Ninety-five businesses across Western and Southwestern NSW have signed up to participate in next year’s ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme from 1st March to 31st May.

The scheme offers drivers who have travelled more than one hundred kilometres from the address on their drivers licence a free cup of tea or coffee at any participating business.

“If it wasn’t for participating businesses supplying the ‘free cuppa’, this scheme would not be possible, said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. A total of 17 businesses in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council have signed up.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding drivers to put their mobile phones down, after the latest observation survey recorded 29 motorists using their phones while driving.

The survey conducted in Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin, showed that there was no improvement to the mobile phone usage rate compared to an earlier survey conducted in April.

The survey also showed a 0.2% decrease in the combined seatbelt wearing rate in comparison to the April survey.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that this equated to 70 people not wearing a seatbelt.

“Whilst our combined seatbelt wearing rate of 98.9% is better than the state average (98%), it is disappointing to report that 11 more people were observed not wearing a seatbelt in comparison to the April survey.

“In a crash a person who is not restrained with a seatbelt will continue to travel forward at the speed the vehicle was travelling until something stops them. This could be the steering wheel, dashboard or windscreen. Seatbelts save lives and prevent injuries,” said Melanie.

The observations surveys are conducted bi-annually in Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin and aim to measure, monitor and improve local seatbelt wearing rates and the number of drivers complying with mobile phone legislation.

There is an urban and highway location in each town with survey staff conducting the observations for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon at both locations.

The survey shows that the group most at risk were males. There were 14 male drivers observed using their mobile phone.

The next observation survey will be conducted in April 2018.

For further information, please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.

The Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail continues to progress, with survey work and inspections under way as part of the feasibility design work.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said residents and local businesses would soon be able to see the benefits of Inland Rail, including more jobs and new investment opportunities.

“Inland Rail is the largest freight rail infrastructure project in the nation and will be the catalyst for new manufacturing and production opportunities throughout regional Australia,” said Darren.

Federal Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack joined representatives from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Lycopodium – the company carrying out the feasibility design work – as well as cultural heritage, environmental, structural and technical experts in Forbes on Wednesday.

“This work involves environmental, technical and engineering studies that will provide input into the Australian Government’s work to get Inland Rail construction-ready.

This design work will also form the basis for environmental approvals and submissions process,” said Michael.

“Studies that begin today include air quality and vibrations surveys; investigations into existing structures; ecological surveys to identify any flora and fauna; and cultural heritage surveys.

“Inland Rail is good for business and will deliver immense opportunities for our rural and regional communities. I am delighted to see this work get under way and am looking forward to seeing construction start in 2018.”

The Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail consists of 169 kilometres of enhancement work to the existing rail corridor, including upgrades to existing structures and height clearance increases.

Summer Fashion At Tess Clothing
Tess Clothing Boutique at 99 Boorowa Street has a beautiful range of summer fashions. Many clothing labels can be found in store including Sass clothing that is fresh, fun and oh so pretty, as well as Rare Rabbit, Salt Water, Mary and Marie are to mention but a few! Also find shoes and accessories. Do your fashion shopping supporting a local business with reasonable prices. New fabulous stock arriving daily.

Unicorns Encircled By Fragrant Candles
Fragrance Delight Candles & Giftware stocks handmade natural soy wax candles and melts, essential oil bath bombs, as well as a large range of giftware and salt lamps. For special Christmas presents why not have a look at the new pom pom unicorn pillows, unicorn key rings/bag chain or unicorn feather plaques. You can find a wide range of distinct gifts, including Rudolph Christmas soap! Visit 151 Boorowa Street, Young or call 0420 925 084.

Pick Your Outfit With Friendly Service
At Boutique 99 find a wide range of ladies clothing and accessories. Exclusive labels and something for every occasion. Anything from formal dresses, summer fun dresses, jewellery and accessories for all sizes. Extremely helpful staff who will help you get the perfect outfit. New stock arriving all the time. Visit 97 Boorowa Street, Young or call 0412 698 910.

Something For Everyone
The Little Cherry Tree is a boutique store offering gorgeous wares for your home and perfect gifts for your children or loved ones. Find stunning candles, beautiful jewellery, pieces to style your home and everything in between. Also stocking ladies and children’s clothing. Pop in and check out their vast range, so many items to choose from.

A Touch Of Magic
Full Moon Magic offers a huge range of quality gifts, including authentic Australian opals and sapphires. Also fossils from Michael Durrant’s collection. Stocking beautiful crystals, fairies, dragons, books, incense, jewellery and essential oils. Find quality chess sets and games. Collector tin in cars, planes, motor bikes along with remote-control helicopters. Something for everyone!

Try Poppa’s Famous Fudge
Poppa’s Fudge & Jam Factory is open seven days a week offering a wide range of locally and freshly made jams and chutneys. From melon and ginger to banana jam, there are more than 20 different types to choose from. A huge range of delicate chocolates and tempting lollies, as well as the huge variety of freshly made fudge, makes it worth a visit. All products are made in store from fresh produce and all products are gluten free. Also on offer is a huge range of giftware and homeware for the ideal present or addition to your home.

Feel Comfortable Look Fantastic
Julies Lingerie is a premier boutique specialising in an excellent range of comfortable underwear and clothing for all women. The boutique offers qualified fittings in store or in the comfort of your own home, helping women to look and feel stylish and fashionable. The store features pieces of sheer glam and comfort and also chic collections such as Joseph Ribkoff. At Julies Lingerie you will also find a wide variety of preloved designer clothes and accessories. For excellent service and assistance visit the store at Millard Centre, Suite 7/192, Boorowa Street, Young or call (02) 6382 7071.

Nathan Steele started providing ICT services to a select group of clients around the local area 10 years ago. With his vast knowledge and education in the IT field, he experienced a growth in customers and a higher demand for these specialized services, and as a result, Steele Technology was formed.

With the increase in clients, Nathan extended to operating as a full-time business in 2014, trading in a purpose made office at home. Within 6 months he hired his first staff member, Nicholas Mahlo. As the demand for Steele Technology’s services grew, so did the business. In 2016 Nathan upgraded the office space to a larger facility, as more staff came on board.

Eventually, the need for larger premises became a necessity. In late 2017, the move to their current shopfront at 126 Lachlan Street, Forbes, was completed. Now, with a team of 7 and counting, Steele Technology aims to maintain the highest levels of customer service, while striving to place itself at the forefront of providing the latest technology and ICT services available.

From the very beginning, Nathan envisioned providing a one stop shop for everything IT, and he believes that they are very close to meeting that goal.

Currently Steele Technology offer a variety of ICT services, including residential sales and support, repairs, web design, email and web hosting, internet connections, and business support.

Steele Technology is thankful to all of their valued customers for the support they have shown throughout the years, and look forward to continuing to improve on the services they provide to the local community. Nathan personally thanks his awesome team, friends and family who have put in a huge amount of work to help get the new shop ready so quickly. He is also especially thankful to his wife Noami, for not divorcing him during the process!

Forbes Preschool held their annual year end performance on Thursday at the school. The children and staff had been practicing very hard for the Preschool’s Got Talent show. Finally, the big day arrived and eight groups of enthusiastic children got to show off their hard work in front of three special guest judges.

The children were adorable as they performed a combination of singing, dancing and musical instruments. There were even some ‘look-a-likes’ with one performer dressing up as Mayor Graeme Miller, another dressed up as Amy Shine, the director of Forbes Preschool and one as Preschool President, Chenoa Sanderson.

After the amazing performances, everyone was crowned a winner and could enjoy the big celebration. Each of the students happily joined their families to enjoy a tasty sausage sizzle.

This year the preschool decided to donate all the proceeds of the event to the Ronald McDonald House. “The reason why we have decided to donate to them is because we have a number of children that have used the house lately and statistics show that Forbes has a high rate of usage,” said Amy.

Ava Garland and also some other children attending Forbes Preschool have had to make use of the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks go to Bernardi’s for organising all drinks and bread for the event.

By Gizell van Wyk