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Riverina MP Donates Prize To Tonga Recovery

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Phoenix 2022 Footy Tipping prize has changed hands for the second time to end up with a good cause.

The first round of exchange took place when the winner of the competition, Joshua Matic who is also the owner of the Phoenix Newspaper Group, decided to donate his prize to the runner-up. That happened to be Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, who is also the Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Michael decided to donate the prize, sponsored by Harvey Norman Parkes, to the local efforts to support Tonga after the volcano disaster in January.

Michael donated the prize to Forbes local Sharnie Morris, who works closely with the Tonga-based charity organisation The Mango Tree Centre. The prize, which includes an air fryer, blender and frying pan, will go towards local humanitarian efforts for Tongans still impacted by the disaster.

“Tonga has been devastated by this disaster with many still suffering, so every little bit of effort and every kind donation counts,” said Michael.

Sharnie and The Mango Tree Centre have so far sent 22 drums of clothes, toiletries, shoes, and kitchenware items to Tonga supported by local businesses and organisations.

By Maggi Barnard

Multifocal Contact Lenses – The Final Frontier!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Many people who wear multifocal glasses or only require glasses for reading, often don’t realise that they could be wearing contact lenses.

Just like multifocal glasses, multifocal contact lenses are designed to give you clear vision at all distances. If you find your multifocal glasses annoying or hard to adjust to, if you work in a job where you need to see clearly but your glasses get knocked around and scratched, or perhaps sometimes you would just like to take a little break from your multifocal or reading glasses while you socialise or play sport, then you may want to consider trying multifocal contact lenses.

There are various designs of multifocal contact lenses to suit your lifestyle and vision needs. While some emphasise near vision with a boost for distance, others emphasise distance vision with a boost for near. There is no distortion or motion sickness feeling that you might experience with multifocal glasses, particular early on.

In terms of getting used to multifocal contact lenses, your relationship with your contact lenses is a little like a burgeoning friendship. You might not initially love them, but with time as you adapt to them and understand how they work you will start to build trust with the multifocal contact lenses, enjoy their company with clear vision at most distances, and likely develop a good friendship over time. This can sometimes take several weeks so don’t give up and quit the game too early! Maybe you have been unsuccessful with contact lenses in the past because they were uncomfortable, however like most things, the technology of contact lenses is always improving, and today’s lenses are much more comfortable than in the past.

You are never too old to wear or try contact lenses. Patients have become happy multifocal contact lens wearers in their 70s. There is no cost involved in trialling contact lenses at Hansen Optometrists Parkes. If you would like to give it a try, book in today and become part of the growing number of happy multifocal contact lens wearers.

Local Legend Inspires Whole Country!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HISTORY MADE… Nedd Brockmann (23) from Forbes grabbed the headlines this week when he finished an incredible feat running 3,952km in 47 days to raise money for homelessness. Thousands welcomed him at Bondi Beach on Monday. (photo: Sky News Australia)

It is the story we were all longing to hear, and the fact that the hero is a sparkie from Forbes made it so much more inspirational.

Nedd Brockman took our spirit on his superhuman challenge and we soared above the daily grind of floods and rising costs to believe in kindness, generosity and perseverance again as he battled through almost 100km per day for 47 days.

He grabbed the attention of the whole country as he made his way from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to the finish at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Monday where thousands of supporters gave him a rapturous welcome breaking the tape after 3,952km and raising over $1.8 million for homelessness.

“I am absolutely blown away,” he said. “I don’t think I can explain the depths I’ve had to go to. To have all this support is absolutely mind-blowing. I am speechless,” he said before doing a celebratory shoey.

His incredible run has been named one of the greatest athletic feats in Australian history, and many call for Nedd to be named Australian of the Year.

In Forbes Nedd has gained a huge fan base with several fundraising efforts in the community to support him. His former primary school, Bedgerabong Public School, followed him every step of the way and raised $770. On Monday students at St Laurence’s Parish School held a Hats for Homelessness fundraiser and raised $522.20, while the Forbes Community Hub came together last Friday and sold egg and bacon rolls raising $2,620, to name but some of the local support.

The good news for local fans is that a welcome is being planned for the local hero with details to be announced soon.

Rural Aid For Livestock, Crops Lost To Floods

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, has stepped up to help farmers across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania as they face devastating, widespread flooding.

The team of counsellors are also conducting welfare checks on Rural Aid’s registered farmers and has counsellors on the ground in Forbes.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said farmers with crops nearing harvest were increasingly anxious as flood water and continuing rain caused costly downgrading.

“Months of hard work and investment has now been written off, alongside people’s homes, fences, sheds and machinery,” he said.

Registered primary producers are also being offered financial assistance as they deal with the devastating effects of the flood.

More than 70 local government areas (LGAs) across the three states are directly affected, impacting thousands of families.

Rural Aid counsellors are expecting an increase in calls to its new, dedicated 1300 175 594 counselling line, as the extent of the current flooding situation becomes more apparent.

Farmers registered with Rural Aid can access counselling support and request financial assistance and fodder for livestock.

Producers that aren’t registered are encouraged to do so immediately via www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

Help To Count Our Feathered Friends

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Become a citizen scientist and take part in the Aussie Bird Count.

It is National Bird Week and residents can still make a difference for bird conservation by participating in the 2022 Aussie Bird Count until Sunday.

All you need to do is pick a spot outside and count birds for at least 20 minutes to help researchers create a snapshot of Australia’s urban and more common bird species. Data collected is submitted through the Aussie Bird Count app or through an online web form.

“The annual Aussie Bird Count is a great way for residents to enjoy the outdoors and learn about birds in our shire,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Officer, Michael Chambers.

“Last year 112 residents took part, and we would love to see even greater participation this year.”

Starting in 2014, the Aussie Bird Count has become one of the largest citizen science projects in Australia. The 2021 Aussie Bird Count saw more than 100,000 Australians take to their local green spaces to count nearly 5 million individual birds. Across the Parkes Shire, residents recorded a total of 5,013 individual birds across 86 species. The most recorded species in the Parkes Shire was the Galah, followed by Crested Pigeons, House Sparrows, Apostlebirds and Australian Magpies. Several species listed as ‘vulnerable’ under federal legislation were also sighted, including Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo (Pink Cockatoo), Grey-Crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Dusky Wood Swallow, Superb Parrot and the Speckled Warbler.

Data obtained from annual Aussie Bird Counts helps Council increase environmental engagement among residents, informs land management decisions and can indicate the impacts of tree planting efforts across the Shire.

For residents interested in attracting more wildlife to their gardens, Council will be giving away native shrubs and trees at the Spring Fling Market that has been postponed to Saturday, 19th November.

You can download the Aussie Bird Count app for free, or use the online form at https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/submit-a-count/

Fashion Parade And Afternoon Tea To Celebrate CWA Centenary

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The CWA was successful in obtaining a Forbes Shire Council grant for their special anniversary celebration, which will include an amazing raffle available at the afternoon tea on 30th October. Pictured are some of the models in a selection of the outfits from yesteryear. They are at the back (L-R) Jess, Charlotte, Avril, Izzy and Drew, and in front are Marnie and Annaliese.

The Country Women’s Association of NSW is celebrating its centenary this year after it was established in 1922 at the Bushwomen’s Conference held in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Show in Sydney.

The CWA focused on fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities. Members worked on setting up baby health care centres, funding more bush nurses, and building and staffing maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes and holiday getaways for rural and remote families.

These women were initiators, fighters and lobbyists, who were passionate about making rural and regional NSW better for those who lived there. For 100 years the members of the CWA of NSW have continued this legacy by improving the social, educational, recreational and medical realities for their communities. The CWA has grown to be the largest women’s organisation in Australia.

The Forbes Evening Branch CWA will be holding a fashion parade and afternoon tea in the Forbes Town Hall on Sunday, 30th October from 2 to 5pm to mark this important anniversary.

Models will be showcasing clothing from every decade of the last 100 years, with a local story and CWA connection for each clothing item. A delicious afternoon tea will also be provided. Tickets, priced at $15; are selling fast and are limited. Go to www.123tix.com.au/events/35268/forbes-cwa-100-year-celebration to buy a ticker or phone President Robyn Miller on 0419 975 652.

Mamma Mia What A Great Night!

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The world’s number one ABBA tribute band Björn Again had fans on their feet all night on Saturday at the Parkes Leagues Club. The band played in Parkes after the Trundle ABBA Festival had to be cancelled because of the unfortunate weather situation the region is currently experiencing.

Parkes Shire Council’s Visitor Economy & Major Events Specialist Cathy Treasure (left) and Trundle ABBA Festival Manager Hayley Roach (second right) with the Björn Again band members.

Donna Shaw celebrated her birthday at the show with Steve Ridley.

ABBA fanatic Wendy Boschetti and her friend Margi Smith had a great night out.

Snippets…

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to Poppy Starr from Cowra on winning the junior (under 18 years) category of the 2022 Central West is Best Photography Competition with her entry ‘Into the light’. Poppy is the daughter of the graphic designer of the Phoenix Group of Newspapers, Lisa Brien.

Return And Earn To Expand: The NSW Government’s wildly popular Return and Earn scheme is set to expand to include glass wine and spirits bottles and larger containers. The scheme has already seen more than eight billion containers returned. The planned expansion would see up to an additional 400 million eligible bottles recycled each year, including 233 million glass bottles. The discussion paper is available at https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/ and is open for consultation until 2nd December. More information about Return and Earn at www.returnandearn.org.au

Plastic Ban: Remember the NSW Government is banning single-use plastics from 1st November. This includes: single-use plastic straws and cutlery; single-use plastic plates and bowls; and expanded polystyrene foodware. For more information visit: bit.ly/plastics-ban

Regional Health Plan: People in rural, regional and remote communities across NSW are encouraged to have their say on a new plan for the future of regional health. Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the community’s feedback would be absolutely critical in developing the Regional Health Plan 2022-2032. So far there has been 68 consultation sessions with 1,600 people across NSW as well as more than 2,000 surveys completed.To have your say, visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-regional-health-plan. The survey closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, 23rd October.

Central West Regional Weed Plan: Central West landholders and community members are encouraged to have their say on the new draft Central West Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan. It is one of 11 draft Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans that is open for consultation across NSW. The plans are used to explain how each region will work together to identify, minimise, respond to and manage priority weeds over the next five years. To view, read and submit feedback visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/weed-plans. Submissions close on Sunday, 6th November.

Counselling For Farmers: A new, dedicated phone line will allow to quickly and easily connect with the Rural Aid counselling team. The direct line will ensure farmers are provided a faster and more trauma-informed response with access to a trained counsellor who can support them with referrals for immediate needs, while getting a sense of their story and matching them with the most appropriate support. To get in touch with a Rural Aid counsellor, phone 1300 175 594 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Bedgerabong Public School thanked Nedd Brockmann for inspiring their students, and the rest of the world, by spelling out ‘Go Nedd’ on the school grounds this week.

Prime Minister And Premier Visit Flooded Forbes

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets the Principal of Forbes Public School Meg Staples.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Forbes on Monday a mere 11 months after his predecessor was in town to once again see first-hand the effects of the fifth flood in 12 years for this region.

He was accompanied by NSW Premier Dom Perrottet and other senior politicians meeting with the SES, flood affected residents, farmers, principals, community organisation representatives and councillors.

The raising of the Wyangala dam wall took prominence during question time with Member for Riverina Michael McCormack issuing a statement afterwards to reaffirm his support for the raising of the wall.

In his response, the PM said commitments and funding in the budget could only be made once the business case for the project was completed. He gave his assurance that infrastructure investments would continue under his government in NSW and the regions.

The PM acknowledged the impact of the flood on the community “as well as the ongoing impact it will have on infrastructure, including local roads, and the farming community who were expecting bumper crops and many have now been devastated and ruined. We are living in very dangerous times with more events forecast for the coming days and weeks.

“The work that will continue is beyond politics, and all levels of government will work together to get resources to people in need,” the PM said.

As for the loss of up to 60% of crops in some parts of the Forbes Shire, Agriculture and Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said he was in discussion with the state governments about extra support for farmers.

The PM said all levels of government would work together to get resources to people in need.

You can find out more here if you’re eligible for a disaster relief payment and how you can claim it: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-events

Lachlan’s Water Strategy On Public Display

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/water/plans-and-programs/regional-water-strategies/public-exhibition/lachlan-regional-water-strategy

The community is invited to have their say on the draft Lachlan Regional Water Strategy. The plan aims to deliver a reliable, sustainable and resilient water supply for towns and communities including Forbes, Parkes, Cowra and Young, and the industries that support the region’s economy, over the next two decades and beyond.

It is the second time the strategy is on public exhibition, and the community can provide feedback on the shortlisted options before 1 November.

“We worked closely with Aboriginal groups, local governments, residents, businesses, and all stakeholders to understand the Lachlan’s water challenges and needs during the first round of consultation in 2020,” said Kaia Hodge, Executive Director Water Strategy and Policy for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

“Their feedback helped refine the strategy and narrow down the options to a shortlist that will best support communities, industry and the environment and deliver a more secure water future for the Lachlan.

“The Strategy is being developed alongside two major infrastructure business cases in the region, the Wyangala Dam Wall Raising Project and the Belubula Water Security Project.

Kaia said water planning needed to support all water users, including Aboriginal communities, towns, industries and the environment, especially as we faced a drier and more variable climate and a higher demand on water resources.

“This is a strategy for the whole Lachlan which is why we want to hear your views to help finalise it.”

Due to flooding in the area public meetings have been postponed until further notice – visit the website for the most up to date information: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/lachlan-regional-water-strategy

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