Articles Archives - Page 183 of 412

Funding For Edward Street Sub-Division

July 9, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FUNDING BOOST: NSW National’s Sam Farraway with Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

Forbes Shire is set to benefit from over $166,000 in funding for infrastructure improvements supporting new homes and jobs.

NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the NSW Government will provide more than $166,000 for infrastructure improvements in the Forbes Shire from its Low Cost Loans Initiative (LCLI). “The $166,000 will support Forbes Shire Council in the developing and building the Edward Street Subdivision,” Mr Farraway said.

“Funding for the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time will ensure our growing region is able to provide a better quality of life for our current and future residents,” Mr Farraway said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funding for new and upgraded infrastructure was the result of upfront strategic planning and the investment of developer contributions.

“Good planning is up front about what infrastructure is needed to support new development, so new communities get vital public assets like new roads and schools much faster,” Mr Stokes said.

The SIC and VPA programs levy financial contributions from new development and provide the funding to councils and state agencies to help deliver infrastructure including roads, regional open space and social infrastructure and facilities.

The third round of the Low Cost Loans Initiative will see 13 councils reimbursed for half of their interest costs on loans, unlock-ing more than $300 million in infrastructure works to support new projects.

For more information on the Government’s Infrastructure Funding Programs visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/Infrastructure-funding

COVID Restrictions For NSW Again

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HAVE YOU BEEN TESTED: COVID testing is readily available in Forbes and other centres throughout the Central West. #staysafe

Just when we thought we were out of the woods, new regional NSW COVID restrictions were put in place last weekend by the NSW Berejiklian coalition government just in time for the school holidays.

The new orders include – no more than 5 visitors in a home, including children; people must be seated while drinking in all in-door hospitality venues; 50% capacity for outdoor events; indoor mask wearing in all settings outside the home, including work-places; mask wearing at organised outdoor gatherings and events; one person per four square metre rule for all indoor and outdoor venues, including weddings and funerals; dance and gym classes limited to 20 people and masks must be worn; singing at indoor venues and places of worship is not permitted; no dancing at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs, but dancing is permitted for bridal party of no more than 20 at a wedding; people who have been in Greater Sydney since June 21 should follow the stay-at-home orders for 14 days while people should only enter Greater Sydney for essential reasons.

Forbes Hospital Nurse Unit Manager, Bailee Harrison, along with other frontline workers, quickly set up the mobile COVID testing clinic on June 9 after news broke with the support of numerous local businesses and Forbes Shire Council. So far no positive cases have come from Forbes as of the end of June.

COVID-19 testing clinic locations can be found at – www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics

Donato: State Budget Positive But Still More Housing Needed

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

POSITIVE STATE BUDGET: Phil Donato, NSW Shooters Party MP, centre, earlier this year at the Forbes Menshed funding announcement.

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP responded to the NSW Government’s 2020-21 budget last week released in New South Wales Parliament by Treasurer, The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP.

The budget, which many consider positive, had several announcements for the Orange Electorate, including:
• $1.25m to complete upgrades to Bletchington Public School
• $28m for Parkes Special Activation Precinct
• $60m to commence construction of Parkes By Pass
• $4.3m for fast rail planning for western NSW
• $215,000 for construction of shared 575m pathway Eugowra
• $85,000 for construction of shared pathway Forbes
• $500,000 for Canowindra Health One Facility ($6m total commitment)

Other state wide announcements relevant to the Orange Electorate include:
• Free preschool 2 days p/w
• Public sector 2.5% pay rise for public sector workers
• Learn to swim $100 vouchers for children
• $150m to combat mouse plague

Overall Mr Donato commented that the budget was positive, however he was disappointed that “more funding wasn’t provided for social and affordable housing.”

“I am pleased with many of the budget initiatives, the Orange Electorate will benefit greatly overall. However, when it comes to social and affordable housing, the government really must address this urgent need,” Mr Donato said.

“I’m hearing from many members of our community who are really feeling the effects of the housing crisis. Everyone deserves a safe place to live, and this issue won’t go away on its own.”

Locally, Forbes Shire Council is taking the lead with social housing with developments for a new estate well underway with announcements imminent.

Forbes Art And Cultural Centre A Step Closer

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ONE STEP CLOSER TO REALITY: The Forbes Art and Cultural Centre located at the site of the old ambulance station is one step closer to becoming a reality.

It has sat unoccupied for almost 20 years but not for much longer. The former Forbes and District Ambulance Station is now one step closer to becoming a cultural and arts centre, with the Development Application for the site progressing to the final stage.

Forbes Arts Society Chair Dr Karen Ritchie said, “since purchasing 110 Lachlan Street in December 2019, the Forbes Arts Society has been working closely with Source Architects to develop a final design for the building in consultation with key project partners and the wider community.”

The FAS vision is to develop the site into a vibrant, civic hub.

“We want a space that encourages locals and visitors to create, share and experience art and culture as well as meet, gather and connect with one another,” Dr Ritchie said.

“The design is an adaptive reuse of this prominent local building – sensitive to the site’s Local Heritage Significance status, whilst incorporating a beautiful yet functional contemporary extension.”

The distinctive two-storey building, located on the corner of Court and Lachlan Streets, was originally occupied by the Bank of Australasia before the Ambulance Service took possession of the site in 1944. On 25 October 2001, the building was extensively damaged by fire. Due to the damage caused, the Forbes and District Ambulance Service relocated to a temporary station up at the Forbes Hospital.

A second fire on 31 October 2001 gutted the building, and it has remained unoccupied since.

The Forbes Cultural Centre development is part of the $7.2 million ‘Boosting the La-chlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

For more information about the project and to view the proposed plans, visit www.forbesartssociety.com

More Than Just A Butchery In The Centre Of Forbes

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

DEMAND FOR SNAGS: Billy Spence of Forbes Central Butchery not only delivers throughout the Forbes and most of Parkes Shire but he is also releasing a new range of sausages for people to try at the local Forbes Rotary farmers markets.

Billy Spence has been operating Forbes Central Butchery for a few years now and what started as a small family business to service the local community has quickly turned into something far bigger.

Forbes Central Butchery now deliver in the Parkes and Forbes Shire covering from Bogan Gate and Trundle through to Tullamore and Tottenham and they deliver every Friday.

“There’s no order too big or small,” said Billy Spence. “We are now also targeting local farmers markets with our new and unique ranges of sausages and other selected products,” he said.

And with the local Forbes Rotary Markets on the monthly calendar now, what better time to trial Billy’s new snags in Victoria Park in preparation for the Forbes Central Butchery Sausage Sandwich Eating Contest at the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on November 13?

“Not sure how that guy (Martin Carney) ate all those sausage sanga’s (27),” said Billy. “He just hasn’t had my sausages yet!”

Support your local business who supports you.

Upgrade For Hughie Wilson Oval

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway

Hughie Wilson Oval will get much needed upgraded amenities after getting a $390,000 grant.

In a real boost for local sports clubs and groups, the latest funding will ensure the facility remains a well-used and valued asset within the community.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the funding is being provided by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment from its Crown Land Manager Recovery Support Program.

“This $390,000 is terrific for Forbes as it will pave the way for a great new local asset that can support numerous sporting, recreation and leisure activities,” Mr Farraway said.

“Hughie Wilson Oval is used by the Forbes Rugby League Club and the Forbes Mag-pies Junior Rugby League Club,” he said.

“This funding will allow for the construction of a brand-new amenities building with change rooms to replace a portable building that has reached the end of its life and is failing to meet community needs and expectations.”

Mr Farraway said the new amenities block will provide a modern facility built to national standards that can support growth in all sporting codes that use Hughie Wilson Oval and Spooner Oval.

“The oval is also open to the general public for fitness training, community sporting and social events, and has playground equipment installed for families,” said Sam.

“The amenities building will enhance recreational facilities for community use and enjoyment and improve health and safety on Hughie Wilson Oval,” he said.

“This will address concerns that have been raised by community organisations about inadequate infrastructure at the popular Crown land reserve, which is managed by Forbes Shire Council.”

Snippets

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Telstra 5G Now In Forbes: Telstra 5G coverage is now available in Forbes and Cobar, with Telstra recently switching on 5G services as part of a national rollout of the next generation of mobile technology.

The recent 5G network upgrade will also deliver improved 4G capacity and speeds in the local area. More than 60 percent of Australia’s population now lives in Telstra’s 5G footprint and Telstra has made a commitment to roll out its 5G network to 75 percent of the population by the end of June.

More information on Telstra’s 5G coverage or devices available to use this new technology is available at Telstra stores or online at www.telstra.com.au/.

Telstra’s 5G coverage maps in this location and nationally are available at telstra.com/coverage-networks/our-coverage.

Survey For Central West Farmers: Check your mailbox! That’s the message to more than 2000 landholders across Central West NSW who’ve been specially selected to take part in a survey about land and farm management practices. Led by Southern Cross University, the Soil CRC Australian Farmer Survey project aims to understand what land and farm management practices farmers undertake, and why they choose the farming methods they do. The project also aims to provide sound information on the challenges facing farmers and their aspirations for the future. For more information about participating in the survey, contact Dr Hanabeth Luke at hanabeth.luke@scu.edu.au, or call 1800 317 503

Lions Recycle For Sight: Do you have any unused eyeglasses or sunglasses which are in good condition? These can be Recycled by giving them to the Lions Club as part of their Recycle For Sight program. This will be running during the month of June. The glasses can be dropped into the collection boxes at Eyewear Specs or Phillip Wells Optometrist in Forbes. Please do not leave the cases as these cannot be recycled. The glasses are then forwarded to a recycling centre in Brisbane for cleaning and grading.

Funding Now Available For Veterans’ Health Week 2021: Veterans and their families in the Riverina and Central West are being encouraged to increase their physical activity, with $200,000 in funding available nationally to assist community groups and ex-service organisations with planning and hosting Veterans’ Health Week events in October. The theme for Veterans’ Health Week will be – Get Moving. Veterans’ Health Week will be held from Saturday, 16 to Sunday, 24 October.

Mobile Service Centre Provides Access To Federal Government Services: Mccormack: The Mobile Service Centre Desert Rose travelling through the Central West to provide support to rural and regional communities will be in Forbes next week. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Desert Rose would be parked adjacent to Victoria Park on Wednesday, 7 July, and Thursday, 8 July, between 9am and 4pm. Mobile Service Centres provide customers assistance with essential government services including Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services.

Load Restraint Village Tour A Success: More than 100 local farmers attended the recent load restraint village tour sessions in 12 locations across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas. The practical load restraint information sessions featured displays, case studies, how-to videos and presentations from NSW Police, Transport for NSW Heavy Vehicle Inspectors, Safework NSW and NSW Health’s Rural Mental Health Adversity Program. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the sessions were part of the Councils’ current ‘Load Restraint Education Project’ which is targeting the safe transportation of hay bales, machinery and general freight. “We held sessions from Bedgerebong to Tottenham, with good numbers at most of the sessions,” Ms Suitor said. The sessions covered load restraint fundamentals, legal requirements, penalties, case studies and tips for getting it right.

Gooly Hall Gets Funding: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke recently awarded Gooloogong’s Memorial Hall a $23,882 grant from the CRIF program to paint the interior and exterior of the hall in a real win for the community.

23,000 REASONS TO SMILE: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with Gooloogong Memorial Hall members at the announcement of the funding.

Joyce Replaces McCormack As Nats Leader

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister – Barnaby Joyce

It’s back to the future for the National Party as Barnaby Joyce’s second (and successful) leadership spill in 15 months resulted in the former leader regaining his position as head of the party last week over Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack. He was sworn in as Deputy PM with David Little-proud retaining his place as deputy leader of the Nationals.

The spill comes after members of the junior coalition partner began to panic that they may lose seats at the next federal election. McCormack, is one of parliament’s hardest working and well-respected members, and had vowed to fight for his position but soon it had become obvious Joyce had the numbers.

Joyce, the Member for New England has a big role to fill. His party is fractured and voters still remember why he was consigned to the back bench three years ago. How he unites the party is anyone’s guess. McCormack meanwhile was gracious in defeat.

“Thank you to the people of the Riverina and Central West who have sent me to Canberra on four occasions to represent them and their interests in the Australian Parliament,” the statement read.

“The residents of the electorate – as al-ways – will remain my focus as I look to the future as the Member for Riverina. I am proud of what I have achieved for regional Australians and the Riverina and Central West as the Member for Riverina, Deputy Prime Minister and The Nationals’ Leader.”

What this latest move does to public perception remains to be seen – you can bet though, that voters are not as forgetful as the party room appears to be.

Tickets On Sale – Agribusiness Today Forum Returns In 2021

July 2, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Agribusiness Today Forum will return in 2021 with the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel set to host the major event on Wednesday, 4 August. The theme for the 2021 forum is ‘Mixed Farming Enterprises – Adapting to a Changing Climate’.

The forum will be followed by a local field visit on Thursday, 5 August in collaboration with HE Silos, Austasia Animal Products, Advanced Animal Nutrition and AusWest Seeds. For more than 25 years the Agribusiness Today Forum has brought together expert speakers to give an insight into domestic and international market trends.

The forum is expected to attract 200 delegates to Forbes who will be addressed by a number of high calibre speakers including representatives from Rabobank, Department of Primary Industries, Endeavour Meats, HE Silos, Lachlan Commodities, University of the Sunshine Coast, Charles Sturt University, Central West Local Land Services, AWI Sheep Connect NSW, Meat and Livestock Australia and NBN.

To learn more about the two-day event and to purchase tickets, visit the Agribusiness Today Forum website at www.agribusinesstodayforum.com COVID-19 restrictions apply and measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of all participants

Snippets…

June 25, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FROST AND FIRE 2021: The second edition of Frost and Fire went off without a hitch at the Ski Dam over the weekend.

Frost And Fire A Hit: It may have come on the back of a COVID scare but Frost and Fire went off without a hitch last Saturday night June 19 at the Ski Dam. From local band Fog Pilots to Jebediah frontman and solo artist Bob Evans, tickets were sold out well in advance for the family friendly event.
There was a bonfire, hot food and an array of entertainers ensuring that the flagship event was an outstanding success. Bring on 2022!

Garden Club Update: Our Garden Club were invited to hold a stall at the Forbes Riverside & Community Gardens on the 29th May and received runner up in the scarecrow competition. Big thanks must go to Ann Reade, Meg Scholefield and Annette Thornton who were responsible for the creation whilst Pammie Thomson painted the face and all stall volunteers. Our Garden Club Executive always gives us something to look forward to and have partnered with Landcare on the weekend of the 24th October. Also in the spring we are taking a trip to Mayfield Gardens with dates and numbers to be. Our raffle at the May meeting was won by Margaret Wilson with Doddy Englert second.
We have recently decided to again donate some monies to charities which was decided by members votes. Charities who are recipients are Boys to the Bush, North-side Chapel, Can Assist, CWA, Red Cross, Care Flight, Far West and Guide Dogs. Happy Gardening.
By Sweet Pea

COVID Latest: No COVID-19 community transmission has been detected at the end of the critical 14-day period since two people later diagnosed with the virus passed through the Western NSW Local Health District.
“This is welcome news for our communities and I particularly want to thank the people of Coonabarabran, Dubbo, Forbes and Parkes for their incredible response to what was a worrying situation, said WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.
“It was heartening to see our communities respond in such large numbers, with more than 3,000 tests conducted in a short period of time. Not one positive test result means we can be relatively confident that COVID-19 is contained.”
The Western NSW Local Health District currently has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. For information on where testing is available in NSW go to www.nsw.gov.au For information on COVID-19 vaccination go to www.healthdirect.gov.au

NO CONFIRMED CASES AS OF JUNE 22: Forbes and the region have had no confirmed COVID cases according to WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

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