Articles Archives - Page 139 of 412

Local Talent Showcase

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The curtain has closed on yet another successful Forbes Eisteddfod, that this year saw over 350 solo performances, 45 School Groups, 4 Open Band Groups and a massive 1,150 Dance performances across eight days of competition.

Organisers were thrilled to be able to run a full eisteddfod program this year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event and only allowed for a restricted program that excluded dance sections in 2021.

For over six decades, the Forbes Eisteddfod has provided the opportunity to showcase and celebrate our region’s most talented singers, musicians, dancers, and performers. Today, it is highly regarded and attracts accomplished performers from across the State.

The event is held annually in June at the Forbes Town Hall, however, this year the dance sections were held at Red Bend Catholic College on new tarkett flooring.

The Championship winners this year included:

• Speech & Drama 12 years & under: Carmel Kelly
• Speech & Drama 13 years & over: Harry Morrissey
• Instrumental 12 years & under: Carmel Kelly
• Instrumental 13 years & over: Reuben Kelly
• Piano 12 years & under: Abbey Roberts
• Piano 13 years & over: Meg Roberts
• Vocal 12 years & under: Madison Willmott
• Vocal 13 years & over: Hannah Dun

Well done and congratulations to all the entrants who participated this year.

Three Years Of Study To Achieve Her Goal

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Brodie Dukes is now a qualified optical dispenser.

Forbes resident Brodie Dukes has worked hard to turn her dreams into reality.

Brodie has been studying for a Certificate IV via distance education for three years at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing to achieve her goal of becoming an optical dispenser and to continue providing Forbes with the latest optical technology and services.

Brodie has been with Eyewear Specs for five years. “I had never considered becoming an optical dispenser until I met Fiona Hayward, Owner and Manager of Eyewear Specs. We discussed Fiona’s role and that got me interested and thinking about becoming an optical dispenser,” said Brodie.

When Fiona offered her a traineeship, she was quick to seize the amazing opportunity. “I enjoy the community spirit Forbes has as well as being able to help provide our community with their eye health and visual needs.

I hope to continue to learn and grow my skills as an optical dispenser and to be able to help grow Eyewear Specs to allow us to continue to provide Forbes and surrounding areas with the latest optical technology and services.”

Congratulations to all of the Forbes Eisteddfod Participants and Winners

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Championship winner – Piano 13 years & over: Meg Roberts

Members of the Grenfell, Forbes, Parkes and Orange town bands.

Anastasia Phillips with her proud dad Mark.

Championship winner – Vocal 12 years & under: Madison Willmott

Championship winner – Piano 12 years & under: Abbey Roberts.

Anastasia Phillips with her proud dad Mark.

Marley Prosser proudly displays her medals and certificates.

Instrumental Encouragement Award 13 years & over: Lila Gibbon

Instrumental Most Promising Any Age: Reuben Kelly

Piano Encouragement Award 10 years & under: Josephine Matheson.

Championship winner – Speech & Drama 13 years & over: Harry Morrissey

Remember To Spend Your Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Customers are reminded to spend any remaining Dine & Discover NSW vouchers over the next few days as the 30th June deadline is just around the corner.

Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the program had been a game changer for local businesses and families, representing over $485 million invested across NSW.

“My message to the local community is simple – don’t miss out. Check your service NSW app to see if you have any vouchers remaining and spend them on local businesses now.

“These vouchers have been an overwhelming success. During a period of instability, they boosted household budgets and ensured that more customers got through the doors of local businesses,” he said. “Around 5.4 million customers registered for the program, receiving three $25 Dine and three $25 Discover vouchers, both of which went to supporting the businesses which were hit hard by the pandemic.”

Across NSW, 16,600 businesses have been supported with the vouchers, but around $330 million are still to be redeemed.

After 30 June, Dine & Discover Vouchers will move to the expired tab in the Service NSW app, but Discover NSW registered business can still accept Parents NSW Vouchers until 9th October.

Auditions For Mock Crash Youth Actors

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The mock crash road safety initiative had seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago. Amateur actors are invited to audition for this year’s production.

The call is out for amateur youth actors over the age of 16 across the Parkes, Forbes and

Lachlan Shires to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Wednesday, 22nd June from 4pm – 7pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street,” said Melanie Suitor, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer for the three councils.

She said this road safety initiative had seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.

Following two years of COVID disruption, this year’s mock crash is going to be developed into a training video. The video will replace the live mock crash demonstration for this year but will result in a resource which allows the program to be implemented in other areas and provides a back-up option for future years’ live demonstrations.

Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Melanie on 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.

Snippets…

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

To ensure your child restraint is properly fitted make a note of the free child restraint checking day on Saturday, 25th June in the Bunnings carpark from 10am to 2pm.

Free Child Restraint Checks: The annual free child restraint checking day will take place on Saturday, 25th June in the Bunnings carpark from 10am tp 2pm. Forbes Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor said: “The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash. Bookings are essential, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place. Information about the national child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will be available.

Nominate A Tradie: Remember to nominate your favourite tradie in our exciting Tradie of the Month competition, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear. Readers can nominate a tradie, male or female, to go into the draw and the winner each month will win a prize from Gunn’s Menswear. Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear at 83 Rankin Street to nominate a tradie, or message the Gunn’s Menswear facebook page, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au. The closing date for this month is Monday, 27th June.

Calleen Art Award: The Cowra Regional Art Gallery has announced that entries are now open for the prestigious Calleen Art Award 2022 of $25,000.The Calleen Art Award is a national acquisitive painting prize in any subject and style (there is no theme). The award was founded in 1977 by Patricia Fagan OAM and is made possible by the generous support of the Calleen Trust. Selected finalists will be exhibited at the Cowra Regional Art Gallery from 9th October to 20th November. The winner of the Calleen Art Award 2022 will receive $25,000 and the winning artwork will join the Calleen Collection at the Cowra Regional Art Gallery. A non-acquisitive People’s Choice Award of $1,000 is awarded at the end of the exhibition. Entries Close: 25th July 2022.

Long Term Grazing Permits: Livestock producers in the Central West have are invited to make a tender submission for long-term grazing access to select Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) for periods longer than 12 months. Tender submissions will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 6th July. For more information visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/tsr and follow the links.

Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb will be speaking at a free mental health event in Forbes on Tuesday, 21st June at Forbes High School from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

Future Forecast For Forbes

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has projected that Forbes will be one of the highest growth areas in NSW between now and 2041.

Forbes Shire’s population is projected to grow by 32% over the next 20 years, expecting greater growth than the projected rate for the state of 21%.

Overall Forbes is forecast to grow from a population of 10,023 in 2021 to 13,231 in 2041, an increase of 3,208 residents.

Fire Safety A Priority With Icy Weather

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PREVENT, PREPARE, PROTECT… Forbes Evening Branch President Robyn Miller thanked Forbes Firefighter Matt Teale for his interesting and informative presentation about fire safety at home. Matt has been a retained firefighter at Forbes Fire and Rescue for nearly 15 years.

We have all felt the chill of winter over the past few weeks increasing the need for heating in our homes.

This greater reliance on fire and heating to keep warm over winter comes with the responsibility to prevent, prepare and protect our homes and loved ones against the outbreak of fire. House fires are responsible for approximately 50 deaths per year in Australia, according to Macquarie University’s Bushfire and National Hazards Cooperative Research Centre.

Forbes Firefighter Matt Teale presented a fire safety and awareness program to members of Forbes CWA Evening Branch recently. “Everyone needs to be making sure they are fire aware and protect homes and loved ones by being prepared,” said Matt.

His presentation included fire safety inside and outside the home, evacuation plans, human behaviour in an emergency, operation of fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms, the dangers of fat fires in the home and more.

Matt demonstrated how to use a fire blanket, and the most effective way to use a dry powder extinguisher by remembering the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep to put out a fire. “It is important to not only have these but also to know how to use them properly,” he said.

Matt emphasised the importance of having a fire plan. “It’s not just in bushfire prone areas that fire plans help save lives. Make sure you know how to get out of the home, where the fire assembly point is for the family to meet, what possessions you want to take, and who is in the house.

“Fire and Rescue can provide free safety visits by contacting Forbes Fire Station or go to https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits/

By Sue Cunningham

Free Heavy Vehicle Forum In Forbes

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum at the Forbes Inn on Thursday, 30th June.

Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend.

“We are really excited to be back and to be able to deliver this format which allows for more two-way discussion about the topics that are affecting the local freight industry,” said organiser Melanie Suitor, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer.

This year will feature three sessions: 1) Effluent, load restraint and Chain of Responsibility from 7.10 – 8.10am; 2) Heavy vehicle access from 8.30 – 9.40am; 3) PBS vehicles from 10 – 11am. You can register for all of the sessions, just one or two.

The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes. To register online at: https://forms.office.com/r/ETBbmuA2K1, via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Melanie on 6861 2364.

ATO Priorities For Tax Time 2022

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced four key focus areas for Tax Time 2022.

The ATO will be focusing on:

• Record-keeping

• Work-related expenses. To claim a deduction for working from home expenses, there are three methods available depending on your circumstances. You can choose from the shortcut (all-inclusive), fixed rate and actual cost methods, as long as you meet the eligibility and record-keeping requirements.

• Rental property income and deductions. If you are a rental property owner, make sure you include all the income you’ve received from your rental in your tax return, including short-term rental arrangements, insurance payouts and rental bond money you retain.

• Capital gains from crypto assets, property, and shares.

Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said: “It’s important you rethink your claims and ensure you can satisfy the three golden rules.”

The golden rules are:

• You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed.

• If the expense is for a mix of income producing and private use, you can only claim the portion that relates to producing income.

• You must have a record to prove it.

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