Articles Archives - Page 324 of 405

Have Your Say On Long-Term Plan

June 8, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The community’s long-term plan is on public exhibition for feedback until 25th June. Forbes Shire Council adopted the Forbes Shire Our Community Strategic Plan 2017- 2027 at its May meeting, and the support- ing Draft 2017-18 Operational Plan was endorsed for public exhibition at an extraor- dinary meeting.

The Operational Plan also incorporates a Statement of Revenue Policy outlin- ing Council’s financial information includ- ing a summary of the 2017/18 budget, the 2017/18 detailed capital budget and the 2017/18 Schedule of Fees and Charges to be implemented from 1st July. The plan outlines the programs and projects Council will undertake both operational and capital together with the funding sources and expenditure for the financial year.

General Manager Danny Green said: “This is your chance to have your say on Council’s planning and process for operationally achieving the targets and strategies as identified in the long-term plan.”

In 2017/18 the budget for capital works across its general, and water and sewer operations is $14.9 million. “This includes $3.8 million on roads, $1.6 million on water, $2.2 million on sewer and $1 million on recreational and community facilities, funded through grants and reserves,” Danny said. “The budget also includes a total rate in- crease of 1.5%, however individual charges will reflect the latest land valuations.” “Overall operational expenditure has been maintained below $28 million.”

In the 2017/18 Fees and Charges Schedule, Danny said most fees and charges have been increased by CPI although Council is moving to full service recovery where pos- sible. Please send your comments via email to mail@forbes.nsw.gov.au or by post to Forbes Shire Council, 2 Court Street, Forbes NSW 2871. For more information contact Community Development Manager Nina Hooper on 6850 2358.

Award-Winning Kacie Forges Her Own Path

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

At 23 years of age former local Kacie Anderson is making waves in a male-dominated trade in the Northern Territory.

Last week she was awarded the Advanced Training International Overall Trade Appren- tice prize at the School of Trades annual presentation in Darwin.

The only female apprentice in her trade, Kacie was described as “an outstanding choice, having excelled academically and as a practitioner of her craft,” by Roy Brandner, Head of School of Trades at Charles Darwin University.

Working as a boilermaker in Australia’s tropical top end hardly sounds like anyone’s dream job, but for Kacie, something she hadn’t imagined doing has become a passion.

“My whole life I wanted to be a vet,” said Kacie. “And now I want to get into welding inspection x-rays and ultrasounds, and focus on the quality and safety of welds and products.”

Since leaving home, Kacie has travelled as far afield as Western Australia and north Queensland working in a range of jobs.

She has been a Jillaroo on a remote cattle station, a counter hand in a butcher shop and considered becoming a diesel mechanic.

But it was an offer to take up an apprenticeship with Jake’s Steel and Welding that now has her calling the Northern Territory home.

So, what is it like being the only female in the workshop? “Being a female in a male dominant industry has its challenges. When I started I had to prove to the boys that I was capable of doing things myself. I knew I could work as hard as them.”

She faced the challenges at trade school with the same attitude.

“I knew what was expected of me so I gave that, and more. I proved to the boys in my class that women can do this by re- ceiving high grades and paying attention to what was required.”

Kacie’s lecturers nominated her for the award after she wrote a letter to apply for a National Association of Women in Construction scholarship.

When Kacie received the email telling her she’d won, she couldn’t believe it.

“When I got back to work everyone was waiting for me and someone had written ‘Congratulations, Kacie’ on the whiteboard in the smoko room. They just treat me like one of the boys.”

Kacie’s message for anyone not sure what to do when they finish school is: “Take every opportunity that comes your way because you will always learn from them whether they work out or not. It’s all life experience, and it becomes a part of who you are as a person.”

“Never give up. The tough times make you stronger and you will get a great sense of accomplishment when you do get through

them.” By Rochelle Bright

Baker’s Cyst

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

A Baker’s cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a swelling at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cysts are fairly common and are associated with chronic swelling within the knee joint. They occur most frequently, secondary to degenerative disease within the knee joint such as osteoarthritis or meniscal degeneration. The main sign that a Baker’s cyst is present will be a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind the knee. This may be tender to touch with pain and stiffness, often worsening as the knee is straightened after activity or when squat- ting or kneeling.

Just as a door hinge requires oil to reduce friction and allow smooth movement, similarly, the cartilage and tendons in the knee joint rely on a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid circulates around the knee joint and in and out of various fluid sacs called bursae, that com- municate with the knee joint. Sometimes when a structure within the knee joint is damaged or inflamed too much fluid is produced. If this fluid gets trapped in the popliteal bursae it is called a Baker’s cyst.

If a Baker’s cyst is suspected, the whole knee joint should be assessed thoroughly as treatment involves treatment of the un- derlying cause. Once the cause has been addressed the swelling generally settles down. Sometimes the bursae might be drained or surgically removed but if the underlying cause of the swelling is not corrected the swelling will just return. Strengthening exercises for the lower limb can help to improve joint biomechanics and to decrease the load on the knee.

For the fitness of you,

Linda Reilly

Westpac Opens Purse For Second Year

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Westpac turned 200 on 8th April and as part of celebrations local branches are inviting not-for-profit organisations to apply for a $500 funding boost to help them sup- port their community.

The funding boost was also offered last year in the lead-up to the birthday mile- stone, and Forbes Westpac branch received 15 applications.

Local Westpac branch manager, Shannon Crowley said: “Any local charity or non- profit group in the Forbes area can enter giving details about the group and how they will spend the money.”

“It’s all managed locally. Forbes Westpac staff will read every application and have the tough job of deciding where the money will go.”

Shannon encourages applicants to be specific in their application about how the funding boost will help them. There are no other conditions associated with the funding. Organisations don’t need to have a Westpac account to apply, and don’t need to open one.

Submissions can be emailed directly to Shannon Crowley at shcrowley@westpac. com.au by 23rd June and a winner will be announced on 26th June.

In addition the branch has also opened applications for the annual Westpac Foundation Community Grant, with a possible $10,000 funding boost for eligible organisations. Interested organisations can contact Shannon on 6850 1554.

By Rochelle Bright

Caravan Club Puts The Fun In Fundraising

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Every year in May, the Lachlan Valley Caravan Club holds its annual week-long bush rally. The camping grounds at Kiacatoo have played host to this event, and the club’s annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser, for the past few years.

This year local residents were invited to join around 40 club members last Thurs- day afternoon for homemade treats, raffles, door prizes, competitions and musical entertainment.

Those who came along enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm of club members as they put on quite a show in the camping ground’s enormous tin shed.

Former school teachers Helen Pitt and Ruth Armstrong delighted the audience with a brilliant comedy skit about playing bowls.

In full costume, and with a bag of props that included a giant bunch of spinach, a bottle of wine, and a lump of wood, they delivered a performance worthy of a larger stage.

Between activities, Rob Armstrong (bass guitar), Rod Maxey (banjo), Jim Blacker (keyboard), and Bill Dolle (vocals), kept everyone’s toes tapping with their easy listening tunes.

The event raised over $900 for cancer research. The week-long bush rally is one of the most popular for members. Between fishing in the Lachlan river, bushwalking and camp oven cooking, there’s plenty to do.

And for anyone looking to escape life’s modern distractions, there’s no mobile phone or internet coverage.
The Lachlan Valley Caravan Club is the fourth largest van club in NSW, with 70 vans (around 140 people) registered as members. Their members come from right across the Central West and as far away as South Coast NSW.

They hold 10 to 12 rallies each year and for the remainder of this year plan to visit places like Tea Gardens, the Boomi Artesian Pool and Bendigo.

For more information visit www.lachlanvalleycaravanclub.org.au, or call secretary Gail Blacker on 0400 320 407.

By Rochelle Bright

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Free Breakfast: A free forum will be held at the Forbes Inn on Thursday, 8th June to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle in- dustry.

For the fifth year, the Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, attracts almost 300 attendees and is part of the annual road safety calendar for Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils. The forum will include a workshop about the new safety rules coming into effect next year with regards to chain of responsibility.

There will also be presentations about compliance and enforcement, a proposed low volume gate access scheme and the councils’ achievements in the past 12 months in improving access and educa- tion. For catering purposes registration is required – contact 6861 2364 or Melanie. Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au .

Arts Funding: Local groups with arts pro- jects in mind can apply for the 2018 round of Country Arts Support Program funding.

The annual program of State Government provides small grants up to $3,000 to arts and community organisations in regional NSW to run their own local arts projects. Applications close Thursday, 27th July.

Arts OutWest executive director Tracey Callinan said: “This long-running funding program is about giving regional people access to a diverse range of arts programs – activities that are made for and by the local community.”

In 2018 it’s expected there will be around $18,000 to distribute in the Central West region. Priority areas are arts and health, Aboriginal arts, and cultural tourism and lifelong learning (education or training projects for any age). The funding is open to all incorporated associations, not just those focused on the arts. Groups wishing to apply must discuss their project with Arts OutWest before submitting an online application.

To apply, read the funding criteria at http:// regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Wonderful Concert: Forbes Town and District Band invite you to attend a con- cert showcasing the talents of the young musicians of the Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO) on Saturday. Forbes Town band members will join with the SYO for two items at the Forbes Town Hall at 7pm. Tickets are available at the door.

SYO has a long history of delivering ac- tivities across regional NSW through its outreach project to increase participation and engagement in orchestral music.

https://www.forbesphoenix.com.au/5923-2/

Commercial Property In Prime Spot

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

This 2,023m2 commercial zoned property at 23 Dowling Street is on the western side of Dowling Street in the northern portion of Central Business District of Forbes. It is also located near the BP service station, a building supply shop, Holden and Nissan dealer- ship, McDonalds, Caltex service station and other businesses in a high traffic area.

The location is fit for any type of business looking to develop with prominent highway frontage. The property is fenced with rear lane access and cement footpath at the front.

Council DA approved and traffic plan completed, for a car wash, details of which are available.

Access is available via Dowling Street, which is a two lane bitu- men sealed road carriageway with concrete kerb and gutter and concrete footpath in

Services available include electricity, town water , sewer, natural gas and telephone.

An open tour will take place tomorrow from 11:00am to 12:00pm. This is an opportunity to look at the block, get some more informa- tion and ask any questions you might have.

Individual inspections can also be arranged by contacting Ian Simpson on 0417 468 565.

An auction will take place on Saturday, 24th June onsite at 23 Dowling Street. Registrations commence at 9:30am, and the auc- tion starts at 10:00am sharp.

Bidders can register as a phone bidder or register and bid on the day in person.

The vendors of this property need to make a sale and will con- sider all offers prior to auction.

Located on the Newell Highway, Forbes attracts customers from far reaching Western NSW and visitors from all over the state.

Call Ian Simpson on 0417 468 565.

Do You Want To Join Council’s Advisory and Working Groups?

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from the community to join Council’s advisory and working groups.

These groups provide recommendations to Council to inform its decision making on the special interest issues of heritage, tourism, access (disability) and Forbes Aerodrome.

Under the new Section 355 committee structure, these groups will report back to one of the five core committees of Community and Places, Natural Environment, Leadership, Enterprise or Infrastructure.

These groups may from time to time undertake projects in conjunction with, or on behalf of, Council. General Manager Danny Green said these groups would allow Council to utilise the skills and experience of residents towards achieving the targets identified by the com- munity through the Forbes Shire “Our Community Strategic Plan 2017-2027”.

If you would like to join one of the groups, contact Council’s Senior Administration Officer, Kylie Grayson, on 6850 2305 for a nomination form.

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday, 23rd June and can be emailed to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au or mailed to the General Manager, Forbes Shire Council, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871.

Where Did You Learn About Money?

June 1, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Sadly, there is not much focus on financial education when we are growing up. Most of us get our money skills from a combination of what we learned from our parents and a lifetime of trial and error.

With no disrespect to my parents or anyone else’s, the reality is that most of them had little idea of what they were doing because no one ever taught them how to manage money. So, watching them work their way through trial and error isn’t a great start and then we’re left to do the same. It isn’t a great recipe for success when you only have a limited time that you’ll be earning an income.

So, this is an intervention. Money shouldn’t be a taboo topic, it should be something we’re all clued up about, something we all have a strong concept of and an understanding of what our options are.

It’s your life and your income. It’s not my job to tell you how you should spend either. What I do want to do, however, is help you do it with your eyes open so that you can be making informed decisions about your money, not guessing which way to go and hoping for the best via trial and error.

Financial education is your path to understanding money and understanding money is your key to making the most of what you learn.

Cheers, Daniel

(Daniel McGregor is a founding partner of Wealth Train, an Australian Financial Services Licence Holder (474966) empowering Australians with finan- cial education. Any advice given is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional ad- vice before making any financial decisions.)

Open Day Highlights Burning Issue

May 25, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

At the Forbes Fire Station’s annual open day last Saturday, local fire officers aimed to raise awareness and educate residents about the dangers of fires in the home, and how to prevent them.

“We always hold the open day in May. It’s an opportune time coming into the winter months to remind people about the danger of fire,” said Station Captain Brian Clarke.

While kids enjoyed their plastic fire fighter hats and exploring the big red engines, Bri- an and some of his crew members handed out wooden spoons etched with the phrase, “Keep looking when cooking”.

They want to remind people not to walk away from the stove while preparing meals. “In the last six months, we’ve had four

calls to fires started because food was left cooking on the stove unattended.

“A woman forgot she had tea on and decided to go to her daughter’s house at the other end of town. Luckily the neighbour heard the smoke alarm and called the fire brigade. Fortunately only the food, the saucepan and the top of the stove burnt, and it created a lot of smoke right through the unit.”

Brian has a strong message for the community: “Don’t leave anything cooking on the stove unattended. Don’t put clothes next to heaters. And everyone should have at least two smoke alarms in working order in their house, if not more.”

When there is an incident, however, the Fire Brigade is quick to attend. “The Fire Brigade’s Act requires that response times are no longer than 10 minutes. The average time from call to response for the Forbes crew is seven minutes,” Brian said.

The Station has a manned crew of 15 fire fighters. They all have other full-time jobs but are retained by Fire and Rescue NSW to cover the local community.

Under the Brigades’ Act, four of those fire fighters must be avail- able 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to local inci- dents. But sometimes, no matter how quickly they get there, there isn’t much they can do.

“We had a house fire where the house was completely destroyed a few months ago. Someone left a newly renovated home with a candle burning on the bedside table. The window was open and the wind blew the curtain into the candle. They lost everything.”

Brian has been involved with the local Fire Brigade for 39 years. Last month, he attended government house to receive the Austral- ian Fire Service medal, a Queen’s medal, which was awarded to him on Australia Day. He described the award as “a great privi- lege”.

Next year, the Fire Station will celebrate its 90th birthday. Built in 1928, it has recently been refurbished to give the fire fighters more room and better facilities.

Up until October last year, the original fireman’s quarters upstairs were leased for private occupation. The top floor has been trans- formed and now offers a more comfortable working environment.

The open day will be held again next May as one of many state- wide events run under Fire and Rescue NSW.

By Rochelle Bright

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