NAIDOC week celebrations will go ahead but will look slightly different this year.

The Forbes community will be celebrating NAIDOC in November 2020, however COVID-19 protocols will be in place. On 13 November 2020, a limited number of the community will be welcomed to the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre to attend the presentation of the 2020 awards and celebrate with traditional performances, arts, craft, and activities.

This year’s theme is Always Was, Always Will Be, and it will celebrate the rich history, amazing culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Forbes community.

“We are so fortunate to be able to still celebrate this amazing event this year,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “COVID-19 has cancelled many events across the country but we feel we can manage this one safely here in Forbes. The event will go ahead, although strict restrictions will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety and the numbers will be reduced to comply with health regulations,” Phyllis said.

While schools across the Forbes Shire will not be joining in Council’s NAIDOC celebrations, they will celebrate within their own environments in their own unique ways.

“It is also important we award our outstanding citizens for all that they have achieved over the last year and encourage others to go above and beyond in the community. I really love to hear the incredible achievements of our award nominees and I encourage everyone to nominate someone who does fit the bill,” Phyllis said.

The Forbes NAIDOC Week 2020 Awards are now open for nominations in the following categories:
• Indigenous Person of the Year, 18 years and over.
• Indigenous Youth of the Year, Under 18 years.
• Indigenous Sports Person of the Year.
• Indigenous Creative Person of the Year.
• Indigenous Community Member of the Year, Volunteer.

Award nomination forms can be found on Councils website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au. Nominations close 5pm 30 October.

Forbes Evening Branch CWA Publicity Officer Sue Cunningham, Secretary Shirley Redfern, President Karen Wright, and Heather Mackinnon with Women’s Refuge team members Dallas Haynes and Wendy McMaugh.

The Forbes CWA Evening Branch have again shone the light of generosity on women and children in crisis by donating boxes of books, colouring in equipment, and games to the Forbes Women’s Refuge.

The many boxes of items were presented to CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Refuge team members Wendy McMaugh and Dallas Haynes last week.

“We know these times have been really hard for many families and our members are always keen to help out,” said Ka- ren Wright, President of the Forbes CWA Evening Branch.

“We specifically chose these items hoping they would be a distraction from what is happening to their families and what they have had to escape from,” Karen said.

Refuge team member Wendy McMaugh sincerely thanked the Forbes CWA Even- ing Branch for the donations to the families.

“These items are very important to our families as they often leave with so little, and now because of the Evening Branch, we can give some lovely new things to them to start their new life with,” Wendy said.

This is not the first time the Forbes CWA Evening Branch has generously supported the refuge. Through their ongoing fundraising they often purchase and supply pyjamas and other essential clothing for families at the Refuge.

For the CWA, improving the conditions and welfare of all women and families, especially in rural and regional areas is one of the focal points of its advocacy and lobbying to the government. Forbes CWA Evening Branch are doing their bit by working to address issues affecting our own local community.

“By supporting the Women’s Refuge and supplying essential items, we are helping to do this in a practical and positive way,” said Karen. “It may not be heard at government level, but our local women and families will benefit.”