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Mayor Responds To Crime Concerns

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM would like residents to know crime will not be tolerated in this Shire. Recent reports of break-ins occurring in the Forbes area has residents concerned.

“These reports have made their way onto social media before being reported to Police. I want the community to ring Police, no matter what the extent of the damage,” Phyllis said. “Putting a picture on Facebook will not see justice prevail. Forbes Police are investigating a string of recent breakins, they urge victims to come forth to report crimes so that they can build a strong case against those responsible.”

The Mayor commended the quick response of Police regarding recent break-ins and is working to ensure that there are enough police in Forbes to respond to crime, stating, “I will be making representation to Police and Emergency Services Minister, David Elliott on my findings and request our numbers be enhanced.” Phyllis reminds residents “If you see something suspicious, please say something, report it to the Police. We need to bring these people to justice.”

Reporting a crime can be done by calling 02 6853 9999 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fighting Driver Fatigue, One Cuppa At A Time

March 6, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jenny Webb, Kerrie Hodder, Ben Macfarlane and Melanie Suitor at the Free Cuppa For the Driver morning tea in Templar Street, Forbes. Kerrie Hodder from the Bakehouse, Forbes, was honoured for 10 years of support for the initiative.

Last Thursday saw business owners, members of the public, Road Safety Officers, Police officers and representatives from various regional Councils converge in Templar Street Forbes for the 10 year launch of the Free Cuppa For The Driver safety initiative which runs from 1st March to 21st May.

Road and Safety Officer for the Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Melanie Suitor, was Master of Ceremonies. Melanie introduced Inspector Ben Macfarlane from Dubbo, who spoke about the dangers of driver fatigue and the frustration police feel at being unable to police and prevent it. Forbes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb also spoke and gave a heartfelt thanks to local businesses who are supporting the initiative.

Kerrie Hodder, owner of the Forbes Bakehouse, who has been involved in the initiative for the 10 years that it has been running, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her long time support.

Guests enjoyed a free cuppa and piece of cake while they mingled after the ceremony. The initiative, which impressively encompasses 15 Councils and over 80 businesses, aims to tackle driver fatigue by encouraging drivers to stop and take a break when driving long distances.

Drivers who are travelling 100km or more away from home can claim a free cup of tea or coffee from participating businesses, whilst there, drivers can go into the draw to win fuel vouchers by filling in an entry form and dropping it into the entry box in-store.

Family Operated Businesses Form Backbone Of Forbes Economy

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Dwane Hanley ready for a day of earthmoving with his trusted tipper truck.

Husband and wife team Dwane and Kellie Hanley who run LaserEyes Earthworx are just one of many family owned and operated businesses in Forbes who work tirelessly to provide services essential to the growth and sustainability of small towns in rural NSW.

After working in the earthmoving industry for more than 10 years, Dwane started his own earthmoving business alongside his wife Kellie in 2017. It’s the ‘get up and go’ attitude and strong initiative to put ideas into action that puts Forbes businesses on the path to success.

Dwane is a Forbes man, born and bred, while his wife Kellie moved here 11 years ago. Dwane is the muscle behind the operation, while Kellie assists in both projects and administration of business, all while running her own renovation business and raising their three daughters.

The family business offers large trenching services with their specialised machine, the Ditch Witch, which is used in carrying out large trench jobs for big irrigation on farms. They also do residential trenching with a bobcat trencher for power and water irrigation around the house. They also do shed pads, house pads, post hole boring – ticking those structural requirement boxes that Council often require – as well as tree removal and yard clean ups. Their laser grading attachment ensures 100% levelling jobs for driveways and more. Dwane and Kellie also source landscaping needs such as soil, boulders, stones, granite and metal dust. The excavator, bobcat and tipper truck have all the attachments to meet any earthmoving need.

This is just one example of the important services that small, family run businesses provide. The families behind them are both inspiring and essential to the growth and development of the towns and regions in which they operate.

Celebrating Catholic Education

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated across the Diocese of Bathurst and Catholic schools will be offering a variety of activities and educational initiatives to showcase their values to members of the community. There are 33 schools in the Bathurst Diocese contributing to the long and rich tradition of quality Catholic schooling in this country.

Having contributed to the fabric of Australian society in the past, Catholic schools continue to strive to partner with families and their local community to provide a holistic, quality education for students.

Founded on the view that each human being is unique, possessing their individual gifts and talents, catholic schools are professional learning communities, relentlessly focused on calling forth and developing each student’s potential.

Forbes Shire Recreation Fnd Open Space Strategy Underway

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

If residents of the Forbes Shire are visiting a park or sport facility over the coming weeks, don’t be surprised if you see people wandering around facilities taking photos and notes. Council has engaged consultants to undertake and assist development of a Recreation and Open Space Strategy for the Shire.

“If you are approached by one of the ROSS Planning team for a quick chat please take the time to get to know more about the project and share your thoughts, ideas and experiences as your input will help lead to better outcomes for the project,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The Recreation and Open Space Strategy will investigate the current organisations, services and sport and active recreation facilities in the Shire, community demographics and population projections, the recreation needs of the community and actions required to provide a diverse range of sustainable active recreation and sporting opportunities for the community into the future,” Mayor Miller said.

“There will be plenty of opportunity for residents to be involved in shaping this important Recreation Open Space Strategy to benefit residents and visitors,” Mayor Miller concluded.

Champagne And Celebrations For International Women’s Day

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Come down to Lions Park to hear inspiring guest speakers whilst enjoying a champagne breakfast for International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in the community. Forbes Shire Council will host this celebration with a champagne breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday 8 March.

“We will be joined once again by some of our ‘legendary local ladies’, telling their unique and wonderful stories,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “Start the day balanced after a mindfulness meditation session and feel nourished with a gourmet breakfast on offer including hot and cold options.

“You will be able to spice up your morning by visiting our ‘Make Your Own Mimosa Bar’ complete with juice, fresh fruit and more!”

This year’s theme is ‘Each for Equal’ which encourages women to challenge the stereotypes, fight bias and broaden perceptions, because equality is essential for economies and communities to survive.

The morning starts with a mindfulness session at 6.30am. Bring your own mat or towel and stay on for the breakfast, entertainment and guest speakers. The ticket includes a delicious breakfast, a hot drink and a glass of sparkling wine. Tickets are $10 and available through 123tix.com.au.

Additional glasses of sparkling wine will be available for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds to be donated to Breast Cancer Support.

Snippets…

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Hilda McPherson, Ros Edwards, John Rogers and Marion McIntyre.

Generosity from The Coast: The Bogan Gate CWA President, Marion McIntyre, welcomed everyone including visitor Kelly Thomas and her daughter Anna to their morning meeting on Thursday 20th February as well as John and Sue Rogers from the Central Coast Freemasons. CWA members were overwhelmed with a very generous donation of $10,000 to the Bogan Gate Community. John and Sue were very pleased to be able to meet some of the members and find out about Bogan Gate and the drought, its effects on local farmers and the small community. The Central Coast visitors and Bogan Gate residents shared stories of their experiences with disasters, with Sue and John sharing their own experience with the smoke and fires.

Seniors Sundowner: There was a friendly and intimate gathering of people at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club on Sunday which allowed Forbes Senior residents to catch up with old friends and to mingle and make new friends. There were drinks and nibbles provided which complimented to flow of conversation. It was a peaceful and enjoyable end to the eventful 10 day affair that was the Give It A Go Festival, part of NSW Seniors Week 2020, which saw a large variety of events, workshops and activities put on daily from Sunday, 16th February to Sunday, 23rd February. The attendees of these events were vocal in their appreciation and praise for Forbes Shire Council for not only offering such a fantastic program, but for all of the events they hold throughout the year.

Join international best-selling author Kelly Rimmer at Forbes Library next Tuesday, 2nd March at 2pm as she launches Truths I Never Told You, a heart-wrenching story of family secrets, motherhood and marriage. Tickets are free, please book your place online via eventbrite or call the Library on 6852 1463.

Kelly Rimmer is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including The Secret Daughter and The Things We Cannot Say. She’s sold more than one million books, and her novels have been translated into more than 20 languages. Kelly lives in the Central West of New South Wales with her family and fantastically naughty dogs, Sully and Basil. Truths I Never Told You is the unputdownable, unforgettable story of motherhood and marriage.

Don’t miss Kelly Rimmer, who will be at Forbes Library on Tuesday, 2nd March at 2pm.

Nominations Open For 2020 Resilient Australia Awards

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Submissions are now open for the 2020 Resilient Australia Awards, celebrating those in our community who show initiative in helping to create a more disaster resilient Australia. Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the recent fires, drought, floods and storms remind us that disasters are a fact of life for Australians.

“While we have to live with disasters, we can always ensure we are better prepared for when they strike,” Minister Littleproud said. “The Resilient Australia Awards highlight achievements that may otherwise be unrecognised, with stories that promote disaster resilience.”

Littleproud went on to say, “The Australian Government is committed to making our communities safer, stronger and better prepared. These awards are part of that commitment.”

Now in their 21st year, the awards are open to all Australians, including individuals, not for profit organisations, small and large businesses, local and state government, schools, education institutions, research bodies and emergency service agencies.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions in six categories: community, business, local government, government, school and photography. The Australian Government is proud to sponsor these awards in partnership with the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience, states and territories.

Submissions are open until 18 May 2020. For more information and to apply go to www.aidr.org.au/resilient-australia-awards

‘Get Up And Go’ To The Gathering In Garema

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Guest Speaker Sam Bailey will share his story of tragedy, triumph and romance.

Community members from Garema are inviting people from Forbes and surrounding areas to come along to a free event and find out more about what drought support is available, how to get help for mental health issues and to hear from a number of lived experience speakers.

The event will be held on Thursday, 5 March from 9.30am at Garema Hall and everyone is welcome to attend. Guest speaker, Sam Bailey is a C6/C7 quadriplegic who has conquered his disability to become a successful farmer, ultralight pilot, inspirational speaker, best-selling author and role model for children.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) Coordinator Di Gill said there will be something for everyone including a health check, kids’ corner with childcare, and a free morning tea and lunch, stating

that “we want people from these smaller communities to come together and learn more about how they can help themselves or others with mental health issues.”

Event organiser and local farmer Tom Norris said he was inspired to get this event off the ground after he himself attended a similar event during the Millennium Drought which was “a turning point” for his own mental wellbeing.

Tom acknowledged his supporters, “Thanks to a combined effort between the Garema Hall committee, the Forbes Shire Council, RAMHP, the Department of Primary Industries Rural Resilience Program, the Country Women’s Association, Forbes’ Men’s Shed, the Forbes Lions Club and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) this event has been able to happen.”

Nursing And Midwifery Graduates To Be Dispersed Throughout Western NSW Hospitals

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

More than 100 new nurses and midwives will begin working in Western NSW Local Health District hospitals this year as part of their annual new graduate intake.

WNSWLHD Nursing and Midwifery Transition and Workforce Manager, Jackie Corliss, said the recruits are part of the NSW Government’s record $2.8 billion investment to boost frontline health workers by 8,300, including 5,000 nurses and midwives, over four years.

In WNSWLHD the nurses and midwives will join hospitals at Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Coolah, Condobolin, Narromine, Peak Hill, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Blayney, Cowra, Forbes, Rylstone, Parkes, Baradine, Collarenebri, Grenfell, Warren, and Mudgee. “The new graduates will work in all clinical areas including surgical, medical and paediatrics,” Jackie said.

This news must come as somewhat of a relief to Forbes residents. Since the Parkes Maternity unit has closed, Forbes Hospital continues to take on the maternity care for Forbes women as well as those from Parkes and some from as far as Condobolin. An astounding accomplishment with such a limited number of nurses and midwives, OBGYN’s and Anaesthetist’s being brought in from elsewhere. The lack of reliability and consistency is a concern for many.

It is no secret that healthcare in Western NSW is lacking in staff, resources and funding and this is all too apparent when one is faced with the results of such neglect. Hopefully Forbes will see significant, positive changes over the course of the plan.

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