Sandra Bates is the Australia Day Ambassador for 2017. Sandra, former Governing and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, retired from her role at the end of last year after 30 years at the helm. She directed more than 100 productions for the theatre and won the Glugs Award for Best Production of 1997 for Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at the Sydney Opera House.

Sandra is the longest-serving artistic director of any theatre company in Australia. She was made a Member in the Order of Australia in 2001. “Sandra will be attending all of our Australia Day activities as well as presenting the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year,” said Mayor Graeme Miller. Celebrations will begin on Australia Day in Forbes with the traditional Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park followed by the Diggers Family Swim at the Forbes Town Pool. The afternoon celebrations will start at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park (Frog Hollow) on Lake Forbes.

Nominations are still being accepted for the 2017 Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year (26 years and over) and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the
Year (25 years and younger) until 5pm on Monday, 18th January.

15 Minutes Is All It Takes

On a summer’s day in Australia, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes. All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. This could lay the groundwork for skin cancers to develop. Skin cancer rates in Australia are among the highest in the world. Between 95-99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. Men are more likely to get sunburnt than women, because they spend more time outside during peak UV times and are less likely to use sun protection.

Skin cells in the top layer of skin produce a pigment called melanin, which gives skin its natural colour. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, more melanin is produced, causing the skin to darken and tan. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged from UV radiation. It is important to remember that tanning without burning can still cause skin damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. UV radiation can cause irreparable damage to the genes in the skin’s cells. Each time you expose your skin to UV radiation from the sun or from a
solarium, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

To prevent sunburn, use a broad spectrum sunscreen such as Suntivity SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours, particularly after swimming. Use protective clothes, hats and eyewear to limit exposure. Flannery’s Pharmacy is hosting a sun clinic on Monday, 23rd January 2017 from
10am to 3pm. The visiting clinic nurse will assess your personal risk factors, assess your current level of sun damage and give you personalised and practical advice. Contact 6852 1111 for an appointment.

Have you ever been asked the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Reece Hiki, first year apprentice at the Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC), answered: “To be a chef, travel the world and learn from new experiences.” Reece did not waste any time realising
this dream as at 19 years of age, he is one of 32 finalists in the 2017 Fonterra Proud to be a Chef competition chosen from hundreds of apprentice chefs across Australia. Reece will travel to Melbourne for four days in mid-February to attend masterclasses with the likes of Peter Wright, Director of Global Hospitality Group, Buddha Lo and Daniel Wilson. He will also sit down for fine dining to see what it’s like being served from the kitchen.

According to Reece his coach and mentor, Master Chef at FSMC Richard McCarthy, encouraged him to enter competitions. “Not just to win, but for the learning experience.” He attributes his early success to learning to love his trade by working as a kitchen hand at the FSMC whilst completing Year 12 last year. Reece started his apprenticeship in March this year and considers Richard to be an amazing mentor and coach. “He has opened my eyes and helped me develop an even deeper passion for food. When I return from TAFE each week, he makes sure that I put what I learn in theory into practice.”

Reece has promised to tell Forbes Phoenix readers about his experience at the competition, and he might place his crème caramel with tamarillo coulis on the menu.

By Dianne Collie

What a celebration! There were games including croquet, bocce and volleyball. And let’s not forget the DJ Disco, drum workshop or the face painting with participants choosing to turn into transformers, spiders and even snakes! Joshua Cowling summed it up perfectly: ‘It was fun!’ Forbes International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD) was held on Tuesday at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. DJ Paulie played an amazing mix of music including golden oldies, hip hop, rap, right through to modern pop. There was also an impromptu dance performance from the House with No Steps dancers fresh from the Kristen School of Dance concert.

The 50 plus audience loved the dance performance to Uptown Funk and really got involved with one of their all-time favourites,
Gangnam Style. The Drum Workshop was extremely popular. “Absolutely everyone participated,” said Blake Nicholson, Forbes Council’s
Community Relations Officer. Martin Bates, Linker from AbilityLinks NSW took the lead with the drums and got everyone finger tapping with bongos and African drums. “There were so many smiles, everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was a fantastic atmosphere,” said Blake.

Blake also organised a bbq lunch. Everyone enjoyed the sausage sandwiches and the dessert treat of either gelato or Neapolitan ice-cream cones. So what is IDPwD? It is a United Nations and internationally sanctioned day that celebrates abilities and assists to break down
disability barriers that may exist in communities. Forbes IDPwD was a collaborative effort between Forbes Shire Council and House with No Steps. It was a day reflecting the statement of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon: “Let us work together for the full and
equal participation of persons with disabilities in an inclusive and sustainable world that embraces humanity in all its diversity.”

(Photo credits: Amy Millerd and Kim Wright)

By Dianne Collie

Police in the Lachlan Local Area Command are reminding residents to remain vigilant to avoid being the victim of opportunistic thieves this summer. Senior Constable Daniel Greef warned that most intruders hope to avoid confrontations. “So whenever you leave your home,
lock all doors and windows, but maintain a ‘lived in’ appearance by using timer devices to turn lights and radios on/off at different times.”
He also said it was important to secure belongings and not leave valuables, handbags, wallets, car keys and cash lying around the house.
Important Security Checklist:
• ensure everything is secured; consider engraving valuables with your details
• stop deliveries
• empty bins of rubbish including large packaging boxes for electronic items
• turn the phone volume down
• have trusted friends or neighbours clear your mailbox
• have your neighbour or a friend park their car in your driveway
• arrange for someone to cut your lawn and keep your property tidy
• ask a relative or friend to check your home; leave your contact details
• let a trusted neighbour know your plans
• pay bills in advance including electricity, gas, water, and telephone so that your supply continues while you’re away
• avoid posting information online about being away because thieves will use this information to target properties
• be sure your home and contents insurance is adequate and up to date

If your home has been broken into:
Call your local police station immediately. Don’t touch anything. Let police see your home exactly as the thief left it. Compile a list of what you think is missing – include brand names, model numbers, serial numbers, and any engraving details. For further contact Senior Constable Daniel Greef on 6862 9999.