Forbes Phoenix

Planning A Great Night Out Means Planning A Safe Trip Home

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If you are planning a night out, you also need to plan a safe trip home – and you could win a new swag just by sharing your Plan B. 

Warmer weather and the end of the year mean it’s celebration time for many, and a Transport for NSW initiative is aimed at making this summer the safest ever on our roads. 

Patrons at more than 336 pubs, clubs and bottle shops across western NSW will be able to enter a competition at each participating venue to win a swag valued at around $250. 

Entrants at these participating venues can take part in the ‘Win a Swag’ initiative simply by telling us their Plan B for getting home safely. 

Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the message was simple for people heading out during the festive season: always have a Plan B to get back home safely” Mr Lunn said.Statistics show the devastating impact of alcohol on the state’s road toll, with drink driving playing a part in 17 per cent of all fatal crashes in NSW from 2018 to 2022 and seven per cent of serious crashes. 

The impact is even greater in the bush, with a little over 50 per cent of all alcohol-related crashes between 2018 and 2022 occurring on country roads. 

The Transport for NSW Win A Swag initiative will run throughout December and January, in partnership with local councils across the state. 

Beyond Blue And Lifeline Link Up To Support More Australians

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Lifeline and Beyond Blue are linking up under a new partnership to make it easier and more efficient for people to find the support that best suits them. 

Community demand for mental health and crisis support rises and resources become increasingly tight, Lifeline and Beyond Blue have designed their new strategic directions to be complementary. 

Lifeline will continue to focus on supporting people in crisis and Beyond Blue will continue to focus on prevention and earlier intervention, supporting people at the first sign of struggle. 

Together, the organisations support millions of people a year with information, advice, online self-help and referrals via telephone, text, webchat and digital platforms. 

Beyond Blue Chair The Hon Julia Gillard AC said: “Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention systems are too often crisis-driven. People often only get support when they’re at breaking point. So Beyond Blue will continue its focus on supporting people early on – helping people to feel better sooner, to get well and to stay well.” 

Lifeline Chair Jacinta Munro said: “Lifeline will continue to focus on crisis support and suicide prevention, supporting Australians in times of crisis and equipping individuals and communities to be suicide safe.” 

“This partnership between Lifeline and Beyond Blue helps to deliver a more integrated system, with more clarity for help seekers, smoother transitions between services and a greater focus on holistic support.” 

Earlier this year, the organisations formalised a three-year collaboration agreement that will build on their long record of working together in operations and advocacy. This year, the Victorian Government engaged Lifeline and Beyond Blue to lead the first stage of a sectorwide co-design to deliver on a Victorian Royal Commission recommendation to create better referral pathways across the state’s helplines. 

Beyond Blue and Lifeline worked closely during the Black Saturday bushfires and the height of the pandemic, including by linking young people to Lifeline’s crisis text service from the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service delivered by Beyond Blue. 

Now official, the partnership means Lifeline and Beyond Blue will be better placed to share resources and connect people with the information, advice and support that suits them best, regardless of where their journey begins. 

In the past four years alone, more than 400,000 people have used the app with more than 150,000 safety plans made.

Snippets

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IMAGE: Some of the current members enjoying the final meeting at the Parkes Services Club on Tuesday evening. Back-Wendy Stoker, Adrianne Brown, Pat Bailey, Marion Parsons, Janet Offner, Jan Powter, Lois Godden, Carmel Hanson, Chris Stait, Chris Duffy, Front-Marilyn Pizarro, Cheryl Thompson, Adrienne Brown, Marg Stone, Shirley Edwards.

Parkes Evening View Club 

Sadly due to declining membership, the Parkes Evening View club celebrated its final meeting this week after 23 years of actively sponsoring disadvantaged children through the Smith Family. Although a “Day View Club” has existed in Parkes for 50+ years the Evening club was formed in 2000 to enable “working women” to have an opportunity for increased social activity as well as to enjoy fundraising to sponsor these students. Most members are no longer committed to full time employment and will transfer their membership to the Day View club. 

R U OK? Day 

When asking R U OK?, show someone you’re genuine and that you care about them. 

Meaningful connections can make a huge difference when those we care about are struggling with life’s ups and downs. 

Find conversation tips at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n 

PCYC Parkes 

Join us for the PCYC Parkes Safer Driver Course on December the 20th at 9am! 

Equip your child with life-saving tools and add 20 hours to their log book. Plus, we’ll provide afternoon tea and water bottles for all attendees. 

What’s more, your contribution to the course goes towards supporting our local community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Reserve your spot now: limited spots available: pcycdrivereducation.org.au/book-a-course 

Inland Rail 

Nobody achieves anything alone – especially when building 1,600km of track through regional Australia 

We’re committed to giving back to our corridor communities. Beginning with creating opportunities for local residents and businesses to get involved with Inland Rail. With two sections of Inland Rail complete (and operational!) and work well underway in Victoria, take a look at the community benefits that the entire project has delivered in the past 5 years. 

Visit our website to see the opportunities available to you and your community: https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/ 

Forbes High School P&C Association 

Forbes High School P&C Association are holding their last P&C meeting for 2023 on Wednesday 6th December 5pm at Club Forbes. It is then time to celebrate all of the wonderful achievements the P&C have accomplished throughout the year. Not to mention the highly successful Forbes High School Community Day. 

Christmas Dinner will start at 6. 

Bring along a $10 Kris Kringle gift for a bit of fun. All welcome, we would love to see you there. 

Parkes Shire Libraries 

Join us next week for a fabulous night out at Parkes Shire Library on Tuesday 5th December for ‘An Evening of Tales’. Hear the work of our community’s fabulous authors while enjoying nibbles and wine. Call 6861 2309 to secure your spot. 

Eugowra Historical Museum & Bushranger Centre 

The museum was successful with a grant from the Stronger Communities program for $20,000. This will go toward installing a ceiling in the old building which is at the front of the museum. We still need further funding to complete this project and hope funds can be arranged to get this underway soon. Great things ahead for this museum. 

IMAGE: Andrew Gee said “In the twelve months since the devastating storms and floods hit Eugowra, the dedicated team of volunteers at the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre have been hell bent on bringing it back”.

Local Leaders Welcome Additional Flood Recovery Support

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IMAGE: L to R: Mr Ken Harrison, Director Central West, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Deputy Mayor Councillor Marg Applebee, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Mayor Councillor Neil Westcott.

On Wednesday 15 November, Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Neil Westcott, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marg Applebee, welcomed a brief visit from Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, and Mr Ken Harrison of the NSW Reconstruction Authority. 

Ms Saffin, visited the region in representation of the Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, attended flood-impacted areas in Parkes Shire and surrounds on the 12-month anniversary of the catastrophic flood events of 2022. 

The visit follows recent commitments from the Federal and NSW governments, totalling $100 million, for flood recovery and resilience in the Central West. 

This funding package includes support for the repair and replacement of critical community assets, improving the resilience of public infrastructure, assistance with housing programs, and legal aid assistance. 

This funding is a significant step forward and will help to boost the community-led recovery of the Central West. 

These important projects will be overseen by a forum of community leaders and representatives from both Commonwealth and State Governments, to ensure all levels of Government are committed to the long-term recovery of the Central West. 

Over the coming months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required. 

Cr Westcott raised the importance of an equitable approach to those residents affected by floods who have not been able to access insurance. 

“Some residents have borrowed significantly to undertake the repairs to their homes as they were not insured for the flood, being in an area considered flood-free.” 

“Other residents are still unable to inhabit their homes due to delays in repair, and some residents are in limbo as the unknown threat of future floods complicates the decision to reinvest,” he said. 

The 8kms of water main from Lake Endeavour scoured from the ground was also raised as an urgent project, as was placing particular attention on all areas across the Shire which are repeatedly damaged in flood events. 

This funding package is a significant step forward, with Council eager to be involved in the discussion on the mechanisms to best invest the money. 

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said “It’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods.” 

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting community members to sign up to get the latest information on the recovery program. To be kept up to date, send your contact details – name, email address, phone number and/or postal address – to CentralWest.Recovery@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au. 

Get Ready For The Christmas Carnival Fun Begin

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Shop at participating shops that feature the Find It In Forbes Christmas tree.

The Forbes Christmas Carnival is ready to roll and will open to the public at 5pm on Friday 8 December. Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring the carnival festivities to the community and hope that lots of people will join in and celebrate. 

“There are market stalls, giant games, rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines, 

jumping castles, Tea Cup merry-go-round and arts and craft activities. Food is provided by established Forbes businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site” said Aaron Acheson, President, Forbes Business Chamber. 

The Carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar Street, Rankin 

and Battye Streets. The Committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning. 

“Forbes and the surrounding villages are well and truly due for a fabulous Christmas celebration. There will be so much to see and do such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus.” said Aaron Acheson 

Entertainment and music are on the stage located at the junction of the two streets. 

Thank to many people who have offered to assist and a huge thank you to those 

who are participating. 

Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to get the Christmas spirt alive and well in Forbes. 

Keep clicking on the QR every time you purchase at a participating business to be in the draw to win. The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed out the front of their store. Remember if you can not enter the draw digitally with the QR code then we can offer you a manual option for the draws if you need it.

Emergency Services Applauded

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Working hand in hand to combat the fire that flared up three days in a row on Staircase Road, situated East of Parkes.

Sunday the 19th of November was a big day for NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade. At 12:08pm they were called to attend a grass fire on Staircase Road. Which is situated approximately 15 km east of Parkes. All trucks responded as well as crews from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 417 Parkes. The fire was upgraded to watch and act when crews struggled to contain and control it. Crews from Canobolas Zone NSW RFS were also called in to help, from Orange and Manildra and surrounds. Aircraft including helitaks and the LAT were also needed to help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. It was a huge afternoon and most crews didn’t return until well into the night. The fire was downgraded back to advice once contained. Crews worked through the night to monitor the fireground, and returned along with the helitaks to continue to mop up. In total there were 20+ trucks and 100+ firefighters and 5 aircraft involved. 

It was under control sitting at 291ha. But flared up again on Tuesday and had burnt 446 ha. Wednesday saw the third flare up and it escaped into the hill ranges. The fire is currently sitting at 469ha and is under control now. Wednesday’s rain definitely helped. 

A massive thank you goes out to all the crews for their assistance, especially those from Canobolas zone, and the aircraft. 

Please continue to be vigilant with the weather conditions. If you see an unattended fire please call 000 immediately. 

School’s Out! Graduates Reminded ‘Don’t #uck With A Truck’ When Travelling To Schoolies Events Across Australia

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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding school leavers of the importance of sharing the road safely with trucks, ahead of graduation festivities over the coming weeks. 

A recent study conducted by the NHVR, surveyed 1000 drivers aged 16-25 across Australia and highlighted the disconnect between young drivers’ self-assessed confidence and their actual comfort level sharing the road with heavy vehicles. 

The survey revealed that just 29% felt very knowledgeable about the rules, bringing to light a real risk as an influx of school graduates prepare to travel to Schoolies events across the country. 

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said while heavy vehicle safety is not a usual topic of discussion amongst young people, the NHVR’s goal is to bring the conversation to life, and help teach inexperienced drivers how to safely share the road. 

“This year alone, Australia has recorded 167 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles and 190 lives lost,” Mr Petroccitto said. 

“Our studies show many young drivers experience anxiety or nervousness driving near heavy vehicles, and with our road toll only continuing to rise, this is a huge cause for concern. 

“Typically, around 70 per cent of serious incidents involving both heavy and light vehicles are the fault of the light vehicle, highlighting the need for greater education with our young drivers. 

Don’t #uck With A Truck is a campaign created by the NHVR last year, to improve young drivers’ awareness and education of how to drive safely around trucks. 

The campaign will also feature on social media (TikTok, Instagram), Spotify and outdoor billboards throughout the duration of Schoolies 

For more information www.dontmuckwithatruck.com.au

Cancer Patients In Western NSW Benefit From State-Of-The- Art Treatment Closer To Home

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Regional Health Minister Ryan Park.

Cancer care patients from across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) are benefitting from an enhancement to oncology services in the region, which has significantly increased access to a specialised treatment previously only available in metropolitan areas. 

In collaboration with Central Coast and Northern Sydney Local Health Districts, WNSWLHD is the first Local Health District in regional NSW to implement the Varian HyperArc treatment delivery system. 

This allows patients with selected small brain tumors to receive stereotactic radiosurgery treatment locally. 

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said nine patients have already received this vital, state-of-the-art treatment locally at Orange or Dubbo. 

“This enhancement to the District’s cancer care network is already providing benefits for patients across the entire region of Western NSW, not just people in Orange and Dubbo,” Mr Park said. 

“Patients from rural and remote areas like Cobar, Condobolin and Grenfell have already safely received treatment much closer to home, significantly reducing the time and cost required to travel outside the District for care.” 

Dr Patrick Horsley, WNSWLHD Radiation Oncologist, said stereotactic radiosurgery is a very precise form of treatment which improves patient comfort and can result in fewer side effects than conventional radiation therapy techniques. 

“Stereotactic radiosurgery uses high doses of radiation through targeted beams, safely destroying small tumors in the brain with a level of precision that spares the surrounding, healthy brain tissue from any significant dose of radiation,” Dr Worsley said. 

“The sophistication of this technology allows us to deliver treatment in just one session and with no surgical incisions which, importantly, means our patients can begin recovery sooner. 

“Having this treatment available locally breaks down barriers like geographic isolation. It allows us to reach more patients across a broader area, which will help us significantly improve health outcomes across our District.” 

John Adams, from Blayney, was one of the first patients to receive stereotactic surgery treatment at Orange and said he was thrilled to be able to receive treatment just 30 minutes from home. 

“It is so much better to have this treatment locally. It saves the stress and cost of being away from home, and means I can have my family around to support me during my treatment, which is great,” Mr Adams said. 

Snippets

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Thank you to Central West Credit Union for your continued support of our wonderful volunteers.

Parkes Elvis Festival 

We are looking for volunteers to help us deliver the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival. 

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who would like to gain experience in the Events industry, make new friends and give back to the community. 

Perks include: 

• Official festival volunteer merch
• Festival volunteer pass
• Behind-the-scenes access to fabulous events and competitions
• A warm, fuzzy ‘feel-good’ feeling
• New connections with other volunteers, festival staff and the community
• Gratitude and appreciation from the Parkes Elvis Festival team 

Become part of our festival family bit.ly/ElvisVolunteer. Applications close 22 November. 

Forbes Business Chamber 

Forbes Central Butchery ~ Another amazing business in our Find it in Forbes Annual Christmas Promotion. 

Simply make a purchase at participating businesses (with a Christmas tree on display) & scan the QR code in store, (or fill out the paper entry if you don’t have a phone handy) for your chance to WIN Forbes dollars. $20,000.00 prize pool, with weekly draws! 

Kerin Health 

Brand New Service Alert. 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new service – Lactation Consultations. 

Did you know that our brilliant Speech Pathologist Felicity is also an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant? 

And we are so excited to share that Felicity’s books are now open for anyone seeking education, support and guidance with breastfeeding. 

This is a service that we know is so lacking in our local community.

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 294 Forbes 

On 18/11 3:23pm crew responded to a 000 call of a car fire at a central Forbes Motel. 

On arrival Firefighters found 2 pillows had been left in the back of a car and self combusted due to today’s high temperatures. 

High outdoor temperatures can cause the inside temperatures of a vehicle to rise up to 40’ degrees hotter in as little as one hour in direct sunlight. 

Pillows were removed from vehicle and extinguished before any serious damage was caused to the car. 

Forbes Country Music Club 

Due to being postponed due to sickness the Forbes Country Music Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) will now be held Wednesday 29th November 2023 7pm at Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. 

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society 

Director Lyn Townsend reports we have had an overwhelming response for junior auditioners, but not so many adults. We need adults for this production to go ahead. Please consider auditioning to be a part of this wonderful musical production. Register by emailing parkesmandd2870@gmail.com. 

More information is available by following the link on our website www.Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society. 

Philip Donato 

Most of you know Greg’s personal experience and survival following a cardiac arrest. Greg is here today because of the timely first aid he received and timely access to an AED. Survival from a cardiac arrest without AED use prior to ambulance arriving is just 4%. Rate of survival jumps to 30% when an AED is used before arrival by ambulance. I’m keen to see more of these accessible in our communities. 

NSW State Member for Orange Phil Donato caught up with Greg Page (of The Wiggles and Heart Foundation).

Chef’s Kiss: Brain-Friendly Cake Shines Light On Cognitive Decline

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When it comes to improving cognitive decline, it seems you can have your cake and eat it too.

It’s a no-brainer that food is very important for a person’s brain health. 

UNSW’s food and health expert, Professor Johannes le Coutre, and Director of UNSW’s Ageing Futures Institute and Senior Principal Research Scientist at NeuRA, Professor Kaarin Anstey, have helped develop a very special brain-friendly cake. 

In collaboration with community care provider, Meals on Wheels NSW, the cake uses ingredients that have shown to be beneficial to the brain while highlighting the widespread issue of cognitive decline among senior Australians. 

Using the currently available scientific evidence, we came up with a list of foods that are understood to provide quality nutrition – which is really important as we age – while still allowing for the nostalgic enjoyment of eating a slice of cake. 

‘The Unforgettable Cake’ was developed by master pastry chef Christopher Thé, well-known as the founder of the famous ‘strawberry watermelon cake’ from Black Star Pastry, with advice from a group of experts. 

The cake includes only natural ingredients that are widely believed to be beneficial to the brain, such as beetroot, spinach, turmeric, olive oil and blueberries. 

For the cake itself, Chris Thé used a mixture of beetroot, spinach, turmeric, and olive oil. 

Beetroot can improve blood flow through the brain, and consequently may improve cognitive function and cognition. Olive oil is famed for its Mediterranean diet qualities, which include the ability to protect the brain, support memory, and reduce Alzheimer’s biomarkers. 

The cake also includes natural sweeteners like honey which has anti-inflammatory qualities and vanilla ermine frosting which is a universally loved cake flavour. 

The cake was topped off with fresh blueberries which are loaded with essential nutrients which help to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen in the brain. 

The Unforgettable Cake will be delivered to select Meals on Wheels clients from Wednesday 22 November.

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