Articles Archives - Page 181 of 412

Comfort Capes For Kids

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FOR THE KIDS: Christine L’Estrange, Robyn Miller (President of Forbes CWA Evening Branch) and Sue Cunningham (CWA) posing with comfort capes for children impacted by the recent uncertainty with the COVID pandemic.

Forbes Country Women’s Association Evening Branch has jumped on board with Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Care by donating comfort capes to kids.

Forbes CWA Evening Branch President, Robyn Miller said “those who work with families and children supporting them in times of need, require all the assistance they can get, particularly in these uncertain and often anxious times”.

“Forbes CWA Evening Branch are proud to assist Wilcannia Forbes Catholic Care in doing this by donating a dozen security comfort capes for them to use with children whose world is changing rapidly due to family issues,” Robyn said.

“COVID-19 had played a role in delaying the donation but now, more than ever, it is important that children have a sense of security and a bit of normalcy. We hope these capes can bring a little of security and fun to them”.

The capes were made by a CWA Evening Branch member using Toy Story images as the theme for the capes.

Christine L’Estange, representing Catholic Care said, “the capes will be used for children at the playgroups held at the Women’s Refuge and that they would be much appreciated by both children and staff”.

“I’m sure the children will find some fun in playing with their super security capes and that they (the capes) bring comfort and a sense of security wearing them”.

Ms L’Estrange also thanked Forbes CWA Evening Branch for their ongoing support of the Women’s Refuge.

Dominos Sports Brief

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Staines Gets Double In Win For Panthers

It wasn’t pretty but Charlie Staines Penrith Panthers scored an important 30-16 win over a gallant NZ Warriors in Brisbane.

The Warriors, who played the second half with no interchange players, only trailed 16-10 at the break after earlier establishing a 10-4 lead.
But as their troops began to fall over and fatigue set in Penrith capitalised with Staines crossing for a second half brace to put the issue beyond doubt midway through the second half.

It was a big win for the young Panthers who are still missing halves Luai and Cleary who will be back in two weeks to play Melbourne.

Magpies Struggle Against CYMS

Season 2021 has gone from bad to worse for Forbes Magpies after a 62-6 touch up at the hands of group powerhouse Dubbo CYMS. In the Magpies defence, it has been an extremely disruptive 18 months and with COVID announcements changing daily it certainly can’t have helped. Forbes reserves fought hard but went down 14-10 while the 18s had a 10-all draw and the Women’s League Tag went to Dubbo 28-4 in another keenly fought contest.

All Stars Smack Parkes Railway Renegades

It was only a matter of time before Forbes All Stars had a win and win they did, trouncing Parkes Railway Renegades 4-0 in Parkes last weekend. A double from Jacob Collitts was the highlight for the Forbes side who dominated from the opening whistle. The win keeps Forbes in the hunt for end of season finals with the last two weeks showing the side may have turned the corner at the right time.

7 Day Lockdown For Orange, Blayney And Cabonne

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SEVEN DAY LOCKDOWN: Orange City, Cabonne Shire and Blayney Shire are all in a 7 day lockdown until Wednesday July 28 after a transport worker tested positive to COVID last week.

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for the Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council, and Cabonne Shire Council areas until 12.01am Wednesday July 28.

Following updated health advice will apply to all people who live in these areas, or have been there on or after Saturday July 17.

Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason. These include:
• Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
• Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
• Exercise outdoors in groups of 2 or fewer (unless members of the same household);
• Work, or tertiary education, where you cannot work or study from home.
• To attend a wedding or a funeral (but only during the grace period, which ends at 12:01am on Friday 23 July 2021). After this date, funerals will be limited to ten people.
• Schools will remain open, under Level 3 restrictions. All staff and students are still expected to be at school.
• Masks must be worn indoors (not including the home) and in outdoor settings where you cannot socially distance from others (e.g. while queuing for takeaway).
• COVID-19 testing clinics are open at Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Blayney and Molong.

For more information on rules and restrictions for the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange local government areas visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions

News Briefs

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Mice Management Rebate Open
Eligible households and small businesses can now claim cash rebates through Service NSW to help cover the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after February 1, 2021. Households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000. Primary producers who live where they work will be able to claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises. Applications will close on 27 September 2021, or when funds near their allocation. To find out if you qualify and to make your claim visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/nsw-mouse-control-rebate or www.nsw.gov.au/mice

Bedgerabong Public’s New Book
Hot off the press! The Year 5 Enviro book authored by Bedgerabong Public School students has arrived and it’s great. The book “Wigglin’ Willy The Compost Worm” is a wonderful combination of poetry and factual content as Willy teaches reader’s about compost worms. It can be checked out via the link below or you can get your very own PDF version. Thanks to the Forbes Youth Action Team for all your support. www.envirostories.com.au/books

McCormack’s Whirlwind Visit
This week Michael McCormack dropped into Forbes to inspect the progress of a number of projects being delivered through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Forbes Shire Council to date has received more than $4.7 million to help boost the local economy and local jobs.

Forbes Plainsman Hotel One Of Many Cutting Energy Costs

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Hotels across the Central West are receiving support from the Federal Government to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business and employ more Australians.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Riverina and Central West hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes with up to 99 rooms were eligible for funding including The Plainsman in Forbes to the tune of $25,000 in air-conditioning up-dates.

“I am pleased to announce that 15 businesses have shared in more than $340,000 as part of the $10.2 million Hotel Energy Up-lift Program,” Mr McCormack said.

“When I called each recipient to let them know of their successful application, they all expressed what a difference this funding would make to their business. “From the Ariah Park Hotel installing LED lighting, new refrigeration, reverse cycling air-conditioning and a gas hot water system, to the Wagga Wagga Quest Apartments putting in split system air-conditioning, to the Federation Hotel in Parkes installing double-glazed windows and reverse-cycle air-conditioners – this program is making a real difference.”

More than 85 per cent of the grants were awarded to hotels in regional or remote communities. The Hotel Energy Uplift Pro-gram was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

Further information about the program can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/hotel-energy-uplift-program

Changes At Schools For Term 3

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

With school returning this week for Term 3, “strict COVID safe restrictions” will be in place according to the NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell. These will include wearing masks for pick-ups and drop-offs, hygiene measures and social distancing.

Mitchell earlier this week said that based on the latest health advice from NSW Health, that masks will be “recommended” for staff and students from Year 7 up for the first week of Term 3.

Before the start of term, Forbes Public School posted online that common sense approaches and standard health orders apply such as hygiene, social-distancing and mask-wearing requirements for school runs.

“Staff will be welcoming students with seniors on standby to assist junior students through the school to their classrooms if needed,” the statement read.

Ms Mitchell reaffirmed what NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated over a week ago when she said regional towns like Forbes would also be under COVID restrictions but that face-to-face learning could continue in regional communities provided public health orders are followed.

Parents are encouraged to speak to their school should they have any questions. As a result the restrictions will be in place until at least 11.59pm tonight Friday, July 16.

McCormack Welcomes Royal Commission Into Defence And Veteran Suicide

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ROYAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHED: A Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide has been established to address concerns over suicide rates among our veterans.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed the Federal Government’s formal establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to be led by former New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Mr Nick Kaldas APM.

“Sadly, the Riverina and Central West, as with all communities and regions throughout Australia, has been affected by suicides among Australian Defence Force members and veterans, so this development is a good outcome,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack praised the work of former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester, who led consultation on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission, assisted by the Attorney-General, Senator Michaelia Cash.

More than 3000 pieces of feedback were received during the consultation period between 19 April 2021 and 21 May. “I think this large number of submissions reflects the community’s intense interest in this most important issue,” Mr McCormack said.

“We owe a debt to those who have served or who are serving our nation in the defence forces to find why there is this unacceptably high rate of self-harm and to put in place measures to reduce the risks.” Mr McCormack said Mr Kaldas was a good choice as Royal Commissioner. As NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kaldas commanded about 14,000 staff and a budget of more than $2 billion.

Further information on the Royal Commission, including how to make a submission – https://defenceveteransuicide.royalcommission.gov.au. The Royal Commission is due to provide an interim report on 11 August 2022 and a final report on 15 June 2023.

NSW COVID Drama Deepens

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said this week that the lockdown pain is set to continue until the number of COVID cases in the state is “close to zero”.

The number of COVID cases has steadily climbed throughout the past week from single figures the first week of July to 112 locally acquired infections in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday July 11. A third of those were still active in the community.

Despite well over 100,000 tested in NSW in the past week at the time of publication, a multi-media advertising blitz, multiple testing sites, numerous vaccine centres, a plethora of online information and a strong emergency services presence, it seems many are still not getting the message. The Premier was at pains to get the edict across.

“If you have symptoms, your first stop should be a COVID test, and stay home until you get a result”.

She said in the coming weeks, NSW will have mass vaccination hubs across many regions – expanding the ability for people to access the vaccine.

“Overwhelmingly, we don’t want people to leave home unless they absolutely have to,” she said.

Snippets

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WOODFIRED EUGOWRA: Woodfired Eugowra will go ahead with COVID restrictions on August 7.

Woodfired Eugowra Saturday August 7: Will you be heading to Woodfired Eugowra this year? At this stage we are still plan-ning to run this fantastic event on Saturday 7th August 10am – 5pm, following COVID guidelines at the time. Along with the cooking competitions and demonstrations, there will be market stalls, food vans, live music and free entertainment for the kids, like face painting! Book your tickets now! https://www.123tix.com.au/events/18448/woodfired-eugowra See you there!

Anything Goes Exhibition runs to 29 July: The rules are out the window for the mid-year members’ exhibition at the Platy-pus Gallery. The ‘Anything Goes’ exhibition opened at the Platypus Gallery last week, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks from Forbes Arts Society members. Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “Anything Goes is exactly what it implies. Without boundaries or restrictions, our members have the opportunity of creating work in any style, mediums or size of their choosing.”

“When it comes to art, creativity is limitless.” The ‘Anything Goes’ exhibition will run until Thursday 29 July 2021. All art-works will be available for purchase. The Platypus Gallery opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am until 2pm and Saturdays, 9am until 1pm. In line with the current public health order, visitors are reminded to please check in using the QR code and wear a mask. For more information, visit www.forbesartssociety.com or follow the Platypus Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.

Waste Wednesday – Time to clean out the Garage! The next Bulky waste collection drive will be conducted the week of the 3rd – 7th August 2021. You can put your bulky waste out the weekend before for collection. The Contractor and Council have the right to reject any items that they consider unacceptable. For further information on what is acceptable or unacceptable visit Forbes Shire Council website https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/residents/waste-and-recycling/collection or phone our Waste & Environmental Specialist on 6850 2300.

Congrats to Topsoil Organics: Big congrats are in order for Topsoil Organics who have been announced as the major winner in the Regional Job Creation fund set up to create future job opportunities in Forbes!

Grazing already sold out! Grazing Down The Lachlan 2021 has sold out in 2 hours! There’s still a limited number of tickets available to Sundowners by the Lake if you fancy being part of the Grazing weekend fun. View the full program of events here: https://bit.ly/3wpM1qu

SOLD OUT: Grazing Down The Lachlan 2021 sold out in a record time of just two hours in a real boost for the event and the Forbes community.

Forbes Pre-School Outstanding Organisation Finalist At HESTA Awards

July 16, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HESTA FINALISTS: The team from Forbes Pre-School are finalists in the Outstanding Organisation category at the HESTA Awards. Director Amy Shine was rapt with the nomination and paid a glowing tribute to staff.

Top early childhood educators and services have been recognised at the national HESTA awards including our own Forbes Pre-School.

Ten extraordinary early childhood educators and services were today announced as finalists in the 2021 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.

Nominees from New South Wales dominated across all categories, with finalist achievements including an innovative sustainability education program, outstanding learning support for children in a rural community with disabilities and the creation of a culturally safe learning space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

“To say we are proud to be finalists with such amazing Early Educators in this category is an understatement,” Forbes Pre-School’s director Amy Shine said.

“Thanks to the Forbes Community for their continued support. Our community is fortunate to work together supporting best outcomes for children and families and grow our programs,” Shine said.

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey paid tribute to all finalists.

“Congratulations to all nominees and HESTA is privileged to help share their sto-ries and recognise their important work.”

The awards acknowledge the tremendous work of individuals and organisations who demonstrate a deep commitment to improving learning outcomes for children.

Winners will be revealed on 7 September 2021 in Brisbane as part of the Early Childhood Australia National Conference.

Forbes Pre-School has been nominated in the Outstanding Organisation category against Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre, Casino and Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Gunnedah.

Staines Gets Double In Win For Panthers

Magpies Struggle Against CYMS

All Stars Smack Parkes Railway Renegades

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