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Forbes Remains Free Of COVID-19

April 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

As of 10.00am Tuesday 21 April, the Western NSW Local Health District remains at 45 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this 45, there are currently five active cases of COVID-19 across the region.

It is critical that everyone in all our local communities continue to practice social distancing to minimise the risk of the transmission of COVID-19.

This is important for everyone, but particularly for older people and people with health conditions that make them more vulnerable. It is also important that we protect our health care workers who we need to stay well to provide care to people who become sick with COVID-19.

Local Government Area	No. Cases
Bathurst Regional	9
Blayney Shire	3
Cabonne Shire	5
Coonamble Shire	1
Dubbo Regional	6
Mid-Western Region	6
Narromine Shire	1
Orange City	10
Warren Shire	1
Warrumbungle Shire	1
Weddin Shire	1

ANZAC Treat

April 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Caramel ANZAC Slice

SLICE
• 2 Cups Plain Flour
• 2 Cups Brown Sugar
• 2 Cups Rolled Oats
• 1 Cup Desiccated Coconut • 250G Butter, Diced
• 4 Tbsp Golden Syrup
• 2 Tbsp Water
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

CARAMEL FILLING
• 400g Sweetened Condensed Milk • 2 Tbsp Golden Syrup
• 60g Butter

TOPPING
• 1⁄2 Cup Melting Chocolate

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat Oven to 170C and prepare a 25cm spring form tin with cooking spray
2. Combine flour, brown sugar, rolled oats and coconut.
3. Heat the butter until melted, add the golden syrup and the water and whisk until blended.
4. Add the baking soda to the butter mixture and whisk until all dissolved.
5. Pour in the melted butter mixture to dry ingredients.
6. Place 2/3rds of the mixture into the prepared tin.

CARAMEL FILLING
1. Add condensed milk, butter and golden syrup in a saucepan, stir over a low heat for 6-8 minutes, until mixture boils and thickens.
2. Pour the caramel filling over the slice.
3. Sprinkle the remaining slice crumbs over the top of the caramel.
4. Bake the slice for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

TOPPING
1. Melt the chocolate in a small microwave proof bowl, 20-30 seconds at a time.
2. Flick the melted chocolate over the slice off the end of spoon.

Letter from the publisher

April 24, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Dear readers,

I would like to write to you personally and on behalf of the entire Phoenix Group of Newspapers to thank you for your continued support of our publications over the last few weeks during the Coronavirus crisis.

This is a stressful period for many, and will no doubt continue to be over the next few weeks, at least. While we have done it tough here at the Phoenix, there are many other local businesses doing it much tougher, and I would like to let them all know that our thoughts and best wishes are with them. We will continue to support our local community as best as we can by providing all the up to date local news, as well as continuing to offer our publishing space to all our advertisers, past, present, and future.

With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to confirm to our readers and advertisers that we will continue to publish our weekly newspaper as we normally would. I understand that there is currently much uncertainty around community media, but we are here to stay. We have plans in place to ensure our future viability, and while our staff are all working remotely from home at the moment, they are all still contactable by phone, email and social media, and are still responding to all enquiries that come their way.

While there are challenges, we will still be the local voice of our community, as we have been over the last few years. Our newspapers will continue to be free of charge, and while there are some outlets that we cannot distribute from at the moment, our newspapers will still be available from all others, and we will still be distributing our rural copies through Australia Post.

Please let it be known that we are with everyone through this tough time and will always be available to support our community wherever we can.

Kind regards,
Joshua Matic
Publisher
The Phoenix Group of Newspapers

Crime

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

What is a crime? There are many crimes or offences. A lot are contained in the Crimes Act but many more are contained in other statutes both of the State and Federal Parliaments. The range of offences vary from murder down to parking.

Most criminal matters are commenced by the Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions by way of court attendance notices (formerly known as Police charges/summonses). Those charged with an offence will appear firstly before a magistrate in a local court. In some cases, issues of bail may need to be considered.

Magistrates deal with over 90% of criminal matters summarily, but the more serious offences are committed to the district court or supreme court for trial before a judge and/or jury.

Unlike civil matters, criminal matters must be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ having regard to the elements of the offence. This is when a solicitor’s professional knowledge becomes essential for the client (ie the person charged with an offence).

It should be noted that in civil matters the standard of proof is much less in that the plaintiff usually has to prove their case ‘on the balance of probabilities’.

Police will have a fact sheet (which is not evidence but outlines the Police case) on the first appearance before the court. The fact sheet and instructions from the client will help the solicitor in deciding whether to advise the client to plead guilty or not guilty. Sometimes an adjournment is necessary to obtain further information.

Once a plea is entered, the magistrate may adjourn the matter for hearing, sentence the client, commit the client for trial in a higher court or other options, depending on the seriousness of the offence, and the previous criminal history of the client. For further information contact us.

Pushing Through A Pandemic

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The lockdown and social distancing rules have changed the way we go about our day to day business, but for a demographic of women in our community, this time can induce more fear and uncertainty than most will experience. Pregnancy and childbirth in Forbes can be uncertain on an average day, with resources, staff and facilities stretched to accommodate women in Forbes and surrounding towns. It is not uncommon for women with high-risk pregnancies to be sent to Dubbo and Orange to give birth.

Now women face the additional challenges of giving birth during a pandemic. Birthing in lockdown has been met with both confusion and praise. Praise for the exceptional work that the midwives, staff and Obstetricians at Forbes Hospital do, and the care they provide to women during their most vulnerable time. There is also confusion surrounding the rules once women return home. While in hospital, the rules are clear, no visitors except for one support person. However, upon returning home, one Forbes mother of two found herself stuck.

Recovering from a Caesarean delivery with a one-year-old at home and a partner who works away for days at a time, Forbes woman Umima Austral found herself confused and concerned. Relying on family for care and assistance meant she needed visitors in her home, “Are they (the police) going to come and knock on my door be- cause there are four cars parked at my house?” she wondered.

Many have criticised both a lack of transparency and enforcement around lockdown rules and as it stands, seems to be a learning experience for both the public and law enforcement. In the coming weeks and months, we should see a rhythm take place and a sense of normality gained as the Forbes community adjusts to life in lockdown.

Coiffeur Confusion

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes hairdresser Eliza Acret is confident in following government guidelines for the hairdressing industry.

An open letter has been penned by the Australian Hairdressing Council to the State Premiers and members of the National Cabinet. The letter voices heartfelt and genuine concern for the safety of those workers in the hairdressing industry who feel at risk working in such close proximity to their clients. Half of Australia’s 15,000 salons have voluntarily closed, salons that employ 40,000 hairdressers and barbers. Because no salons have specific training in infection control, it is up to individual businesses to read and implement safety measures put into place by the government. Forbes hairdressers have mirrored the sense of confusion in the lack of clarity around rules, experienced by themselves and their clients.

Safety measures like ensuring adequate distance between clients and maintaining a strict limit to the amount of people allowed in the shop at a time reduces the risk of infection spreading however, with the work itself requiring close proximity between hairdressers and their clients, the Australian Hairdressing Council states that they are “a risk to and at risk from our clients.”

The letter further poses the question as to whether the government is prepared to be accountable for death and illness should their “lack of leadership” and lack of clear guidance prove to be inadequate.

For Forbes hairdresser Bronwyn of Metro Hair, the confusion is the result of the changing rules and regulations regarding the hairdressing industry. While Bronwyn has implemented strict guidelines and rules around social distancing in the salon, as well as undertaking a vigorous disinfection routine between clients and says: “I can only do my best, I don’t know what to think, It’s impossible to completely obey social distancing when you are cutting hair.”

Eliza from Hair With Style also confirmed that the salon has implemented a strict dis- infection and social distancing routine, as well as not accepting any clients from out of town.

“As hairdressers, we only know what the government tells us, so we are just taking it day by day, apart from new regulations, it is business as usual,” said Eliza, who also stated that much confusion around the hairdressing industry came about when the government closed the beauty industry, leaving clients and hairdressers confused.

Forbes is yet to have any COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, 15th April. While hairdressers in Forbes understand the Australian Hairdressing Council’s concern for the health and safety of hairdressers in cities and urban areas with high rates of COVID-19, and understands their calls for the government to shut the industry down, Forbes still maintains a sense of security. For the most part, residents and businesses are doing the best that they can with the information they have. Until further notice, Forbes hair salons are still open for business.

Snippets…

April 17, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Blood Donations ‘Essential’: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWL-HD) is calling on people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. “We need donors now more than ever,” said WNSWLHD Haemovigilance Clinical Nurse Consultant, Karen Beattie. “The government has actually made blood donation one of the 16 reasons you can leave your home. There are 800 blood donation cancellations per day nationally and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality.” The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood need 29,000 blood donors every week. They have introduced procedures to meet social distancing requirements and keep their donors safe. “The need for blood never stops. Blood is needed every day by Australian patients.” The WNSWLHD is calling on eligible Australians to become blood donors and for existing donors to make and honour their appointments to prevent a potential shortage of blood supplies. Make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Corona Count: As of 10.00am Wednesday 15 April, the Western NSW Local Health District has 45 confirmed cases of COVID-19. A total of 35 people have recovered from COVID-19.

Local Government Area	No. Cases
Bathurst Regional	9
Blayney Shire	3
Cabonne Shire	2
Coonamble Shire	1
Dubbo Regional	6
Mid-Western Region	4
Narromine Shire	1
Orange City	8
Warren Shire	1
Warrumbungle Shire	1
Weddin Shire	1

Building and Growing: On Wednesday work began on the new median island on the Newell Highway in front of the new Caltex service station. Changed traffic conditions are to be in place from Wednesday 15 until Wednesday, 29th April between the hours of 9.30am to 3.30pm. Please slow down when driving through this area and exercise patience. The work will take two weeks and benefit drivers for years to come.

Newell Highway.

Snippets…

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Have you spotted any bears hiding around town?

We’re Going On A Socially Distant Bear Hunt: With young children spending much more time at home, parents are looking for new and innovative ways to keep children active, engaged and away from electronic devices. A social movement which is gaining traction for families with young children is the bear hunt, with a twist. Forbes residents are encouraged to participate by placing a teddy bear in their front yard somewhere that is visible but not immediately obvious to passers-by. Children who walk or drive by with their parents will be on the hunt to spot the elusive teddy bears.

Bear hunting is an innovative way to keep young minds and bodies active while abiding by social distancing laws and restrictions and anyone can participate by placing their own bears for little eyes to find.

Hashtag It Out: Huge changes and developments in the way people communicate, connect and relate to one another are taking place with more and more older Australians getting on board. Apps like TIK TOK and Instagram provide a platform to see how others are and are not coping with staying at home. Recipes, dance moves, activities, crafts and jokes are shared through short videos or photos and it has proven to be instrumental in keeping many people sane and entertained while they are doing the right thing by staying indoors unless necessary. It is excellent to see social media platforms being used in such a positive way, bringing people together during a time we are in forced separation.

Connecting Youth: Stay connected to the Forbes Action Youth Teams Facebook page with their 50 Things To Do At Home initiative. The virtual Easter hat parade has resulted in some stunning entries.

Bella and Jed both had fabulously colourful hat creations.
Photo Credit: Forbes Youth Action Team Facebook.

Go Online With Musica Arioso

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

If you had asked Musica Arioso six months ago if they would be a predominantly online business by Easter 2020, they would have laughed.

And then the unimaginable happened, a global pandemic, social distancing and the closure of non-essential services.

“We simply had to dive in boots and all. We are in uncharted territory with our children feeling the stress of our stress and the uncertainty of what lies ahead,” said Gail Smith.

Music is well known for its benefits of relieving stress and anxiety. While sporting clubs and events have been cancelled, and social gatherings are on hold, music has not been cancelled.

Musica Arioso are now bravely striding into the vast online world, and that is where you come in! With so much time at home, regular music lessons can help bring some structure to your day. You could discover a talent.

They are offering 30 minute online classes for a range of instruments including piano/keyboard, ukulele, voice, recorder and guitar.

Contact Gail Smith on 0414 478 585 or email musicaarioso@gmail.com for information on how to book your time. After all, everyone deserves a little music in their life.

Adapting This Easter Through Faith, Family And Fun

April 9, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Pastor James McCleary with wife Ally and sons Finley, William and Harvey rely on routine and plenty of play to survive extended time at home.

In the lead up to one of the most significant dates on the Christian calendar, Easter, Pastor James McCleary of Forbes Baptist Church has been busy harnessing the power of the internet to reach church members. While he acknowledges the feeling of distance and isolation, especially during such a significant holiday, James also expressed gratitude for the technology that allows him to reach members of the church, both young and old.

With the usual and highly anticipated activities around Easter cancelled this year, it is important to be flexible and balanced. Pastor James recommends a healthy balance of work, exercise, family and social time, relaxation and sleep to stay on top of his mental health and wellbeing. Now more than ever, with so little face-to-face social interaction and without regular support networks available, it is crucial to be patient and forgiving to oneself. “This climate has forced us to slow things down and gives us a chance to reflect.”

With many older members of the church, James was impressed with how adaptable they have been with the sudden changes, stating: “It has been really encouraging to see the older generation get on board, being flexible and engaging.” While he acknowledges the distance people feel from the community they are used to interacting with each Sunday, and the yearning people feel for face-to-face interaction, he points to “the goodness of God in using technology to continue his work.”

James urged Forbes people to stay in touch over Easter, saying that “ringing people and video calls on messenger are great ways to stay connected.”

Caramel ANZAC Slice

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