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Be A Voice For Generations

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Community Corrections team are jumping for joy to be able to be involved in hosting Forbes first Sorry Day event today, Friday 26th May

Forbes Community Corrections in conjunction with Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Legal Service and Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation are hosting Forbes National Sorry Day today, Friday 26th May at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club.

Sorry day leads into National Reconciliation week from 27th May to 3rd June. This year’s theme is “Be A Voice For Generations”.

National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, is an annual event that has been held in Australia on 26th May since 1998.

People of all generations are invited to gather on Wiradjuri land for this free community event. The day will commence at 10:30am with a welcome to Country, and morning tea, followed by guest speakers, a BBQ lunch, performances, interactive artwork, Johnny cakes and barefoot bowls.

National sorry day is a day to remember the suffering and grief experienced due to forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, from their families and communities from the earliest days of European occupation of Australia.

This is also a day for all the community to come together in celebration of the resilience, of the incredible indigenous culture that is now widely recognised in our town and to support one another in leading to a better and brighter future for the entire Community. We hope to see you on the day to have a yarn, enjoy some tucker and embrace our Forbes Community.

Act today for a reconciled tomorrow.

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

Snippets..

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Divisional Advisory Board Chairman, Mr John McLennan, visiting Eugowra and Gooloogong Red Cross members on 5th April, in the home of Mrs Elaine Cheney post the devastating flash flooding last year. L – R John McLennan, Edna Hughes, Sue Strahorn, Daphne Thomp-son, Nerida Pengilly, Elaine Cheney.

Red Cross Zone 23 Conference To Be Hosted By Peak Hill Branch: An open invitation is extended to members, volunteers and friends to attend the annual Australian Red Cross Zone 23 Conference on Tuesday 23rd May. The conference will be held at at 10am in St Stephan’s Anglican Church Hall, 99 Derribong Street, Peak Hill. Entry is $20, which includes registration, morning tea, lunch and three guest speakers. RSVP for catering 0401 223 195.

Clock Is Ticking For Grace Period Recommendation On Tax Scheme: The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is ramping up its calls to the Federal Government to extend the Instant Asset Write Off (IAWO). The IAWO and temporary full expensing arrangements allow farmers and small businesses to immediately depreciate the full cost of new assets within a single financial year. However, farmers must receive and install their new assets before 30 June 2023. NFF President Fiona Simson said “There are farmers who ordered tractors and machinery in 2020 that still haven’t arrived.”

Secret of the Dambusters unveiled for the first time: The Australian War Memorial has unveiled a key piece from one of the most famous air raids of the Second World War: Operation Chastise, better known as the Dambusters Raid.

On the 80th anniversary of the raid, 16th May 2023, the Memorial is previewing an original Sorpe Dam model, used to prepare for the raids, which will feature in the redeveloped galleries in the new Anzac Hall.

The 3D models were used by pilots and aircrew in preparing for the operation. “These models are 80 years old but look like they were made yesterday,” Australian War Memorial Senior Curator, Shane Casey, said. “The Sorpe Dam model will be displayed for the first time in the new Anzac Hall.”

The Australian War Memorial’s Senior Historian, Lachlan Grant said, “These models are 3D dioramas used by the pilots and aircrew to familiarise themselves with the targets ahead of the operation. “The Dambusters Raid boosted morale in Britain and the Commonwealth at a time when things were not going well.There were 13 Australians in 617 Squadron who flew in the Dambusters Raid, including four pilots.”

The model of the Möhne Dam is currently on display in the Memorial’s Second World War galleries. The new Anzac Hall is due to be completed in late 2025.

The squadron made a daring raid using special bombs on German dams supplying the Ruhr industrial works. But the cost was high. Of the 19 Lancasters that took part in the raid, eight were lost, with 53 aircrew killed. The squadron soon became famous as the Dambusters.

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

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