The recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day, held via Zoom in September, was a success with over 60 people dialling in for the event. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, Graincorp/Grain Transport Safety Network and NSW Farmers. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said it was great to see strong numbers again this year for the Virtual Field Day, especially as the region is expecting another good harvest.

“Unfortunately, due to the current COVID situation we had to hold the field day online again this year, rather than the usual face to face event at the Forbes Saleyards,” Ms Suitor said.

The program included presentations about access, fire safety, load restraint and much more.

“Thanks to everyone who assisted to organise, promote and attend the event.” The Virtual Field Day was recorded and can be accessed on the Forbes Councils’ YouTube channel or via this link – https://youtu.be/wkALs0-xY94

The winner of the feedback form lucky door prize, an Engel Thermo15 cab fridge worth $190, was Campbell Wilson.

 

When Andrew Rawsthorne, a Trundle farmer and former Red Bend student, arrived at Forbes Shire Council as the new Grants Officer six years ago, his role was to help bring council’s vision to life. Now, he is hanging up his hat to dedicate his time to his ever-growing farming business.

“I have been lucky enough to work with some outstanding people – creative people, who I count as lifelong friends,” said Andrew. “I am privileged to have played a small part in the growth of Forbes – a town near and dear to me.”

Rawsthorne and his grants colleagues collaborated on $30million in funding during his tenure – a remarkable feat that has elevated Forbes to one of the most prosperous and idyllic rural communities to live in nationwide.

For Andrew it is all about life on the land and he wouldn’t have it any other way!

More than 140,000 students across NSW return to face-to-face learning on Tuesday, October 5, for the start of Term 4 including children in Forbes.

With COVID-19 restrictions eased across many parts of rural and regional NSW, 721 schools – almost a third of the State’s public schools – welcomed all students back on site. Students returned to COVID-safe settings that included QR code checkins, no visitors, restricted activities, increased hygiene practices and mask wearing.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said she understood how important it was to have children back in classrooms.

“Thousands of excited students returned to the classroom in the regions this week and will soon be followed by students in other parts of the state with either a staged return from 18 October, or via the easing of local restrictions,” Ms Mitchell said.

“After a disrupted Term 3, it is more important than ever that students receive the academic, social and wellbeing benefits of being in the classroom. Despite this excitement, it is important that parents and students follow their school’s guidelines for safe operations, and practice physical distancing at school pick-ups and drop-offs.”

Several measures are in place for a return to school, including increased cleaning activities and additional hygiene and safety practices.

Parents are encouraged to look at their school website, Facebook page or newsletters to learn about new procedures that have been introduced, such as changes to parents’ access to the school grounds, drop off and pick up points as well as new safety and hygiene rules.

For updated information on the return to school and restrictions, visit:education. nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families.

Over a decade ago some keen local gardeners, green thumbs and growers acquired a space once run by the Forestry Commission and so became the community gardens we see today.

For Heather Moore, who joined later, the gardens and the volunteers provide an outlet and a great chance to socialise and share a common passion – gardening. Whether it be spring flowers, veggies or fruit, there are a number of gardens run by volunteers with a plethora of produce.

“We have all types of plants and fruit and veg from she-oaks, tomatoes and beetroots to lemons and much more,” said Heather.

“Members can also adopt a plot and foster and nurture their own garden bed like the Thompson-Glasson family here today,” Heather said. “It is also a great way to get outside and get the family into gardening and growing their own food.”

For Brett Thompson, the gardens are a great escape for daughter Pip and partner Lisa. “It is a great way to do something together and get out and about.”

Membership is $10 and the gardens are open Saturday’s. AGM 16th October at 10am.

A week is a long time in politics and NSW has a new Premier in 39-year-old Dominic Perrottet since Gladys Berejiklian resigned from parliament last Friday after ICAC announced an investigation into her conduct. On Monday, Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader John Barilaro had followed suit citing exhaustion and other focuses for his decision to leave public life. Barilaro leaves a giant hole in the party having entered the parliament in 2011 winning the seat of Eden-Monaro. Regardless of your political persuasion, we should be proud of what they have achieved for NSW.

They worked tirelessly to get NSW operating at full capacity again sooner rather than later over the past 20 months and leave a strong legacy behind. In what has been a testing time for all, both have not backed away from the job and the roadmap to freedom is also still in full effect with reopening on October 11.

Whatever happens from here the next election in 18 months promises to be full of intrigue as Labor also has a new leader in Chris Minns. Perrottet is the youngest premier in NSW history at arguably the state’s most important time and he will need to hit the ground running as the state haemorrhages $1b a week. His first challenge will be working with a new senior ministry.

How Perrottet unites a factional party room battling with external distractions and ministerial reshuffles may well be his greatest achievement of all.