The irresistible smell of a barbeque on Wednesday led to the Forbes Town Hall where recently elected Orange MP, Philip Donato, alternated between being chef and chatting with Forbes locals. “I want my constituents to know I am accessible and approachable,” said Philip of the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party. “I definitely don’t want anyone to think I am aloof or that I don’t listen. Basically, what
you see is what you get.”

Philip plans to visit constituents in Forbes on a monthly basis and invite anyone wishing to meet with him to organise an appointment. He will be back in Forbes on Tuesday 14th March, 16th May, 6th June, 15th August, 3rd October, 7th November and 5th December at the Forbes Shire Council. To make an appointment contact his office on 6362 5199. Philip told the Phoenix that life was very different as an MP as opposed to being a police prosecutor, which he recently resigned from. “I organise my own timetable. It is important for me to allocate time to listen to my constituents’ ideas and concerns,” he said.

Philip was in Orange yesterday and will meet constituents in Parkes today.

By Dianne Collie

Living Together On A “Genuine Domestic Basis”
The issue of whether a couple was living together on a genuine domestic basis was examined in a Queensland Supreme Court case. The facts can be briefly summarised as follows: The applicant and the respondent commenced a sexual relationship, and it was alleged that the applicant commenced to live with the respondent at her property. The respondent and her ex-husband owned a caravan park. The applicant was, after a time, employed to manage the caravan park. He usually slept at the caravan park for most of the week, but another employee
slept there on arranged nights. The applicant said that when he was not sleeping at the caravan park as part of his managerial duties, he stayed with the respondent.

The applicant claimed that he and the respondent lived together throughout the relationship. He returned to the home for dinner. He kept clothes at both locations. He claimed that the parties were in a de facto relationship. The respondent maintained that the applicant
moved out of her property when he was employed as the caravan park manager and moved into the manager’s accommodation at the park. She said that they had not had a common residence since then. She considered the relationship to be one of employer and employee, even though the parties continued to be friendly and intimate. The relationship ended. The applicant claimed a property adjustment in his favour as the parties had been in a de facto relationship. The Court agreed.

Relationships can be very interesting and de facto relationships can produce a lot of different outcomes depending on the circumstances. If you have any questions please contact us.

CanAssist received a welcome financial boost from the Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC)to keep its vital work going of assisting people with cancer. “With monthly commitments of up to $8,000 to Forbes residents with a cancer diagnosis, every bit is welcome,” said Maureen Field, Treasurer of CanAssist. CanAssit President John Schrader and Maureen received a $2,000 cheque from the FSMC recently. The donation resulted from the proceeds of the Dancing with the Stars canvas photo bought by FSMC. “The club is amazing with their support, they help us so much,” said John.

A person diagnosed with cancer requires support socially, psychologically and financially. CanAssist is able to support patients with accommodation, travel, medication, domestic help, personal assistance, utility bills and treatment costs. “We often find it is really hard for people to ask for help, getting over pride is a big thing,” said John, “but we want the residents of Forbes to know that if they need help, to
please make themselves known.”

Forbes CanAssist has just celebrated its 60th anniversary and was the first country branch to open in NSW in 1956. “All monies donated are
going to the cause, and will stay local to assist Forbes residents,” said John.

By Dianne Collie

The Forbes Council’s Community Development section, in conjuction with the Forbes Olympic Pool, have provided our community with a seaside holiday destination without having to leave Forbes. Over 40 tonnes of sand was delivered to the pool and placed in front of a painted backdrop of a sparkling sea, blue, blue sky and palm trees, which has created a beach. So not only can you now swim at the pool, you can also play beach volleyball, cricket and other games!

Families swarmed to the Summer Beach Party at the Forbes Olympic Pool last Friday, and “a crowd of over 200 people had a terrific night,” said Blake Nicholson, Forbes Council’s Community Relations Officer. As if the swimming, beach games and free sausage sizzle weren’t enough the crowd also enjoyed grooving to DJ Jabba’s electronic up beat music. Once night fell the beach enthusiasts happily set up their deck chairs in the sand to watch the 2016 comedy The Boss, starring Melissa McCarthy.

If you missed out, don’t worry because The Beach will be at the pool for the rest of the school holidays at no additional cost to the entry fee.
Get your friends, beat the heat and head down to the Forbes Beach this holiday!

By Dianne Collie

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.