Articles Archives - Page 234 of 412

Regional College Of All-Round Excellence Visits Parkes Families

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Scots All Saints College, Bathurst will visit regional and rural towns this month to connect with past, current and future families and support local ‘buy from the bush’ campaigns.

Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, Mel Monico said: “We understand most of our families are on the land or working in small business and it can be challenging to leave properties to learn more about education opportunities for their children.”

“There has been great interest and support for the development of Scots All Saints College in Bathurst following the integration last year of two very longstanding and respected boarding schools, The Scots School and All Saints’ College, with a combined history in education stemming back over 219 years. After a successful first year, Scots All Saints College is emerging as a progressive college, catering to the needs of rural and regional families with affordable and quality education, we simply want to reach out to communities in our traditional heartland and help them learn more,” Mel said.

“Scots All Saints College has welcomed 130 new students in 2020 and the school continues to grow with unrivalled space, opportunities in academic and co-curricular activities. We are keen to listen to the needs of local families in education and introduce our leadership team including our new Director of Boarding, Anthony Le Couteur. We are pleased he can join our team and share his thoughts about our programs developed for rural and regional families including Equestrian Centre, on campus horse agistment, affordable parent accommodation on campus and agriculture programs on the Scots Campus farm.”

We warmly welcome all local families in Forbes to join us in Parkes for an informal evening of drinks and canapés. See ad on this page for more details.

Something For Everyone At The SES Open Day

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Members of the Forbes SES invite all members of the public to come to their Open Day this Saturday at the Lions Park.

Forbes State Emergency Service (SES) Unit is inviting residents to an Open Day on Saturday, 15th February from 10am to 2pm at Lions Park.

NSW SES core role is storms and floods. Forbes SES Unit also specialises in rescue work such as road crashes, flood rescue, vertical rescue and large animal rescue. This Open Day is a great opportunity to see the other roles that SES play within the community.

If you are considering joining a volunteer organisation this is a good opportunity to find out what the SES is all about and it is a chance for Forbes SES to show the public the range of volunteer work that they do.

Not many people realise what joining the SES offers and how it caters to almost all ages and abilities. Whatever your fitness level, background, skills or training, you can contribute to the Unit in many ways.

Not everybody wants to join to do field or response work and there are many areas that members can contribute including operations management, communications, training, administration, logistics, community education, catering, equipment and vehicle maintenance.

The Open Day will give everyone the chance to talk to the local Forbes SES Unit Volunteers and see demonstrations on how to prepare your property for storm damage, flooding as well as general rescue work.

If you would like further information, please contact the Forbes Local Controller, Roc Walshaw on 0429 036 465 or come along on the day and see what it is all about.

Final Call For Stroke Awards Nominations

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan congratulates stroke survivor Kevin English on his 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award

Time is running out to nominate an inspirational person in your community for the Stroke Foundation’s 2020 Stroke Awards.

The Stroke Awards are held annually and recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond to make life better for people with stroke. These include carers, stroke survivors, researchers, health professionals, volunteers and members of the community.

Winner of the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award, Kevin English, said it was a tremendous honour to be named as a finalist in his category, let alone win the award.

“There are so many people in the community striving to make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke. I was thrilled to be recognised for my volunteering efforts at Stroke Foundation,” Kevin said.

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. It happens in an instant and its impact can be devastating.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said Kevin was a wonderful example of someone strongly committed to raising awareness of stroke and prevention. Kevin’s contribution has included volunteering with the Stroke Foundation for six years. He was trained as a StrokeSafe Ambassador in 2013, is a member of the Stroke Foundation Consumer Council as well as assisting Safer Care Victoria.

The 2020 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards run across six categories: Improving Life After Stroke Award, Creative Award, Fundraiser of the Year Award, Courage Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and President’s Achievement Award.

Winners will be announced at the Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Awards ceremony in Melbourne on 5th May.

Nominate for the 2020 Stroke Awards here or contact the Stroke Foundation Awards Team on (03) 9670 1000. Nominations close today, Friday, 14th February 2020.

Snippets…

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

New and expectant mothers are back in the pool for another round of aqua fitness.

Aqua Fitness Returns: NSW Community Health and the School and Community Centre (SACC) kicked off round two of their aqua fitness program for new and expectant mothers at the Forbes Olympic Pool last week. The program runs for six weeks with sessions on Tuesday and Thursday from 9am – 9.45am with child minding available at the Youth and Community Centre next door to the pool. This program is a fantastic initiative in its fifth year of involving new and expectant mothers in gentle exercise, something that is often quite difficult for this demographic of women to access, despite its important role in maintaining both physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Not only are participants getting exercise, and a short break from the pressures of caring for an infant, they are also forming friendships with other women with babies who they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to meet.

Launching Rocket Learners: Parents of pre-kindergarten children are invited to come along to an information session on the ins and outs of Best Start. This session is the first of four sessions run by the Schools as Community Centres in their Launching Rocket Learners program. The Best Start information session will be held at Forbes North Public School on Thursday, 20th February from 1.30pm to 2.20pm with child minding available. After the session there will be an afternoon tea held until school pick up time. The following three sessions will be; ‘Literacy – a Journey, Not a Destination’, ‘Strategies to Help an Anxious Child’ and ‘Big Ideas in Number’.

Businesses Join Forces: The Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme is celebrating 10 years and four local businesses have put their hands up to help fight driver fatigue and reduce the road toll. Participating businesses in Forbes are Isabel’s Place, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn Hotel/Motel and Subway – Forbes. A total of 92 businesses across the Hunter, South West and Western regions of NSW will participate to encouraging drivers to take regular breaks by offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver more than 100km away from their home. “If it wasn’t for the participating businesses supplying the ‘free cuppas’, this scheme wouldn’t be possible,” said Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. The ‘Free Cuppa’ website, freecuppa.com.au, allows drivers to search for the nearest participating business. There is also an active Facebook page.

Forbes businesses are proudly supporting the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme in 2020.

Shave The Date

February 14, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Deb Hewitt and Indigo Kriedemann of Currajong with Fiona McGonigal practising for the World’s Greatest Shave.

Mark Thursday, 12th March down in your calendars because it’s World’s Greatest Shave time again.

This time last year Fiona McGonigal was battling kidney cancer and while most people would’ve taken time out to battle the disease, Fiona decided to raise awareness for cancer research by shaving her head to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

This year Fiona will again be participating in the World’s Greatest Shave and sadly, despite beating kidney cancer last year, she has received the unfortunate news that the disease has returned on the left side of her adrenal gland.

While Fiona has her ups and downs, she says nothing will stop her trying to beat last year’s fundraising effort of $1,000 which was her initial target. “The funds are vital, make no secret of it, but so too is awareness of cancer and different cancer types,” Fiona said. “Every day another 35 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer. That’s one Aussie every 41 minutes.”

According to the World’s Greatest Shave website – by signing up and raising money for World’s Greatest Shave, you’ll be part of an elite group of extraordinary people who are on a mission to reach the Leukaemia Foundation’s bold new goal: zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

If you want to support Fiona watch this space for more info, links and how to donate over the coming weeks otherwise contact Currajong Disability Services about how to get involved on 02 6863 4713.

Bedgerabong Races 2020

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Come out to Bedgerabong Races for a fun filled day of entertainment for all ages.

Bedgerabong Picnic Races will be held on Saturday, 15th February 2020 with the first race starting at 1.30pm. This year will see an increase in the total prizemoney from $25,000 to $30,000 which will be shared across the six-race program.

Western Tree Care are this year’s Bedgerabong Picnic Cup Major Sponsors, this is truly appreciated in such trying times.

Buses will run from Forbes to Bedgerabong, first departing at 12pm and will begin returning to Forbes from 7.45pm. The buses will run on a needs basis.

There will be an auction of special printed Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club shirts, footraces for children and adults alike and a jumping castle to keep the little ones entertained. The Melbourne band Trainwreck Trio will be providing live entertainment from 6.30pm.

This year onsite eftpos facilities will be available, not for cash withdrawals, but tap and go for bar tickets. The undercover bar area has mister fans to keep patrons cool and there is also an undercover bookmakers area with both local and metropolitan bookies onsite. Seating will be provided, and attendees can bring their own marquee provided they book in with the coordinator. Details are provided at bedgerabongraces.com.au. A satellite bar is also provided for the marquee patrons plus the on-course caterers Rob Speed and Smokin Croc available until end of service.

Fashions on the field will return this year and the details are on the website and will be in the race book. Great prizes to be won for the best on the field.

Currently, volunteers from the community are watering the track and grounds so it is green for race day. The grounds and track are looking amazing considering the harsh lead up to the races.

There is a lot of fun to be had so make it a date and head out for a great day of entertainment.

We’re Still Here Despite The Heat

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Tom Curtain and his crew visited Forbes on Saturday evening for his ‘We’re Still Here’ tour.

Forbes residents and visitors converged on the showground last Saturday evening for a night of family fun and entertainment. Tom Curtain visited Forbes for his ‘We’re Still Here’ tour which is raising money and morale in drought-stricken communities throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

There was an enthusiastic crowd that attended the event, despite the heat, to support the tour while watching interactive shows of horsemanship, music and dance. As the sun went down, so did the force of the heat, making the atmosphere even more cheerful. Children kicked off their shoes to run and dance in the field before the stage while adults mingled over food, drink and good music.

The crowd was captivated by the show.

Money raised on the night went to the CWA drought relief to assist local communities. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the tour and for simply having the opportunity to support drought relief by attending such an entertaining and engaging evening for all. Jodi Penfold of West Wyalong said the evening was “awesome, really great to have something like this on for families” and when asked if she would support a similar event in the future, Jodi responded “absolutely”. Jodi’s sister-in-law Ruth Penfold, also attended and added that “she would definitely come to something like this again”.

It was fantastic to see Forbes residents and visitors from neighbouring towns throw their enthusiastic support behind the tour and behind such an important cause.

Plans Unveiled For New Cultural And Arts Hub

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Arts Society (FAS) has revealed its vision for the former Forbes Ambulance Station building.

Located on the corner of Lachlan and Court Streets, the prominent building is set to house an expanded art gallery, meeting rooms, performance and workshop spaces as well as a cafe.

The $5.7 million Lachlan Valley Arts and Cultural Development aims to grow the Forbes and Lachlan Shire and the Lachlan Valley visitor economy and promote the region as a premier tourism destination.

In addition to the new Forbes Cultural Centre, the project also includes the commissioning of 15 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture down the Lachlan Trail and the redevelopment of the bird hides at the Gum Swamp wetlands.

Forbes Arts Society’s Dr Keith Mullette said: “While we are in the early design phase for the new Cultural Centre, preliminary work has already commenced on parts of the new bird hides, and there are three new sculptures ready for installation along the Lachlan Valley Way”.

“Over the next three years we will see our vision of developing Forbes as a cultural and arts hub come to fruition and hopefully incorporating the Shires of the valley. This certainly is an exciting game changer for tourism in our region,” said Keith.

Residents are invited to learn more about the project at a public meeting to be held next Wednesday, 12th February at the Forbes Services Club commencing at 5.30pm.

The Lachlan Valley Arts and Cultural Development is jointly funded by the NSW Government under the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, Evolution Mining, Forbes Shire Council and Lachlan Shire Council and the Forbes Arts Society.

Snippets…

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Upgrades to the ski dam taking place, see page 7 for more information.

Giving Back to The Community: On Tuesday Bernardi’s supermarket store manager Jason presented cheques to the three beneficiaries of round two of their ‘Building Better Communities’ program. The Forbes supermarket donated a total of $5,000 to Forbes Junior Rugby, St Laurence’s P&F and the Forbes Fins. The final tally saw Forbes Fins receiving $2,500, St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes with $1,500 and Forbes Junior Rugby receiving $1,000. What a fantastic initiative by Bernardi’s.

Can You Assist CanAssist: Graeme Howie from the Howie Bros and country entertainer and comedian Robbie Edge will be performing their ‘Morning Melodies’ show at the Forbes Service Club on Monday 17th February from 10.30am til 12pm. The tickets are $15 at the door and proceeds will go to the CanAssist Cancer Assistance Network. CanAssist is a charity that is committed to ensuring all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, can access cancer treatment and care. By providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas, CanAssist ensures that country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.

World Wetlands Day: Last Sunday was World Wetlands Day and what a wonderful reminder of the upgrades to our own facilities at the Gum Swamp bird hide coming in 2020. Forbes is so fortunate to house such diverse ecosystems. Wetlands are important because they absorb and store water, remove pollutants from water and a whopping 40% of all species live or breed in wetlands. Not only do wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, they also attract visitors for recreation and tourism, making their importance economically tangible. It will be wonderful to see much deserved upgrades to the Gum Swamp bird hide facilities, making it more accessible and user friendly to the public.

Gum Swamp is such a beautiful place, soon to be enjoyed by many more.

Local Schools Continue To Promote Young Leadership

February 7, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

St Laurence’s Parish School Vice Captains Ruby Jones and Dempsey O’Connell with School Captains Gabriella Pereira and Charlie Bray.

On Monday St Laurence’s Parish School announced their 2020 School Captains, Sports Captains and Making Jesus Real (MJR) Team Leaders. The School Captains are Gabriella Pereira and Charlie Bray and the Vice Captains are Ruby Jones and Dempsey O’Connell. The MJR Team leaders are Elinor Turner, Logan Davies and Bridie O’Malley.

Sports Captains are as follows:

• Dalton Captains; Lucy Maslin and Tom Whitty.

• Dalton Vice Captains; Katie Schulz and Tom Glasson.

• Farrand Captains; Bridie O’Malley and Joe Smith.

• Farrand Vice Captains; Elizabeth Stewart and Isaac Page.

• Lachlan Captains; Jett Rudd and Holly Hope-Hodgetts.

• Lachlan Vice Captains; Hamish Nicholson and Amber White.

• Johnson Captains; Matilda Cronin and Lewis Nicholson.

• Johnson Vice Captains; Michael Price and Lilly Finn.

Subscribe