Articles Archives - Page 300 of 406

Snippets…

February 8, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

MORE AWARDS FOR NEV… Nev Molloy (right) has just arrived back from the Australian Traditional Awards at Bungendore and he’s bringing home another award! Nev, alongside Bob Gregory (left) was awarded runner-up in the comedy section with a song that Nev wrote and Bob put the tune to called, I’ve Been Married Mate. Well done Nev!

Forbes Lions Car Boot Sale: The next Forbes and District Lions Club Car Boot Sale will be held on Saturday, 17th February in the Lions Park beside Lake Forbes from 8am until 1pm. This will be the first sale for 2018. Members of the community are welcome to set up stalls to sell their wares. Stalls of second hand goods as well as craft and produce stalls are catered for. Sites may be booked by phoning Peter on 0468 819 659 or Robyn on 6851 2209. The cost is $10. There is no charge to wander through the market. The Lions will be cooking up a storm with sausage sandwiches, bacon and egg sandwiches and the famous Lions sandwich for sale. There will also be tickets for a Hyundai car raffle. If you have thought of joining the Lions, give them a call to arrange for you to come along to one of their meetings or functions where you can see what they do. Phone Ray on 02 6852 2143 or email lionsclubs@ hotmail.com.

Catch of the Week winners: We have been receiving some great fishing photographs! Thank you for sending them in and please keep it coming! Che Che Bilog (September), Jeordy Carty (October) and Benjamin Legg (November) were our lucky winners. If you are a winner and have not yet done so, please collect your $25 voucher prize for Loomzy’s Fish ‘n’ Fix in Forbes, from Kate Small at the Ian Simpson office and enjoy!

Apology: From the Publisher in relation to last week’s Our Bloke column that may have offended some readers.

Eugowra Pony Club News: The club registration and first rally day for the year was held on Sunday, 4th February with five new children joining. Club Captain Bec, dedicated the day to superb instructing and activities for the children, with some of the new members quickly taking to being off the lead, which was very exciting for all involved.

The club is looking forward to holding the first gymkhana in Zone 11 for the year on Sunday, 18th March. Stay tuned to the Facebook page for a program and event updates. If you are interested in having your child join an active pony club, the next rally day is Sunday, 4th March and all are welcome to attend. For more information visit www.eugowraponyclub.com

Eugowra Pony Club was proud to have Liv Holland represent the club at the recent PCANSW State Show Riding & Dressage Championships held at Clarendon from 28th to 31st January. Liv placed 5th in the Best Educated Hack and 9th in the Preliminary 1.2 Dressage Test. (Photo: Rodney’s Photography)

Forbes Celebrates Australia Day

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Residents of Forbes enjoyed the many Australia Day activities offered around town on Friday and welcomed the town’s inspiring ambassador James Pittar.

The day’s celebrations featured an enormous three event program, beginning with the free Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park, followed by the Diggers Family Swim at the Forbes Olympic Pool before the main celebration, ‘Australia Day Party in the Park’, which was held at Lions Park.

Australia Day Ambassador, James Pittar addressed the hundreds of people attending the celebrations.

James was diagnosed with a degenerative disease Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of 16, by 21 he was considered legally blind and completely blind in his 30’s. As a direct result of his declining vision, James ramped up his sporting efforts, specifically in swimming and rowing.

During the 1990’s, James represented Australia in both these sports as a disabled athlete. He has a long and distinguished history of swimming achievements and actively supports and raises funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation; targeted at preventing blindness and improving indigenous health. He is also an ambassador for the Rainbow Club: a not for profit organisation which offers swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

The ‘Australia Day Party in the Park’ featured spectacular fireworks, live entertainment from Gabe Middleton and Cameron Sharpe, pedal boats, amusement rides, face painting, the traditional CWA Damper Cooking Competition and a range of exciting food.

There were also displays by community groups including the SES, Fire and Rescue NSW and Forbes Dragon Boat Club.

As part of the celebrations, Forbes Shire Council rewarded and acknowledged community members who have achieved excellence or made a significant contribution to the community. Kelsey Muller was announced 2018 Young Citizen of the Year and Sue-anne Nixon was named 2018 Citizen of the Year.

SNIPPETS…

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Rising Star… Kate Small won 1st place in the senior category at the Narromine USMC Summer 2017/2018 Karaoke & Talent Quest Grand Final that was held at the club on Australia Day.

Aussie Kids At A Standstill: Too many Australian children are not doing enough physical activity to maintain good health, a new report reveals. Leading health experts are urging parents and schools to help children become more physically active. Over 70% of Australia’s children and 91% of young people are not meeting sixty minutes physical activity every day. Lack of sufficient physical activity places children and young people at significant risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. It also contributes to higher body weight. To read The Active Travel: pathways to a healthy future reportgo to https://www.vu.edu.au/australianhealth-policy-collaboration/publications.

Important Golf News: There is a golf interest development programme being started for kids, titled “Get into Golf”. It is aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. It commences on 6th February and runs for 8 weeks, with sessions being held at 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Contact Simon at the Pro Shop on 6851 1554 or 0403 871 700.

Forbes Junior Cricket: Junior Cricket starts again this weekend. There is also still the opportunity to sign up for the mid season registration for any child interested in taking part in the Stage 1 or T20 Blast competition. The competition resumes Saturday, 3rd February and runs for 8 weeks. Registration is available for the following groups: T20 Blast; 7 to 8 age group and Stage 1; 9 to 12 age group. T20 cost $99, includes T20 Blast kit. Stage 1 Sportspower T20 Super league cost $40, includes club Shirt. For more information contact Anthony Gordon on 0458 561 156 or Andrew Glasson on 0428 542 972.

Debutants Fundraiser for Ronald Mc- Donald House: Eight young ladies from Forbes High School are making their debut on the 24th March 2018. These ladies have decided to raise funds towards the Ronald McDonald House. A fundraiser event will be held on the 17th February at the Forbes Golf Club Hotel upstairs. It will be a fun night of games and dancing. The theme is sporting, so come dressed up as a football, softball, cricket player etc. You could even dress up as a Disney character, anything you like. Book a table of 10 people with your friends. Tickets are only $25 and bring your own nibbles. Contact Tami Stewart on 0427 552 243 to RSVP.

Caravans Head To Tassie

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Lachlan Valley Caravan Club had a very successful 2017 and enjoyed their annual Christmas party at the Bedgerebong Showground under the guidance of Jenny Currey and her team of helpers. Now, after a long break the club is alive and ready to hit the road for 2018.

The first meeting for the New Year was held on Sunday, 21st January at Eugowra. Despite the extreme heat the members were made to feel very welcome at the Eugowra Bowling and Recreation Club. Approximately sixty club members enjoyed a Chinese buffet prior to the commencement of the meeting in the comfort of the club house.

President John Apps welcomed everyone and once the official business was over Rally Coordinator, Bruce Seddon presented the rally program for 2018. The first rally will be leaving for Tasmania in February with six caravans making the journey for approximately six weeks.

Other rallies planned are for North East Victoria, Blackheath, Moruya Heads, Corryong, Young/ Coolamon/Temora and Hawks Nest.

If you would like to know more about the friendly club and caravanning life visit http://www.lachlanvalleycaravanclub.org.au/ or contact Pat Barnes on 0423 083 152.

By Pat Barne

Elvis An American Trilogy

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The legendary Elvis Presley has been celebrated worldwide, and especially in Parkes every year! He was one of the biggest and most important stars of the 20th century pop culture.

A cultural icon who was often referred to as the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ and now direct from the US comes the ultimate return Australian concert tour 2018 of ‘Elvis – An American Trilogy’ – the complete story that takes three of the world’s leading Elvis tribute artists starring in one of the most spectacular live concert productions that takes you on a journey through the music of ‘The King’ in the history of entertainment.

The three stages in the success of ‘Elvis – The King’ stars Vic Trevino Jnr, who embodies the rockabilly sound of the young Elvis; Gino Monopoli recreates the sophisticatedsound of the Elvis movie years with tracks from iconic films ‘GI Blues’, ‘Kid Gallahad’, ‘Speedway’ and many more. He is magnificent as he recreates the 1968 comeback TV special.

The third artist is Greg Miller who channels Elvis in the famous white eagle jumpsuit. He recreates the 70s with ‘An American Trilogy’ featuring the moves, the songs and the nuances that made Elvis the most recognisable figure in the history of world music.

‘Elvis – An American Trilogy’ is touring Australia by popular demand in February/ March 2018, proudly presented by Abstract Entertainment. (See details below.)

Local Heroes Help To Deliver Queen’s Message

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Queen’s baton was warmly welcomed in Forbes on Monday, marking 35 days since arriving in Australia and its epic journey to arrive at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April 2018.

Mixing things up from traditional relay mode, the baton travelled by unique modes of transport in Forbes.

Of 40 countries, Forbes was the only place that had the Queen’s baton set off on a dragon boat. It glided down Lake Forbes with baton bearer Wendy Green on board.

The unique modes of transport continued with Ethan Markwort holding the baton whilst doing a skateboard demonstration at the Forbes Skate Park.

Australian Commonwealth Games sporting royalty Phil Adams OAM, who shares the record for the most medals collected by an athlete at the Commonwealth Games with 18 medals, was one of the 14 people nominated to carry the baton in Forbes.

Lauren Neilsen from Forbes, also carried the Queen’s baton in Parkes.

It’s Back To School Time – Remember Road Safety

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students next week and Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5 – 14 years old.

“Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their difficulty in judging speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably. “Drivers will need to pay extra attention and be patient with schools reopening as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the roads and young pedestrians crossing the streets.

“It is important that drivers slow down in school zones so they are in a better position to react to the unpredictable behaviour of school children as well as the busy traffic environment,” said Melanie.

There are 40km/h school speed zones in existence around all schools in NSW. School zones are operational between 8 – 9.30am and 2.30 – 4pm on school days.

Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns.

“Parents and carers can help students remain safe by regularly reinforcing important road safety behaviours with their children and following the below tips,” said Melanie.

Parents and carers should:

• Always make sure your children wear a seatbelt or use a child restraint when travelling in a car.

• Always drop-off and pick-up your chil dren on the school side of the road.

• Make sure children use the footpathside door when getting in and out of a car.

• Never call your children across the road to you.

• Use a pedestrian crossing where possible and avoid being distracted.

• Children aged up to 10 years old should always be supervised when near traffic.

• Children aged up to eight years old should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road or walking near traffic.

• Make sure your children always wear a helmet when riding a bike.

• If your children catch a bus, always walk with them to the bus stop.

For further information please contact Melanie

Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

Quit Smoking Now

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Want to quit smoking? Have you tried before with little or no success?

If this sounds familiar you might like to take advantage of the offer of free nicotine replacement therapy and extra support to help you quit.

Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Maria Willis, from the Forbes Health Service will be instore at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies during February and March to help people to quit smoking. Maria is a Nurse Practitioner who assists community members who have diabetes, respiratory and heart conditions.

Community members can make an appointment to see Maria at either pharmacy.

During the appointment smoking habits will be assessed and free nicotine replacement therapy will be offered. Maria will also be able to assess the patients concerns and provide helpful information and advice on how to quit smoking.

“It is also important to remember your GP, pharmacists and QuitLine can provide support to quit,” said Maria.

“Smoking is more addictive than heroin and cocaine so understandably it is not easy to quit,” said Maria. “However, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health and it is never too late to quit, increase your life expectancy and improve your quality of life.”

“There is no safe level of smoking. Even the occasional cigarette is doing you harm.”

To book an appointment to begin your journey to quit smoking, call Flannery’s Pharmacy on 6852 1111 or Life Pharmacy on 6852 2001.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to get all the help you need to quit for life!

Home Building Work

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Home Building Act 1989 governs residential building work in NSW. A person doing residential building work must be licenced by the Department of Fair Trading, unless the cost of labour and materials is $5,000 or less.

A person doing residential building work, repairs, renovations or advertising must be licenced if:

• the total cost of labour and materials are more than $5,000;

• it is electrical wiring work;

• it is plumbing, draining and gas fitting work; or

• it is air conditioning and refrigeration work (except plug-in appliances).

Licensing helps stamp out illegitimate operators and creates a level playing field for all tradespeople. Licenced tradespersons have to pay annual fees and insurance premiums.

If the work is more than $20,000, the tradesperson is required to submit a written contract to the residential owner and provide for a cooling off period. In some instances for small jobs a much less onerous written contract is required for jobs over $5,000.

Owner builders require a permit from the Department of Fair Trading (with insurance) for residential building work with labour and material costs of more than $10,000, or you are required to get Council development consent for such work.

Large fines apply to first offenders and gaol is an option for second time offenders, who are unlicenced and/or uninsured.

In addition to criminal penalties, unlicensed tradesmen might even find they don’t get paid for the job done, are sued for recovery of monies paid or might have orders made by NCAT against them.

All home owners should be aware that they can demand evidence of licence and insurance from tradespeople. If you have any more queries please feel free to contact us.

SNIPPETS…

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Generosity… Karen Betland from Betlands Orchard and Sally Duff and Jade McGovern from Forbes Shire Council handing over a cheque of $585.35 to Maureen and Murray Field from CanAssist Forbes. This being the proceeds from Forbes Shire Council’s promotion at the Christmas markets of Peaches from Forbes. Betlands Orchard donated the peaches and asked that the proceeds be given to CanAssist.

Celebrate Australia Day: Enjoy the many Australia Day activities and welcome the town’s inspiring ambassador James Pittar. There will be a free Rotary breakfast at Apex Park from 7am to 9am. The Diggers Family Swim will again be held at the Forbes Pool. There is free pool entry between 11am – 2pm and also a free barbecue lunch. The Party in the Park at Lions Park will be the formal event where the 2018 Australia Day awards will be announced. The Party in the Park begins at 5.30pm. There will be water activities such as the pedal boats on the lake and Forbes dragon boat teams rowing by. Another highlight is the live entertainment by acclaimed central west singer Gabe Middleton as well as artist Cameron Sharp from Forbes. There will be amusement rides, demonstrations by the SES and the Fire Brigade as well as the CWA traditional damper cooking. The event will finish with a fireworks display. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs. There will be food stalls at the event. Parking will be available in Spooner Oval and pet owners are advised fireworks will be around 9pm.

Major Electricity Network Upgrade: Essential Energy crews last week commenced a major upgrade of the electricity network in the Forbes area, along a section of Lachlan Valley Way, from Parkside Way to Jemalong Weir, to ensure a safe, secure and reliable power supply for homes and businesses in that area and the wider Forbes community.

The upgrade will increase the capacity of the electricity network and replace network assets which have reached end of life. The project includes the replacement of 47 power poles, 30 pole cross-arms and 10 kilometres of high voltage powerlines. A series of planned power outages will be required during the project. Affected homes and businesses will receive advanced notification. The project will be completed in stages between January and March.

Four Days Of Double Demerits: As we get ready to celebrate Australia Day, and school holidays are coming to an end for thousands of local students, drivers are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force for four days for this long weekend for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Drivers should be warned that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this four day period.

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