General Interest Archives - Page 77 of 311

Western NSW Public Hospitals Sees Busy First Quarter Of 2023

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The most recent Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Healthcare Quarterly report (January – March 2023) shows that hospitals across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) continued to perform well – improving in a number of key performance measures throughout the first quarter of 2023, despite sustained high demand for hospital care.

The District continues to work incredibly hard to ensure patients requiring planned surgery procedures receive them as soon as is possible. WNSWLHD performed 2,267 planned surgeries during the January to March 2023 quarter, with almost all urgent planned surgeries (97.6 per cent) performed on time.

Patients who feel their condition has deteriorated while waiting for their procedure are encouraged to contact their treating doctor for a clinical review and they can be placed in a higher urgency category if required.

There were 833 babies born during the first quarter of 2023.

FORBES HOSPITAL

Forbes Hospital performed well in the first quarter of 2023. There were 1,975 attendances at Forbes Hospital ED throughout the January to March 2023 quarter.

Almost 9 in 10 patients (87.1 per cent) started their treatment on time, which is significantly better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (78.4 per cent).

Nearly all patients (98.7 per cent) were transferred from paramedics to the ED staff within the 30- minute benchmark, which is also better than the average for comparable hospitals in NSW (93.9 per cent).

The majority of patients (87.6 per cent) left the ED within four hours, also better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (79.3 per cent).

Boys To The Bush Striving To Fund 100 Days Of MENtoring

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The donation drive kicks off today, 9th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

In 2017, school teachers Adam DeMamiel, Richard Leahy, and Tim Sanson stepped out of the classroom, deciding there were more important lessons to be taught in their community.

The trio formed Boys to the Bush, a charity committed to curbing the growing cohort of disengaged young males in regional Australia through camps and MENtoring programs.

Now located in seven regional communities, including Forbes, Boys to the Bush are launching an online donation drive to raise money to fund 100 days of free MENtoring across its sites.

The donation drive starts on 6th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

Adam DeMamiel, CEO and Co-Founder of Boys to the Bush said, “Boys to the Bush has worked with over 6,000 kids, and the support of our communities has been pivotal to the positive outcomes reached by the youth.”

“We are launching 100 days of MENtoring to ensure access to such a life changing program is in reach of the kids that desperately need it. Any contribution is much appreciated and will go directly to the youth that need it most,” said Adam.

Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit, community-based charity, and donations to the 100 days of MENtoring campaign are fully tax deductible. To donate, go to https://boystothebush.org.au/donate

Get Fired Up For Frost And Fire

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

It is time to get fired up, time is running out to get your tickets for one of Forbes’ flagship events. Pictured is one of the amazing fire performers “Ice Queen”.

The popular Frost and Fire celebration is back at Forbes Ski Dam on Saturday 17th June.

Whilst following a similar program to previous events, this year will feature a greater range of dining options. Guests are invited to pre-order decadent grazing trays and other delicacies from various regional providers; or they can explore the amazing tastes that will be available on-site. Liquid refreshments will also be available but not available for pre-order. Pre-order food is available at the Amazing Forbes NSW website; www.amazingforbesnsw.com

Guests will be entertained from 4pm, with an impressive line-up of regional and nationally acclaimed artists and performers. Grenfell musician Belinda Day will kick off the entertainment bill, to be followed by local musical maestros Emily Pavey, Clynton Breen and Jo Stephenson back by popular demand, indee artist Birdee and the not-so-sneaky notes of Sneaky Sound System.

Fiery performances from an awe-inspiring Ice Queen and the Sydney Fire Dancers, the traditional lighting of the Frost and Fire effigy, a beautiful smoking ceremony and cultural performance by Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the event was about drawing together a community and its visitors.

“It’s a great opportunity to take a step aside from the busy-ness of life, to celebrate the obstacles we have overcome in the past year and to look forward to the next,” Mayor Miller said.

“There is honestly no better way to spend an evening than around a fire bucket with a drink, food and fantastic company and thrilling live music and entertainment.”

Tickets available through 123tix.com.au. Free shuttle buses running every 20 minutes from Forbes Town Hall and Renfree Street. Tickets just $15 for adults (18 years and over), children are free.

Feds Can’t Rest On Competition Reform

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Farmers are speaking up and are calling on the Federal Government to implement competition reforms that will tackle cost of living pressures.

NSW Farmers CEO Pete Arkle said the ACCC had made a number of recommendations in its 2020 Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry that would bring food prices down for consumers, but so far they had been largely ignored.

“We know food is the second-largest household expenditure behind housing, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting a 12.8 per cent increase over the past year,” Mr Arkle said.

“The entire reason the ACCC came to be in the first place was to protect the consumer, and implementing recommendations from the Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry would be an excellent starting point to bring food prices down for consumers.”

• Among ACCC recommendations NSW Farmers wanted to see implemented are:

• An economy-wide prohibition on unfair trading practices

• An overhaul of the current merger and acquisition approval process

• Making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory with civil penalties for breaches

“If we are to get in front of the cost-of-living crisis, the government must act on these ACCC recommendations.”

Biggest Morning Tea Brings Sweet Success

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Enjoying The Biggest Morning Tea celebrations at Forbes North Public School on Friday were Hayley Crump (Office of Regional Youth), school captains Benji Hodges and Ruby Dumbrell and Schools Community Centre coordinator Maree Yapp.

Through the simple act of sharing morning tea, 240 Forbes North Public School students and their families have raised over $1,000 for the Australian Cancer Council. Inclement weather didn’t deter students, staff and their families from gathering to taste sweet success with their Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.

Schools as Community Centre coordinator, Maree Yapp praised the Forbes North community for their efforts in the Cancer Council’s 30th year of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

“People are so generous,” Maree said. “The floods come and go, and the mice come and go, but cancer is always there.”

According to the Australian Cancer Council, one in every two people are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. This year’s effort follows on from the school’s outstanding result last year, which saw $1,300 raised by the school community.

The biggest morning tea cakes and slices were donated by staff, parents and the school canteen. Ten raffle prizes – also donated by staff – were up for grabs during the fundraiser, and ranged from chinaware to assorted comfort foods. Students brought a small plate of morning tea to share with their classmates and friends.

This year marks the second consecutive year of Forbes North Public School being recognised as a Royal Tea Club member with the Australian Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.

Bringing The Beach To Lake Forbes

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Beautiful Lake Forbes will soon feature a beach at Lions Park

Lake Forbes is about to add another feather to its bow this month as yet another exciting phase of its development plan takes shape.

A beach is currently being built at the water’s edge of Lions Park to allow for watercraft access to the popular Lake Forbes under the Lake Forbes Activation Plan and funded by the State Government.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said the use of the lake by watercraft like paddle boats, canoes and dragon boats was yet another drawcard for everyone, and now with beach access using watercraft on the lake will be even easier.

“It is so exciting to see this next phase of development for our beautiful Lake Forbes – it supports our community’s love of the outdoors and physical activity,” Mayor Miller said.

“The lake is already an amazing place to be, after several stages of the extensive development plan have already been completed –the new footbridge and fishing platform, solar lighting, and redeveloped BMX track for example.

“Lake Forbes is a focal part of town and is of a great benefit emotionally, physically and economically. It is a vital community asset and is home to many of our most loved and recreational facilities, including Lions Park.

“Council has been working on a long-term plan for the development of the lake and its surrounds for some time, catering for Forbes’ needs now and well into the future,” Mayor Miller said.

The $2 million Lake Forbes Activation Plan, funded under the NSW Public Spaces Program, has been created following extensive consultation with the community and is being completed in stages.

Pedestrians can still walk around the lake using a detour whilst the beach is being constructed

Farewell To Forbes Betta Home Living After 21 Years

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Head along and score yourself a bargain as Forbes Better Home Living prepares to close its doors.

After 21 years of serving the local community, Forbes Betta Home Living are closing their doors for the final time on Friday, 9th June. With an impending retirement near, owners Ian and Mandy Westcott have decided to close the business.

Family owned and operated, Ian and Mandy Westcott are the second generation in their family to run the Forbes store. For the past 21 years, the Forbes store has been a one-stop shop, helping the local community find the right appliances and furniture for their home, with the store stocking a huge range of Kitchen, Laundry, Small Appliances, IT products and Bedding.

To mark its closure, the team at Forbes Betta Home Living are offering the community mark-downs and reductions across a range of home appliances and consumer electrical goods. For a limited time until the final operating date of Friday 9th June, Forbes Betta Home Living are offering bargains including:

• Up to 25% off Fridges
• Up to 30% off Washing Machines
• Up to 50% off Small Appliances
• Up to 30% off Floorcare
• Up to 20% off Dishwashers

The Forbes Betta Home Living Closing Down Sale will run until Friday 9th June 2023, while stocks last.

Despite the closure of the Forbes store, Parkes Betta Home Living will continue to service the Forbes local community, which is only a 25-minute drive north of the Forbes location. Customers can still receive amazing service, deals, and exceptional local advice on all your fridge and freezer, kitchen and cooking appliances, air conditioning, furniture, bedding, TV and audio requirements.

Parkes Betta Home Living are located at 11 Saleyards Road Parkes and you can contact them on 6862 2237. Opening hours may vary, please call or check the Betta website for more information.

Forbes Garden Club Enjoy Trip To Dubbo

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Some members of the Parkes Garden Club joined the coach trip, looking forward to a pleasant day out in the glorious autumn weather

The Forbes Garden Club members and friends enjoyed an entertaining coach trip to Dubbo recently on the invitation from the Dubbo Garden Club to view three gardens

Our first garden to visit was at the home of Rosalie Peppermann and a delightful Devonshire morning tea was served. Her garden featured many hedges expertly trimmed with borders of coloured plants seen from the verge and beautiful pots of flowering geraniums.

Our next garden at the home of Narelle Stonestreet was situated in natural bushland with a modern home built with timber and iron features wonderfully designed. Her garden of native plants and succulents with stone paths leading to outdoor areas was just delightful! She and her husband have worked hard to maintain their lovely home.

The third garden visit was the home of Fay Woods a large area with tennis court, swimming pool and spacious garden of shrubs trees and flowers. We were joined by their garden club members with tables and chairs set on the lawns for our lunch. Soup was served, also quiches, salads and slices. A walk around the garden saw many hours of love and care to create this lovely garden.

Our President Elvy Quirk thanked the hosts for a wonderful lunch and day out. Upon leaving Dubbo, a stop was made to view the Waste to Art exhibition at a local gallery.

By Green Thumb

Missing Pioneers – Is Your Family Represented?

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Family Members at the unveiling of a new plaque, could your family be the next one to add to the collection?

If your family was living in the Canowindra district before 1901 and are not remembered on the Pioneers’ Wall at the Canowindra museum, we would like to hear from you. Indeed, you may wish to add your family plaque.

The Canowindra Historical Society and Museum intends to unveil new plaques at its Open Day during the October long weekend. The Society President, Dr Jennifer Wythes, said “There is ample space on the wall for additional plaques and we would welcome more pioneer families.”

If you are interested, please contact the museum at canowindrahistorical@gmail.com, for details as soon as possible, with final details before COB Monday, 19th June.

The Historical Society would need to know who in your family first came to the district, when and where from. Most plaques also give brief details of the pioneer’s occupation, their children and sometimes a few words on their life here, for example, business or property names.

Already, the Wiradjuri people and 107 settler families are represented. The family of Matthew Thomas and Willena Dwyer added their plaque only last month.

The pioneers’ wall was erected in 2001 as part of the Bicentenary celebrations. It honours the families residing here before Federation in 1901 and so records their connections to today’s citizens.

“It is remarkable how often the Society is contacted by people seeking information on family history”, said Dr Wythes.

“We really appreciate receiving information about our local pioneers and their descendants.”

The early European settlers came mainly from England, Ireland or Scotland – both as free migrants and ex-convicts, or their descendants. Some were from more distant parts of the world.

Third Annual Parkes Yard Dog Trial

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Locals are encouraged to register before the 10th June (no late entries).

Parkes Yard Dog Trial will be held on 18th and 19th June at the Parkes Showground and organisers are looking forward to welcoming competitors from throughout NSW and Victoria.

The trial will be run in conjunction with NSW Yard Dog Association. Competing dogs accumulate points towards end of year championships.

There will be a local section for dogs that reside within 100km radius of Parkes. The locals that competed last years had an enjoyable time trialling their dogs and were encouraged by the support from the judges and the other competitors. It would be great to see more local competitors this year.

The starting time each day is 7.30am and the public are encouraged to come along and have a look.

The event is fortunate to receive strong sponsorship support from the following businesses: Inland Petroleum, Westonfence, Quality Wool, Wakely Shearing, Tanswell Transport, Nick Williams Livestock Pregnancy Scanning, Agriwest, AA Blatch, Nutrien Ag, Dwyer Contracting, Timtrac Industries, Parkes Central Butchery and CopRice.

Parkes RFS Headquarters will be catering and coffee will also be available.

For enquiries about the event please contact Bernard Dwyer on 0428 653 233.

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