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Legal Eagle

May 17, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Abatement Of Offensive Noise

Everyone has experienced nuisance noise coming from a neighbour’s property. What to do? It depends on the type and frequency of the noise.

The Protection of the Environment Operations Act (POE) sets out in considerable detail regulations which apply to all sorts of domestic appliances and machinery, internal and external. It deals with such things as air-conditioners, lawn mowers, electric power tools, musical instruments and amplifiers, pool motors, and car and burglar alarms. It sets hours during which appliances and machinery can be used and maximum noise levels.

Your local council can deal with a wide range of problems, such as barking dogs or other continuing noises. One-off noises, such as a noisy neighbourhood party, are best dealt with by the Police.

If there is a continuing problem, it is best to have a talk with your neighbour. If that fails, consult your council. If the problem is beyond the powers of the council, then consult your solicitor to see what legal action can be taken. In many cases the Local Court has the power to make a “noise abatement order”. Breach of this by the noisy neighbour
can lead to fines and other more serious penalties

If there is a “one-off” problem, the Police have the power to issue a similar notice. They can also issue on-the-spot fines if, after telling the offender to stop or mitigate the noise, it starts again within six hours.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to contact our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson
Partner/Solicitor

Incorporating More Wellness Into Your Work Day

May 17, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Just because you’re at your desk all day, doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze a little more movement into your day.

With around one-third of an adult’s life spent at work, there’s plenty of time to incorporate health and wellness into your day – you just need to think outside the square.

Here are a few tips:

Change It Up: Round up your co-workers and suggest an office wellness conversion. You could transform an unused area into a mini-workout zone for quick stretch sessions, introduce a stairs-only policy or encourage regular breaks.

The University of New South Wales recommends short, frequent breaks during periods of intensive repetitive work, for example two to three minutes every 20 to 30 minutes. The breaks should involve whole body movement to restore circulation and relieve muscle fatigue.

Healthy Choice: Plan ahead and set aside time on a Sunday to prepare healthy lunches. At work, choose snacks wisely (keep some nutritious goodies in your drawer) and drink plenty of water. A drink bottle is convenient but getting up and refilling your glass will keep you moving.

Keep It Fresh: Escape that mountain of work on your desk and venture outdoors at lunch to clear your mind. Sign up for an express fitness class in the park or take a walk.

Self Help: Keep calm and focused with some easy breathing exercises. Depending on whether you prefer a quiet space away from co-workers or are happy to zone out at your desk, beyondblue has a range of technique guidelines on its website.

You can also ask your physiotherapist or masseuse for some self-massage techniques and stretches you can do at
the office. It’s a good idea to talk to your workplace health and safety officer about assessing your desk set-up.

By Jenna Meade

A New Beginning For McGroders Solicitors and Conveyancers

May 17, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

July 2018 will bring yet another chapter to the Forbes legal firm that has grown and changed over a century. From 1st July McGroders will come under the ownership of Stephanie Hughes, from Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing.

This change will have little impact on clients. Dennis and the McGroders team will move to 9 Harold Street, while the phone number and other contact details will remain the same.

Completed files from the past seven years, title deeds, wills and other safe custody documents of previous partnerships will remain in safe keeping at Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing. As Palmers Solicitors has ceased trading in Forbes, Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing also has custody of all wills, title deeds and other safe custody documents from the Palmers practice since 2004.

Dennis is approaching 66 and after a satisfying working life with three children living away and six grandchildren, he had to put in place a viable succession plan for the practice. He intends working for Hughes & Co. Lawyers & Conveyancing as a consultant until he retires.

Dennis would like to assure the community and his clients he did not take this decision lightly and that the continuity of quality service, continued employment of his staff and care for his clients are paramount. He feels confident that Stephanie Hughes and her team and the McGroders team will guide this historic Forbes legal practice into its new chapter with quality skills and service, young ideas, energy and enthusiasm.

The premises of 155 Lachlan Street will be unoccupied from 1st July. This stately old building has been a private home, a maternity hospital and a legal office, and will be for lease or sale. Any creative options would be welcome. Contact McGroders solicitors on 6852 3366 with any questions.

Be Asthma Aware

May 17, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Last year Australians suffered the worst flu outbreak on record. The pharmacists at Flannery’s Pharmacy are urging people with asthma to not let colds and the flu inflame their symptoms this winter.

“Getting the flu can increase the symptoms of asthma including wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in the chest. If not treated properly, these symptoms can cause complications and even hospitalisation,” said Tracey Edwards, Pharmacist at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

Around 40,000 Australians are hospitalised and 400 die each year from asthma, with a spike in hospital admissions during winter for people of all ages – from preschoolers through to the elderly.

Tracey recommends having an asthma action plan and taking asthma medications as prescribed by your GP. “Getting a flu vaccination is very important as it reduces the risk of influenza,” said Tracey.

Winter asthma checklist:
• Get your lungs checked — see your doctor for an asthma check-up;
• Follow your asthma action plan;
• Keep warm and dry, if cold air triggers your asthma;
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick and control germs by washing your hands regularly;
• Have a flu vaccination at the pharmacy or see your GP and
• Use a spacer in conjunction with your asthma medication. A spacer ensures you get more medication into your lungs, making your medication much more effective.

For more information about asthma medication, asthma devices and flu vaccinations, please call into Flannery’s Pharmacy and see our registered nurse, Rach Hayes or one of our pharmacists.

National Carp Control Plan Community Briefing Session

May 17, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) team, together with Central West Local Land Services would like to invite you to an information evening focusing on the use of a species-specific virus known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (the carp virus) as a biocontrol agent.

The community briefing session will be held on Wednesday 30 May, from 6pm to 8pm at the Forbes Inn Hotel, 43 Rankin Street, Forbes. The event is an opportunity for Forbes residents to hear about proposed carp biocontrol measures first-hand from the NCCP and Local Land Services as well as contribute feedback to the plan.

This event is one of more than 40 community briefings that have been held in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and Queensland. For more information on the briefing or to register your attendance, please contact Vivien Howard on 0439 387 603 or email vivien.howard@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Boost For Vital Road Safety Projects

May 17, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The most dangerous hotspots on NSW roads will be upgraded as part of the NSW Government’s Safer Roads Program, which will help drive the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads towards zero.

Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless last week announced a $70.9 million investment to deliver 180 vital safety upgrades this financial year.

The Safer Roads Program will:
• Include re-engineering dangerous curves, installing rumble strips to alert tired drivers, widening shoulders and
centre lines, and installing flexible wire rope barriers to help prevent run-off-road and head on crashes; and
• Uses proven engineering treatments to reduce the number and severity of crashes on the state’s roads.

The projects are estimated to save the equivalent of 425 deaths and serious injuries over the life of the program.

Rick said that 64% of the investment will be directed to regional NSW, delivering 125 projects.

“Last year, 272 people killed on NSW roads were in the country, so this will go a long way to reduce the number of fatalities on regional roads”.

“The NSW Government has invested over $282 million in road safety in the current financial year, and this $70.9 million from our Safer Roads Program will deliver more important safety upgrades in 2018- 19 for many of our most dangerous roads,” said Rick.

The Safer Roads Program was established in 2014 and to date $193.6 million has been invested and 490 road safety upgrades delivered.

SNIPPETS…

May 10, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The sound of music… Forbes High School Year 10 student, Tom Boyd has been invited to be part of the West of the Divide Tour travelling to Italy in January 2019. Tom will be using the opportunity to further develop his musical talents on the flute.

Rotary Ipomoea Market: Rotary Ipomoea have their May market this Saturday, 12th May at Sir Francis Forbes Park in Camp Street from 8am to 12.30pm. The Relay for Life event is on the adjacent oval. Rotary members are hoping that the markets will encourage people to visit the relay site and lend support to the teams as well as visiting the market and enjoying the market atmosphere. Mother’s Day is also on this weekend, so people might like to bring their mothers and grandmothers along to the market and relay events. The Forbes Town Band ensembles will be playing at the market and relay sites to raise money for the Town Band relay team. The Rotary catering van will have a hot breakfast at the market and the coffee man will also be there.

Lions Car Boot Sale: The next Lions Car Boot Sale will be held on Saturday, 19th May. This will be in the pleasant surrounds of Lions Park from 8am until 1pm. Admission to the markets is free. As usual there should be a variety of goods for sale, ranging from hand crafted items and produce, to second hand wares. Site fees from the day will be donated to Havannah House to help with their work. The Lions members will be catering with their barbeque food including the generous Lions burger and also hot and cold drinks. Tickets will be available in their grocery voucher and wood raffles. Those wishing to hold a stall on the day are charged $10 and should contact Peter 0439 280 994 or Robyn 6851 2209 for more information.

Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club competition: Well done to Joanne McRae and Michael Craft on being our competition winners!

iTunes card scams are doing the rounds: Police have received a number of reports in our area of scammers trying to get iTunes vouchers from potential victims. The scammer contacts a person advising them that their computer may have a fault and they need to be paid to repair it; that the tax office has a warrant for their arrest and they can pay the fine with iTunes cards or to pay a release fee for an additional payment, such as from Centrelink; or other similar stories. If you have been a victim of a scam, please report it via www.scamwatch.gov.au.

The ‘Coffee With A Cop’ event was a great success in Forbes with many community members utilising the opportunity to meet officers from the Central West Police District at The Bakehouse on Tuesday. Everyone enjoyed the event and had some great discussions.

Amber Has The Answer

May 10, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Be inspired by a breath taking transformation, from backyard to home haven, when you invest in Amber tiles.

No matter the latest trends or styles, Amber products have always, and will continue to be of the highest quality; and its quality that doesn’t cost the earth.

The selection at Amber Orange is varied and focuses on texture, colour and versatility in trending designs to meet the demands of the market.

Working with stone, travertine, marble and the newest glazed porcelains will deliver an enduring timeless look.

Also the current “Love My Amber” Competition, allows you a chance to win back your costs towards your renovation or new build, with a total pool of $10,000 to be shared with three lucky winners.

Come in and see the in-store professionals while the 20% off sale is on during 14th and 19th May.

Amber Orange staff can provide customers with personalised and cost effective solutions for both indoor and outdoor areas.

Visit Amber Orange today! Located in 26- 32 Peisley Street, Orange.

Supporting Local Police

May 10, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Police District has unveiled their new vehicle at the local ‘Coffee With A Cop’ events. Frank Spice Hyundai in Forbes has joined forces with the local district again to help prevent crime within the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.

Frank Spice Hyundai made the decision to provide the Central West Police District with a new Hyundai Kona Highlander. Dealer principal, Troy Hurford said support for the local police was a continuation of community goodwill.

“We felt it is a good opportunity to give something back to the community, a gesture in helping crime prevention and the opportunity to extend our input to the community we currently have.”

The Kona will be used by several officers involved in crime prevention, youth liaison and domestic violence. It will allow operational police vehicles to remain on the street and respond to community needs.

Inspector Shane Jessep, Officer in Charge of Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo, said: “The sponsor vehicle arrangement is greatly appreciated and highlights how a long standing local business such as Frank Spice Hyundai can participate and support local police in the prevention of crime.”

Landmark Inland Rail Agreement Puts NSW On The Right Track

May 10, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Federal and NSW Governments signed a landmark bilateral agreement, which makes way for the commencement of works on the multi-billion dollar Inland Rail project in NSW.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Michael McCormack and NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro signed the Intergovernmental Agreement at the Parkes Railway Station last Friday.

NSW is the second state to sign up to the nationally-significant project. The new agreement provides consent for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to deliver Inland Rail in NSW.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the signing of the bilateral agreement was a landmark moment in the delivery of the project. “Inland Rail will be a corridor of commerce for communities along the eastern seaboard and this agreement is another vital step in making its vision a reality.”

He said 60% or 1,050km of the line will be in NSW linking up the ports of Melbourne and Brisbane boosting the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) to $2.6 billion per year.

Deputy Premier Barilaro said the project would not only grow regional communities and bring additional government services, but also reduce congestion on roads. “Inland Rail has the potential to completely reinvigorate parts of regional NSW, well beyond the thousands of jobs that will be created in the construction phase,” he said.

“This is all about helping NSW farmers get their product from paddock to port as cheaply and efficiently as possible, and in turn, putting money back in the pockets of those producers to reinvest in their businesses or spend in their regional and rural towns.

“What this agreement shows is that across all levels of Government, there is a commitment to invest heavily in our regions, and a commitment to co-operate to deliver a transformational project not just for NSW, but for the country.”

Construction on the Inland Rail project is due to commence within six months on the Parkes to Narromine section with 14,000 tonnes of steel rail delivered at Peak Hill in January.

The project will create a direct rail freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane capable of moving double stacked freight containers of up to 1.8km long at speeds of up to 120km/h.

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