Articles Archives - Page 224 of 412

Snippets…

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kathy Collitis is back at Council’s customer service counter.

Council Offices Open to the Public Again: Forbes Shire residents can pay their accounts at Council’s Customer Service counter again after closing in March due to COVID-19. The Council advises a maximum of three people are allowed in the customer service area at any one time.

Entry to the foyer is available through the electric sliding doors in Harold Street. Everyone is asked to wait outside until space is available. Those leaving the foyer will let the next customer know it is their turn.

Council asks that people with cold and/or flu-like symptoms do not enter the building but rather call the administration office on 6850 2300.

The community are reminded to use the Local Assistance Line should they have queries regarding services and assistance due to COVID-19. The number to call is 6850 2393.

Free Movie Streaming: Central West Libraries members in Forbes can now stream hundreds of the best Australian and independent movies, documentaries, and festival favourites at home for free using their library cards. To log-in to the service library members need to use their membership number.

Beamafilm offers more than 750 independent films with the option for high definition streaming. Its outstanding collection has been handpicked, with a strong focus on award-winning indie features, documentaries, classics, and Aussie masterpieces. It is the perfect solution if you’re looking for something different to watch during the week or for a weekend treat.

If you require assistance with your library membership card, please call library staff on 6393 8132 during weekdays 9am to 5pm. Head to the website www.cwl.nsw.gov.au for online resources available 24/7.

Pushing For A Good Cause: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) leaders are taking part in the 2020 Push up challenge. The team of 10 has to individually do 3,046 push ups over 21 days. WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said, “I am proud of our WNSWLHD Warriors Team and all the other staff members in other teams who are taking part in this challenge. It’s for a worthwhile cause.” If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact lifeline on 13 11 14.

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan is pushing up the profile of mental health in rural communities.

Scholarship Recipients Announced

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Lily Walsh from Forbes is studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science.

CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) have announced the successful recipients of the 2020 Northparkes Indigenous Scholarships.

Lily Walsh from Forbes has been accepted into Charles Sturt University in Bathurst to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and Kaitlyn Spence from Parkes has been accepted into Charles Sturt University in Orange to study a Bachelor of Health and Rehab Science.

Both Lily and Kaitlyn will receive $5,000 per year of their study as part of their non-technical scholarship. They will also receive a laptop to assist them with their tertiary studies. In addition to financial support, the students will receive work placements on site at Northparkes and throughout Australia.

Northparkes will provide constant support throughout the duration of their study and work placement opportunities during university holidays. This ensures scholarship holders can attend, enjoy and eventually obtain employment in their chosen field.

Lily is in her second year of university. “The financial support provided by Northparkes will help significantly with the ongoing costs of university. I am also really excited to undertake work placement at Northparkes to get some hands-on experience,” said Lily.

These scholarships are a result of a signed relationship agreement with the Wiradjuri Executive Committee (WEC) which aims to build sustainable Indigenous communities. The WEC meets quarterly to identify opportunities and develop projects which support Wiradjuri people in the local community. The WEC is made up of two members from the Wiradjuri Council of Elders, two from Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council and two Northparkes employees.

Northparkes Managing Director, Hubert Lehman said, “The scholarship program is vital to Northparkes, both to help Indigenous people further their studies and also to help develop the Northparkes employee pipeline. Congratulations Kaitlyn and Lily – we are proud to welcome you both to our employee pipeline and we wish you all the best in your studies.”

‘We Want You Back’ Local Filming For Tourism Recovery Campaign

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Andrew Barnes, Tom Ward and Caddie Marshall on location at Swinging Bridge Wines in Orange filming for the campaign earlier this week.

Local tourism heroes in Forbes will be filmed this week to feature in a new campaign ‘We Want You Back’ to stimulate tourism across the region once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Through their visual storytelling these heroes will personally share what they love about the region as a reminder and inspiration to others. They will promote food and wine, retail and attractions, art and culture, nature, and historical experiences.

Renowned videographer Andrew Barnes has been commissioned to capture the content including a series of video interviews, stills, and beautiful imagery. When it is safe to travel again, the campaign will be launched across social media and digital channels and supported by a public relations and social media campaign.

The local heroes were selected based on their unique tourism stories and contribution to the community. The film shoot took place yesterday and features local eco-accommodation Girragirra Retreat and Mel Sinclair from Cenwest Tours.

Heightened Demand For Social Services

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There has been a 42% increase in demand for services at CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how quickly our team adapted to make sure support and services were still being delivered at a time when our many communities needed us most,” CCWF CEO, Anne-Marie Mioche said.

“Our team responded quickly and pro-actively and implemented really engaging new ways of supporting our clients through phone support, web-based interactions, video conferencing, social media, online help, in home resource packs and more,” Anne-Marie said.

“Our organisation was started in a time of serious drought, to address stress and depression in what is considered the poorest diocese in Australia. We continue to meet these needs by providing a range of parenting and family services, playgroups, housing, domestic and family violence, financial counselling, and mental health support from 14 offices and outreach centres covering 52% of NSW.

The innovation and genuine positive problem solving is an absolute credit to the hard working and resilient team members at CCWF who are out facing some community’s largest and most challenging issues.

Bridge On Track For Completion

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Visualisation of the new Camp Street Bridge, Looking north-west. The new bridge will be wider than the existing bridge

A safer and more efficient crossing over Lake Forbes is one step closer, with work on the new Camp Street Bridge steaming ahead.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said crews had already completed the deck, footpath, and side barriers on the bridge this year, with work on the road approaches continuing to the Camp Street side in the coming weeks.

“It’s great to see this project on track to open later this year, which will deliver a safer crossing than the existing bridge for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” Paul said.

“Infrastructure projects like these are not only delivering improved safety outcomes for local communities but are supporting jobs in the bush with 50 people currently working on this key project.”

Forbes Shire Council has almost finished work on the road approach at Bridge Street, and work is scheduled to start on the Camp Street road approach next week, weather permitting.

The new bridge, and all other associated work, is still on track to be completed and open to traffic and pedestrians by August this year, weather permitting.

For more information on the project, visit https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/forbes-bridge/index.html

A Coffee On Cowal

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Simon Coates gifting a voucher to Dr Richard Draper. The Evolution Senior Environmental Advisor distributed vouchers to educators and health care workers in Forbes.

Last Friday, Forbes health care workers and educators were recognised and thanked by Evolution Mining who recently rolled out ‘A Coffee on Cowal,’ a fantastic, community focused initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative saw Forbes Shire essential workers in the health and education sector gifted with a free cup of coffee from Evolution Cowal. The initiative not only supports local business through the purchase of the coffee vouchers, but also acknowledges and thanks those health care workers for the fantastic job they are doing to keep our community safe. The thanks extends to Forbes Shire educators for the challenging, fast-paced, ever changing work that they are doing to support their students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and the government’s response to the pandemic has brought changes, minor and major, to the lives of all and this is one way that Evolution Cowal has stepped in to show their thanks and support for Forbes’ health workers and educators.

Simon Coates, Senior Environmental Advisor to Cowal, who handed out the vouchers said, “It was great to touch base and share stories with these workers and it was very clear the small gesture of a cup of coffee was very much appreciated and they were grateful for the recognition.”

Evolution handed out 300 vouchers to 10 businesses in the Forbes Shire and endeavours to continue to support the community during these challenging and uncertain times.

Upgrades For Bedgerabong Showgrounds

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

With around 580 shows across Australia, and drawing in nearly 6 million visitors in total, upgrades, and maintenance of aging facilities as well as the construction of new infrastructure is crucial for the sustainability of rural showgrounds. The Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program is injecting $20 million into 122 regional agricultural show societies, including Bedgerabong PA & H Association Inc.

The upgrades at the Bedgerabong Showgrounds will include the development of a multipurpose livestock facility, fence repairs, installation of barriers and an upgrade to the watering system.

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the grants would also serve as a much needed cash injection in the wake of recent bushfires and the COVID-19 outbreak which has seen agricultural shows, a major drawcard for visitors, cancelled Australia-wide with a loss of roughly $965 million to the economy.

“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more tills ringing in local businesses,” said David. “Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies.”

Talking Mental Health

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging residents to access mental health support if they need it. The Federal Government has bolstered mental health and wellbeing services during the COVID-19 pandemic and Michael implored those who are feeling unwell to get help.

“Regional Australians are a resilient bunch but too often they shirk their own health and wellbeing.”

The Federal Government’s mental health package includes funding for dedicated phone and online resources. “These services are vital for residents throughout the Central West to get the support they need, when they need it,” Michael said.

The Australian Government funds a range of organisations where people can raise concerns, whether they relate to COVID-19, the ongoing drought, or the impact of the recent bushfires.

Telephone and online support is available from the following organisations:
• Headspace (for people aged 12 to 25 and their families) call 1800 650 890 or chat online
• Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) call 1300 22 4636 or chat on-line
• This Way Up Clinic (anyone with stress, anxiety, and depression) online courses
• MindSpot (people with anxiety and depression) call 1800 61 44 34 or online screening.

Snippets…

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jarrod Zuvela urges families and carers to REACH.

Do you know when to REACH?: Hospitals and Multipurpose Services across the Western NSW LHD (WNSWLHD) will be rolling out the REACH system to help patients and their families escalate their concerns with staff about changes in a patient’s condition. The REACH model is a graded approach to patient and family activated escalation:

• Recognise: Patients and families can often recognise signs of deterioration before they are clinically evident.
• Engage: Patients and families should engage with their treating team if they are concerned that ‘something is not right’.
• Act: Patients and families can request a ‘clinical review’.
• Call: Patients and families can call for an independent review if they are still concerned.
• Help: Help will be on its way in Western NSW when you call our REACH number, your call will be answered by a nurse who will coordinate an independent review of the patient.

It’s No Time To Be Complacent: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has urged residents to get tested for COVID-19, even if the symptoms they have experienced are mild.

There are a number of places where testing is available for people with mild symptoms including:
• General practitioners (call ahead).
• Respiratory Clinics being established in several communities by the Western Primary Care Network.
• Fever Clinics at Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo Hospitals.
• Testing clinics at smaller rural hospitals (call ahead).

If you are not sure if you should be tested, contact the Western Public Health Helpline on 1300 066 055.

Get A Saucepan And Wooden Spoon Ready: Music for Little Ears will be available online in Term 2. Samantha Bartholemeusz of the Orange Regional Conservatorium is moving her Music for Little Ears program online while libraries are closed. Samantha has created a six week program of videos to initiate little ears to classical music, singing, percussion, dancing and musical games. The program is suitable for ages two to five. Music for Little Ears at Home will be available to all members of Forbes Library. Register on Eventbrite and the link to the Orange Regional Conservatorium’s Channel will be emailed to you. Each new episode will be available for you to enjoy again and again from the comfort of your home. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/music-for-little-ears-at-home-registration-104918624430

Join Samantha’s free Music for Little Ears program online.

A Windfall For Book Lovers!

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Central West Libraries has ramped up local access to online digital content in the wake of COVID-19 to help locals stay entertained through self-isolation. With the launch of an innovative new platform indyreads, Forbes library members can now access over 11,000 new ebooks and audiobooks from home.

Developed by the State Library of NSW, indyreads gives members 24/7 access to a range of eBooks, including fiction titles by well-known and popular authors, poetry collections, cookbooks, educational books, local studies resources and more.

“Indyreads also includes books from independent Australian and international publishers as well as the best examples of self-publishing, offering communities a greater diversity of stories,” says Ross Balharrie, indyreads project coordinator, State Library of NSW. “With indyreads library members can get a lot more variety – from high quality self-published works by local writers to international award-winning authors and modern classics,” says Ross.

According to Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards, “indyreads is a great addition to our library collection. I am particularly enjoying being able to access such a wealth of fiction by Australian authors”.

To access the collection visit www.cwl.nsw.gov.au To log onto indyreads you will need to:
• Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to use on your phone or tablet
• Choose ‘Central West Libraries’ from the drop-down list
• Type in your library card number
• Type in the password or PIN number associated with your library card.

Please call Central West Libraries on 6393 8132 if you require any assistance with your PIN number.

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