Forbes Phoenix

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GRANTS NOW OPEN: The Smart Farms program is the key agriculture portfolio initiative under phase two of the $1.1 billion National Landcare Program. To date, Smart Farms Small Grants has funded a total of 384 projects to the value of $25.5 million. Photo courtesy of Farmpix (Chris Watson).

Smart Farms Small Grants Round Now Open

A new round of the Federal Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants Program is now open to eligible Riverina and Central West organisations and individuals.

The final round of Smart Farms Small Grants program will fund a diverse range of soil extension activities across Australia. Under this round, multiple activities may be applied for in the one application. Grants are available for between $100,000 to $250,000 per activity and will be delivered over two years. Applicants may apply for a maximum of $2 million per application. This round of funding will close at 9pm on 12 October 2021.

BOOST FOR WASTE: The Organics Collections program can be used to upgrade existing kerbside garden waste collections or establish new organics collection services. It can also be used to support the purchase of new infra-structure such as wheelie bins or community education campaigns.

Boost For Food And Garden Waste Collection

More household food and garden waste will be kept out of landfill, thanks to $12 million in grant funding for councils across the State.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said the funding supports the NSW Government’s commitment to halve the amount of organic waste sent to landfill and reach net zero emissions from organic waste in landfill by 2030.“Each year more than a third of waste sent to landfill in NSW is food – with the average NSW household throwing away $2,500 worth, ” Mr Kean said.

The funding, available through the Organics Collections program, can also be used to support the purchase of new infrastructure such as wheelie bins and kitchen caddies, or for community education campaigns.

Since 2013, more than $26 million has been awarded to 62 projects through the program. Go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-environmental-trust/grants-available/organics-collections

Wiradjuri Mural Project At Forbes Public

Forbes Public School P&C Association has received a grant for $5000 to enhance community connection and cultural identity via Forbes Public School students painting a mural with a local Wiradjuri Indigenous artist. They were one of ninety locally-led initiatives that were funded and are set to strengthen remote, rural communities across Australia by sharing in $1,057,044 in funding, thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant program.

TAFE Comms Short Course Taking Enrolments

TAFE NSW Forbes is looking for interest in a Statement in Communication Online short course for Term 4. Content for the course will include using social media, email and zoom. Cost will be $125. To register interest, please complete the link on the TAFE NSW Forbes Facebook page.

Forbes Olympic Pool Set To Open Soon

Forbes Shire Council is happy to report the Forbes Olympic Pool will be opening at the beginning of October for the season. There will be some new rules in place to ensure we are all COVIDSafe so keep an eye on the Forbes Shire Council website and social media pages for more. With summer temps expected to be humid and warm, the local pool will be very popular again this summer and residents are asked to ensure they familiarise themselves with the new rules to protect the entire community.

Carrawobitty Manor Sold

It is one of the most beautiful houses in the Forbes Shire and now it has been sold. Carrawobbity, approximately 13kms on the Bedgerabong Road, west of Forbes, has been sold by Michael Robinson Real Estate for previous owners Ken and Monica Wren. The house has had some magnificent work done to it during the time the Wren family have had it. From holding retreats and workshops to hosting reunions and film crews – the beautiful idyllic homestead is a sight to behold and has some stories to tell. All the best Ken and Monica for the future and the next chapter of your life!

CONNECTING TO THE CBD: The new shared pathway between Johnson, Baldock and Barton Streets adds an additional 262m of shared pathway.

Shared Pathway Complete

The shared pathway in Johnson Street, Baldock Street and Barton Street has been completed in line with Council’s Strategic Plan to link the northern end of Forbes with the CBD. An additional 262m of shared pathway is now completed and looks great. From all reports it has already been getting a fair workout!

 

 

Roadmap To Freedom For All NSW

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ROADMAP TO FREEDOM: From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have more freedoms.

NSW has a clear path to follow out of the pandemic and lock-downs, with the roadmap for easing restrictions at the 80 per cent double dose target revealing a brighter future for the community.

From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have up to 10 people visit their home, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors).

All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors, and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.

Regional travel will now not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government is considering changes to incoming international arrival caps, so more people can return home for Christmas.
“The NSW Government’s 70 per cent roadmap lifts fully vaccinated people out of lockdown and when we reach 80 per cent, restrictions will ease even further,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will only be permitted when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose.”

From December 1st further changes will be introduced. For more go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

New Family Project Website To Support Parents And Children

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Families across NSW are able to enjoy a new website – Family Project – that provides fun COVID safe ideas for families to connect during lockdown including rock art, backyard movies, building herb gardens, creating chalk art and meditation. The safe online portal will provide a new project daily to help support the mental and physical wellbeing of NSW families.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said COVID-19 is extremely challenging for both parents and children who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of remote learning, working from home and the juggling of competing expectations.

“Families are under pressure in lock-down, Family Project will be the place they can go to find simple COVID-safe ideas to do within their local area, practical tips to support emotional and physical wellbeing and advice on home schooling,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Family Project is designed to provide inspirational daily activities – everything from parents and kids meditation to creating a street library for the neighbourhood.”

A NSW Government initiative, the Family Project is a collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and parenting organisation Tresillian.

Examples of future Family Projects include: wellbeing tips for the family, how to create your own worm farm, Brickman’s school holiday Lego challenge, parents and kids meditation, building a simple herb garden, creating chalk art with kids to connect community and making a Street Library for your neighbourhood

For more information go to familyproject.org.au

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RESULTS ARE IN: Majority of young people believed that money was the biggest barrier to learning new skills and a lack of promotion was the main reason for young people not attending events or playing sports.

YOUTH SURVEY RESULTS IN

Forbes Shire Council was blown away with the responses received in our latest Youth Survey – with 51 coffee vouchers waiting to be claimed!

• 44/51 young people believed that Mental Health Awareness programs would be most beneficial to the Shire’s youth.

• Majority of young people believed that money was the biggest barrier to learning new skills and a lack of promotion was the main reason for young people not attending events or playing sports!

• 40/51 responses did not access services because they do not know what services are available!

• Knowledge about how to rent houses, general handyman skills and how to manage credit cards were the skills young people believed they lacked when leaving school!

• Young people stated that lack of training, knowledge in how to apply and having access to transportation to find employment.

To claim your prize – Inbox your name and address to have your coffee voucher delivered straight to your door!

If you would like any additional information, please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 6850 2300.

DEMENTIA WEEK

It’s Dementia Action Week. This year’s theme is “A little support makes a big difference”. This year, the focus will also be on supporting and celebrating carers of people living with dementia. Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years. Go to the Dementia Australia website at https://discrimination.dementia.org.au/

ELECTION CANDIDATE REGO INFO

A reminder that if you’re running as a candidate or group at the 2021 Local Government elections, you must register with the NSW Electoral Commission before accepting political donations or making payments for electoral expenditure. Register now through Funding and Disclosure Online: https://bit.ly/3DVnheE. Applying to register online is simple and fast. Registration closes on Wednesday, 3 November 2021.

TOWN HALL PROGRESS

Due to the cancellation of recent events at the Town Hall, the works at the kichenette have been able to continue uninterrupted. The Bar area is complete and the gyprock and other exterior features are now being fitted for the kitchenette. We all look forward to welcoming weddings, functions and performances back into the beautiful Town Hall soon!

PROGRESSING NICELY: Forbes Town Hall works are continuing on nicely despite recent restrictions. Mayor Phyllis Miller and Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance were hard at it leading the way.

 

 

Free As A Bird … For Now

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FREEDOM: Forbes was one of the 12 LGA’s released from lockdown last week along with Parkes and Cabonne. There have been no cases in approximately three weeks in town despite positive sewerage fragments detected last week. Pictured is NSW National’s Leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

In the past week, stay-at-home orders have been lifted for Forbes, Parkes, Cabonne and other selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW. The new freedoms came with a warning from the NSW State Government that restrictions can just as easily be reapplied.

“I encourage everyone in those LGAs to enjoy their freedoms in a responsible way and should anything change in those areas a return to lockdown may be possible,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.
Something Cowra knows all about after a recorded case this week.

Forbes has recorded another COVID-positive sewerage test since lockdown ended and is waiting on the second. The mystery prompting surveillance testing from WNSWLHD despite no new cases now for over two weeks as COVID testing numbers continue to decline across NSW.

Yet there is light at the end of the tunnel with a distinct possibility restrictions and stay-at-home orders will be removed by as early as October 9 should vaccination rates continue at the current upward trend. On this day NSW will have 70% double vaccinated.

“I urge everyone to get vaccinated so you can continue to enjoy freedoms when NSW reaches the 70 percent double dose target”.

Forbes is currently at 57% double-vaccination and ranks among the top 3 in the WNSWLHD and around 88% first-dose placing it in the top 5 as well with only Lachlan performing better across both categories.

More inside this issue on ADF Vax Clinics and COVID Surveillance Testing.

Lachlan Laundry Reopens In New Location

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NOW OPEN: Lachlan Laundry reopened at 19 Rankin Street last week. They can be reached on Ph: 68511309. Customer entrance via the back in Lawler Street.


When three businesses burnt down (including Lachlan Laundry) at the end of 2020, Lachlan Laundry owner Michele Clifton was already fielding questions about when she would open again. Nine months later and Michele has reopened Lachlan Laundry at the other end of Rankin Street next to Job Link Plus – 19 Rankin Street.

“I wanted to keep working and I really enjoyed the social aspect and interactions that come with the business,” said Michele. “The support from the community since we reopened has been incredible and I am very grateful”.

Lachlan Laundry will open five days a week (Monday to Friday) from 9am to 5pm and the laundromat can handle residential and commercial jobs.

Michele admits that as tough as the fire was, COVID didn’t help either, delaying the reopening due to lockdowns and restrictions. Yet despite the disruptions it never once dampened her resolve or that of staff member Jayne Hurford.

“One step at a time and don’t look back – what’s happened has happened,” she said. “Big thanks to Angela as well and the family – you’ve all been great and a tremendous help. I couldn’t have done it without you all”.

Thank You People Of Forbes

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THANK YOU FORBES: Of the 932 families who have stayed with RMHC Orange so far, more than half have been families seeking specialist and life-saving treatment for their child or adolescent. Forbes Wear Red Day earlier this year at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club helped raise vital funds again.

To The Editor,

I am writing to the people of Forbes to express the heartfelt thanks of everyone associated with Ronald McDonald House Charities in Orange for the fantastic support of our Wear Red Day fundraiser held earlier this year.

The sum of $34,434 was raised throughout the region, and those funds will remain in Orange to directly support families from the central and far west.

To date, 91 families from Forbes have stayed at the Orange house for a total of 458 nights. This represents a savings in accommodation alone of $68,700 for families from Forbes and surrounding district who have found themselves in a situation where they must seek emergency care for their child in Orange Hospital.

Special thanks must go to the Mayor of Forbes Cr Phyllis Miller who was instrumental in rallying the people of Forbes to support Wear Red Day. We are so grateful for her passion and ongoing support.

Here at Ronald McDonald House Orange we provide so much more than just a bed for the night at no charge.

Families may stay for as long as required which can be weeks or months and are provided with a number of services at no cost.

Our thanks to Deb Roylance and her team for her enthusiasm and ongoing support with fundraising.

Rebecca Walsh
Executive Officer
Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange

COVID Surveillance Testing Piloted Into Forbes

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SURVEILLANCE TESTING IN FORBES: Last week after lockdown restrictions were eased Forbes recorded another positive sewerage test despite having no new recorded cases. Other towns have also experienced the same issue prompting surveillance tests from WNSWLHD to be rolled-out.

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is currently piloting COVID-19 surveillance testing in a number of communities where there are circumstances that could be explained by more wide-spread testing.

“Surveillance testing is different from what we’ve been doing previously in that we want to test as many people as possible, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not,” said WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

“People who aren’t close contacts or who don’t have any symptoms themselves or in anyone else in their household are then not required to self-isolate until they get their results. We’re going to pilot that approach in a number of communities where we have questions that could be resolved by widespread testing”.

Mr McLachlan said those issues might include:
• detections in sewage testing where there aren’t any known cases (Forbes);
• significant community transmission (Bathurst);
• known cases where contact tracing hasn’t been able to determine the likely source of transmission (Brewarrina).

“Initially we’re offering surveillance testing in places (like Forbes) because of sewage detections with no known cases locally. Testing is available in all these communities and we want to encourage people to come forward to make a contribution to the surveillance testing”.

“We obviously still need people who have symptoms, or who are identified as close contacts, to be tested”.

Mr McLachlan said the response to surveillance testing in those locations would be monitored to determine how it could be rolled out across the whole of the Local Health District. Other towns aside from Forbes also included among other towns in the Western NSW Lachlan Health District were Trangie and Lightning Ridge.

Innovation At Heart Of NSW Water Strategy

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NSW WATER STRATEGY: The NSW Water Strategy sets the overarching vision for 12 regional and two metropolitan water strategies also being developed, tailored to the individual needs of each region in the state. Photo courtesy of Forbes Shire Council.

The NSW Government last week launched the NSW Water Strategy, a 20-year blueprint to deliver resilient and sustainable water resources to communities across the state ensuring NSW is leading the charge when it comes to innovation.

The strategy coincides with the launch of the Water Project Map, a new tool for people to access information about all water infrastructure projects across NSW.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the Strategy is NSW’s first-ever platform for the long-term management of water, which will guide future water planning and policy, and how, where and when water infrastructure investments are made.

“This strategy, underpinned by cutting-edge climate modelling, will help our state work towards becoming a world leader in water innovation and efficiency,” Mrs Pavey said.

“In the next 12 months we’ll refocus our efforts on water conservation and leakage reduction in our cities, towns and regional centers, and deliver a state-wide water efficiency framework.

“We’ll also look for opportunities to invest in research and development, and new technologies, including recycled water opportunities for industrial and agricultural uses.”

The Government will investigate and invest in supply options including stormwater harvesting and water reuse, and look at developing a consistent approach to water restrictions.

“We’re exploring a range of options, including boosting water recycling across communities for watering crops and gardens, fighting fires, flushing toilets and reducing pollution in our waterways,” Mrs Pavey said.

“People living in NSW make up more than a third of Australia’s population, and over the next 20 years, our state will grow by 2.8 million. We need the right infrastructure in place to enable this growth, knowing the challenges we face with a changing climate,” Mrs Pavey said.

$1 Million Driver Reviver Boost For Central West

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More than $1 million will be invested to upgrade Driver Reviver sites across the Riverina and Central West to help combat road user fatigue. It comes as part of the Federal Government’s announcement of $7.2 million in funding for upgrades to 71 roadside rest areas across the country through Round 2 of the Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said this important funding was about saving lives on rural and regional roads.

“I am pleased to announce a total of $1,061,221 in Federal funding will go towards upgrading a number of Driver Reviver sites in the Riverina and Central West – including in Ardlethan, Cootamundra, Cowra, Forbes, Harden, Parkes, Spring-dale (near Temora) and Wagga Wagga,” Mr McCormack said.

“Road safety has always been a high priority of mine and I am delighted to see this important funding going towards increasing safety on our roads, particularly during Rural Road Safety Month,” he said.

“The Federal Government is investing in these vital Driver Reviver sites because they are important in helping to reduce the incidence of road trauma and death on rural and regional roads. This funding forms part of the Federal Government’s $3 billion investment to the Road Safety Program, which will save lives and ensure people get where they need to go sooner and safer.”

The Australian Government is working closely with states, territories and local governments to develop the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 to move towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. More information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives is available at www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

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