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Forbes Phoenix

Woolworths And Variety Launch Kids Easter Fundraising Appeal

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

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.

Cricket Season Drawing To Close

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

STUMPS: The Forbes cricket season is coming to a close with junior games wrapping up and the Men’s grand final this weekend.

While the rain has played havoc for many in what has already been a disruptive season.the Forbes cricket season is nearing its conclusion. Perhaps the most impressive story from the weekend was the incredible last ball win by Forbes Under 12s against Parkes Colts. Needing 18 off the last two overs, Mac Glasson and Cayden Metzeling combined for a tenth wicket partnership to get Forbes home at the death. Well done boys and congrats to all junior winners! Men’s grade grand finals are this weekend.

Locals Clean Up At Bride’s Choice Awards

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

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.

Western NSW Businesses Urged To Register For Dine & Discover

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Business NSW is encouraging businesses across Western NSW in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors to register for the NSW Government’s Dine & Discover program.

The call comes as the four $25 vouchers have started to become available in several Local Government Areas across regional NSW this week.

“This was a popular announcement from last year’s State Budget, and it’s important our region’s businesses in tourism, hospitality and entertainment register now to benefit from the program,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“No one needs extra encouragement to have a meal out or enjoy some downtime after the past year, so I encourage Western NSW businesses to register now so they can reap the rewards when the program opens here soon,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Customers are likely to spend much more than the $25 the voucher provides, and they have the opportunity of opening their business up to a whole new potential client base and encourage repeat visitation.”

There will be two distinct categories of voucher, ensuring as many businesses as possible can benefit from the program.

“Two vouchers can be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays,” said Ms Seccombe.

Free Training Session For Gliders

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

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.

Snippets…

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

BACK TO BISCUITS: After a five month lay-off due to COVID, Aussie Biscuits is back operating in their new premises. From 600 biscuits a day 45 years ago to 35,000 today we are glad they are back!

Aussie Biscuits Cooking Again: In a massive development for the local treasure, Aussie Biscuits is up and running again after a COVID enforced lay-off that lasted nearly half a year.
Brett Thompson of Aussie Biscuits was ecstatic to return citing how difficult it had been for many especially participants with a disability during the break. “It was hard for a few of our participants for sure,” he said.
“Unfortunately though due to how dangerous and contagious the virus was we had no choice but to cease production,” Brett said. “I know everyone is over the moon though that we are finally back to normal.”
From 600 biscuits a day back in 1976 through to 35,000 today it is certainly great to see Forbes local treasure back in full swing!

Choose To Challenge Wraps With Wonderful Women Exhibit: The rain didn’t stop a strong turn out for the finale of the IWD Choose to Challenge Exhibition that ran at the Platypus Gallery for the last two weeks. Saturday night from all reports was a great success as local award-winning photographer, Sarah Hodge of Essjay Photography showcased her array of extraordinary photographs. Well done Forbes Art Society, Forbes Business Chamber and all concerned for a fabulous exhibition!

Central West Landcare Kicking Big Goals For Forbes: It’s been a big few weeks for Central West Landcare, from CWLL monthly meetings at Forbes Community Garden as well as The Friends of Parliament Landcare event with NSW Councillors culminating in the NSW Rural Women’s Information evening Forbes Golf Club club this Wednesday March 24 at 6pm. Call Central West Landcare or the club for more info and don’t miss out on what promises to be a flagship event.

Wet Weather Continues: Last week we said there was a chance of more rain and now a good part of the state is experiencing flash flooding. While Forbes is some way off at the moment, another week of torrential rain and we may have to summon Steve Carrell’s ark from Evan Almighty.

Ninja Park Nearing Completion: It’s the park everyone can’t wait to see open – the new Forbes Ninja Park as final touches are being put on what will surely be one of the more popular family hangouts once it’s up and running. Perhaps we may find Australia’s next ninja warrior right here in Forbes!

NEAR COMPLETE: Ongoing construction on the Forbes Ninja Park is nearing completion as workers put on some finishing touches.

Maynard The Allrounder Has Bright Future

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GREAT EFFORT: Despite not having a coach or training like the other competitors, Brock Maynard finished 9th in the state at the NSWLAC in Sydney last weekend.

Some people are blessed with one skill if they’re lucky then there are those like Forbes Public School youngster Brock Maynard, who after finishing 9th in the NSW Little Athletics Track and Field Javelin competition on the weekend, is now gearing up for a run in the Western Region AFL side to travel to Byron Bay in May.

Along with Maddox Bruem, the pair have been picked to headline a U12s side that some say are an outside chance for the title. Toby Smart is the shadow reserve.

Yet for the affable 11 year old, it all comes naturally and he takes each selection and award with the same no nonsense and grace as he does everything.

“I like playing sports as it’s fun and a great way to meet people and make friends,” said Brock.

“AFL is a little new to me as I know and prefer rugby league but it’s fun,” he said. “Both are very different to javelin!”

Maynard threw 24.3m, only 64cms short of 8th which would’ve seen him take a place in the money round top 8 shoot-out but poor weather and the fact he is still learning about the sport and gaining big match experience counted against him at the last moment.

“It was a great experience and I hope I can go back again,” he said. “I do enjoy javelin though if I had to pick I would say I love rugby league the most,” Brock said.

And who’s his tip for the NRL title in 2021? “Penrith Panthers of course!” Of course.

COVID Vaccine Rollout In Forbes

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is advising the public that Phase 1b of the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout has commenced in the region from Monday, March 22, 2021.

Selected clinics across the local region will be involved in the rollout of Phase 1b of the COVID-19 Vaccinations from March 22nd. Up to 13 practices including Forbes Medical Centre and Forbes Medicine and Mind will be involved during the first week of Phase 1b.

WNSW PHN Acting CEO, Robert Strick-land, has praised the clinics that will be involved during Phase 1b of Vaccinations. “We’re extremely grateful that so many of the region’s General Practices have chosen to be part of this absolutely vital stage in our region’s response to COVID-19.”

Residents of the region can rest assured that as more practices become involved during the first 4 weeks of Phase 1b, that there will be ample opportunity for everyone eligible in the Phase to be vaccinated in a timely manner.

Residents eligible for vaccination during Phase 1b are encouraged to talk to their usual General Practice to enquire as to that practice’s inclusion in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The following groups of people are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the Phase 1b Vaccination Rollout:

• People aged 70 years and over.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 years and over.
• Health Care Workers not vaccinated during Phase 1a.
• People aged 18 years and over with specified underlying medical conditions.
• Critical and high-risk workers.

Forbes (March 22, 2021)
• Forbes Medical Centre
• Forbes Medicine and Mind

Big Turn-Out For Ronald McDonald House Forbes Fundraiser

March 26, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Shire Council fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange held last night was an outstanding success with a strong turn-out by locals.

“All funds raised on the evening will remain in Orange to directly support families from Forbes and other areas of the central and far west who come to stay at the house in Orange while seeking specialist and life-saving treatment for their baby, child or adolescent,” said Ronald McDonald House Media Representative Janice Harris.

“Since the house in Orange opened, 77 families from Forbes have stayed at no cost for a total of 301 nights,” Janice said.

“They have been supported with a range of services including emergency meals, toiletries, and new toys, activities and books for the child in hospital.”

In total, 838 families from the central and far west have stayed at the house in Orange for a total of 6,795 nights free of charge.

Wear Red Day began four years ago as an initiative of the Principal of Denison College in Bathurst, Ken Barwick.

“Can’t wait for 2022!”

Forbes Part Of New Regional Health Model

March 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HEALTHY START: At the launch of the new collaborative care model for five regions in Parkes on Tuesday were (L-R) Dr Shannon Noll (Rural Director for Medical Services NSW), Jenny Webb (Deputy Mayor Forbes Shire), Scott McLachlan (Chief Executive of Western NSW Local Health District), Ruth Stewart (National Rural Health Commissioner), Mark Coulton (Federal Regional Health Minister), Michael McCormack (Deputy Prime Minister), Barbara Newton (Deputy Mayor Parkes Shire), John Kramer (Chair of Rural Doctors Network) and Richard Colbran (CEO of Rural Doctors Network).

Last week a new collaborative health care model built on a community-based response was launched for Forbes and other centres throughout the Central West.

Forbes will join other regions in the trial to find innovative solutions to local healthcare problems with an investment of $5 million from the Australian Government to support what the communities come up with. The other regions are Parkes, Tullamore, Trangie, Tottenham, Trundle, Canowindra, Snowy Valley and Wentworth.

Regional experts, including the NSW Rural Doctors Network, the Western NSW Local Health District and the Western NSW Primary Health Network are working closely with local councils, community and health professionals to design an innovative solution.

The difference with this approach to traditional health workforce solutions that focus on individual towns, is the focus will be on sub-regions to address healthcare access issues.

“By servicing multiple towns, there is an opportunity to achieve economies of scale, create sustainable practices and provide better access to primary health services for rural and remote Australians,” said Deputy Prime Minister and member for Riverina Michael McCormack at the launch.

“The aim is to demonstrate how new and flexible approaches can address workforce shortages in the bush and find sustainable ways of delivering services across a number of smaller, connected rural communities,” said Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton.

“The challenge of delivering health services in small communities is well known, and it is clear the existing one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working for everyone.” The CEO of the Rural Doctors Network, Richard Colbran agreed, and believes the days of a doctor settling into a town for 40 years were gone.

“The aim with the new model would be to get doctors to stay for at least five years,” said Richard.

“That would allow patients to build a relationship with their GP.”

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