Articles Archives - Page 192 of 424

Black Spot Road Funding Will Deliver Safety Upgrades To Two Busy Roads: Mccormack

July 30, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Users of two busy roads will soon enjoy welcome safety improvements from a $1.345 million investment by the Federal Government through the 2021-22 Black Spot Program, says Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

Mr McCormack said the Government would spend $685,000 on Calarie Road between Wyndham Avenue and Daroobalgie Road at Forbes.

“The project includes road shoulder improvements, road edge lining, installing new guideposts and reflective road pavement markers,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said $660,000 would be spent on Middle Trundle Road between 8km and 10.9km east of the Bogan Way intersection at Trundle.

“The work includes installing curve markers, improving the curved shoulder and installing new curve and advisory signs, as well as new reflective road pavement markers and guideposts,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said regional projects in the latest round of the Black Spot program would receive 60 percent of recommended funding in NSW ($20.7 million of $34.4 million) and 42 percent of projects (41 of 97) were in regional areas. For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/fund-ing/blackspots.

McCormack’s LRCIP Visit To Forbes

July 30, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

PROGRESS: National’s MP and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack stopped by Forbes last week to inspect a number of projects as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

National’s MP and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was in Forbes last week to get an update on a plethora of projects being undertaken in the shire.

It was McCormack’s first visit to Forbes since being unseated as National’s Leader by Barnaby Joyce and he took time to meet a number of community stakeholders.

Mr McCormack spoke at length about the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRICP) and how the program has provided a big boost to community infrastructure. He then completed a tour of town with Mayor Phyllis Miller to inspect the latest round of works. They included:

• Additional widening of road on Yarrabandi Road;

• The repair and restoration of the Lions Park picnic shelter and the installation of a rotunda, irrigation upgrade and subsequent electricity supply at Lions Park;

• Necessary upgrades to a problematic intersection on the Newell Highway on the Southern side entrance to Forbes, creation of a new access road and additional parking constructed to support the development of a new Visitors In-formation Centre at the former Lachlan Vintage Village;

• Refurbishment and repair of Forbes Heated Pool facility including improving accessibility for community;

• Installation of Closed Circuit TV system throughout the Forbes CBD.

“Forbes Council knows where this money is best spent in the Forbes community,” Mr McCormack said.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our regions, now and as we build our way out of the pandemic,” Mr McCormack said.

Hard Vax Is COVID Not Going Any Time Soon

July 30, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GET VACCINATED: More and more locations throughout the Central West will soon be able to provide vaccines for community members. Please check with your local GP or via NSW Health for times and availability and book your vaccine today! INSET: WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

In Australia so far, COVID cases in total since the beginning of the pandemic are around 33,000 – that’s roughly the population of Bathurst and with only 13.1% fully vaccinated the number is expected to grow if NSW residents especially don’t start following public health orders and get vaccinated according to WNSWLHD Chief Executive Officer Scott McLachlan.

“The sooner we can all get vaccinated the better,” he said.

“We also need people to continue to get tested!”

With plenty of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine available and the imminent arrival of more Pfizer shots plus the increase in mobile sites, hubs, teams and locations such as medical centres, hospitals and pharmacies, there are multiple opportunities for people to get vaccinated especially over 40s.

McLachlan said that our region had just the one active case who was identified last week in the Cabonne Shire. Forbes, despite at one point being the focus of a potential COVID scare back on June 10, remains on the same restrictions as most of regional NSW and has done since an infected Victorian couple drove through Forbes on the way to the Sunshine Coast.

Key information as of July 28:

• Overnight there have been no new cases COVID-19 identified in our Local Health District;

• There is currently one active case of COVID-19 in our LHD. That case is located in the Cabonne LGA;

• As a result of contact tracing and other investigations we currently have six venues of concern in our LHD; five in Orange and one at Bathurst. All venues of trans-mission or concern are listed on the NSW Health website;

• Yesterday, more than 1,400 COVID-19 tests were performed in the Central West;

• In most cases, people will receive their results within 72 hours. If people are waiting longer than 72 hours for results, please contact our public health team between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 1300 066 055;

• Up to time of publication there had been approximately 38,000 tests conducted in the WNSWLHD in the last four weeks;

• Overnight there have been no changes to public health orders. However we encourage readers to check online for the latest updates.

Community members with questions should be encouraged to contact the National Coro-navirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

For information on COVID-19 testing locations go to www.nsw.gov.au and click the COVID-19 button to search for your nearest location. Anyone with symptoms related to COVID-19 should arrange to be tested and self-isolate until they receive their results.

For information on COVID-19 vaccination go to the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker at www.health.gov.au

Bernardi’s Round 6 BBC Recipients

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Aruma, Havana House and Holistic Avenue are just some of the recipients of Round 6 of the Building Better Communities Program. Since its inception in 2019, Bernardi’s has proudly donated $200,000 into the local communities in which they operate.

The Forbes family-owned company have been able to give back to local schools, hospitals, sporting clubs and charities with their “Building Better Communities Program” which aims to focus largely on local organisations “who need a helping hand, to keep our local communities thriving and connected”.

Co-CEO Joseph Bernardi said, “the program has been a great success for our communities and something that our family is very proud of. We love that it’s a whole community effort.” Beneficiaries will share in a donation pool of $5,000. They include:
• Aruma – who were looking to purchase new tables and chairsfor their central meeting place where they can hold meetings to catch up with individuals.
• Havana House – have been looking for donations for the day today running of the charity to provide emergency relief to womenand children.
• Holistic Avenue – hope to put their donation towards every dayrunning costs of the charity.

See more at bernardis.net.au/community

Athletes Ready For COVIDSafe PSSA Events

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

In what has already been a disruptive year for junior sport, a ‘clear’ path for PSSA activities may finally exist.

With most of metropolitan NSW in lock-down, adjustments have been daily in line with public health orders. New wording from the NSW Government clarifies where school sport stands currently within West-ern School Sports Association (WSSA) – which includes Lachlan PSSA.

“Inter-school sport and physical activity, including the Representative School Sport pathway (team and individual), can occur across Local Government Areas (apart from those in Greater Sydney) with COVID-safe practices in place. This includes gala days, trials, knock outs and carnivals.”

This means the Lachlan PSSA Athletics is back on track and the event will take place under COVID safe practices at North-parkes Oval on Friday July 30.

At this stage the event can have spectators that must adhere to our COVID safe plan, including all adults registering using the provided QR code, social distancing where practical, use of hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and all adults to wear a mask. Spectators will only be allowed into the venue after registering and must wear masks.

Check the PSSA Facebook page for latest updates and information.

Snippets…

July 23, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SUPPORTING OUR MOST VULNERABLE: Member for Riverina Michael McCormack in Canberra last week with Parkes School students while pushing his support for the new disability gateway.

McCormack Welcomes Dedicated National Referral And Support Service For People With Disability: Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is urging those with a disability in the Riverina and Central West to take advantage of a new national referral and support service. Mr McCormack said the dedicated one-stop service would provide advice and up-to-date information.

“This is an important service for those with a disability, as well as their loved ones, across the Riverina and Central West,” Mr McCormack said.

The Disability Gateway can assist with a range of support, from locating advocacy services, finding a sporting team that meets the needs of a person’s disability or identifying local disability-related events.

It is available at www.disabilitygateway.gov.au or by calling 1800 643 787 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST.

Conditions Of Entry For Bird Sale And Poultry Auction: Central West bird sale, community markets and poultry silent auction will be going ahead as planned on Saturday 14th August (pending further COVID restrictions). At this stage all sellers and the public will be subject to the following –
1. COVID check-in meaning you must have access to a smart phone;
2. Masks MUST be worn (a COVID Mar-shall will ask anyone to leave who is not complying);
3. A proof of address such as license will be checked. Anyone from a current hot spot including any area subject to COVID restrictions will be refused entry.

Other precautions we will implement include:
• We will have several sanitising stations throughout the venue;
• The toilets and hi-touch areas will be sanitised every 30 minutes;
• Three sheds will be used for selling of birds to lessen crowding;
• All market stalls will be outside;
• All sellers will enter via rear gate; (Racecourse Road) and general public by main entry (Show Street);
• All sheds will have entry and exit doors.
• Sharon 0406 512 851 for more info.

Mitre 10 Ladies Night: Ladies night is on again at Acheson’s Mitre 10 in Forbes. The blue chip event will be held on Thursday August 26 from 6-8pm. There will be promotions, prizes, info, refreshments and much more! Check their Facebook page for more info and latest COVID announcements and restrictions.

LADIES NIGHT: Thursday night August 26 from 6-8pm Acheson’s Mitre 10 Forbes will be holding another ladies night! Prizes, promotions, refreshments and much more! Check their Facebook page for more info!

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.

Staines Gets Double In Win For Panthers

Magpies Struggle Against CYMS

All Stars Smack Parkes Railway Renegades

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