Articles Archives - Page 233 of 424

The Food Of Kindness

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

HELPING HAND… Derrick Milling of Georgie’s Pantry and founding member of Central West Food Rescue Elliot Redwin unload produce from the refrigerated truck at the pantry in Parkes.

When the drought really tightened its grip on farmers more than a year ago, Rhonda had no idea what an impact the flyer she found about Georgie’s Pantry in Parkes would have on her.

“It was getting pretty tough, and I saw the flyer about free groceries for farmers. I was one of the first to rock up and became one of the regulars.”

Rhonda said she soon realised it was not just about the groceries, but also the social aspect. “Everyone there is just so friendly and understanding. I look forward to going there every week and catch up on the latest news.”

She said the pantry helps so many farmers from all over the Central West, including Forbes and enables them to pay other bills not having the expense of groceries. “It is also fantastic to know that all that food won’t go to waste.”

As a founding member of Food Rescue Central West, Georgie’s Pantry is part of a network of nine agencies reaching over 2,000 clients in an area covering 63,000km2.

The project supports soup kitchens, hands out emergency food hampers and runs community pantries and gets support from food relief charities, such as Second Bite. It has been operational since March after they secured a grant from the Environmental Trust to buy a refrigerated truck and refrigerated storage in Bathurst, as well as fridges for Georgie’s.

“It was a significant achievement to get it off the ground, let alone run it,” said founding member Elliot Redwin from Bathurst.

He deliveries 10t of food to all the member agencies once a week. “From Parkes they go out even as far as Walgett and Lightning Ridge.” He said Georgie’s Pantry was hands down the most successful in accessing the farming community. “We can all learn a lot from what has happened at Georgie’s, and they are happy to share their knowledge.”

“The rain might have come, but we will continue to help the farmers until there’s been a harvest. It has been fantastic to be able to help up to 60 farming families each week.”

Small School Making A Big Difference

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School runs a bus service for their wonderful students from Forbes.

For those thinking about moving schools, Parkes Christian School (PCS) has all the benefits of a small school while still providing all the opportunities of bigger institutions. The staff at PCS pride themselves on getting to know every student individually in order to understand their goals and help students achieve them. School Principal Glen Westcott said, that for staff to be able to achieve this, it is vital that PCS retains its small-school culture.

“We are committed to remaining a small school despite the fact that we are continually growing,” Glen said.

There are currently 30 students enrolled in Year 7, which is the normal size of a class in a bigger school, however PCS has split the class into two streams of 15 students.

“Having these smaller class sizes allows us to work with the students more closely, and really understand their learning needs, which allows us to focus on helping them achieve their goals, rather than aiming for a mark in a test,” Glen said.

The other benefit of being a smaller school is one that many people don’t expect, Glen explains: “We often get asked about extra-curricular activities, and people assume that we can’t provide the same opportunities as bigger schools, however, our students are involved in all the same activities as other schools – from academic competitions to school musicals, sporting teams and charity events.”

“And because we are a smaller school, all our kids can get involved. Our kids leave school with very impressive resumes because they can be involved in so many activities. This serves them extremely well when they apply for jobs or university.”

PCS is enrolling now for 2021 but only has limited spaces available in Kindergarten and Year 7. If you would like to book a tour of the school, call 6862 4164.

New Restrictions From 15 June At CWLE

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) is moving into Stage 2 of the recovery from COVID-19, with the allowance of agents, vendors, restockers and contractors on site while business is being conducted from 15 June.

“The Saleyards are not open to the general public, if you are not conducting direct business here please do not come,” says Forbes Shire Council’s General Manager, Steve Loane, who also advised that “we require all to follow some simple guidelines when attending the facility. Please fill out the attendance form before turning up at the yards. Failing to do so only results in long queues at the gate, which nobody appreciates. This form can be found on our website and the agents also have access to it.

“We know how important it is for our farming community to have a chance to catch up with fellow stock men and women and talk about their trials and tribulations. This place is a common meeting ground and everyone’s mental health needs considering,” Steve said.

For further information please contact Central West Livestock Exchange manager Cassi Walmsley on 6850 2300.

Health Check From Home

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Despite the impact the COVID-19 outbreak has had on our lives, preventative health and routine screening are still vital. This week is HIV Testing Week in NSW. The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is urging our communities that even during the COVID-19 outbreak, getting testing for HIV is still important.

Social distancing measures and changes to how Sexual Health services are running during the COVID-19 outbreak has meant people may be putting off getting tested for HIV. WNSWLHD Sexual Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Kim Grant, said: “It’s great so many people are keeping safe by practising physical distancing, however keeping on top of preventative health, in particular, HIV testing is just as important”.

Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing is also an option for people who meet eligibility criteria to test for HIV as well as Hepatitis C at home. It is free, easy, reliable, and confidential. It does not require an appointment with a doctor or a clinic.

“DBS tests can be ordered online, done in the privacy and safety of your home, and mailed directly to the lab.” Kim said.

Results from DBS tests take around a week, and clients can choose how to receive them. A nurse will be in contact via text message, email, or phone call, and are completely confidential.

WNSWLHD, Manager of HIV and Related Programs, Ann Ryan said, “HIV is a treatable health condition. The first step to living a long, healthy life with HIV is getting tested.”

To see if you are eligible for a Dried Blood Spot test head to www.hivtest.health.nsw.gov.au or get in contact with your local Sexual Health Service for an appointment or an assisted DBS test.

Survey Highlights How Libraries Combat Loneliness

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Librarian, Bronwyn Clark assures the public that the library is open and welcome for borrowing and returning books.

Central West Libraries is asking members to respond to an online survey about what they “missed most” while libraries were closed due to Government COVID-19 shutdown.

The first 500 responses to the nationwide survey of library users has shown that, after book borrowing, social interaction has been the biggest loss felt by the community during the COVID-19 lockdown of public libraries.

The survey, run by the Australian Library and Information Association and Australian Public Library Alliance, found that while 87% of respondents missed being able to borrow print books, 44% missed having expert, friendly help from library staff. 40% of respondents simply missed being around other people and 36% missed participating in events and activities for adults.

Sue McKerracher, CEO of the Australian Library and Information Association, explained, “The role of libraries as places of books, study and learning has always been understood, but the role of public libraries as places where people feel connected continues to emerge. Even before the pandemic, governments were concerned about the mental health problems linked to loneliness. These concerns have been heightened over the last three months during the lockdown. Libraries clearly have an important part to play in promoting a greater sense of belonging.”

“As this was an online survey, we weren’t expecting a lot of people to tick “using the internet”, but we know that the loss of access to PCs and high speed broadband connection has caused hardship for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our communities, including homeless people, who rely on the internet through libraries to access Centrelink, MyGov and essential health information,” Sue said.

Public libraries were identified as an important service that could be reopened as part of Step 1 of the National Cabinet’s COVID-19 plan, when it was announced on 8 May. This is evidence of the government recognising the importance of libraries in both cities and regional areas and understanding the loss that people felt in losing access to print books, including larger print books for those with limited vision, free internet, library spaces, face-to-face storytime, rhymetime and craft activities. These services are essential across the Forbes Shire for people of all ages and abilities.

The My Library Survey can be found online; www.cwl.nsw.gov.au

Farmers’ Flexibility Put To The Test Again

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Callen Thompson from the Central West Local Land Services has some great advice to help farmers adapt to recent change.

Following earlier rainfall, warmer temperatures, and generally lower numbers of stock across the region some producers are now considering silage as an option for storing excess feed.

Central West Local Land Services mixed farming advisor Callen Thompson said while excess feed was a good problem to have there were a number of things to keep in mind before trying silage for the first time.

“Particularly if they have sown grazing crops or their cereal crops have started to run up growers are looking at their options to conserve this fodder for future use or create a saleable product to help with cash flow,” Callen said.

“Silage can be a great fodder source used to fill gaps in feed supply,” he said. The growth stage of the crop, what the silage will be used for and how it will be made were all important considerations for producers.

If cut at the right time, silage can retain much of the crops fodder quality, unlike hay which decreases in quality through the hay making process. “At this time of year you need to know if you will be able to dry the cut material quick enough to ensure feed quality, you may need to wait until daytime temperatures start to increase,” Callen said.

The decision on whether to produce bales or chopped silage would also depend on how much would be used at a time and whether it would be used on the farm or sold. Bales can be a better option if you only want to feed out small amounts at a time and wrapped bales can be sold off farm more easily.

For more information on considerations for making silage or to be notified of upcoming silage workshops contact Central West Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

New Parent Groups Go Ahead

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Clinical nurse and child and family health consultant, Anne Roth and Meagan Evans, clinical nurse specialist for child and family health WNSWLHD.

Keeping new parents connected during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Child and Family Health Nurses developing a new way of working.

The WNSWLHD is now offering first time parent’s access to a Virtual New Parent Group.

WNSWLHD, Consultant Child and Family Health Clinical Nurse, Anne Roth said, “New Parents Groups are normally provided face to face in centres across the WNSWLHD and we’ve had a great response to the first group, with 52 first time parents registering since it started on 22 April.”

COVID-19 has meant that these face to face groups can no longer operate as normal but the need to stay connected is more important than ever.

“This is particularly important for new parents who can feel vulnerable at this time. It may be hard right now for them to know how to balance the joy and excitement of having a new baby with the fear caused by this unprecedented global pandemic,” Anne said.

The Group is led by Meagan Evans a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Family Health and is held weekly over four weeks with each session running for 90 minutes.

The Difference That Lasts A Lifetime

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School has been operating for 38 years and has over 235 students. The year 2020 will see its sixth HSC cohort and with excellent facilities, an extensive curriculum and well-trained, enthusiastic teaching staff PCS helps to create an exciting journey of learning throughout all aspects of School life from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Students travelling from Forbes also have access to travel by our private charter bus supplied by the school. This picks up from several locations around Forbes and travels directly to the school.

Enrolments are now open for 2021, with limited spaces available. If you would like to enrol your child, book a school tour, trial day or have an enrolment pack sent to you, please contact the school office on 6862 4164. Secure your position today!

Snippets…

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Beau Wheeldon is the first CWCU Sports Achiever recipient of 2020.

CWCU First Sports Achiever Of 2020: Beau Wheeldon has been awarded the Central West Credit Unions ‘Sports Achiever January 2020’ for competing in the regional Little Athletics Carnival where he qualified to compete in the NSW Track and Field Championships in four events. Beau broke the record as he won the 100m sprint, he also came 1st place in the 70m sprint and came in at 2nd place for long jump and the 200m sprint. A very well-deserved recognition for this local athletic superstar.

Do you know when to REACH? Hospitals and Multipurpose Services across the Southern Sector of the Western NSW LHD (WNSWLHD) will be rolling out the REACH system. The REACH model is already in place across the Central and Northern Sectors of the WNSWLHD. REACH is a system that helps patients, their families and carer/s escalate their concerns with staff about worrying 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: we encourage patients and families to 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 and other avenues are exhausted.
• Help: help will be on its way In Western NSW when you call our REACH number your call will be answered by a nurse from our virtual care team. They will coordinate an independent review of the patient.

If they do not help you with your concerns or the condition is getting worse then ACT. Ask to speak to the Nurse in Charge. Ask for a “Clinical Review”. This should occur within 30 minutes.

Junior Sport Returns: Forbes and District Soccer Club training has commenced this week for their under 14s and 17s and competitive games will begin on 1 July. Forbes Junior AFL and Auskick have also announced that competition will resume 24 July at Gaggin Oval and will run for 10 weeks, until 18 September. Sports Clubs will need to adhere to COVID-19 policies and regulations as advised by the games state body and players and families will be advised of any upcoming changes.

Milla Bruen and Josie Mckenzie are looking forward to kicking off the 2020 soccer season.

An Army Of Support

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Sandra Walmsley and her team of volunteers are grateful to have their doors open again, especially during the cooler months.

When Sandra Walmsley, Corpse Officer of the Forbes and Parkes Salvation Army, arrived in town in January this year, she could not have predicted the changes coming her way. Previously stationed in Deniliquin for five years, Sandra could not believe her luck at being sent to Forbes. “Forbes is a bit like coming home,” she said. “I got married here, it’s where my husband is from and our friends are here so it’s good to come back to familiar surroundings.”

Prior to the pandemic, the Forbes Family Store operated with 10 volunteers and now, due to their ages, the store is running on five volunteers who are working tirelessly to process the donations from generous Forbes residents.

With an abundance of donations, Sandra was thankful that the Forbes community did not flood donation bins, which have to sit in a 72-hour quarantine before being processed. “There is a fair bit of work to be done. Every op shop is always busy and while there is a lot to do, these family stores are a great way to connect to the community. It is a shop that services so many in the community regardless of wealth.”

“It was challenging for us to keep our doors closed with the recent dramatic change in weather, it’s when vulnerable people in our community rely on us the most,” Sandra said, who also wanted to assure the public that unsold items are not thrown away. “The Salvation Army sends stock that isn’t sold locally to One Ten, a charity organisation that supports widows and single women in Africa by mending damaged items and sending them on to communities where they are needed.”

Long term plans for the store are slowly taking shape, with plans for a community space where people can come in and have a cup of tea and chat. Volunteers and members of the public who want to connect and combat loneliness are always welcome.

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