Articles Archives - Page 163 of 424

NSW Rural Women’s Gathering Shaping Up

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Lachlan Landcare NSW Rural Women’s Gathering truly is the gift that keeps on giving! From scenic garden tours and an idyllic stopover at Girragirra Retreat and treks along the famous Forbes Art Society sculpture trail through to the recent announcement of Australian comedy royalty, the hilarious Jean Kittson, who will be coming to Forbes on April 2nd as the Gala Dinner Guest Speaker. Kittson, who is no stranger to town, will no doubt be a hit with the crowd with her devilish comedy and quick wit.

The Amazing Women With Vision themed event will be running from April 1-3 in Forbes, and involve a number of functions and activities. It will also include country singer Melinda Schneider and Cressida Cains who’s story should serve as an inspiration to many.

Forbes Shire Council will also be involved joining other sponsors including the Department of Primary Industries, AWI, CWA NSW, HE Silos, Ram HP and NSW Farmers so mark it on your local calendar.

Got to www.forbes2021nswruralwomensgathering.com or find out more on how to attend a plethora of spectacular events.

Plan B Swag Promo Popular

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/

Conversations about having an alternate way to get home rather than driving after a few drinks, have been occurring in pubs, clubs and bottle shops across the Western Region of NSW for the past two months, as part of the annual Plan B Win a Swag promotion.

Licensed venues joined forces with local councils and Transport for NSW, to run the promotion which offers patrons the chance to win a swag valued at $250 by nominating what their Plan B to get home was.

The promotion was operational in 56 local venues across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils areas during December 2021 and January 2022. These venues joined more than 300 from across the region.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the feedback from venues and patrons has been very positive. “Congratulations to all of the winners,” said Melanie, which included Forbes Debbie Brown.

“The swags are definitely an attractive prize (being a Plan B themselves), but what’s great is that people were having conversations about how to get home and thinking about separating drinking from driving.”

Pat Lenehan from the Forbes Golf and Sportsmans Hotel echoed Ms Suitor’s comments. “This promotion is great as it raises awareness and starts a conversation. I love the weird and wonderful answers some people come up with,” Mr Lenehan said. The promotion will be back this December.

Snippets…

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

NEW VISITORS GIFT SHOP: Maria Willis, Phyllis Miller OAM, Michele Herbert, Steve Karaitiana, Brian Mattiske and Chris Roylance checking out the new gift shop which will soon be relocated to the new centre once works are completed.

Forbes Visitor Centre Gift Shop: Councillors last weekend had a sneak peek at the new Visitor information Centre shop at the Railway and it looks incredible! Stop by for amazing tourism merchandise and a great range of books! You won’t be disappointed!

Vampire De Haviland: Council wishes to advise that some structural issues have been identified in the Vampire jet, located adjacent to Apex Park. A member of the Forbes Community with a keen eye noticed some cracks forming in the fuselage around the nose cone and promptly notified Council. For the safety of the public FSC have cordoned off the area while they investigate. This may be ongoing due to the specialised nature of the aircraft. Please obey site signage while they determine next steps. Council recognises the community significance of the vampire jet and will do their best to resolve the issues in a timely manner.

International Women’s Day – Legendary Local Ladies Night Tomorrow Night: International Women’s Day – Legendary Local Ladies Night is tomorrow night Saturday March 5th from 6-9pm at Forbes Town Hall. Ticket price includes canapes, 3 x Cocktails, entertainment and a compli mentary gift bag for each attendee. Additional drinks will be available for purchase on the night. All proceeds will be donated to Running For Premature Babies. Tickets available at www.123tix.com.au

Meet Our Local Forbes SES Volunteers: This week’s volunteer is Forbes SES Unit Heath Richardson. Heath first joined the SES as a member with Parkes Unit in 2018 when he was 35 as he wanted to be a part of something worthwhile. Not long after, Heath became a member of Forbes SES Unit where he is currently a Senior Operator and a Trainer and Assessor (both a great asset to Forbes Unit). Outside of the SES, Heath is a Branch Manager of a rental company. Throughout the November 2021 floods which passed through Forbes, Heath was one of the many members who gave their days to help out with other emergency services. “As many of us would agree, what we like most about the SES is the camaraderie between both members and units as well as the fact that no two jobs are the same. If you’re thinking of joining the SES then I definitely advise you to think long term rather short term and to be committed,” Heath said.

FORBES SES UNIT VOLUNTEER: Heath Richardson encourages anyone to volunteer who is keen to make a worthwhile contribution to the community having taken the leap at 35 years of age. Richardson has been involved now for over 4 years with NSW SES. Photo supplied.

Rubie Ready For National Young Judges Championship In April

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s best young sheep judges have been announced including 18-year-old Campbell Rubie of Forbes by Agricultural Shows Of Australia as eligible to compete in the prestigious national young judges championship in April.

The competition brings together the best young judges aged 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification occurs through success in competitive regional and state competitions with only one per state making the national championship.

The national championships are held in a different location each year. This year, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, in its bicentenary year, will host the 2022 championships including the 2021 finalists who were unable to compete at EKKA due to COVID cancellations.

Rubie will represent the state in the Merino sheep young judges competition.

“I’ve grown up on a family farm, which is a mixed farming enterprise, with the major focus on our Merino and Poll Merino Stud. I am actively involved in all farming activities, including sheep work, machinery work and many other activities,” Campbell said.

The 2022 cohort of delegates for New South Wales will be determined at the Sydney Royal ahead of the national competition.

News Briefs

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Lawn Cemetery – Installation Of Monument

Forbes Shire Council proposes to amend the Forbes Cemetery Management Plan to allow for the option of a bronze plaque or a regulated-sized headstone in the Lawn Cemetery, including the retrospective installation of monuments on existing internment sites. A monument would be a maximum of 900mm wide x 325mm deep x 600mm high.

Submissions to the proposed amendment may be sent to the General Manager by 5pm, Sunday, 13 March. Email forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 333, Forbes.

Mental Health Grant Funding Ends Next Week

The clock is ticking for sporting bodies and clubs to put their hat in the ring for the $2.8 million NSW Mental Health Sports Fund. All NSW-based sporting bodies are encouraged to apply. Applications close on 6 March 2022. To start your application visit: www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.rft.show&RFTUUID=34470A73-F66A-CCFE-3F6C1BEBF52B9393

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

To mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and to further support those battling ovarian cancer, the Federal Government will provide an additional $2 million to Ovarian Cancer Australia for its work supporting women with ovarian cancer and their families.

Dog Petition Gathering Numbers

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes residents are requesting an off-leash fenced dog park, that is regularly maintained with adequate shade, water stations and waste bags according to a petition organised by Laura Smith which already has well over a hundred signatures.

“If you take a walk around Lake Forbes, as many locals do, one thing you’ll notice is that almost every other person you see has one or more dogs,” she said.

“It is clear that there is something significant missing in our town, an off-leash dog park.”

There are currently no fenced-in off-lease areas for dogs to socialise with other dogs within the Forbes Shire.

“It’s very important for dogs to interact with different people and animals, as well as take part in varied experiences in a safe environment so they can work out the right way to behave.”

If dogs are not correctly socialised, they can develop phobias and behavioural problems that can be very hard to fix.

“As someone who travels with my dog, as many people do, I know that I am much more likely to stop in a town where there is a dog park so that the dog can get some exercise on long journeys. A well planned and maintained dog park could be another reason for people to stop in Forbes and enjoy all that we have to offer,” Laura said.

“This will be another way of bringing our local community together and could be a great asset for our town. If you think Forbes deserves a dog park please sign our petition and help spread the word!”

To sign the petition go to https://me.getup.org.au/p/forbesdogpark or contact Laura Smith at laurasmithaustralia@gmail.com

$2 Million To Utilise Public Spaces In Forbes

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council has received support from the State Government under its NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program to rollout planning undertaken for the Lake Forbes Activation Plan.

The access to $2 million will provide a huge boost to Council in its delivery for the community for the Lake Forbes Activation Plan. This was undertaken with extensive community consultation.The Forbes community and visitors alike love othe lake and the plan provides Council with direction for this asset moving forward.

Council has been able to access this funding over other Councils as they have been early adopters of the NSW Planning Portal.

“We would like to thank the community for coming along with us on this journey – online services can be tricky to implement so it has been a team effort,” a statement online on the Forbes Shire Council Facebook page read.

“We have done this more than six months ahead of the NSW Planning Portal being mandated for local government, so it’s a huge effort!”

The list of projects shows that there really is something for everyone – from new fountains to refurbishment of the BMX track, improved footbridges and pedestrian access.

“There is a lot more to do in the Lake Forbes Activation Plan, but this is a brilliant start!” said Phyllis Miller OAM.

As the works progress there may be some interruptions to how the community is able to use the walking paths and the lake itself. Be assured that there will be plenty of notice as to when this will occur. Please contact the Council project team if you have any questions or concerns on 02 6850 2300 or danial.speer@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Mask Hurrah As Normality Returns

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

From the beginning of today Friday, 25 February, close to the last of a long line of significant COVID-19 restrictions will be finally lifted when mask wearing will no longer be mandated in most public spaces and venues.

In a real win, especially for local Forbes businesses in the entertainment and hospitality sector, who like many, have felt the brunt of changing regulations, as of now, no longer have the added challenge of policing compliance after the following adjustments have been made to the settings:

• Masks will only be mandated on public transport, planes, and indoors at airports, hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, corrections facilities and indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people;

• Masks are encouraged for indoor settings where you cannot maintain a safe distance;

• Each State Government agency will review where it may be appropriate for public-facing staff to wear masks and will implement as necessary; and

• The 20,000 person cap on music festivals will be removed, with singing and dancing permitted. Vaccination requirements will remain for indoor music festivals over 1,000 people, with attendees required to have at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

With hospitalisation and ICU rates easing and booster uptake now above 50 per cent, a staged return of non-urgent elective surgery across all NSW public hospitals has commenced and will be increased through February to March.

Snippets…

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

GET YOURS QUICK: Recycle Trays are proving very popular at Forbes Shire Council and locals are encour-aged to get in quick and get theirs! Photo courtesy of FSC.

Recycle Trays Available At Forbes Shire Council: Have you got your free recycling tray yet? Hurry into Forbes Shire Council Administration Office and grab your free tray today as they are quickly running out. They are so handy for taking your recycling out to the yellow lid bin rather than throwing your recycling into landfill.

Yandharra Visions Come To Light: Forbes Business Chamber with the support of Forbes Shire Council will present a breakfast for women at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre beside beautiful Lake Forbes on 8 March. The breakfast will be presented to the participants on gorgeous laid tables under the shade of the massive gum and willow trees that surround the lake. Close by will be the Wiradjuri sculptures and Dreaming Centre.

Proud Wiradjuri woman and founder of Yandharra, Rose DeJong will present her vision of Yandharra in Forbes. Yandharra will offer many indigenous people the opportunity to train, participate and be included in the world of hospitality. Rose will share her thoughts about Wiradjuri culture simply through the food on your plate.

Tickets are limited and cost $15 at: www.123tix.com.au/events/30826/lets-yandharra-wiradjuri-for-eat-together-iwd-breakfast.

Crimestoppers Visit Victoria Park: A Crime Stoppers NSW community safety event was held at Victoria Park, Forbes on Tuesday by Insp. Shane Jessep and Peter Price. Locals came to have a coffee with authorities to get more information particularly about the permanent National Firearms Amnesty and keeping communities safe. If you know something, say something before it’s too late. Information may be provided online or call 1800 333 000. Your call, it does make a difference.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala Ball Online Silent Auction Open: Ronald McDonald House Orange are very excited to announce their RMHC Gala Ball Online Silent Auction is now open. https://app.galabid.com/orange/register

Holding the auction online, means you don’t need to be in the room at the ball on 12 March to participate. However should you wish to attend, tickets may be purchased online at: www.123tix.com.au/events/23841/the-gala-ball

Get Your Elvis Festival Passes Online: Get organised and purchase your festival shuttle bus passes online now. Bus passes are available for Parkes, Peak Hill and Forbes, plus return coach transfer to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. Shuttle bus services are available between Parkes and Forbes throughout the Festival thanks to Forbes Shire Council. Book online at https://bit.ly/22shuttle. For the CSIRO Radio Telescope book at https://bit.ly/22Dish

Teaching School Hub Coming To Forbes: A Teaching School Hub is coming to town. Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes (CEWF) and Alphacrucis College have teamed up to deliver a new program that will allow school leavers or others interested in the education system to work in support roles while completing their teaching studies. For more information on the new CEWF Teaching School Hub, contact Carmen Walsh by email: recruitment@wf.catholic.edu

Coalition’s Education Push In The Bush: This week Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP and the Federal Government made further strides in rural communities with Australia’s first Regional Education Commissioner Fiona Nash. Mr McCormack and Ms Nash were both pleased to discuss plans to ensure regional and rural students have the best possible access to high-quality education no matter their postcode. This comes on the back of key announcements made by the Federal Government last week with CSU in Parkes.

EMPHASIS ON RURAL EDUCATION: The Coalition at federal and state level are investing heavily in all areas of education from university learning to childhood education scholarships. Former Nationals member Fiona Nash is tasked with ensuring those in regional areas aren’t left behind. Photo supplied.

Local Printing Business Launches Website That Rivals Major Players

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Local printing business, Yellow House Cowra Design and Print, has launched a state-of-the-art new website that has all of the functions of other global printing companies.

Yellow House Cowra Manager Joshua Matic said he commissioned the new website to be created so his business could match the services Vistaprint offers, but printed locally right here in the Central West.

The website has a huge variety of functions, including online ordering, a contact form for quotes and enquires, samples, and even design templates where customers can design their own print job on the website, submit and pay for the job. All online orders can be shipped anywhere in Australia.

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a “re-think” in the way businesses operate, Mr Matic said this new website was all about innovating his business to not only encourage locals to shop locally, but also attract business from outside of the region.

“With COVID-forced lockdowns and restrictions taking an economic toll, many people have been shopping around for the best deals, even if this means not shopping locally,” he said.

“This means it has been more important than ever for all businesses to find other ways of not only retaining their regular, local customers, but also attracting more from other areas to maintain or even increase their business.”

The Yellow House Cowra website can be found at www.yellowhousecowra.com.

Lawn Cemetery – Installation Of Monument

Mental Health Grant Funding Ends Next Week

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

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