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Forbes Phoenix

Nonstop Talent In Forbes

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Just when you think you’ve seen the best Forbes has to offer, we manage to showcase even more talent! Forbes local, Matt Prow was named open division winner after wowing the adjudicators of the Forbes Karaoke & Talent Quest hosted by the Forbes Services Memorial Club last Friday.

Matt and 14 other finalists from three categories selected during heats held over the previous two Fridays, had to perform three songs during the Grand Final.

Matt’s impressive vocals and equally impressive dance moves made him a crowd favourite and sealed the deal for a win.

He also walked away with $600 from the $1,500 prize money that was up for grabs. Trina Dolan took second place and Lily Adele Gaffaney came third.

In the Junior division Georgia Goodrick came first, Hannah Dun took second place and Birdee Sideris came third. The Subjunior division winners were Gemma Ellis (first), Anabelle van Wyk (second) and Ebony Hopley (third).

Event organisers and professional performers, Bill Kosseris and Kirsten Minnick from Kosmik Country said: “Congratulations to not only the winners but to all of the entrants! The talent continues to amaze us and it is a great pleasure to provide this event on behalf of the Forbes Services Memorial Club and management.

“Obviously with such great entrants and patronage we will be able to make this an ongoing event. We have come to see the enormous talent and improved performances grow from competition to competition. If we can encourage the talent to shine as we know we can do then our connection with this event is very fulfilling indeed,” said Bill and Kirsten.

Other locals among the finalist were Katelin Small, Jade McGovern, Ryan Hennock and Luther Crawley.

1 In 7 Australians Over 40 Have COPD!

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

If you are over 35, it’s time to think about your lungs. When it comes to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), identifying it early is one of the most important factors to maintaining lung function. This is no cure but it is preventable, so putting the proper steps in place for people at risk can make a big difference.

COPD affects one in seven Australians over the age of 40 and is the second leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions in Australia. Cigarette smoke causes about 80 to 90 percent of all COPD cases.

If you are over 35 and relate to any of the following points, talk to our pharmacists or registered nurse. We can do a simple COPD screening to check your risk.

• Are you a smoker or ex-smoker?

• Do you or have you worked in a job that exposed you to dust, gas or fumes?

• Do you cough up phlegm or mucus most days?

• Do you cough several times most days?

• Do you feel you are out of breath more easily than others your age?

• Do you experience frequent chest infections?

If you are a smoker, the most important thing you can do to stop COPD from developing or progressing is to quit! Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products work by releasing a smaller, more slowly-absorbed amount of nicotine (compared with smoking), which can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms as you quit.

If you would like to quit smoking or find out more about your lung health, call in to Flannery’s or Life Pharmacies for a free COPD screening, information and advice.

Making A Difference In The Lives Of Others

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Codie Smith and Joy Russell were named joint winners of the ‘2018 Person of the Year’ award at last Wednesday’s Naidoc Day celebrations. These two not only share the award but also a special bond that has been formed through a history of trying times.

For Codie it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. She has been working at the Forbes Preschool for the past three years. Codie came to the preschool through a recommendation from Joy who was the Aboriginal Liaison Officer at the high school. From all reports the young Codie was not a star student.

As a 14 year old girl, she was kicked out of home, felt alone and unmotivated. She had been suspended over 20 times and was nearing expulsion.

Joy assured Forbes Preschool director, Amy Shine that she was great with kids and just needed a go.

“We decided to put Codie on a traineeship and that she would complete her Certificate III before moving on,” said Amy.

Codie successfully completed this and formed positive relationships with preschool staff, Tafe teachers and the many families and children at the Preschool.

“Therefore, we quickly signed Codie up for another year of study to complete her diploma. She completed this in record time and her relationships continued to grow. She is now a valued educator of Forbes Preschool.

“I talked with the head Tafe teacher to see if she thought Codie would have the ability to successfully complete university. She applied for a scholarship to study her teaching degree and was successful!” said Amy.

Since then Codie has completed four subjects and has not only passed but is gaining distinctions. Codie is recognised as a leader in her field and will be presenting her story at the upcoming Bangamalanha conference in Dubbo.

At the Preschool Codie is the ‘go-to-girl’ for IT issues, referrals to families, her ability in the art department and not forgetting her athleticism.

She is the secretary of the AECG and supports the NInganah No More Project that the Preschool runs. Codie home visits the ATSI families and was integral in getting signatures for the Jenny Murphy Park.

“Codie’s story is a credit to how positive relationships in our community can support people to succeed. I look forward to watching her continue to grow and inspire others,” said Amy.

 

Focusing On Farming Women

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

In response to the ongoing drought conditions and the effects on farming families, Central West Local Land Services and Landcare have teamed up to host a free drought support workshop, this time with an emphasis on the health and wellbeing of our farming women.

Taking a day off from farming life to prioritise wellbeing may seem frivolous in the current climate; however the knock-on benefits to the health of individuals, their families and by default that of the broader community have been proven time and time again.

The sessions themselves will focus on creating ways to recharge, manage stress and looking after yourself to be better placed physically and mentally to look after others in these stressful times.

A workshop has been organised for Bedgerabong on Wednesday, 26th September from 9:30am to 3pm at the Bedgerabong Hall, with experienced presenters Rachel Kerin and Narelle Hunter.

Rachel is the founder of Kerin Physio Co. and is a dedicated physiotherapist passionate about inspiring and empowering people to self-manage their bodies through quality education via guided consults and specific classes through a mobile business covering large areas of the Central West.

Narelle is a Mindfulness Coach and founder of Blissfullly Present. As a mother of four daughters and a farmer’s wife of 26 years, Narelle understands how challenging and rewarding the rural environment can be and is passionate about helping others find effective ways to cope during trying times.

Come along and share a cuppa and a chat with other women from the land and enjoy sessions focusing on your health, wellbeing and mindfulness.

To attend the workshops please RSVP by calling Marg Applebee on 02 6862 4914 or by emailing cwllpo@hotmail.com.

SNIPPETS…

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

CONGRATULATIONS… Essjay Photography run by Sarah Hodge was voted by brides across the region as Central West #1 Winner Wedding Photographer 2018. The award winners were announced on Tuesday at Duntryleague in Orange.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture donated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

Schools Kits For Armistice Day: Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack is encouraging schools and students to become involved in this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations as it will mark 100 years since the end of fighting during World War I. “Its origins began on 11 November 1918 when the Armistice, which signalled the end of the Great War, was signed.” The Department of Veterans’ Affairs produce an educational pack for schools to promote the observance of Remembrance Day. Schools will receive the educational kit in September, with resources available to download on The Anzac Portal: http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/.

 

 

 

 

 

Tough Penalties: Drivers using a mobile phone illegally will be penalised an extra demerit point, which means a total of five demerit points. The new law came into effect on Monday, 17th September. This means when double demerits are applied, you could be at risk of losing your licence. The fines will remain the same – $337 or $448 in a school zone. In NSW Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving. Fully licensed motorists are legally permitted to use their phone to make or answer calls or listen to music only if it is in a cradle, doesn’t obscure your view of the road and can be operated without touching any part of the phone, such as via Bluetooth or voice activation. Texting, emailing, social media and photography are all prohibited unless a vehicle is parked.

 

Grazing Down The Lachlan

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

 Grazing Down The Lachlan  A Foodie Adventure

Beneath breathtaking river gums, alongside a tranquil river and within a stock route that is synonymous with song lines and drovers, the scene is set for what is to be an epic long lunch this Saturday.

The meandering Lachlan River is the unique location for the exciting food event, Grazing Down the Lachlan, which will once again blow the minds of the most adventurous connoisseurs of fine food. Consisting of seven food stations, guests will be treated to another extraordinary experience.

It comes as no surprise that this event, now only in its second year, was sold out within the first four days!

Chairperson of the event, Wendy Muffet is excited to be bringing this dream to fruition once again, with a desire to support the ‘Somewhere Down the Lachlan’ Sculpture Trail.

“We wondered how we could best use such an event to capture the essence of our western rural life,” said Wendy. “The food will be authentic of the place and sophisticated in its simplicity.”

Attendees will be welcomed to country, then free to wander along a designated corridor of the reserve, enjoying portions of delicious food with a matched beverage. Guests will then be transported by bus back to Forbes on dusk, having enjoyed a truly amazing experience, embedded in nature.

Focusing on foods native to the Central West region, the degustation menu will be prepared and delivered by local restaurateurs and caterers. A sophisticated fusion of locally farmed and foraged produce, with traditional bush tucker, ensures the dishes created will deliver on the promise to be a memorable and unique experience.

Why Not Make A Weekend Of It?

Friday, 21st September:A chance to join a live Q&A with the Creative Director, Mark Olive, is offered. He’ll be hosting the sommelier, a few of the farmers growing your food and wine, plus several other local stars on the couch in our magnificent Town Hall. Your questions are welcome! Join between 5 to 6pm for a drink or snack (available for purchase) with the Q&A running from 6pm to 8ish. Admission: Tickets to the Q&A are available on the website www.grazingdownthelachlan.com on the ‘Shop’ tab. ‘Friends of Grazing’ have free admission as part of their event package (bring your event tickets along). Sorry, no tickets at the door.

Saturday, 22nd September: (Sold out) Jump on your ticketed event bus and head out of town for an epic moveable feast of seven courses with matching drinks as you wander along a tranquil river within a stock route that is synonymous with song lines and drovers.

If you booked a seat on a complimentary connecting bus from Parkes or Condo, here’s the when and where: Parkes: Leaves Cook Park, Parkes at 10am and departs Grazing at 5.30pm. Condobolin: Leaves the car park adjacent to Chamen’s IGA, Condobolin at 9am and departs Grazing at 5.30pm.

Sunday, 23rd September: Join the Amazing Grazing Community Breakfast between 8 and 11am. Breakfast will be available for purchase in the pop up plaza in Templar Street along with tunes by Em Pavey. Then head on down to the free workshops (weaving, storytelling and painting) at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from 10am onwards. Everyone is welcome to the breakfast and workshops. No tickets required!

Introducing The 2018 Grazing Creative Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Olive, aka ‘The Black Olive’, has been a chef for over 25 years and has become a well known Australian celebrity with his charismatic style and creative approach to food, starring in his own television series ‘The Outback Cafe’ and a host of cooking, lifestyle and travel shows nationally and globally.

Mark’s passion for fusing native food and culture with contemporary lifestyle cooking has led to a huge international profile specialising in gourmet Australian Indigenous cuisine. Recently he’s been a judge alongside Dan Hong and Melissa Leong on the successful series on SBS ‘The Chefs’ Line’ followed by a new short series on NITV as a celebrity chef on the series ‘On Country Kitchen’.

Mark trained under a European chef and has worked in a number of kitchens ranging from theatres, universities, health services, film sets and in a lá carte restaurants around the globe, before establishing his own successful business in 2008 which operated till 2014.

Due to his success, Mark has been selected to be a member of Tourism Australia’s ‘Friends of Australia’ program, which was “created to harness the power of bright and influential individuals who are making a name for themselves on the world stage, and who have a genuine affinity with Australia”.

FHS Students Set To Star In Schools Spectacular

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

This year eight students from the Forbes High School Support Unit will be representing our town in the 2018 Schools Spectacular.

The entertainment extravaganza will be staged at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s Olympic Park on Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 24th November.

The students auditioned in March in the hopes of being selected to participate in the Schools Spectacular. At the beginning of June they were notified that they had been successfully selected as part of the D’Arts Ensemble, a disability program which specifically caters for students with special needs.

One of the students involved, Kendi-Lee Morley-Diggins said: “I was very excited to get chosen to go to Sydney. It will be so much fun and I just can’t wait!”

Due to the school’s rural location, students only have to attend one combined rehearsal in Sydney leading up to the event and all other rehearsals will be undertaken online.

With over 350 schools involved across NSW, Schools Spectacular really is an outstanding showcase of the talent in NSW public schools. In terms of sheer size, scale and scope, Schools Spectacular is unequalled in the world with a 2,700-strong choir, 2,300 diverse dancers, an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a world-class stage band and a huge number of solo performers.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students from a country town to participate in an event of this magnitude. I feel excited to be embarking on such an exciting journey with the students and their families,” said Nikki Patten, FHS Support Unit teacher and organiser of the school’s participation in the event.

The students will be staying in Sydney from 21st to 25th November, during which they will be travelling to Qudos Bank Arena each day. Two of these days will be spent fine-tuning their dances and the students will then feature in four separate performances to sell-out crowds.

The FHS Support Unit have been running a variety of fundraising events to assist with the financial cost of the trip and were delighted to receive a $1,000 donation from the Forbes Lions Club and a $1,200 donation from the RSL Club.

The 2018 Schools Spectacular will be televised on 1st December.

By Gizell van Wyk

Changing Your Will

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

A will is a testamentary document. This means it takes effect upon your death. It appoints an executor (a person who administers and distributes your assets) and makes bequests (distributes your assets among beneficiaries). A will remains valid until it is cancelled by you or if you marry after the will was made.

Nothing is ever set in concrete, and thus, your will should be a living document. It should be changed or updated as circumstances change.

The rules are slightly different in the several states, so you should get legal advice if you want to make such a will.

You can cancel your will at any time provided you are of sound mind. This can be done in many ways, some of the main ones are:

• You make a valid new will. By law this revokes prior wills when the new terms contradict the old.

• You make a valid new will and expressly revoke the old one

• You destroy your will with the intention of revoking it.

Estate planning is an area of the law of great family importance. We at Matthews Williams are able to give you competent professional advice on all estate planning matters. If we can assist you on any legal issue, feel free to contact me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Allen Duggan

Senior Solicitor

Forbes Veteran Car Carnival

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The National Veteran Car Rally Light Parade and carnival will be held on Wednesday, 26th September from 5pm until 9pm in the CBD.

The carnival and food area will be in Templar Street and the Show and Shine area is in Rankin Street.

“The vehicles will arrive in Rankin Street at approximately 5:30pm with their candles, lanterns or lights on. The cars will depart the event at approximately 8:30pm.

Many of these wonderful vehicles were manufactured from 1918 and travel at no faster than 10mph,” said Committee Chairman, Ian Bown. There are up to 149 vehicles and 288 people involved in the parade and display.

There will be a food area in Templar Street which focuses on homemade, local product and farmers’ market style stalls. “We are expecting gourmet food providers such as Trang’s Vietnamese Food, Franklin Road Gourmet, Wallington Wines, Sweet Three Vintage Van, boutique beer and of course a barbeque provided by the Men’s Shed,” said Ian. Some of the local eateries will be open and providing food as well.

In addition, the CBD will be hosting entertainment such as singers, dancers and music from the stage area. Children’s activities include a jumping castle and giant games.

The Forbes Business Chamber is running a promotion on their Facebook page in which they will be choosing a lucky family to go for a ride in one of the vintage cars in the upcoming Veteran’s Car Gaslight Parade and Carnival. The ride is for two adults and three children under the age of 12.

Visit their page to find out how you can win.

Happiness Is… A Good Night’s Sleep

September 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Getting a good night’s sleep has a greater impact on our happiness than getting a significant pay rise.

That’s according to new research, which suggests the most content people feel well-rested “most of the time”.

The Living Well Index, created by leading researchers at Oxford Economics and the National Centre for Social research, also found that health of relatives and feeling connected to the local community all impact our overall wellbeing.

However, sleep was found to have the largest impact by far, with getting enough shut-eye having a greater impact on happiness than a 50 percent raise.

Researchers asked a panel of more than 8,000 people questions relating to 18 topics, grouped into six major themes: community connections, finances, relationships, health, lifestyle and environment.

Participants were then given a “Living Well” score out of a possible 100, equating to the highest possible level of happiness and wellbeing.

The researchers concluded that the average person currently has a Living Well score of 62.2 out of a maximum of 100.

Those “living best” are defined as the 20 percent of the population with the highest scores – falling between 72 and 92.

By comparing the lifestyles and behaviours of those living best with the typical person, the index reveals the critical factors behind living well.

Income has surprisingly little impact on how we feel. For the typical person, a 50 percent rise in disposable income contributes to just a 0.5 point increase in their Living Well score.

In contrast, a good night’s sleep has the strongest association with how well we feel we are living. For the typical person, improving their sleep to the level of those who are living best would be equivalent to them having more than four times as much disposable income.

These were among the factors found to separate a typical person from those living best:

1. A Good Night’s Sleep: With a typical person only feeling rested after sleep ‘some of the time’, the research found that sleep quality can explain 3.8 points of difference between their Living Well score and those who are living best in the top 20 percent of the index.

2. Job Security: Among working people, 43 percent of those with the highest index scores experience a very high degree of job security, almost twice the national average.

3. Health of Close Relatives: For the typical person, worries about the health of close relations emerges as a significant barrier to living very well.

4. Community Connectedness: Stronger connections with the people we share a community with is an important factor for those who experience the highest quality of life.

(source: www.huffingtonpost.com.au)

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