Articles Archives - Page 236 of 424

Bridge On Track For Completion

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Visualisation of the new Camp Street Bridge, Looking north-west. The new bridge will be wider than the existing bridge

A safer and more efficient crossing over Lake Forbes is one step closer, with work on the new Camp Street Bridge steaming ahead.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said crews had already completed the deck, footpath, and side barriers on the bridge this year, with work on the road approaches continuing to the Camp Street side in the coming weeks.

“It’s great to see this project on track to open later this year, which will deliver a safer crossing than the existing bridge for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” Paul said.

“Infrastructure projects like these are not only delivering improved safety outcomes for local communities but are supporting jobs in the bush with 50 people currently working on this key project.”

Forbes Shire Council has almost finished work on the road approach at Bridge Street, and work is scheduled to start on the Camp Street road approach next week, weather permitting.

The new bridge, and all other associated work, is still on track to be completed and open to traffic and pedestrians by August this year, weather permitting.

For more information on the project, visit https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/forbes-bridge/index.html

A Coffee On Cowal

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Simon Coates gifting a voucher to Dr Richard Draper. The Evolution Senior Environmental Advisor distributed vouchers to educators and health care workers in Forbes.

Last Friday, Forbes health care workers and educators were recognised and thanked by Evolution Mining who recently rolled out ‘A Coffee on Cowal,’ a fantastic, community focused initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative saw Forbes Shire essential workers in the health and education sector gifted with a free cup of coffee from Evolution Cowal. The initiative not only supports local business through the purchase of the coffee vouchers, but also acknowledges and thanks those health care workers for the fantastic job they are doing to keep our community safe. The thanks extends to Forbes Shire educators for the challenging, fast-paced, ever changing work that they are doing to support their students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and the government’s response to the pandemic has brought changes, minor and major, to the lives of all and this is one way that Evolution Cowal has stepped in to show their thanks and support for Forbes’ health workers and educators.

Simon Coates, Senior Environmental Advisor to Cowal, who handed out the vouchers said, “It was great to touch base and share stories with these workers and it was very clear the small gesture of a cup of coffee was very much appreciated and they were grateful for the recognition.”

Evolution handed out 300 vouchers to 10 businesses in the Forbes Shire and endeavours to continue to support the community during these challenging and uncertain times.

Upgrades For Bedgerabong Showgrounds

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

With around 580 shows across Australia, and drawing in nearly 6 million visitors in total, upgrades, and maintenance of aging facilities as well as the construction of new infrastructure is crucial for the sustainability of rural showgrounds. The Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program is injecting $20 million into 122 regional agricultural show societies, including Bedgerabong PA & H Association Inc.

The upgrades at the Bedgerabong Showgrounds will include the development of a multipurpose livestock facility, fence repairs, installation of barriers and an upgrade to the watering system.

Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the grants would also serve as a much needed cash injection in the wake of recent bushfires and the COVID-19 outbreak which has seen agricultural shows, a major drawcard for visitors, cancelled Australia-wide with a loss of roughly $965 million to the economy.

“Upgrading show facilities means more visitors to these regional events, more local employment, and more tills ringing in local businesses,” said David. “Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies.”

Talking Mental Health

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging residents to access mental health support if they need it. The Federal Government has bolstered mental health and wellbeing services during the COVID-19 pandemic and Michael implored those who are feeling unwell to get help.

“Regional Australians are a resilient bunch but too often they shirk their own health and wellbeing.”

The Federal Government’s mental health package includes funding for dedicated phone and online resources. “These services are vital for residents throughout the Central West to get the support they need, when they need it,” Michael said.

The Australian Government funds a range of organisations where people can raise concerns, whether they relate to COVID-19, the ongoing drought, or the impact of the recent bushfires.

Telephone and online support is available from the following organisations:
• Headspace (for people aged 12 to 25 and their families) call 1800 650 890 or chat online
• Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) call 1300 22 4636 or chat on-line
• This Way Up Clinic (anyone with stress, anxiety, and depression) online courses
• MindSpot (people with anxiety and depression) call 1800 61 44 34 or online screening.

Snippets…

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jarrod Zuvela urges families and carers to REACH.

Do you know when to REACH?: Hospitals and Multipurpose Services across the Western NSW LHD (WNSWLHD) will be rolling out the REACH system to help patients and their families escalate their concerns with staff about 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: Patients and families should 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.
• Help: Help will be on its way in Western NSW when you call our REACH number, your call will be answered by a nurse who will coordinate an independent review of the patient.

It’s No Time To Be Complacent: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has urged residents to get tested for COVID-19, even if the symptoms they have experienced are mild.

There are a number of places where testing is available for people with mild symptoms including:
• General practitioners (call ahead).
• Respiratory Clinics being established in several communities by the Western Primary Care Network.
• Fever Clinics at Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo Hospitals.
• Testing clinics at smaller rural hospitals (call ahead).

If you are not sure if you should be tested, contact the Western Public Health Helpline on 1300 066 055.

Get A Saucepan And Wooden Spoon Ready: Music for Little Ears will be available online in Term 2. Samantha Bartholemeusz of the Orange Regional Conservatorium is moving her Music for Little Ears program online while libraries are closed. Samantha has created a six week program of videos to initiate little ears to classical music, singing, percussion, dancing and musical games. The program is suitable for ages two to five. Music for Little Ears at Home will be available to all members of Forbes Library. Register on Eventbrite and the link to the Orange Regional Conservatorium’s Channel will be emailed to you. Each new episode will be available for you to enjoy again and again from the comfort of your home. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/music-for-little-ears-at-home-registration-104918624430

Join Samantha’s free Music for Little Ears program online.

A Windfall For Book Lovers!

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Central West Libraries has ramped up local access to online digital content in the wake of COVID-19 to help locals stay entertained through self-isolation. With the launch of an innovative new platform indyreads, Forbes library members can now access over 11,000 new ebooks and audiobooks from home.

Developed by the State Library of NSW, indyreads gives members 24/7 access to a range of eBooks, including fiction titles by well-known and popular authors, poetry collections, cookbooks, educational books, local studies resources and more.

“Indyreads also includes books from independent Australian and international publishers as well as the best examples of self-publishing, offering communities a greater diversity of stories,” says Ross Balharrie, indyreads project coordinator, State Library of NSW. “With indyreads library members can get a lot more variety – from high quality self-published works by local writers to international award-winning authors and modern classics,” says Ross.

According to Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards, “indyreads is a great addition to our library collection. I am particularly enjoying being able to access such a wealth of fiction by Australian authors”.

To access the collection visit www.cwl.nsw.gov.au To log onto indyreads you will need to:
• Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to use on your phone or tablet
• Choose ‘Central West Libraries’ from the drop-down list
• Type in your library card number
• Type in the password or PIN number associated with your library card.

Please call Central West Libraries on 6393 8132 if you require any assistance with your PIN number.

A Day In The Life Of A Forbes Mum

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Jonah, Julian, Seth, Mel and Finley Butler hard at work learning from home.

“Keep your kids at home if you can.” That was the advice given by our government to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Okay”, I thought, I am a stay at home Mum and Mr Three had pneumonia just a few months ago, so it is probably best for me to keep them home. Five children, four who are school aged, two with special needs and all in different grades, how hard could it possibly be?

At first it was simple, we had to quarantine after coming back from overseas and had no formal schooling to do. My “home learners” and I would cook together, making cheese, butter and bread, and planting vegetables. In the afternoon we had a “movie appreciation class” with popcorn. This home-schooling gig was easy!

Then came the ‘continuity of learning packs’, actual schoolwork. “I can do this,” I thought as I woke up early enough to set everything up before logging into each child’s Google Classroom account, but while trying to navigate the website realised, this is not fun anymore.

“But I don’t do this at school,” “I finished this bit,” “I need the toilet,” “Is it recess yet?” and “he took my pencil!” played on repeat like a broken record until I decided to set up learning areas in each bedroom, away from each other. With each child demanding my undivided attention, there was not enough of me to go around.

I looked around at the end of day one and wondered how we managed and how they made so much mess. The dining table was strewn with pencils, scissors, glue sticks and paper as my husband came home to the children in their pyjamas and me with a glass of wine, almost ready to login for online dance lessons. This gig is not easy and teacher’s Christmas presents will look very different this year.

By Mel Butler

Calling All Tradies And Suppliers

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Marg Duggan and Duke Jelbart from the Forbes Business Chamber are urging Forbes tradespeople and businesses to update their contact information.

Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council have joined forces to update and add to the current business database.

Both organisations are looking for all businesses to update their contact details with the Forbes Business Chamber. “We are looking for details of tradies and suppliers,” said Marg Duggan, President of Forbes Business Chamber.

“Forbes has many exciting projects happening in the next couple of years and as details for quotes and contracting opportunities become available, we need to be able to contact the relevant people.”

The Forbes Business Database has been growing over the past three years. “Currently the database has over 450 Forbes businesses and not-for-profit organisations listed,” said Marg. “At times it is very hard to get businesses to update their details which makes it difficult for Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council to pass on very important information.”

“I encourage all of our tradies and suppliers to jump on board this initiative,” said Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, Phyllis Miller OAM. “We continue to support locals where we can and provide contact details to our newcomers to town as well as any enquiries that present at Council.”

“Forbes is very lucky to have so many tradespeople in our town and by working together we can ensure the work is here to keep them around,” added Phyllis.

Please email Forbes Business Chamber at forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com to have a database update form sent to you.

Forbes Showground Upgrade

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

VanFest, held at the Forbes Showground hosts festival goers. Credit: Vanfestofficial instagram

Forbes Showground, alongside Manildra, Bedgerabong, and Peak Hill are four of 29 showgrounds to benefit from safety upgrades, thanks to a $9.2 million improvement program from the NSW Government.

NSW MP Sam Farraway said showgrounds are important for local communities and the economy and the NSW Government is committed to supporting a strong and vibrant showground sector.

“Showgrounds are the heart and soul of our regional communities, bringing people together and connecting residents in cities to those on the farms. They are important community hubs, particularly in regional towns. We want to ensure that they are kept safe and functional,” Sam said. Safety upgrades include tiered seating, toilets, stairs, fencing, animal sheds, structural repairs to grandstands, stables, roofing and more.

Forbes Showground is frequently used and hosts thousands of visitors to Forbes each year, from near and far. Large festivals like VanFest will be better able to accommodate festival attendees and the annual Forbes Show will also benefit from the funding tremendously.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said upgrades will ensure our regional showgrounds in towns like Manildra, Bedgerabong, Forbes and Peak Hill are kept safe and functional for future generations.

“In addition to the $9.2 million in showground upgrades currently underway, the NSW Government recently announced a further $25 million for showground improvements in Sydney and regional NSW to help stimulate local economies and support jobs,” Melinda said.

“This extra $25 million investment will provide a much-needed boost for communities and their economies by supporting tradespeople with work and strengthening more showground infrastructure for the future. State Members of Parliament with showgrounds in their areas have been invited to work with showground managers to put forward shovel-ready projects for consideration. This is a fantastic opportunity for Forbes residents with many look- ing forward to seeing what upgrades are in store for Forbes’ historic showground.

The Transition To Adulthood

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School is a vibrant learning hub, where staff work collaboratively to provide personalised support for students with additional needs, enabling students to be actively connected to their learning, have positive relationships with their teachers and peers and experience a sense of belonging.

Michelle MacGregor is the Assistant Principal for Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School. She believes that recognising and participating in annual World Autism Awareness campaigns, which aim to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, builds a more inclusive world for all.

By encouraging worldwide support and advocating for kindness improves outcomes for not only Forbes Public School students with special needs, but for their families, networks and community as a whole. Michelle went on to say that now, more than ever, “we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion.”

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day theme is ‘The Transition to Adulthood.’ The theme aims to engage all in considering what “becoming an adult’ means in terms of social, economic and political value, participation and engagement. The transition from adolescence to adulthood poses a

significant challenge for young people with Autism, especially in terms of opportunities that will help to support social, economic and political participation. It is especially important to understand that young people with Autism often face tremendous difficulties when formal education and other support services cease. The Transition to Adulthood for those with Autism certainly is something that the Forbes community can all benefit from having an awareness of.

Forbes Public School continues to foster authentic and productive partnerships with students and their families, responsive to their needs, in a climate characterised by flexibility, commitment and teamwork.

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