“My heart goes out to those impacted by the devastating floods in the Central West and beyond,” said Member for Orange Phil Donato MP. Contact his office if you need any help accessing government services, phone 6362 5199 or email orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Battle To Recover: Business NSW (Western NSW) believes businesses impacted by the current and ongoing weather events across Western NSW will need to be able to access the full range of financial support to reopen and recover. “We thank all levels of government and all the volunteers for their dedication and hard work so far to help our community through these current and unfolding natural disasters,” said Regional Director Vicki Seccombe. “Flood affected businesses in Western NSW will need access to grants such as the $50,000 small business grant that assists with the clean-up, stock losses and the reinstatement of a small business that were provided this year to businesses along the NSW Coast and Sydney. Western NSW businesses have shown incredible resilience to survive the past number of years, but these recent and evolving events could well mean they have little choice but to close for good.”

Reconsider All Travel: Motorists are urged to reconsider their travel plans, after floodwaters closed or damaged major roads and highways across the Central Tablelands, Central West, Orana and Far West. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said heavy storms on Sunday and Monday caused significant damage to roads, bridges and transport infrastructure. “We are asking all motorists to reconsider the need to travel to flood affected areas,” Sam said. “Many roads across the region are closed and others are likely to close with minimal notice. He said it was vitally important that motorists were extra vigilant on the roads and to never drive through floodwaters. He added potholes and damaged road surfaces also created hazards.

End of an era: The last service for Cookamidgera Uniting Church will be held on Sunday, 20th November. Only a small group of people have been worshipping in the building for a number of years and the decision has been made by those people to join the Parkes Congregation. The church was built for the Methodist Congregation by AR Davis of Parkes for £475. The church opened on 12th February 1930, and has over the years hosted services of several denominations, as well as weddings, funerals and special celebrations for local families and the community. The closing service at 10:30am will be followed by a BBQ. Local community and anyone with past connections to the Cookamidgera Church are welcome to attend.

The opening day of the Cookamidgera Church on 12th February 1930. The last service in the church will take place on Sunday at 10:30am.

One of the animals rescued from the Forbes floods was Kerry Packer. Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange Facebook Page reported he came in looking a bit rough after his adventures with barb wire wrapped in his fleece. “The boys took care of him and gave him a haircut and he is looking like a new man.” (Photo: Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange Facebook page)

Record-breaking Rain: The Bureau of Meteorology’s October national and state climate summaries show a record-breaking month of rain. Rainfall in October was the 2nd highest on record with rainfall above or very much above average for most of Australia, while Australia’s national area-average mean temperature was 0.19 °C above average for October. NSW had its wettest October on record with cooler than average days and warmer than average nights. Forbes received 143.4mm in October and a total of 838.2mm so far this year. Parkes is slightly less with 142.4mm in October and a total for the year so far at 816.2mm. By Tuesday Parkes had already received 64.4mm in the first 7 days of November.

Access To JE Vaccine: NSW has widened access to free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to a broader group of people. JE vaccine is now recommended for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in Forbes and Parkes, with identified JE risk who: Spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day) for unavoidable work, recreation, education, or other essential activities, OR are living in temporary or flood damaged accommodation (e.g. camps, tents, dwellings exposed to the external environment) that place them at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, OR are engaged in the prolonged outdoor recovery efforts (clean up) of stagnant waters following floods. The key to protecting yourself from JE and other mosquito borne infections is avoiding mosquito bites. JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs). People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. Some GPs may need to order the vaccine.

Mosquitoes: Protect yourself and your family against mosquitoes by: covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps in them; removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed; improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant; wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn; applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent; and using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside). For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes

Help For Flooded Farmers: Rural Aid is offering immediate financial assistance to primary producers impacted by the recent flooding events. Eligible, registered farmers in NSW can now apply for a $500 pre-paid visa card from Rural Aid. Farmers can register at www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.