General Interest Archives - Page 255 of 326

Queen’s Baton To Arrive On A Dragon Boat

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Monday marks day 35 since the Queen’s Baton has arrived in Australia and started its epic journey to arrive at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in March 2018. To mark the occasion of the baton travelling through Forbes, the council has organised some unique ways to celebrate.

When the baton arrives in town it will be rowed along Lake Forbes in a dragon boat being carried by Forbes’ first baton bearer Wendy Green, alighting at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Centre, the baton will then begin its journey along Lachlan and Browne Streets to arrive at the Community Celebration to be held at Stephan Field (the skatepark). The crowds can enjoy a refreshing ice-cream, live entertainment and watch the skateboard demonstration.

At 2.53pm the baton will travel through Forbes, along Grenfell Street, Lachlan and Harold Streets before turning into Court Street and back onto Lachlan Street out to the Golf Club.

Baton bearers for the relay are: 2.07pm Wendy Green; 2.27pm Robyn Kenny; 2.30pm Paul Cameron; 2.33pm Ethan Markwort; Community celebration at Stephan Field (skatepark); 2.53pm Rob Willis; 2.56pm Lester Sheather; 2.58pm Peter Moore; 3.01pm Chris Roylance; 3.03pm Phil Adams; 3.06pm Denise Jelbart; 3.08pm Yvonne Shaw; 3.11pm Taylah Hemming; 3.13pm James Smart and 3.15pm Robin Lyell.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay presents our community with a unique opportunity to showcase our people, culture and environment to the rest of Australia and the world,” Mayor Graeme Miller said.

He added it was 60 years since a baton was used to carry the opening monarch’s message from Buckingham Palace to the games.

Graeme also encouraged people to show support for the baton bearers as it passes through town. “Please come out and cheer along the baton and its bearers, let’s show everyone what a supportive community we are,” he added.

Australia Day Nominations And Celebrations

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Nominations for the Forbes Shire Council Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year close at 5pm today, Friday 19th January.

To be announced and officially presented at the 2018 Australia Day celebrations.

Mayor Graeme Miller encourages nominations for community members who deserve to be recognised.

Forbes Shire Council’s Australia Day awards reward and acknowledge community members who have achieved excellence or made a significant contribution to our community.

Forms can be collected from Council’s Administration Office or downloaded from Council’s website.

Forbes’ 2018 Australia Day celebrations feature an enormous three event program, beginning with the free Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. This will be followed by the Diggers Family Swim at the Forbes Olympic Pool before the main celebration, Australia Day Party in the Park.

Australia Day Ambassador, endurance swimmer, James Pittar will be a special guest at the many water based activities this year. Australia Day Party on the Park will feature fireworks, live entertainment from Gabe Middleton and Cameron Sharpe, pedal boats, amusement rides, face painting, the traditional CWA Damper Cooking Competition and a range of exciting food.

There will also be displays by community groups including the SES, Fire and Rescue NSW and Forbes Dragon Boat Club.

NSW In 2017: Warmest On Record

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The year 2017 was the warmest on record for NSW for both mean and daytime temperatures. It was also the State’s driest year since 2006. Following the warmest summer on record for the State, heavy rain in March across the east then made way for a very dry winter and start to spring. Winter overnight temperatures were the lowest since 1997, but daytime temperatures remained above average for most of the year, and were the warmest on record overall.

Rainfall below average for much of the State

• It was the driest year for NSW since 2006, with the statewide average rainfall coming in at 18% below average.

• October and December were the only other months with above average rainfall for the State as a whole.

• The State had its driest September since comparable records began in 1900, and the second-driest June to September period.

Record warm days but cold winter nights

• The mean temperature for NSW was the warmest on record, 1.42° C above the 1961–1990 average and just ahead of the previous record set in 2014.

• The State’s mean maximum temperature was also the warmest on record, 1.87° C above average.

• Maximum temperatures were in the top 10% of years for most of the State, and the warmest on record in parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands and Upper Western districts.

• The year began with NSW’s warmest summer on record, followed by the State’s second warmest March.

• The State experienced several bouts of exceptional warmth during the year, including heatwaves in January, February and December, and two warm spells in September that brought record heat across the State.

Discover Vanuatu Onboard Pacific Explorer

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Set sail with a great deal on your next cruising holiday with help from the cruise experts at Helloworld Travel. With so many destinations, itineraries and ships to choose from our cruise experts are committed to navigating you through the intricacies of creating a perfect cruise holiday.

We have a wide variety of great cruise savings and discounts to choose from. Why not try the 10 night Discover Vanuatu Cruise onboard the Pacific Explorer at a special deal from $1,299 per person? Departing 14th May 2018.

Accommodation, main meals and entertainment included. Some of the highlights include Lifou and Isle of Pines. Helloworld travel exclusive up to $300 onboard credit per room and free oceanview to balcony upgrade.

The 10 night cruise sails from Sydney for a roundtrip aboard the Pacific Explorer.

More than just stunning vistas and great weather, Vanuatu is an adventure lover’s dream.

With Vila having more adrenaline pumping Shore Tours (from Zorbing and Jet Boating, to horse riding and abseiling) than any other Pacific Island port, why not inject your holiday with some serious thrills?

Some of the cruise highlights include Noumea which is situated on Grande Terre, New Caledonia’s main island; Lifou with long stretches of white sand beach, small coves, limestone caves, grottos and imposing cliffs give the island one of the most dramatic landscapes in the pacific and Isle of Pines is commonly referred to as the jewel of the pacific. Its beauty is simply breathtaking.

To learn about our latest cruise offers or to book your next cruise trip call Helloworld Travel Forbes on 02 6852 2344 or visit in store for more details.

Be A Part Of Queen’s Baton Relay

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes has a long and proud sporting history and Mayor Graeme Miller has invited everyone to be a part of the world celebration on Monday, 29th January as the Queen’s Baton Relay passes through our town on its way to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

The 14 members of the Forbes community who have been nominated and selected to run with the macadamia wood, stainless steel and reclaimed plastic baton designed using surfboard dynamics and design principles have received their uniforms and instructions.

They have also been advised of the route they will carry the baton as it makes its way through Forbes, 35 days after it landed in Australia.

Wendy Green, Robyn Kenny, Paul Cameron, Ethan Markwort, Rob Willis, Lester Sheather, Peter Moore, Chris Roylance, Phil Adams, Denise Jelbart, Yvonne Shaw, Taylah Hemming, James Smart and Robyn Lyell have been selected to escort the baton through town with a celebration event being held for the whole community.

To commence the baton’s journey in Forbes, it will travel along the lake on a dragon boat, from there it will begin its land journey at the bowling club, to the skate park, to Stephan Field for the community celebration, then the baton will be escorted to the Forbes Golf Club where it will then continue onto Parkes.

The community celebration will acknowledge our Amazing Forbes with music, peach ice cream and entertainment including a skateboard demonstration, it will commence at 2pm with the baton to arrive at approximately 2.30pm.

Flannery’s Pharmacy… Remember To Keep Hydrated

December 21, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

During the warmer months, and particularly during the festive season, it can be very easy to become dehydrated. The human body is made up of 50 to 75 per cent water. Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.

As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and faeces. The amount we need depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and can be impacted on by reduced water intake, increased sweating due to extreme heat and vomiting/diarrhoea bugs.

Along with water loss, small amounts of salts or electrolytes are also lost. Our bodies are constantly readjusting the balance between water (and salts or electrolytes) losses with fluid intake. When we lose too much water, our bodies may become out of balance or dehydrated.

The symptoms of dehydration include thirst, headaches, lethargy, dark coloured urine, weakness and tiredness.

If dehydration is not corrected by fluid intake, eventually urination stops, the kidneys fail and the body can’t remove toxic waste products. In extreme cases, dehydration may result in death.

Replacing your electrolytes when working or exercising in the heat or if suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea is key to maintaining good hydration levels.

Call in and speak to one of our Pharmacists if you are concerned about hydration during the festive season/summer months.

Flannery’s Pharmacy would like to wish the Forbes community a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy 2018.

Forbes High School Celebrate HSC Results With Students

December 21, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

With their schooling year complete, Year 12 students at Forbes High School are now able to celebrate their results that they have achieved in their HSC, and can all look forward to a positive future ahead.

The HSC class of 2017 at Forbes High School have reached just one of the many milestones in their life by attaining the HSC and Forbes High School are extremely proud of all of them.

Relieving Principal Jason Nottingham said: “It is lovely to see our students succeed and achieve their HSC. Our students have worked very hard, not just over the last twelve months but throughout their entire schooling journey. Being a part of that journey with them and seeing them successfully complete their secondary schooling has been very rewarding. This only comes through strong partnerships between the school, the student and home.”

Students have also achieved individual success in a variety of subjects, 5 students achieved band 6 in a number of courses and 13 students achieved band 5, with some of the students at Forbes High School gaining early entry into university to continue their studies in their chosen career path.

A stand out includes a score of 99 per cent in Mathematics and a first in the State in Metal and Engineering. The school is proud to have one student in the NSW Merit List of All Rounders and another 5 in the Distinguished Achievers List.

“Our year 12 students have demonstrated a strong commitment to their learning in the past twelve months, and all of the staff at Forbes High School are very proud of what they have achieved,” said Year 12 Advisor Damian Byrne.

The Forbes High School community wishes all of our Year 12 students the very best in their future endeavours and hope they continue on a lifelong path of learning.

India Plays For Australia

December 21, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Taking a break from hockey proved to be a good strategy for a Red Bend Catholic College student who was selected to play for Australia last weekend.

Sixteen-year-old India Draper played for the NSW U16 team at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide in the grand final against Queensland. The strong NSW side unfortunately did not walk away with gold as Queensland won the title with extra strokes after a 1-1 draw.

This disappointment did not last very long as India was selected for the Australian U16 side with six of her NSW team mates straight after the final. “I did not expect it, as I have just got back into hockey again playing my first carnival for a long time.”

The Australian team is touring to South Africa next year in June for an international hockey test match series. “I am very scared of going on planes, but I’ve never been overseas and feel very excited about the trip,” said India.

Her mum Amanda, who is one of the 19 Parkes torch bearers for the Queen’s Baton Relay, will be joining the supporters tour to South Africa. She said India had trained very hard under the excellent coaching and support of Glen Johnston and Aaron Hubbard. “They have always believed in her.”

India, who went to the same primary school as Mariah Williams at Middleton, looks up at her for inspiration. “I always watch her games on TV.”

Going into Year 12 at Red Bend Catholic College next year, India plans to take it slowly with hockey. “After the South Africa tour, I want to come back and rep for Parkes, and try out for state teams.” Her biggest concern is that it is too long to wait for the hockey season to start again in April next year. “I can’t wait, I just love playing hockey!”

By Maggi Barnard

LEGAL Eagle

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Sentencing Options Part 2

The second part of the series explaining the range of penalties available to Magistrates.

Dismissal and conditional discharge under Section 10

Section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 gives the court the discretion to find a person guilty of an offence, but discharge that person a conviction. This means the defendant will not have a criminal record. The court will take into account the person’s character, antecedents, age, health and mental condition, the trivial nature of the offence and any other extenuating circumstances when determining whether to grant an outright dismissal.

Intensive Correction Orders (ICOs)

ICOs are an alternative to a sentence of imprisonment and can be made when a court is satisfied that no sentence other than fulltime imprisonment is appropriate for an offender, and that the sentence is likely to be for two years or less. Instead of full-time custody, offenders are managed in the community by the Community Corrections division of Corrective Services NSW. The two major components of ICOs are:

• supervision by a Community Corrections Officer who monitors the offender’s behaviour and address rehabilitative needs; and

• community service work of 32 hours of unpaid work in the community each month.

Full-time Imprisonment /Home Detention Full-time imprisonment should always be the sentence of last resort for courts, with the maximum available term of imprisonment of two years. Home detention may also be an option.

If you have questions on the Marriage Law or anything else, please contact any of our Solicitors at Matthews Williams.

Our Emergency Services Heroes

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

As Australia’s emergency services prepare for the busy summer season, Bondi’s lifeguards are encouraging all Forbes locals to recognise, thank and reconnect with their emergency services heroes as part of the ‘Find my Hero Australia’ initiative.

Launched this year not-for-profit health insurer Emergency Services Health, the initiative aims to have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of workers and volunteers who often miss out on receiving thanks and closure after emergency situations.

By enlisting community support through social media and word of mouth, Find my Hero Australia is helping individuals and families to find, recognise and reconnect with emergency services workers who have made a difference to their lives.

Bondi lifeguard, Andrew ‘Reidy’ Reid has had the opportunity to reconnect with a surfer he rescued and is encouraging more Australians to recognise and thank their heroes as we head into the busy summer season.

“Myself and two other lifeguards found a girl, Candice, face down in the water after being knocked out by some heavy waves. It was my first proper CPR resuscitation and in treacherous conditions had to rescue her and give 8 to 10 rounds of CPR before using a defibrillator.

“We got Candice breathing before paramedics arrived, but for a long time we didn’t know if she would pull through. Then she came back to say thank you and we were really lucky to find out about the rest of her story and that she was ok. It was so rewarding,” said Andrew.

Fellow Bondi lifeguard Ryan Clarke, says not knowing what happens to patients is one of the toughest things they have to face. Find your hero, or help someone else find theirs, by visiting the

Find my Hero Australia Facebook page and sharing your story using the hashtag #FindMyHeroAU, and let the power of social media help bring reconnection.

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