Gift cards are increasingly the payment method of choice for scammers. Scamwatch reports show more than $5 million was lost in 2018, a 38 percent increase compared with 2017.

iTunes cards accounted for $3.1 million in losses – a 156 percent increase from the $1.23 million reported in 2017. However Scamwatch has also seen an increase in reports involving other gift cards such as Google Play, Amazon, and Steam cards, and Australia Post Load & Go prepaid debit cards.

Losses to scams where non-iTunes gift cards were used as payment increased by 530 percent in 2018 to around $1 million.

“It’s concerning that the scammers are now demanding payment in other forms of gift cards. This is likely in response to scam warnings about using iTunes cards for paying scammers that are in stores like supermarkets and on the cards themselves,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

Below some common types of scams involving

gift cards:

ATO impersonation scams: The scammer pretends to be from the Australian Taxation Office and claims there is a warrant for their victim’s arrest.

Catch-a-hacker scam: The scammer calls and pretends to be from a law-enforcement agency or internet provider and convinces the victim they are trying to trace the location of a hacker who has compromised the victim’s computer.

Victims are also tricked into giving up personal details with the promise of gift cards. Scammers entice victims to participate in surveys by promising gift cards as a prize; however the surveys extract personal information such as your name, date of birth, address details and even financial details like your credit card or bank numbers.

Iconic Australian eats with an Indigenous twist will be the inspiration behind the Grazing Down The Lachlan menu in 2019, with renowned Sydney chef O Tama Carey announced as this year’s Creative Director.

The 2019 Grazing program was officially launched on Tuesday, the annual foodie adventure making its return to Forbes on Saturday, 21st September.

Now in its third year, O Tama is set to deliver an exciting, fresh take on Grazing’s successful long lunch format, which attracted over 800 people to town in 2018.

Described as “one of Australia’s most intriguing chefs”, O Tama opened her highly anticipated hopper restaurant, Lankan Filling Station in Darlinghurst last year after years of pop-ups and market appearances.

O Tama’s first solo venture has certainly lived up to the hype – awarded a chef’s hat in The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide 2019 after only four months trading. So, what can Grazers expect in 2019?

“Dishes that are tasty, familiar yet with a twist and which hopefully they can giggle at a little too”, O Tama hinted.

“I’m approaching the food like I would a menu in a restaurant, giving a balance of flavours to create something that’s appropriate for the setting, using local produce and native ingredients. This year, I’ll also be loosely basing some of the dishes around slightly daggy Australiana from my youth.”

Set alongside the picturesque Lachlan River, guests are free to wander along the designated corridor of the nine-mile reserve between seven stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage.

The ‘Meet Your Makers’ Q&A has been revamped, finding its new home at SYLO for 2019. Held on the Friday evening before Grazing, the Q&A provides guests with the opportunity to hear from the Creative Director and some of the local producers behind the event.

Forbes Shire Council has secured $300,000 in funding to undertake a scoping study to upgrade the Forbes water filtration plant, under the government’s $1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program.

Minister for Regional Water, Niall Blair said the Forbes filtration plant currently processed drinking water for Forbes, Calarie, Alcheringa and Daroobalgie as well as parts of the Parkes and Lachlan Shires.

“The funding will be used to undertake necessary assessments and planning for the replacement of the existing filtration plant,” said Niall.

“Everyone in NSW deserves access to reliable water services and that’s why we are getting on with the job of delivering critical water infrastructure in our regions.”

“We know that our rural and regional communities rely on access to clean, reliable and affordable water and with more than 1.9 million people living in regional areas, it is vital we continue to invest in essential local infrastructure,” said Niall.

Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless said the funding was a major boost for the region, with water security being more important now than ever before.

“We know that NSW is facing one of the driest periods on record, with ongoing drought conditions impacting not just our farmers, but our communities as well,” said Rick.

“It is great to see that government is committed to ensuring every regional community has access to a safe and reliable water supply and essential water infrastructure.”

Forbes Shire Deputy Mayor, Jenny Webb welcomed the announcement, saying the project will be a major boost for the region.

“This funding will go a long way towards completing the scoping study, with the project expected to cost around $500,000,” said Jenny.

The Program co-funds eligible water and sewerage projects that deliver economic growth in regional NSW through improvements to public health, water security, environmental outcomes and social benefits.

The Forbes District Tennis Club and the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre were both successful in receiving funding through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program

The good news was brought by Member for Orange, Phil Donato last Tuesday. “I am pleased to announce the Forbes District Tennis Club will receive funding of $14,000 to go towards replacement of the clubhouse roof. Sport is a vital part of our local community that unites us all,” said Phil.

President of the Club, Peter Clifton said the roof repairs were needed to keep the building in good condition. “It’s quite an old building and some nails are starting to lift,” said Peter. “We want to fix it up before it’s too big of a problem.”

Peter also added that other parts of the club were currently undergoing a beautification process, so the club is being brought up to date.

Phil also announced that the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre will be receiving $10,070, the full amount of funding applied for. “This will go towards a new Cultural Hub at the centre,” said Phil.

“This funding is important as it will improve awareness of the Wiradjuri culture and further enhance the centre,” he said.

Secretary of the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, Aileen Allen said the funds would be used for costs such as connecting electricity and purchasing new artefacts and would only add to what was already a great environment.

“People tend to visit and just soak up the atmosphere of the place,” explained Aileen. “It’s a space where I can offer visitors a yarn and a cuppa.”

“I was very happy to get behind these projects and provide my support,” said Phil.

The day of the highly anticipated Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch has finally arrived with the annual event taking place this Saturday afternoon at the Grinstead Oval.

Once again the occasion has attracted a record number of interest, with well over 1,000 people expected to attend.

Chris Sweeney, Committee Chair of Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch said:

“We’ve cracked the 1,000 mark with tickets sold out in approximately four weeks. The event is so popular because it brings together club and community to celebrate the start of the rugby season.”

“Members of the community and many people from far and wide get together to attend an event that provides an opportunity for conversations, chats and camaraderie, especially in tough times so that you don’t have to look at those dry paddocks,” said Chris.

The President’s Lunch is the rugby club’s major fundraiser, with a variety of community groups benefiting from the proceeds each year.

This year’s President’s Lunch will take place in an even more magical setting with the new fence that’s been put up around the oval by farmer tradespeople, which was partially funded by the Forbes Rugby Club.

The lunch will see the return of the Peter Murphy Foundation, which supports locals in need as well as an astounding line-up of auction items for the afternoon.

Special guest for this year and supplying the afternoon’s entertainment will be Vietnamese- born Australian renowned author, comedian and artist, Anh Do.

Tom Drane was named the 2018 Forbes Sportsperson of the Year for the third year running at the annual presentation dinner of the SOYA Awards held at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club on Saturday evening.

Tom claimed the title after winning two Australian and four state championships in both Dirt Track and Long Track. His biggest achievement was when he travelled to America to compete in the American National Championships, known there as the AMA Grand Nationals, which was held in Springfield.

He competed over four days, in three different classes and in over 30 races, winning everything. This placed Tom first overall and three times AMA Grand National Champion.

He was also awarded the AMA Youth Rider of the Year, which was awarded on talent and sportsmanship and was only given to one child out of everyone competing.

Tom received his award from this year’s special guest for the event, Alana Thomas, a former Australian Rugby Union player and Australian Wallaroo Development Coach.

The Forbes SOYA Awards pay tribute to the athletes who excel in their chosen sport and thank and show appreciation to the many volunteers who give their time.

Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP, announced on Tuesday that the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club had been successful in their application for funding through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program.

“I’m pleased to announce the club will receive $20,000 in funding to install a new sprinkler system,” said Phil.

“The new system is water efficient and environmentally sustainable, which is very important for the club and for our community in general. I am very happy to have supported this funding application,” said Phil.

At the first meeting for 2019, the CWA Forbes Evening Branch reflected on our fundraising activities/ projects for 2018 and established new projects for 2019. We also welcomed new members to our group.

Activities our members were involved with in 2018 included updating the miscarriage packs for distribution at various locations in Forbes. These packs provide information and support materials for women who are grieving. We combined with the CWA Forbes Day Branch to provide afternoon tea and dinner for the drivers and their families of the “Great Southern WA Drive for Life” hay deliveries in October; supported other CWA projects including Riverside Disability, Care West Lodge, Oxley Junior Public Speaking and Group Education Projects and numerous other drought relief efforts in our local community.

In 2019 we will continue to support drought relief funding through distributing gift cards donated by Western Australian CWA branches as well as other drought relief activities in our community; offer financial support toward the Oxley Group projects as mentioned above and preparing and distributing miscarriage packs.

New projects and activities for this year include sponsorship for the local Miss Showgirl winner to help with the expenses in attending Zone finals and/or Royal Easter Show. We will also be supplying a variety of items for the Women’s Refuge. Forbes Evening Branch CWA is one of the sponsors of the Grease & Oil Change program providing local farmers with much needed health and wellbeing information and support services.

Other fundraising activities will include the proceeds from the sale of the annual Farmer Down Under Calendar. You can find these informative calendars on sale in various local shops. We have other activities underway for fundraising but are yet to be finalised.

Teddies, bunnies and layettes knitted and crocheted by the HACC centre women’s group were donated to our group and have been distributed to appropriate places like the maternity unit and Women’s Refuge.

All members are looking forward to a rewarding and productive year. Anyone is welcome to attend our dinner meetings held at the Vandenberg Hotel from 6:30pm onwards every second Thursday of the month. Our next meeting is 11th April.

By Sue Cunningham

A warm and sincere welcome is extended to families to join Scots All Saints College – a premier, independent College with Christian values, offering quality co-education to more than 750 day and boarding students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Set on expansive grounds of more than 200 acres, the College is centrally located within NSW across three campuses in Bathurst and Lithgow.

As a new College established in 2019, Scots All Saints College has all the modern facilities expected within an innovative College of the future, combined with a proud history of over 218 combined years in regional education. The Scots School (1946- 2018) and All Saints’ College (1874-2018) have enjoyed a longstanding reputation as leading schools of excellence. Building on a strong foundation, Scots All Saints College offers an inspired learning environment with positive pastoral care and student wellbeing programs within a friendly, approachable and supportive school community.

A Junior School (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 4) and Middle School (Years 5-8) is available on All Saints Campus, Pre-Kindergarten and Senior School (Years 9-12) on Scots Campus and Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 on Lithgow Campus. Boarding is available from Year 5 onwards in four newly renovated boarding houses located on Scots Campus.

A wide subject choice is offered by highly qualified and caring teachers. Leadership skills are built at every level of a student’s journey across innovative academic programs and access to diverse co-curricular programs specialising in agriculture, equestrian, music, performing arts, debating, iSTEM and leadership such as, Cadets and The Duke of Edinburgh. Year 12 and Year 8 Captains and Prefects take on significant leadership roles to build maturity and responsibility to give them a distinct advantage for life.

Scots All Saints College have two exciting upcoming events. The Highland Gathering will be held on Sunday, 24th March from 10am to 4pm and includes highland games and dancing, pipes and drums competition, rides stall, food and coffee. There will be campus tours at 12pm and 2pm on the day.

On Monday, 25th March the College will hold a Try Middle School Day from 9am to 3pm. Prospective students will be able to join the classes, meet the teachers and enjoy the specialist facilities on offer.

Start a positive future for your child now and contact the College to explore the possibilities on 6331 3911 or visit www.scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au/TryUs.