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.”

While the spring season of birth passes quietly for many Australian native species, a few, like the Magpie can make renewal a bit rowdier.

The magpie breeding season lasts until November and can be stressful for many people as dive bombing Magpies turn our favourite outdoor places into no go zones.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger Steve Woodhall says there are a few simple steps to take to avoid swooping magpies. “For most of the year Magpies are welcome additions to our lives, helping control garden pests, and filling our ears with their beautiful song,” Steve said.

“However, for around six weeks of the year, some male magpies become aggressive and swoop anyone who enters their territory where they are nesting.”

“This can be alarming but being tolerant and avoiding areas where Magpies are known to swoop is the best way to avoid conflict. They are only being responsible parents by protecting their young from perceived threats,” he said.

Some simple and effective steps people can take to help protect themselves and should teach children include:
• Never harass or provoke Magpies.
• Keep calm. Walk quickly but do not run.
• Try to keep your eye on the Magpie, they are less likely to swoop when they are being directly watched.
• Dismount your bicycle or horse.

Visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/native-animal-facts/australian-magpie for information.

The 2020 Active Citizen Program has been modified to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

NSW Police Force’s Central West Police District has coordinated a modified Active Citizen Program this year to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

The Active Citizen Program is run throughout Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo, and aims to build leadership skills, confidence, increase employability and awareness in being an active citizen in their local community whilst enhancing cultural knowledge.

The program is for Aboriginal students in Year 10, who are selected by their school executives each year. This year, the program hosted 13 students.

The highlight so far was an online link-up with former NRL star, Jonathan Thurston, where the students had the opportunity to ask questions.

Central West Police District Officer-in- Charge, Inspector Shane Jessep, said police were pleased to be able to offer the modified version of the program this year.

“The Active Citizen Program gives local police and businesses an opportunity to be involved in developing leadership qualities of young people in our community,” Shane said.

“Participants also have this exciting opportunity to build their skillsets and learn, not only from local identities, but also famous people, which will help them become the best versions of themselves as leaders.”

Central West Police District Youth Officer, Senior Constable Daniel Greef, said the student’s positive interest in their communities and culture is infectious.

“We are excited to be able to work with and build-up these future leaders of our communities and see them grow,” Daniel said.

This year’s Active Citizen Program is supported by Evolution Mining and Forbes Shire Council.