Articles Archives - Page 229 of 412

Looking For Our Young Stars

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Despite the Forbes Youth Week celebrations being postponed this year due to COVID-19, residents are encouraged to nominate outstanding young people from across the Shire for the 2020 Youth Week Awards. Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM wants the Forbes community to celebrate the efforts of young people who are making a difference in our community.

The awards recognise the achievements of young people over 12, with three categories including the Youth Citizenship Award, Sports Volunteer Award and Brighter Future Award. “These awards specifically recognise young people who have contributed to our wonderful community,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller. “Every day,

young people across the Shire are going out of their way to make our community a better place and we should celebrate them for doing so.”

Mayor Miller also stated, “It is always an honour to present these awards which open a lot of doors for young people, I en- courage everyone to nominate those who are leaders in our community and who are making change for the better.”

Award nominations close on 30th April 2020. For detailed information on each award category and to nominate a young achiever, visit the Council’s website: https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/residents/youth-and-community/youth-week-2019.aspx

Snippets…

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Bernardi’s in Forbes are urging shoppers to wash their hands before entering the store.

On the Ball at Bernardi’s: This week saw the installation of a hand wash basin at the front of the Bernardi’s store in Forbes to help encourage the public to wash their hands and implement further preventative health measures in light of the pandemic. What a wonderful initiative to help protect the people of Forbes from COVID-19.

Livestock Exchange Update: Effective as of 12pm, 26 March every person enter- ing the Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) site must complete and provide a signed COVID-19 declaration. A link to the declaration is available on the CWLE website, www.forbes.gov.au.

Without providing a signed declaration, entry will not be granted. The site entrance will be manned, and delays are expected. CWLE recommends that attendees print off the declaration and complete it prior to their arrival to minimise delays. This is a requirement going forward for each sale at the CWLE until further notice.

CWLE staff, CWLE agents and genuine commission/company buyers and carriers are permitted on site. Vendors consigning stock to the sales will not be permitted to stay for the sale. Re-stockers are being urged to contact their preferred agent or commission buyer. Livestock carriers are to vacate the site once unloaded, out loading carriers are to stay at their truck until loading is to commence. Council staff will be disinfecting the yards before each sale to help minimise risk to essential staff.

For more information please contact Saleyards Manager Cassi Walmsley on 0448 998 149.

School Respond to Changes: Over the past two weeks more and more children have been withdrawn from school in order the adhere to social distancing measures and to minimise the risk of illness. The schools in and around Forbes have each responded in their own unique ways and teachers, staff and Principals need to be commended for their creativity and quick planning that has allowed for flexible learning, both at home and on school grounds. The changes engage children while taking as much strain as possible off parents who are faced with the daunting task of teaching their children at home. While staff miss having a school full of students, they are committed to adapting to changes, in order to continue educating their students.

Forbes North Public School have offered online learning as well as take home packs. They also engage with parents and students via social media.

Forbes Mayor Asks Community To Stay Home

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor of Forbes, Phyllis Miller OAM

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has urged Shire residents to fully support and comply with the stay home directions from Federal and State authorities.

“As we all battle with the introduction of the Coronavirus into our lives, this simple action of staying home could save the virus from spreading into our community,” said Mayor Miller. “Council is in daily contact with NSW Health and the State Authorities and we will continue to update the community on the latest communications.”

Council Town Hall has closed its doors to the public, but services continue to operate inside under new social distancing protocols. Forbes residents will still be able to talk to Council staff regarding DA’s and planning proposals over the phone and via email. The health and safety of Council staff and the public are the main priority and social distancing is the most effective means of ensuring this. So while there will be no face-to-face interactions, it is still business as usual for Council.

Council is now exploring the potential for Council meetings to be conducted electronically through online systems that enable Councillors to attend from locations off-site due to new social distancing laws.

“It is important the community continue to check the Council and State Government websites and refrain from relying on social media commentary for their information,” said Mayor Miller. “The new Australian Government Coronavirus App has the most up-to-date information you need.”

The April Council Meeting is scheduled for 16th April.

Forbes Student Recognised For Literary Excellence

April 3, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Riverina MP Michael McCormack congratulates all of the students who entered the 10th annual Anzac Day writing competition.

Amongst 680 entries received from 34 schools across the Riverina electorate, it was year 11 student, Alexandra Davis from Red Bend Catholic College who won the North Division for Secondary Schools category of the 10th annual Anzac Day writing competition.

“Students and teachers throughout the Riverina and Central West can hold their heads high regarding the quality of entries in this years competition,” stated Riverina MP Michael McCormack, who also went on to thank every student and teacher who put in the time to submit entries. It was Alexandra Davies’s piece that stood out amongst a sea of talent to win in her category. Entries were put into primary and secondary categories with the Riverina electorate divided into North, South, East and West divisions.

Michael went on to say, “As Anzac services have been cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is now more important than ever for us all to remember our Anzac’s and invoke their resilient spirit.” This competition serves as an alternative way to commemorate our Anzacs, which is crucial in the current and unprecedented environment.

Each of the student’s winning entries can be found in Mr McCormack’s 10th annual Anzac Day commemorative booklet, which will be delivered to letterboxes throughout the electorate in coming weeks.

The 36-page booklet contains a vast array of stirring stories from across the Riverina and Central West, from towns including Collingullie, Coolamon, Cowra, Forbes, Ganmain, Jugiong, Junee, Parkes, Ungarie, Wagga Wagga, West Wyalong and Young.

Coming Together Despite The Distance

March 27, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes residents can still observe a minute’s silence on Anzac Day despite ceremony cancellations nationwide. (credit:Facebook)

Due to the current restrictions in place and to protect the public from further spread of COVID-19, the Anzac Day March and Memorial Service has been cancelled in Forbes and throughout Australia.

The War Memorial in Canberra will host a private Anzac Day commemorative service in the Commemorative Area and Hall of Memory on Anzac Day. The traditional Dawn Service, National Ceremony and veterans’ march will not take place.

The event will not be open to the public but will be broadcast live across Australia by the ABC and streamed online via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

In response to the cancellation of Anzac Day ceremonies throughout the country, Australians have rallied on social media to get the word out about an initiative that can see Australians honouring veterans while maintaining a safe social distance. The Facebook group ‘Aussies & Kiwis for Anzacs’, has attracted over 158, 000 members in only a matter of days. The initiative calls on Australians to stand at the end of their driveways as they observe a minute’s silence at 5:55am on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April. The man behind the idea, Justin Wilbur of Ballarat is urging Australians to light a candle on their veranda or driveway to honour our veterans.

While the future is uncertain, what we can rely on in Forbes is a healthy sense of optimism and inventiveness to overcome new challenges faced as a community

Snippets..

March 27, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Livestock Exchange is open to agents, buyers, Council staff and transport operators only.

Livestock Limits: Council is advising visitors to not visit the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange if it is not essential to do so. Only agents, buyers, Council staff and transport operators are to attend. Everyone entering the saleyards will be required to sign in to ensure Council has a complete register of people entering. Please contact Central West Livestock Exchange should you have any further enquiries on 02 6853 3194.

Calm for Kids: Educational psychology and child protection expert, Dr Lesley-Anne Ey, says the need for protective health practices is very real, however, when explaining to children the importance of more frequent handwashing, avoiding handshakes or high-fives, and not touching their face after touching things in public, parents should be clear that these steps are preventative, not doomed steps. For parents, the most important thing is to maintain a sense of calm around your kids. Shield them from too much sensationalist TV news but be honest about what’s happening in the world.

COVID-19 Support For Regional Australia: An initial $1 billion will be injected into regional communities to support businesses, agriculture and tourism impacted by the ongoing spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Deputy Prime Minister Mi- chael McCormack said many small and medium businesses were the core of regional communities. “Our funding will ensure we provide the right support so industries and businesses keep going and employees can keep their jobs which includes the more than three million small and medium businesses as well as casuals, sole traders, retirees and those on income support.”

Contributions Welcome: With the current COVID-19 pandemic we can’t be out and about in the community. To assist us in bringing you local news each week, please email any articles, Be Seen photos, Stork News, Letter to the Editor or any other ex- citing story ideas to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or phone 0431 147 754.

Events Cancelled but Not High Spirits: While Coronavirus may be responsible for the cancelation of all events, Currajong Disability Services CEO, Jeff Evans stated that the Currajong team are keeping up to date with the latest medical and government advice to ensure the health and safety of their participants, staff and family.

Scott Salter, one of Currajong’s most experienced support workers with Karen Willis and Jay Crouch reinforcing proper hygiene.

Letter From A Homeschooling Expert

March 27, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Parents who have undertaken the decision to homeschool have done so after much deliberation and research. But this week parents across our community have been literally thrown into the deep end with the Premier’s advice to keep children home from school.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from homeschooling my kids for over a decade, is that it’s possible to have fun being at home and to enjoy learning together.

When we embrace learning as an adventure, we can have a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards our children’s learning. For work that seems a little more tedious, what we need to help them realise is that, like any exercise, we might feel a little strained when we’ve used our brain to learn something new, but the more we practice the easier it gets.

It’s about equipping our kids with the tools they need to become independent learners. We have to change our expectations when our kids are learning at home.

Our home environment also becomes a work environment so there is going to be more mess, especially if we want to encourage creativity. Learning to pack up and do some household chores together to keep the house in order can be part of the experience.

Think of fun things to do together such as reading a great story. When you can, spend time in your garden. Get the kids involved in the kitchen. Use screens (sometimes you need a break), but don’t be afraid to let your kids experience boredom. This is often when creativity is sparked. If they are idle or mischievous, giving them a chore to complete is a good idea.

This is a very uncertain time for all of us, but we can embrace the positives which is surely getting some unexpected quality time with our kids. Use it as an opportunity to cultivate your relationship with them.

By Amy Butler

Business Or Bust

March 27, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Business Chamber Inc. is mindful that many businesses have had to alter their hours of operation to accommodate the current COVID-19 crisis that the nation is facing.

“As far as possible, we are encouraging all businesses to develop an EFTPOS or direct deposit system to eliminate cash transactions where possible. Ring and order and pay over the telephone or by card when you collect. The Chamber is dedicated to supporting all of the Forbes businesses at the present time,” said Forbes Business Chamber President, Marg Duggan.

“All clubs, pubs, gyms and group centres have already closed. Many other businesses had to close or be limited from Wednesday night. Other businesses are working on reduced hours, staffing levels have been cut and some people have lost their jobs. Our local supermarkets are overrun and having difficulty keeping the shelves stocked. Please encourage your staff to buy normal supplies and not to become a victim of the panic buying stupidity that is rampant. Please look out for our elderly, check on your neighbours and encourage all people to think socially instead of selfishly,” added Marg.

Please note that all Forbes Business Chamber activities, training and the BOSCARS have been cancelled.

Mayor Asks Residents To Remain Calm

March 27, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor of Forbes, Phyllis Miller OAM

The Mayor of Forbes, Phyllis Miller OAM has asked residents to remain calm and not to panic. The Coronavirus COVID-19 is in NSW but not in the Forbes Shire at present.

As the global pandemic sweeps across the world residents are asked to stay vigilant in abiding by NSW Health guidelines of washing our hands and coughing into our elbow.

Mayor Miller stated, “We have taken steps to cancel many of our events and postponed others to ensure we comply with the Government’s advice. I can assure you Council will be open for business as usual with essential services continuing for our community.”

“We are working with Western Area Health to ensure our Shire is set up should the virus turn up in our area with emergency plans being locked in place. But this is only if it does come to our Shire, we need to be prepared.”

“Please check in on our elderly residents from time to time. A quick phone call to make sure they are ok. They may need help with getting supplies.”

As of 23rd March, Council has closed the Visitor Information Centre, Forbes Pool and the Youth and Community Centre.

The Waiting Game

March 27, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Members of the Forbes Men’s Shed.

Like many staple organisations in the Forbes Community, the Men’s Shed has closed all activities and programs and are awaiting updates from the Australian Men’s Shed Executive for further advice.

Forbes branch President, Norm Hayley expressed his concern for the health and safety of Men’s Shed members in cancelling all activities until further notice. While the Men’s Shed provides an invaluable service to the community, Norm said: “We have to look after ourselves, we are concerned as we are in the wrong age group so we just can’t take the risk.” With tighter restrictions placed on Australian’s throughout the week, Norm and the Men’s Shed Executive’s will not have to make that call.

With many jobs in the Forbes community, and Australia, being lost, the kind of social and mental support the Men’s Shed provides is needed more than ever. Norm also stated that he is open to the possibility of utilising technology to stay connected with members. While they are not currently set up for online membership, nothing has been ruled out. What Norm made clear was that he and other members were fully supportive of the closures for the sake of public health, saying, “if we all keep doing our thing, it will take longer.”

While the changes made over the week may feel confronting, inconvenient and shocking, it is important for Forbes Shire residents and visitors to understand that the sooner people self-isolate, the sooner things can start to return to normal again. Despite age, health or simply boredom, it is crucial for people to stay at home as much as possible, there are far too many in the Forbes Shire who are at higher risk because of their age. Forbes’ location does not grant automatic immunity from the terrible virus so please be mindful of social-distancing and healthy practice when outside.

Subscribe