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NSW Faces Another COVID-19 Wave

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The current wave of COVID-19 infections continues to grow and all NSW residents are urged to ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and to practise COVID-safe behaviours.

There are fears the number of serious illnesses and death toll will increase significantly as the latest wave is driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said figures showed 56% (or 1,232 cases) of COVID-related deaths this year were in people who have had two or fewer doses.

“We are at the beginning of the third wave of Omicron which is likely to peak in late July or early August. This increase in community transmission brings with it greatly increased risks for those not up to date with their vaccines,” he said.

“The best way you can protect yourself from serious illness or worse is to get every vaccination that is available to you.”

If you are fully vaccinated you have a 65% greater protection against hospitalisation or death from Omicron than two vaccine doses alone affords, according to data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said in addition to booking in for a booster, people should exercise common sense and wear a face mask in public indoor spaces, where physical distancing cannot be maintained. “Face masks, hand hygiene, staying home when ill, testing yourself when symptoms present, physically distancing, all these measures are not new to us,” Kerry said.

Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are reminded to speak to their GP or health professional about antiviral medications if they contract COVID-19. Antivirals work best when taken within five days from when symptoms onset.

COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone 16 years and older who had their last dose of a primary course at least three months ago. To find your nearest vaccination clinic, visit nsw.gov.au.

Snippets…

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Take an adventure down the Lachlan these winter school holidays and discover 20 larger-than-life public art installations hidden among the river gum trees. Plan your selfguided adventure at www.sculpturedownthelachlan.com

Free Flu Shots Extended To 17th July: There is still time to get your free flu shots available to all NSW residents until 17th July. According to Health Minister Brad Hazzard only one in four children aged under five had a flu shot, while the figures are even lower for kids aged five to 15. He urged families to use the school holidays to book in for a free flu shot. The low uptake in the Central West has been of concern to health authorities.

NSW Seniors Festival Grants: Local councils, not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply for grant funding to host events and activities as part of the 65th annual NSW Seniors Festival. Grants up to $10,000 are available to ensure older people remain active and connected within their communities no matter where they live, the language they speak and irrespective of their abilities. The Seniors Festival will run from 1 to 12 February 2023. Applications for grants are open to 1st August. To apply and for more information about the grants, visit www.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival

Stop It And Swap It This Plastic Free July: To mark the beginning of Plastic Free July, the NSW Government is partnering with 17 organisations to help communities stop using single-use plastic. NSW EPA and the Great Plastic Rescue will support businesses with excess lightweight single-use plastic bags by offering a service for collection and reprocessing of that stock. OzGreen and Green Music Australia will work with music festivals and food vendors to introduce more sustainable ways of doing business, and education campaigns will be launched through Girl Guides and Men’s Sheds across the state. From 1 June, lightweight single-use plastic bags were banned in NSW. From November, the NSW Government is banning additional single-use items, including plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls and cotton buds, expanded polystyrene food ware and cups, and rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads. Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60% of all litter in NSW. The ban will prevent almost 2.7 billion items of plastic litter from entering the environment in NSW over the next 20 years. For more information about the NSW plastics ban, visit http://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban For ideas on how to stop it and swap it this Plastic Free July, visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/environment-heritage/plastics-action-plan/stop-it-swap-it

The Parkes/Forbes Salvos Stores are looking for donations of blankets. With the continued cold weather, customers and community members are really struggling. Drop your donation at the Family Stores or call 6851 1992 to arrange a pick-up.

Multi-Purpose Equestrian Arena For Forbes

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

At the funding announcement last week were (L-R) Forbes Shire Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller, Forbes Shire Council General Manager, Steve Loane and NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway.

The Forbes Racecourse precinct is going to be turned into a multi-purpose equestrian arena thanks to a $3.5 million grant.

“This new multi-purpose equestrian arena will cater for all equestrian sports, including ranch sorting, camp drafting, show jumping, dressage, pony club, riding for the disabled and rodeo,” said NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway last week.

“The new facility will also be capable of supporting sports education, training and skill development events.

“This Government is investing in facilities that will provide our local communities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation and building what matters to the people of NSW,” said Sam.

Forbes Shire Council received the grant from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said council was excited to have this opportunity to build the new facility.

“Forbes has a long and distinguished equestrian history and this will give us the opportunity to continue to grow with a state-of-the art facility for sports education, training, skill development and as a venue for major competitions.

“We are also excited about the potential this support will mean for our very active Riding for the Disabled members as this facility will be an inclusive and all abilities accessible space for riders, competitors, spectators and organisers.

“The arena also has potential to expand its offerings to community groups and functions requiring a large outdoor space,” said the Mayor.

Almost $100 million was awarded to 38 clubs, associations, sporting organisations and councils across NSW in Round 1 of the fund, which invests in new or upgraded multi-sport facilities to provide more opportunities for people to play sport and be active.

VANFEST Move Big Shock For Forbes

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The announcement by VANFEST organisers early this week of the relocation of the event to Bathurst came as a huge shock to Forbes.

“After making Forbes its home for eight wonderful years, VANFEST is relocating and set to make its mark on the iconic location of Mount Panorama in Bathurst,” the organisers said.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller said Forbes Shire Council was extremely disappointed the decision had to be made for the music festival to move from Forbes.

Organiser Matt Clifton acknowledged and thanked the Forbes community and Forbes Shire Council for its support over the past eight years. “Forbes Shire Council has been a pillar of support from the very beginning for VANFEST and I am incredibly grateful for those partnerships.” He said the community support from Forbes had been massive. “It was a really tough decision to make but one we needed to for the future of the festival,” said Matt.

“We are proud of the economic stimulus the festival brought to Forbes – it is our place of origin, our hometown. However, we need to stay sustainable and the move to Bathurst means we can expand, it means we can re-energise and support the broader region’s music and tourism sector which were severely impacted by COVID.”

Top Chamber Music Outfit To Play In Forbes

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is in for a fantastic musical treat this month when one of Australia’s most dynamic chamber music groups will give a concert at the Forbes Town Hall as part of the Music in the Regions’ Winter tour. Omega Ensemble will perform a high-energy program from Mozart’s cherished Clarinet Quintet to the world premiere of a new contemporary Australian work by Australian composer Carl Vine on Friday, 22nd July.

Audiences on the Winter Regional Tour will be among the first in the world to hear the new work by legendary Carl Vine, which Omega Ensemble commissioned especially for the program.

“Omega Ensemble are lauded nationwide for their exceptional world-class performances, an incredible cultural experience these regional audiences would usually have to travel to a city for but can now enjoy close to home,” said Music in the Regions Executive Director, Janine Collins.

Founded in 2005, Omega Ensemble has a mission to champion extraordinary Australian musical talent through high-energy and impactful performance. The Ensemble presents an annual National Touring Program to metropolitan and regional cities across Australia and frequently appears in national cultural festivals. They have also twice toured to China, delivering concerts and masterclasses in Shanghai and Beijing.

“At the heart of our Ensemble are the musical stories we share and the special connections we make with our audiences. We love performing all around Australia, but we haven’t played in Western NSW since 2018. It is such a beautiful region and we are delighted we can return again this year. After the past few years, we have really missed travelling!” said Omega Ensemble Artistic Director, David Rowden.

To book tickets, visit www.musicintheregions.com

Last Chance To See Historical Display

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The CWA 100 Year display in the Book Dispensary will only be there for another week.

This year marks the Centenary of the Country Women’s Association of NSW. CWA Branches throughout NSW will be celebrating with high teas, luncheons, birthday parties and many other get-togethers to commemorate such a huge feat.

The CWA’s purpose when founded was to improve the conditions for women and make life better for families living in rural and remote Australia.

Today, the CWA has developed into one of the largest rural and regional advocacy groups in Australia. Giving a voice to women, families and those in regional and remote areas who would otherwise not be heard.

Every local branch, whether it has five members or fifty members, all contribute to bettering the condition of not just women, but also families in rural and regional NSW.

The Forbes CWA Evening Branch works for the community through providing support and advocacy for better services for the town and fundraising, such as selling soup at the Frost and Fire event held by Forbes Shire Council.

Please show your support for our local CWA members by getting along to have a look at the display in the Book Dispensary and celebrate their 100 years!

De Havilland Jet Needs ‘TLC’ After 50 Years

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The De Havilland Jet near Apex Park has been fenced off for some time and will have to come down for an assessment because of its safety risk to the public.

The De Havilland Jet, which flew during the Korean war, has been a well-known landmark at Lake Forbes since 1971.

The jet crash landed just west of Forbes in the 1950’s, and was then grounded and used as a training aircraft before it was purchased by the Forbes Shire Council for the 50th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The Australian made aircraft has survived a battering over the years but sadly the general wear and tear combined with acidic pigeon droppings has caused the nose to separate from the jet’s body. This has led to a decision to take the plane down from its display pole near Apex Park as it has become a public safety risk.

“It would be remiss not to take it down. It’s quite dangerous,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyliss Miller. She reassured the community that the plane would be back eventually. “We need to take it down to assess what needs to be done to restore it, we then need to do a budget for that and then we will fix it and put it back up on the pole. We are not taking the plane away,” she said in a video message on Facebook this week.

She said it was very important to keep the plan on the pole, and that the various rumours circulating about the plane were not true.

Mike De La Hunt from the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum, who has repaired aircraft of the same model, told the ABC he estimated it could cost anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000, depending on how many volunteers put their hands up.

“It should come down quickly if the goal is to preserve its significant history,” he said. “In similar cases, we have replaced the wooden features with fibreglass to preserve its appearance but making it weatherproof and lightweight.

It won’t be straightforward, but it will certainly be worthwhile, there is no reason it couldn’t be up the for another 20 odd years,” said Mike.

Snippets…

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HAPPY BIRTHDAY…To Isabella ‘Billie’ Mattiske on her 105th birthday, celebrated recently on 24th June at Jemalong Residential Village.

Happy 105th Birthday Billie: Many happy returns to Jemalong Residential Village resident Isabelle Mattiske, who celebrated her 105th birthday on 24th June. Isabelle who likes to be called Billie, moved from Sydney to Forbes as a young woman to work as a Home Economics teacher. Soon after arriving in Forbes she met Edwin Mattiske (Eddie) and they courted, going to dances and movies before they married, and Billie became a farmer’s wife. She has one son, two grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Billie was a great cook, renowned for her ginger fluff sponge and Anzac biscuits. She loved having family, friends and neighbours visit the farm and entertaining visitors for morning tea.

Billie was always very active in the community, and took great joy in socialising with others and giving back to people. She

was the President of the CWA, involved in the Red Cross and enjoyed playing bowls, tennis, and cards. Billie enjoys having a glass of red wine and she had one for her birthday. Cheers to Billie!

Nominate A Tradie: Remember to send in your nomination for our popular Tradie of the Month competition, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear, by email: editor@forbesphoenix.com.au stating your favourite tradie’s name, workplace and contact number. You can also pop into Gunn’s Menswear to nominate someone. We would love to see some female tradies going in the draw too. The winner each month wins a fabulous prize from Gunn’s Menswear, Forbes!

Exciting STEM Program For Local Schools: Schools in the Central West can be part of an exciting new STEM partnership. Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West has partnered with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO for the Generation STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP). The initiative connects teachers and students with local employers, showcasing the relevance of STEM in everyday life and increases student engagement in related subjects. All high schools in the region are invited to get behind this fantastic opportunity for students in years 9 and 10. The mid-year intake program has opened.For more information, contact: Sophie Lountain on 6369 1600 or email projects_grants@rdacentralwest.org.au.

The temperature dropped below zero early Tuesday morning giving the day an extra bite in the air and plenty of ice on the ground!

Your ‘Turn’ To Support A Truly Local Production

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Turning Tables is set to hit the stage at The Little Theatre in Parkes from tomorrow night after over 12 months of rehearsals and cancellations due to COVID-19.

Going off reviews from community members invited to the preview on Sunday, it’s going to be another hit for the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society. The praise afterwards included: “An excellent show…has to be seen”, “I absolutely loved it and will be coming back again!”, “Fresh, fun, powerful, provocative, moving and memorable”, “Incredible show” and “Took my breath away – just an amazing production from start to finish”.

With a script written by the Parkes M & D’s stellar director Lyn Townsend, Turning Tables tells the story of five women (Christie Green, Christa Radley, Shev Brown, Ruth Barnes and Maddi Collits), all different, all unique with their own ‘baggage’ to carry.

During the course of the show, each of the women take you on their journey, the relationships they have endured and the strength and resilience they gain from the friendships they forge with each other, despite the differences in age or social status. There are four male roles, all played by one token guy (Aaron Kingham).

With songs like Can’t fight the Moonlight, Stronger, Girls just wanna have fun, Because of you, Holding out for a hero, Born this way, Warrior, Jesus take the Wheel, Danger Zone, I’m so Excited, This is me, and many more, there is bound to be a song you know and love.

Turning Tables will play over three weekends. Tickets are available from www.parkesmandd.com.au or at the theatre box office an hour before any show, or on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. If you live out of town, email parkesmandd2870@gmail.com to request tickets be reserved or call 0429 623 829 after 5:30pm. The production is not suited for children under 14 due to adult themes, but for adults, this is just a fantastic outing!

$10 Million For Central West Industrial Park

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Industrial Park in Forbes is set on its way to become a reality following a $10 million commitment from the NSW Government this week.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole was in Forbes on Wednesday for the announcement and said it would pay for the final stage of the project that involved the construction of remaining infrastructure, the installation of gas, electricity and water infrastructure, and the installation of NBN.

“By investing in projects like this, the NSW Government is helping to strengthen economic growth and drive the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” he said.

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the project was a game-changer for the region and ensured Forbes would be ready for growth and investment in the future.

“This project is extremely timely given the tremendous growth predicted for Forbes over the next 20 years. Forbes Shire population is expected to increase by 32% making it one of the top 20 areas of growth in NSW.”

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the funding from the NSW Government, saying the Central West, which boasts access to the most affordable water in the region, is ripe for the development of businesses reliant on water.

“Strategically located on the Newell Highway, halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane, with approved B Double access to the site, it presents great benefits for industrial developments,” the Mayor said.

The funding builds on the $4 million contribution from the Regional Recovery Partnerships program. The $14.5 million project is funded in partnership with the Federal Government, NSW Government and Forbes Shire Council.

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