With the storm season upon us, it is important to be prepared for weather-related power outages. Storms, lightning, and wind gusts have the potential to damage the network. “Essential Energy monitors the network continuously and our crews are ready to respond 24/7,” said David Crough of Essential Energy. He reminded people to report any fallen powerlines or damaged infrastructure and keep at least 8m away. “Always treat powerlines as live and remember that anything in contact with them, such as cars, trees or fences, can conduct electricity and pose a danger,” David said. “Be aware that fallen powerlines may not always be visible in paddocks or rugged countryside, or could be hidden by storm debris.”

If you notice fallen trees, deceased animals, smoke, fire, or scorched areas around electrical equipment, call Essential Energy on 13 20 80. Major powerlines are re-energised first to restore electricity to the majority of customers. Once this is completed, field crews target individual faults and customers’ problems. For more information on electrical safety during storms, visit essentialenergy.com.au/safety or call 13 23 91.

Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, announced more than $10,000 funding for closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre in Forbes on Tuesday. Michael told a small gathering at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre the Forbes Council would receive $13,600 to install two solarpowered cameras. “Serenity, that’s what this place is, serenity,” said Aileen Allen of the centre where the integrated philosophy of the Wiradjuri people that connects them with all living things and the land can be experienced.

Unfortunately, the serenity has been broken too many times by vandalism and antisocial behaviour. Aileen and Forbes Mayor, Graeme Miller as well as Forbes Shire General Manager, Danny Green welcomed the funding provided by the Safer Streets Program. The program supports communities at the grass roots level to boost crime prevention. Chief Inspector of Police, Nick Weyland, said: “CCTV can assist in enhancing perceptions of safety, deterring criminal and anti-social behaviour, as well as helping to apprehend those responsible for crime in the community.”

Aileen thanked the Forbes police for their prompt assistance in the past and said she hoped with the CCTV cameras working both the Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian flags would remain on the flag poles. They have been stolen a total of seven times. Michael offered that his office would replace the missing flags. “Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening,” said the MP. “Most importantly the funds used to pay for this program are from the proceeds of the Crime Account – that is money taken from criminals and reinvested into the community to prevent more crimes.”

By Dianne Collie

Winston Churchill said: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Christmas time is all about giving and a few local businesses have made sure there is the opportunity to follow Winston Churchill’s advice and give to others. Ian Simpson & Co. Real Estate wants to make certain that Christmas is a happy time for everyone. Last year they held a Christmas Present Drive for Ronald McDonald House. “This year Havannah House will be the recipient,” said Ian.

Many people have donated a gift for children up to five years of age, which Ian will deliver to Havannah House today. Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC) has had a Community Giving Tree for many years to provide the Forbes people the opportunity to donate gifts for the less fortunate. “This year we will again be donating the gifts to Havannah House,” said David Fitzgerald, CEO of FSMC.

The Forbes Phoenix was bedazzled by the display and the Christmas Tree surrounded by many presents waiting to be delivered. There was even a chair for Santa! “Lots of children have enjoyed having their photo taken with Santa, and because their parents or caregivers made a gold coin donation there will be even more presents to donate to Havannah House,” said David. Havannah House Ministries Inc is a not
for profit, charitable organisation which provides support to people in need, based on resources available, in order to meet the needs of those who seek help.

By Dianne Collie

Sandra Bates is the Australia Day Ambassador for 2017. Sandra, former Governing and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, retired from her role at the end of last year after 30 years at the helm. She directed more than 100 productions for the theatre and won the Glugs Award for Best Production of 1997 for Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at the Sydney Opera House.

Sandra is the longest-serving artistic director of any theatre company in Australia. She was made a Member in the Order of Australia in 2001. “Sandra will be attending all of our Australia Day activities as well as presenting the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year,” said Mayor Graeme Miller. Celebrations will begin on Australia Day in Forbes with the traditional Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park followed by the Diggers Family Swim at the Forbes Town Pool. The afternoon celebrations will start at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park (Frog Hollow) on Lake Forbes.

Nominations are still being accepted for the 2017 Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year (26 years and over) and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the
Year (25 years and younger) until 5pm on Monday, 18th January.

15 Minutes Is All It Takes

On a summer’s day in Australia, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes. All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. This could lay the groundwork for skin cancers to develop. Skin cancer rates in Australia are among the highest in the world. Between 95-99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. Men are more likely to get sunburnt than women, because they spend more time outside during peak UV times and are less likely to use sun protection.

Skin cells in the top layer of skin produce a pigment called melanin, which gives skin its natural colour. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, more melanin is produced, causing the skin to darken and tan. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged from UV radiation. It is important to remember that tanning without burning can still cause skin damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. UV radiation can cause irreparable damage to the genes in the skin’s cells. Each time you expose your skin to UV radiation from the sun or from a
solarium, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

To prevent sunburn, use a broad spectrum sunscreen such as Suntivity SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours, particularly after swimming. Use protective clothes, hats and eyewear to limit exposure. Flannery’s Pharmacy is hosting a sun clinic on Monday, 23rd January 2017 from
10am to 3pm. The visiting clinic nurse will assess your personal risk factors, assess your current level of sun damage and give you personalised and practical advice. Contact 6852 1111 for an appointment.

Have you ever been asked the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Reece Hiki, first year apprentice at the Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC), answered: “To be a chef, travel the world and learn from new experiences.” Reece did not waste any time realising
this dream as at 19 years of age, he is one of 32 finalists in the 2017 Fonterra Proud to be a Chef competition chosen from hundreds of apprentice chefs across Australia. Reece will travel to Melbourne for four days in mid-February to attend masterclasses with the likes of Peter Wright, Director of Global Hospitality Group, Buddha Lo and Daniel Wilson. He will also sit down for fine dining to see what it’s like being served from the kitchen.

According to Reece his coach and mentor, Master Chef at FSMC Richard McCarthy, encouraged him to enter competitions. “Not just to win, but for the learning experience.” He attributes his early success to learning to love his trade by working as a kitchen hand at the FSMC whilst completing Year 12 last year. Reece started his apprenticeship in March this year and considers Richard to be an amazing mentor and coach. “He has opened my eyes and helped me develop an even deeper passion for food. When I return from TAFE each week, he makes sure that I put what I learn in theory into practice.”

Reece has promised to tell Forbes Phoenix readers about his experience at the competition, and he might place his crème caramel with tamarillo coulis on the menu.

By Dianne Collie

What a celebration! There were games including croquet, bocce and volleyball. And let’s not forget the DJ Disco, drum workshop or the face painting with participants choosing to turn into transformers, spiders and even snakes! Joshua Cowling summed it up perfectly: ‘It was fun!’ Forbes International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD) was held on Tuesday at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. DJ Paulie played an amazing mix of music including golden oldies, hip hop, rap, right through to modern pop. There was also an impromptu dance performance from the House with No Steps dancers fresh from the Kristen School of Dance concert.

The 50 plus audience loved the dance performance to Uptown Funk and really got involved with one of their all-time favourites,
Gangnam Style. The Drum Workshop was extremely popular. “Absolutely everyone participated,” said Blake Nicholson, Forbes Council’s
Community Relations Officer. Martin Bates, Linker from AbilityLinks NSW took the lead with the drums and got everyone finger tapping with bongos and African drums. “There were so many smiles, everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was a fantastic atmosphere,” said Blake.

Blake also organised a bbq lunch. Everyone enjoyed the sausage sandwiches and the dessert treat of either gelato or Neapolitan ice-cream cones. So what is IDPwD? It is a United Nations and internationally sanctioned day that celebrates abilities and assists to break down
disability barriers that may exist in communities. Forbes IDPwD was a collaborative effort between Forbes Shire Council and House with No Steps. It was a day reflecting the statement of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon: “Let us work together for the full and
equal participation of persons with disabilities in an inclusive and sustainable world that embraces humanity in all its diversity.”

(Photo credits: Amy Millerd and Kim Wright)

By Dianne Collie

Police in the Lachlan Local Area Command are reminding residents to remain vigilant to avoid being the victim of opportunistic thieves this summer. Senior Constable Daniel Greef warned that most intruders hope to avoid confrontations. “So whenever you leave your home,
lock all doors and windows, but maintain a ‘lived in’ appearance by using timer devices to turn lights and radios on/off at different times.”
He also said it was important to secure belongings and not leave valuables, handbags, wallets, car keys and cash lying around the house.
Important Security Checklist:
• ensure everything is secured; consider engraving valuables with your details
• stop deliveries
• empty bins of rubbish including large packaging boxes for electronic items
• turn the phone volume down
• have trusted friends or neighbours clear your mailbox
• have your neighbour or a friend park their car in your driveway
• arrange for someone to cut your lawn and keep your property tidy
• ask a relative or friend to check your home; leave your contact details
• let a trusted neighbour know your plans
• pay bills in advance including electricity, gas, water, and telephone so that your supply continues while you’re away
• avoid posting information online about being away because thieves will use this information to target properties
• be sure your home and contents insurance is adequate and up to date

If your home has been broken into:
Call your local police station immediately. Don’t touch anything. Let police see your home exactly as the thief left it. Compile a list of what you think is missing – include brand names, model numbers, serial numbers, and any engraving details. For further contact Senior Constable Daniel Greef on 6862 9999.