Articles Archives - Page 241 of 412

Mayoral Notes

November 15, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Recently the rumour mill has been turning with reports Bunnings is closing. This is not true. These rumours don’t serve the community and can affect economic opportunities. We are all under a lot of stress with the drought and I ask everyone to remain positive and be grateful for the positive things that are happening in Forbes.

We are currently waiting on an announcement regarding further funding for Forbes. We hope to hear later this week, so stay tuned!

Taste on Templar was a huge success last Saturday night. Congratulations to the Business Chamber, Marg Duggan and her team for putting this brilliant event together. We have been lucky enough to receive another $1 million from the Federal Government this week as well as extra Roads to Recovery grants. A big thank you to Michael McCormack. He has listened to us and has acted.

I want to remind everyone to shop local this Christmas. There has never been a more important time to support our local businesses. We want to come out of this drought and not lose our amazing retailers. I also want to say a big thank you to our Council road crews. Many residents comment on what a great job they are doing. On that note I’ll say cheers for this week.

God Bless.
Your Mayor Cr Phyllis Miller

Lend A Hand To Ladies Of The Land

November 15, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Elzette Connan and daughter. (Photo: Facebook)

When times are tough, it is often women who sacrifice and put their families first, meaning the simple luxuries that many of us take for granted are first on the chopping block.

Ladies of the Land is an organisation that is collecting and distributing pamper packages for ladies on properties in and around Forbes and the Central West.

During a particularly difficult period on her farm that saw the selling off of 90% of cattle and 50% of sheep, Elzette Connan received a pamper package from a friend with a heartfelt note that read “sending you a bit of sunshine”. Elzette was so moved by this act of kindness that she decided to invite others to put together pamper pack- ages for other ladies who are struggling in the drought.

Elzette said, “We all need help, we all need people who care and these packages aim to give someone a bit of hope.” The organisation has already collected close to 1,000 packages to be distributed through out the Central West by Christmas.

Pamper packages should include a hand written note, whether it is a few meaningful words or a letter, donators can remain anonymous or leave their contact details. Each package aims to make the recipient feel cared for.

Some ideas for what to put in a package are tea, coffee, chocolates and biscuits, a nice shower gel, scented candle, book or scarf. Anything that will add a bit of comfort and care to the life of a lady struggling on the land.

Information about drop off locations are available on the ‘Ladies of the Land’ Facebook page in the pinned post and the drop off deadline is the 10th of December. Please ensure glassware is properly wrapped and do not include perishables or basic sanitary items. The aim is to provide ladies with items they would not buy for themselves anymore.

Breaking The Cycle

November 15, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The Drought Ride cyclists gathered at Apex Park on Saturday.

If you were out and about on Saturday you may have noticed a swarm of about 60 cyclists passing through Forbes, having cycled from Molong in the morning. The determined, altruistic men and women are part of a charity cycling group who are riding to support drought stricken rural communities. On Saturday The Drought Ride cyclists stopped at Forbes Apex Park for lunch and a rest before taking off again to Grenfell.

The initiative aims to boost morale by showing their support of rural towns by visiting and spending their own money in local businesses such as shops, cafes, pubs, motels and restaurants. In addition to this, the group has raised funds which will be donated to ‘Beat the Breakdown’, an important charity that raises awareness of mental health issues in rural communities. As of Tuesday, The Drought Ride has raised more than $78,000 for Beat the Breakdown, which was way beyond the initial plan for each cyclist to raise $1,000 for the cause.

If you or anyone you know if experiencing depression, you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifelife on 13 11 14. You can also visit www.headspace.com.au and au.reachout.com.

Why You Should See A Solicitor To Prepare Your Will

November 15, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Everyone loves the idea of getting something for nothing! The NSW Trustee & Guardian will prepare your will for free, providing you appoint the NSW Trustee & Guardian as your executor!

A solicitor most often charges for preparing your will. However, a solicitor will also consider whether you need an enduring power of attorney and an appointment of enduring guardian. You can nominate your own executor, such as your husband or wife, adult children or a trusted friend or relative. Your executor will then be someone who has knowledge of your personal circumstances.

On your death, a solicitor will charge for preparing the probate grant from the Supreme Court, just as will the NSW Trustee & Guardian if appointed as your executor. The solicitor’s scale fees for obtaining the probate grant are much less than the charges made by the NSW Trustee & Guardian. Here is a comparison of fees charged.

*Solicitors’ scale fees are for obtaining a grant of probate. There maybe some additional fees payable for administering the estate. You can talk to your solicitor about their fees.

Think carefully if you think you are obtaining a free will… it may cost your beneficiaries a lot more later on. We at Matthews Williams are available to help you.

Snippets…

November 15, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Eden-Monique Hull’s winning entry in the Spring Photograph Competition.

Spring Photo Competition Winner: Congratulations to Eden-Monique Hull on winning the Spring Photo Competition for 2019. Eden’s beautiful photograph was selected from many wonderful entries. “The colours, focus and detail in the image” were what really stood out to Kim Storey who judged the competition. Many thanks to Kim Storey from Avalind Photography for donating the winning prize.

Eden-Monique Hull receives winning prize off Kim Storey for the Spring Photo Competition.

Forbes Public School Spring Fair – In it together: Forbes Public School will run a Spring Fair this evening from 5pm – 8pm for the town of Forbes and surrounding areas. Teachers have solicited sponsors from far and wide who were keen to pro- vide prizes to cheer up struggling farmers and rural families. The response has been overwhelming with $20,000 worth of prizes donated. Forbes Public school urges the entire community to come along and support this cause.

There is something for everyone. Games include yabby races, coin toss, tyre changer, footy toss, dunk machine, lucky ducks, Ninja Warrior course, bat the rat, minute to win it as well as ice-cream decorating, hair spray, lucky dip, face-painting and ‘guess the lamb’s weight’. While you are there you can grab a bite to eat and watch local performers such as the Parkes PCYC Gymnasts and Kristin Woods Dance Studio. Then purchase some of their famous cakes, snow cones, donuts, fairy floss, popcorn, white elephant goods, books or plants. Al- low Forbes Public School students, staff and parents to do something for our community to tackle tough times together. They have done all the hard work and all they ask is that you come along and have fun.

More Wild Weather: Forbes residents endured another day of wild wind and thick dust that saw our sky drenched in brown and orange. The air quality index measures air particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres, these measurements were taken hourly at weather stations across the Central West. Between 4 – 5pm in Dubbo the PM10 measured at 954, quite significant when readings above 200 are a serious health hazard. Poor air quality can cause serious health issues so please avoid venturing out during dust storms.

The horses didn’t seem to mind too much but consider your own health in hazardous conditions.

Never Too Cool To Splash In The Pool

November 8, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

New and expectant mothers make a splash on Tuesday morning at the start of the free aqua fitness sessions at the Forbes Olympic pool. Photo: Leigh Barry

Another season of Aqua fitness kicked off on Tuesday with new and expectant mothers braving an unusually chilly November morning to exercise in the water.

The ladies gathered at the Forbes Olympic pool just before 9am for the free lessons, for the first of two, six-week sessions held by the School and Community Centre (SACC) and NSW community health.

“The program aims at engaging new and expectant mothers, a couple times a week, in gentle water exercise,” said Marie from SACC.

Running since 2015, aqua fitness is an initiative which “reduces barriers to access” and further reduces excuses to exercise. Health and fitness are vital for both physical and mental wellbeing, and new mothers often miss out on the opportunity to exercise and socialise in a structured and safe environment where their children are being looked after.

Currently the program relies on the help of five selfless volunteers who give up their time to instruct the fitness sessions and help with child minding, many of whom started off as new mothers exercising in the first years of aqua fitness. Marie from SACC invited more to come and help. “We’d love volunteers to come on board and keep it going.”

The aqua fitness sessions will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays until mid-December and then start again in February 2020. SACC welcome new volunteers who wish to support this vital community program.

Council Welcomes New Student Ambassadors

November 8, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The Youth Ambassadors undertaking leadership training at the Youth and Community Centre.

Forbes Shire Council recently announced the successful Council Ambassadors selected for the Council Ambassador Program as part of NSW Local Government week. Six ambassadors were selected from three local schools.

“We were so thrilled with the response to the program,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller. “It’s wonderful to get young people involved and excited about local government.”

The six successful ambassadors are Milli Robson and Charlotte Markwort from Forbes North, Ruby Jones and Charlie Bray from St Laurences and Halle Brown and Samantha Noakes from Bedgerabong Public School. They were selected after submitting their written applications and attending leadership training sessions held at the Youth and Community Centre.

“It’s a great chance for them to learn some new skills, improve their public speaking and be advocates for their school mates,” the Mayor said. “We may even have a future Prime Minister in our midst.”

The program allows Council to connect with young people in the Forbes Shire who are not quite old enough to participate in the Forbes Youth Action Team but who would like to demonstrate and develop their leadership and communication skills. For Council, this will not only improve their connection with the community but also give our future leaders the chance to develop vital skills and have a chance to be heard. To find out more about the program or register your school’s interest for 2020, contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300.

Encouraging Rural Youth To Further Their Passions

November 8, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Applications for Jemalong Irrigation’s 2020 scholarship program are now open. The program sets to encourage our rural youth to further their passions in rural and regional areas.

Jemalong Irrigation is passionate about helping youth from across the Forbes and Lachlan Shires to reach their full potential, supporting education and skills development, supporting rural communities and supporting young people who are passionate and committed to forging careers that will contribute to the future success of rural and regional NSW.

Applicants must:
• Be a resident of the Forbes or Lachlan Shires
• Be under 25 years of age
• Be an Australian Citizen
• Demonstrate a desire to contribute to the future of regional NSW
• Demonstrate how a scholarship would assist them in achieving their education or training goal

There is no limit on the type of course that qualifies. Applicants can be completing an apprenticeship, studying at TAFE or university, either on campus or by distance

For any further information and an application form please contact Forbes Shire Councils Grants Officer, Andrew Rawsthorne on 6850 2327.

Mayoral Notes

November 8, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

It was wonderful news to hear last week that Forbes Shire Council was successful in receiving $660,000 for an upgrade to the Indoor Heated Pool. This pool is such a vital part of our community and it will be great to improve this facility with a larger area around the pool, relining the pool, a hydraulic lift installed for accessibility and new toilet area. Many older residents use the pool for rehabilitation, and it is open all year round. The pool will remain open for as long as possible while the work is completed but it will have to close for a short time when the pool in relined.

I would also like it to be known that the decision from the Commonwealth Water Holder to release 22 million litres of water from Wyangala Dam is an appalling idea given the current drought conditions. To have valuable water flow past desperate farmers suffering in this drought is not helping the stress already felt by our community. I hope this kind of release doesn’t occur again without a considered plan in place.

I hope you backed a winner this week at the Melbourne Cup, I did. The cup is a chance to get together with friends and get involved in the excitement of race day.

Taste on Templar is on this weekend and I can’t wait to see our beautiful Templar Street full of people enjoying the wonderful food our town has to offer. It is events like this that makes Forbes truly shine.

Till next week, God Bless.
Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

Largest Logistics Terminal In NSW

November 8, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

ARTC Board Chairman, Warren Truss with Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller and former NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight at the official opening of the Parkes Logistics Terminal last week.

A good news story for the drought-gripped Central West was the official opening of the $35 million Pacific National Logistics Terminal in Parkes last week.

The very first double-stacked freight train left the new facility, the largest logistics terminal in NSW, last month to arrive in Perth three days later. The terminal will not only enhance productivity for Inland Rail, but will also bring an additional 90 jobs based at the terminal.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said at the opening: “This is a game-changer for Australian freight.”

“Construction started on the Parkes to Narromine leg of Inland Rail almost one year ago and has already proven a boom for local small businesses while creating almost 900 new jobs, 370 of which are local people.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole acknowledged the presence of Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller saying: “This is more than just Parkes. It is a regional product that would go beyond council boundaries and beyond Forbes to reach more communities.”

“Pacific National’s investment in Parkes demonstrates that regional NSW is ripe for industry investment. We look forward to seeing more industries get on board as Inland Rail rolls out across our State.”

The Parkes Logistics Terminal will be moving 50,000 shipping containers of freight from this terminal this year, going up to 100,000 next year and eventually 450,000.

The unique location of Parkes at the intersection of the East-West line connecting Sydney and Perth and the Newell Highway will put 80% of Australia’s population in reach of the Parkes Terminal overnight.

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