Articles Archives - Page 225 of 412

A Day In The Life Of A Forbes Mum

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jonah, Julian, Seth, Mel and Finley Butler hard at work learning from home.

“Keep your kids at home if you can.” That was the advice given by our government to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Okay”, I thought, I am a stay at home Mum and Mr Three had pneumonia just a few months ago, so it is probably best for me to keep them home. Five children, four who are school aged, two with special needs and all in different grades, how hard could it possibly be?

At first it was simple, we had to quarantine after coming back from overseas and had no formal schooling to do. My “home learners” and I would cook together, making cheese, butter and bread, and planting vegetables. In the afternoon we had a “movie appreciation class” with popcorn. This home-schooling gig was easy!

Then came the ‘continuity of learning packs’, actual schoolwork. “I can do this,” I thought as I woke up early enough to set everything up before logging into each child’s Google Classroom account, but while trying to navigate the website realised, this is not fun anymore.

“But I don’t do this at school,” “I finished this bit,” “I need the toilet,” “Is it recess yet?” and “he took my pencil!” played on repeat like a broken record until I decided to set up learning areas in each bedroom, away from each other. With each child demanding my undivided attention, there was not enough of me to go around.

I looked around at the end of day one and wondered how we managed and how they made so much mess. The dining table was strewn with pencils, scissors, glue sticks and paper as my husband came home to the children in their pyjamas and me with a glass of wine, almost ready to login for online dance lessons. This gig is not easy and teacher’s Christmas presents will look very different this year.

By Mel Butler

Calling All Tradies And Suppliers

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Marg Duggan and Duke Jelbart from the Forbes Business Chamber are urging Forbes tradespeople and businesses to update their contact information.

Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council have joined forces to update and add to the current business database.

Both organisations are looking for all businesses to update their contact details with the Forbes Business Chamber. “We are looking for details of tradies and suppliers,” said Marg Duggan, President of Forbes Business Chamber.

“Forbes has many exciting projects happening in the next couple of years and as details for quotes and contracting opportunities become available, we need to be able to contact the relevant people.”

The Forbes Business Database has been growing over the past three years. “Currently the database has over 450 Forbes businesses and not-for-profit organisations listed,” said Marg. “At times it is very hard to get businesses to update their details which makes it difficult for Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council to pass on very important information.”

“I encourage all of our tradies and suppliers to jump on board this initiative,” said Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, Phyllis Miller OAM. “We continue to support locals where we can and provide contact details to our newcomers to town as well as any enquiries that present at Council.”

“Forbes is very lucky to have so many tradespeople in our town and by working together we can ensure the work is here to keep them around,” added Phyllis.

Please email Forbes Business Chamber at forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com to have a database update form sent to you.

Forbes Showground Upgrade

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

VanFest, held at the Forbes Showground hosts festival goers. Credit: Vanfestofficial instagram

Forbes Showground, alongside Manildra, Bedgerabong, and Peak Hill are four of 29 showgrounds to benefit from safety upgrades, thanks to a $9.2 million improvement program from the NSW Government.

NSW MP Sam Farraway said showgrounds are important for local communities and the economy and the NSW Government is committed to supporting a strong and vibrant showground sector.

“Showgrounds are the heart and soul of our regional communities, bringing people together and connecting residents in cities to those on the farms. They are important community hubs, particularly in regional towns. We want to ensure that they are kept safe and functional,” Sam said. Safety upgrades include tiered seating, toilets, stairs, fencing, animal sheds, structural repairs to grandstands, stables, roofing and more.

Forbes Showground is frequently used and hosts thousands of visitors to Forbes each year, from near and far. Large festivals like VanFest will be better able to accommodate festival attendees and the annual Forbes Show will also benefit from the funding tremendously.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said upgrades will ensure our regional showgrounds in towns like Manildra, Bedgerabong, Forbes and Peak Hill are kept safe and functional for future generations.

“In addition to the $9.2 million in showground upgrades currently underway, the NSW Government recently announced a further $25 million for showground improvements in Sydney and regional NSW to help stimulate local economies and support jobs,” Melinda said.

“This extra $25 million investment will provide a much-needed boost for communities and their economies by supporting tradespeople with work and strengthening more showground infrastructure for the future. State Members of Parliament with showgrounds in their areas have been invited to work with showground managers to put forward shovel-ready projects for consideration. This is a fantastic opportunity for Forbes residents with many look- ing forward to seeing what upgrades are in store for Forbes’ historic showground.

The Transition To Adulthood

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School is a vibrant learning hub, where staff work collaboratively to provide personalised support for students with additional needs, enabling students to be actively connected to their learning, have positive relationships with their teachers and peers and experience a sense of belonging.

Michelle MacGregor is the Assistant Principal for Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School. She believes that recognising and participating in annual World Autism Awareness campaigns, which aim to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, builds a more inclusive world for all.

By encouraging worldwide support and advocating for kindness improves outcomes for not only Forbes Public School students with special needs, but for their families, networks and community as a whole. Michelle went on to say that now, more than ever, “we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion.”

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day theme is ‘The Transition to Adulthood.’ The theme aims to engage all in considering what “becoming an adult’ means in terms of social, economic and political value, participation and engagement. The transition from adolescence to adulthood poses a

significant challenge for young people with Autism, especially in terms of opportunities that will help to support social, economic and political participation. It is especially important to understand that young people with Autism often face tremendous difficulties when formal education and other support services cease. The Transition to Adulthood for those with Autism certainly is something that the Forbes community can all benefit from having an awareness of.

Forbes Public School continues to foster authentic and productive partnerships with students and their families, responsive to their needs, in a climate characterised by flexibility, commitment and teamwork.

Online Resources Available At Central West Libraries

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Audiobooks

While Central West Libraries have been closed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Government Regulations they are still here for you. Library members can access a wide range of services online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Read, watch, listen or learn any time using your Central West Libraries membership card.

Library members can explore Central West Libraries online at www.cwl.nsw.gov.au. Discover popular ebooks, eaudiobooks and magazines with BorrowBox, rbdigital and indyreads, movies for adults and children with Kanopy streaming services.

There are also things to do with Eye Spy, Scavenger Hunts, Lego Club, Gardening, Storytime at Home and Craft activities or why not learn a language or enjoy Good Reading Magazine to compile your “must reads” list.

Even though Central West Libraries are social distancing, you can stay in touch with authors and book news with the Pageturners Book Club Blog. There is also online access to encyclopedias, literature, science, consumer, health and legal information or search historic newspapers.

If you are not a member you can join online to get a temporary access card to use ebooks and eaudiobooks.

Email Central West Libraries at library@cwl.nsw.gov.au for assistance or phone 6393 8132. The team are happy to help you enjoy what the library has to offer.

Follow Central West Libraries on Facebook, Instagram and Blog for updates.

Scores Good in Difficult Conditions

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Stephen and Simon Uphill ready for golf in cold and wet conditions.

Forbes golfers were treated to some difficult conditions on the weekend, making scoring difficult for the 88 players contesting the Men’s Monthly Medal on Saturday, 2 May, sponsored by Adept Plumbing.

A-Grade was decided by count back with John Zannes winning with his relaxed nett 70, pushing Cameron McMillan to runner-up after his fine 70 nett. In B-Grade, Anthony Alley finished on 68 nett to win, with Jono Roylance runner-up on 70 nett.

C-Grade went to Ben Robinson on 72 nett. Runner-up was Bede Tooth on 73 nett. The ball sweep went to 74 nett.

With a return to the ‘Flagstick in,’ do not touch model, we were able to reinstate the NTP’s. These went to 9th, Denis Culley, 19th, Andy Dukes.

Many players lost shots on the greens as their ‘nearly’ putts shaved past the hole, but most were pleased to be playing under near normal conditions.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was again quiet, with Cam McMillan carrying his Saturday form to win on 35 points. Runner up was Neil McMillan on 34 points with no NTP’s played.

Reports for golf played through the week we have the following:

The Tuesday Golfers had 17 players. Barry Parker finally won on 33 points. Runner-up was Viv Russell on 32.

The Tuesday Golfers send their condolences to the family of Algie Crowe, who passed away recently. He was a founder member of the Tuesday group, and did all he could to support them in their activities.

Because of the wet weather there were no Thursday Vets.

The Winter 9-Hole Individual Nett comp second week saw fewer numbers, due to the wet weather. There was a technical hitch in obtaining the scores, so check in the Pro Shop for details. Better weather this week should see more players on the course.

By Short Putt

WNSWLHD Nurses Are Healing Hearts

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Kristen Smith was awarded Western NSW Local Health District Midwife of the Year.

Health services around NSW are coming together to honour the work of our nurses and midwives.

With International Day of the Midwife on 5 May and International Nurses Day on 12 May, this is the perfect time to celebrate.

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Midwife of the Year was awarded to Kristine Smith from Lachlan Health Service on Tuesday, 5 May for her hard work and dedication over 43 years of service.

WNSWLHD Executive Director of Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, Associate Professor Adrian Fahy, said: “We should be incredibly proud of our nurses and midwives across Western New South Wales Local Health District who have proven their tenacity and resilience especially through this COVID-19 pandemic.”

“This week we should celebrate them and personally thank them for the contribution that they make across the many settings in our rural environment.”

Nurses are the ‘Healing Hearts’ of the NSW Health service.

Blue and purple hearts will pop up in Western NSW Hospitals in the form of stickers, posters and postcards this month. The Healing Heart postcards provide a way to recognise and thank nurses and midwives for their unique contribution.

Snippets…

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Have you taken up nature watching to pass the time at home? Let us know on our Facebook page

Slowing Things Down: While it’s rarely ever easy to adapt to change, once we begin to settle into the major or minor alterations, change can bring appreciation for the ceasing of “non-essential” things. Many of us are at the stage now where we may feel nervous at the thought of things going back to the way they were before, others cannot wait. Either way, it is during this time where many of us are living at a much slower pace of life that we will start to really stop and enjoy the little things. The Forbes Phoenix would like to know if you have taken up a hobby, or do you have a favourite place you like to sit and relax? What are you reading? Have you learned to cook something new? Let us know on our Facebook page so that we can all stay connected and be inspired.

Heavy fines for illegal firewood: As the weather cools, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents across the Central West that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves. NPWS Central West Area Man- ager Fiona Buchanan said it is important that residents around Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Condobolin, Forbes and Grenfell are aware of the heavy fines that apply. “We are getting the message out there that collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,” Fiona said.

Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival. Fiona wants Forbes residents to understand that fallen timber in national parks will not be a low-cost means of heat- ing during the frosty Forbes winter.

“NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts. Last year, three individuals in Forbes received $7,100 in fines and court costs for illegal firewood collecting,” Fiona said.

Firewood collection is permitted in some Forestry Corporation state forests, however permits must be obtained beforehand. Firewood permits are available online at https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/

Many animals depend on hollow dead-wood for a habitat.

Action Jackson Fires Up Currajong Kitchen

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Fire & Rescue NSW in Parkes 417 Zack Gibson was impressed by Jackson Collier’s delicious delivery of cupcakes.

Jackson Collier has not been at Currajong long, but he is already leaving a great impression on everyone. From his silky licks on his Maton guitar, to now Masterchef in the Currajong Kitchen. Jackson is certainly taking opportunities to try his hand at a number of activities and skills with the latest culminating in cakes for Fire & Rescue NSW in Parkes 417 with plans to expand into Forbes.

“It is just another way to say thank you to our front-line essential workers,” said Indigo Kriedemann of Currajong.

“Organisations like Fire & Rescue NSW Parkes 417 are a credit to themselves and the community,” she said, “we just wanted to let them know how grateful we are here at Currajong.”

Fire & Rescue NSW Parkes 417 Zack Gibson was rapt with the gesture and paid tribute to Currajong and Jackson.

“We are very thankful and like Currajong we appreciate all they do as a front-line essential service,” Zack said, “Jackson is an outstanding young man and a great cook. I have no doubt everyone at the station will love the cakes too!”

The Currajong Kitchen has been in full swing over the past few weeks and has been well received by the essential service sector from medical professionals to firefighters and police.

“It’s these small tokens of goodwill that will get us all through and it’s great the participants of Currajong are finding such ways to contribute positively to the community during such a difficult time,” Zack said.

Autism awareness is not the same as being aware of Autism. Awareness means to understand the challenges faced by people with Autism as a step towards creating an Autism friendly world.

Simple actions like allowing extra time to process information or providing written details can help with difficulties in communication, interaction and sensory processing. This can make a difference by helping people with Autism to feel a stronger sense of belonging in the community of Forbes. For more information on Autism and how you can practice awareness, go to https://www.autismawareness.com.au/

Mayoral Notes

May 1, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

It was so great to see everyone pay their respects last Saturday for Anzac Day and post photos on social media. I really hope this tradition continues post COVID-19, as it is a beautiful way for people to show their gratitude to all the brave men and women who have fought for our country.

I can report the Caltex Service Station at the Homemakers Centre is very close to opening its doors to the public. There will be a soft opening due to COVID-19 and a bigger one when restrictions have finished. KFC will be another couple of weeks before it will be open to the public. Council is currently working with the developers on negotiations regarding further tenants at the Homemakers site.

The Berejiklian government has announced the loosening of restrictions around visiting people from May, 1st. We have been lucky so far to not have a case reported in the Forbes area. Keep up the good work everyone and we will get out the other side quicker than we first thought.

I would like to reassure everyone I am still in contact with the local police about crimes currently taking place. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 restrictions, police are unable to lock up offenders, and they are being released on parole. I ask you to not take the law into your own hands and report any suspicious behaviour to Police.

Take care everyone.
God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

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