Amy Shine, director of Forbes Preschool has won the Business Leader Award at the 2017 Western Regional Awards. Amy is now a finalist in the 2017 State Awards.

“This was totally unexpected, I didn’t have one thought of winning,” said Amy. “Unfortu- nately, I did not attend the presentation held at Taronga Western Plains Zoo last Friday due to other commitments, but I will most definitely be heading to Sydney in Novem- ber for the state award presentation.”

The Business Leader award recognises the positive contribution made to business by those who demonstrate outstanding en- trepreneurial spirit, strategic business direction and innovative ideas, whilst providing inspiration to a new generation of upcoming business leaders.

Forbes Preschool is a community-based service, which ensures all children aged three to five years of age have access to affordable, high quality, early childhood education.

Amy’s goal is to inspire others to see the importance of early childhood education and realise the impact it will have on the com- munity for years to come. The preschool also provides pre-kindy children access to an occupational therapist and speech thera- pist free of charge. All this has been made possible through Amy’s vision, lobbying to secure around $1.5 million in funding an development of partnerships within the community.

Beck Cheney, Simone Newell, Carly Keane and Sally Male, four of the 17 em- ployees at Forbes Preschool were unani- mous in describing Amy as being “very approachable, an inclusive leader and outstanding communicator”. They also said that Amy was “very passionate about providing free flow indoor/outdoor play, and through her coaching and encouragement to attend professional development, we support her to achieve this vision for all Forbes children”.

“It’s about thinking outside the square, constant reflection and continuous improvement but most of all loving your work,” said Amy.

By Dianne Collie

More than 70 people were keen to explore the treasures of the Historical Museum at its annual open day last Saturday.

“It was a very successful day,” said Bruce Adams, President of the Forbes & District Historical Society. “We had a huge increase in people attending. They were very impressed with our exhibits and many said they would come again to spend more time looking at everything.”

One of the newest additions to the mu- seum, a fully restored Ivel tractor, was one of the most popular exhibits on the day, especially when it was started up at 1pm and 3pm. “All the boys liked the tractor with about 40 people watching us start it up,” said Bruce. He said the 114-year-old tractor, which is one of only seven left in the world and took about 700 volunteer hours to restore, worked perfectly when started up.

There was something for everyone to get excited about. Elaine Huckell and Anne Reade were thrilled looking through wedding photos of Forbes locals on display.

Michelle Mahlo said she had not been to the museum for years and savoured the lux- ury of taking her time without being hurried on by the kids.

The museum at 11 Cross Street is open from 2 to 4pm daily.

The stress fracture is a common overuse injury seen in athletes who participate in endurance and high load bearing activities. Stress fractures in the lower limb account for between 80 to 90% of all stress frac- tures, and in runners contributes to almost 16% of all injuries.

During periods of relative inactivity, with osteoporosis or eating disorders, the den- sity of bone decreases. If loads on the bone become repetitive or abnormally high, and the bone is not given enough rest to allow for adaptation, the rate of stress-induced microfractures in the bone exceeds the rate at which the bone can repair, and stress fractures develop.

The typical complaint with stress fractures is of a gradual onset of pain. Initially there is just pain with activity that subsides with rest, but returns when the aggravating activity is resumed. Local tenderness and swelling is often found at the fracture site and pain is easily localised as opposed to shin splints, which produce a more diffuse pain.

Treatment initially involves rest from the aggravating activity for approximately four to six weeks. It may also require bracing or the use of a cam boot. In some cases surgery may even be required. Return to sport should be gradual to allow time for adaptation within the bone. It is important that all biomechanical and nutritional causes be addressed to prevent recurrence. Cross training and participating in a variety of different sporting activities can help minimise the risk of stress fractures.

It is important to remember if you recognise the symptoms early and treat them ap- propriately, you can return to sport at your normal playing level.

“For the fitness of you”

Linda Reilly

Forbes Shire Council has commenced the process to purchase the 72-hectare site of the former Lachlan Vintage Village.

It was resolved at Council’s March meeting that the Mayor and General Manager would negotiate a purchase price with the owner.

“These negotiations were successful and at the April Council meeting, Council re- solved to go ahead with the purchase.” Mayor Graeme Miller said. “The contracts have been drawn and it is hoped they would be close to exchanging very soon.”

“Once the purchase is finalised, Council will consider the proposed uses prior to making a resolution. A master plan for the land will then be developed, which will include consultation with the Forbes community. This is a truly exciting opportunity for Forbes.” said the Mayor.

“The large site will allow Council to consider drainage and stormwater solutions for the area.” he added. “The site also has a number of zones that can potentially lead to residential and tourism developments. There are no other opportunities for residential development in this area, therefore the purchase of this site is a huge step for more land to be made available for residential development.”

The Mayor said the master plan would de- fine the concept and maximise the potential of the site.

The Lachlan Vintage Village was established in the early 1970s on land bordering the Newell Highway that was originally goldfields. The village was a historically authentic recreation of the NSW gold mining and early farming era. It is recorded that during the 1990s there was a down-turn in interest in Australian colonial history. Due to this, the Old Sydney Town, north of Sydney set out according to James Mee- han’s map of Sydney in 1803, closed to the public in 2003, and the Lachlan Vintage Village closed in 2004.

By Dianne Collie