Most credit arrangements, or contracts, are covered by the Consumer Credit Code (CCC). Before a credit contract is offered, the borrower must be given a statement by the credit provider. A document that sets out the borrower’s rights and obligations must also be provided.

Some of the items which must be disclosed under the code are:

• The amount of the credit;

• The interest rate, and how it is to be calculated. If it is a variable rate, you must be told how you can check this;

• All charges and fees must be disclosed, including ongoing loan maintenance fees and default costs and fees. This must include any government fees and charges, including any stamp duty;

• Commissions paid to or by the credit provider;

• Details of any required security, such as a mortgage or a guarantee, and of any required insurance.

The contract must clearly set out what terms of the contract may be changed by the credit provider during the term of the contract, and the notice that must be given by the credit provider. These may include changes to the interest rate and changes to the repayment instalments. Where the contract sets out pegged interest changes and repayment instalments, a separate notice need not be given.

So be careful. Fully investigate any proposed credit arrangement and, if the terms are not fully understood, get professional advice before signing up.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson

With winter well and truly here, now is the time to start planning your winter getaway!

Whether you like to cruise the high seas, flop and drop on a Pacific Island or take in the culture in Asia, we have something for you.

When thinking travel, call in and see Alison and her team at the local Forbes office of helloworld. They can tailor-make a package to suit your every need.

The Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program Award was presented last Friday at the Forbes Shire Council Chambers to six Forbes residents for their outstanding contribution to the community through their volunteer efforts.

Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP said that he felt honoured to present the award to the recipients.

“I am pleased to present the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program Award to these incredible volunteers, who have each played a significant role in the Forbes community,” said Philip.

“These volunteers have made a positive impact in the lives of many local people. It’s an honour for me to be able to recognise their contribution.

“Thank you for your remarkable contribution and congratulations on your award,” he said.

The award recipients were:

• Rosemary and Robert (Bob) Lee for 60 years of volunteering at the Forbes Harness Racing Club;

• Ray Lasserre and Charles (Paddy) Malloy for almost 40 years of volunteering at Jemalong Residential Village;

• Nancy Parry for approximately 18 years of volunteering at Jemalong Residential Village and

• Veva MacCullagh for approximately seven years of volunteering at Jemalong Residential Village.

Forbes residents are being encouraged to highlight brilliant women in their community, with nominations now open for the 2019 NSW Woman of the Year Awards.

Minister for Women, Tanya Davies officially opened state-wide nominations ahead of the 2019 Woman of the Year Awards program, which will be celebrating its eighth year. “These awards are our chance to recognise exceptional women across the State, particularly those who have excelled despite adversity or made contributions that improve the lives of others,” said Tanya.

“Women from all walks of life make outstanding contributions to our communities while overcoming gender inequity to pursue their personal and professional goals.”

The 2019 NSW Woman of the Year Award categories include:

• NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year Award

• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

• Community Hero

• Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year

• Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year

• NSW Business Woman of the Year

• First State Super Lifetime Achievement Nominations for 2019 close on Sunday, 11th November 2018. To nominate visit www.women.nsw.gov.au. The winners will be announced on Thursday, 7th March, the day before International Women’s Day.

The Forbes Library has two author talks coming up.

The first talk focuses on mental health when author, Kim Hodges visits the library on Monday, 30th July at 2pm.

Kim will give an insightful and emotional talk into her experiences with depression, including hospitalisations, visits to clinics, medication changes, effects on family, coping strategies and a detailed description of what depression feels like.

The next one is Jenny Old talking about her book ‘Back of Beyond’. Jenny will talk about her remarkable life on Friday, 3rd August at 2pm.

Surviving fires, floods, Cyclone Ted and the 1970’s beef crash, this is one woman’s remarkable story of love, adventure, disasters and wonderful times in the Gulf Country.

When 22-year-old Jenny Old followed her heart to the vastness of the Gulf of Carpentaria, she had no idea of the primitive conditions she’d find herself in.

To book your seat, call the library on 6852 1463. A free community event.

The second Macquarie Inn Dubbo Country Music Spectacular and Awards organised by Mal Norton Entertainment, was held during June and three of our very own local country music artists were a stand-out.

Forbes-born musician, Nev Molloy was acknowledged with the Richard “Ritchie” Homes Lifetime Achievement Living Legend Award. Kate (Speedy) Daniel from Bogan Gate received the Rod Pilon Transport Award for services to country music and Forbes’ Charmaine Pout was awarded the Split Image Audio Award for services to country music.

The event was hosted by Peter Leslie with some of Australia’s biggest artists performing in front of masses of people.