General Interest Archives - Page 68 of 326

Increased Nursing Access For Forbes Residents

March 28, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Claire Nicholson a Nurse from Life Pharmacy Forbes.

Forbes residents are lucky to now have increased access to nursing services without the need for long waiting times.

Three nurses, with varying specialties including child and family health, and aged care, are now available to help patients at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies in Forbes.

The service is designed to provide the community with an alternative walk-in clinic, allowing residents in the Forbes and surrounding areas to access additional healthcare support without an appointment.

Registered Nurse, Claire Nicholson, is based at Life Pharmacy each Tuesday to assist with child and family related matters such as breast-feeding support, nutrition, sleep and settling support. Claire also provides vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and wound care.

Registered Midwife, Evin Penney, is at Flannery’s Pharmacy each Thursday and offers support for new parents including breastfeeding and baby weights. Evin also provides vaccinations, blood pressure checks and wound care.

While Brian Dunn, who is an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse with over 12 years experience in aged care, will be available at Flannery’s each weekday to assist with mobility aids, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), blood pressure and glucose level checks, incontinence, and wound care.

As we approach the winter months, those aged over six months are also recommended to receive an annual influenza vaccination.

Flu vaccines are available, without charge, under the National Immunisation Program for all children aged 6 months and under five years; all adults over 65 years; and specific populations aged five to 65 years, who are at increased risk of complications from influenza – that is, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those who have certain medical conditions and pregnant women.

A fee may apply for those not eligible under the NIP. Flannery’s Pharmacy can vaccinate anyone 10 years and older. Families with younger children please contact Life Pharmacy to book an appointment.

Forbes’ Current Australian Champion Needs Your Support

March 28, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Haylee Redfern

Forbes athlete Hayley Redfern has been competing in Kettlebell Sport for the past 5 years. She was previously involved in CrossFit however a change in training style was needed to adjust to a hearing impairment which was causing health issues. Hayley has also been working as a personal Trainer for over 10 years, having worked at Anytime Fitness, and more recently as a trainer with Active Farmers who are passionate advocates in promoting mental health wellbeing through physical fitness & providing remote rural communities with access to health & fitness services like first aid courses not readily available. To now become an independent PT.

Hayley holds some impressive titles including Australian Long Cycle Champion in 2020, 2021 and 2023. Winner IKMF World Championship 2021 in 30min Jerk & LC (Australia wasn’t allowed to travel due to covid restrictions at the time hence why it was ‘online’)

Hayley was also proud to be awarded Forbes Senior Sports Person on the Year 2019 & Forbes Sports Person of the Year 2021. Hayley currently holds 9 Australian Records in Kettlebell Sport, and if that isn’t enough she has also been competing in Strongwoman competitions for the past 15 months. Hayley competed in 4 competitions in this time for 3 x first placings & more recently a Second at this year’s Capital Open at the Canberra Royal Show. This type of training in between my Kettlebell competitions keeps me fit & strong

Hayley needs your support. Hayley is looking for sponsors to help her get to Poland to compete for the GSAA National Australian Kettlebell Team at the 2024 WKSF (World Kettlebell Sport Foundation) World Championships, being held on 6th June – 10th June. The WKSF is a prestigious event that brings together the best Kettlebell athletes from all around the world to compete against each other and show off their skills. Hayley’s first kettlebell competition in the lead up to the World championships in June will be WKSF Oceania Cup in Melbourne 13- 14th April to be held at the Convention Centre as part of the Aus Fitness Expo.

But Hayley may risk not being able to compete if she can not cover all of the costs involved. We are putting a call out to local businesses, organsations or individuals who would like to become a sponsor for Hayley so she can compete alongside Team Australia. Sponsorship is what helps a lot of high level sports persons achieve their dreams of training at an elite level and travelling the world to compete, in Hayley’s case sponsorship would help with travel expenses, training fees, equipment costs and other essential requirements. Promotion and recognition for sponsors can be discussed, but on offer is an opportunity to have your company logo featured on hayleys training gear and competition attire, acknowledgment of sponsors on Hayleys social media where she has a great following in the sport. Hayley can be contacted on 0421 977 031 or donate to the Go Fund me https://gofund.me/fb0ad064

Best For Health In The Bush

March 28, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Best for the Bush: Rural and Remote Health Baseline 2023 released by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) today, shows the alarming health disparities between the 30 per cent of the Australian population living in rural, regional and remote areas and those living in cities, which aligns with the National Rural Health Alliance’s (the Alliance) call for geographic health equity.

“The Best for the Bush report demonstrates the massive health underspend in rural areas that contributes to a heavy burden of disease and shorter life expectancy. Most of these diseases are preventable with better access to primary health care,” said the Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen.

The report refers to the Alliance’s Evidence base for additional investment in rural health in Australia (Nous report) which shows that rural Australians are missing out on $6.55 billion ($850 per person) each year in health care.

“The government needs to step up its funding for rural health in a sustainable and flexible manner, without having ad hoc projects on the ground that only become band-aids.

“We stand with the RFDS in its recommendations for expanded health funding that would help remove barriers to healthcare access. The Alliance and others are working to develop minimum standards for healthcare access and we’re keen on taking this project forward with the government.

“We propose the Primary care Rural Integrated Multidisciplinary Health Services (PRIM-HS) model, which addresses the complexities in rural and remote community health service delivery, as each rural community has different health needs.

Mayoral Notes

March 28, 2024 by Phyllis Miller, OAM

Can you believe that it’s already Easter?

From everyone here at Forbes Shire Council, I’d like to wish you and your families a happy and safe Easter.

If you’re looking for any ideas of what to do this weekend, why not take advantage of the cooler weather and go camping or fishing along the Lachlan River. You could also drive along our amazing Sculptures Down the

Lachlan trail; pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it with your family or friends. It’s also a great time to take a break at one of our amazing cafes or walk the lake with that coffee in hand!

The long weekend is a busy time on our roads with so many people travelling for their Easter break so please travel safely and don’t forget it is double demerits from Thursday 28 March to Monday 1 April.

Please take care as you travel – we want you to arrive safely, and NSW Police will be out in force to make this a reality. They will be targeting speeding, wearing of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts and mobile phone

offences. I urge you to drive to the conditions especially as there are ongoing works on a number of our

roads as we continue repairing after the 2022 floods. Slow down. Take breaks. Limit distractions in the car.

Don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and above all please be patient.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the Central West Flood Recovery

Housing Program survey. This survey is very important for our community as it will provide critical information for this program.

I encourage everyone who was impacted by the floods, no matter how big or small the impact was, to complete this survey before the April 30. It is so important that our community receive much needed and appropriate assistance in flood recovery.

Until next week, God bless. May this Easter bring you lots of joy, happiness and blessings.

Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Bernardis Donate To Forbes Men’s Shed

March 21, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured L-R Forbes Mens Shed Treasurer Tony Thompson, Bernardis owner Tony Bernardi and Forbes Mens Shed President Jim Walklate.

Each year Tony Bernardi (of Bernardis Marketplace in Forbes) gives away $10,000 to local community groups. Customers are given tokens after they make a purchase and they can put their token into one of 3 plastic containers that each represent a different local group or organisation. This happens twice a year and the $10,000 is split amongst those depending upon how many tokens each receive. The winners from the last round of the promotion were the Forbes Mens Shed. Representatives from the Forbes Mens Shed wanted to thank the community for helping them win and also a massive thank you to Tony Bernardi for the donation of $2500.

Jim Walklate, who is the current President of the Forbes Mens Shed, said about Tony Bernardi “Tony is a very big supporter of our Mens Shed, he also comes down each Wednesday and plays cards, we get around 24-30 each Wednesday afternoon who come down for cards which is one of our social get togethers that we enjoy”.

Late last year the Forbes Mens Shed became a registered charity “This year we want to give some money away to help support the local community, this $2500 cheque will certainly help us do that”.

“We would love to have some younger members come along and join us at the Forbes Mens Shed, we have a very aged population now, virtually from the early 70’s to 90’s. Members of any age are welcome, if you have just retired come along have a chat and a cup of coffee. We are coming into firewood season, the boys go out mostly on a Saturday or Sunday, cut it, bring it in, we split it and sell it. We do repairs for people also, which is why we need more carpenters to come and join us” said Jim. So, if you’re in Forbes and looking for a supportive environment where you can tinker, create, and connect, consider paying a visit to the Forbes Community Men’s Shed. It’s more than just a shed—it’s a home away from home for many. Also check out our wide range of second hand tools & furniture at the Forbes Mens Shed.

Don’t Disconnect The Bush

March 21, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Farmers have called for the Federal Government to take urgent action to ensure phone companies don’t leave thousands of farmers without mobile coverage as the 3G shutdown looms.

Large parts of NSW have limited or no mobile phone reception, and many regions rely on 3G networks to communicate, especially during emergency situations.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee Chair Deb Charlton said shutdown of Telstra’s 3G service on 30 June – as well as Optus’ 3G closure in September – would spell disaster for many farmers who often work alone and a long way from help.

“As providers push ahead with this 3G network shutdown, there’s no doubt there will be farmers who run into trouble or have an accident, and will be unable to call for help,” Mrs Charlton said.

“Even with the 3G network in place, there are hundreds of horror stories of accidents occurring on farms or on isolated country roads, where people have not had the mobile coverage they need to contact emergency services for lifesaving help.

“We have absolutely no confidence that 4G coverage will be available when the 3G network is switched off, and we will only see more of these tragic situations as a result.”

“The farmers who grow the nation’s food and fibre should not be forced into using expensive satellite phones or have to resort back to pre-war radio connections as their only link to the outside world.

“Connectivity is a critical tool, and in many cases, it’s been the difference between life and death when an accident has occurred in these rural communities.”

Five Days Of Double Demerits For Easter

March 21, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Just two of the Highway Patrol Officers that will be keeping our roads safe over Easter are Sergeant Cornish (Parkes) and Acting Sergeant Mooney (Bathurst).

Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from Thursday 28 March until Monday 1 April 2024 as Police encourage road users to look out for each other over the Easter break.

During these five days, double demerit points will apply for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Adam Cornish has indicated that Police will also be targeting other high-risk behaviour including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. “We are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across NSW for the long weekend. Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions. We want everyone to reach their destination safely and to enjoy the Easter break without tragedy.

“I ask all drivers to play their part in reducing crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts” Sergeant Cornish said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that Police enforcement figures show that double demerit points do deter motorists from speeding when roads are at their busiest. “Drivers are reminded that mobile phone detection cameras will be active over the Easter break to catch people illegally using their phone whilst driving. Drivers will accrue 10 demerit points for all licence classes during the double demerit long weekend and also receive a fine” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes are you Ready to Rumble

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Tommy’s Backyard Boxing Gym are featuring 12 fighters this Saturday’s Fight Night .

Local legend Tommy Ward has run his Backyard Boxing Gym in Parkes for many years. In fact it was 15 years ago this Easter, when Tommy was nominated to be the recipient of a brand new shed to house his Gym through a tv show called Random Acts of Kindness, he was nominated by Peak Hill Residents Nerida and Lucy Gavin who use to travel in from Peak Hill to bring foster kids to be trained by Tommy.

This Saturday night, 16th of March, MAYHEM Fight Series Presents Boxing at Parkes Leagues Club. Doors open at 4pm and the first fight is at 5pm. There are 19 fights scheduled and 12 of those fights will feature local boxers from Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing Gym. We chatted to a few of Tommys fighters. Brad Moss, who is featuring in the main event at the end of the evening, had his last fight 10 years ago when he was around 17, he has been busy with work and life commitments but has decided to jump in the ring for “One last Hoorah” Brad wants to encourage everyone to come along “Its a great experience, a great night, come along a support these young fullas having a go”. Montana Walker, who is originally from Cowra and previously dabbled in Karate and Muay Thai, has been living in Parkes for 2 years now and training with Tommy since August 2023, she said about training at Tommys “Just a good bunch who are great to train with”. Young Riley Pizzi is gearing up for his third fight, after fighting at the recent Dubbo and Parkes Fight nights and winning both his fights, he is looking to continue his winning streak. We asked him what got him into boxing “I’ve always liked watching action movies and loved the fight scenes, I’ve been asking mum and dad for years to do boxing and they finally agreed” said Riley.

Ladies and gentlemen Tommy Ward would like to take this time to introduce you to all of the boys and Girls that are taking part in this Saturday nights mayhem fight at the Parkes leagues it’s a night you won’t wanna miss out on

Introducing…

Riley Fernando, Oliver Hayes, Riley Pizzi, Hunter White-Crawford, Montana Walker, Jordan Shahid, Jesse Shorter, Jashper Caneta, Zane white-Crawford, Linkin Anderson, Jayden Monaghan-Mclean, Bradley Moss

Unfortunately with unexpected circumstances shelly Nic Tietnan won’t be fighting in this Saturday fight night shelly will still be there supporting her shed team mates with their fights. If you are looking to buy a ticket or a VIP ticket for yourself or family and friends look no further. Head on over and get them before they are sold out you won’t want to miss out. Everyone is encouraged to come along on Saturday night and support this fantastic event so we can secure more fight nights in the future.

Tickets are available through 123tix or at the door

Brad Moss

Jasper Caneta.

Montana Walker.

Riley Pizzi.

Forbes Oldest Service Club In Crisis

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Rotary Club of Forbes needs your support.

The town’s longest serving services club, The Rotary Club of Forbes is in danger of folding up as a service club. The main cause is a decline in membership due mainly in the inability to attract new members to an organisation that is comprised mainly of senior citizens.

Chris Finkel, president since 2021 informed this paper that not one of the club’s existing twelve members was prepared to relieve him of the club’s presidency for the incoming Rotary year of 2024/25.

“I’d like to continue on as a member of the Forbes club” stated Chris.

“However, even now, I’m a generation behind Australia’s baby boomers and we need people from generations X and Y with new ideas to ensure that Forbes

Rotary survives as an active service club in this town in the years ahead.

This past year through fundraising events mainly through our catering van sales, Bunnings sausage sizzles and other events we’ve been able to provide over $20,000 in assistance to the not so fortunate locally, nationally and

internationally.

In addition, in a combined effort with our sister club, Forbes Ipomoea Rotary we’ve been able to provide $40,000 in $200 gift cards which have been handed out to the Forbes and Eugowra November 2022 Flood victims through the offices of the Forbes Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Uniting Church and Catholic Care” Chris concluded.

A special meeting will be held in the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club at 6.15pm on Tuesday 19th March 2024 with past members, Friends of Rotary and current members to discuss the future direction of the Forbes Rotary Club.

All other interested parties and would be members are also requested to attend.

A list has been compiled of potential residents and a letter will be mailed out to them.

There’s Always More To Do

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Parkes High School Principal Sandra Carter was in attendance with students Jessica Townsville (Captain) and Kelsey Mann (Vice Captain)

Two hundred very happy people recently attended and enjoyed Parkes Que Club’s International Women’s Day celebration at the Services Club where they took time to both consider the advances in women’s rights as well as how much more still needs to be done.

There were four tables set up with local arts, crafts and products that everyone could see and purchase if they wished, and there was two excellent guest speakers to tell us about their careers and dispel the notion that you have to be educated in the city to be successful.

Tracy Hambridge grew up in Parkes, then went to Uni and became a dietitian. Tracy now leads a team of 12 women at Food Standards Australia and New Zealand which sets food standards and keeps the food supply safe for both countries. Her important work, which she loves, takes her to many countries across the world and is most satisfying.

Janna Flanagan had no tertiary education but worked for a while in real estate. She was a stay at home mum but eventually got another position, again in real estate, was so enthusiastic and keen to learn, that now she is Elders branch manager. Janna’s main message was that women frequently undervalue themselves. She supports other women, guiding and teaching them, and urges women to find what makes them happy, do it and just be themselves.

We were also treated to some delightful traditional dances and a beautiful song from our local Filipino Australians. By Pam Nankivell

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