General Interest Archives - Page 84 of 317

Fiona Simson Elected To World Farmers’ Organisation Board

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NFF President Fiona Simson (right) with outgoing Oceania Director Katie Milne (New Zealand Federated Farmers).

The National Farmers’ Federation is pleased to announce that its President, Fiona Simson, has been elected overnight as a Director of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO).

At the 2023 World Farmers’ Organisation General Assembly, held in Sun City, South Africa, Fiona Simson was elected to represent the Oceania Constituency of the WFO. The Oceania Constituency represents farmers in Australia and New Zealand.

“Farmers are at the forefront of the big issues facing the world. When it comes to climate change, food security, economic development and environmental protection, farmers are part of the solution.

“It’s important that when discussions are being held at the global level on issues impacting on agriculture, Australian farmers will be able to have a voice in those discussions.

“A strong voice for Oceania in the WFO provides an opportunity for NFF to communicate Australian industry and government approaches in these global forums.

“It is essential to food and fibre producers a strong voice on the big global issues.”

The World Farmers’ Organisation is the global voice for farmers across the world. It represents farmers in international forums through the ‘Farmer Constituency’ a collaboration of farmers organisations from diverse countries.

“The World Farmers’ Organisation is at the heart of global discussions. Whether its COP or the UN Food Systems Summit, the WFO has a seat at the table. As a Director, I can ensure Australian farmers are heard at the highest levels. This can only be a positive for Aussie farmers.

Ms Simson also paid tribute to Katie Milne, the outgoing WFO Vice President and Oceania Board Director. “Katie Milne has been a phenomenal representative of farmers in Australia and New Zealand. I’m proud to be able to carry on Katie’s work, ensuring that the voices of farmers in our region are heard everyday around the world.”

Forbes Public School Celebrate Indigenous Culture

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Students at Forbes Public School with their artworks made for Sorry Day, last year.

The Forbes Public School (FPS) Cultural Safety Team have been busy planning engaging activities and events to acknowledge National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week.

Keep an eye out over the next week to see the paper chains students have made for National Sorry Day that will be displayed on the front fence of the school. The chains will signify a connection of culture amongst students and staff.

For Reconciliation Week, FPS will be focusing on the theme “Be a voice for generations”, learning about how we can use our voices to bring about change. Ideas will be broadcast with a display of megaphone art and this will be accompanied by Yarning Circle discussions within classes.

FPS are excited to invite all members of the community to their school NAIDOC Day event on the 29th June from 10am-2pm. The theme this year is “For Our Elders”. The school will be hosting a range of community organisations in individual meeting places providing information and educational resources to students and the wider community, along with a delicious BBQ lunch.

Influenza Is Serious For Children

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

With winter approaching it is important to make sure you and your children’s vaccinations are up to date. Influenza is currently prolific in our community and it is important to stay protected.

An influenza (flu) vaccine is free* for children aged 6 months to under 5 years. The influenza vaccine reduces the risk of you and your family getting seriously ill this winter. Priority groups who can get a free* flu vaccine include:

• Children aged six months to under five years

• People aged 65 and over

• Aboriginal people from six months of age

• Pregnant women

Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

Doing these simple things can protect your family and the community this winter:

• Get a flu shot

• Stay at home if unwell

• Wash or sanitise your hands frequently

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist, Aboriginal healthcare worker or Aboriginal Medical Service today. For more, visit: www.health. nsw.gov.au/flu

*Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you.

MADD Students Delight Audience

May 19, 2023 by Mrs Jessica Smith

Students from Forbes High School performed an array of talents in front of amazed onlookers.

Last Thursday night saw a stunning array of students from Forbes High School perform in Music, Art, Drama and Dance (MADD). The creative and performing arts across the world have faced many challenges in the past few years with public showcases unable to occur, yet, with perseverance we overcome.

Forbes High School Students from years 7-12 performed two shows to packed houses at the MADD Matinee and MADD Night.

The matinee show allowed Forbes North Public School and Forbes Public School to witness the future opportunities they may have at Forbes High School, with a sing-a-long of Moana before the finale number.

The evening show allowed families and community members to support our talented students at Forbes High School.

The SRC fundraiser treated evening patrons to a sumptuous supper in collaboration with the Year 11 cohort who served delicious, aromatic coffee and hot drinks from our Mobile Hospitality Trade Van.

Audiences saw a range of performances including singing, dancing, percussion groups, student-devised drama performances, and our signing choir. The joy, laughter and sense of pride amongst audience members, especially from the families of our students, is not a memory that will be quickly forgotten.

Furthermore, we would like to thank all performers, backstage crew, teachers and audience members for their contributions and continued support, for, without these people, a show like this would not have been possible.

By Mrs Jessica Smith
MADD Night Director & Drama Teacher
Forbes High School

PBAC Asthma Medicine Backflip Welcomed

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The decision by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to backflip on its restriction on the availability of an asthma medication highlights that its decisions are not set in stone.

Welcoming the reversal, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Trent Twomey said it was a pragmatic and common sense win for patients.

“Quite clearly the original decision to restrict availability of this important medicine was wrong,” Professor Twomey said.

“There was no logic to it, and the PBAC has now seen sense.”

Under the PBAC decision last month, the medicines for children aged six years and under had to be initially prescribed by a respiratory specialist, and then could only be prescribed with authority approval by Medicare.

Additionally, patients over the age of six could no longer access the medicine as a pharmaceutical benefit, forcing them to buy privately which imposed a significant cost burden, primarily for those with concessional status. Also, there were no equivalent alternatives available for patients over the age of six.

Use Your Active Kids Vouchers Before It May Become Too Late

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway has today called on Chris Minns and Labor to reinstate funding for the $100 ActiveKids vouchers. The vouchers, which provided $100 for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year, are currently subject to Labor’s ‘Comprehensive Expenditure Review’ and are facing the axe.

Mr Farraway said the vouchers had significantly increased participation in sport across the central west, with more than six million vouchers provided to families across NSW since 2018.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference these vouchers have made, particularly as the cost of living has increased,” he said.

“This program is the biggest grassroots sport funding initiative in Australia and has driven huge increases in participation in all sports – it is worthy of funding. Sport plays such an important role in social cohesion in rural and regional communities and is an essential part of regional life,” explains Mr Farraway

Mr Farraway called on the Labor government to save the ActiveKids vouchers to make sure regional kids can access opportunities in sports. “What Labor must understand is that regional areas have a higher cost of living than the city,” he said.

“I’ve had contact from many local central west families, and they’ve told me that if the ActiveKids voucher is scrapped, they won’t be able to afford sport for their kids anymore – it’s as simple as that.”

With registrations for winter sports upon us, now is the time to use the vouchers before they may be cut.

Applications Open For MLA Board Positions

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has called for applications for two non-executive director positions on its board.

The MLA Board provides strategic guidance and effective oversight of the management and performance of MLA in delivering its strategy. The Board operates under mature corporate governance and risk management frameworks to ensure producer levies, government matching dollars and partner funds are invested effectively and in the right areas to ensure the continuing prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

Candidates with experience and extensive commercial skills in either of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

Australian beef production with experience in modern northern production systems, pasture management, genetics and nutrition. Knowledge of RD&E and emerging technologies will be well regarded.

Australian sheepmeat production with experience in modern production systems, pasture management, genetics and nutrition. Knowledge of RD&E and emerging technologies will be well regarded.

Directors are nominated through the selection committee and appointed by MLA members for a three-year term, with retiring directors able to nominate for re-election.

Applications close on Sunday, June 11. For more information visit www.mla.com.au/directorguidelines or call (02) 9631 1500.

Catholics Come Home

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Maybe you were raised Catholic, but somewhere along the line stopped practicing your faith. Now you want to come back, but you don’t know how to re-engage with the church. Catholics who have been away for some time often worry about the changes that have occurred in the Church and how they may feel when they don’t know what to do or what others might think.

Maybe you know someone who has fallen away from the Church but is looking to come back. Where should you direct them to help them reconnect and grow in their faith? An invitation is more likely to be effective if it comes from a family member or friend or someone who attends church and is willing to walk with them on the journey.

The aim of this program is to connect fallen-away Catholics back to the Church in a friendly non-judgemental environment. The six sessions of informal conversations will answer questions about returning to Church after having been away. A small group of Catholics who have returned to the Church, or joined the church as adults, will be part of the group assisting with the running of these sessions.

By Fr Barry Dwyer

EMC Are Setting Up Shop In Parkes

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Mitch Westcott with wife Cailin and son Billy, showing off their business signage on the fence surrounding Spicer Oval.

Alectown local, Mitch Westcott and his wife Cailin are excited to announce they will be opening a new shop front in Parkes, in what will be next exciting step for EMC Electrical Maintenance & Construction.

They have recently secured the lease for the old plumbing hardware store, next to Super Cheap Auto in Parkes, on the Forbes Road.

Mitch has been an electrician for 10 years and has worked with other companies in Parkes on projects such as the Water Sewerage Treatment Plant and the Pet Food Factory.

While EMC previously focused on industrial and commercial electrical services, they will be looking to take on more residential work, and have also just taken on a new employee, Ellie Russell.

Mitch has quietly graduated from apprentice, to sole trader to partnership to Director of his own company. He is now looking to build and expand on the experience that he and his team share.

EMC boasts a level two certified electrician and an apprentice. Cailin is the administrator and brings a wealth of experience to the business.

“I’ve been lucky to have worked jobs in HR, safety, administration, accounts and procurement, which has really helped me be an asset to Mitch and EMC,” said Cailin.

EMC service the areas of Parkes, Peak Hill, Forbes, Condobolin, Dubbo, Yeoval, Wellington and beyond.

They provide a range of electrical services including industrial, commercial, rural, solar and residential. With the new shopfront, that range of services will now include electrical repairs for appliances and whitegoods including washing machines, pumps, dryers and basically any electrical fault. You just have to drop them off to the shop and they will repair them on-site.

Mitch and Cailin love to support local and are also heavily involved in the Parkes Rugby Union Club with Mitch playing first grade for the Boars and Cailin playing for the Boars women’s team.

What Will One Dollar Buy You?

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Op Shop volunteers sorting and arranging clothes for sale.

This weekend will see the final three days of operation for the CWA Op Shop at the Forbes Showground Pavilion. From Friday 19th to Sunday 21st May, all remaining stock has been priced-to-go at just $1.

Over the past few months, CWA members from the Forbes Evening Branch and the Forbes Day Branch have worked tirelessly, unpacking and sorting through the donations from the Queensland Islamic Council.

It has been amazing to see so many people support this fundraising initiative. Most people have found bargains, some leaving with armfuls of items.

There are still many bargains to be snapped up. Particularly baby and toddler outfits, boys and girls’ clothes and gents’ shirts. There are long pants and jeans, track pants and T shirts, tops and dresses in a range of sizes.

Brand new items of apparel including Corfu jeans and tops are still available. You never know what you will find!

Money raised from the CWA Op Shop will go to local families in Forbes and district who have been heavily impacted by the floods. Flood-affected families may also access clothing free of charge at the Op-shop.

Flood-affected families in Forbes and district residents needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Forbes CWA Evening Branch via Facebook messenger or email: forbeseveningbranchcwa@gmail.com to discuss ways the CWA can offer assistance. Information will be strictly confidential.

The CWA Op Shop will be open at the Forbes Showground Pavilion, Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

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