Articles Archives - Page 225 of 424

Snippets

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Spring Photo Competition: It is that time of year again. The Forbes Phoenix is running its annual Spring Photo Competition where we are looking for your best and brightest spring snaps taken in and around beautiful Forbes. This year, Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography is sponsoring the competition. Sarah is a storytelling genius who loves adventure and finds great joy in capturing special moments. Sarah’s clients are treated more like friends and sessions are laid back in order to capture authentic and unique moments.

Essjay Photography is located in Forbes and has been operating for over ten years. The business is ever expanding and offers family, weddings, business, and personal photography. Winners of the Spring Photo Competition will win a $200 voucher from Essjay Photography. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix website, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. The Forbes Phoenix will accept entries until the end of October 2020.

Smart Farms, Small Grants: Farmers, fishers, and foresters can now apply for Australian Government funding of up to $100,000 to support their natural resource management efforts. Applications for Round 4 of Smart Farms Small Grants are now open. The popular program aims to benefit farms, the environment and regional communities by providing funding to help farmers, fishers and foresters to address natural resource management issues such as pest control, vegetation management, farm input efficiency, climate and market management, as well as foster the use of new technologies.

There is $6.5 million available under this round of Smart Farms Small Grants to support one to two-year projects that boost best practice sustainable farming awareness, skills, and capacity.

Smart Farms Small Grants is a sustainable agriculture element of the National Landcare Program (NLP). The Australian Government is investing more than $1 billion towards the second phase of the NLP from 2018-2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants.

Drum Muster: From Friday, 11 September and continuing every second and last Friday of the month, the Drum Muster is restarting in Forbes. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Forbes Services Club. Bookings will be made between 9am-12pm for drums to be dropped off at Twin City Recyclers in Sam Street Forbes. For further information please contact Peter Bright on 0419 463 803.

Forbes Takes Lead In Recycling Boost

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is taking a lead in boosting initiatives to support the recycling industry by diverting tens of thousands of plastic bottles from landfill by choosing to buy 100% recycled plastic drainage pipes.

In a move to improve the environmental efficiency of its quarries, Forbes Shire Council examined ways to use recycled products wherever possible, and found products produced by regional Victorian manufacturer RPM Pipes are made from 100% recycled plastic. The decision to use RPM pipes for drainage in the quarries will divert the equivalent of 80,000 plastic milk bottles from landfill.

“Our pipes are around the same price and exactly the same quality as non-recycled pipes that are currently used across Australia, but the big difference is that we recycle the equivalent of up to 5000 milk bottles with every pipe that we sell,” RPM Pipes CEO Mr Terry Kay said.

“With major challenges ahead for Australia to improve recycling rates and find solutions for our plastic waste, we’re pretty excited to see councils like Forbes prepared to lead the way and demonstrate support for regional Australian family companies.”

The 192-metre drainage project using 100% recycled stormwater pipe for new drainage is a significant step forward in starting to close the loop for recyclable products.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller said Forbes was proud to be leading the way, supporting Australia’s recycling industry.

“Like residents across Forbes, I want to know that the milk bottle left behind after my coffee and the detergent bottle that I have just used up are going to be recycled, not sent to landfill,” Terry said.

By choosing to use these 100% recycled pipes from RPM Pipes, Forbes is demonstrating that supporting the recycling sector does not mean compromising the budget or quality of infrastructure.

Sixty-Five Thousand Dollar Donation

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Tenders are out for the refurbishment of the Forbes indoor heated pool which serves the Forbes community, young and old.

Forbes Aged People’s Association disbanded last year, and the committee has generously donated $250,000 to the Jemalong Retirement Village Stage 2 independent living precinct, which will include a heated pool for the proposed community centre.

A further $65,000 has been donated to the existing Forbes Heated Pool for its soon to be refurbished facility.

“It was very important that this community money goes back to the community,” says Alister Lockhart OAM, former Chairman. “We are pleased to be able to help not only the Jemalong Retirement Village but another important facility in Forbes, the Heated Pool.”

“The committee’s intentions all along have been to give the community something they can be proud of, and the Independent Living Village is a much-needed facility to have in our town. We are glad to be able to help the facility to include a heated pool as part of the complex.”

“To have additional funds available to give to the public Heated Pool is an enormous benefit to people living in Forbes and this wonderful facility which is about to embark on a transformation.”

The $65,000 will be held in trust by Forbes Shire Council until the work begins later this year. “I want to extend a huge congratulations to the Aged People’ Association for all that they have done for our community,” says Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Thank you for this amazing contribution to the Forbes Heated Pool, which will no doubt be used by many in our community.”

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As of Wednesday, 2 September, the Western NSW Local Health District remains at 47 confirmed cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A case of COVID-19 has been reported in the Parkes Local Government Area. Further testing and investigation is under way to verify the diagnosis of COVID and any possible source of the infection. The case is currently in isolation.

Right now, the message is very simple – if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested.

Local Government Area	No. Cases
Bathurst Regional	9
Blayney Shire	3
Cabonne Shire	5
Dubbo Regional	6
Mid-Western Region	6
Narromine Shire	1
Orange City	13
Parkes Shire	2
Warren Shire	1
Warrumbungle Shire	1
Weddin Shire	1

New Canteen Connect App Expands Youth Cancer Support

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

canteen connect

Youth cancer organisation, Canteen, has unveiled a new mobile app. The Canteen Connect app is an evolution of Canteen’s web-based online support service and guarantees 24/7 support for all young people impacted by cancer whenever they need it most.

Canteen CEO Peter Orchard says the app has been one of the organisation’s top priorities over the past two years, led by huge demand from the young people Canteen supports.

“I’m so thankful that our young people now have more intuitive access to our support services on their mobile whenever they need it, and wherever they are in the world,” he said.

The app brings canteenconnect.org.au to life via iOS and Android smartphones, and is available in the App Store and Google Play right now across Australia.

All of the features of Canteen Connect on desktop will be available through the App including the ability to connect with others the same age through chat networks, attending fun and helpful online activities and events, and accessing counselling via phone or live chat.

Bringing this app to life will help young people connect with others in similar situations the minute they feel they need support.

Minister’s Award For Mayor Phyllis Miller

September 4, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller’s contribution to Forbes was recognised in a live ceremony on Monday.

Forbes Shire Council’s Mayor, Phyllis Miller has been honoured with a prestigious Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government in the Elected Representative for Regional/Rural Category.

Phyllis was recognised for the many years of commitment to the Forbes community. “I am incredibly honoured to receive this award, especially since it is for something I truly love doing,” said Phyllis.

“I joined Council back in 1995 after the death of my son in a tragic vehicle accident. The community support I received during this time was incredible and I was so appreciative of the support and kindness our family received and I wanted a way to give back to the community in which I was a part of.”

“I do this job because I am passionate about achieving the best for my community and whilst it hasn’t been easy I can tell you, with my fellow Councillors, our brilliant GM, Steve Loane and the wonderful dedicated staff, we at Council have achieved so many amazing things over the 25 years I have been with Council.”

For Phyllis, there have been numerous moments to be proud of when it comes to serving the community of Forbes. In being elected as President of the Shires Association of NSW in 2003, Phyllis was the first and only woman to be elected as President since the Association’s inception one century ago. In 2007 Phyllis was also awarded the Medal of the Order for her service and contribution to local government and the environment.

“I would like to encourage all women to think about representing their community in local government. My advice to those wanting to take the challenge is to gain knowledge, ask questions, get training, and be persistent and patient. Local Government is a slow-moving organisation, and with patience so many great things can be achieved,” Phyllis said.

Due to COVID-19 the Awards ceremony was unable to take place at Parliament House however, the ceremony was conducted live on YouTube.

Forbes Preschool: Supporting Its Own

August 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

William McLeary, Lucas Bentick and Mollie Demamiel order their lunch during canteen week.

The Forbes community is again rallying to ‘support its own’ with funds raised for Ronald McDonald House and a highly successful blood donation campaign last week.

Forbes Preschool’s community jumped into action to support the family of Andrew and Rebecca Pengilly after their son Robert was diagnosed with leukaemia on his third birthday.

During Forbes Preschool’s Canteen Week the children enjoyed a warm cooked lunch, just like at big school, and parents received a break from packing a lunch box.

An extra bonus this time is all the money raised was matched by the preschool, and was donated to Ronald McDonald Westmead, where the Pengilly’s will stay during the months of Robert’s treatment.

“Everyone wants to help so we hoped this was one way a lot of families could pitch in to help out one of our much-loved families. We will be planning more events throughout the year as well,” Preschool Director Amy Shine said.

“We’re blown away to learn that the Forbes Preschool community has raised $3,500 in support of families with a seriously ill or injured child, staying at Ronald McDonald House Westmead,” Belinda Woolford, CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney said.

“These funds are a huge help and will support 20 nights’ accommodation for a family with a sick child. Thanks to generous communities like Forbes, over 2,000 families are provided with a home-away-from-home each year. Thank you all!” she added.

Last week, close family friend Ashleigh Dent also organised a successful blood drive for the ‘Red Cells for Robert’ group to support Robert who will have to receive many blood products during his treatment.

In fact, last week’s blood drive was so successful, Lifeblood Australia agreed to spending an extra day in Forbes because so many people volunteered to donate to ‘Red Cells for Robert’.

More than 50 people donated to the group and will continue to donate. You can still donate blood at any Lifeblood clinic and help-out, just ask to join the Lifeblood Red 25 team Red Cells for Robert.

If you cannot donate blood but would like to help, you can contribute to the Ronald McDonald Fundraiser being run through Red Cells for Robert campaign on Facebook, it has currently raised $4500.

Rebecca Pengilly has thanked everyone in the Forbes community for their “kindness, love and support.”

“There have been moments of pain, grief, anger and fear but there have also been moments of pride, love, joy and happiness,” Rebecca said.

Accounting For A Lifetime Of Service

August 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Geoff Wright has retired after serving the Forbes Shire Council since 1985. (Forbes Shire Council Facebook)

Forbes Shire Council farewelled Geoff Wright, who has served Council for some 25 years. Mayor Phyllis Miller presented Geoff’s family with a farewell gift and gave a speech, thanking Geoff for his long-standing service to Council, as Accounts Payment Officer, praising his diligence, consistency and reliability displayed throughout the years.

Phyllis also commended Geoff’s generosity in supporting many charities through fundraising and donations before wishing Geoff good health and happiness for the years ahead on behalf of Council and his fellow workmates.

The Long Night; Remembering Our Heroes

August 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Bryan Monkton and crew on the Catalina.

On Friday, 20 April 1945, the Catalina 43 Squadron RAAF, with Skipper Bryan Monkton’s crew, took off from the waters of Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines. It was my father’s 13th sortie since his crew’s operational duty commenced a day after Boxing day, 1944.

The target on this night was a shipping channel between Hainan and China’s mainland. The Cats were involved in covert mine laying operations supported by the US 7th Fleet, a strategy which demanded decades of secrecy by all who were involved. Thus, my father revealed very little information to me about it. Matching his log book entries to the now available operations documentation online, and reading the story in a book by his old skipper published in 2005, 25 years after dad died, I was able to get a precise perspective of what went on.

The operation on this particular night involved a 12 hour round trip across the South China Sea, to a precise point, to drop the two 907kg high explosive American mines around midnight.

The first was dropped with perfect precision however, on the second drop, the small drogue parachute failed to open which exploded the mine on impact with the water, the men saw the flash first.

Closely following the flash was the force of the explosion. The Catalina reacted as though it had been kicked from beneath by a giant boot. Missing hitting the water from this low altitude by who knows how little, the crew was thrown from their positions and a few scrapes and minor injuries were reported. My father described how much of the fabric covering of the wing trailing edge, ailerons, and elevators, had been blasted off, alongside bits of the mine’s shrapnel that had pierced and holed the hull. He never spoke about it much. The only way that the aircraft and crew could limp back to the Philippines was to throw out all the guns, ammunition, and anything else they did not need. Going down in these waters meant likely capture and execution.

Six hours in the dark, running out of fuel and on one engine for the last miles over land, they finally made water and ran the flying boat almost onto the beach where the Americans were waiting. Monkton writes, “The ramp crewmen were waiting for us in their work boat, ready to attach the beaching wheels, and we were pleased to let them take over.”

It must have been a frightening experience. On the other side of the world, Hitler was not having a great last birthday either. The log-book entry reads: Lingayen Gulf-Hainan St-Lingayen Gulf. Mine exploded on impact.

Just days later they headed back to Darwin, and eventually returned to the Philippines in July for the very last mining ops by the RAAF. Later, a last strike, in daylight, the day before the ceasefire.

By Peter Irvine

Snippets…

August 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Steve Karaitiana and Jeff Nicholson showed Phil Donato where improvements need to be made on the BMX track. (Image: Phil Donato Facebook)

Youth In Mind: Phil Donato visited Forbes on Wednesday and met with Forbes Shire Councillors Steve Karaitiana and Jeff Nicholson to discuss the rejuvenation of the Forbes BMX track. With COVID-19 ensuring that most residents stay put in Forbes this year, Council has led the way in gaining the funding to ensure the youth of Forbes have adequate facilities to keep them occupied and active. Parks and infrastructure upgrades, the skatepark facelift, a ninja park, and upgrades to sporting facilities have all been announced this year and are continuing to be rolled out for the community to enjoy.

The decades old BMX track has long been neglected and Steve and Jeff are pushing for its rejuvenation in order to encourage a new generation of Forbes youth to get in on the sport, with the facilities providing an opportunity for them to stay active and occupied in a healthy way without the need to leave town.

COVID-19 Testing In Forbes: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) drive-through COVID-19 testing visited Forbes, with the mobile service on Thursday this week. While there are still no known cases of COVID-19 in Forbes it is still imperative that people get tested so that the Government has a clearer idea of statistics around the pandemic which will eventually allow for general restrictions around movement to be decreased.

Testing services are free of charge, and referrals and appointments are not required to attend the Harold Street testing service. Testing is fast, easy and results are normally delivered within 48 hours.

Symptoms of the illness include: fever, a sore or ‘scratchy’ throat, a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, tiredness and muscle aches.

The message is simple; if you have any symptoms, even mild ones, arrange to be tested. If you have any questions or concerns you can ring the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Weeds-a-plenty: In the coming weeks the Forbes Shire Council’s Urban Services crew will be out in Forbes parks and sports grounds spraying for weeds that have flourished with the recent rainfall. While the crew are following legislated policy and procedure for the health and safety of all, residents and visitors to Forbes are being advised to give the crew a wide berth.

Forbes Shire Council’s Urban crew will be spraying for weeds in the coming weeks.

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