Articles Archives - Page 186 of 412

Bogan Fest Postponed Til November 13

June 11, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

POSTPONED TIL NOVEMBER 13: Australia’s Biggest Bogan Fest has been postponed til November 13 due to COVID.

In another COVID casualty case, Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival has had to postpone their event from June until November 13 after another flare up of the virus forced some vendors and entertainers from interstate to cancel at the last minute.

Organiser Luke Acheson, while disappointed, remained upbeat.“It’s a postponement not a cancellation and that will allow us to fine-tune some things so maybe it’s a blessing and not a curse after all,” he said.

“We want to run the safest and best event we can for our punters and a June long weekend event would not have guaranteed that and we were not prepared to risk it,” Luke said.

“November means warmer weather, more time to prepare and more options – not to mention the fact that Corona may well be a light beer again and not a virus.”

Tickets and a new program will be advertised soon however most of the initial program from preliminary discussions should remain the same.

“Struggles aside we should be able to really promote this and hopefully get a big turn-out – especially now we have a wet t-shirt comp!”

Follow Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all the latest info.

NRW 2021: We Need To Do More To Close The Gap

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

CLOSING THE GAP: Despite giant strides over the past 25 years there is still plenty to do to close the gap according to Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre’s Aunt Aileen Allen.

Wiradjuri elder Aunt Aileen Allen has lived a full life and she has seen some remarkable things. She can still see them, they are all around her and a part of her all at the same time.

She has seen the struggles of her people and she knows that it is a never-ending challenge closing the gap. Closing the gap with others and closing the gap amongst themselves. “I keep thinking – how can we close the gap, what else can we be doing?” Aunt Aileen said.

“How do we make people understand it’s about doing right not being right,” she said.

Aunt Aileen believes closing the gap is about helping and educating people about all of our history and culture and removing politics.

“We all know the importance of understanding who we all are and where we’ve all been in regard to moving forward together with respect, knowledge and awareness – and that’s the only way to close the gap.”

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 – the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples). By 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. Today, 25 years later NRW is celebrated (May 27-June 3) and acknowledged in workplaces, schools and other organisations Australia-wide with hundreds of events being held each year.

We may not have closed the gap and there is still plenty to do but it is closing.

Committing To Quit On World No Tobacco Day

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) was on May 31, with Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) encouraging smokers to ‘Commit to Quit’ as part of a World Health Organisation (WHO) a year-long global campaign.

Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. In WNSWLHD, 12.4% of the population smoke tobacco daily, compared with the NSW state average of 11.2%. Smoking puts people at an increased risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19, and is a major risk factor for diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes.

The WHO has released a list of ‘More than 100 reasons to quit tobacco’ which includes; tobacco’s negative impacts on physical appearance, the risk of second hand smoke to family and friends and negatively affects every organ of the body among others.

WNSWLHD, District Smoking Cessation Coordinator, Nakarri Ferguson, said, “The benefits of quitting smoking are felt almost immediately. Within six hours, your heart rate slows and your blood pressure becomes more stable. Lung function improves within two to twelve weeks, coughing and shortness of breath decreases in one to nine months and your risk of stroke, cancer, and coronary heart disease continues to decrease the longer you don’t smoke”.

“The 2021 WNTD theme encourages smokers to make the pledge to ‘Commit to Quit.’ If you are a smoker and need help to make a quit attempt support is available. You can discuss quitting smoking with your General Practitioner, Aboriginal Medical Service or call the Quitline on 137 848 (13 QUIT)”, Ms Ferguson said.

For support to quit smoking call the Quit-line on 13 78 48, or visit www.icanquit.com.au

Jobs Boost For Forbes With $4 Million Project

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

DEVELOPING FORBES: Forbes Central West Business Park is nearing closer to completion.

The Federal Government has committed almost $4 million to help deliver a Central West Industrial Park at Forbes, to strengthen economic growth and drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said the project formed part of the Australian Government’s commitment to jobs and economic diversification.

“This investment will go towards Part 1 of Stage 2 of the Central West Industrial Park in Forbes,” Mr McCormack said.

“When Stage 2 is complete, the development will create opportunities for new local businesses and innovation in agriculture as well as boosting the local economy and driving jobs growth.

“The $3.99 million from the Federal Government will go towards construction of a significant portion of the drainage works as well as part of the associated road works.”

Mayor of Forbes Shire Cr Phyllis Miller OAM said the development of the Central West Industrial Precinct was a “gamechanger” for the region.

“We have been taking many enquiries from interested stakeholders keen to invest in the region,” Cr Miller said.

“The industrial precinct is located close to the Central West Livestock Exchange, a major driver to the Forbes Shire economy.

“This funding from the Federal Government will allow the project to get to the next stage.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Hon Nola Marino MP said she approved the project as it was an excellent example of investment in the region to further support local business to recover and diversify.

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s commitment of $100 million over two years to fund the Regional Recovery Partnerships in 10 regions across Australia. The Partnerships reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to working with all levels of government to deliver jobs, economic recovery and economic diversification.

Snippets…

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GARDEN OPEN DAY: Costa Georgiadis with some young fans at the Forbes Riverside Community Garden Open Day last Saturday.

Costa Comes To Forbes: ABC green thumb Costa Georgiadis came to town last Friday and Saturday as part of Central West Lachlan Landcare’s big weekend of events that included Eco Day on Friday followed by a dinner and an open day at Forbes Riverside Gardens.
CW Lachlan Landcare coordinator Marg Applebee was chuffed with the results of the weekend and rightfully so after extensive planning hampered by numerous challenges all finally came to fruition. From all reports it was an outstanding weekend.

Bill Closes Curtain On 56 Years Of Drama: Bill Jayet first fell in love with the theatre at Forbes Town Hall as nine-year-old while watching Oklahoma. It was a passion that lasted his life and just recently culminated in a final performance in the production Wicked.
Bill, who is a life member of the Parkes M & D Society, paid tribute to everyone singling out Lyn Townsend and Neil Westcott for special praise. Well done Bill!

Studio 10 Is Coming To Town: Daniel Doody, the resident roving reporter for Channel Ten’s breakfast program Studio 10, will be at Acheson’s Mitre 10 from 8am-12noon on Thursday June 10 doing live crossed for Australia’s Biggest Bogan Fest which is on at the Bedgerabong Racecourse from June 11-13. Tickets can be purchased here at – www.eventbrite.com.au/e/australias-biggest-bogan-festival-tickets

Snake-Catcher Paul Newcombe Retires After 20 Years: When Paul Newcombe started catching snakes it was only a hobby. Newcombe had always owned and been interested in reptiles and soon the hobby became a lifestyle as the regional licensed snake-catcher.
Now some two decades later, Paul is hanging up the net and heading in a new direction and while we don’t blame him it does leave a vacancy for a resident snake-catcher if anyone is keen?

Two Local Screenwriters See Film Get Made In WA: Adam Enslow and this writer, Forbes Phoenix Editor, Dane Millerd along with director John V Soto have written a feature film screenplay called Avarice set to be filmed in Western Australia this month starring Luke Ford (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) and being produced by Epic Pictures.
The film follows a woman who must confront her husband’s secretive double life amidst a vicious home invasion by two ruthless assailants. Millerd, who helmed There’s Something In The Pilliga, will then co-produce a project on Katherine Knight – Australia’s worst female killer.

FUNDED FEATURE FILM: Local photographer, musician, videographer and producer Adam Enslow (above) along with Forbes Phoenix Editor Dane Millerd have had their screenplay Avarice taken up by Epic Pictures to be filmed this month in WA.

Six Million COVID-19 Tests But No Room For Complacency

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NSW has reached a major milestone in its fight against COVID-19, with more than six million tests conducted since the beginning of the pandemic almost 500 days ago.

More than 3.5 million people have been tested for COVID-19 in NSW, with almost 1.4 million people being tested more than once.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the NSW community should be very proud of this milestone.

“As recent events show, COVID-19 can re-emerge at any time, even after lengthy periods of defences against COVID-19 as they allow us to detect new cases early and prevent further transmission,” Dr Chant said.

“NSW has one of the highest COVID-19 testing rates in the world and reaching six million tests reflects the fantastic efforts of the people of NSW since the beginning of this pandemic,” she said.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone in NSW who has come forward and been tested and urge you to continue to do so – if you have even the mildest of symptoms it is so important you come forward and get tested.”

Of the 3,514,483 people who have taken COVID-19 tests in NSW, 61 per cent (2,138,516) were tested once, with 39 per cent (1,375,967 people) tested on multiple occasions. More than 52,000 people have been tested five or more times.

People in the 30 to 39 year age group accounted for the highest number of tests (1,077,602, 18 percent of all tests), followed by those aged 20 to 29 (923,657 tests, 15 percent) and those aged 40 to 49 (855,231 tests, 14 percent).

There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

New Life For The Lachlan Vintage Village

June 4, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.lachlanvintagevillage.com.au/

The Lachlan Vintage Village was jointly developed in the 1970’s by the Forbes Municipal and Jemalong Shire Councils with considerable community input and effort. This tourism attraction showcased days-gone-by and old trades and was a popular location regionally for school excursions and visitors. The Lachlan Vintage Village, formally closed to the public in 2004. Forbes Shire Council purchased the site in 2017.

In 2021 the Lachlan Vintage Village building will be revived, repaired and refurbished to become the new location for the Forbes Visitor Information Centre with an ideal location adjacent the Newell Highway and on the way to some of Forbes Shires stunning sculptures.

“We are so excited to be rejuvenating the Lachlan Vintage Village site as Forbes Tourist Information Centre,” Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said.

The internal fit out and external cladding and verandah works are to be completed by December with the Visitor Information Centre operating a short time afterwards.

“Local Contractors will be utilised where possible, contributing to the local economy,” Mayor Miller said.

This project is funded by the NSW Government Drought Stimulus Program for the building component and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

Forbes Among Yellow Ribbon Councils

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

YELLOW RIBBON COUNCILS: Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager Kent Boyd, Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Corporate Services Stefan Murru, SARAH President Peter Frazer, Parkes Shire Council Mayor Ken Keith OAM and Parkes Shire Council’s Director of Works and Services Ben Howard.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils have been announced as Yellow Ribbon Councils by SARAH (Safer Australian Roads and Highways) President Peter Frazer, for their long-time support of National Road Safety Week.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM and Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Corporate Services Stefan Murru accepted the certificates. Lachlan Shire Council’s certificate was presented to General Manager Greg Tory by the Councils’ shared Road Safety Officer Melanie Suitor earlier this week.

“We are all touched by road trauma, which echoes through our community and is felt by so many others – family and friends, work colleagues, community groups, emergency service workers and local communities,” Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“That’s why the Councils’ are very supportive of road safety and have been active in this space for almost 20 years.”

The week honours the memory of the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 44,000 seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year.

People are encouraged to sign an online pledge to not drive distracted, not speed and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Take the pledge at: www.roadsafetyweek.com.au

Forbes Open Studio Trail Sunday, June 6

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Embark on an adventure behind the Forbes Shire art scene into the creative lives of six of our most outstanding artists Coralie Crouch, Melody Ruhrmund, Klara Ward, Sue Dingwall, Sampa Bhakta and Sharon Degeling.

In this eclectic multimedia showcase of local talent, these six creatives will open the doors of their private studios on Sun-day, 6 June 2021 as part of the Forbes Open Studio Trail.

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “the Forbes Shire is home to some amazing emerging and established artists working in diverse artistic practices including textiles, graphic design, wood turning, painting, illustrating, ceramics and many more.”

“This is a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes inside their creative spaces, learn about different art forms and see how they are made.”

The event runs from 10am until 3pm. Ticket holders will check-in at the Platypus Gallery, collect their trail map, and are then free to explore each of the open studios at their leisure. Tickets are $10 for Forbes Arts Society (FAS) members and $15 for non-members and can be pre-purchased through the Eventbrite website or on-the-day from the Platypus Gallery.

For more information about the Forbes Open Studio Trail, visit www.forbesartssociety.com or follow the Platypus Gallery on Facebook and Instagram. The Forbes Open Studio Trail is proudly supported by Forbes Arts Society and Arts OutWest. The Platypus Gallery is run by ArtsWeb volunteers, a committee of the Forbes Arts Society.

Featured six artists as part of the event include Coralie Crouch, Melody Ruhrmund, Klara Ward, Sue Dingwall, Sampa Bhakta and Sharon Degeling.

Community Funding Round Two

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

COMMUNITY GRANTS: Community grant recipients with Forbes Shire Council councillors and staff.

Forbes Shire Council has recently awarded the second round of the annual Community Funding Program at the Council Meeting. This provided elected members a chance to congratulate the successful not-for-profit community organisations, who received a share in the $41,000 of in-kind or cash contribution funding through this round.

The revamped funding program accepts online applications only through the Forbes Shire Council SmartyGrants portal, found on Council’s website. This program offers an opportunity for groups within the Shire to access funding to support events, activities and infrastructure. Applicants can receive up to $5,000 in each round over four categories; sport and recreation, culture and arts, community services and rural village enhancement. Across the financial year applicants a total of $100,000 is available in two rounds.

“Council is extremely proud to be awarding another $41,000 of this crucial funding to ensure the community has access to ongoing events, activities and infrastructure,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. This is the second round of the new format of Community Funding with over $91,000 awarded thus far.

“Community organisations, sporting groups and not-for-profit organisations are reminded to get their applications in for the current round, and as always, our amazing Grants Officers will be available to assist groups with completing and submitting applications to ensure each applicant has the best chance of success,” said Mayor Miller.

The successful recipients include:
• Bedgerabong PA and H Association
• Forbes and District Tennis Club
• Forbes Auto Sports Club
• Forbes Birth to Kinder
• Forbes Art Society
• Forbes Childcare Centre Inc.
• Forbes Country Music Inc.
• Forbes Dragon Boat Club Inc
• Forbes Family History Group
• Forbes Toy Library
• NSW Small Winemakers Show
• Wirrinya Progress Association

The next round of funding is now open and additional information including Funding Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions are available on the Council website. Please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300 for more information.

Subscribe