins,” Gordon said.

“However, where chemical desiccants, used to speed up the crop ripening process, are being considered there is the potential for chemical residues to arise that may exceed certain market requirements, even when used in accordance with the label directions.”

“For example, for durum, the Australian MRL for diquat is 2 milligrams/kilogram, whereas in a major potential market for Australian durum, the European Union, there is a significantly lower MRL of 0.02mg/kg.”

Chair of the National Working Party on Grain Protection (NWPGP), Gerard McMullen, said all markets had strict limits for chemical residues and growers and marketers needed to work together to ensure grain was compliant with market requirements.

“Marketers need to closely monitor market requirements and provide advice to growers. Non-compliance can lead to the rejection of shipments in export markets and create ongoing market access issues,” Gerard said.

Differences in regulations make grain exporters wary and many were reluctant to consider buying grain from crops treated with certain chemicals, such as diquat on durum.

Growers have a legal obligation to follow label directions and understand the needs of their buyers. Exporters also have a role to play. Grain should not be exported unless the residue status is known and complies with market requirements.

The GRDC has produced fact sheets on desiccants for use by crop type. For more information go to https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2020/preharvest-herbicide-use-fact-sheet.

Keeping Roads Safe This Harvest

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Melanie Suitor and Peter Nixon, Manager of Forbes Machinery Centre, with an auger.

Agricultural machinery owners and operators are invited to get road ready ahead of the 2020 harvest season, by picking up a free Moving Harvest Machinery USB from all agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in the Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire areas. The USBs are also available at the Councils Administration Offices.

The ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USBs contain all of the relevant notices for safely and legally moving agricultural machinery and combinations on the road along with other useful harvest safety information.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says it is imperative that all operators be aware of their responsibilities whilst operating over dimensional vehicles this harvest.

“For the first time in a few years it is looking like it’s going to be a great harvest, which means lots of extra truck movements and agricultural machinery will be using local roads.”

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to,” Melanie said.

Regulations do change and this USB will help to ensure that people have up to date information.

“We provide these handy credit card style USBs every harvest. It has been updated with the most current notices and provides other relevant information such as load restraint, chain of responsibility and the Harvesting Fire Safety Guide, to name a few. There is also a live link document, which provides the web address for the attachments on the USB. It is advisable to regularly check the National Heavy Vehicle Regulators website www.nhvr.gov.au for updated notices and/or changes to operating conditions,” Melanie said.

This year there are 1,000 USB devices available.

Christmas At Kissing Point

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes resident Jacqui Greig’s new romance anthology paperback are now available for pre-order.

Local romance author Jacqui Greig has released a Christmas anthology, just in time for Christmas. Titled Christmas At Kissing Point, this will be the third romance novel published by Jacqui, who first published in 2017 and is currently working on a four-novel series from her home in Forbes.

“I attended the 2019 Romance Writers of Australia conference and met some incredible writers. It is where I met the four authors that I teamed up with to publish this anthology,” said Jacqui.

“Romance remains the biggest selling genre for readers the world over, and little wonder as we all need to escape from reality from time to time,” she says. “It goes without saying that most of us can’t wait to put 2020 behind us. And what better way to wait for the year to end and ring in the festive season than with a fun, romantic book?”

Jacqui has a bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism but, having always been tempted to embellish the facts of a story, decided she was more suited to writing works of fiction. She is proud to be a part of the romance genre, believing it has come a long way from the “bodice-rippers” of the 1980s.

“Romance writers nowadays tend to steer away from the reductive portrayals of women’s sexuality that you saw in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I’ve found the romance writing community to be an incredibly inclusive and supportive one, and also fiercely feminist. The feminism angle might be surprising, especially in light of the #metoo movement, but I think the romance community is great at saying ‘you know what? You can be a smart, independent woman, and still enjoy reading about a possessive hero’. Part of being an empowered female is having the confidence to like what you want to like. Romance is a genre that allows women to explicitly centre and explore their own pleasure.”

Christmas At Kissing Point is available as both a physical paperback and eBook.

‘Allegory’ Exhibition Opens At The Platypus Gallery

November 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Locals and visitors are invited to decipher the hidden meanings behind each of the works featured in a new exhibition at The Platypus Gallery in Forbes.

‘Allegory’ will open to the public on Thursday, 5 November, featuring works of various mediums by artists Coralie Crouch, Wayne Miles, and Rosalie Burns.

“An Allegory is a method for creating a symbolic visual or written message. Allegories require the audience to interpret the hidden message which may contain a moral or spiritual meaning,” Coralie explained.

“I encourage viewers to look beyond just the descriptive or decorative purpose of the artworks.”

To celebrate the launch of the exhibition, The Platypus Gallery will extend its opening hours on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 November 2020, from 10am until 4pm.

Throughout the opening weekend, visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to meet featured artist, Coralie Crouch, and gain an insight into the hidden messages behind each of her installations.

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “In what has been a challenging year for our industry, we are so looking forward to welcoming back our gallery friends, new and old.”

“To help protect the health and safety of gallery visitors and our volunteers, we will have hand sanitiser available, a QR sign-in at the door, as well as implementing social distancing measures at all times.”

The ‘Allegory’ exhibition runs until Friday, 27 November. The Platypus Gallery will be open Monday to Friday, 10am until 2pm and Saturdays, 9am until 1pm. All artworks will be available for purchase.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.forbesartssociety.com or follow The Platypus Gallery on Facebook or Instagram.

The Platypus Gallery is run by ArtsWeb volunteers, a sub-committee of the Forbes Arts Society.

Business On The Up

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW’s quarterly Business Conditions Survey has revealed the first bounce in business confidence in a year. The survey shows business perceptions about the performance of the NSW economy rebounded strongly from the record low recorded in June.

“The outlook has also improved, with businesses expecting further lifts in the economy for the remainder of 2020,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“While business services, hospitality and tourism businesses are heavily impacted overall, business performance in these industries varies dramatically depending on location and type of customers serviced. Many businesses are about to enter a difficult period as support measures are tapered back; however, it promises to see a strong foundation for recovery emerging in the region.”

The easing of drought conditions led to a boost in the Agricultural sector, this, alongside increased domestic tourism, has helped to bolster the outlook for businesses in Western NSW.

A Horse Drawn Carriage Ride For Jemalong Residents

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jemalong residents enjoying their My Wish, a horse drawn carriage ride through the countryside.

Delighted residents from Jemalong Residential Village in Forbes were recently treated to a horse drawn carriage ride through the countryside as part of Catholic Healthcare’s My Wish program. For the residents, the experience was nostalgic and an opportunity to reminisce, share stories and bond with each other.

Acting Lifestyle Manager, Bec Higgs said, “It was a wonderful and memorable day. We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather. The grand carriage drawn by two beautiful Percheron Draft horses was visually mesmerising. The residents were elated and the experience was enjoyed by everyone.”

Residents were taken around Jemalong, along a country road in a rural neighbouring field to a quaint little cottage and back again. Resident Jack said, “I haven’t done this in decades. I used to work with horses every day, and it’s good to be in their company again.”

“On the day, the Home was abuzz with hype and activity and everyone at Jemalong enjoyed the experience. For residents who didn’t want to go on a ride, we made sure there was time in the day to meet the horses, talk to the driver and the lady who owned them,” Bec said.

Remain Vigilant As Restrictions Are Eased

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As New South Wales marks three million COVID-19 tests since January, the NSW Government is calling on the community to continue to work together to fight the deadly virus.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned that while recent easing of restrictions is very welcome, it comes with risks and it is critical everyone keeps getting tested.

“This is a stealthy virus and if we give it an inch, it will take a mile and undo a lot of good work,” Brad said, “I thank the people of NSW for their efforts and sacrifices during the past nine months, which have put us in a position where we have been able to ease restrictions.”

The NSW Government aims to be able to continue to ease restrictions in the weeks and months ahead, but this depends on us being successful in minimising community transmission.

As of 8pm on 26 October 2020, 3,000,641 COVID-19 tests had been performed on 2,247,101 people in NSW. Of those people tested, 63.7 per cent had a single test and 36.3 per cent had more than one test. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was critical that people continue to come forward for testing and practice COVID-safe behaviours when out and about.

“When we have high numbers of people continuing to get tested, that allows us to detect cases in the community earlier and prevent onward transmission,” Kerry said.

“Get tested at the first sign of even the mildest of symptoms, wash your hands regularly, physically distance and wear a mask when using public transport and in places where you can’t physically distance.”

Templar Street To Close For Weekend Road Works

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council has pushed ahead with the refurbishment of Templar Street with part road closures that were implemented on Wednesday, 28 October to Thursday, 29 October 2020. The whole of Templar Street will be closed to traffic during Sunday, 1 November, to enable the removal of the existing road base and preparation for the new base to be laid.

“The Northern side of the street, the Dentists side, was closed on Wednesday and Thursday while we removed the islands and pavers,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“This staged approach will ensure the least amount of disruption to our shopping district. Traffic control will be in place and we ask you be patient when in the area as there may be congestion.”

“On Sunday, the whole street will close, and the majority of the work can be done over the weekend, ensuring a minimal amount of disruption to trade and businesses. Our crews will be working around the beautiful trees we have existing in the street already and ensure they don’t receive any damage whilst the work is being carried out.”

“The current pavers will be crushed and then re-used in future road projects ensuring no waste will be incurred because of works being completed in Templar Street,” Phyllis said.

On Monday, 9 November the adjoining laneways of Collit and Meaghers Lane will have pedestrian diversions in place to enable Forbes Shire Council to install power in the vicinity.

The project is due for completion in December 2020. Forbes residents who require more information are encouraged to contact Forbes Shire Councils Major Projects Manager on 02 6850 2300.

Forbes Celebrating NAIDOC

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

NAIDOC celebrations will go ahead in Forbes in November.

The Forbes Aboriginal community has come together once again to plan a COVID-safe celebration for NAIDOC this year. Committee members from Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Forbes Wiradjuri Rangers, Amaroo, CatholicCare and Council as well as community members and representatives from local schools have joined forces to design a family-friendly celebration to be held at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre on Friday, 13 November from 4.30pm – 8pm.

The event will feature a range of free activities including traditional art, dancing, storytelling, and language as well as art and craft activities, jumping castles and bungee trampolines plus the chance to win some amazing prizes. There will be a range of food options available including a free barbecue and a variety of food vans to choose from.

“We are really excited to still be able to hold this event,” said Committee Chairperson Debbie Gaudie. “When we first started planning, we weren’t sure what would be happening with restrictions, but we have worked hard to make sure the event is COVID-safe for everyone and can still go ahead.”

“There will be plenty of hand sanitiser available, and we will be fencing off the entire event area with only one entry and one exit with QR code or paper sign in on entry. This will make sure we can manage numbers and make sure we have details for contact tracing as required by the State Government,” Debbie said. “All our activities will be run in a COVID-safe way.”

Attendees will be invited to complete a NAIDOC Celebration passport by completing each of the activities available on the day. The first 50 children to complete the activities on the day will win a fishing rod, kindly donated by DPI Fisheries. In addition, all completed passports will be entered into the draw to win an amazing prize pack from Forbes Shire Council.

Breast Cancer Won’t Wait For COVID

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Meg O’Brien, Manager BreastScreen NSW Western Region encourages women 50-74 to book their free mammogram this October.

BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women aged 50 to 74 to make their health a priority by booking a free life-saving mammogram this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Meg O’Brien of BreastScreen NSW Western Region said: “This Breast Cancer Awareness Month we want women in Western NSW Local Health District to make booking a breast screen a priority.”

“BreastScreen NSW has implemented a range of hygiene and social-distancing measures to ensure clinics and mobile screening vans are COVID-19 safe, to protect women, staff and the wider community.”

Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow said early detection is key to giving women the best chance of survival and reduces the likelihood of needing invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.

An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free, takes about 20 minutes in total and no doctor’s referral is needed. In addition to 46 BreastScreen NSW clinics, Breast-Screen NSW has 16 mobile vans that provide services to about 180 locations across NSW, including in rural and remote areas.

If you are aged 50 to 74 book your free mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW online at www.book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

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