Calling all amateur actors across the region!

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth actors to star in the 11th annual mock crash demonstration, which is the cornerstone of the ‘NOT A STATISTIC!

Youth Driver Education Program’.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor is encouraging local up-and-coming youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative which has seen a 27 percent reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception.

“We are looking for a couple of new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Wednesday, 13th February at 5pm in the Parkes Shire Council Chambers.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. Then youth actors will take part in both filmed and live ad-lib exercises.

“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new to the annual mock crash demonstration.

So if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16, be sure to register and come along,” said Melanie.

Local actor, Emily McHugh-Douglas who was one of the actors in 2018 and will be returning this year, says it’s a unique and exciting opportunity.

“I auditioned for mock crash because I wanted to help raise awareness about how dangerous driving is. I was one of those ‘that will never happen to me’ kids, but being involved in this program has changed my whole perspective on driving,” said Emily.

Pre-registration for the auditions is es sential. Contact Melanie on either 6861 2364 or 0428 400 627 or Melanie.Suitor@ parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.

This year’s mock car crash demonstration will be held in August.

Abbey Fuge went fishing last week with her dad, Tony and caught a 63cm Murray Cod at Jemalong Weir. She was very proud that she got it in all by herself.

The Forbes Shire is home to the rural communities of Ootha, Bedgerabong, Warroo, Corinella, Garema, Wirrinya and Calarie.

All seven communities are highly resilient and driven by a proactive community spirit, a solid volunteer culture and enjoy a strong sense of identity and community.

The work underway across these communities is a great credit to the volunteers and community members concerned and a great example for other rural communities.

The contribution of these communities to the overall prosperity and wellbeing of the Forbes Shire cannot be underrated.

Forbes Shire Council is seeking to support the ongoing development of these communities in particular their halls and sports grounds through the development of a long term, unified ‘Strategic and Capital Asset Replacement Plan’ to help guide the long term development of the Shire’s rural halls and sports grounds as well as additional support to access grant funding.

The plan will focus in particular on upgrading kitchens, amenities and disability access in order to best support the wide and diverse range of activities undertaken at these community facilities. The community hall has always been the place for people to gather, be it for a fundraiser or a celebration, it is an essential part of country life. The revitalisation of these facilities will also attract new social and sporting events to the Shire as well as helping build community resilience during times of natural disaster such as flood or fire.

During February, Council will be conducting a number of strategic planning workshops across the Shire. The community is invited to attend a workshop and enjoy a free bbq breakfast at the Garema Hall on the 15th of February 6:30pm.

For further information please contact Council’s Grants Officer, Andrew Rawsthorne on 6850 2327 or at Andrew.rawsthorne@

forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Forbes Business Chamber would like to wish all finalists in the Cowal Gold Evolution Mining Boscars all the best for tonight’s gala awards at the Forbes Services Memorial Club with guest speakers Sam Johnson and Jim Honner from Thank A Farmer For Your Next Meal.

Excellence in Small Business: The Forbes Phoenix, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Mid West Pest Management, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Roylance’s Auto One, Forbes Small Engine Specialists, BWR  Accountants and Advisers and Eyewear Specs.

Employee of the Year: Anita Westley, Allan Brockman, Lauren Hutchinson, Jayne Whitworth, Robyn England and Michelle Grace. Young Entrepreneur: Monique Pointon, Adam Chudleigh, Stevie Skene, Nicolas Taylor, Kristen Woods and Kate Ralph.

Start Up Superstar: Elevate Dance Studio, Forbes Thai Massage Centre, Made Of Fridays and Sweet Three Vintage Van. People’s Choice: Tradie of the Year: Monique Pointon, Wes Finn, Mark Webb, Abe Duggan, Ahsley Acheson, Ben Godden, Rodney Buckman, Jamie Loomes, Jack Geppert, John Burton, Scott Burton, Matt Bull, Brad McMillan, Anita Westley, Corey Hurford, John Betland, Jamie Brown, John Butler, Tom Maitland, Brett Stace, Harry Jones and Jack Reid.

People’s Choice: Most Popular Business: Sweet Three Vintage Van, Little Extras Lifestyle, Roylance’s Auto One, News On Rankin, Forbes Services Memorial Club, Forbes Veterinary Clinic, Harry Jones Painting, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Sweet Treats, Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Forbes Family Dentists, Loomzys Fish N’ Fix, Forbes Toyota, Made Of Fridays, Forbes Railway Arts and Tourist Centre, Forbes Bake House, Homie and Co, Forbes Small Engines, Sugar Riot Events Forbes, Eyewear Specs, Blush Organic Beauty and Matt Bull Concreting.

Business of the Year: The winner is selected from the different category winners.

Flannery’s Pharmacy is one of only six pharmacies to be named as finalists in the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s 2019 Pharmacy of the Year competition.

The awards are the benchmark for recognising excellence in the community pharmacy industry and seek out those community pharmacies which are committed to building on their core expertise in medicines and facilitating innovative viability and sustainable professional health services.

“The 2019 finalists are excellent role models for the industry and demonstrate the exciting journey ahead,” said spokesperson for the judging group, Nick Panayiaris, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Councillor and President of the SA Branch of the Guild.  “This year’s finalists all displayed a strong commitment to community engagement and a dedication to improving the delivery of professional services to their patients,” said Nick.

“Another common feature of the finalists is their optimism for the future of the profession – these community pharmacies understand the challenges facing the industry and embrace the need to adapt and change to address the needs of their patients and community,” continued Nick.

Sarah Hazell, pharmacy co-owner, reflected on Flannery’s strong commitment to the community. “Flannery’s has had a big focus on giving back to the community for over 60 years,” said Sarah. “Our recent refurbishment has allowed us to expand our range of professional services including immunisation, medication reviews, blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring and a range of risk assessment health checks.”

“Flannery’s Pharmacy has three new consult rooms which are utilised by our pharmacists, registered nurse and visiting health professionals, including an audiometrist, podiatrist, women’s health physiotherapist and dietitian,” said Sarah. “Our community room is used for baby weighing, changing nappies and breastfeeding.”

The team at Flannery’s Pharmacy are very excited to be finalists in this prestigious competition.

“The competition is very strong with three Queensland pharmacies, one WA pharmacy and one pharmacy from Tasmania.

Flannery’s is the only pharmacy representing NSW” said Sarah.

The Guild Pharmacy of the Year 2019 is an initiative of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, sponsored by principal sponsor Care Pharmaceuticals and major sponsor the Quality Care Pharmacy Program.

This year saw Forbes celebrate Australia Day like no other town quite can. The day held nearly all elements of weather. From severe heat and gusty winds, to thunder and lightning before a welcome momentarily rainfall just enough to cool things down a little, allowing community members to really enjoy the rest of the celebrations.

The day began with the Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. Followed by the Diggers Swim at the Forbes Olympic Pool.

Celebrations continued during the evening with activities and fun at Lions Park, the beautiful Lakeside Forbes also being utilised.

Families enjoyed and danced to music from Gabemusic and cooled off with the paddleboats in operation on the lake. This activity proved to be a favourite with the amount of people lining up to have a go. There were free rides for the kids plus the Riding for Disabled Carriage ran pony rides for everyone.

The CWA versus Lions Damper Competition was also on again to celebrate the traditional Australian bread. Elaine Bright presented the Best Damper Champion title and trophy to Neil Lambert.

This year, Forbes welcomed Keith Potger AO from The Seekers, as the Ambassador. Keith is a self-taught musician and one of the founding members of the band The Seekers. With a career starting in the 1960’s, he still performs today. In 2014, along with fellow band members Judith Durham, Athol Guy and Bruce Woodley, The Seekers were appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Community members and The Seekers fans were treated to a short performance during the rainfall by Keith, after he had given his official speech as the Ambassador.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and his wife, Catherine also attended the Forbes festivities.

Before the official proceedings started, local scouts Nicholas and Charles Zannes, had the honour of raising the Australian flag.

Amy Shine, Director of Forbes Preschool, was named Citizen of the Year and Sam Mackay was named Junior Citizen of the Year.

The day’s celebration was ended with a more than impressive, fireworks display over the lake.

By Gizell van Wyk

 

Last year was the third hottest year on record for Australia, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data released.

The BOM ‘Annual Climate Statement’ confirms that mean temperature was the third highest on record (1.14°C above average) and mean maximum temperature was the second highest on record (1.55°C above average).

Climate Councillor and climate scientist, Professor Will Steffen said: “These latest data from BOM come as no surprise. Climate change is intensifying around the world and Australia is no exception, as our climate system continues to set new extreme heat records.”

“Nine of Australia’s hottest 10 years have occurred since 2005, so the extremes in 2018 are part of a long-term trend, being driven by intensifying climate change,” said Will.

“2018 was a year of extreme heat across Australia, with NSW experiencing its hottest year on record for mean temperature (2.13°C above average) and Victoria sweltering through its highest mean maximum temperature on record (1.44°C above average),” he said.

“December 2018 was Australia’s hottest on record, with record-breaking mean, minimum and maximum temperatures,” said Will.

Australian farmers exporting overseas will be better off as tariffs are slashed or abolished under the Trans Pacific Partnership and the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), said Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud. “Tariffs on our farm produce going into China will be largely eliminated as of 1st January,” said David.

Key exports including wine, most fruit and vegetables, seafood and some dairy will no longer cop a tariff in China, which means our produce will be more affordable for Chinese consumers.

ChAFTA has contributed to significant growth in exports over the last 12 months. Beef exports increased 34.5 percent to $1 billion, wine exports increased 65.1 percent to $982.7 million, dairy exports increased 38 percent to $818.8 million and navel orange exports increased 57.5 percent to $87.2 million.

“Just some of the benefits are our farmers will sell more dairy into Canada through a new quota, more rice into Japan and no longer face tariffs on sheepmeat or pork into Mexico,” said David.

“We’re giving our farmers more options overseas so they can sell where they choose and not just to the supermarkets here in Australia.”

With the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entering into force on 30th December 2018, exporters will receive two tariff reductions.

The first on 30th December—reductions associated with the entry into force of the agreement—followed by the annual tariff reduction rate on 1st January in those countries which ratified the CPTPP. Australia’s ratification of the CPTPP meant Australian exporters benefitted from immediate tariff cuts on entry into force of the CPTPP on 30th December 2018 for Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore, and further tariff cuts into Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore on 1st January (Japan’s second tariff cut will take effect on 1st April).

The moment many have been waiting for is finally here! The Midsummer Night’s Dream is the spectacular theme for the Evolution Mining BOSCARS Business Awards to be held at the Forbes Services Memorial Club on 8th February.

This year the Evolution Mining BOSCARS promises to be a wonderful gala awards presentation to the businesses of Forbes.

The committee is rolling out 11 award categories that culminate in the coveted Business of the Year.

“Tickets are selling fast and with a limited number of tickets available, I am urging businesses, sponsors and individuals to purchase their tickets as soon as possible,” said Michael Jelbart, BOSCARS Committee Chairman.

The People’s Choice Awards -Tradie of the Year and the Most Popular Business have been well supported with a staggering 22 nominations in each category.

Find a list of the finalists below:

Excellence in Small Business (under 20 employees), sponsored by the Business Enterprise Centre, finalists are The Forbes Phoenix, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Mid West Pest Management, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Roylance’s Auto One, Forbes Small Engine Specialists, BWR Accountants and Advisers and Eyewear Specs.

The categories below have one or two finalists:

• Excellence in Business (20 or more employees) sponsored by BWR Accountants

• Excellence in Social Enterprise sponsored by Matthews Williams

• Excellence in Innovation sponsored by Forbes Advocate

• Employer of Choice sponsored by Crowe Horwath

• Apprentice or Trainee of the Year sponsored by VERTO

• Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Forbes Shire Council

Employee of the Year sponsored by Agriwest CRT: Anita Westley: Forbes Veterinary Clinic, Allan Brockman: Acheson’s Home Timber and Hardware, Lauren Hutchinson: Eyewear Specs, Jayne Whitworth: News On Rankin, Robyn England: Power Tools Plus and Michelle Grace: Flannery’s Pharmacy.

Young Entrepreneur (Age-35) sponsored by Roylance Auto One: Monique Pointon: Sweet Three Vintage Van, Adam Chudleigh: McCarron Cullinane Chudleigh, Stevie Skene: Homies & Co, Nicolas Taylor: Nic’s Garage, Kristen Woods: Kristen’s Dance Studio and Kate Ralph: Elevate Dance Studio.

Start Up Superstar sponsored by Flannery’s Pharmacy: Elevate Dance Studio, Forbes Thai Massage Centre, Made Of Fridays and Sweet Three Vintage Van.

People’s Choice: Tradie of the Year sponsored by Forbes Business Chamber: Monique Pointon, Wes Finn, Mark Webb, Abe Duggan, Ahsley Acheson, Ben Godden, Rodney Buckman, Jamie Loomes, Jack Geppert, John Burton, Scott Burton, Matt Bull, Brad McMillan, Anita Westley, Corey Hurford, John Betland, Jamie Brown, John Butler, Tom Maitland, Brett Stace, Harry Jones and Jack Reid.

People’s Choice: Most popular Business sponsored by WIN Television: Sweet Three Vintage Van, Little Extras Lifestyle, Roylance’s Auto One, News On Rankin, Forbes Services Memorial Club, Forbes Veterinary Clinic, Harry Jones Painting, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Sweet Treats, Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Forbes Family Dentists, Loomzys Fish and Fix, Forbes Toyota, Made Of Fridays, Forbes Railway Arts and Tourist Centre, Forbes Bake House, Homie and Co, Forbes Small Engines, Sugar Riot Events Forbes, Eyewear Specs, Blush Organic Beauty and Matt Bull Concreting.

Business of the Year sponsored by Evolution Mining: The BOSCARS Business of the Year is awarded to the most outstanding business which has demonstrated excellence across all areas of operation. The winner is selected from the winners of all categories.

“We are really excited with the response the awards have received this year. I believe we have received the highest number of entries in the awards history,” said Michael.

Tickets are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/2549/the-boscars

With official statistics showing that almost 40% of marriages end in divorce, or at least in a property settlement, a marriage break up is a horrendous issue for partners in a small business. Instead of concentrating on cash flow, tax matters, business generation and expansion, all goes out the window when the specter of divorce enters.

If both parties to a marriage work within the business, the strains are greatly magnified.

Julia Cambridge, the national executive director of Family Business Australia, recently said: “We know of cases where the relationship has broken down, and it has caused the business to fail. Any sort of conflict takes your eye off the game, diverts your attention away from what you are supposed to be doing, and impacts upon the business bottom line.”

Lawyers are increasingly looking at ways to exit a spouse from a business partnership by apportioning income streams or separating parties from discretionary trusts, superannuation, or taxation matters.

If a business is reasonably well run and profitable, it can manage. If, however, it is trading at the margin, the divorce can tip the business over. Binding financial arrangements or shareholder agreements prepared to come into effect in the event of a dispute are helpful, but the Family Court can override any such agreement in many, but not all, circumstances.

This is a complex legal field. If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson.