Four major Australian foundations – The Myer Foundation, the Sidney Myer Fund, the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and the Paul Ramsay Foundation, have come together to fund the five-year, $9 million SILA program. In doing so, these organisations have unlocked potential to improve the wellbeing of all Australians.

Excitingly, CSI (Centre for Social Impact) have allocated a large portion of the funding to rural and regional participants. CSI strongly encourage participants in regional and rural parts of Australia to apply and will provide travel assistance. There is also funding to support people from diverse backgrounds to participate in SILA.

The program is first launching in ACT and NSW. This means that social impact leaders from Forbes, NSW are eligible SILA participants and are provided with the opportunity to further influence the for-good space.

“It is critical that we develop a truly national program. By broadening our reach in this way, we are ensuring we will be available to a diverse group of leaders and organisations from across Australia,” Jenny Wheatley, CEO of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation said.

For too long, rural and regional parts of Australia have been under-recognised in such spaces. CSI is excited to ensure that leaders from rural and regional areas are adequately represented in the sector and that the impacts of their work are amplified on a national level.

The program will include a series of immersive and dedicated training opportunities, all focused on supporting not-for-profit leaders to build their capacity and continue driving positive change.

More information about SILA can be found here: https://silaprogram.com.au/

The phrase ‘a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ is the inspiration behind the latest sculpture to be unveiled as part of Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) extension. ‘Bird in Hand’ by Gold Coast sculptor Michael ‘Mike’ Van Dam represents the profound responsibility of environmental preservation, sustainability and development bestowed upon humans. The 6.5 metre, 3.5 tonne piece depicting a hyper-realistic hand cradling a great white egret, was unveiled Wednesday at Straneys Bridge 37 kilometres from Forbes.

GOOD CAUSE: Woolworths and Variety have teamed up to raise vital funds for kids in need.

Woolworths customers can help support the mobility and medical equipment needs of children and families across NSW and ACT with the launch of the Easter Fundraising Appeal in support of Variety – The Children’s Charity.

Customers at Woolworths Forbes and across NSW can support the Easter Fundraising Appeal by simply adding a $2 Easter egg-shaped token to their shop or rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar when they spend over $30 at the self-service check-out.

The appeal is running in stores and online until April 6, 2021.

Woolworths Store Manager Noel Reardon said: “We’re proud of our long term support for Variety and are always amazed by how Forbes Shire customers continue to give generously with each appeal.

“Many families across NSW have had a tough twelve months, but what we continue to see is that Australians band together to support one another in times of need.

“The Easter Fundraising Appeal is a great example of how a little bit of good can go a long way for children and families across NSW and ACT, helping them get the vital equipment and support they need.”

One hundred percent of funds raised will help Variety to support children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.

Acting General Manager David Small agreed saying “With the help of Wool-worths and the kindness of their shoppers, Variety is working to ensure all children across NSW and the ACT have access to the crucial equipment they need to ensure they are living to their full potential.”

“We’re so grateful for our longstanding partnership with Woolworths and the support their shoppers continue to show Variety. Together, we can support more kids in need this Easter.”

Woolworths customers have helped raise $11 million to date for Variety.

BRIDE’S CHOICE: Bec Sammut beat a deep field to claim the Bride’s Choice Best Videographer in the Central West award recently.

Bek Sammut Videography and Essjay Photography’s Sarah Hodge both have a reason to smile. Recently, both women competed and won their respective sections at the popular Bride’s Choice Awards. Ivy Lane Photography claimed second in the same photography section as Essjay at the awards.

Sammut, who claimed the gong for Best Videographer in the Central West, was rapt with the win. “I was shocked and couldn’t believe I won,” Ms Sammut said.

“The awards were via zoom this year which made it different but still enjoyable,” she said.

“I am very humbled and grateful for the award.”

The awards, which are a part of the Australian Wedding Industry Awards are among the most prestigious in the country with stiff competition especially this year in the Central West region.

Brides Choice Awards is a non-member organisation which was launched in 2011 and has been there to acknowledge those wedding businesses that have excelled and exceeded the expectations of their Brides from around Regional Australia.

Brides Choice Awards is a supportive industry network platform, facilitating connectivity, support and importantly, recognising Excellence in Business practice through Brides Choice Awards for Excellence’ Annual Awards.

Ever wanted to learn how to hang glide? Well here’s your big chance!

While most of us will stick to the safety of land, others with the gall are encouraged to come and have a go in a free flight training session. Experienced instructors and hang glider pilots will be at the Forbes Aero Club from April 2 to April 5.

Event organiser Vicki Cain said they’re looking forward to coming back to Forbes and are hoping that the weather will be kind to them over the four days. “The Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championships unfortunately didn’t’ ahead this year,” she said.

“Despite that, there will be instructors hosting a morning and an evening session on Saturday, April 3,” said Vicki.

“The sessions are designed for people without flying experience and everyone is welcome.”

While it is free to take part in the training sessions, registrations are essential via their website at https://moyes.com.au/intro-hang-gliding-forbes.