Articles Archives - Page 201 of 412

Heated Pool Plans Frozen

February 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Heated Pool Committee has called an urgent meeting to be held at the Bowling Club at 6pm on Monday, 8 February to discuss plans for the rehabilitation of the structure and facilities around the pool, and all are invited to attend.

In November 2019, the committee received a $650,000 land grant and then a further $65,000 donation from the Forbes Aged People’s Association to go towards the refurbishment of the facility.

The heated pool services 700 people every month, including 300 children and adults who are learning to swim. The pool is utilised by the Forbes community, along with visitors from Grenfell, Condobolin, and Parkes.

“We want to make sure that no one in the community is disadvantaged,” said Dianne Decker, President of the Heated Pool Committee, “this pool is such an important facility in our community for learn to swim classes and rehabilitation, I wouldn’t be able to walk if not for the use of the pool in my rehabilitation and it is very frustrating that we are still waiting for the upgrades, more than 12 months after receiving the grants,” said Dianne. “We’ve been getting dozens of complaints from people asking why we haven’t fixed it up yet, but it is beyond our control.”

A spokesperson for the Forbes Shire Council said that Council put out a tender for the construction of the new structure and facilities, which close 11 February, and said that “The tender we have received so far have all come in above the amount we have, they don’t fit within the budget. Council is looking at ways to break the project up to lessen the cost in order to fit within the amount available for the refurbishment.”

Mates Rates For Farmers

February 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

CEO of Rural Aid, John Warlters, has encouraged locals to continue the spirit of Australia Day, to help out Aussie farmers. “We’re great at lending a hand to mates in need here in Australia, it’s one of the best parts of our nation,” John said.

“Right now, our farmers are in need of some ‘Mates Rates’. By donating a few dollars to Rural Aid, you’ll help a farming family and their community get back on their feet after years of drought and devastating bushfires.”

Last financial year, Rural Aid distributed more than $28 million worth of fodder, water, financial assistance and counselling to farmers and towns in need of a helping hand. Donations from the Mates Helping Mates campaign will contribute to Rural Aid’s Stronger Futures program, an initiative that helps rejuvenate towns and surrounding farms. The multi-pronged program provides the knowledge, resources, and the heavy lifters to ensure rural communities are maximizing their full potential.

The Mates Helping Mates campaign is a third of the way towards its target of $100,000. “These generous donations will help to change the lives of our farming mates,” John said. To make a donation visit www.ruralaid.org.au/mates-helping-mates.

Improving Drought Resistance

February 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Australian Government is investing $10 million through the Climate Services for Agriculture Program to help farm businesses increase drought and climate resilience.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the program was funded through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund and would provide farmers with access to trusted and relevant information on national and regional climate data.

“We are the first government to look to the future to prepare for the next drought which is why we have established the $5 billion Future Drought Fund,” David said.

“The Climate Services for Agriculture Program will complement seasonal forecasts and climate guides that are currently available through BOM by providing detailed regional information about future drought and climate risks and inform management actions to address vulnerabilities and prepare for future impacts.

“CSIRO and BOM will engage the agricultural sector to determine the type of climate information that is most useful to their businesses and test in four pilot regions to ensure the decision support tools to meet their needs.”

“The pilot regions will be identified in early 2021 and will include a range of climatic regions and agricultural sectors.”

The Climate Services for Agriculture Program is one of the foundational programs announced under the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund on 1 July 2020. The Australian Government continues to support farmers and regional businesses through tough times.

For more information go to: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund#climate-services-for-agriculture-program.

Baby It’s Time

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Birthing with the Lachlan Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) began booking in expectant mothers from 21 January 2021, with many mothers now able to choose to give birth at either Parkes or Forbes Hospitals under the care of a midwife.

Acting Lachlan Health Service Manager, Jenni McGee said, “Midwifery Group Practice provides a mother with a midwife who cares for them during pregnancy, birth journey and afterwards. The MGP midwives work together in a small group.

“MGP is for women with a low-risk pregnancy, and no medical conditions. Midwives are trained specialists in normal pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. They also have support from specialist GP obstetricians if required during pregnancy.

“When pregnant women call the central intake line on 6861 2439, they will get to speak to our maternity team about the choices available, and which may be the right option for them. This is ultimately a decision based on both a risk assessment and the mother’s choice.

“Where the pregnancy is low risk, mums can now choose to birth at either Parkes or Forbes Hospital through the MGP. They will have a primary midwife working with them throughout their pregnancy which really helps develop understanding and trust,” Jenni said.

The Lachlan Maternity Service will also commence Maternity Antenatal/Postnatal Program (MAPP) clinics from 1 February 2021.

MAPP provides a mum with a midwife who cares for them before the birth and afterwards at home. The woman’s labour and birth may occur at Forbes, Orange, Dubbo or other hospitals depending on the woman and her baby’s needs.

“We are very excited for the women in Lachlan and the wider region because they will have a choice of several different models of care. We know the difference it will make for women to be able to give birth to their babies close to home”. Jenni said.

WNSWLHD Project Recognised On National Stage

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has showcased the Signs of Strangulation (SOS) Project at the National Stop Domestic Violence Conference. Danielle Allen and Julieanne Potts, presented their project, Improving Responses for Victims of Domestic Violence Presenting with Non-Fatal Strangulation at Orange Emergency Department. WNSWLHD Executive Director Integrated Care Julie Cooper said, “This project started as part of the Clinical Leadership Program but has turned into something so much bigger.” The project included the development of a vital medical alert resource card to provide to victims of DFV and SOS card.

“The SOS card is now being used by the majority of NSW Local Health District’s and other service providers including other government and non-government services who assist victims of Domestic and Family Violence,” Julie said. “I am extremely proud that we have turned this into a whole of Local Health District (LHD) response. The safety and health of our patients in every part of the WNSWLHD is important. The WNSWLHD stands against any form of domestic and family violence. “The commitment to creating positive change for our LHD by Danielle and Julieanne is inspiring,” Julie said.

Installation Of New Birds Hides Underway At Gum Swamp

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Midpro Engineering and Irrigation driving the footings for one of the new bird hides at Gum Swamp.

Gum Swamp, usually a serene nature reserve, has been a hive of activity as work commences on the installation of three new bird hides.

Midpro have spent four months constructing the two-storey frames for the new hides off-site at their depot. Last Tuesday, the steel footings were driven into place near the water’s edge in preparation for the timber and steel structures to be transported out to site and assembled.

In addition to the construction of three new bird hides, the existing hide was recently refurbished as part of the Gum Swamp redevelopment project.

Built in 1992 with support from Dick Smith, Australian Geographic, and several local community groups, the ‘bunker’ was in dire need of a makeover.

Forbes Arts Society’s Chairperson, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “The existing bird hide has been a tremendous community and tourism asset for close to 30 years, so we are delighted to see it refurbished to be utilised for decades to come.”

While Gum Swamp is commonly known as a destination for bird watchers, this project will encourage residents and visitors to utilise the wetland sanctuary for other passive recreational activities.

“The landscape lends itself to a diverse range of opportunities. We hope that this redevelopment will attract new user groups, including photographers, artists, health and wellness enthusiasts, and those wishing to just immerse themselves in nature,” Karen said.

Work on the new bird hides is anticipated to be complete by April 2021. Construction of the new pathways, and installation of handrails, seating and wayfinding signage will commence thereafter.

The Gum Swamp redevelopment is part of the $7 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’, proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Councils and Evolution Mining.

Member for NSW Upper House, Sam Farraway MP said the redevelopment of the bird hides will boost tourism and improve the visitor experience. “This initiative is exactly what the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund is designed to deliver, and I am thrilled to see it becoming a reality,” Sam said.

Councillor Pushing For More Social Housing In Forbes

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Amy Shine, Director of Forbes Preschool, and Councillor Steve Karaitiana, who were each instrumental in implementing vital social infrastructure in North Forbes.

The new Goldridge Estate is set to help manage the growing population in Forbes. However, the estate will have no social housing properties included in it despite there being a major need for it. Forbes Shire Councillor Steve Karaitiana is pushing for more social housing in Forbes however, has so far come up against resistance within Council. Steve has been trying to include social housing development on Goldridge Estate, amongst the nearly 400 new houses that will be built, suggesting pepper-potting, an urban housing strategy where social housing is sprinkled amongst different residential areas across town. However, the land was given to Council under the proviso that there will be no social housing build on the land, which was donated to Forbes Shire Council by the Forbes Jemalong Aged People’s Association (FJAPA) after the group disbanded in 2019.

“We disbanded. All the money that was from the sale of the old village, we bought that paddock initially to put up the new retirement village with, which is there now. Independent living units was another bit of land that we gave to Catholic Healthcare, and the land that was left we decided, because it was community money that bought the land, what better community organization is there than Forbes Shire Council,” said Alister Lockhart, former Chairman of the Forbes Jemalong Aged People’s Association. It was included by the FJAPA as the association felt the inclusion of social housing would affect the sale value of the land. “It’s quite a big area, and it was thought that it would be quite a long time before residential could get established. And it was thought there might be some social housing that might pull in there with caravans. And that’s what the thinking was, and it was to stop that from happening because it would make the rest not sell well if there were caravans,” stated Alistair.

According to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), as of June 2020 Forbes had 206 social housing dwellings, down from 213 in 2015. The latest statistics available on waiting times from the DCJ website indicate that as of 30 June 2019, there were 20 applicants waiting for social housing within Forbes, with less than five of those on the priority list. Expected waiting times for social housing within Forbes at that time ranged between up to two years, and five years. As of July 2020, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes were dealing with approximately 45 cases of homelessness in Forbes, and throughout the year had helped 120 people at risk of living with homelessness. Specialist Homelessness Service Team Leader for CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, Andrew Bament, said homelessness is a serious ongoing issue in Forbes and believes there is a need for additional social housing. Full article available online https://katherineeverest.com/2021/01/27/councillor-pushing-for-more-social-housing-in-forbes/

Snippets…

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Parents are being urged to ensure that their child’s immunisations are up to date before they return to, or commence school.

Catch Up With Shots Before The Rush: Parents and carers with children starting NSW childcare, primary or secondary school this year are being urged to ensure they are up to date with their immunisations. Parents and carers with children starting childcare, primary, or secondary school in 2021 are reminded to ensure they provide their child’s immunisation history. Children can only be enrolled in childcare where documented evidence is if they are fully immunised for their age, are on a recognised catch-up schedule or have a medical reason not be vaccinated. Immunisation requirements in primary schools were extended in 2018 to include secondary schools. Principals are now required to request an immunisation his-tory statement when students enrol. The changes were made to help control disease outbreaks in schools by collecting accurate information about a child’s immunisation status. Students without an approved immunisation certificate and those who are unimmunised risk being excluded from school if there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease for their own safety. Parents can download their child’s statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from MyGov, the Medicare Express Plus App or the AIR enquiry line on 1800 653 809.

Be A Mate To Our Furry Friends In The Heat: RSPCA NSW is urging all pet owners to keep their pets cool, hydrated, and safe this summer. As temperatures across the state begin to rise above 40 degrees Celsius, it is crucial pet owners make precautions for their pets to avoid potential heat stress, and fatalities, this summer. Pets cannot always cool themselves down, so as a responsible pet owner, it is your job to keep them cool during the hot summer months. If possible, bring your pets indoors where there is shade, and possibly air-conditioning, to provide a cool environment to chill in. Do not under any circumstances leave pets unattended in locked cars, even if you are parked in shade or have the windows down. If pets are to be outdoors during the heatwave, it is important to provide access to shaded areas to protect your pets from the sun. Place ice in your pet’s bowls to help cool their water sources but check that your pet is comfortable with the change in water temperature. If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, please contact your closest veterinarian immediately.

Sansa the white German Shepherd adopted from RSPCA NSW keeping cool under an umbrella, in a shallow pool, and pet-friendly zinc to protect her from sunburn.

School Is In; Be Aware On The Road

January 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students next week and Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged five to 14 years old.

“Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their inability to judge speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably.

“Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay extra attention and be patient when school resumes as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the road, and young pedestrians crossing the streets. Over the long summer break it is easy to forget just how busy and congested the streets around schools can get. This is especially important in country areas with higher speed limits, limited bus stop signage and no footpaths.”

“Please obey the parking signs around schools. They are there to keep children safe. The most common are ‘No Stopping’ and ‘No Parking’. You cannot stop in a ‘No Stopping’ zone, however you can drop-off or pick-up passengers in a ‘No Parking’ zone as long as you are only there for two minutes and are no more than three meters away from your car,” Melanie said.

There are 40km/h school speed zones in existence around all schools in NSW. Most school zones are operational between 8am-9.30am and 2.30pm-4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing. Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns.

“Road safety around schools is everybody’s responsibility – students, teachers, parents, carers and drivers. We all have a part to play,” Melanie said.

More Workers To Support Farmers

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

While the Morrison Government is changing visa conditions to provide more workers to farmers struggling to find the extra hands during harvest season, some of the new conditions may undermine the basic principles of Australian democracy and cultural values by refusing to give a ‘fair go’ to those at risk of returning to countries with fatally failing healthcare systems.

Australia’s fruit picking sector has faced criticism over conditions and farms in and around the Central West are not exempt from reports of unscrupulous treatment of workers. In Queensland, Belgian backpacker Olivier Caramin died from heat stress while picking fruit, his employer was fined for breaking labour laws but avoided conviction.

According to Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke, under the changes, temporary visa holders are more likely to be granted the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa, so long as they work in the agriculture sector.

While this incentive may deliver much needed workers out West, the coercive nature of this regulatory change, that makes temporary visa holders choose between the safety of the COVID-19 visa and another round of hard labour, is a concern which warrants further enquiries.

Subscribe