Articles Archives - Page 217 of 424

Diverting Valuable Resources Away From Landfill

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is encouraging commercial and industrial businesses in the Shire to divert over 1,000 tonnes of food waste away from landfill each year and instead send organic food waste to Food Organics Garden Organics collections.

“We have some amazing businesses in Forbes, and we know how keen they are to ensure our environment is kept free of pollution,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Everyone has to be more environmentally aware these days and food organics really has no place in landfill when it can be used by being made into beautiful compostable soil for our farmers and for ourselves to use in our gardens.

“Council wants to provide businesses like cafes, butchers and supermarkets the recognition of taking part in FOGO by accrediting them. Businesses will have access to front and back of house signage, stickers and advertising material that shows their participation. We will also promote these businesses through our media channels.

“We really need to change the way we think about waste because if we don’t, our beautiful clean air will be no longer. The methane gases from decomposing food in our landfill is both toxic and can leach into our soils and groundwater. Given the waterways we have in and around Forbes this is definitely something we do not want to happen here!”

The FOGO business service is $123 per year for a 240-litre bin. Businesses can apply to have more than one bin and multiple pickups per week.

Call Council on 6850 2300 and ask to speak with the Waste and Environmental Specialist for more information.

Saving Dignity, One Handbag At A Time

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Get ready to put it in the bag with Ami Reynolds, Rochelle Courtenay, Katie Norbury and Nadia Chinn.

Share the Dignity, a charity helping women and girls in need, are asking for help to make this Christmas special for women in our community experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or living in poverty.

The charity is hosting their annual It’s in the Bag campaign and are asking the community to donate a bag and drop off at collection boxes at Bunnings stores between Friday, 20 November and Sunday, 29 November.

To take part simply donate a handbag in good, used, or new condition. Fill it with items that will make a difference to the daily life of a woman or girl in need. Include the essentials such as period products, roll-on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and soap. Little luxuries such as a new lipstick, a hairbrush, hair ties, a gift card or a notebook and pen can be added, along with a thoughtful note or Christmas card that shows someone cares. Bags can be dropped off to the collection box at Bunnings between Friday, 20 November and Sunday, 29 November.

Share the Dignity’s Founder, Rochelle Courtenay says, “We want to help women, and girls this Christmas that may be in a refuge, shelter, on the streets or experiencing poverty.”

Bunnings General Manager of Operations Ryan Baker said, “It’s been a tough year and we know the need for this support in the community is much greater than ever before, so we are proud to be able to play a part in helping Share the Dignity to continue the great work they do.”

Visit Share the Dignity’s website for more information www.sharethedignity.org.au.

Yellow Ribbons For National Road Safety Week

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor met with Mayor Phyllis Miller, Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Cr Steve Karaitiana, and local emergency service representatives in Lions Park in support of the National Road Safety Week.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be getting behind National Road Safety Week 2020 with a range of activities.

The Week runs from 15 to 22 November, and honours the memory of the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 44,000 seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year.

During the week, road users are being asked to think about how they can actively protect all those who are vulnerable on the road ahead and to sign an online pledge to not drive distracted, to not speed and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the Councils’ have been supporting the initiative since 2017.

“During National Road Safety Week, yellow ribbons will be displayed across the country to remember those we have lost on the roads and to remind us to drive safely.”

“The trauma caused by road crashes echoes through our community and is felt by so many others, family and friends, work colleagues, community groups, emergency service workers and local communities.”

The Forbes Town Hall will be lit yellow for the week and Forbes residents are being encouraged to sign the online pledge online at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au.

Sculpture Down The Lachlan Grows By Two

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kim Muffet, Dr Karen Ritchie of the Forbes Arts Society Chair, Stephen King, Cr Keith Mullette, The Hon. Sam Farraway MLC, Warwick Rolfe, Phil Donato MP, Rosie Johnston, Joy Russell and Wendy Muffet, Grazing Down the Lachlan Chair.

There is double the excitement for the latest additions to the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) public art trail.

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said: “Everyone has been eagerly awaiting the next instalment since the unveiling of Varanus in July, which has already clocked up over 15,000 visitors. So, we are delighted to continue the roll out of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan expansion with not one, but two new installations.”

Tower, by Walcha-based sculptor Stephen King was officially unveiled last week along Wilbertroy Lane, 33 kilometres from Forbes on the Lachlan Valley Way towards Condobolin. King is renowned for his distinctive timber structures and carvings and was recently awarded the Helen Lempriere Scholarship at the 2020 Sculpture by the Sea and first prize at the 2020 Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival.

“The tower represents our need to control our resources. The water tower has almost been made redundant,” Stephen said.

“Advances in technology continue to change the way we store and use water. The old water towers stand as sculptural relic and reminders of what we leave behind in our attempts to meet the challenges of life on earth.”

Arhab Bik Bialhabi, I Welcome You with Love, by Western Australian-Iraqi sculptor, Ayad Alqaragholli arrived in Forbes last month, finding its permanent home in Albion Park. The bronze couple symbolises loyalty, love, and a sense of belonging.

To appropriately accommodate the new addition, Forbes Arts Society have teamed up with Forbes Shire Council to give Albion Park a makeover, which includes an underground irrigation system, new bench seating and pathways, as well as upgrades to the toilet block and signage.

Albion Park will be home to three sculptures in total. Anta Omri has taken the place of The Hunter which will be relocated to Gum Swamp.

The SDL extension is part of the $7 million Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project, it includes the construction of a new cultural and arts centre on the corner of Lachlan and Church Street and the Gum Swamp redevelopment.

The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ is 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 Council and Evolution Mining. The project aims to promote the Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination.

On Alert; South Australian Arrivals

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Health is contacting people who have recently arrived on flights from South Australia following the emergence of the Parafield COVID-19 cluster in Adelaide.

Passengers on recent flights to both Sydney and Broken Hill are being contacted with NSW Health advice and are being alerted to a number of venues of concern in Adelaide.

NSW Health is screening passengers arriving on flights and trains from South Australia, including asking if people have attended any of the venues of concern.

Anyone who is travelling to NSW from South Australia, or has recently done so, regardless of their mode of transport, is asked to check if they have attended any of the venues of concern.

The details of locations and times of concern, and associated health advice, are available from www.sahealth.sa.gov.au

Please contact NSW Health on 1300 066 055 if you have any queries or would like assistance in accessing testing if you have been at any venues or sites identified by SA Health.

All people travelling from South Australia, particularly Adelaide, to NSW, including recent arrivals, are asked to monitor for even the mildest of symptoms and get tested and isolate if they appear. They must remain in isolation until a negative result is received, in line with routine advice for all people in NSW.

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Rhyme Time has returned at Forbes North Public School.

Rhyme Time Returns: Rhyme Time is back in full swing with parents and young children embracing the weekly sessions now being held at Forbes North Public School. Previously held in the town library, the change of location was due to COVID restrictions not allowing voice projection in enclosed spaces. Rhyming helps babies and young children to learn about words, sounds and the formation of language. Hearing rhyme and rhythm helps children develop a strong foundation for early literacy skills and is important for early brain development. The new location of Rhyme Time at Forbes North Public School is accessible via Facey Street which allows for ample parking and a beautifully shaded area for families to enjoy. Organiser Maree Yapp said she was thrilled to have Rhyme Time back after a lengthy COVID hiatus. The group now meets weekly at 9.30am each Friday.

Christmas Hampers: Foodbank delivered a pallet load of 60 Christmas hampers to Forbes North Public School (FNPS) on Friday, 7 November, which are still being distributed to families throughout Forbes. The school and Foodbank have teamed up over this year, with volunteers from FNPS help- ing with Foodbanks July food drop at the Forbes showgrounds and Foodbank also running their School Breakfast Program at FNPS. While there has been a generous amount of rain this year, Foodbank recognises that families are still living under the strain of drought. To donate $35 for food hampers, follow the link of the Forbes North Public School Facebook page.

Veteran And Community Grants: Grants for activities and services which improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families in the Riverina and Central West are now available, with the latest round of Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG) program now open. The project aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, help veterans to live independently, reduce isolation, and to provide support to carers. The provision of these grants will enable communities to choose where funding is allocated, this is because it is the communities who know best which services will benefit individual veterans and their families the most. For information about how to apply visit the Community Grants Hub website www.communitygrants.gov.au. Assistance with grant application queries is also avail- able by phone on 1800 020 283 or by email support@communitygrants.gov.au. Grant applications will close 29 January 2021.

Maree Yapp and Annemarie Goodger have been distributing the Foodbank Christmas hampers to Forbes families.

https://www.forbesphoenix.com.au/14988-2/

The Giveaway Begins

November 20, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Maree and Melissa Westcott of Forbes Small Engine Specialists will assist with all of your engine needs, accessories and gifts.

November has seen the Find It In AMAZING Forbes promotion begin, with lucky winners receiving $500 to put towards their Christmas shopping. The ticket for the draw on 5 November came from a purchase at News On Rankin, and the 12 November winner came from Undercover Sleepwear. Further $500 draws will be held on 26 November, and 3, 10 and 17 December. All winners will be notified by telephone and/or mail.

“We hope that you are discovering the wonderful Christmas Trees that are displayed outside shops that are participating in the promotion. Please remember to collect your tickets and fill them out so they can be included in the Thursday draws being held until Christmas,” said Forbes Business Chamber President, Marg Duggan.

The Forbes Business Chamber thanks their Major sponsor, Forbes Shire Council, Gold sponsor, Evolution Mining, and Silver sponsors Bernardi’s and Terry Bros Carpet Court. The Bronze sponsor list includes Undercover Sleepwear, Acheson’s Mitre 10, Central West Diesel, Steele Technology, Michael Robinson & Co., Superbee Honey Factory, C & D Floorcoverings, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Loomzy’s Fish ‘N’ Fix, Kevin Miller, Whitty, Lennon and Co, Forbes Betta Home Living, Walkers Ag N Vet and MD Steel.

“I am encouraging each and every member of the public to visit all businesses including those outside of the CBD. These businesses are Forbes Small Engine Specialists, Loomzy’s Fish ‘N’ Fix, Hozpots, Superbee Honey Factory, Acheson’s Mitre 10, Terry Bros Carpet Court, Vandenberg Hotel, C & D Floorcoverings, AgriWest, Jelbart & Dawson, and Walkers Ag N Vet. You will be amazed what you will find in these stores and they all have trees and tickets,” said Marg.

Superbee Honey Factory has a wonderful gift and product store located on their factory premises in Landrace Street. Call into the shop or for further details contact Sandra Hessel on 6851 1155.

NAIDOC Celebration Boost For Forbes

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

All are welcome to join in the celebration on Friday from 4.30pm-8pm at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, Forbes.

While community groups and organisations, schools, and preschools have had to be creative and flexible in running their NAIDOC Week celebrations this week, a funding grant of $5,000 to Forbes has contributed to plans to make the Wiradjuri celebrations in Forbes just as special as previous years.

The grants for the Riverina electorate are part of the Federal Government’s $1.4 million program to support local organisations to celebrate the week.

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging the whole community to get involved in community events to learn more about the local Indigenous culture and share in the traditions which make Australia unique.

“The Wiradjuri people are a proud people with a proud history,” Michael said.

The Forbes Aboriginal community has come together to plan a spectacular day, with committee members from Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Forbes Wiradjuri Rangers, Amaroo, CatholicCare and Council, alongside local school representatives. Official community celebrations will be held today Friday, 13 November, from 4.30pm – 8pm and all are welcome to come and celebrate the ancient culture, language and customs of the Wiradjuri people, whose land we call home.

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 and eat some delicious food on the day.

Better Homes And Gardens Comes To Town

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Ed Halmagyi from Better Home and Gardens went fishing at Cottons Weir for the Epic Adventure across NSW.

Popular lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens will showcase some of NSW’s spectacular towns and tourism businesses with the entire 90-minute program filmed on location around the state.

The Channel 7 program filmed the Epic Adventure across NSW earlier this year, with each presenter exploring a different area of the state including the Forbes and Parkes region.

The exclusive NSW episode was secured by the NSW Government through tourism and major events agency Destination NSW to support the recovery of the state’s visitor economy.

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway, said both Parkes and Forbes had many unique experiences on offer to visitors. “It’s really exciting for regional communities to be featured on Better Homes and

Find it in Forbes this Gardens, beaming into living rooms around the country where holidaymakers may be planning their next NSW escape.”

Better Homes and Gardens Ed Halmagyi went fishing with Brayden Stephens from Loomzy’s Fish N Fix before cooking up a Golden Perch that Brayden caught. Brayden said: “It was really good, we just went down to Cottons Weir, they wanted to go somewhere close. We caught a Cod but were after a Yellow Belly, luckily I caught one the day before that was used in the show.”

Better Homes and Gardens Executive Producer Russell Palmer said: “The NSW Road Trip episode expands that focus to show the heart and soul of New South Wales, why so many Aussies love hitting the road, and the people and places they encounter along the way.”

Our Gal – Kieren Mowbray

November 13, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I’ve lived around here for eight months and I like all of the art around town, the beautiful fountain and crazy sculptures.

What was your first job? A dental assistant.

What makes you laugh the most? Friends and family.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? Travel and experience as many places as I can in one lifetime.

Describe your dream holiday? I would be based in Scotland and travel to all nearby countries.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? My sister took the stuffing out of a giant bear and put me inside it to surprise the rest of the family.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’d live in Bondi in the 1980’s, before mobile phones were around.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? Barack Obama for his wealth of knowledge and charisma, my nana Lorraine, the sweetest nana ever, and Trevor Noah to make us all laugh.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Invisibility.

What is your pet hate? Bad manners.

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