General Interest Archives - Page 86 of 311

Skip The Que And Get Your Vote In Early

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The upcoming NSW State Election will be held on Saturday, 25th March. However, early voting will be taking place from this Saturday, 18 March to Friday, 24th March.

If you are in Parkes or Forbes, and would like to avoid the huge crowds and long lines on election day, then you are encouraged to get out and vote early.

Early voting in Forbes will be available at the Forbes Town Hall in Harold Street, Forbes at the following times:

• Monday – Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm

• Thursday 8:30am – 8:00pm

• Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm

Early voting in Parkes will be available at the Parkes Early Voting Centre, 30 Welcome Street, Parkes at the following times:

• Monday – Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm

• Thursday 8:30am – 8:00pm

• Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm

• Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm

If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or more, you are required to vote in federal, State and local government elections and by-elections. Ensure your voting registration details are correct.

A full list of local election cadidates will be available in next week’s edition of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix.

Medal Recognition For Nine Forbes Community Corrections Officers

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Great day for Forbes Community Corrections with nine members of the local office receiving a Semper Deinceps Medal. The award recipients are picture with Forbes Mayor Phylis Miller and special guest Assistant Director Operations, West District Community Corrections, Craig Flanagan.

Semper Deinceps is Latin for Always Forward. This medal acknowledges the Corrective Services NSW staff that continued to persist and push through the pandemic despite the challenges it brought.

Mayor Phyllis Miller, this week presented Forbes Community Corrections Officers with their medals in front of family and friends.

Manager Kellie Becquet addressed the medal recipients with the following message: “Having worked for NSW Community Corrections for the past 20 years, it is an honor to be recognised by our organisation for the work we undertook during the COVID pandemic. It was for all an unsettling time. There were definitely concerns around the unknown and how that may have affected our family and loved ones.

During that pandemic, Community Corrections continued to focus on keeping our community safe and delivering a service to the people of NSW. I would like to extend this acknowledgement to all front-line workers, our health and law enforcement. I especially acknowledge all who keep our community going, our supermarkets, truck drivers and farmers. I also acknowledge those businesses in hospitality and retail that were brought to their knees. As a community we grow stronger together no matter what the battle.”

Craig Flanagan, Assistant Director Operations, West District Community Corrections also attended the ceremony and presented the Forbes Community Corrections with a Directors Commendation for Dedication and group effort during local flooding events throughout 2022, which impacted local teams, and offices. In recognition of the support, teamwork, resilience and the continued commitment to service that was displayed daily.

Kellie also thanked Lara Constable from Larz Coffee fix for donating the catering of a lovely morning tea for all in attendance at the award ceremony.

Medal recipient Anthony Towney, was born and raised in Gilgandra and went on to serve on the police force for 19 years, 16 years of those as a Community Liaison Officer. Anthony moved into working with Community Corrections and has been doing so now for almost 12 years. Anthony is currently working as an Aboriginal Community and Cultural Engagement Officer.

“You don’t look for accolades, but when you get recognised for the work you do, it is very rewarding,” said Anthony. All of the Forbes medal recipients were proud to be able to share their achievements with family and friends.

When COVID-19 first hit it was unknown and a scary time for all. Of his time working on the front-line during the initial stages of the pandemic, Anthony said, “You want to know that when you are going to work that you are protected, and it is a safe work environment. This is something that Community Corrections does really well.”

Save Power Kit Available At Forbes Library

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

If you’re like the rest of us, you’re keen to save money on your power bills! The Forbes Library have stepped in to help, partnering with Forbes Council and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Sustainable Council and Communities Program (SCC) to provide community access to the Save the Power Kit for loan from Forbes Library.

The Save Power Kit provides tools and useful information to help households measure how they use power at home. It also identifies simple actions that households can take to save money, power and reduce impacts on the environment.

The kit can help identify the biggest users of electricity in your home and describes many easy, low cost things we can do at home to use less power and save money on bills, without changing your lifestyle. The Save Power Kit contains: Power-Mate lite, stopwatch, infared thermometer, light meter and thermometer.

The kits come with full instructions, a power mate to test the power use of appliances on stand-by, thermometers to check for drafts and heating and cooling, stopwatch and light meter. Even when an appliance is on standby, it can draw power, adding unnecessary costs to your power bills.

A guide book is included, and there is an action plan to allow each borrower to record results and plan improvements and savings. Best of all, it can be borrowed for free from Forbes Library.

There are 37 Councils across NSW who are members of the program. Call Forbes Library on 6852 1463 to reserve the Save Power Kit.

Nats Invest In The Future Of Our Kids

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Every child in NSW will gain a financial head-start under a life-changing Liberal and Nationals plan to futureproof the finances of generations to come, giving them the best start to life.

This is the most significant financial security investment in NSW history. Under a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government, every child in the Orange Electorate aged 10 and under – and continuing each year with every newborn child – will be eligible for a Kids Future Fund account, which will receive a $400 starting payment from the Government.

Parents will be able to contribute to the fund, with payments matched by the Government up to $400 per year, with interest also earned over time.

Once the child turns 18 they will be able to withdraw from their fund – which could be worth between $28,000 and $49,000 per child.

Nationals candidate Tony Mileto for the Orange Electorate said this landmark initiative is the first of its kind in Australia and will help provide financial security to an entire generation in the Orange Electorate.

“This investment will change the lives of children in NSW in the Orange Electorate forever,” Tony Mileto said.

Embracing Equity

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women of all ages, from across Forbes came together to celebrate International Women’s Day this week.

The sun rose on another annual International Women’ Day in Forbes’ Lions Park, setting the scene for soothing yoga, a hearty breakfast and a soul-warming address from guest speaker, communications guru, Dr Neryl East.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the wisdom and advice from Dr East on removing barriers to embracing equity in business, in the community and everyday life.

“Forbes has such a wealth of knowledge, capabilities and strength in our women and so often we can unknowingly limit our presence by not having that belief in ourselves, that confidence. Dr East spoke of some simple ways in which that can be addressed,” Phyllis said.

“She provided practical tips on how to communicate in business settings, for example just through the language you use. Simple things like using the phrases; ‘in my view’ or ‘in my opinion’ to give weight to your learnedness.”

Dr East also highlighted the importance of personal (internal) communication, through which negative self-talk is the most significant way to erode confidence.

Positive affirmations, such as those used by Olympic swimmers (of which she had some great anecdotes), remove negativity and set the focus of what you are setting out to achieve.

The IWD breakfast was hosted by Forbes Shire Council with funding assistance from the NSW Government.

The event is held each year to embrace the vital role women play in our community, whether it be in the workforce, the community or at home.

Dr East also addressed a number of business representatives on Tuesday night, providing insight into online reputations and business reputations.

“We thank Dr East for her time in Forbes, and look forward to seeing her advice come into play,” said Phyllis.

Putting The ‘She’ In Sheep Sustainability

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Embrace Equity’ – an ethos the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) lives every day. Image supplied by Sheep Sustainability Framework. Image supplied by Sheep Sustainability Framework.

With a Board comprising 57% women and a Steering Group with strong female representation, the SSF is leading the charge to educate and raise awareness of women’s equality in the sheep industry.

“The Sheep Sustainability Framework has benefitted from female leadership, reflecting our participation and collaboration throughout the sheep meat and wool value chains,” SSF Board Chair, Lucinda Corrigan, said.

Established early 2021, the SSF helps industry better understand its opportunities, challenges and impacts in key areas such as environmental health, economic resilience, animal care, and people and community. It presents evidence to stakeholders that Australian sheep meat and wool is produced responsibly, and demonstrates the industry has a clear path towards continuous improvement, where needed.

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) and WoolProducers Australia (WPA) lead the Framework, with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) providing funding, strategic advice and secretariat support.

SSF Sustainability Steering Group Chair, Dr Scott Williams, said having more women in leadership positions has helped foster a more inclusive culture within the SSF.

“Sustainability affects all of us – so ‘all of us’ need to be involved in conversations about sustainability,” Dr Williams said.

Marked annually on 8th March, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and campaigns for accelerated gender parity.

No-Grounds Eviction Ban A Win For Renters, But More Is Required

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A long awaited decision announced, as the NSW Coalition commits to reform no-grounds evictions, but warns that further steps are required.

An end to no-grounds evictions has long been championed by a range of advocacy groups and NGOs including the Tenants Union of NSW, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Shelter NSW and NCOSS.

All major parties have now committed to some form of no-grounds evictions policy.

As the peak social services body, NCOSS said that the ban on no-grounds evictions for periodic leases could make a difference to the lives of people in NSW, but more safeguards are needed.

“These changes have the potential to make a difference to those renters in NSW who are on periodic leases,” said NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty.

“This is a positive step to help some renters improve their access to safe and secure housing.

“However, our main concern is that this announcement does not go far enough. The commitment does not include fixed-term leases, which is a critical piece of the puzzle if renters are to be given the housing security they so desperately need.

The NCOSS Policy Platform called for an end of no-grounds evictions and other stronger protections for NSW renters.

Do Your Kids Love Sport, Adventure Or Nature?

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/

The NSW Office of Sport is offering free Holiday Break camps to kids from regional NSW in the April school holidays.

Regional kids aged 12-15 can enjoy a free overnight camp at four sport and recreation centres.

A range of activities, including mountain biking and BMX, stand-up paddleboarding and survival skills, camps include all meals and accommodation.

Office of Sport Chief Executive Karen Jones said the Holiday Break camps were an opportunity for regional kids to challenge themselves, learn new skills and have fun.

“With camps at Berry, Jindabyne, Lake Keepit and Broken Bay on the Central Coast, we’ve got all corners of the State covered. Register your kids and give them a once in a lifetime experience,” said Karen.

The Holiday Break camps are funded through the Office of Regional Youth’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Camp dates and locations:

• Berry: 17th – 19th April

• Lake Keepit: 17th – 19th April

• Jindabyne: 12th – 14th April

• Broken Bay: 17th – 19th April

For further information and to register call 13 13 02 or visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/holiday-break-camps

Meeting Health Needs Of Rural Communities

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo provides Andrian Anderson with the opportunity to pursue his dream, while remaining close to family.

Adrian Anderson recently embarked on his journey to becoming a doctor, studying the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo. Adrian will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree in Dubbo with clinical training centered on Dubbo Hospital.

Originally from Narromine, Adrian returned to Dubbo 18 months ago to be closer to family and to work as a paramedic, all while following the development of the Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. Adrian was attracted to the rural focus of the program, the opportunity to study locally and the small cohort size which offers a more personalised study experience and more face-to-face time with clinicians and tutors.

“I have been working as a paramedic for a while now and wanted to further the care I can provide for patients. I don’t think I can single-handedly solve the rural doctor shortage, but I want to do my bit to improve the access of country people to medical services. I have been watching the development of the full four-year program at Dubbo and saw it as a fantastic opportunity to pursue the dream,” said Adrian.

Adrian is part of the second cohort of students now studying the University of Sydney’s entire four-year Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. Students in Dubbo study the same world-class medical education as their peers in Sydney, while gaining hands-on experience in rural and remote medical practice.

The Dubbo Stream is only available to students eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and pathways are available for First Nations students and those with rural backgrounds.

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo features state-of-the-art medical education facilities including learning studios, anatomy teaching lab, and six-suite simulation training centre.

For more information visit sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/dubbo

Crown Land Development – A Vote Of Confidence In The Growth Of Forbes

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured last week at the major Crown Land development announcement was The Hon Sam Farraway MLC, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller and Candidate for Orange Cr Tony Mileto.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, and the citizens of Forbes have welcomed the announcement last week of a major development in the activation of 10.29 hectares of Crown Land to provide affordable homes for local families.

The land is located across three blocks at Farnell Street and Dawson Street and in a few short years, will be completely transformed into a community of affordable houses just 2.2 kilometers north of the Forbes town center.

“We all know that housing availability has been a major issue in Forbes for quite some time, particularly for people looking for rentals or even a first home purchase,” Mayor Miller said.

“The shortage of land especially, has contributed to pushing up the prices of houses being sold in Forbes. Now combined with rising interest rates and pressure on cost of living the prospect of owning a home for many is moving further out of reach,” Mayor Miller said.

“This activation of Crown Land is a very welcome step in easing some of this pressure, and providing a new supply of homes for the next generation.”

“We are very excited for this project and very grateful to the NSW Government,” she said.

The development will see 101 new housing lots, with around 30 percent of this dedicated to social and affordable dwellings.

“This is fantastic news for Forbes particularly as our projected population growth far exceeds the State average and the need for housing and facilities to accompany this growth is paramount,” Mayor Miller said.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was moving the state forward by increasing the housing supply in Forbes with the activation of 10.28 hectares of Crown land to deliver up to 100 housing lots.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is listening to the concerns of local families by increasing the supply of housing in our region and helping them to get into an affordable home,” Mr Farraway said.

“We’re able to do this thanks to our economic management ensuring that NSW continues to have the strongest economy in the country.”

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said this announcement is part of a three-year Crown Lands program, designed to activate underutilised government land for housing projects in regional areas facing housing stress.

Subscribe