Articles Archives - Page 208 of 412

Business On The Up

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW’s quarterly Business Conditions Survey has revealed the first bounce in business confidence in a year. The survey shows business perceptions about the performance of the NSW economy rebounded strongly from the record low recorded in June.

“The outlook has also improved, with businesses expecting further lifts in the economy for the remainder of 2020,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“While business services, hospitality and tourism businesses are heavily impacted overall, business performance in these industries varies dramatically depending on location and type of customers serviced. Many businesses are about to enter a difficult period as support measures are tapered back; however, it promises to see a strong foundation for recovery emerging in the region.”

The easing of drought conditions led to a boost in the Agricultural sector, this, alongside increased domestic tourism, has helped to bolster the outlook for businesses in Western NSW.

A Horse Drawn Carriage Ride For Jemalong Residents

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jemalong residents enjoying their My Wish, a horse drawn carriage ride through the countryside.

Delighted residents from Jemalong Residential Village in Forbes were recently treated to a horse drawn carriage ride through the countryside as part of Catholic Healthcare’s My Wish program. For the residents, the experience was nostalgic and an opportunity to reminisce, share stories and bond with each other.

Acting Lifestyle Manager, Bec Higgs said, “It was a wonderful and memorable day. We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather. The grand carriage drawn by two beautiful Percheron Draft horses was visually mesmerising. The residents were elated and the experience was enjoyed by everyone.”

Residents were taken around Jemalong, along a country road in a rural neighbouring field to a quaint little cottage and back again. Resident Jack said, “I haven’t done this in decades. I used to work with horses every day, and it’s good to be in their company again.”

“On the day, the Home was abuzz with hype and activity and everyone at Jemalong enjoyed the experience. For residents who didn’t want to go on a ride, we made sure there was time in the day to meet the horses, talk to the driver and the lady who owned them,” Bec said.

Remain Vigilant As Restrictions Are Eased

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As New South Wales marks three million COVID-19 tests since January, the NSW Government is calling on the community to continue to work together to fight the deadly virus.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned that while recent easing of restrictions is very welcome, it comes with risks and it is critical everyone keeps getting tested.

“This is a stealthy virus and if we give it an inch, it will take a mile and undo a lot of good work,” Brad said, “I thank the people of NSW for their efforts and sacrifices during the past nine months, which have put us in a position where we have been able to ease restrictions.”

The NSW Government aims to be able to continue to ease restrictions in the weeks and months ahead, but this depends on us being successful in minimising community transmission.

As of 8pm on 26 October 2020, 3,000,641 COVID-19 tests had been performed on 2,247,101 people in NSW. Of those people tested, 63.7 per cent had a single test and 36.3 per cent had more than one test. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was critical that people continue to come forward for testing and practice COVID-safe behaviours when out and about.

“When we have high numbers of people continuing to get tested, that allows us to detect cases in the community earlier and prevent onward transmission,” Kerry said.

“Get tested at the first sign of even the mildest of symptoms, wash your hands regularly, physically distance and wear a mask when using public transport and in places where you can’t physically distance.”

Templar Street To Close For Weekend Road Works

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council has pushed ahead with the refurbishment of Templar Street with part road closures that were implemented on Wednesday, 28 October to Thursday, 29 October 2020. The whole of Templar Street will be closed to traffic during Sunday, 1 November, to enable the removal of the existing road base and preparation for the new base to be laid.

“The Northern side of the street, the Dentists side, was closed on Wednesday and Thursday while we removed the islands and pavers,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“This staged approach will ensure the least amount of disruption to our shopping district. Traffic control will be in place and we ask you be patient when in the area as there may be congestion.”

“On Sunday, the whole street will close, and the majority of the work can be done over the weekend, ensuring a minimal amount of disruption to trade and businesses. Our crews will be working around the beautiful trees we have existing in the street already and ensure they don’t receive any damage whilst the work is being carried out.”

“The current pavers will be crushed and then re-used in future road projects ensuring no waste will be incurred because of works being completed in Templar Street,” Phyllis said.

On Monday, 9 November the adjoining laneways of Collit and Meaghers Lane will have pedestrian diversions in place to enable Forbes Shire Council to install power in the vicinity.

The project is due for completion in December 2020. Forbes residents who require more information are encouraged to contact Forbes Shire Councils Major Projects Manager on 02 6850 2300.

Forbes Celebrating NAIDOC

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

NAIDOC celebrations will go ahead in Forbes in November.

The Forbes Aboriginal community has come together once again to plan a COVID-safe celebration for NAIDOC this year. Committee members from Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Forbes Wiradjuri Rangers, Amaroo, CatholicCare and Council as well as community members and representatives from local schools have joined forces to design a family-friendly celebration to be held at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre on Friday, 13 November from 4.30pm – 8pm.

The event will feature a range of free activities including traditional art, dancing, storytelling, and language as well as art and craft activities, jumping castles and bungee trampolines plus the chance to win some amazing prizes. There will be a range of food options available including a free barbecue and a variety of food vans to choose from.

“We are really excited to still be able to hold this event,” said Committee Chairperson Debbie Gaudie. “When we first started planning, we weren’t sure what would be happening with restrictions, but we have worked hard to make sure the event is COVID-safe for everyone and can still go ahead.”

“There will be plenty of hand sanitiser available, and we will be fencing off the entire event area with only one entry and one exit with QR code or paper sign in on entry. This will make sure we can manage numbers and make sure we have details for contact tracing as required by the State Government,” Debbie said. “All our activities will be run in a COVID-safe way.”

Attendees will be invited to complete a NAIDOC Celebration passport by completing each of the activities available on the day. The first 50 children to complete the activities on the day will win a fishing rod, kindly donated by DPI Fisheries. In addition, all completed passports will be entered into the draw to win an amazing prize pack from Forbes Shire Council.

Samantha Wins Trainee Of The Year

October 30, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Samantha Street was nominated by Forbes Shire Council for the United Services Unions “Trainee of the Year”.

Each year the United Services Union seeks nominations for the prestigious award of Trainee of the Year. This year Council union members of Forbes Shire Council nominated Samantha Street, their Biosecurity Trainee, to recognise her enthusiasm and commitment to her Council sponsored traineeship.

Samantha Street joined Council in May 2019 and has embraced her role as Trainee Biosecurity Officer, studying Certificate III in Conservation and Management.

“It was a huge move for Sam to relocate from her home city of Newcastle to join our Council,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, “but straight away she made herself known and began assisting community groups and volunteering her services. Sam’s sunny personality also makes her a popular work colleague and she puts 100% in all that she does.”

After finishing high school Sam worked in the retail sector while looking for a career to move into, then the opportunity arose at Forbes Shire Council for a Trainee Biosecurity Officer.

“It was such an exciting move for me,” said Samantha. “I wasn’t worried about leaving Newcastle and couldn’t wait for the chance to get my hands dirty!”

“I have been so fortunate to get loads of training whilst I have been here at Forbes Shire Council. I am completing a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management.”

Sam regularly visits family back in Newcastle, and loves the simple pleasures of going camping with friends and playing local sport on the weekends.

Breast Cancer Won’t Wait For COVID

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Meg O’Brien, Manager BreastScreen NSW Western Region encourages women 50-74 to book their free mammogram this October.

BreastScreen NSW is encouraging women aged 50 to 74 to make their health a priority by booking a free life-saving mammogram this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Meg O’Brien of BreastScreen NSW Western Region said: “This Breast Cancer Awareness Month we want women in Western NSW Local Health District to make booking a breast screen a priority.”

“BreastScreen NSW has implemented a range of hygiene and social-distancing measures to ensure clinics and mobile screening vans are COVID-19 safe, to protect women, staff and the wider community.”

Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow said early detection is key to giving women the best chance of survival and reduces the likelihood of needing invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.

An appointment with BreastScreen NSW is free, takes about 20 minutes in total and no doctor’s referral is needed. In addition to 46 BreastScreen NSW clinics, Breast-Screen NSW has 16 mobile vans that provide services to about 180 locations across NSW, including in rural and remote areas.

If you are aged 50 to 74 book your free mammogram today with BreastScreen NSW online at www.book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

Mayoral Notes

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Last week we had our October Council Meeting, and it was a very productive one. There was a lot of talk about solutions for our rubbish bins in our parks as well as the bins in Meaghers Lane.

The Ninja Park was discussed, we are looking into ensuring the equipment remains safe from flood waters. We know how excited everyone is for this to be built and we want to make sure it serves us for a long time.

Unfortunately, Australia Day 2021 will not be like previous years, but we will still celebrate. In the coming months we will be ask- ing you to nominate our amazing citizens. The fireworks will also go ahead, but from a different location, to ensure everyone can see it from their backyards.

You may have heard about the regional roads review the State Government is conducting. Council will not be handing back any of our regional roads to the State Government and we want you all to know we intend to keep these jobs in our community and keep our roads to a standard we need them to be.

Lastly, I would like to extend a huge congratulations to one of our local businesses, Woolerina, who have celebrated Ethical Clothing Australia Week this week. They have been accredited since 2013, meaning they ensure their workers receive fair pay, safe working conditions, and most of all, are appreciated. Well done Woolerina, we are very proud to have you in our Shire.

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Be Harvest Ready

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day, held via Zoom, was a sellout. More than 90 people registered for the event with a further 20 people signing up to the waitlist.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations.

The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Farmers, WFI and Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.

It provided information about the current regulations for safely and legally moving agricultural vehicles and combinations on the road.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said it was great to see strong numbers for the Virtual Field Day, especially as the region is expecting a good harvest for the first time in a number of years.

“Unfortunately due to the current COVID restrictions we weren’t able to hold our face to face event at the Central West Livestock Exchange at Forbes, but it was very pleasing to see many of the regulars join us for the online event. There were also a large number of first-time attendees from right across the Central West.”

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that during harvest all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.”

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period,” Melanie said.

The Virtual Field Day was recorded and can be accessed on the Forbes Shire Council’s YouTube channel.

Counting Glossies: Central West Volunteers Needed

October 23, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The NSW Saving our Species program is calling for community volunteers to become “cockatoo counters” and help be part of the Great Inland Glossy Count this November.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Project Officer Adam Fawcett said anyone can be a part of it.

“Bird lovers, citizen scientists or anyone with an interest in this beautiful threatened species, are needed to survey Glossy Black Cockatoo populations at three key sites around inland NSW.

“Glossies are easily spotted with their distinctive red markings and this cockatoo count will help our scientists understand more about this threatened bird,” he said.

This is the second year the Great Inland Glossy Count has occurred. In 2019 seventy volunteers participated and counted over 700 Glossy Black Cockatoos across inland NSW.

On Saturday, 21 November, Goobang National Park, some 100km from Forbes, will be surveyed.

“What a great opportunity to get out to some of our amazing national parks and state forests, sit back and watch a threatened species in its natural habitat,” Adam said.

Volunteers will need to pre-register using the Department of Planning Industry and Environment’s website www.app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise. COVID guidelines will be followed.

The project is funded by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program and the NSW Environmental Trust, and is led by Central West Local Land Services in partnership with NPWS, NSW Forest Corp, Dubbo Field Naturalists, Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the land owners and managers within these areas.

Subscribe