Organised sport has been undertaken at the Forbes Botanical Gardens Sports Fields for over 100 years with a variety of groups making use of this great facility.

Therefore another announcement for further funding of $178,000 for the Botanical Gardens made by Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack at Victoria Park on Monday was welcomed. This funding is on top of $150,000 funding from Council, $146,000 Asian Cup and $135,000 NSW government money. This will help fund upgrades to the grounds including new change rooms and toilets at the sportsground.

“For the first time facilities for the elderly and disabled will be available at the Botanical Gardens,” said Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller. “The grounds are used by over 5,000 people a year to attend sporting events held at these fields.”

Announcing the grant, Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack said the Infrastructure Grants provides funding for sport and recreation facilities such as these. The new amenities and change rooms are marked to be built this year.

The project benefits not only participants in soccer, athletics, cricket and touch football but with Forbes’ central location and the current popularity of the fields as a location for regional carnivals, the proposed upgrades will benefit clubs and participants from right across the Central West.

Forbes has one of the highest levels of participation in soccer by women in the Central Western NSW. The proposed new facility forms an integral part of plans to grow and develop female participation in soccer not only at Forbes but across the Central West NSW.

A loyal Forbes resident all her life, Marg Stirling started feeling about 12 months ago the need to do her part for local women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The inspiration came during a time when Marg started frequenting the gym as part of a rehab program. She became aware of a group of ladies also visiting the gym that were there for breast cancer exercises. “Once I got involved with the ladies after seeing them as well as hearing of the others, I thought it would be nice to do something
to give back to them and others that might go through the same thing,” said Marg.

Last Monday, Marg’s inspiring initiative to help local women living with breast cancer, finally came to fruition when she was able to present a cheque to the value of $6,700 to Lachlan Health Services McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Dianne Green and Janice Cassidy of Cassidy’s Hair Salon in Parkes. These funds will be allocated towards material headwear (which can be quite expensive) and the local Wig Library, run by Janice.

The Wig Library services all people living around the Central West that is losing their hair because of cancer treatment. “People come to us to find a wig that suits them. We style it to suit their face and we also shampoo wigs that are worn very often. It’s all free of charge and they can have the wig as long as they need it,” said Janice.

As part of Marg’s fundraising efforts she organised a luncheon at the Forbes Inn in April last year where more than $900 was raised through ticket sales, a raffle and also generous donations.

The shaving of Marg’s hair was done at the Forbes Rugby Union Club as part of their Ladies Day held in June with a couple of hundred people bearing witness to Marg’s big moment. Before the shave, Marg’s hair was plaited in preparation to be used for a child’s wig.

“We had items donated from various businesses and people in town which was auctioned on the Ladies Day. Among the auction items was a signed Sydney Swans jersey, Forbes Rugby Union Club football, Mahlah Molloy print, a wine pack and many other items,” said Marg. The day raised a total of $5,393.

“I have just been amazed with people’s donations and their support in my raising funds for this cause. A big thank you to the Forbes Rugby Union Club, the Forbes Inn, the Forbes Credit Union and anyone else that donated to my fundraising efforts,” she said.

By Gizell van Wyk

Thousands of families with loved ones who suffer from a life-limiting illness will receive more choice about the help they need from an additional 100 palliative care nurses at refurbished facilities.

Nationals Candidate for Orange, Kate Hazelton said that $45 million palliative care investment has been made possible by strong economic management.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care at the best possible care facilities,” she said. The investment is on top of a $100 million package for palliative care that was announced as part of the 2017-18 Budget, which is already delivering more palliative care nurses and community-based palliative care services.

The additional 100 palliative care nurses will work in hospitals, palliative care facilities, and in communities and homes to ensure patients can access the care they need, in the setting they choose.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro said 64 of the 100 palliative care nurses would be assigned to regional and rural NSW. Hospitals in the Western NSW local health district will be assigned six nurses.

The commitment also includes $10 million for improvements to existing palliative care facilities across the State.

Local expertise to boost freight efficiency and road safety, as well as flood preparation, are front and centre as the Australian Government’s Newell Highway Corridor Strategy gets under way, with PwC Australia selected to deliver the study.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said the strategy will provide a comprehensive picture of the current performance and future challenges along the Newell Highway.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing $2 million to the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, because we know this highway is the backbone of country NSW,” said Michael.

“A better Newell Highway will mean more competitive agricultural and mining sectors, thanks to a more reliable freight network through regional NSW. This will in turn support the growth of regional communities along the length of the Newell Highway,” he said.

Efficient outcomes in the movement of regional freight, as well as challenges such as road safety and flooding, and the relationship between the Newell Highway and Inland Rail will be key to its inquiries. The strategy will be able to be used to inform the investment decisions of both federal and state governments.

Michael said community, local government and industry involvement will be central to the strategy, ensuring the Government proceeds based on the best transport and economic data and a thorough understanding of communities and businesses’ needs and expectations.

“Many towns, farmers and small businesses throughout the Central West, Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and Western NSW rely on the Newell to connect product from paddock to plate – that’s why we will work with communities along the Newell to ensure it continues to be at the heart of country NSW,” said Michael.

“Bland Shire Councillor, Tony Lord and Moree Plains Shire Mayor, Katrina Humphries – two experienced and respected local Councillors from either end of the Highway – will head the community consultation to encourage locals to get involved and have their say.

“A number of workshops will be held along the corridor at different locations so vital local knowledge can inform outcomes and recommendations of the strategy.”

The Australian Government is fully funding the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy. Further details about the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, including its objectives, can be found at https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/.

Abby Lee (aged 5) caught a 55cm cod in the Lachlan River recently with some assistance from mum and dad as this was a big fish for a little girl!

It has come to our attention that a number of employers are not keeping employee records correctly, and giving employees pay slips with all the correct information for each pay period.

By not complying with the strict letter of the law (Fair Work Act, 2009 and regulations) employers are opening themselves up to large fines which could ruin a business. Employee records kept by employers must:

• Be readily accessible to a Fair Work Inspector or the employee and be kept for at least seven years.

• Be in legible form of English.

• Not be altered unless for the purposes of correcting an error or indeed to be falsified.

• Contain rates of pay and broken down in gross and net amounts with any deductions, such as tax and super.

• Detail awards (including but not limited to penalty rates, loadings, etc.)

• Hours worked, whether casual or permanent or permanent part-time.

• Contain leave records. Payslips must be issued to each employee within one working day of the pay day, even if the employee is on leave, and maybe in electronic form or paper copy.

The payslip must include full details of the employer and date of payment, pay period, gross and net amount of pay (including hourly rate of pay if paid hourly), and details of loadings, bonus, allowances and deductions (including tax and Superannuation deductions).

Courts could fine employers up to $126,000 for individuals or $630,000 for corporations. If we at Matthews Williams can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.

Each year Forbes Shire Council builds on heritage awareness and education whilst shining a spotlight on the great work that is carried out in our community to promote our natural, built and cultural heritage.

This year is no exception with nominations now open for the 2019 Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award and the Forbes Medal.

Forbes Shire Council is asking everyone to nominate community members they think have displayed excellence in any facet of community service, development and promotion of our heritage.

“I welcome you all to nominate, a person or community group who you think has contributed to the Shire’s environmental heritage or to the understanding of that heritage,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller.

“We have a very rich and colourful past, let’s celebrate it. We want future generations to build on this legacy and continue to share it. Please also think about heritage projects in town and nominate them as well,” said Phyllis.

The Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award is for person/s or a community group who have demonstrated excellence in their field of expertise, by being an inspirational role model for the Forbes Shire’s community.

They will have demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity in their endeavours to preserve our amazing heritage.

The Forbes Heritage Medal is awarded to a project such as the conservation of a building, place or object through maintenance, preservation, repair and reconstruction, by considering the historic townscape and rural setting in which the building sits.

The medal can also be awarded to an exhibition or presentation using any medium to contribute to the understanding of the Shire’s heritage.

Heritage Week is on the 6th May and continues to the 9th May.

Mopping up Queensland has begun, and flood-ravaged communities have been warned of heartache to come during their journey to recovery.

The State Government has kicked off a flood appeal with a donation of $200,000, as well as providing information on how you can support the families and organisations affected by the flood.

Services include: the Australian Red Cross Society, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul’s North Queensland Flood Appeal and My Cause’s North Queensland Disaster Appeal have been listed as the predominant charities raising funds to assist the regions affected.

GIVIT, a national not-for-profit, offers a platform for individuals to list exactly what goods they need during the recovery phase of the flood. As the only reliable source of what is needed when it’s needed, the organisation’s program is the most responsive during this period. Items including uniform polo shirts for deployed volunteer teams, fridges, food, and beds have been listed by those who have lost everything in the deluge.

GIVIT also accepts monetary donations where the funds are spent on urgently needed items purchased from businesses in the disaster-affected area to assist in the recovery of the local economy.

The staff at CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes on Tuesday celebrated a milestone of 10 years service for the Deputy CEO, Kate Gibson.

During the celebrations, Kate was acknowledged for her hard work and enthusiastic commitment to the service which covers 40,000sq kilometres (52 percent of NSW).

CEO, Anne-Marie Mioche congratulated her on passionately fulfilling her executive role to help drive the organisation, which has delivered services to more than 4,000 people living in the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese.

“The team at CatholicCare Wilcannia- Forbes is a constant source of inspiration to me and Kate is absolutely no exception.

We have a wonderful culture of passion, dedication and commitment and that is only possible because of this fantastic team we have,” said Anne-Marie.

“Unfortunately, there is a growing increase for crisis and support, as many families have been turning to us because they are affected by hardship and trauma.

“We have seen particular spikes in need for our safe houses and refuges as well as a demand for the Family Mental Health Support Services. The drought has also put severe pressure on many of our communities,” said Anne-Marie.

“CatholicCare Wilcannia is well placed to deliver vital frontline services and assistance as we are already working with individuals and communities to address unemployment, access to health services, homelessness, environmental extremes, entrenched poverty and intergenerational disadvantage,” added Anne-Marie.

Last year the CatholicCare Wilcannia- Forbes team travelled 737,363 kilometres to deliver services. They deliver social and welfare services to improve well being and improve opportunities for individuals, families and communities.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes delivers social services to develop and create social inclusion, targeting at risk and vulnerable sectors.