Articles Archives - Page 355 of 412

Are Core Stability Exercises A Good Idea?

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Everybody knows the plank exercise, but does performing this type of core stability exercise actually help people with low back pain? Physiotherapists, Professor Peter O’Sullivan from Curtin University and Professor Paul Hodges from The University of Queensland, wrote the book on spinal stability exercises. They did a lot of research into the abdominal muscles in the 1990’s and the focus on Transversus Abdominis came from their work. So what are they
saying now?

The plank exercise involves a person on their elbows and toes while holding their body stiff for a period of time. This is not what core stability means, says Professor Hodges. If you think about most functions, we actually need the spine to move. Core stability is about getting the spine to move. Professor O’Sullivan says many people with back pain are already too rigid. Their muscles have already tensed up as a protective mechanism due to pain. Static
exercises like planking can actually be counterproductive. Tensing up a structure that is already tense doesn’t make much sense. Instead we should be relaxing the muscles around our trunk when we have back pain.

So where does that leave us? Should we be telling the gym instructor to take a jump next time they ask for a plank? If we don’t have low back pain planks are fine. Better still are dynamic exercises that require us to naturally activate our core muscles such as squats. If we have low back pain, core activation exercises along with movement and learning to turn off over active muscles beat planks hands down. The spine is designed to move.

“For the fitness of you”
Linda Reilly

Long Lunch Raises Thousands

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

More than 150 people supported the Long Lunch By The Lake on a very windy Sunday afternoon to raise funds for a good cause. The aim was to raise enough for a physio touch machine for the Forbes and Parkes Hospitals. According to organiser Debbie Roylance the target of $32,000 was reached. With money from ticket sales for the lunch, $3,732 from the raffle, the auction and pledges raised $12,485 with the help of auctioneer Kevin Miller, the Breast Cancer
Support Group donated $2,000 and funds previously held, the target was reached. “We are absolutely delighted with the response and support from the community, and a special thank you to the businesses and individuals who have donated both to the raffle and the auction,” said Debbie.

Businesses from both Parkes and Forbes supported the event, with about one third of the people at the lunch from Parkes. The physio touch machine has immediate results as it helps to reduce swelling and pain, and improve the range of motion of lymphedema patients. The machine can also be used in general scar tissue management and inflammation post-surgery, such as post hip or knee replacement. The order will be placed for two machines for
the hospitals as soon as the money is in the bank. The machines will be placed in the physio departments at each hospital. Debbie thanked all the volunteers for their help.

By Cheryl Newsom

Songs In The Key Of Motown

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

By popular demand, the all-singing, alldancing Songs In The Key Of Motown is coming back to Australia! Two of the best and biggest Las Vegas soul shows are coming together again and bringing with them the best in soul and Motown music. Transporting audiences back to the era where The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Martha & The Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles reigned supreme. Songs In The Key Of Motown will literally leave you breathless.

It is a spectacular live concert production that takes you on a journey through Motown. Featuring Spectrum, a first-class vocal quartet that draws upon the talent of four radiant voices and diverse personalities. They have spent six stellar years recreating the sound and style of the Four Tops in Las Vegas.

Superstars and Legends In Concert the group has developed the versatility to credibly cover the music of groups from the Platters to the Temptations to Boyz- 2Men. It is this versatility that has propelled them to the status of headlining their own shows in which they perform stirring renditions of all the best cover tunes. They have teamed up with Radiance, a talented vocal quartet formed specifically to pay tribute to the Disco and Motown era paying tribute to the music of The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, The Marvelettes and other female artists from that amazing musical era. Together they have created SONGS IN THE KEY OF MOTOWN, a spectacular show transporting audiences back to an era of music that formed a major cornerstone in American music of the 60’s and 70’s. The costuming, the choreography, the harmonies, the energy and excitement are second to none.

Together they provide an array of talent that is the best in entertainment that leaves audiences wanting more! See them perform on Thursday, 24th November at the Orange Civic Theatre.

Community Chest Charity Raffle Program A Big Help

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Twelve community groups have so far received financial assistance in the Community Chest Charity Raffles Program of the Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC) since its inception a year ago. More than $28,000 have been raised and donated to local community groups. President of FSMC, Wayne Richards, said: “The progam is a new initiative of the Club’s CEO, David Fitzgerald and the Board of Directors. It is not just a gift to the recipients, but also to the whole community as it will provide additional financial support to local community organisations.”

David said the money could not have been raised without the support of the Club’s members and guests who purchase raffle tickets every Wednesday and Friday night. “A big thank you to all.” If your community organisation or sporting group is looking for assistance, send a letter to the Board of Directors to be included in the program. Two more recipients, the Forbes Women’s Refuge and Friends of Forbes Hospital, will receive donations today.

Bigger Than Ben Hall

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The infamous bushranger Ben Hall held Forbes captive last Saturday night as he rode into town in the independently produced feature film The Legend of Ben Hall. The notorious character was larger than life as his story was projected onto a huge inflatable screen at the Forbes Showground for the audience of 900 people who attended the world premiere.

Lead actor Jack Martin bore an uncanny resemblance to the outlaw, and his brooding portrayal won many fans, and quite a few hearts. “I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting him,” he joked. “But I did a lot of research and felt a great affinity with him,” he said. Jamie Coffa plays John Gilbert, Ben’s partner-in-crime. Jamie said the cast had to do a horse riding crash-course for the film. “It was the most challenging part of filming,” he said. “Doing dialogue, on a horse, while shooting a gun; they don’t teach you how to do that at drama school.”

The film is the brainchild of writer/director/ producer Matthew Holmes, and has been his enduring passion for the best part of a decade. Matthew was slowly crowd-funding the finance, when Forbes Shire Council got involved. With their faith in the project, momentum quickly picked up, and the team was able to embark on production. “The scope of the project was epic,” Matthew said. “We were constantly facing a battle of the budget.”

The film was shot in locations across regional NSW and Victoria and the production took a grueling two years to complete. The filmmakers were delighted to bring the film back to the heart of Ben Hall country for its premiere screening. “We are so grateful for the support from Forbes Shire Council, and it was great to be able to bring the film back to where it all started,” Matthew said.

By Raen Fraser

Find it in Forbes this Christmas…

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Christmas shopping is well under way in Forbes and there are 15,000 reasons why keeping it local is the way to go. The Find it in Forbes promotion is starting to gain momentum with lots of local and regional shoppers taking advantage of the opportunities in Forbes this Christmas. Forbes Business Chamber President, Chris Roylance has put it out to residents to keep it local this year and support businesses who have endured some hard times. “This promotion is also an opportunity for the businesses to say thank you to everyone for their ongoing support and award not one but three lucky shoppers for shopping locally.”

Legal Eagle

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Bankruptcy: What Happens?
When you are declared bankrupt, your house may be sold and most of your other assets will become the property of your trustee. These include your bank account (if it has credit funds), business, shares, any tools of trade above $3,700 and any other assets, except personal items and most household goods. The trustee will try and convert all assets into cash and after deducting fees, will distribute such funds (if any) to creditors.

You will no longer be allowed to be a company director, nor stand for public office or continue in public office. You may work for a wage or salary, but might have to make regular repayments to the trustee. Bankruptcy lasts for three years unless extended by the court. After discharge your name will appear on the National Personal Insolvency Index
forever and on credit reporting agencies’ records for two years from the date of discharge, or up to five years from the date you became bankrupt, whichever is later.

If there is property vested in the trustee and it has not yet been dealt with, you don’t automatically get it back. The administration of your bankruptcy may continue after discharge. According to the Bankruptcy Act says a discharged bankrupt must still assist the trustee to finalise administration of the bankruptcy, advise the trustee of any change of address, provide information about financial circumstances and pay outstanding income contributions. You also have to give up secured assets if required by the relevant secured creditors and pay debts that are not released by bankruptcy, such as penalties and fines.

For further information contact Matthews Williams Solicitors and Conveyancers.

Ben Hall Returns To Forbes To Complete Journey

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

He has a solid and tangible presence in Forbes, from a statue and exhibitions in a museum and information centre to his gravestone in the cemetery, but tomorrow night Forbes will be the first place in the world to see the story of one of the most wanted men in Australian outlaw history come to life on screen. “Many attempts have been made to tell
Ben Hall’s story, but it is a hard nut to crack,” Matthew Holmes, director of The Legend of Ben Hall told The Forbes Phoenix.

“His life story is very unconventional and it would not work if told in a conventional manner. I was in the fortunate position to be able to make the film as I wanted it to be. I did not want to portray him as a good or a bad guy, but leave it to the audience to decide.” Matthew said he had always loved stories of people in the landscape, in an environment untouched and pure. “Ben Hall is such a fascinating character and his story is so unique. He is very different to other outlaws as he did not do it for money or power as such, but had more personal reasons – a broken heart after his wife left him.”

Matthew said though he did not see Ben Hall as an Australian Robin Hood. “That title has been grafted onto him incorrectly, although he was very decent and compassionate at times.” While some isolated scenes were filmed around Forbes, the majority was shot in regional Victoria. “The Forbes environment has been modernised too much and does not look like the time of Ben Hall any more.” Ben Hall (1837 – 1865) roamed an area from Bathurst to Forbes, south to Gundagai and east to Goulburn, leading the most notorious gang in Australia’s colonial past which included John Gilbert, John Dunn, John O’Meally and John Vane.

While viewers would not recognise any local landmarks, Matthew said they had a lot of support right from the start from Forbes, which was why the town was chosen for the world premiere. “Forbes is the heart of Ben Hall country. The Forbes audience can expect to see a tale told as faithfully as possible. I hope you will embrace the film.” Tomorrow night will be even more special as the audience will be able to meet the director and the actors.

The Legend of Ben Hall will be released in cinemas nationally on 1st December. Purchase tickets at https://www.stickytickets.com.au/44586. The film is rated M. Showground gates open at 6.30pm and screening
starts 8pm.

By Maggi Barnard

Dancing With Compassion For Forbes

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Well known locals, Cath Toole and Jake Grace, may have danced their way to the winners podium on Saturday taking out the 2016 Forbes Dancing with the Stars Champions title, but there is no doubt the Forbes Community was the real winner. For the second year running this event exceeded all expectations of the organisers raising in excess of $55,000, which is more than $20,000 up from last year.

Tickets sold out after only eight hours and more than 400 spectators could not wait to see the twenty mystery dancers competing for the 2016 title. The competition was tough, but friendly. Many performers surprised themselves with what they had achieved on the dance floor in a relatively short period of time with no previous experience. Many of the dancers dedicated their performances to family and friends who had been affected by cancer and this special connection shone through every routine. All of the dancers were hesitant at first, but when they thought about why they were doing it, stepped outside their comfort zones to make the night a success.

After the ten couples had performed they had ten minutes to collect as much money as possible from the audience. Nicole Bernardi and Charles Dwyer won the People’s Choice award collecting $7,000. The event in Forbes was the brainchild of Terese Gunn and Cassandra Tyack who adapted the event from the popular TV series and moulded it into their own with the dream of providing much-needed assistance to Forbes CanAssit. The charity provides financial assistance to local cancer patients and their families for costs associated with the disease including travel, accommodation, medicines, treatment as well as household expenses due to loss of regular income. CanAssist does not receive government assistance and relies heavily on fundraising activities and events. CanAssist provided assistance totalling $85,000 in the last financial year.

Despite trying times of late for this small community, donated auction items raised more than $18,000 on the night, which is testament to the generosity and compassion of this wonderful town in which we live.

By Anita Morrison

Snippets…

November 10, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Evening Branch: The Forbes Evening CWA branch has donated $1,000 to the fundraising for a Physio Touch Machine. Di Green, the local McGrath Foundation nurse, is hoping to raise enough money to purchase this machine, which is used in the treatment of lymphoedema – an uncomfortable swelling that develops when lymph fluid builds up. “The Forbes Evening CWA branch is delighted to be able to support this cause as we are keen for our donation to benefit local people,” said Karen Wright, Secretary. If you would like to join the Forbes Evening branch, contact Karen on 0407 002 937.

Forbes Phoenix drop off point: If you would like to contribute articles, Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down, competition entries or anything else, you can drop these at Ian Simpson and Co at 88A Lachlan Street in Forbes. For editorial matters, please contact the Editor, Maggi Barnard on 0403 080 085, and for sales contact our Canowindra office on 6344 1846 or Cheryl on 0411 211 065.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch News: The second successful Home Security and Safety Expo at Bunnings was held on 16th October. Senior Constable Daniel Greef presented excellent information on town and farm security, while the Police mobile van was popular with the children. Kym Holloway shared expert knowledge on home security products.

The winners of the 8th 100 club are: 1st no 58 Yvonne McIntosh; 2nd no 84 Lach Reynolds; 3rd no 1 Sharon Moon. Raffle winners are: 1st Green C007 Mark Stiphard; 2nd Red A089 Kim Kirkman; 3rd Green C61 Belinda Facey; 4th Yellow O11 Jean Hodges. Winners of the Forbes Community Safety Art Competition will be presented with their prizes at White Ribbon Day on 25th November.

Forbes Handicraft Centre: Market Day on Saturday, 19th November outside the shop in Lachlan Street from at 9am. New items include a range of homemade ice blocks in six different flavours. Old favourites are fresh farm eggs, in season produce and a huge variety of potted plants. If you are looking for a unique Christmas present, there is a new supply of handmade toys and woodwork, while Christmas cakes and plum puddings will be on sale and a big range of home cooking.

Raffle winner: The raffle for a ride-on toy tractor raised $1,251.85 for the school partnership program Ian Simpson & Co has with Forbes North Public School. The winner was drawn on 22nd October at the Australian National Field Days in Orange and is a lady from Goolma.

Aboriginal Wills Day: Binaal Billa is holding a free Wills Day in Forbes on Wednesday, 16th November for the Forbes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community at 18 Spring Street from 10am to 12pm. This is an opportunity to have a will prepared by a qualified solicitor for free. Having a will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. For more information call 6850 1234.

Subscribe