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Always On Always Present

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

GET YOUR BUSINESS MOBILE
If you are one of those businesses who are wondering how you can get your business onto mobiles cost effectively, then you need to come along and find out more about our iluvlocal Mobile App. Started in Sweden two years ago, this app is now part of many local businesses in Scandinavia. Costs sometimes
are prohibitive for smaller businesses to be part of this wave, however iluvlocal is not only very affordable, and easy to use, it also takes less than 3 minutes for you to create ads, campaigns and competitions for your business.

Latest research shows that 51% of all people who spent time with digital media spent it on their mobile phones. The implications are clear – if you’re not
able to reach your audience through mobile search or display, or you’re not providing a satisfactory mobile experience you will miss out compared to competitors who are.

Be at the Forbes Services Club at 6pm on Tuesday lst March to see how you can be involved. Call now to reserve a seat with Casey on 0400 279 984.

Forbes Phoenix to celebrate International Women’s Day

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating
the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender
parity.
International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since in
the early 1900’s – a time of great expansion and turbulence in
the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and
the rise of radical ideologies. International Women’s Day is a collective
day of global celebration and a call for gender parity. No
one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution,
women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International
Women’s Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD
theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of
these are adopted more widely with relevance than others.
The theme for this year’s event is #PledgeforParity and International
Womens Day will be celebrated locally at the Forbes Services
Club on Friday 11th March and will include a two course lunch
catered by the Services Club, and special guest speaker Tara
Scott, an Ambassador from One Girl, the charity we are supporting.
This charity is committed to educating 1 million girls across
Africa by 2020.
The event would not be possible without all of the wonderful
sponsors that have come on board. The Forbes Services Club,
Ray White Rural and the Central West Credit Union have each
donated their valuable services to make it possible. This will go a
long way to supporting One Girl in their quest to educate 1 million
less fortunate African girls within the next four years.
Catering at the Services Club will include a two course lunch,
and $5 per ticket sold will be donated to One Girl to help them in
their African girls education mission.
Tickets are $45.00 per person and can be purchased from the
Forbes Phoenix. Grab your friends and come and enjoy a fantastic
days with lots of goodies to be won.

Stacey Clarke ready for Parkes Showgirl contest

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Local showgirl competitor Stacey Clarke will be competing in the zone six judging event in Parkes this weekend. She will be assessed on how she presents herself during the day, which includes an interview in the morning, riding on horse back during the day, and another on stage interview at a gala dinner in the evening. She will be judged by a panel of three judges.

“They judge us on confidence, rural knowledge, community knowledge, what
you do in the community, and other things like that,” said Ms Clarke. She competes mostly at local shows and charity events, and also judges fashions on the field from time to time.

Customer Service at the Forefront of Eyewear Specs’ Plans

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes, there is a new eyewear and optometrist outlet in town. Meet Eyewear Specs, a store that will sell all your needs for glasses and provide two optometrists, which is due to open next week.

Fiona Hayward, an experienced optical dispenser, is the business owner, and said where her business will differ from others is in customer service.
“I want to be available to anybody that needs glasses…it’s not about price, it’s about quality, and we’ll reach out to everybody,” she said.

“Customer service is number one. I want people to feel like this is their local place to shop, that they don’t have to travel away, and I want everyone to think they can come in and get glasses, no matter how much they want to spend.”

Ms Hayward, who is originally from Sydney but has lived in Parkes for the last 10 years, decided to set up business in Forbes because she grew fond of the community and people in it. “We have always loved the quaint town. It [Forbes] is a real country town. It’s so friendly, and it just seemed logical. I’ve
been wanting to do this for a very long time and the opportunity has come up,” she said.

After working for a larger eye care company for the past 25 years, Ms Hayward felt the time was right to branch away and form her own business. Besides optometrist work, she is trained to do anything with a pair of glasses, including fitting frames and lenses.

The two optometrists will job-share, with one working the first half of the week, while the other works the second half of the week. “I’m a trained optical dispenser… I choose the right pair of glasses and lenses for people, I can make lenses up to fit the frames. I’m the technical person,” she said.

When speaking about her new business’ future, she said she was in Forbes to stay. “This is my life. I love it. I’m so passionate about what I do. I couldn’t think of doing anything else. I’ll be staying here,” she said.

Social Puppies

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

It’s important to socialise puppies, as it helps them grow into well adjusted adults and in general reduces aggressive behavior. This results in a more rewarding, relationship between owner and dog.

When we refer to socialisation we mean exposing your dog to new and different environments, developing new relationships with different people and other animals. Owners may find it more beneficial to take their dogs to different parks, introduce different toys, walk different routes, visit friends in their own homes and expose their dog to different animals, different people,
different noises and different smells, after the puppy is covered by their vaccinations.

With dogs it is believed that the critical time for socialisation is between 3-16
weeks of age. A good breeder will initially start the socialisation process very early on by handling the puppies and providing a stimulating, fun environment. Puppies that lack socialisation may be slower learners, less able to socialise and have increased anxiety when they are moved to their new
homes and forever family at around 8 weeks of age.

It’s important to continue the socialisation process after this move to the new
family. However, your puppies vaccination does not cover them until they are at least 14 weeks of age, you should not let your puppy roam outside your own yard.

Forbes Vet Clinic offers puppy preschool, for puppies between the ages of 8-16
weeks, providing a safe controlled environment for puppies, where they can socialise with other puppies and people. Puppy preschool runs on Sunday evenings and consists of a four week program. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please phone Forbes Vet Clinic on 6852 1775.

NSW Firefighter Championships Coming to Forbes

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The first Regional Firefighter Championships of 2016 will be held in Forbes on the weekend of the 12th and 13th of March at Stephen Field. Firefighters compete in eight Regional Championships over a two year period in preparation for the State Championships held every two years.

The Championships will showcase the skills and expertise a modern firefighter uses everyday when attacking a fire or responding to a hazard or major emergency or accident. Teams of firefighters compete against each other in a range of events designed to hone their fire fighting skills. The events
emulate real life challenges which give the competitors an opportunity to showcase their firefighting, team work, leadership and problem solving skills on land, on water and in the air.

Andrew Rousell, a firefighter with the Forbes Brigade, is encouraging everyone
to come along to see the best of the best volunteers from across NSW battle it out for Championship points and have a great day out for the whole family.

Snippets…

February 11, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes residents to receive new bins: All Forbes residents will receive three new bins from February 15 to 22. The red and yellow bins will still be part of the service and there will be an addition of a green lidded bin for collection of your food and garden waste, which are not to be used until the service starts the week commencing April 4. The last collection of old bins will be the week of March 28 to April 1 and from April 4 only the new bins will be emptied by the waste contractor, JR Richards and Sons. Residents will also be given a bench top kitchen caddy for easy collection of food waste. The frequency of collection will be weekly for the green lidded bin and alternate fortnights for both the red and yellow lidded bins.

Santa delivers on December for retailers: Australian retailers saw a jolly Christmas last year, with The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ official retail turnover figures for December 2015 growing by four percent year on year – a figure the Australian Retailers Association has called incredibly pleasing. Christmas gift buying was at the
heart of the boost in trade, with the total retail spend for December 2015 being $24.8 billion. Year on year figures provide the most accurate measure of the sector’s performance and are the figures used by most retail businesses in their own reporting.

The heat is on power lines this summer: With summer temperatures continuing to climb across regional NSW, Essential Energy is reminding people working near the electricity network to look up and be aware of the location and condition of power lines and report any concerns. Machinery operators, tradespeople, gardeners and construction workers are advised to be aware of the location of electrical assets before they commence work, and to have tools and machinery at least three metres from powerlines.

Nominations for the 2016 Forbes Medal and Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award are now open: Every year Forbes Shire Council awards the Forbes Medal to a person or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the conservation, enhancement or understanding of the Shire’s heritage. The Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award recognises an individual who has a record of excellence and who has made an outstanding contribution to the heritage of the Forbes Shire. Nominations close 5pm Monday, March 21. Nomination forms are available from Council’s administration office at 2 Court Street or by visiting www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

New Faces Now Seeing Patients at the Forbes Medical Centre

February 11, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Medical Centre has welcomed three new registrars to the practice. Dr Maria Rasool, Dr Chen-Yi Lo and Dr Farrah Yasmin are now seeing patients and have joined the team as a part of their two year placement in completing their GP specialist training and bring with them other specialists training including Obstetrics, Women’s and Children’s Health.

The registrars are all fully qualified doctors who have completed six years of medical school and a couple of years as interns in the hospital system. Forbes Medical Centre Principal Dr Neale Somes said this is an excellent opportunity
for the trainee GP’s and said the Forbes Medical Centre has developed its reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching. “Medical Students and Registrars are keen to come to our practice because they know they will receive a well-rounded training experience,” Dr Somes said. “Each registrar is assigned to a senior Doctor as a supervisor and we provide both formal and informal teaching opportunities.”

The Forbes Medical Centre is located across the road from the Forbes Hospital giving registrars the opportunity to offer a better continuity of care by being able to follow through with their patients from diagnosis to treatment and follow up, something registrar’s do not experience working in larger metropolitan centres. “Our registrars will gain experience in General Practice including seeing patients in the clinic, working in the emergency department at the hospital, and doing surgical procedures, “ Dr Somes said.

Dr Maria Rasool studied medicine in Pakistan before moving to Australia and has worked in Sydney hospitals. She has also done her diploma in children’s health as well as certificate in Emergency medicine and is currently completing her certificate in women’s health.

“I look forward to developing a healthy relationship with the community of Forbes as I have moved here with my husband and three young children and I’ve already spotted a few attractions for myself to do socially along with activities for the children,” Dr Rasool said.

Dr Chen-Yi Lo is training to be a GP Obstetrician and will be available to see local pregnant women who can book appointments with her. She has worked and lived in Singapore, Melbourne and Adelaide. “I have experience in many aspects of medicine and will be stepping up from being a hospital medical officer to a GP Registrar.” Dr Lo said.

Dr Farrah Yasmin is also training to be a GP obstetrician and most recently worked in Wagga before moving to Forbes. She will work closely with Dr Hemant and Dr Whittaker to further develop her training in General Practice and Obstetrics.

Forbes’ Second Barefoot Water Skiing Tournament Hailed a Success

February 11, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Aquatic area was a buzz with activity this weekend when more than thirty competitors took to the water to test their skills in the NSW Barefoot Skiing Club sanctioned event. Marcus Morrison, event committee member, said competitor numbers were similar to that of the inaugural event last year. He was also very pleased with the number of spectators who lined the foreshores over the two days of competition to watch these talented athletes tear up the water.

The competition consisted of two parts – each part judged and scored by three judges who ride in the boat. The skiers are also recorded on video, which can be viewed in the event that judges or competitors need clarification on the points awarded. The Slalom is the first part and skiers must cross the wake created by the boat as many times as possible in 15 seconds on two feet, one foot, forward or backward.

They are given two runs and are penalised if they complete both runs in the forward position. The second part is the Trick Run and competitors must perform a start trick and perform as many tricks as they can during the 15 second trick pass area. Tricks that are repeated in the second run do not receive a point.

Competitors hailed from all over the state and organisers were pleased that about half of them were from the local area. The Forbes event attracted some excellent junior competitors including Connor Rogers and Teejay Russo who are the current NSW Leaders in the sub junior class and who are ranked 3 and 4 respectively in the World rankings. Local boy, Tom Morrison is ranked 28 which is a fantastic effort considering the short time he has been barefooting. Tom attributes his success to the encouragement and support of Jim Cronin who has been the driving force behind the barefoot competition being held in Forbes.

Two of our young hopefuls, Jenna Redfern and Lockie Miller, were thrilled when Elaina McClung from Branxton had her photo taken with them. Elaina is the current Australian U/14 Girls Champion and is ranked 7th in the World Under 18 Juniors. She will be travelling to America in August to represent Australia in the World Titles. Both Jenna
and Lockie attended the coaching clinic on Friday which was very well attended to the delight of Jim Cronin and his committee.

Jim was grateful for the experienced coaches who attended the sessions and volunteer their time to promote the sport and encourage more participation by people of all ages but in particular the juniors. Sue Russo, from the NSW Barefoot Club and Chief Judge for the weekend, was amazed by the number of spectators who came to watch the competition. “Forbes’ one day competition attracted a larger crowd than the National Titles held in Liverpool,” she said. The barefoot season runs from September through to April and skiers have the opportunity to compete in eight competitions including the State and National Titles held at Liverpool. Even though the Forbes course is just over 600m in length in comparison to the normal length of 800m, it is a great course, Sue added.

Time Capsule Sealed at New Forbes Hospital

February 11, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Member for Orange, Andrew Gee visited Forbes on Tuesday to officially seal a time capsule at Forbes Hospital to celebrate the new building as part of the $113.7 million Lachlan Health Service project.

The creation of the time capsule follows the official opening ceremony that was attended by Mr Gee, NSW Premier Mike Baird, Deputy Premier, Troy Grant and Minister for Health Jillian Skinner on Tuesday 19 January 2016.
The time capsule, which will be buried near the main entry of the new building, provides a unique opportunity to preserve a significant period of time in Forbes Hospital’s history for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

The items selected for the time capsule depicting what Forbes Hospital is like today, including items relating to the planning and construction process, were selected by the Lachlan Culture and Arts Working Group in consultation with Mr Gee.

The items chosen for the time capsule were:
• Lachlan Health Service 2013/ 2014 Annual Report.
• A bound document featuring:
• Photos of the new hospital building and the different stages of the redevelopment
• Project newsletters
• Copies of the sketches made by local Wiradjuri artist, Stephen Ferguson–the guga design features on the
main entry doors.
• News articles relating to the construction of the new hospital
• List of project team members
• Signatures of attendees at the official opening ceremony.
• Overview of the Lachlan Health Council.
• Construction plans of the new building at Forbes Hospital.
• Hard drive with videos and photos of the redevelopment.
The new building at Forbes Hospital is part of the $113.7M Lachlan Health Service project which included the construction of the new Parkes Hospital (completed in October 2015).

Now that the new building at Forbes Hospital is complete, work has commenced on the refurbishment of the Renal and Ambulatory Care units and work is scheduled to be completed in mid 2016.

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