Articles Archives - Page 213 of 424

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.

Mrs Stitt Hands Over The Baton At Forbes Public

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Sports Skills teacher Katie Stitt hands over the baton to Keith MacPherson.

Forbes Public Schools (FPS) very own Katie Stitt is taking leave from her role as sports skills teacher to pursue the creative endeavour of writing and publishing her own book. In her absence, Keith MacPherson will be taking on her position at FPS.

Katie has been so much more than a sports teacher over her seven years at FPS, with her passion for fund-raising evident in whole school community events, like the run-a-thon that raised $7,000 for the school, and the Jump Rope For Heart Skipping Show which raised $8,000 for the Heart Foundation.

On remembering her time with FPS, Katie said, “I have loved every second of this incredible school. A highlight would be witnessing a student mastering a new skill. For example, doing a forward roll for the first time in their life. Faced with fear and trepidation they choose to surrender and trust, and when they succeed, the joyful look on their faces says it all. There will always be times in their lives when taking a risk is the best option and they will never know unless they have a go. It’s like me leaving the comfort of my job at FPS to pursue my dream of writing and publishing a book.”

Katie’s enthusiasm and energy will be missed this year however, Keith MacPherson brings a unique skill set to FPS. With a background in athletics and touch football, and a degree in Graphic Design, he is looking forward to training local athletes and sporting teams.

“Many people have asked me, why would you want to leave behind the hum of the city, with all it has to offer and the achievements that can be made? The short answer is quite simple, community. I cannot deny that Sydney has exposed me to things unheard of in the country. The perspective it has provided me will aid my future in ways only a place built with a competitive nature can. However, it is time for me to return to something more familiar and Forbes is the perfect place to start,” Keith said.

“After growing up on a Thoroughbred Stud farm in Scone and leaving for Sydney to study and pursue my passion for athletics and education, I find myself pining for fence lines and heat again. The last decade spent in Sydney has seen me attain athletic success in many events, build my career as both a designer and educator, and has introduced me to some wonderful people. However, as many people would say, the city is a beast that never sleeps, and I have found myself worn down by its constant demand for more.

“This is one of the major reasons I have decided to choose Forbes as my next destination, this and a small nostalgic connection from childhood. I have been told that Forbes has a great passion for sport but also the other elements that balance a good sports person. I hope to continue this trend and guide the students at FPS to become well rounded students that value not only sport, but creativity, effort, and ingenuity. I look forward to becoming a part of this community and calling upon all the things it has to offer for the future of its younger generation.”

Five Days Of Double Demerits

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Senior Constable Baldwin from Parkes Highway Patrol is one of many on local roads to enforce safe driving.

As we get ready to celebrate Australia Day and with school holidays coming to an end for thousands of local students, drivers are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force for five days.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that double demerit points would be in force from Friday, 22 January to Tuesday, 26 January for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

“Please drive safely and take extra care on the roads this holiday period. Driving over the speed limit to save a couple of minutes, pushing on driving when you are tired, answering your mobile phone whilst behind the wheel and driving after a few drinks isn’t worth the risk of not arriving at all,” Melanie said.

“We all have a part to play in reducing the number of crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, don’t drink and drive, limit distractions in the car and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said.

Australia Day 2021 In Forbes

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Australia Day celebrations will look very different in 2021, and Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM is calling on residents to tune in to a virtual celebration this year.

“COVID-19 restrictions have made this year’s event a virtual one, which I know the Forbes community will embrace nonetheless,” says Phyllis. “Celebrating our amazing citizens is so important, we couldn’t miss this opportunity. So, this year we will be live streaming the awards on Facebook and celebrating their wonderful achievements with a private ceremony.

“It is unfortunate we couldn’t all join together in person this year, but we really need to continue our great work in staying healthy and safe. We do invite you all to visit our beautiful waterways and grab a bite to eat at the various food vans which will be placed around the Lake and the Ski Dam, Lions and Rotary Parks and near the Waterpark during the day. We really are so lucky to have the Lake in our town and we want you all to enjoy it on this significant day of Australia Day.”

At 6pm the Awards ceremony will be broadcast via Facebook and the awards will include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Senior Citizen of the Year.

“I look forward to sharing the evening with our nominees, as well as their family and friends in a private function,” said Phyllis, “the awards will be broadcast live on Facebook to ensure the whole community knows how great our citizens really are.”

The Fireworks display will also be broadcast live from the Forbes Shire Council Facebook page at 9pm. Pet owners are being urged to restrain animals during this time to ensure pets do not panic roam from home.

Building Better Regions Fund

January 22, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The guidelines for Round Five of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) have been released and Riverina and Central West communities are being urged to apply, with applications open until Friday, 5 March.

“The Australian Government is supporting regional communities across the nation with a particular focus in this round on regional tourism,” Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said.

“The Building Better Regions Fund has supported several infrastructure projects across the Riverina and Central West with more than $26 million being delivered through the first four rounds of the program, including upgrades to the main streets of Forbes, Cowra, Gundagai and Parkes, a new medical hub in Grenfell and upgrading the original Temora Aerodrome runway and associated main apron and taxiways.”

There is $100 million available for tourism-related infrastructure to get regional tourism back on its feet, while $100 million is available for broader community infrastructure and investment.

The guidelines can be found at www.business.gov.au/bbrf. Applications are open from 12 January 2021 until 5 March 2021. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.

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