Articles Archives - Page 178 of 412

Forbes Shire Under Strict Stay-At-Home Orders

August 20, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Shire is under strict Stay-at-home orders along with the rest of regional NSW until 12.01am Sunday August 22nd 2021. Mayor of Forbes Shire, Phyllis Miller, would like everyone to remain calm and follow NSW Health guidelines.

“I want to encourage all of our community to go and get tested for COVID-19,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

“Parkes has detected COVID in their sewage system and it is yet to be determined if there is a case in Parkes. The two towns are so closely linked we need to treat this as if we are one town,” Phyllis said.

COVID testing is set up at the Forbes Showground from 8am – 2pm daily with people urged to go and get tested if they are showing even the mildest of symptoms.

“We need to keep our community safe and get this under control,” she said.

“We need everyone to stay at home for the rest of this week. It is a reasonable excuse to leave your home for work – but only if it cannot be done from home. By all means continue to exercise but keep to the guidelines of exercising with your masks on and limiting it to two people together at one time.”

Forbes Shire Council administration office will be closed to the public during this time. The office is closed to the public but will continue to provide essential services within. Daroobalgie Waste Facility is closed to the public until further notice. Those residents who reside outside the urban collection area are asked to hold their waste until the landfill reopens to the public. Kerbside collection will also continue as scheduled.

“Council understands the frustration this closure may cause, however, it is in the interest of the community’s well-being and safety.”

Mayoral Notes

August 20, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

I’m so excited to announce Forbes was named number 1 town in NSW with the highest capital growth (80.9%) in rural regional areas! This is wonderful news for our town and we know the future plans we have for Forbes will be well received by those looking to invest in the area. There are so many exciting projects happening in the area, the future for Forbes is very bright.

There has been a lot of talk regarding roads over the last week and I was happy to see the NSW Government is finally looking into the work needed to be done to the Newell Highway to flood proof this major thoroughfare for our state. We cannot have a road impassible for over six weeks that carries over 42 specialised heavy vehicles every minute! This highway is so important for the economy of our town we cannot wait a minute longer.

I know we have a few of our local roads closed at the moment due to flood waters, please do not drive through them. The signs are there for a reason to protect yourself and our roads. Your car warranty and insurance will not cover you if you were to be stuck in flood water. We have listed daily on our website the roads that are closed due to flood waters. Check them out before you set off from home to allow for extra travel time should you need it.

Till next week. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Native Bush Garden For FWDCIC

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Indigenous Corporation will benefit from a $5,000 grant through the Local Land Services Resilient Communities Small Grants program, NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway announced last week while in Forbes.

Mr Farraway said the grant would be used for a native bush garden in Forbes in the state’s central west. “This project will integrate cultural knowledge and awareness with capacity building within the local community in line with the Caring for Country priority,” he said.

“The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Indigenous Corporation is already an integral part of the local fabric, but it will expand that by continuing to use native plants and share awareness about native plant species within the area. This will include passing on information about local native plant communities,” Mr Farraway said.

“The corporation will use the $5,000 grant to landscape the native bush food garden, install an irrigation system and interpretive signs throughout the garden to provide information on the plants and their importance in Aboriginal culture, and revegetate the surrounding area with local species”.

There will also be an opportunity for the local Aboriginal community to upskill and improve their opportunities for future employment in the field of natural resource management, landscaping and horticulture, he added. “This is a fantastic organisation and I can’t wait to see the local indigenous and broader community reap its benefits.”

Central West Local Land Services is planning to run the Resilient Communities Small Grants program again this year.

CNSWJO: We Can’t Walk Away From Wyangala Expansion

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

EXPANSION NEEDED: Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf and the CNSWJO believe Wyangala Dam is still a priority for the NSW Government. Photo courtesy of the Cowra Phoenix – Josh Matic.

The Chair of Central NSW Joint Organisation of Council (CNSWJO), Cr John Medcalf, OAM has hit back at claims that the NSW Government is stepping away from the Wyangala Dam expansion project in favour of non-infrastructure options to secure water supplies in the Lachlan River and broader Central West.

“How quickly people forget that little over 12 months ago many of our communities faced a day-zero crisis with town water supplies fast running out,” said Cr Medcalf, Chair of the Central NSW Joint Organisation and Mayor of the Lachlan Shire Council.

“Minister for Water, Melinda Pavey has been a strong supporter of the Wyangala Dam project and the region’s Mayors have welcomed her vision and solution focus,” he said.

“While supportive of non-infrastructure options, the reality is that we know from the many studies done to date that there is a limit to what these can achieve in securing town water supplies.”

Medcalf believes increased storage is needed so we can store water during times of good rain to prepare for drought.

“It’s disappointing given all the talk about working collaboratively with regional NSW on risks to town water supplies that the bureaucrats have not spoken to us about these non-infrastructure solutions being investigated. Maybe they need to be out in the region to experience our pain. We cannot afford to back away from the Wyangala Dam expansion. We owe it to our communities.”

Forbes Phoenix Celebrates 300 Issues

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

300 CLUB: The Forbes Phoenix celebrates its 300th issue this week after launching in July, 2015. Since then, the Phoenix
Newspaper Group has expanded to Parkes, Mudgee, Cowra and the Blue Mountains. It is also the sister publication
to the Canowindra Phoenix.

This week’s issue of the Forbes Phoenix commemorates the 300th issue of the boutique newspaper. Launched in July, 2015 by Cheryl Newsom then on-sold to her daughter Sarah Maynard in March 2017, the Forbes Phoenix is now on its third owner with Cowra based Joshua Matic.

In the six years since the paper began servicing the Forbes community as a viable weekly alternative to other forms of press, the town has rallied behind everyone’s favourite free newspaper and completely supported the “Live Local, Love Local and Support Local” mantra.

For Mr Matic, who also owns the Parkes, Cowra, Canowindra, Mudgee and Blue Mountains Phoenix newspapers as well as Yellow House Printing in Cowra, the local, positive angle to everything the organisation does is what sets it apart and is seeing it grow.

“We really are all about our communities and shining a light on everything local from services and business through to events and resources,” Josh said.

“We really try to showcase the towns we serve,” he said.

“Now we have an office in Forbes in the arcade near Flannery’s Pharmacy and are offering multi-media solutions such as video and online advertising making us one of the only organisations in the region that offers everything”.

With news more important than ever and local constraints placed upon most of the country, it has never been a better time to support local.

Here’s to the next 300!

Central West And Western NSW Free Mental Health Workshops

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Parents, carers and community members supporting young people experiencing mental health challenges can register to attend a free mental health workshop hosted by headspace, thanks to a $1.2 million investment by the NSW Government.

NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the workshops will help parents and carers better understand the unique challenges facing young people and how to access appropriate support.

“This is about improving mental health literacy in the community in areas such as recognising danger signs, learning share-able coping skills and accessing local support services.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the sessions will benefit the whole community.

“These sessions are for any parent or carer who is worried about their child and doesn’t know how to start a conversation about what’s going on in their lives,” said Mrs Taylor.

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said understanding suicide will also be a key part of the training. “Many young people have thoughts of suicide when life seems unbearable and they can’t imagine another way out,” Mr Trethowan said.

“The vast majority of these young people will not act on those thoughts, but we want parents and carers to be able to talk about such thoughts in a way that doesn’t inadvertently shame the young person or encourage them to stay silent.”

PARKES – NSW Parent and Carer Mental Health Education session registration – Tuesday 24th August at 12:00pm. To book visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/o/headspacenational-youth-mental-health-foundation-30549822220

Forbes Gets Ultrasound Upgrades

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ULTRASOUND UPGRADES: Sonographer Janelle Toole, Forbes Health Service Medical Imaging Manager Jenny Webb and Sonographer Suzanne Woods.

In a real boost to the region, residents in Forbes, Orange and Dubbo are reaping the benefits of almost half a million dollars’ worth of state-of-the-art imaging equipment upgrades at the hospitals. Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) invested $450,000 to upgrade the three sites’ ultra-sound machines.

WNSWLHD Medical Imaging Services General Manager James Harvey said, “This provides an important boost to the region’s Medical Imaging services. We have a very thorough replacement program for our Medical Imaging equipment, this year alone we have replaced nearly $3.5 million worth of equipment across a range of sites including Orange, Dubbo, Forbes, Coonabarabran and Bourke.”

“We strive to ensure our Medical Imaging Departments and staff utilise the best and most up-to-date equipment as possible, leading to improved diagnostic outcomes for patients.”

All three new machines are operational and in use while the new unit at Forbes Hospital is providing patients in the area with more access to care – something many have been championing for some time.

Forbes Health Service Medical Imaging Manager, Jenny Webb was ecstatic with the news.

“Having world class, state-of-the-art imaging equipment in a rural community benefits all patients referred to our Medical Imaging Service. We can offer a wide variety of scan types that patients don’t need to travel elsewhere for – saving time, effort, money and transport,” she said.

“Any patient that requires an ultrasound, from within the hospital or a referral, can access Forbes Medical Imaging ultrasound services. Ultrasound uses no radiation and is excellent at visualising soft tissues such as organs, muscles, blood flows and commonly used for pregnancy.”

The equipment has been funded through a combination of leasing, trade-ins and capital funding. The WNSWLHD budget for 2020-21 is more than $1 billion, that’s $21 million more than the previous year.

Snippets…

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

THANK YOU: Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller (right) with Forbes SES and RFS members last week presenting them with their donations thanking them for their efforts.

Thank You RFS And SES: Forbes Shire Council recently held a presentation of donations to RFS and SES as a thank you for their generous contribution to Frost and Fire. “We have great pleasure in making this donation to the local RFS and SES in appreciation of the amazing work they do for the community and in particular for Frost and Fire,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller.

The RFS provided 15 volunteers to look after the safety aspects of Frost and Fire event. The crew helped with overseeing acts that included fire and the lighting of the magnificent effigy. Cheques of $250 for both Yarragong and Forbes Central Station. Presentations were made to the Captain of Yarragong Brigade, Andrew Barnard and Forbes Central Captain, Ron Hocking.

The SES were also at the event with their boat to oversee water safety during the event with Rocky Walshaw and two other local members with a donation of a pair of binoculars to thank them for their contribution.

Farewell To Two Forbes Institutions: Two of Forbes best kept secrets are now public knowledge with first Grant Clifton selling the Vandenberg Hotel and then Marc Wright doing the same with the Pit Stop in a few months time. Congrats to both of you and your families for looking after the people of Forbes! Thank you! Enjoy your retirement and we hope to see you around town. The Pit Stop reopened last week.

Calls To Kids Helpline Increasing In Numbers Since COVID: Data from Kids Helpline six monthly report identifies a 200% increase in counselling contacts from 5-year-olds over the first six months of 2021 when compared to 1st January to 30th June 2020. Citing issues including emotional wellbeing and loss or grief concerns, national numbers spiked from 14 contacts from 5-year-olds in the first six months of 2020, to 42 counselling contacts to Kids Helpline in the first six months of 2021. The number of answered contacts requesting counselling support have all increased in the first half of this year compared to the first half of 2020.

Works Continue Around Shire: From Lachlan Vintage Village to Lions Park – Forbes Shire Council continues to beautify our amazing town with a number of projects being undertaken at the moment. Along with all the recent rain the town has never looked as good!

FSC WORKS IN PROGRESS: Forbes Shire Council is working on a number of projects around the shire including the beautification of our lake area and the construction of a new Visitors Centre at the old Lachlan Vintage Village site.

Happy 1st Birthday Chiropractic Life Forbes

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SERVICING THE CENTRAL WEST: Deb Weaver and Dr Daniel Rasmusson of Chiropractic Life service Forbes, Parkes, Cowra, Canowindra and Grenfell.

Dr. Daniel Rasmusson has just turned over a year in practice here in Forbes and is more excited than ever to be a part of this community.

Dan’s chiropractic story began in his home town in Billesholm, Sweden where he had an interest in health & fitness and started powerlifting and bodybuilding. Dan discovered chiropractic as he researched ways to improve his overall performance. Fascinated by his research, he tried it for himself and was blown away by his results.

Dan enrolled himself at the best Chiropractic School in the world; The New Zealand College of Chiropractic, where he spent the next 5 years. Shortly thereafter he was headhunted by CEO of Chiropractic Life, Dr. Adam McKenzie. After one week visiting Forbes, he had fallen in love with the rural town and its amazing community.

Unfortunately, plans changed as Dan had to wait over 6 months for his visa to be approved. Meanwhile the practice was temporarily closed. This August we are celebrating 12 months since Dr. Dan has been officially practicing in Forbes. Dan is loving his life here and is excited to continue helping the people of our community live their healthiest lives.

Chiropractic Life is located at 39A South Gloucester Street, Forbes. Call 02 6815 7877 or go to www.chiropracticlife.com.au

Abstract Art Exhibition Perfect Distraction

August 13, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The ‘Abstract Distractions’ exhibition opened at the Platypus Gallery last Saturday, showcasing a collection of experimental works by eleven novice artists from the Forbes Shire.

Aptly named the “Puggles”, the group was formed earlier this year by Forbes Arts Society member, Coralie Crouch with the intention of encouraging younger members of the Forbes community to pursue creative endeavours.

Recently, the group has gathered on a casual basis to learn about different methods, techniques and mediums. For many of the participants, the ‘Abstract Distractions’ exhibition is their first opportunity displaying their work publicly.

“The brief was to create abstract work – totally devoid of any reference to reality,” Coralie said.
“The biggest achievement of the group was overcoming the fear that their work is not good enough to exhibit. They have produced art works which display experimental use of colour, new techniques for paint application, and above all, confidence.”

The ‘Abstract Distractions’ exhibition will run until 29 August 2021. All artworks will be available for purchase. For more information visit www.forbesartssociety.com

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