Abby Lee (aged 5) caught a 55cm cod in the Lachlan River recently with some assistance from mum and dad as this was a big fish for a little girl!

It has come to our attention that a number of employers are not keeping employee records correctly, and giving employees pay slips with all the correct information for each pay period.

By not complying with the strict letter of the law (Fair Work Act, 2009 and regulations) employers are opening themselves up to large fines which could ruin a business. Employee records kept by employers must:

• Be readily accessible to a Fair Work Inspector or the employee and be kept for at least seven years.

• Be in legible form of English.

• Not be altered unless for the purposes of correcting an error or indeed to be falsified.

• Contain rates of pay and broken down in gross and net amounts with any deductions, such as tax and super.

• Detail awards (including but not limited to penalty rates, loadings, etc.)

• Hours worked, whether casual or permanent or permanent part-time.

• Contain leave records. Payslips must be issued to each employee within one working day of the pay day, even if the employee is on leave, and maybe in electronic form or paper copy.

The payslip must include full details of the employer and date of payment, pay period, gross and net amount of pay (including hourly rate of pay if paid hourly), and details of loadings, bonus, allowances and deductions (including tax and Superannuation deductions).

Courts could fine employers up to $126,000 for individuals or $630,000 for corporations. If we at Matthews Williams can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.

Each year Forbes Shire Council builds on heritage awareness and education whilst shining a spotlight on the great work that is carried out in our community to promote our natural, built and cultural heritage.

This year is no exception with nominations now open for the 2019 Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award and the Forbes Medal.

Forbes Shire Council is asking everyone to nominate community members they think have displayed excellence in any facet of community service, development and promotion of our heritage.

“I welcome you all to nominate, a person or community group who you think has contributed to the Shire’s environmental heritage or to the understanding of that heritage,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller.

“We have a very rich and colourful past, let’s celebrate it. We want future generations to build on this legacy and continue to share it. Please also think about heritage projects in town and nominate them as well,” said Phyllis.

The Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award is for person/s or a community group who have demonstrated excellence in their field of expertise, by being an inspirational role model for the Forbes Shire’s community.

They will have demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity in their endeavours to preserve our amazing heritage.

The Forbes Heritage Medal is awarded to a project such as the conservation of a building, place or object through maintenance, preservation, repair and reconstruction, by considering the historic townscape and rural setting in which the building sits.

The medal can also be awarded to an exhibition or presentation using any medium to contribute to the understanding of the Shire’s heritage.

Heritage Week is on the 6th May and continues to the 9th May.

Mopping up Queensland has begun, and flood-ravaged communities have been warned of heartache to come during their journey to recovery.

The State Government has kicked off a flood appeal with a donation of $200,000, as well as providing information on how you can support the families and organisations affected by the flood.

Services include: the Australian Red Cross Society, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul’s North Queensland Flood Appeal and My Cause’s North Queensland Disaster Appeal have been listed as the predominant charities raising funds to assist the regions affected.

GIVIT, a national not-for-profit, offers a platform for individuals to list exactly what goods they need during the recovery phase of the flood. As the only reliable source of what is needed when it’s needed, the organisation’s program is the most responsive during this period. Items including uniform polo shirts for deployed volunteer teams, fridges, food, and beds have been listed by those who have lost everything in the deluge.

GIVIT also accepts monetary donations where the funds are spent on urgently needed items purchased from businesses in the disaster-affected area to assist in the recovery of the local economy.

The staff at CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes on Tuesday celebrated a milestone of 10 years service for the Deputy CEO, Kate Gibson.

During the celebrations, Kate was acknowledged for her hard work and enthusiastic commitment to the service which covers 40,000sq kilometres (52 percent of NSW).

CEO, Anne-Marie Mioche congratulated her on passionately fulfilling her executive role to help drive the organisation, which has delivered services to more than 4,000 people living in the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese.

“The team at CatholicCare Wilcannia- Forbes is a constant source of inspiration to me and Kate is absolutely no exception.

We have a wonderful culture of passion, dedication and commitment and that is only possible because of this fantastic team we have,” said Anne-Marie.

“Unfortunately, there is a growing increase for crisis and support, as many families have been turning to us because they are affected by hardship and trauma.

“We have seen particular spikes in need for our safe houses and refuges as well as a demand for the Family Mental Health Support Services. The drought has also put severe pressure on many of our communities,” said Anne-Marie.

“CatholicCare Wilcannia is well placed to deliver vital frontline services and assistance as we are already working with individuals and communities to address unemployment, access to health services, homelessness, environmental extremes, entrenched poverty and intergenerational disadvantage,” added Anne-Marie.

Last year the CatholicCare Wilcannia- Forbes team travelled 737,363 kilometres to deliver services. They deliver social and welfare services to improve well being and improve opportunities for individuals, families and communities.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes delivers social services to develop and create social inclusion, targeting at risk and vulnerable sectors.

Calling all amateur actors across the region!

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth actors to star in the 11th annual mock crash demonstration, which is the cornerstone of the ‘NOT A STATISTIC!

Youth Driver Education Program’.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor is encouraging local up-and-coming youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative which has seen a 27 percent reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception.

“We are looking for a couple of new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Wednesday, 13th February at 5pm in the Parkes Shire Council Chambers.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. Then youth actors will take part in both filmed and live ad-lib exercises.

“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new to the annual mock crash demonstration.

So if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16, be sure to register and come along,” said Melanie.

Local actor, Emily McHugh-Douglas who was one of the actors in 2018 and will be returning this year, says it’s a unique and exciting opportunity.

“I auditioned for mock crash because I wanted to help raise awareness about how dangerous driving is. I was one of those ‘that will never happen to me’ kids, but being involved in this program has changed my whole perspective on driving,” said Emily.

Pre-registration for the auditions is es sential. Contact Melanie on either 6861 2364 or 0428 400 627 or Melanie.Suitor@ parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.

This year’s mock car crash demonstration will be held in August.