General Interest Archives - Page 52 of 326

You’re one point away from postnatal depression

November 7, 2024 by Roxane Manley

“You’re one point away from postnatal depression” said the family health care nurse scoring the questionnaire I had just completed in her office.

I was on the verge of breaking point. My baby, our third addition, was breastfeeding every 40 minutes overnight and would not take a bottle.

The nurse explained that I was in a zone called postnatal depletion. My hair was falling out, my nails were cracked, my mind was playing tricks on me. I was depleted.

Being pregnant, breastfeeding, caring for other humans, not getting enough sleep had taken its toll.

Fast forward a few weeks as I now sit in front of Laura, my Nutritionist, as she reviews the results of my blood test. The numbers on the page in front of us tell the story of how I feel.

I was a tired Mum, so exhausted that I was surviving on frozen pizza and dino chicken nuggets. I’m sure many of you can relate!With the help of Laura I began to reincorporate foods into my diet that were rich in the vitamins and minerals my body was lacking and pretty quickly, my nails healed up and grew. My hair stopped clogging the shower drain, and I didn’t feel exhausted every time I woke up in the morning.

We’re thrilled to share that Laura is now offering her Nutrition Consultation services to our community in Parkes or via Telehealth to any location. If you are seeking support to feel your best, reach out to our team to book an appointment with Laura today on 0437 749 746 or learn more at www.kerinhealth.com.au

Illabo To Stockinbingal Takes Final Step On Approvals

November 7, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has received Federal Government approval, green-lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

The Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of Inland Rail has received Australian Government approval, green-lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

The project was assessed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which focuses on the avoidance, minimisation and management of impacts on biodiversity matters of national significance.

The Commonwealth’s conditions of approval supplement the NSW approval to protect threatened species and habitats in the project area. The approval is available online in the EPBC public portal.

The 39-kilometre Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail will create a new direct route from east of Illabo tracking north to Stockinbingal in New South Wales and is the only new section of track from Beveridge to Parkes.

The route will bypass the townships of Cootamundra and Bethungra and the winding, steep section of track known as the Bethungra Spiral on the Main South line, opening a more efficient way to transport freight.

Works on the Illabo to Stockinbingal section will be carried out by construction partner John Holland, which has been awarded the Design and Construct (D&C) contract.

The work will include the construction of several bridges and level crossings, numerous culverts, as well as a new crossing loop.

I2S forms part of the Inland Rail section in NSW from Albury to Parkes which has provided considerable employment and business opportunities. Since July 2023 Inland Rail has spent $7.4 million with 86 local businesses on the project between Albury and Parkes. On the same section, Inland Rail has employed a total of 434 people. 135 of the total are local residents, and 40 of the total are women. 40 of the total are First Nations people. Of the 135 local residents, 24 are First Nations people.

For information please visit https://inlandrail.com.au/where-we-go/projects/illabo-to-stockinbingal/

Women’s Health Services Transformation

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Australian women in every state and territory can now access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at a community pharmacy, without a prescriptionIt follows a decision to empower community pharmacists to do more for their female patients. UTIs are the second most frequent preventable cause of hospitalisation and on average 1 in 2 women develop a UTI in their lifetime.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey said “Women are busy mothers, carers, bosses who need timely easy-to-access access relief to get on with their day and prevent long-term health complications.”

Professor Twomey said increased access to UTI treatment was part of a larger evolution of women’s health services in community pharmacies across Australia.

There are more than 6000 community pharmacies across Australia that have the opportunity to provide additional services and prescriptions for everyday health conditions.

“The widening of the services provided in community pharmacy is meeting the expectation of the modern patient and is relieving the pressure on other parts of the health system.

“Community pharmacists are highly skilled health professionals and we’re ready, willing and able to deliver more for our patients,” Professor Twomey said.

Forbes’ Jack Buckley Announced Pharmacist Of The Year

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Pharmacist Jack Buckley has been named the Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

The part owner of Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy in Forbes received the accolade for his dedication to rural healthcare. A trained pilot, Jack’s innovative approach to healthcare delivery was first recognised during the NSW flood crisis in November 2022, when he utilised his flying skills to transport medical supplies and pharmacy staff to towns along the Lachlan River.

By combining his professional expertise as a pharmacist, with his passion for flying, Jack has revolutionised the delivery of essential medical services to remote communities.

Jack said “I think the key message is, don’t underestimate what community pharmacy can offer patients, particularly in regional centres. We are very service based and place a huge emphasis on patient management and, the great thing is, we are making a difference to the community.”

The award is one of Australia’s most prestigious and regarded pharmacy accolades, with LPG CEO, Michael Flannery saying “This award is a credit to Jack and all the work he puts into the Forbes stores and his local community. He has been a wonderful addition to LPG since joining us over 12 years ago”.

Jack has embraced the Forbes community, and is an excellent Pharmacist. The impact he has made in recent years, particularly utilising his love of flying, highlights his dedication and commitment to community health.”

Inland Rail Generating Jobs And Economic Boost For Regional Nsw Communities

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Newly released figures from Inland Rail show the project is creating jobs and driving economic growth in regional NSW communities.

Delivering Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes has resulted in $7.4 million spent across 86 local businesses between July 2023 and August 2024 and 135 workers employed on the project this year, taking total numbers of workers employed to 434.

Construction has been progressing strongly on the section from Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) and the latest data shows how that is boosting employment and local economies. First Nations business across Australia are contributing to the S2P project, supplying more than $161,000 worth of services. Of the 135 local workers, 24 are First Nations people, making up more than half of the 40 First Nations people who have relocated to the area to work on Inland Rail.

And women make up almost 10% of the workforce, with 40 employed on the project in the period July 2023 to August 2024.

From July 2023 to August 2024, Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes

• 434 people employed, of whom 40 are First Nations

• 135 local residents employed, of whom 24 are First Nations

• 40 women employed

• 33 tradespeople employed

• 86 local businesses engaged

• $7.4 million spent with local businesses

• $161,860 spent with First Nations businesses Australia-wide

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director Program Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability, said: “Inland Rail is bringing benefits to regional communities throughout construction, with local content key to the program’s success.

“A major focus of Inland Rail has been to build skills in communities along the alignment, so local communities can participate and benefit from in this once-in-a-generation project and others in the future.”

Forbes High School 1984: 40 Year Reunion

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Year 8 School Photo 1982.

Did you or someone you know attend Forbes High School back in 1984? This year marks 40 years since the Forbes High School ‘class of 1984’ completed Year 10.

To help celebrate this milestone, some ex-students have gotten together to organise a reunion so that everyone can reunite and have a chance to renew old, and dear friendships. The reunion is open to anyone who was in this school year – whether or not you completed Year 10 in 1984 or Year 12 in 1986 – or even if you were there for just part of it.

The hope is that as many people as possible will attend and partners are more than welcome to come along, in fact it is encouraged. The weekend will kick off with casual drinks at the Globe Hotel in Dowling St from 6pm on Friday 15th November. The official reunion will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 6pm on the veranda of the Forbes Sport and Recreation (Bowling) Club. The cost to attend is $15 per person, which covers a delicious grazing table which is being catered by Bec Tarrant and is payable on the night.

If anyone has their school uniform or any other memorabilia from back in the day then we would love for it to be brought along. To round off the weekend there will be a tour of Forbes High, our old stomping ground, on Sunday 17th November.

Help spread the word and if you plan on coming along please RSVP as soon as you can to Mark “Squizzy” Taylor on 0419 247 972.

How To Take An Award-winning Farm Photo

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

There’s still time to throw your hat in the ring for the National AgDay photo and video competition.

You don’t have to be a farmer or own a patch of land to snap a roaring rural photo.

There are so many amazing country towns waiting to be captured; even driving 30 minutes from a city can put you in sight of cute cows, photogenic fences and charming shopfronts.

Take a trip to the edge of town, pack your camera or phone and make sure to check out a famous country bakery while you’re on the road. There’s also farms open to the public that are well-worth checking out. You never know the pots of gold you’ll find.

Just remember to stay out of private property, even if there are no fences. For more tips on farm photography etiquette, check out this guide: https://farmers.org.au/lifestyle/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-farm-selfie/

There is no age limit in the AgDay photo comp, and it’s designed to attract all skill levels too; so don’t miss your chance to be in the running!Submit your entry at https://agday.org.au/photography-video-competition1/ and get involved in the celebration of everything that makes Aussie agriculture great.

Inland Rail Skills Academy Graduates Get On The Tools

October 31, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Inland Rail Skills Academy graduates (from left) Hamilton Currie, Brett Whyman and (far right) Lawrence Button with Inland Rail’s Cathy Duncan, Senior Program Skills and Training Advisor, and Adam O’Sullivan, Rail Superintendent, Martinus (second right).

A trio of Inland Rail Skills Academy graduates have used their new-found skills to find employment with Inland Rail contractor Martinus Rail and make their own contributions to the project.

The three graduates: Brett Whyman, Lawrence Button and Hamilton Currie, each completed a five-week Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure course through the Inland Rail Skills Academy earlier this year. The course, provided by First Nations training provider Yakka Training, took place over five weeks in March and April in Wagga Wagga.

The graduates then started work with Inland Rail contractor Martinus Rail and were assigned to the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) section during the September possession, a 100-hour period where the rail line was closed and an intense period of construction took place.

Inland Rail is an approximately 1,600km freight rail line that will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, enhancing Australia’s national freight network and supply chain capabilities, connecting existing freight routes through rail, roads and ports, and supporting Australia’s growth.

The Inland Rail sections between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales are prioritised for completion by 2027.

Brett Whyman, Martinus employee and Inland Rail Skills Academy graduate, said “The Inland Rail Skills Academy appealed to me because it gave me an opportunity to put my foot in the door and start in the rail industry. The advice I’d give to locals about the Inland Rail Skills Academy is: go for it.

It’s very rewarding once you get into the industry and the Inland Rail Skills Academy will help you with everything to get into the industry.”

Nedd’s Incredible 1,600km Run For Charity

October 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Nedd Brockmann once again captured the hearts and minds of the country with his epic 1,000-mile or 1,609-kilometre run that he described as ten times harder than when he ran across Australia.

“To say I’m proud is an understatement,” Brockmann said.

“You don’t know the extent of something until you’re in it, and when you’re in it, you’re shocked by its enormity.”

The man from Forbes finished the 1,000 miles in 12 days, 13 hours and 45 seconds at the Sydney Olympic Athletic Centre, which is 3,760 laps of the athletic track.

This time places him in the top 10 in the world and ranks him as the second fastest Australian to run the 1000 miles.

Brockmann constantly remarked on how he felt support from the local community, particularly from the countless donations, including the very generous $30,000 donation from the Forbes Gala Ball.

Brockmann’s efforts have led to a staggering $3,700,000 raised for We Are Mobilise, with the fundraising efforts not over.

The second part of Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge invites workplaces, schools, gyms and individuals to commit to their own challenge that takes you out of your comfort zone.

“ This is about making people understand that any real growth comes with adversity and by taking an intentional challenge, they might be more prepared when they’re faced with a challenge they hadn’t expected” Brockmann said.

Choose your own adventure at www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com

Australia’s 3G Networks Switch Off From 28th October

October 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Australia’s 3G networks will shut down from 28th October and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) is urging all Australians to act now and “Check Your Tech” to ensure they will stay connected once the networks are switched off.

Telstra and Optus will switch off their 3G networks from 28th October 2024. TPG Telecom-owned Vodafone has already closed its network in January 2024.

This means that devices that depend on the 3G network will no longer work. 3G devices will no longer be supported and will not be able to make calls, including emergency voice calls to Triple Zero on any Australian mobile network.

This closure will also affect some 4G devices that default emergency calls to 3G.

While these devices can make normal 4G voice calls, they push emergency calls to 3G and so won’t be able to make an emergency call after the closure.

In addition, devices that have been purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones, might not be fully supported once the 3G network shuts down Impacted devices may also include smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.

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