Articles Archives - Page 357 of 424

Tomorrow Is World Cancer Day

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Tomorrow is World Cancer Day and the Cancer Council NSW is encouraging residents in the Central West to commit to making healthier lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.

The theme for the day: We can. I can – encourages anyone, young or old, to make positive changes to help reduce their cancer risk, according to Ricky Puata at Cancer Council NSW Western region.

“We know that 1 in 3 cases of cancer can be prevented by making simple changes to our lifestyle. In addition to being sun safe and quitting smoking, being more active, eating enough fruits and vegetables, limiting intake of red meat and alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight are easy lifestyle habits that can significantly reduce our cancer risk.

“Sport is a huge part of the Western region community; why not join a Saturday social team to get active or head for a walk with friends,” said Ricky.

“Add some extra veggies to your Saturday barbeque, and consider swapping some of the red meat options for chicken or fish. Any reduction in drinking alcohol will help to reduce your cancer risk too.”

In Australia, 37,000 cases of cancer could be prevented each year by taking these simple actions for a healthier lifestyle.” In Western NSW alone 1,864 people are es- timated to be diagnosed with cancer in a single year, with 632 deaths expected.

For more information on cancer preven- tion, visit www.1in3cancers.com.au.

Financial Boost For Six Community Groups

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Community groups in the Forbes Shire received funding of more than $80,000 and a visit from Phillip Donato, MP for Orange on Tuesday.

Accompanied by Brett Cooke, Senior Electorate Officer, Phil visited six groups to announce the Community Building Partnership grants, facilitated by the NSW Premier and Cabinet. First stop was the Forbes Handicraft Centre Inc. “$3,000 means a lot to us,” said President, Barbara Parslow. “We can upgrade our refrigerator, which was purchased second hand more than 11 years ago, to ensure the freshness of our sweet treats for years to come.”

Aileen Allen of the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre was almost at a loss for words: “We are over the moon as we will be able to build the Arts and Cultural Centre with $12,000, and commission bronze sculptures to help the Aboriginal Story with additional funding from the Arts Centre.” She said there was also the possibility of employing people to tell the Wiradjuri story.

At the Forbes Shire Pool, the Forbes Amateur Swimming Club founded in 1938, and with a current membership of 126, received $6,000. Janelle McManus, Treas- urer, said they had also received funding from the Stronger Community Program (SCP) and the Public Reserves Manage- ment Fund Program (PRMFP). “Now we can level and rebuild the canteen so it is WHS compliant, easy to set up, and dis- play electronically the times and places at local competitions,” said President, Sandy Phillips.

Receiving the biggest chunk was the Forbes Men’s Shed with $40,000. Meeting them at their current shed at the Forbes Showground, their home since 2007, President, Norm Haley said the money meant a secure future and a move to Union Street – a more central location. “We currently have 47 members aged between 14 to 95 years. We are looking forward to tripling the space of our Men’s Shed, increasing our opening hours, and the number of members.”

What a wonderful present for the County Women’s Association in Lachlan Street, that turned 90 in October last year. “We are looking forward to be able to dance on solid ground again,” said President, Elaine Bright. “The grant of $6,000 will enable us to have the floor resurfaced so that our

members can ball room dance the night away again.”

Last but not least was the turn of Wirrinya Progress and Sports Association, receiving funding of $15,948. “The aim is to have the retaining wall between the two tennis courts constructed and new fences erected before the end of the financial year,” said Grant Officer, Monica Langfield. “This cen- tre is a focal point which keeps our commu- nity together,” added the President, Trevor Toole.

By Dianne Collie

Rare Tractor At Forbes Historical Museum

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

If you have a passion for antique machines Forbes will have to be on your bucket list as one of only seven Ivel tractors left in the world is now part of the Forbes and District Historical Society Museum.

The 114-year-old Ivel tractor is regarded as the first successful agricultural tractor, being the first machine made that was able to replace horses.

It took 18 months to restore the Forbes Ivel tractor, belonging to the Forbes Histo- rial Society, at a cost of $18,000.

Museum President Bruce Adams said the group was extremely proud to have re- stored a rare and historic Ivel tractor. The tractor was used in Gooloogong as a pump engine until the 1950’s, but came to the museum in disrepair.

“A lot of the parts, including all the brass bits, had been stolen off it and sold. We had to dismantle it completely,” Bruce said. “We had parts made locally and some in the UK, and it’s all in running order again, you can drive it around.”

Developed in 1903 by English inventor, Dan Albone, about 480 of the three- wheel petrol powered farm tractors were produced and exported across the world, but only seven have been recorded to still exist. Ivel (un-numbered) at the Science Museum, London, UK; Ivel 131 Peter Mof- fitt Vallum Farm East Wallhoused, UK; Ivel 141 Mutare Museum, Zimbabwe; Ivel 258 Aluarp Museum, Sweden; Ivel 269 Norm McKenzie of Cumnock, Australia; Ivel 277 Forbes Historical Museum, Forbes NSW Australia and Ivel 352 John Illingworth, Western Australia.

In 1903, the sale price for the Ivel Tractor was £300 GBP, roughly £33,300 in today’s money. The historic Ivel Tractor is said to be worth around $300,000.

The Forbes Ivel is on display in a custom-made glass cabinet at the Forbes and District Historical Society Museum.

Not Just Raffles and Barbeques

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes and District Lions Club assisted almost 50 flood stricken families since October last year from an office at the Forbes HACC Centre.

Although the office has been closed since Tuesday due to a decline in demand, help will still be available. “We have not stopped the relief programme. Funds are still avail- able to local farmers,” said Peter Bright of the Lions Club.

The club helped 47 families with a variety of Australian Lions Foundation vouchers including food, fuel, stock feed and fencing, redeemable at Forbes businesses so the benefits have flowed to businesses and farmers.

Anyone requiring assistance with fencing or stock feed vouchers in future should call 0419 463 803. There is also a Government Grant available to local farmers, and applications close at the end of June.

“We would like to thank all the people who have assisted us with funding, in particular Brad and Jenny Shephard, the Forbes Shire Council, and in particular Blake Nicholson for all the help he has given in set- ting up the programme,” said Peter.

He encouraged Forbes residents to join the Lions Club saying: “We are not just about running barbeques and raffles, but a wide variety of programmes.

“So if you feel like doing something really rewarding, come and be a part of the Forbes and District Lions Club.”
The Club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Vandenberg Hotel at 6.30 for 7.00pm. Call Peter Bright on 0419 463 803 or Ray Judge on 6852 2143.

Veterans’ Grants For Local Community Groups

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Local community groups can apply for Australian Government grants to support projects honouring Australia’s military history and personnel. The Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack said any group could apply for grant funding towards activities that assisted the health and quality of life of veterans or commemorative projects that honoured our military history.

“The Coalition committed to providing $4 million over four years to support younger veterans. As a result, a new grants program – Supporting Younger Veterans – will be established to assist projects that seek to engage and actively involve our younger veterans. This program will start in the first quarter of the 2017–18 financial year.

Grants are available for: Saluting Their Service commemorations program in two categories, namely Community Commem- orative Grants and Major Commemorative Grants; The Veteran and Community Grants Program; The Building Excellence in Support and Training Program and The Grants-In-Aid Program (available to only national ESOs). For further information visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/ grants or contact the Wagga Wagga elec- torate office.

Record Number Attend Bicycle Safety Program

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

There were puddles aplenty at the Forbes Netball courts on Tuesday, however thankfully the rain abated to allow a record number of bike enthusiasts to learn, develop and reinforce their bike riding skills.

Almost 40 children entered for the Forbes session of the Aboriginal Bicycle Safety Program, which was the last of a series of ten held throughout the Central West. Over 60 sessions were held in the whole of NSW.

The participants were excited but had to concentrate hard during the free session facilitated by Jenny and Damien Enderby of Bike and Fitness. They are both qualified Cycling Australia and AustCycle coaches. The three-hour session gave participants a fun, interactive learning experience teaching them to ride safely. The session is based on the Let’s Ride Program.

Depending on the age, the practical skills learned and reinforced included pedaling, gear changing, braking, hand signals and scanning (both forwards and behind). They also learned the importance of visibility while riding and safe places to ride.

A bike mechanic was also present to provide much needed maintenance on bicycles free of charge. Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Logan Dobel said this was really important. The maintenance included the replacement of brakes, tyres and pedals.

All participants also received a new bike helmet. The helmet laws for cyclists of all ages in NSW help prevent head injuries from falls. The NSW Road Rules state that all cyclists, regardless of age, including children on bicycles with training wheels must wear a helmet.

By Dianne Collie

Snippets

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Graduation: Long time friends, Darcie Morrison and Jarred Tyack, graduated from the Charles Sturt University in December. Both received their Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science degrees and will be furthering their studies this year. Jarred is moving back to Forbes to complete his Primary Teaching degree by distance while working at Forbes North Public School as a Teachers’ Aid. Darcie has been accepted for Honours in Sports Physiology after which she plans to complete her PhD. She is moving to Sydney to pursue sporting opportunities with the NSW and Australian Rugby 7’s programs whilst studying.

Support emergency services: Forbes residents are reminded to help raise much needed funds for local volunteer emergency services by grabbing a snag at Bunnings’ annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ tomorrow. Visit Bunnings between 9am and 4pm to buy a snag or make a donation. Team members will be running sausage sizzles with support from local emergency services volunteers, with every cent raised going directly to support the NSW State Emergency Service. Family activities, fun games and entertainment will also be held throughout the day.

Bogan Gate morning tea: Bogan Gate CWA will be holding a diabetes awareness morning tea on Wednesday, 8th February at 9.30am at the Bogan Gate Memorial Hall. Dr Madhu Velagala, Diabetes Edu- cator, will be the guest speaker. Men and Women are invited to learn more about diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. A representative from Diabetes NSW and two nurses will do blood checks at the event. Entry by gold coin donation. RSVP to Ros on 68641023 or 0415 665 925 by Monday, 6th February. Any enquiries to President Marion McIntyre on 0427 643 233.

Letter to the editor

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Dear Editor

The Forbes Shire Information Centre at the old railway station is an attraction where people can watch the passage of goods trains on the platform.

This is a subject of discussion with friends who visit Forbes and many tourists I have spoken to. It is a small link with our past and the advent of the rail link from Melbourne to Brisbane.

That is why I read with dismay a letter displayed at the Information Centre indicating Council has the intention of shutting the platform off to the public.

This seems to be an unnecessary and radical decision not taking into consideration how many tourists and locals enjoy being able to walk onto the platform.

If it is a matter of managing risk, surely a handrail at the edge of the platform with signage should be sufficient. Yours sincerely

Peter Bright
(letter shortened – editor)

Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The new year is a time to kick a bad habit or try something new. Usually resolutions are always the same: quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthier, take less medications… the list goes on. But why is it so hard to continue these resolutions through- out the year?

Support is the key! If you don’t have the support of someone close to you, friends or family member, to hold you accountable and to provide encouragement, many of your resolutions will remain just that.

At Flannery’s Pharmacy, we understand that keeping your resolution can be hard and we want to support you! We can help you feel healthier and happier and turn those resolutions into good habits!

Come in and chat to one of our friendly pharmacists or pharmacy nurse to discuss your personal health goals and to develop a plan for the year. Whether it be a discussion on how to quit smoking, lose weight or just to discuss your medication, we can help you.

To get you started we have made it super easy by having two available days in which we can dedicate our time to complete a free health check and personalise a plan to help you feel healthier and happier!

Our clinic days will be held on Wednesday, 1st February from 10am to 4pm and on Thursday, 16th February from 10am to 4pm. To book in call 6852 1111 or drop in and speak to one of our dedicated team members to discuss your free health plan today.

News On Rankin Has The Answer To Stress Free Shoppping

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Can you believe it’s time to get ready to go Back to School?

There is no need to stress as the team at News on Rankin will take every inch of stress out of your stationery shopping.

“We are fully equipped to ensure we meet the requirements for all local schools. We have stationery lists provided by all local primary and secondary schools,” said News on Rankin’s Gabe McMillan. “We want to ensure that our customers are not burdened with Back to School shopping so we really encourage you to call us and order. We’ll organise it for you – just let us know when you want to pick it up.”

The Rankin Street store is running its biggest ever Back To School Catalogue with super savings available on hundreds of line items, as well as the introduction of the SWEEK fashion stationery.

The staff made sure to have packs ready to go, so if you are around Forbes just call in to see the team. You might just be the lucky shopper who wins their spend back in full.

“Back to School shopping is a big financial expense for families and we’re super excited to give one lucky customer the chance to win their full spend back – how awesome is that?” said Gabe. “And Back to School savings don’t just stop with the school kids – businesses have the opportunity to take advantage of the massive savings too. See in store for more details today.”

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