General Interest Archives - Page 199 of 326

Upgrades For Bedgerabong Showgrounds

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

With around 580 shows across Australia, and drawing in nearly 6 million visitors in total, upgrades, and maintenance of aging facilities as well as the construction of new infrastructure is crucial for the sustainability of rural showgrounds. The Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program is injecting $20 million into 122 regional agricultural show societies, including Bedgerabong PA & H Association Inc.

The upgrades at the Bedgerabong Showgrounds will include the development of a multipurpose livestock facility, fence repairs, installation of barriers and an upgrade to the watering system.

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the grants would also serve as a much needed cash injection in the wake of recent bushfires and the COVID-19 outbreak which has seen agricultural shows, a major drawcard for visitors, cancelled Australia-wide with a loss of roughly $965 million to the economy.

“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more tills ringing in local businesses,” said David. “Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies.”

Talking Mental Health

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging residents to access mental health support if they need it. The Federal Government has bolstered mental health and wellbeing services during the COVID-19 pandemic and Michael implored those who are feeling unwell to get help.

“Regional Australians are a resilient bunch but too often they shirk their own health and wellbeing.”

The Federal Government’s mental health package includes funding for dedicated phone and online resources. “These services are vital for residents throughout the Central West to get the support they need, when they need it,” Michael said.

The Australian Government funds a range of organisations where people can raise concerns, whether they relate to COVID-19, the ongoing drought, or the impact of the recent bushfires.

Telephone and online support is available from the following organisations:
• Headspace (for people aged 12 to 25 and their families) call 1800 650 890 or chat online
• Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) call 1300 22 4636 or chat on-line
• This Way Up Clinic (anyone with stress, anxiety, and depression) online courses
• MindSpot (people with anxiety and depression) call 1800 61 44 34 or online screening.

A Windfall For Book Lovers!

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Central West Libraries has ramped up local access to online digital content in the wake of COVID-19 to help locals stay entertained through self-isolation. With the launch of an innovative new platform indyreads, Forbes library members can now access over 11,000 new ebooks and audiobooks from home.

Developed by the State Library of NSW, indyreads gives members 24/7 access to a range of eBooks, including fiction titles by well-known and popular authors, poetry collections, cookbooks, educational books, local studies resources and more.

“Indyreads also includes books from independent Australian and international publishers as well as the best examples of self-publishing, offering communities a greater diversity of stories,” says Ross Balharrie, indyreads project coordinator, State Library of NSW. “With indyreads library members can get a lot more variety – from high quality self-published works by local writers to international award-winning authors and modern classics,” says Ross.

According to Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards, “indyreads is a great addition to our library collection. I am particularly enjoying being able to access such a wealth of fiction by Australian authors”.

To access the collection visit www.cwl.nsw.gov.au To log onto indyreads you will need to:
• Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to use on your phone or tablet
• Choose ‘Central West Libraries’ from the drop-down list
• Type in your library card number
• Type in the password or PIN number associated with your library card.

Please call Central West Libraries on 6393 8132 if you require any assistance with your PIN number.

A Day In The Life Of A Forbes Mum

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jonah, Julian, Seth, Mel and Finley Butler hard at work learning from home.

“Keep your kids at home if you can.” That was the advice given by our government to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Okay”, I thought, I am a stay at home Mum and Mr Three had pneumonia just a few months ago, so it is probably best for me to keep them home. Five children, four who are school aged, two with special needs and all in different grades, how hard could it possibly be?

At first it was simple, we had to quarantine after coming back from overseas and had no formal schooling to do. My “home learners” and I would cook together, making cheese, butter and bread, and planting vegetables. In the afternoon we had a “movie appreciation class” with popcorn. This home-schooling gig was easy!

Then came the ‘continuity of learning packs’, actual schoolwork. “I can do this,” I thought as I woke up early enough to set everything up before logging into each child’s Google Classroom account, but while trying to navigate the website realised, this is not fun anymore.

“But I don’t do this at school,” “I finished this bit,” “I need the toilet,” “Is it recess yet?” and “he took my pencil!” played on repeat like a broken record until I decided to set up learning areas in each bedroom, away from each other. With each child demanding my undivided attention, there was not enough of me to go around.

I looked around at the end of day one and wondered how we managed and how they made so much mess. The dining table was strewn with pencils, scissors, glue sticks and paper as my husband came home to the children in their pyjamas and me with a glass of wine, almost ready to login for online dance lessons. This gig is not easy and teacher’s Christmas presents will look very different this year.

By Mel Butler

Calling All Tradies And Suppliers

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Marg Duggan and Duke Jelbart from the Forbes Business Chamber are urging Forbes tradespeople and businesses to update their contact information.

Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council have joined forces to update and add to the current business database.

Both organisations are looking for all businesses to update their contact details with the Forbes Business Chamber. “We are looking for details of tradies and suppliers,” said Marg Duggan, President of Forbes Business Chamber.

“Forbes has many exciting projects happening in the next couple of years and as details for quotes and contracting opportunities become available, we need to be able to contact the relevant people.”

The Forbes Business Database has been growing over the past three years. “Currently the database has over 450 Forbes businesses and not-for-profit organisations listed,” said Marg. “At times it is very hard to get businesses to update their details which makes it difficult for Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council to pass on very important information.”

“I encourage all of our tradies and suppliers to jump on board this initiative,” said Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, Phyllis Miller OAM. “We continue to support locals where we can and provide contact details to our newcomers to town as well as any enquiries that present at Council.”

“Forbes is very lucky to have so many tradespeople in our town and by working together we can ensure the work is here to keep them around,” added Phyllis.

Please email Forbes Business Chamber at forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com to have a database update form sent to you.

Forbes Showground Upgrade

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

VanFest, held at the Forbes Showground hosts festival goers. Credit: Vanfestofficial instagram

Forbes Showground, alongside Manildra, Bedgerabong, and Peak Hill are four of 29 showgrounds to benefit from safety upgrades, thanks to a $9.2 million improvement program from the NSW Government.

NSW MP Sam Farraway said showgrounds are important for local communities and the economy and the NSW Government is committed to supporting a strong and vibrant showground sector.

“Showgrounds are the heart and soul of our regional communities, bringing people together and connecting residents in cities to those on the farms. They are important community hubs, particularly in regional towns. We want to ensure that they are kept safe and functional,” Sam said. Safety upgrades include tiered seating, toilets, stairs, fencing, animal sheds, structural repairs to grandstands, stables, roofing and more.

Forbes Showground is frequently used and hosts thousands of visitors to Forbes each year, from near and far. Large festivals like VanFest will be better able to accommodate festival attendees and the annual Forbes Show will also benefit from the funding tremendously.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said upgrades will ensure our regional showgrounds in towns like Manildra, Bedgerabong, Forbes and Peak Hill are kept safe and functional for future generations.

“In addition to the $9.2 million in showground upgrades currently underway, the NSW Government recently announced a further $25 million for showground improvements in Sydney and regional NSW to help stimulate local economies and support jobs,” Melinda said.

“This extra $25 million investment will provide a much-needed boost for communities and their economies by supporting tradespeople with work and strengthening more showground infrastructure for the future. State Members of Parliament with showgrounds in their areas have been invited to work with showground managers to put forward shovel-ready projects for consideration. This is a fantastic opportunity for Forbes residents with many look- ing forward to seeing what upgrades are in store for Forbes’ historic showground.

The Transition To Adulthood

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School is a vibrant learning hub, where staff work collaboratively to provide personalised support for students with additional needs, enabling students to be actively connected to their learning, have positive relationships with their teachers and peers and experience a sense of belonging.

Michelle MacGregor is the Assistant Principal for Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School. She believes that recognising and participating in annual World Autism Awareness campaigns, which aim to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, builds a more inclusive world for all.

By encouraging worldwide support and advocating for kindness improves outcomes for not only Forbes Public School students with special needs, but for their families, networks and community as a whole. Michelle went on to say that now, more than ever, “we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion.”

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day theme is ‘The Transition to Adulthood.’ The theme aims to engage all in considering what “becoming an adult’ means in terms of social, economic and political value, participation and engagement. The transition from adolescence to adulthood poses a

significant challenge for young people with Autism, especially in terms of opportunities that will help to support social, economic and political participation. It is especially important to understand that young people with Autism often face tremendous difficulties when formal education and other support services cease. The Transition to Adulthood for those with Autism certainly is something that the Forbes community can all benefit from having an awareness of.

Forbes Public School continues to foster authentic and productive partnerships with students and their families, responsive to their needs, in a climate characterised by flexibility, commitment and teamwork.

Online Resources Available At Central West Libraries

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Audiobooks

While Central West Libraries have been closed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Government Regulations they are still here for you. Library members can access a wide range of services online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Read, watch, listen or learn any time using your Central West Libraries membership card.

Library members can explore Central West Libraries online at www.cwl.nsw.gov.au. Discover popular ebooks, eaudiobooks and magazines with BorrowBox, rbdigital and indyreads, movies for adults and children with Kanopy streaming services.

There are also things to do with Eye Spy, Scavenger Hunts, Lego Club, Gardening, Storytime at Home and Craft activities or why not learn a language or enjoy Good Reading Magazine to compile your “must reads” list.

Even though Central West Libraries are social distancing, you can stay in touch with authors and book news with the Pageturners Book Club Blog. There is also online access to encyclopedias, literature, science, consumer, health and legal information or search historic newspapers.

If you are not a member you can join online to get a temporary access card to use ebooks and eaudiobooks.

Email Central West Libraries at library@cwl.nsw.gov.au for assistance or phone 6393 8132. The team are happy to help you enjoy what the library has to offer.

Follow Central West Libraries on Facebook, Instagram and Blog for updates.

Scores Good in Difficult Conditions

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Stephen and Simon Uphill ready for golf in cold and wet conditions.

Forbes golfers were treated to some difficult conditions on the weekend, making scoring difficult for the 88 players contesting the Men’s Monthly Medal on Saturday, 2 May, sponsored by Adept Plumbing.

A-Grade was decided by count back with John Zannes winning with his relaxed nett 70, pushing Cameron McMillan to runner-up after his fine 70 nett. In B-Grade, Anthony Alley finished on 68 nett to win, with Jono Roylance runner-up on 70 nett.

C-Grade went to Ben Robinson on 72 nett. Runner-up was Bede Tooth on 73 nett. The ball sweep went to 74 nett.

With a return to the ‘Flagstick in,’ do not touch model, we were able to reinstate the NTP’s. These went to 9th, Denis Culley, 19th, Andy Dukes.

Many players lost shots on the greens as their ‘nearly’ putts shaved past the hole, but most were pleased to be playing under near normal conditions.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was again quiet, with Cam McMillan carrying his Saturday form to win on 35 points. Runner up was Neil McMillan on 34 points with no NTP’s played.

Reports for golf played through the week we have the following:

The Tuesday Golfers had 17 players. Barry Parker finally won on 33 points. Runner-up was Viv Russell on 32.

The Tuesday Golfers send their condolences to the family of Algie Crowe, who passed away recently. He was a founder member of the Tuesday group, and did all he could to support them in their activities.

Because of the wet weather there were no Thursday Vets.

The Winter 9-Hole Individual Nett comp second week saw fewer numbers, due to the wet weather. There was a technical hitch in obtaining the scores, so check in the Pro Shop for details. Better weather this week should see more players on the course.

By Short Putt

WNSWLHD Nurses Are Healing Hearts

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kristen Smith was awarded Western NSW Local Health District Midwife of the Year.

Health services around NSW are coming together to honour the work of our nurses and midwives.

With International Day of the Midwife on 5 May and International Nurses Day on 12 May, this is the perfect time to celebrate.

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Midwife of the Year was awarded to Kristine Smith from Lachlan Health Service on Tuesday, 5 May for her hard work and dedication over 43 years of service.

WNSWLHD Executive Director of Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, Associate Professor Adrian Fahy, said: “We should be incredibly proud of our nurses and midwives across Western New South Wales Local Health District who have proven their tenacity and resilience especially through this COVID-19 pandemic.”

“This week we should celebrate them and personally thank them for the contribution that they make across the many settings in our rural environment.”

Nurses are the ‘Healing Hearts’ of the NSW Health service.

Blue and purple hearts will pop up in Western NSW Hospitals in the form of stickers, posters and postcards this month. The Healing Heart postcards provide a way to recognise and thank nurses and midwives for their unique contribution.

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