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Western NSW Business Awards Finalists Announced

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Business NSW is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2021 Western NSW Business Awards.

The Western NSW Business Awards recognise growth, entrepreneurship, and celebrates business success and resilience.

Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager – Western NSW, at Business NSW, said this year’s finalists represent a fantastic cross section of businesses from right across the region.

“It’s been an incredibly tough few years for business with COVID, bushfires and mouse plagues,” said Ms Seccombe.

“We believe it’s incredibly important to celebrate and support our business community, so we will be pivoting to an online Awards event and will shortly be advising our finalists with a new date and format,” Ms Seccombe said.

Winners of the 2021 Western NSW Business Awards, will then represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held in November.

“Based on the calibre of this year’s finalists, I expect that our regional winners will again do very well at the State Business Awards,” Ms Seccombe said.

2021 Western NSW Business Awards Finalists include Parkes businesses Kitson Manufacturing Solutions and Giles Group Australia.

CWA Awareness Week

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes CWA branch is calling for urgent action on social and affordable housing options in rural and regional NSW. This year’s Awareness Week campaign runs from September 4-11 and has a particular emphasis on the social and affordable housing need in rural and regional NSW, as well as on women over 55 who are the fastest growing cohort of homeless people in Australia.

“We acknowledge governments at all levels are committing resources towards social and affordable housing, but it is not keeping pace with the current demand, and the demand expected in the future,” said President of the Forbes branch of the CWA of NSW, Elaine Bright.

The statistics emphasise the stark reality of the current situation, with a 2020 NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS) report showing there was a shortfall of more than 200,000 social and affordable homes in NSW and almost 60,000 households were waiting for social housing. Waiting times in certain regions of the state can be as long as 20 years.

Community housing providers believe the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing associated restrictions are only going to worsen the current situation.

In 2018, it was estimated there were 116,000 homeless people in Australia at any given time.

“As part of CWA of NSW Awareness Week, the Forbes Branch would normally be at the Forbes Show with our Rest Area Marquee, however, due to the cancellation of the Forbes Show, we will not be able to do that this year. We will be continuing our input into the Forbes Community as we have done during the whole COVID out-break”

Snippets…

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

MAKING BUYING LAND FAIR: Forbes Shire Council has taken the steps to address housing shortages in the Forbes region by opening up a new residential estate on the edge of town, Goldridge Estate. The first release will be offered for sale off the plan through a ballot system. The ballot system is the fairest and most transparent way the Council can sell residential lots to the public.
“Phase one will see seven lots up for grabs and the lot prices are set at market value of $149,000, which allows the buyer to purchase the lot without the risk of a higher bidder obtaining the lot,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.
“To participate in the ballot residents must talk to their preferred real estate agent. Once the registration form has been submitted, the potential buyer is then entered into the ballot and given a unique ballot number. It will be just like a lottery draw!” Registration for the ballot opens 9am Friday 3 September and closes 4.45pm Friday 24 September.

FEEDBACK AND IDEAS WANTED: Let’s get creative Forbes! Tell us what you would like to name a street in our latest Industrial land development, Central West Industrial Park. Choose your favourite agricultural related name for us to use as a street name. Head over to our Your Say platform for more information and to make your name suggestion count. https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/name-the-central-west-industrial-park-street

UPDATE TO THE SINGLE BUBBLE RULE: If you live alone – which means there are no other adults who live in the same home – you can have a nominated visitor and you do NOT need to register your nominated visitor. A nominated visitor is: One person (and their dependent children, if there is no alternative care) can visit you on more than one occasion, is not a nominated visitor for another person and lives in a stay at home area in regional NSW (allowing travel between regional LGAs).

DOMINOS SPECIAL DELIVERY FOR ADF: Domino’s said a massive thank you to the ADF on the weekend for traveling to us and providing the vaccine for over 79% of Forbes population “After hearing the ladies at the front saying they worked all weekend and long hours providing vaccine for us, we wanted to brighten up their day by providing ten large free pizzas to say thanks,” said Marketing Manager Tre Griffin.

THANK YOU: Dominos Forbes said thanks to the Australian Defence Force women who worked tirelessly at the Forbes Town Hall overseeing the pop up vaccination drive.

Second Round Of $100 Million NSW Sports Infrastructure Fund Opens

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE: Round 2 of the Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Photo courtesy of PeeWee Photography.

The State’s sports infrastructure boom is set for a further boost, with the opening of the latest round of a $100 million funding program by the NSW Government.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the funding would be available for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.

“This fund is not just an important boost for local economies and jobs, but also promotes health and wellbeing for residents across NSW,” Mrs Ward said.

“By investing in new and existing sports infrastructure, we are helping more people experience the benefits of participating in sport and active recreation.

“The Fund is creating a sports infrastructure construction boom across the State as part of the NSW Government’s multi-billion dollar infrastructure pipeline.”

Providing facilities that meet community needs and expectations is a priority. “We welcome inclusive projects that encourage the participation of women and girls and people with a disability,” Mrs Ward said.

The Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Eligible projects include lighting, amenity buildings, clubrooms, change rooms and grandstands.

Round 1 of the program resulted in $54 million being awarded to 91 projects. They included $1 million to Snow Australia for community snow sport facilities at the National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC) at Jindabyne, $1 million for a new skate park at Wyatt Action Sports Campus in Lidcombe and $937,500 for a new grandstand at Darling Street Oval, Newcastle.

Round 2 is the final round of the program and sporting organisations and councils are urged to apply. The grant application and assessment process will be overseen by an independent probity advisor. Applications open today and close on 8 October. For more details, see: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants

Sarah Hazell

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Sarah Hazell has been a pharmacist in Forbes for over 20 years and a business owner for 14 years. Sarah is a partner in Flannery’s & Life Pharmacies in Forbes. Ensuring Forbes has the very best pharmacy service is Sarah’s number 1 priority. Being a business owner has it’s challenges especially in regards to balancing work and being a mum to three boys but it is also very rewarding! Career highlights include Flannery’s Pharmacy winning the national Guild Pharmacy of the Year award in 2019 for business management, professional services and community engagement. Sarah also won the PSA NSW Pharmacist of the Year in 2020 for her involvement in professional services and her mentoring role for young pharmacists.

Flannery’s Pharmacy

Address 99 – 101 Rankin St, Forbes
Phone 02 6852 1111
Email flannerys@lifepharmacygroup.com.au

Sammy Leonard

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Sammy Leonard of Forbes Smash has been operating her own business for 12 years. Sammy and her team are vehicle body repairers which means they repair and paint damaged cars. The work they carry out is mostly minor and major panel repairs from vehicle accidents. However, they also do re-sprays and repair some farming equipment such as tractors. Being the owner, manager and the tradesperson spray painter Sammy is a busy person.

She also does the quoting and bookkeeping. ‘I am lucky to do what I love every day. Painting is my passion, especially custom motorbikes. I am also grateful to be surrounded by a fantastic team.’ Sammy said. When asked why women make the best bosses Sammy’s response was ‘because we’re organised!’

Forbes Smash

Address 27 Rankin St, Forbes
Phone 02 6852 2272
Email forbessmash@hotmail.com

Mayoral Notes

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Thank you to all who came down to Town Hall over the weekend to be vaccinated at the Western NSW Health District pop-up clinic. 1,224 people came through the doors to get vaccinated and this is fantastic news for our community, as at 1st September 2021 the Forbes Shire sits at 79% having received their first dose. This is great news and I encourage everyone to continue to seek vaccination through our Medical Centres and Pharmacies to ensure the majority are vaccinated. This is the way out, majority vaccination and life can go back to a “new” normal.

You may have noticed or heard there is a lot water around Forbes at the moment. Wyangala Dam has been releasing water gradually and is sitting at 99.7% at the moment, last week it was well over 100%. WaterNSW do need to manage the dam levels though as a result. I urge everyone to sign up to our SMS emergency messaging system, should there be a flood come through which could affect houses we will notify everyone so everyone can activate their flood plans. Either call Council or email forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au your mobile number and name and we will pop you on the list.

Goldridge Estate has now gone on the market. The Estate will be sold through the local Real Estate Agents; Century 21, LJ Hooker, Michael Robinson and Ray White. Please contact them for more details.

Take care and God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

$8 Million To Prevent Suicides Among High-Risk Groups

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Older people, the LGBTIQ community and people living in regional NSW are among the at-risk groups who will now have improved access to mental health support thanks to the NSW Government’s Suicide Prevention Fund.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said that $8 million in funding has been allocated to six organisations committed to engaging with communities known to have higher rates of suicide.

“We know that there are some groups of individuals who are at greater risk of suicide due to issues such as past trauma, stigma or isolation,” Mrs Taylor said.

“These experiences not only destabilise their mental health and sense of connectedness, they also make it extremely hard to ask for support. This is all about encouraging safe conversations around suicide and suicidal behaviour so people in these priority groups know how and where to access the help that is right for them.”

The NSW Government is also in the final stages of identifying an Aboriginal-owned organisation to deliver targeted suicide prevention activities to First Australians.

The funded services and activities are ACON, Anglican Community Services, HealthWise – NE/ NW Health, Grand Pacific Health, Suicide Prevention Australia and Wellways Australia. The $8 million investment is in addition to the $87 million To-wards Zero Suicides investment. Towards Zero Suicides is a NSW Premier’s Priority.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis, please seek help immediately by calling 000 (Triple Zero). For anyone who is struggling, you can call the below helplines for support and advice: Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Nominations For The 2022 Rural Women’s Award Now Open

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall today announced nominations for the 2022 Rural Women’s Award is now open and encouraged women across NSW to consider putting their hand up.

Mrs Taylor said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in bush communities. “These awards provide the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the incredible contribution rural women make in their industries and communities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is all about calling out and empowering these female leaders and supporting them to go on to even bigger and brighter achievements.”

Mr Marshall said the award provides a platform to inspire, promote and support women who use their skills to help improve the prosperity of rural and regional NSW. “Previous winners and finalists have gone on to further their vision and made wonderful contributions to primary industries and rural communities, including 2021 winner Cressida Cains.”

Ms Cains is from the Southern Highlands, and her project Dairy Cocoon provides small dairy farms a place to connect, get support and education as they grow their businesses.

“Winning the 2020 NSW/ACT award has had a huge impact on my life and career. The Rural Women’s Award can help unlock your potential, offering support and guidance throughout your journey,” Ms Cains said. She will now represent NSW at the National AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year announcement in October.

The 2022 NSW/ACT Rural Women’s Award nominations are now open and will close on the 8 October 2021. If you know a local Forbes woman that you would like to nominate, applications and further information can be found at Rural Women’s Award AgriFutures Australia, or contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries directly rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au

More COVID Cases In Forbes As Record Numbers Get Vaxxed

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

LINED UP: Forbes residents turned out in droves for the pop up vaccination clinic at Forbes Town Hall run last weekend. The clinic will be back in 2-3 weeks. There were 1224 vaccinations over 3 days bringing Forbes to 79% at least one dose. There have been over 7 million jabs in NSW so far.

It was the news we knew was coming – we have more confirmed cases in Forbes and Parkes this week. If we continue with the current rate of infections across the Western New South Wales Local Health District we could expect to see the number of active cases reach 1000 by Wednesday as NSW continues to break one unfortunate record after another. The region has also recorded its first death.

On Monday there were two new cases in Forbes, taking our total to three. All three cases have been stated as sources unknown on the NSW Government COVID19 website as of Tuesday 31st August. The two new cases are self-isolating. There were also another two cases in Parkes which now takes their total to 10. Nine of their cases have known sources. Investigators are still trying to trace the source of the Forbes infections. The total number of cases in Western New South Wales is currently at 641 with 322 of those with an unknown source and a total of 131,039 people have been tested.

The community of Forbes is doing a fantastic job stepping up to be vaccinated and hundreds of residents have turned out at the Forbes Town Hall for the ADF run pop up vaccination clinic. There were 391 on Saturday and 449 on Sunday with Monday also proving to be another big day as Forbes nears the 80% jab mark target. Despite this, low COVID test numbers across the region still remain a concern with only 66 conducted.

There remains hope that once NSW is at 70-80% fully vaccinated the world may return to normal again – whatever that may be. We wait with baited breath.

Flannery’s Pharmacy

Forbes Smash

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