Articles Archives - Page 213 of 412

Snippets…

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Margaret Girot will have a stall full of new season tomato plants this month at the Rotary Ipomoea Markets.

Market Makes Its Comeback: Saturday, 12 September will see Rotary Ipomoea’s first market since the COVID-19 break at Forbes Lion’s Park, starting at 8am and concluding at 12.30pm.

There will be a Rotary Ipomoea market, all being well, every second Saturday of the month for the rest of the year including a special Christmas market on the second Saturday of December.

Rotary Ipomoea members are so excited to be able to conduct a market again with social distancing in place. So many regular stall holders have replied to invitations to attend as well as many new stall holders.

Margaret Girot would normally be selling her plants at the Forbes Show but since its cancellation, she will have all her new season tomato plants, vegetable seedlings and fowls at the market this month. Forbes Rotary Ipomoea will have a seasonal produce raffle, eggs, oranges, lemons, limes, books, plants, and pumpkins for sale on their mega Rotary stall. Funds raised by Rotary Ipomoea support local projects.

Forbes North Public School will have a stall offering a variety of handmade calico shopping bags, cards, video games, books, toys, and produce from the school garden.

There will be hand-made clothes, home cooking, soap, antiques and the chance to sample a Rotary egg and bacon roll from the Rotary breakfast van, or you may like to grab a coffee from the ladies’ in the super coffee outlet at Lion’s Park.

Spring Photo Competition: It is that time of year again. The Forbes Phoenix is running its annual Spring Photo Competition where we are looking for your best and brightest Spring snaps taken in and around beautiful Forbes. This year, Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography is sponsoring the competition. Sarah is a storytelling genius who loves adventure and finds great joy in capturing special moments. Sarah’s clients are treated more like friends and sessions are laid back in order to capture authentic and unique moments.

Essjay Photography is located in Forbes and has been operating for over ten years. The business is ever expanding and offers family, weddings, business, and personal photography. Winners of the Spring Photo Competition will win a $200 voucher from Essjay Photography. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. The Forbes Phoenix will accept entries until the end of October 2020.

Azalea in bloom by Elvy Quirk.

My COVID Test

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The drive-through testing clinic is the quickest and most convenient means of being tested.

It was 10:02am as I pulled up behind a line of 14 cars in front of the Vandenberg Hotel, and within a few minutes there were more cars in line behind me. I felt a wave of relief wash over me to see so many others waiting to be tested for COVID-19, although this was not my first test.

Two months earlier I presented myself at Forbes Hospital with what I knew to be an all too familiar case of tonsillitis, I was given a mask and told very assertively by the receptionist to “step back!” from the marked line I was already standing behind. When the only other patient in the waiting room saw me, she slouched back and used her collar to cover her mouth. Thankfully, the nurse who took the swab was friendly and patient with my dramatic display of discomfort during that infamous nasopharyngeal swab which has since been replaced by a much gentler nasal swab.

The first time I was tested I was sure that I did not have COVID-19. However, this time upon hearing about last week’s case in Parkes, I wondered if this cough of mine was due to a change in season or a mild case of COVID. If it was the dreaded COVID, how many of my friends, contacts and family members would be forced to self-isolate? How many people did I, at best, inconvenience greatly or, at worst, put at risk? Would I be lynched? Word spreads quickly in small towns and it would not take long before I became the hottest topic in town.

These fears of mine were eased in seeing so many others in line to be tested on Monday, and while it meant that I had to wait over half an hour to be tested it will be a relief to have a negative result back.

The drive-through process was easy enough, firstly a man came to hand out information about registering to receive a text message for a negative result. Secondly, a woman came to take my details before placing the paperwork on my windscreen for the nurses in the final pathology gazebo. Finally, the nurses took my temperature, swabbed my mouth; so far so good, and took a nasal swab, which was thoroughly unpleasant but over in just a few seconds.

By Alexandria Irvine

There’s More To Say After R U OK?

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

WNSWLHD Director of Mental Health Drug and Alcohol, Jason Crisp is urging all to feel comfortable in asking and answering R U OK?

In the steady wind down for the year, mental health issues can catch up to those of us who have been on autopilot for the past six months, ignoring or downplaying feelings of isolation and despair. Some have said that it is as though 2020 has been the fastest, slowest, smallest, and biggest year they have ever experienced. The Get Up and Go Garema gathering, which took place in February, set the many attendees up for good mental health practices in a year like no other, by encouraging people to speak up when they don’t feel okay.

R U OK? Day took place on Thursday, 10 September, and The Western NSW Local Health District supports this national mental health initiative by urging everyone to feel comfortable and confident to ask, “are you ok?” every day, because more meaningful conversations reduce feelings of isolation and increase a sense of communal belonging.

Director of Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Jason Crisp said, “You don’t have to be an expert to support someone going through a tough time, you just need to be there, be able to listen without judgement, and take the time to follow up.”

“We want everyone to feel confident they know the signs someone might need support by listening to what they’re saying, seeing what they’re doing or knowing what’s going on in their life. Whenever you notice a change, no matter how small, we want you to trust your gut and start an R U OK? conversation,” Jason said.

Lachlan Health Council Seeking Members From Forbes

September 11, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Lachlan Health Council, which represents both the Forbes and Parkes communities, is looking to fill a vacancy and is seeking community members from all ages and backgrounds who are not only passionate about health and wellbeing, but also willing to speak on behalf of their community when it comes to health issues.

Lachlan Health Council Chair Carolyn Rice said, “The Health Council provides an opportunity to bring health issues from both the Parkes and Forbes communities to the attention of Lachlan Health Service and to Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).”

“Health Council members are committed to giving both Forbes and Parkes communities a voice on health issues.”

“Our local knowledge and experience is valued by the Health Service when we work with managers and clinical staff in the planning and delivering of services for our community.”

“The Health Council has a strong community voice and we are encouraging people from all backgrounds to nominate so we can continue to represent everyone’s interests. We would like to particularly encourage young people and Aboriginal community members to apply,” said Carolyn.

At a minimum, membership requires attendance at monthly meetings of the Health Council, but there are also opportunities for wider participation on committees and workshops in areas of personal interest. The Health Council meetings alternate between Forbes and Parkes locations and there is the option to phone or video call into meetings if you are not able to attend in person.

Application kits can be obtained by contacting Kylie Higgins, Senior Admin Support on (02) 6850 7103 or via email Kylie. Higgins@health.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Friday, 25 September so be sure to get in quickly for the chance to give the community a voice where it counts.

Snippets

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Spring Photo Competition: It is that time of year again. The Forbes Phoenix is running its annual Spring Photo Competition where we are looking for your best and brightest spring snaps taken in and around beautiful Forbes. This year, Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography is sponsoring the competition. Sarah is a storytelling genius who loves adventure and finds great joy in capturing special moments. Sarah’s clients are treated more like friends and sessions are laid back in order to capture authentic and unique moments.

Essjay Photography is located in Forbes and has been operating for over ten years. The business is ever expanding and offers family, weddings, business, and personal photography. Winners of the Spring Photo Competition will win a $200 voucher from Essjay Photography. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix website, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. The Forbes Phoenix will accept entries until the end of October 2020.

Smart Farms, Small Grants: Farmers, fishers, and foresters can now apply for Australian Government funding of up to $100,000 to support their natural resource management efforts. Applications for Round 4 of Smart Farms Small Grants are now open. The popular program aims to benefit farms, the environment and regional communities by providing funding to help farmers, fishers and foresters to address natural resource management issues such as pest control, vegetation management, farm input efficiency, climate and market management, as well as foster the use of new technologies.

There is $6.5 million available under this round of Smart Farms Small Grants to support one to two-year projects that boost best practice sustainable farming awareness, skills, and capacity.

Smart Farms Small Grants is a sustainable agriculture element of the National Landcare Program (NLP). The Australian Government is investing more than $1 billion towards the second phase of the NLP from 2018-2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants.

Drum Muster: From Friday, 11 September and continuing every second and last Friday of the month, the Drum Muster is restarting in Forbes. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Forbes Services Club. Bookings will be made between 9am-12pm for drums to be dropped off at Twin City Recyclers in Sam Street Forbes. For further information please contact Peter Bright on 0419 463 803.

Forbes Takes Lead In Recycling Boost

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is taking a lead in boosting initiatives to support the recycling industry by diverting tens of thousands of plastic bottles from landfill by choosing to buy 100% recycled plastic drainage pipes.

In a move to improve the environmental efficiency of its quarries, Forbes Shire Council examined ways to use recycled products wherever possible, and found products produced by regional Victorian manufacturer RPM Pipes are made from 100% recycled plastic. The decision to use RPM pipes for drainage in the quarries will divert the equivalent of 80,000 plastic milk bottles from landfill.

“Our pipes are around the same price and exactly the same quality as non-recycled pipes that are currently used across Australia, but the big difference is that we recycle the equivalent of up to 5000 milk bottles with every pipe that we sell,” RPM Pipes CEO Mr Terry Kay said.

“With major challenges ahead for Australia to improve recycling rates and find solutions for our plastic waste, we’re pretty excited to see councils like Forbes prepared to lead the way and demonstrate support for regional Australian family companies.”

The 192-metre drainage project using 100% recycled stormwater pipe for new drainage is a significant step forward in starting to close the loop for recyclable products.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller said Forbes was proud to be leading the way, supporting Australia’s recycling industry.

“Like residents across Forbes, I want to know that the milk bottle left behind after my coffee and the detergent bottle that I have just used up are going to be recycled, not sent to landfill,” Terry said.

By choosing to use these 100% recycled pipes from RPM Pipes, Forbes is demonstrating that supporting the recycling sector does not mean compromising the budget or quality of infrastructure.

Sixty-Five Thousand Dollar Donation

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Tenders are out for the refurbishment of the Forbes indoor heated pool which serves the Forbes community, young and old.

Forbes Aged People’s Association disbanded last year, and the committee has generously donated $250,000 to the Jemalong Retirement Village Stage 2 independent living precinct, which will include a heated pool for the proposed community centre.

A further $65,000 has been donated to the existing Forbes Heated Pool for its soon to be refurbished facility.

“It was very important that this community money goes back to the community,” says Alister Lockhart OAM, former Chairman. “We are pleased to be able to help not only the Jemalong Retirement Village but another important facility in Forbes, the Heated Pool.”

“The committee’s intentions all along have been to give the community something they can be proud of, and the Independent Living Village is a much-needed facility to have in our town. We are glad to be able to help the facility to include a heated pool as part of the complex.”

“To have additional funds available to give to the public Heated Pool is an enormous benefit to people living in Forbes and this wonderful facility which is about to embark on a transformation.”

The $65,000 will be held in trust by Forbes Shire Council until the work begins later this year. “I want to extend a huge congratulations to the Aged People’ Association for all that they have done for our community,” says Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Thank you for this amazing contribution to the Forbes Heated Pool, which will no doubt be used by many in our community.”

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As of Wednesday, 2 September, the Western NSW Local Health District remains at 47 confirmed cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A case of COVID-19 has been reported in the Parkes Local Government Area. Further testing and investigation is under way to verify the diagnosis of COVID and any possible source of the infection. The case is currently in isolation.

Right now, the message is very simple – if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested.

Local Government Area	No. Cases
Bathurst Regional	9
Blayney Shire	3
Cabonne Shire	5
Dubbo Regional	6
Mid-Western Region	6
Narromine Shire	1
Orange City	13
Parkes Shire	2
Warren Shire	1
Warrumbungle Shire	1
Weddin Shire	1

New Canteen Connect App Expands Youth Cancer Support

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

canteen connect

Youth cancer organisation, Canteen, has unveiled a new mobile app. The Canteen Connect app is an evolution of Canteen’s web-based online support service and guarantees 24/7 support for all young people impacted by cancer whenever they need it most.

Canteen CEO Peter Orchard says the app has been one of the organisation’s top priorities over the past two years, led by huge demand from the young people Canteen supports.

“I’m so thankful that our young people now have more intuitive access to our support services on their mobile whenever they need it, and wherever they are in the world,” he said.

The app brings canteenconnect.org.au to life via iOS and Android smartphones, and is available in the App Store and Google Play right now across Australia.

All of the features of Canteen Connect on desktop will be available through the App including the ability to connect with others the same age through chat networks, attending fun and helpful online activities and events, and accessing counselling via phone or live chat.

Bringing this app to life will help young people connect with others in similar situations the minute they feel they need support.

Minister’s Award For Mayor Phyllis Miller

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller’s contribution to Forbes was recognised in a live ceremony on Monday.

Forbes Shire Council’s Mayor, Phyllis Miller has been honoured with a prestigious Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government in the Elected Representative for Regional/Rural Category.

Phyllis was recognised for the many years of commitment to the Forbes community. “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award, especially since it is for something I truly love doing,” said Phyllis.

“I joined Council back in 1995 after the death of my son in a tragic vehicle accident. The community support I received during this time was incredible and I was so appreciative of the support and kindness our family received and I wanted a way to give back to the community in which I was a part of.”

“I do this job because I am passionate about achieving the best for my community and whilst it hasn’t been easy I can tell you, with my fellow Councillors, our brilliant GM, Steve Loane and the wonderful dedicated staff, we at Council have achieved so many amazing things over the 25 years I have been with Council.”

For Phyllis, there have been numerous moments to be proud of when it comes to serving the community of Forbes. In being elected as President of the Shires Association of NSW in 2003, Phyllis was the first and only woman to be elected as President since the Association’s inception one century ago. In 2007 Phyllis was also awarded the Medal of the Order for her service and contribution to local government and the environment.

“I would like to encourage all women to think about representing their community in local government. My advice to those wanting to take the challenge is to gain knowledge, ask questions, get training, and be persistent and patient. Local Government is a slow-moving organisation, and with patience so many great things can be achieved,” Phyllis said.

Due to COVID-19 the Awards ceremony was unable to take place at Parliament House however, the ceremony was conducted live on YouTube.

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