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Forbes Phoenix

Birds Of A Feather Flock Together

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Bird Club will be hosting its annual sale this Saturday at the Forbes Showground in Show Street.

There will be numerous trade stalls open on the day offering a large variety of avian products such as wood breeding boxes, cages, bird food and natural breeding logs to mention just a few.

The sale will be open to the public when the showground doors open at 10am for buyers and will conclude at 2pm.

There will be barista coffee, hot food and an ice-cream van available on the day. Donation entry $2.00 (under 10 free).

SNIPPETS…

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The ever popular Rotary Ipomoea Markets are back again after a winter break! Happening this Saturday, from 8am to 12:30pm at Sir Francis Forbes Park in Camp Street.

Rural Aid Farm Rescue fundraising auction: Join the endeavour to help drought affected farmers. The entire community is invited to attend the auction taking place tonight at the Sylo building from 7.30pm commencing at 8pm.

Farming Family BBQ: Community organisation, Grassroots Blueprint is hosting a free community morning tea and BBQ supported by the Salvation Army at the Aeroplane Park, Lake Forbes on Sunday, 12th August at 11am. Bring the whole family; there will be plenty for the kids to do. Everyone involved in agriculture is requested to be part of a photo which will be displayed at the Bedgerabong Show and then at events in Sydney to demonstrate the number of people/businesses involved in agriculture and thus affected by the drought in some way.

‘Farmers Feast’: All farmers and family are invited to the ‘Farmers Feast’ being held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church Hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

Stopped emergency vehicles: From 1st September 2018, a new road rule will require motorists to slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying blue or red flashing lights. The new rule also requires motorists to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle. The rule applies to vehicles travelling in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip. Motorists who do not comply with the rule will face a $448 fine and three demerit points.

Texting while driving: Demerit points for illegal phone use while driving will increase from four to five from September 2018. Drivers are not allowed to use their mobiles to text, email, use social media, take photos or video call while driving. Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said this will help change the way drivers act on our roads. “We have already introduced legislation to enable camera based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first,” said Melinda.

 

Big Weekend In Magpie Land

August 9, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Get ready for four great games against our biggest rivals! The Forbes Magpies are having a Twin Town Darby against Parkes Spaceman this Sunday.

In 1958 Forbes won the premiership and now 60 years after winning the competition the Magpies are celebrating their proud history through hosting this special day.

Oldies are encouraged to come along and wear their old guernseys.

Wear your old Magpies jumper or any pre 2000 footy jumper to show your support and receive a $5 canteen or bar voucher at the gate.

There will be replica jumpers of the 1958 premiership side auctioned after the game. Kickoff is at 11am with the girls’ league tag.

Youth Come Together To Say ‘No’ To Domestic Violence

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The second White Ribbon Cup held annually between Forbes High School and Parkes High School was blessed with sunny skies and took place at Pioneer Oval in Parkes on Monday.

The rugby league match between Forbes and Parkes High Schools is aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence and to emphasise that domestic violence is not ‘ok’. Approximately 2,500 people came out in support of this worthy cause.

White Ribbon Ambassador and Forbes High School Aboriginal Educational Officer (AEO), Barry Merrit said: “Who said our youth don’t have a voice? Our youth are standing up and saying loud and clear, ‘It needs to stop!’”

The statistics are staggering, said Barry.“On average, one woman a week is murdered in Australia in a domestic violence incident and one in four children has witnessed domestic violence in their lifetime.” The idea to hold the cup first originated within the White Ribbon Supporter Boys group at Forbes High School. Barry’s role as the AEO and team coach was to make it happen. The inaugural cup was held at Forbes High School in 2017.

Although Forbes High School brings the cup home in its second victory against Parkes, Barry marks the day is not about the game itself but about our youth coming together and raising awareness for such a great cause.

“The game was played in great spirit by both teams and sends such a strong message to both our communities that domestic violence is not ok!” said Barry.

By Gizell van Wyk

NSW Government Doubles Drought Relief Package

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

With 99 percent of the State now in drought, the NSW Government announced on Monday further support with a $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package, taking the NSW Liberals and Nationals total drought support to more than $1 billion.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said farmers are facing one of the driest winters on record, resulting in failing crops, drastic water shortages and a diminishing supply of fodder to sustain livestock.

The major feature of the Emergency Relief Package is approximately $190 million for the introduction of Drought Transport Subsidies.

The subsidies will be able to cover up to 50 percent of the full cost of transporting fodder, water for stock and livestock to pasture, slaughter or sale. The NSW Government will offer a transport subsidy of up to $20,000 per farm business.

The relief measure will also be back-dated so farmers can access additional subsidies for freight expenses incurred since 1st January, 2018.

Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair reiterated his commitment to standing side by side with farmers during the worsening drought.

“As part of the emergency funding I am  pleased to announce waivers on Local Land Services annual rates, fixed charges on water licences, registration costs for class one agricultural vehicles and interest on existing Farm Innovation Fund loans,” said Niall.

“We know many families are also having to bring in water for domestic use, which is why we have also set aside additional funding for this essential service.

The package also includes funding for counselling and mental health; critical services in regional communities including transporting water and drought related road upgrades and repairs; and animal welfare and stock disposal.

The NSW Rural Assistance Authority will begin processing applications from Monday, 6th August. For more information on the package visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.

Forbes Business Chamber Introduces New Committee

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Business Chamber AGM was held at the Forbes Services Club last Wednesday and saw a new Executive Committee come into place.

The new Executive Committee are:

• President: Marg Duggan

• Senior Vice-President: Duke Jelbart

• Junior Vice-President: Stuart Thomas

• Secretary: Gabe McMillan

• Treasurer: Kimberly Chudleigh

Working positions:

• Ian Bown

• Michael Reilly

• Brett Rout

• Elle Barry

Membership renewals are currently underway with a quick and healthy response being received. The Chamber is also building a business data base and has forwarded updated forms to all members and to businesses that are on the database.

As many businesses as possible are encouraged to update their details with the Chamber by forwarding the information to forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com.

SNIPPETS…

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

We have a name: Our lovely bronze dog outside the Post Office was named last week. Meet Rosa. Her name came from the winning entry by Amy Callaby. Amy thought this name seemed significant and relevant, as Rosa was the wife of the architect who designed the Forbes Post Office, James Bannett. Amy lives in Tooting, United Kingdom, with her husband and three children. Pictured here is Amy’s sister, Jemma McLennan who made the suggestion on her sister’s behalf.

Red Cross Mobile Blood Bank: The Australian Red Cross Mobile Blood service is visiting Forbes in Harold Street behind the Cenotaph in Victoria Park on Monday, 6th August at 9:45am to 2:45pm (three more donors needed); Tuesday, 7th August at 9:45am to 2:45pm (seven more donors needed) and Wednesday, 8th August 9:45am to 2:45pm (15 more donors needed). To give blood, you can make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Bulky Waste pick-up: Need to get rid of an old fridge or lounge or even a bbq that won’t make the cut this summer? Forbes Shire Council has you covered with the Bulky Waste Clean-Up service happening on Monday, 6th August. Leave your items out over the weekend prior on the edge of the kerb. Separate your waste into scrap metal, white goods and e–waste; general bulky waste and bundled organics. We will do the heavy lifting! Don’t forget not to block any footpaths and find the list of unacceptable items here: http://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/environment/waste-recycling/ bulky-waste-clean-up.aspx.

Snap Send Solve: Another way to connect with Council is through the Snap Send Solve App. This App lets you notify Council of any problem areas you might spot around town. Snap Send Solve allows you to photograph the problem using your smartphone and report any dangerous potholes, broken playground equipment and rubbish dumping to Council. The App is available through the App Store or Google Play.

School uniform policy: The NSW Government has announced that girls at all public schools will be given the option of wearing shorts and pants instead of skirts and dresses if they prefer. Schools will have up to three years to make the change. The state’s new policy also calls on all school items to be “affordable, comfortable and suitable” for all body types.

Education Week 2018

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Today’s Schools Creating Tomorrow’s World

The future of education will be showcased in NSW public schools from 6th to 10th August as students, teachers and parents across the state celebrate Education Week 2018. Education Week kicks off on Monday, 6th August, with a simultaneous launch at Parramatta and Kiama Public Schools livestreamed on YouTube so all government schools and their communities can join in.

This year’s theme, Today’s schools – creating tomorrow’s world, highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For the first time the Education Week launch will be hosted by primary school students and will feature a dancing robot, student performances and a film highlighting how schools are working with their communities to solve real-world problems.

A highlight of the week is the ‘Game Changer Challenge’, in which 16 teams of students from schools across NSW will compete in a three-day design program, working alongside leading industry professionals to create the school of the future.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today’s students were learning at a time of great change. “From the far west to our metropolitan hubs and everywhere in between, our state’s schools will celebrate not only what we’ve achieved, but the future we are creating,” said Gladys. “We are living in a time when the traditional walls of the classroom are opening up to new worlds of learning, paving the way for students to connect and collaborate with their peers regionally and globally.”

Education Minister, Rob Stokes said there had never been a more exciting time to be involved in schools with technology reshaping the way students learn and billions of dollars being invested in new school infrastructure. “The NSW Department of Education is continually striving for improvement and innovation so that the young people in our care learn in a world-class education system.”

The Secretary of the Department of Education, Mark Scott said ensuring today’s students had the skills they would need to “not just survive, but thrive” in the future underpinned the department’s evidence-based approach to learning.

Quality Care And Education

Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre is a locally owned long day early education and care service. We focus on offering high quality care and education to children aged birth to six years old.

Our highly motivated team strive to provide the best possible experience for every child and family and take a multi-faceted approach to learning. Our programs are carefully designed to suit the age, interest and ability of each individual child from when they first join us, and focus on supporting them to reach their full potential.

We also offer an exciting preschool program which ensures that children are ready to begin their formal learning at big school.

For more information or to book a tour of our service, please call Kym on 6851 4597 or email director@brightbeginnings.net.au.

Learning Through Play

Forbes Preschool has an ongoing and developing program to include all aspects of play based learning for preschool aged children. The Girinya (play) Room was incorporated when the new preschool site was built to increase the current play based learning environment.

One program, the school readiness project has been developed to ensure a smooth transition for all children and makes use of the Girinya Room to develop children’s physical needs for school readiness.

Forbes Preschool’s school readiness project has been developed for all children due to start school the following year and is supported by a paediatric occupational therapist, speech therapist and preschool facilitator.

The programs are mainstream and do not target individuals. The school readiness project is also embedded into the whole day’s program of play and learning.

 

Hand And Finger Injuries

August 2, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

When you think about how much we use our hands especially when playing ball sports, it’s not hard to understand why hand and finger injuries are so common.

Most of these injuries heal spontaneously, which is why they are often neglected by athletes. Many people don’t seek help until it is too late for effective treatment. However, an early, accurate diagnosis to identify potentially serious injuries can prevent long term functional impairment and deformity.

Knowledge of the mechanism of injury or how the injury happened can also help with an accurate diagnosis. A punching injury often results in a fracture to one of the metacarpal bones, commonly the base of the fifth metacarpal. A direct blow to the point of the finger often causes a dislocation or sprain of one of the finger joints. Sometimes the finger flexor tendon can pull a plug of bone off its attachment causing an avulsion fracture. This most commonly involves the ring finger and occurs when a player grabs an opponent’s clothing during a tackle.

As a general rule of thumb, if there is any deformity present, either with the hand open or closed, persistent swelling or any of the hand or finger joints don’t move as they should, it is important to have the injury checked out by a professional. Some fractures may require surgery, some immobilisation or splinting. Sprains or dislocations may require swelling management with ice or an oedema glove and exercises to prevent loss of range of motion.

An early diagnosis and appropriate management can prevent a lifetime of deformity and loss of function.

For the fitness of you,

Linda Reilly

SNIPPETS…

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Drought Care Packages: NSW RFS staff members, Robyn Favelle and Beth Dalton thanked Karen White for taking the initiative and developing the support group in the local area for struggling farmers. “So many of us want to help in some small way, as we see the devastation facing families across NSW and the impacts of this horrid drought. Most of those impacted are also volunteer members of the NSW RFS and we are only too pleased to help however and whenever we can,” said Robyn.

Forbes Polo Club Foundation Meeting: There is intent to start a Forbes Polo Club. The purpose of the club will be to provide an organized structure for members and guests to be able to actively participate in hosting polo at all levels as well as holding social events. A steering committee has been formed to oversee the formation of the club and implement the construction of field/s on Crown Land to assure the continuation of polo in western New South Wales. The original Forbes & District Polo Club was established on 26th July 1928. All persons interested in being involved are invited to send their contact email and telephone details via email to: forbes.polo@gmail.com. It will be helpful when responding, to advise what resources interested parties can bring to the club to ensure it will be successful. A meeting can then be held to formalize the club. Please advise if you have any date preferences for the meeting and the number attending.

Volunteers Needed: The Forbes Show is in need of a few people to help look after the animal nursery. This is one of the most popular areas in the show every year and help is required to keep it running! There is also a need to borrow some of your little animals! If you are interested in either, please contact Jan on 6852 1311.

Special road rules for cyclists: As from Monday, children under 16 years of age can ride on a footpath in NSW. An adult rider, who is supervising a bicycle rider under 16, may also ride with the young rider on the footpath. Bicycle riders are allowed to ride on footpaths where indicated by signs. When riding on a footpath or shared path, riders must keep left and give way to pedestrians.

 

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