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Drought Stimulus Provides $900,000 For Forbes Shire

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Phyllis Miller, John Barilaro, Steve Loane and Sam Farraway met in Victoria Park for the exciting announcement.

A total of six new projects in Forbes will benefit from $900,000 in funding from the NSW Government. The exciting announcement was made this week on Wednesday, 22 July during a visit to Forbes by NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, and NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway.

The new projects will facilitate the flow of money through local economies, generate jobs and support local businesses will soon start rolling out across Forbes Shire.

“It is great to see so many local projects get funding through the Drought Stimulus Program. Projects aimed at boosting tour- ism and local opportunities across the region including a new Visitors Information Centre and Function Centre and much needed upgrades to Forbes Town Hall,” said Sam.

One announcement on the day was that of the new Forbes Visitor Information Centre, which will utilise and refurbish the former Lachlan Vintage Village in three stages, with stage one seeing a road and carpark constructed at the site. The centre will also include a venue for events. “It is really important to see this site brought back to life, we have had a lot of positive feedback on this project,” said Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller.

Forbes Shire Council GM Steve Loane went on to thank the NSW Government for having trust in local government with these projects, to be completed on time and on budget.

The Drought Stimulus Program will provide funding for the following projects in the Forbes Shire:
• Forbes Visitor Information Centre $450,000
• Forbes Town Hall Refurbishment $200,000
• Shade Sails, Forbes Central West Live- stock Exchange $80,000
• 150 Years of the Forbes Shire Council $30,000
• Garema Recreation Grounds Tennis Courts $55,000
• Nelson Park BBQ Area $15,000
• Lake Forbes Activation Plan $30,000
• Bedgerabong Recreation Grounds Irrigation Upgrades.

For further information about the NSW Government’s Drought Stimulus Package, visit www.nsw.gov.au/droughtstimuluspackage.

Snippets…

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller took Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for a walk around the impressive sculpture.

DonateLife Week: Despite most Australians saying they support organ donation, only one in three are registered. Registering as an organ donor gives hope to the 1,600 Australians and their families that are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Many more Australian lives can be transformed through tissue donation. Registering is quick and easy at donatelife.gov.au. It only takes a minute with your Medicare card. In NSW, you can no longer register via your driver’s licence. DonateLife Week runs from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 2 August 2020 and is the national awareness week for organ and tissue donation.

Changes To Visitors At MPS’s: NSW Health has implemented new measures due to the current risk of COVID-19 now in the community. Anyone with fever or respiratory symptoms, even mild, is excluded from the facility. Any visitors who have been in Victoria in the last two weeks are excluded from the facility. Until the end of July, any visitors to any residential aged care facility who have been in Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly areas in the last two weeks are also excluded from the facilities. It also remains in place that visitors may not enter facilities if they have; returned from overseas in the last 14 days, returned from the greater Melbourne area in the last 14 days or have been in contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days. To protect aged care residents, visitors must show evidence of 2020 influenza vaccination.

Heavy Foot Traffic At New Attraction: Within the first week of it’s launch, Varanus the 22 metre long Goanna, has attracted 1,500 visitors. The awe-inspiring sculpture by Northern NSW sculptor Glen Star was officially launched on Wednesday last week, with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Upper House MP Sam Farraway stopping by for a visit on Thursday last week. The Sculpture, which is the first of many to be placed along the Lachlan River between Forbes and Condobolin, promises to contribute to a massive boost in tourism for Forbes and surrounding towns. The roads in and around Gum Swamp are currently closed for repair and maintenance work, as well as the construction of new bird hides and the rehabilitation of the current bird hide.

Sculptor Glen Star welded pieces of Varanus together the day before the official launch.

JobKeeper Payment Extension Welcomed By Business NSW

July 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Originally due to run until 27 September 2020, the Australian Governments JobKeeper wage subsidy will now continue to be available to eligible businesses, those who are selfemployed and not-for-profit organisations until 28 March 2021. In addition, the rate will be dropped from $1,500 per fortnight to $1,200 from 28 September 2020.

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, says the confirmed extension to the JobKeeper wage subsidy will be welcomed by the Western NSW business community.

“Many of the changes to the JobKeeper wage subsidy are in line with what we have been advocating for and part of our recommendations we made in our recent “Back on Track” report,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“JobKeeper has been a critical pillar of the response to the economic crisis, but it did come with some adverse effects for our businesses which have been addressed with the announcement.”

“The extension and targeted changes will support those industries most heavily impacted by restrictions and consumer demand, as well as providing much needed confidence for all businesses to plan for the next 6 months.”

Sculptures Down The Lachlan Expands

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kim Muffet with Varanus the Goanna. The sculpture stands tall at five and a half metres.

The Forbes Art Society (FAS) with support from Evolution Mining and the Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils have commenced a remarkable, large scale art project in the Lachlan Valley NSW. This large-scale sculpture project has huge potential to inject much needed tourism dollars into the communities of the Lachlan Valley.

With State government funding received in 2019 from the NSW Regional Growth Tourism and Environment Fund, the project will see the installation of large-scale sculptures over an area of 100km through the Lachlan Valley to create an art trail of international recognition. The project will be undertaken over the next 18 months.

“We are so excited to see this project finally underway in our Shire,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “This is an amazing opportunity for all partners involved and we are looking forward to its implementation for the growth and well-being of our shire and our region as a whole.”

The project has the potential to be a significant economic contributor to the Lachlan Valley and will help attract tourists to the region from far and wide.”

The Forbes Art Society’s vision for the project is to establish the Lachlan Valley as an iconic tourism destination featuring unique public art with 20 large sculptures placed along a trail extending from Forbes to Condobolin, recognised by their size and artistic merit.

“Our vision is that the trail will become an inland ‘Sculptures by the Sea’. But only permanent and sculptures much larger,” says Forbes Art Society Sculpture Committee Chair and co-creator of the trail, Dr Keith Mullette. “We are passionate about including all of the Lachlan Valley in this project and bringing people to our area as a destination and not just passing through.”

“We are working toward partnering with Sculptures by the Sea to enable us to promote artists and events to a wider audience. Encouraging coastal tourists to head inland and see incredible art in a very different but equally spectacular environment.”

The first sculpture to be installed is a 22-metre-long, 5.5-metre-tall galvanised steel Goanna named Varanus crafted by northern NSW sculptor Glen Star. “Anyone who has been camping in the bush has probably seen a lace monitor,” explains Glen.

“The second largest goanna, it grows up to 2 metres in length. The goanna is of special significance to the Wiradjuri people as a totemic animal, and a food source particularly during tough times.”

Glen Star began creating his own style while working as an industry technical specialist. He handcrafts each individual piece of quality steel completely by hand and eye, to ensure the sculpture is a truly unique showpiece.

The overall project will also see improvements at Gum Swamp, where, in addition to sculptures, three new bird hides will be constructed and a fourth improved. The site which is already a popular one for twitchers and ornithological fans, will see the experience for these visitors vastly improved, with boardwalks and walking tracks constructed. Also, part of the project is the rejuvenation of the former ambulance station into a cultural arts centre and café, hosting visiting artists and tourists alike.

“One of the most incredible aspects of this project is that it’s volunteer driven,” Phyllis went on to say. “Our shire, currently dependent on agriculture needs to build resilience and a project of this magnitude, will allow the community to weather the storms of droughts and floods by keeping the visitors coming.”

Come And Walk The New Camp Street Bridge

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The final touches are being put on the new Camp Street Bridge and to celebrate, community members are invited to walk across Forbes’ newest piece of transport infrastructure before it is opened to traffic in coming days.

Transport for NSW Director West, Alistair Lunn said on Sunday, 26 July, community members will be invited to take part in a unique opportunity to appreciate and inspect the new bridge.

“The Forbes community has been keenly interested in the project since construction started in August last year and will soon enjoy the benefits of the new crossing over Lake Forbes,” Alistair said.

“This community day event will run from noon until 3pm and will include the opportunity for groups of 20 to walk across the bridge every 15 minutes. It will be a chance for the community to see the finished project up close after almost 12 months of work.”

During the community event anyone interested can join a guided walk over the bridge, visit the new heritage interpretation area, enjoy a free sausage sizzle, or purchase coffee and treats. The day will provide Forbes residents with the opportunity to see the much anticipated completion of the bridge, along with the landscaping and other features around the bridge that promise more public and community space for residents and visitors of Forbes.

Parking will be available on site with tours starting on the Camp Street side of the bridge.

An official opening ceremony will also take place earlier in the day to mark the occasion with limited numbers due to COVID-19 restrictions. Registrations are required for the day. To register your attendance and book a tour time visit nswroads.work/campstbridge phone 1800 167 499 or visit Forbes Shire Council’s Administration Office at 2 Court Street Forbes.

Foodbank Feeds Forbes

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Adam Loftus, Karen Wright from Forbes CWA, driver Gary Thomas and Cassie Bush were at the Showgrounds on Wednesday to distribute fresh produce to those in need.

Fresh produce and pantry goods charity, Foodbank visited Forbes on Wednesday to distribute fresh produce and grocery hampers to people who are in need and struggling to afford basic food items. The Foodbank team leader Adam Loftus said the turn out was good, with a steady flow of families and farmers who came down on the day.

The charity, which runs off donations from farmers, the Sydney markets, and Waste Not Want Not, provides 22 million meals annually in NSW and ACT. The charity has seen an 80% increase in demand in 2020 alone, with 33% of donations distributed to regional NSW.

“This day could not have gone ahead without the help we have received from the Forbes CWA,” said Adam. Havana House, the CWA, Salvation Army and Nells Pantry have partnered with Foodbank to distribute any produce left-over on Wednesday.

“Farmers are so generous, so we like to pay it back,” Adam said about the Foodbank’s work in regional NSW. The organisation has seen new demographics of people attending the pop-up events and is working to connect local people with organisations in Forbes for ongoing support.

Staines A Shooting Star

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes’ Charlie Staines had crowds roaring when he debuted for the Penrith Panthers at the weekend. (Source: GETTY)

After his stunning debut at the weekend, Forbes’ very own sporting legend Charlie Staines is set to become a household name in football loving homes across Australia.

The rookie winger for the Penrith Panthers played an unforgettable debut last Saturday at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, becoming the second player in the Australian NRL’s 112-year history to score four tries in his first top grade game, after Jordan Atkins Gold Coast debut in 2008. Along with his four tries, six tackle busts and four line-breaks for the 56-24 win over the Sharks, it looks as though Charlie will land a more permanent position on the field.

A group of 20 supporters, including Charlie’s parents, travelled to Sydney from Forbes to support Charlie, who said it was “unreal” to see that they had all travelled such a long way to cheer him on.

It seems however, that his rapid rise to sporting fame may be put on hold due to an unfortunate breach of the NRL’s biosecurity protocols.

Despite his roaring success on the field, a short oversight of NRL biosecurity protocols has been met with a harsh penalty. Under the new COVID-19 NRL biosecurity rules, players can host a total of 10 visitors in their home each day, with a maximum of five visitors at any one time. This protocol was breached when Charlie hosted 10 guests, including his immediate family and four friends after Saturday’s game.

Due to an obvious “misunderstanding of the specifics of the guidelines”, Charlie was stood down from playing on Monday, but the Penrith Panthers and Charlie are working closely with the NRL to “ensure all necessary steps are taken to rectify the situation,” said Panthers CEO, Brian Fletcher.

Until then, Panthers’ supporters and the many Forbes’ supporters of Charlie will have to wait to see him shine on the field again.

(Information sourced from the official NRL website.)

Learning Together For Education Week 2020

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

While colour runs were taken off the calendar in 2020, the public education community were still about to find new and innovative ways to continue to teach and engage students.

Public schools across NSW will celebrate Education Week from 3 to 7 August with the theme of ‘Learning together’ drawing on the education community’s sentiment of 2020, which saw parents, teachers and students engaging and working together in conditions and ways that were unheard of pre-2020.

However, with a multitude of changes and challenges, communities have found ways to learn together. The Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said that with the unprecedented challenges schools had faced in 2020, Education Week would provide an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the public school community in the face of adversity.

“We started the year with communities still suffering the impacts of drought and the destructive summer bushfires. Flooding then forced the closure of schools in some fire-affected areas,” Mark said.

“Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and totally disrupted our way of life, changing the way we learn and socialise. But despite so many major disruptions to teachers, staff, parents, carers and students, the public-school community worked together to ensure that students could continue to learn.”

Mark went on to say: “Learning together reinforces the role of our schools as the cornerstone of the community. We all worked together to move learning online almost overnight to maintain the continuity of education during the COVID-19 restrictions.”

Education Week is an annual statewide celebration of public education, which has been held for more than 50 years. This year’s events will run from Monday, 3 Au- gust to Friday, 7 August, with a focus on opportunities to celebrate virtually.

The week will start with a live stream on Monday, 3 August featuring public schools across NSW celebrating the theme. A student film festival will be live streamed on Wednesday, 5 August.

The Education Week 2020 website at education.nsw.gov.au/edweek20 offers a wealth of ideas, information, and resources for schools to plan and promote their #EdWeek20 activities including a comprehensive Teacher toolkit.

All are welcome to share NSW students’ excitement with the following video on the Department of Education website at https://edu.nsw.link/EdWeek20 or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=333664430962580.

RAS Foundation Bets On The Future Of Regional Communities

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes resident Cameron McMillan has received a scholarship from the RAS Foundation.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RASF) is investing in the future of strong and vibrant regional NSW communities by supporting the next generation with the announcement of its 2020 Rural Scholarship program recipients.

The scholarships, awarded to regional and rural students who are studying at a New South Wales University or TAFE, aim to support those seeking further education with the goal of injecting their new skills back into rural areas.

Cameron McMillan of Forbes received his scholarship for Certificate III in Electrotechnology, and travels 160kms each weekend to work alongside his father. Cameron has hopes to put his newly acquired knowledge to good use when he is a fully qualified electrician.

RASF Manager Cecilia Logan believes all 2020 scholarship recipients are particularly well-deserving and represent a bright future for rural and regional NSW.

“It is not an easy task to uproot your life and move away from home to reach your goals, however, it is often the journey regional and rural NSW students have to undergo to achieve further education and training,” Cecilia said.

“The Rural Scholarship program was designed to support this journey; giving students the freedom to study without the stress and financial challenges brought about by the need to relocate.”

The RASF Rural Scholarships offer financial grants of $6,000 for full-time study and $3,000 for part-time study to assist students who are passionate about contributing to the future of rural and regional communities with help from generous supporters such as the UNE Foundation, ASC, NSW Stud Merino Breeders, ChemCert, Regional Australian Bank and The Snow Foundation. The 2021 Scholarship rounds open on July 1 2020. For more information visit www.rasf.org.au

Snippets…

July 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Katie Norbury is hoping to see an increase in donations and volunteers on the ground in Forbes to help support vulnerable women.

Share the Dignity In Forbes: Share the Dignity are once again running their biannual drive to collect sanitary products for women and girls experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough. Share the Dignity are asking for volunteers in the Forbes Shire community to help with collection, counting and distribution of these products.

Share the Dignity founder, Rochelle Courtney says that with an increased need, and a decrease in the April drive donations, it is crucial to have help on the ground. “At Share the Dignity, our volunteers are called ‘Sheroes’ and ‘Heroes’, they are the heart and soul of our organisation and we couldn’t do it without them.” Every woman in Australia deserves to be able to manage their period with dignity, and donations will be collected in Forbes Woolworths in August. For more information on how to become a volunteer with Share the Dignity you can visit their website. www.sharethedignity.com.au

Have Your Say: Last week Forbes Shire Council unveiled a new community consultation website to allow community members to have their say on important issues.
Adam Loftus, Karen Wright from Forbes CWA, driver Gary Thomas and Cassie Bush were at the Showgrounds on Wednesday to distribute fresh produce to those in need.

Your Say Forbes will allow anyone with a connection to the internet to make their voice heard and have an impact on Council decisions.

The new site will allow Council to gather community opinions using a variety of purpose-built tools that go beyond the usual survey, including interactive mapping, quick polls and more.

Want to get involved? Head over to www.yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au to have your say. To participate in discussions you’ll need to register, but it’s a quick and easy process, and will help Council keep you in the loop about conversations that might interest you in the future. There are three consultations currently running, including an Events Review, a Recreation and Open Space Survey, and the opportunity to make a submission on the Forbes Local Strategic Planning Statement – a vision for the future of Forbes. For more information please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300.

Restrictions Remain In Forbes Health Services: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation and reviewing hospital visitor rules to help ensure the safety of patients, staff, and other visitors. Visitors to hospitals or health services should check in advance to make sure they know and understand the rules at that time, and follow the directions of staff. Visitors may not enter if they have; returned from overseas in the last 14 days, returned from Victoria in the last 14 days or have been in contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days. The safety of health service staff, patients and visitors must be prioritised and all visitors and staff need to undergo applicable screening processes in place. For more information call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 088 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

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