Articles Archives - Page 142 of 424

Locally Made Is The New Souvenir

September 2, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Visitor Information Centre is seeking expressions of interest from creatives to expand its range to more locally produced products when it moves to the new centre on the Newell Highway at the end of the year.

If you are creative and would like a wider audience for your products, the Forbes Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest for locally made goods.

The former Lachlan Vintage Village is being converted into the new Forbes Visitor Information Centre that will open towards the end of the year and will be an outlet and showcase for locally produced craft and goods.

Whether your interests are in baking, preserves, crafts, sewing, textiles, design, drawing, painting, woodwork, leather work, cosmetics, fragrances and the like, this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Locally made is said to be the new souvenir, and with an average of 9,000 visitors per year before COVID, the new Visitor Information Centre’s prime location on the Newell Highway is set to attract loads more people. The new centre will also have a restaurant/coffee shop that will entice more people to make a stop.

The centre currently sells a variety of items with the Amazing brand, but would like to expand its range to include more locally made products from Forbes and the Central West.

Local suppliers must have capacity to provide and deliver adequate stock and hold appropriate insurances licences, certificates and ABN. Expression of Interest Forms are available at Council or at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/tenders-public-exhibitions-and-expressions-of-interest/tenders-quotations-expressions-of-interest/tenders-and-eoi and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 16th September. For further information contact Council’s Governance Officer, Rebecca Kennedy by email forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au or call 6850 2300.

Training Boost For Local Emergency Services

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

One of the scenarios volunteers worked on at the Careflight trauma care workshop in Parkes on Sunday. (Photo: CareFlight)

Emergency services in Parkes and Forbes received a boost on Sunday when CareFlight hosted a unique community education workshop for 14 SES and RFS volunteers.

CareFlight’s trauma care workshops are one of a kind and are provided at no cost to participants. Lifelike medical manikins, simulated accident scenarios and specially-designed simulation equipment aid in the recreation of a high-pressure, hands-on environment, ensuring the training is realistic, applicable and improves participants’ ability to connect learning to real-world situations.

In addition to lifesaving skills, personnel are armed with essential leadership, teamwork, situational awareness and communication skills that will help them respond to traumas.

Head of education and training at CareFlight, Colin Brown said it was the third time in 11 years that CareFlight had hosted the workshop in Parkes. “It is one of our favourite workshops and we love doing it in country towns like Parkes.”

He said the feedback from the participants was fantastic. “Talking to them afterwards they said it was really helpful, especially as they were often the first people to arrive at the scene of an accident or emergency.”

“Some of the practical aspects they learned were how to manage patients in a particular situation, how to triage patients and what to do when they have more patients than resources.”

CareFlight was able to bring the training to Parkes thanks to government grants, and is part of CareFlight’s grassroots initiative to create a resilient and healthier community. In collaboration with local groups and their members, CareFlight is building confidence in the emergency response abilities of locals in the community.

CareFlight’s Community Education workshops are coordinated by experienced doctors, paramedics and nurses who train first responders.

St Laurence’s Wins Prestigious Cup

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The winning team are at the back (L-R) Team Manager Kathryn Sweeny, Darwin Nicholls, Billy Smith, Oscar Cronin, Charlie Howe, Mitchell Stocks and Coach Tony Wallace. In front are Lennox Hurford, Beau Wheeldon, Liam McCloud, Jaggar King, Archie Keane, Matthew Wallace and Hugh Hope-Hodgetts.

The prestigious Chris Gangemi Cup came home to Forbes for the very first time after St Laurence’s won the 2022 NSWCPS 10 a side rugby finals in Sydney last week.

The Forbes team went undefeated all day at the Catholic Schools NSW competition held at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill.

St Laurence’s was one of eight teams and represented the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese. They played five games on the day beating Kempsey (31-14), Terrigal (25-0) and Inverell (31-5) in the pool games. In the semi-final they beat Lewisham 24-10 and played Kempsey again in the final, which they won 10-5.

The victory was very special for the Year5 and 6 boys and they were extremely proud to bring the prestigious shield back to Forbes. “They were elated,” said their team manager Catherine Sweeney.

“They played well all day and showed great sportsmanship. Their coach for the day Tony Wallace was full of praise for their team playing.”

Katherine said it was a wonderful day for all the parents, teachers and spectators witnessing some great rugby.

Upon their return the whole school rejoiced in their win that made everyone incredibly proud.

Darwin Nicholls runs with the ball in the first pool game against Kempsey at the 2022 NSWCPS 10 a side rugby finals in Sydney.

Thurlstone For Quality

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Thurlstone Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Studs can stand up to its legitimate claim of one of the nation’s top breeders. It has behind it a swag of awards and prizes, including Most Successful Exhibitor at the Sydney and Melbourne Royal shows, and grand champion prizes from shows throughout the Central West.

The stock forms the base of the reputable studs, originally established as a Dorset stud at Cookamidgera over 75 years ago by Ron Hawken. Son, Richard, has expanded on the reputation of excellence with diversification to include Poll Dorset and White Suffolk rams. His strong interest in the industry started during his 1960s primary school years. “An indication of the success of the stud is the fact that it is free of diseases,” said Richard. “Accredited brucellosis free, Ovine Johnne’s MN3 status and footrot free.”

Poll Dorsets are one of the most popular prime lamb sires in Australia, with about 50% of lambs marketed as Dorset crossed. Another open-faced, clean legged meat sheep popular with buyers is the White Suffolk.

For more information, contact Richard Hawken on 6866 1214.

Tim’s Toy Story Continues After 50 Years

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

I’M SO EXCITED… Tim Goodwin from Peak Hill opens his birthday present to find the very first toy car he bought with his pocket money. It disappeared 50 years ago until he found it on eBay. (Photo: The Guardian)

When Tim Goodwin from Peak Hill opened a present for his 58th birthday recently he was shaking with anticipation.

When he finally got all the bubble wrapping off he exclaimed over and over: “It’s my toy, it’s my toy!”

Tim, who has been the mail contractor or postie in Peak Hill for 22 years, was scrolling on eBay one day when it was too wet to mow the lawn during winter.

“I typed in Ford Capri, not sure why, and started looking at all the toys, and on the third or fourth page I saw it.

“It was my toy car – the very first Matchbox car I ever bought with my pocket money when I was a kid in Wellington, Somerset in the UK in the early 1970s!”

Tim said he slept over it and a few days

later he looked at it again. “It was definitely mine.” He said after many years of playing with it on a homemade dirt track in the backyard with his two brothers, it was chipped and he painted it red over the original pink and turned it into a rally car. “I stuck a Castrol sticker on the bonnet and cut the tow hook off.

“I bought the car with the pocket money I earned washing the family car, which was about 25 pence.” He said Ford Capri was much loved in the UK. “It was the Englishman’s Ford Mustang. Some teachers at our school had them and we held them in high regard. It was a great car and I always wished I owned one. I even collect the workshop manuals.”

His favourite toy car went missing one day. “I remember seeing a boy in our shed one day taking something, but he denied it.” While the seller on eBay was in Doncaster, about 370km away from his home town, the car on eBay looked exactly like his with the modifications. “Nobody has changed it.” Tim sent a photo of the car to his brothers in England and they also recognised it.

When Tim’s wife Cathy asked what he wanted for his birthday he did not hesitate to show her the toy car on eBay for $34.62.

The seller has a toy shop and promised Tim to try and trace the whereabouts of how the Ford Capri came to him.

Tim is stoked to have his toy back and although he will become a grandfather for the first time later this year, he is not prepared to let the grandkids play with it. “This one has pride of place on the mantelpiece.” While Tim has a collection of over 300 Matchbox cars dating form the 60s to the 90s, he has now been inspired to look for more of his childhood toys.

“I am still gobsmacked that I found it back. I felt like a little boy again. It has brought back so many family memories and of playing in the dirt with our Matchbox toys.”

By Maggi Barnard

Enjoy Tea And Fashions Of A Century

August 26, 2022 by Sue Cunningham

Karen Wright (vice-president Forbes Evening CWA) and Robyn Miller (president of Oxley CWA Group) are part of the working party planning the CWA’s 100th birthday celebrations and fashion parade.

For those of you who don’t know, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has been around for 100 years!

To assist in organising members over the vast distances of NSW the CWA is divided into 17 groups with a number of branches within each group. The branches in the Oxley Group include Forbes Evening, Forbes CWA (Day) Branch, Parkes, Peak Hill, Tottenham, Tullamore Trundle, Condobolin, Myamley, Kiacatoo, Burthong and Bogan Gate.

Why this information you ask? Well, if you read on you will find out and be given an amazing opportunity.

“Forbes CWA Evening Branch is joining forces with the Oxley CWA Group to bring an amazing birthday party to the Forbes Town Hall at 2pm on Sunday,30th October to celebrate 100 years of the CWA,” said Karen Wright, vice-president of Forbes CWA Evening Branch.

Oxley Group President Roby Miller said planning was underway with a working party representing all branches in the group. “Organisers are looking forward to presenting guests with an amazing experience.”

The entertainment will be a fabulous fashion parade with costumes through the decades from 1922 to 2022.

“There will be a special emphasis on wedding dresses over the century,” said Karen. “There will also be other outfits modelled by volunteers, plus a static display of fashion accessories. There will also be a delicious afternoon tea provided for guests.”

To help celebrate the commitment of volunteering and community work of CWA members over the last 100 years members of the public are invited to attend and enjoy an afternoon tea with friends and a cruise through the fashions of the last century. Tickets will be available through 123 tix shortly.

The CWA of NSW had its beginnings at the Bushwomen’s Conference held in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Show in Sydney in April 1922.

By Sue Cunningham

Goonigal Poll Dorsets 7th Annual Sale

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The 7th Goonigal Poll Dorsets Annual Sale takes place on Friday 9th September at the Canowindra Showground Pavilion at 1pm.

Goonigal Poll Dorsets have been operating since 2006 making it 16 years of breeding good quality rams and getting great feedback from clients over the years.

Goonigal Poll Dorsets breeds flock rams to produce prime lambs, which sells to the sucker and export market. They have been selling suckers at 14-16 weeks and around 24 kilos in dressed weight. Robert, Maureen, Charles and Kylie are looking forward to their upcoming sale on 9th September at the Canowindra Showground Pavilion.

Rams will be penned by 11:30am for clients to inspect before the sale starts at 1pm. All Rams have been vet checked and are Brucellosis free accredited.

Stockscan figures will be available from the 5th September on the business facebook page, Goonigal Poll Dorsets, or by emailing a request to goonigal@bigpond.net.au

Snippets

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

It was the Peak Hill Show this week and the PA & H Association acknowledged Molly Wright for winning the inaugural Ag Shows NSW Young Rural Woman Competition at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Bulky Waste Collection: Parks Shire Council will be providing a bulky waste kerb-side collection from Monday, 5th to Friday, 16th September for larger items. It will also help to divert items suitable for recycling from landfill. Items are to be placed neatly next to the edge of the kerb and secured to avoid windblown littering. The total volume of waste must not exceed two cubic meters. Mattresses will be collected via a separate service during this time, and green waste will not be accepted during this round.

Get Skilled For Free: NSW residents who want to get skilled for a first job, a new job or a better job will have more opportunities to access fee-free training. The joint NSW/Federal Government funded JobTrainer program provides fee-free training in response to the impact of COVID-19. For more information on eligibility and locations of the fee-free training courses across NSW including online, visit https://education.nsw. gov.au/skills-nsw.

Safer Havens For DV Victims: The NSW Government is investing over $500,000 for security upgrades at more than 80 women’s refuges across NSW to protect women and children leaving domestic violence. The security upgrades will include replacing external fluorescent emergency lighting with energy-efficient vandal-proof lights and the installation of additional external illumination in poorly lit areas, including front and back yards, pathways, garages and other outdoor structures.

Flood Risk Managerment: Forbes Shire Council is seeking input from the community to help revise its Flood Risk Management Study and Plan. Council is looking for information, anecdotes, stories and images from the 2016 and 2021 floods to help inform the revised plan. Council is providing a variety of opportunities for the community to have input into this survey: Complete the survey online at YourSay Forbes: https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-floodplain-risk-management-study-and-plan-consultation, complete a paper form, or email flood@forbes.nsw.gov.au. There will be a drop-in session on Friday, 2nd September from 9am-5pm at the Council Office.

The Forbes Town Hall was lit up in Platypi blue last week after the loss of several key club members of Forbes Rugby Union Club recently.

Meeting Face To Face To Reconnect

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Attending the conference at Forbes Preschool on Monday were Emily Allegri, Jodie Dukes and Sheenah Bull.

More than 100 early educators came together at the Forbes Preschool for a day of inspiration and networking on Monday.

The conference theme of ‘Bringing Bright Minds Together’ had the preschool halls buzzing with educators from all over the western region including Coonamble, West Wyalong, Yass, Orange, Warren and in between. “After many years of meeting virtually it was great to be meeting in person and reflecting on current teaching practices,” said the Forbes Preschool Director Amy Shine.

The presentations included discussions on the Early Years Learning Framework changes, including intentional teaching practices, the important questions to ask, planning for empowerment and reconciliation.

Amy thanked everyone involved in bringing the day to fruition. “It was great to be able to see each other face to face and reconnect. Our sector is about building relationships and what better way to do it than open our doors at Forbes Preschool and learn together.”

More Sessions After Successful Harvest Field Day

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Measuring equipment to ensure the operator adheres to travel requirements is but one of the many topics covered at the Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day.

More than 50 people attended the recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange, while a further 15 were watching online.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations.

“It was great to be back face and face, but also to be able to offer the online functionality to increase the reach of the event across the region,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that during harvest all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period,’ Melanie said.

The program included presentations about access, permits, fire safety, fatigue, safety around powerlines, compliance, insurance, mental health and more.

“Participant feedback was mostly positive, with attendees reporting a good range of relevant information on offer and that it was a great opportunity to stay up to date.

The event was recorded and is available via YouTube, search ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day’.

The winner of the feedback form prize, a Brass Monkey 15 litre fridge worth $230, was Darren Keane.

Free satellite events will be held in Lake Cargelligo, Wirrinya and Peak Hill in the coming weeks (with breakfast provided):

Lake Cargelligo: Wednesday, 31st August 7:30 – 10:15am at the RFS Shed

Wirrinya: Thursday, 1st September 7:30–10:15am at the Community Hall

Peak Hill: Friday, 2nd September 7:30 -10.15am at the Golf Club

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