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Forbes Phoenix

Stay On The Safe Side: Choose The Right Vehicle For The Job

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

By making informed decisions about equipment and vehicles prior to beginning a task, we can create safer working environments in the agricultural industry.

According to the 2023 Safer Farms Report, 64% of fatalities on Australian farms in 2022 were attributed to farm vehicles or mobile farm machinery. Since 2001, nearly 30% of all on farm fatalities can be attributed to two vehicles: tractors and quad bikes.

Farmers rely on different vehicles for a wide range of tasks, each task demands a specific vehicle with the necessary features and capabilities. Choosing the right vehicle significantly reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities. To select the right vehicle:

Assess Job Requirements: Begin by assessing the specific needs and requirements of the task and consider factors such as load capacity, terrain conditions, and manoeuvrability. Matching the vehicle’s capabilities to the job requirements is crucial for optimal safety.

Consider Operator Comfort and Familiarity: A comfortable and familiar vehicle promotes operator confidence and reduces the likelihood of incidents. Ensure that all operators, including contractors, receive appropriate information and training to handle the chosen vehicle safely and efficiently.

Evaluate Safety Features: Prioritise purchasing vehicles equipped with safety features designed to protect operators. Features such as seat belts, roll bars, and enclosed cabs offer crucial protection in the event of a rollover. Don’t compromise on safety and never circumvent safety mechanisms when selecting vehicles.

Maintain and Inspect Regularly: Establish a regular maintenance and inspection schedule. Routine checks of brakes, lights, tyres, and other essential mechanisms ensure that the vehicle remains in prime working condition. Promptly address any repair needs to prevent potential hazards.

Promote Communication and Training: Encourage open communication among farm workers to share insights and experiences related to vehicle safety. Check operators have the necessary licences. Provide comprehensive training to all operators, emphasising safe operating procedures, load limits, and any specific considerations related to the chosen vehicles such as speed limits, age limits and required personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Snippets…

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Colouby Creations shop front in Parkes is beautifully decorated in yellow and green in support of the Matildas.

Local Support Shown For Matildas: Kristy Kennedy of Colouby Creations in Parkes took the time to decorate her shop front window in honour and support of the Matildas, Australian Women’s Soccer Team. The Matildas kicked off their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ campaign this week. Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi!

Week One Winner Of The Not Now Darling Double Pass: After the new Parkes M&D production Not Now Darling had an amazing opening weekend, we are excited to announce the first winner of the two double passes available in our Phoenix giveaway. This weeks winner is Tina Morrison. Congratulations Tina and please let us all know how you enjoy the show. There is still time to enter for next weeks draw, so be sure to check out the details on page 7.

Concreting Course: TAFE NSW, Parkes Campus, have the following face to face opportunity coming up for SOA in Concreting. Learn how to safely handle concreting materials and components in preparation for concreting work. Safely select, use and maintain plant, tools and equipment used for concreting work. Sample and slump-test concrete to ensure the mix is workable and compliant. The course will be held at the Parkes TAFE campus on Monday and Tuesday each week for six consecutive weeks from 8:30am to 4:30pm, commencing Monday 31st July. The course is ully subsidised for eligible smart and skilled applicants. Register interest at https://bit.ly/SOAConcreting and the enrolment link will be sent to you as soon as it is live. For any questions, please contact Renae: renae.herft2@tafensw.edu.au or 0429 550 524.

Lower Speed Limits For Safer Trips Approaching Grenfell: The speed limits on a southern approach to Grenfell will be lowered for all vehicles to improve safety for road users and local residents. Transport for NSW conducted a speed zone review along a 1.78-kilometre section of Mary Gilmore Way following a request by a resident via Weddin Shire Council. The resident expressed concern that the 100 km/h speed limit along that section of Mary Gilmore Way was unsuitable for the increasing number of heavy vehicles approaching Grenfell from the south.

Two Pop-Up Women’s Health Clinics: Will be held at Flannery’s Pharmacy, 99/101 Rankin Street on 2nd and 8th August. Women are encouraged to book in to look after their health by calling 6852 1111.

Contact Flannerys Pharmacy to book in for your women’s health check.

Registrations Open For 30th Annual Rural Women’s Gathering

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women from across rural, regional and remote NSW can register now to hear from and connect with an inspirational athlete, journalist and agricultural business woman at the 30th annual Rural Women’s Gathering held from 25th – 27th August.

The theme of the 2023 Gathering is “30 years, still going strong and getting stronger” and will see women convene in Orange, three decades after the city hosted the first Gathering in 1993. 

Keynote speakers include Australian Rugby Union Player Grace Hamilton and ABC News rural reporter Sarah Hawke, who both hail from Orange. Joining them is Founder of Ability Agriculture and 2022 NSW ACT AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Winner, Josie Clarke.

“The Gathering brings women together to share experiences, learn and support one another. It is an important event to help regional women feel connected to each other, through friendship, mentorship and professional resources and services.”

The Gathering also provides a valuable opportunity for women to share their insights and ideas for their communities with key decision makers in the NSW Government.

The event is hosted by Australian National Field Days and organised by a committee of volunteers, with support from the NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Network. Register at: https://nswwomensgathering.com.au/

The New Parkes Elvis Festival Team Are Out Of This World!

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured left to right is Events and Festival’s Specialist, Rochelle, Festival Producer Julian and Event Sponsorship and Attraction Officer Charlotte. Missing from the photo is the Brand and Marketing Coordinator, Bec.

There will be no more “Suspicious Minds”, as the new Parkes Elvis Festival Team have been announced and they “Can’t Help Falling In Love” with Parkes.

Festival Director Julien Poluson was joined this week in Parkes by colleagues Rochelle Livingstone, Festivals and Events Manager and Charlotte Lepriere, Sponsorship and Marketing to discuss everything Elvis. Julian will be residing in Parkes, whilst Rochelle and Charlotte will be working remotely and returning to Parkes as needed. 

Julian’s background is in arts, music production and public arts events. His career started at the Hobart Mercury Newspaper, in the 90’s he worked in the Australian Music Industry, before moving to East Timor and then Cambodia where he went working for three months and stayed for 12 years.

Julian went on to say that as a team they are all “Very much part of a transition, an evolution of the festival. It’s gone from being a conversation around a bar in a hotel, to a community committee run festival, to a semi council run, to now fully run within the corporate framework, and the framework is good, it secures it and means the investment of everyone’s time, sponsorship money, talent, patience and enthusiasm, it all pays off over the long term and way into the future”.

The team are busy collaborating with each other and Julian said they are excited to bring “More colour, more diversity, more youth, more culture, the Wall of Fame story, developing Theatre.” 

Works Notification: Wyndham Ave, Forbes

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Relocation of gas services in the vicinity of Wyndham Avenue, Forbes will now take place in July and August.The gas relocation works will commence on Monday 31st July and be completed by Friday 11th August.

The works will occur during normal working hours of 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. There may be a requirement for night works. 

Sites access roads used works will occur mostly within the existing rail corridor and road reserves. Site access will be via local roads and existing access tracks wherever possible.

Residents can expect:

• Temporary gas service interruptions may be required. Impacted residents will be notified in advance

• Construction machinery and equipment operating on site

• Delivery of materials and equipment to site

• Mitigation measures will be in place for works generating noise or dust.

• Machinery will include small and large trucks, water cart, vacuum trucks, hand tools, excavators, directional drilling/boring machine, light vehicles.

Impacts will be managed by:

• Traffic controls will be in place at each street and property access will be maintained for all impacted residents

• Some of these works may be noisy. If deemed necessary, mitigation measures will be in place during the works.

• Works can sometimes be cancelled at short notice depending on weather and other factors. Should this occur, works will be rescheduled. 

Fanning The Embers Of Appreciation

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM thanked volunteers representing the Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes Rural Fire Service (l-r) Steve Campbell, Andrew Barnard, Ron Hocking and Ian Dollery, and Forbes SES unit Rocky Walshaw (third left) for their Frost and Fire assistance.

Forbes Shire Council has shown appreciation for the support of local emergency service organisations at the recent Frost and Fire event. Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, on behalf of Council, thanked volunteers and presented Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes HQ fire brigades with a $250 cheque each, and Forbes SES with a gas cooker and fittings in appreciation of their support.

“We greatly value the time these volunteers give us for events such as Frost and Fire, when our community can gather and connect in a relaxed social setting, to bring us closer together and make this town as strong a community as it is,” said Phyllis.

“Such events are also wonderful opportunities to show visitors just what we have to offer in our area and these visitors spend money in our town, contributing immensely to the local economy,” she said. 

Frost and Fire is held each year around the time of the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Its popularity is growing each year, with a near capacity crowd filing through the gates for an impressive entertainment line up and great food and refreshments. 

This year, guests were treated to Sneaky Sound System, Birdee, Clint, Em and Jo and Belinda Day on stage, with performances from Sydney Fire Dancers, Ice Queen and the Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group.

Snippets…

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Australian Red Cross volunteer.

Australian Red Cross Calls For Volunteers In NSW: The demand for Australian Red Cross emergency services is growing.

In New South Wales,1,200 Australian Red Cross emergency service volunteers play a critical role in supporting communities when disaster strikes, but more are needed. More than 3400 Australian Red Cross emergency services volunteers around the country who are vital in providing critical support to communities. Becoming an Australian Red Cross volunteers means joining a movement that has been responding to emergencies and providing humanitarian assistance in Australia since 1914. 

For more information contact nswemerencyservices@redcross.org.au or roles at www.redcross.org.au/volunteer

Australia To Strengthen Grip As The Largest Sheepmeat Exporter As Flock Reaches Highest Level Since 2007: Australia’s sheep flock and its breeding ewe numbers reached their highest levels since 2007 at 78.75 million and 46.14 million head respectively.

It comes following three consecutive years of above-average rainfall in Australia’s sheep regions, which has driven an exceptional recovery post-drought and translating into the growth of the flock. Lamb production is expected to reach 540,000 tonnes in 2023, still beating 2022’s record production of 534,500 tonnes.

Production will continue to increase in 2024 to 548,000 tonnes and then ease in 2025 to 537,000 tonnes after successive years of high mutton slaughter reducing lamb supply. Carcase weights in 2023 will remain 7% above the 10-year average. Lamb carcase weights are projected to ease to 24.7kg in 2023 and continue to decline to 24.2kg in 2025, while sheep carcase weights are expected to ease to 25.2kg in 2023, 3% higher than the 10-year average.

Matt Preston Launches Coles Secondbite Winter Appeal: Coles has launched its annual national winter appeal with Australia’s largest free food rescue organisation SecondBite, helping more than 1,100 community organisations across the country feed Aussies in need. 

In the past 12 months, Coles has donated over 17.7 million kilograms of unsold, edible food diverted from landfill, equivalent to 35 million meals. In addition to the 200 million meals donated since 2011, a further two million kilograms of food – enough for four million meals – has been donated to SecondBite from Coles distribution centres, including bulk donations to meet increased demand during the COVID pandemic. 

SecondBite ambassador Matt Preston helps deliver food to charity partners with SecondBite driver Michael.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay Set To Light Up Forbes

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 set off on it six month journey from France on 23rd April and set to pass through Forbes on 31st July.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 began its journey in Pozières France on 23rd April, then travelled to Menin Gate, Belgium and onto London before arriving in Australia where it is undertaking a six-month journey visiting all Legacy Club locations around the country, before culminating in Melbourne.

The first NSW relays will be in the Far North Coast towns of Casino, Lismore and Ballina on Friday 23rd June. The flame will then travel throughout the state, with further relays in Grafton, Inverell, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Taree, Forster, Maitland, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Penrith, Wollongong, Goulburn, Orange, Forbes, Cowra, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Queanbeyan.

The Legacy Centenary Torch will be in Forbes on Monday 31st July at 12pm in the park on corner of Bridge and Hill Streets.

During the Centenary tour, the torch will travel 50,000 kilometres, with 100 stops over 75 days, and be carried by over 1,300 Torch Bearers, all with a personal connection to Legacy Australia.Torch bearers of note include Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, former Olympian Jana Pittman and Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson. 

Legacy Australia has been supporting Veteran’s families since 1923 and was founded on a Promise made from one digger to another. Today, Legacy supports over 40,000 partners and children of veterans’ who put their health and lives on the line for our country.

Eric Easterbrook OAM, Chairman of Legacy Australia, says “The torch relay is a fitting commemoration of a century of service.

To date, torch bearers have raised over $180,000 for Legacy. Donations allow Legacy to keep the promise to veterans’ families. To donate visit https://legacy.com.au/donate.

Sounds Of Country On Lake Forbes At Sundown

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rising stars of Australian country music, and the new backing band for Lee Kernaghan, Hurricane Fall will headline Sundown Sounds.

Rising stars of Austraslian country music, Hurricane Fall will be the headlining act at Forbes’ inaugural Sundown Sounds on Lake Forbes. The event will take place at Lions Park on 5th August, with music starting at 5:45pm.

This high energy country rock band will be joined by Katie Jayne and band, and our very own Gracey Denham-Jones.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the inaugural Sundown Sounds event is a definite nod to our country roots.

“I am looking forward to pulling on the boots for an evening of good food, good music and great times with old and new friends” Mayor Miller said.

You can check out Council’s Facebook event to listen to the Sundown Sounds Spotify Playlist. Sundown Sounds is a free event funded by the NSW Government.

“Grab your mates, grab your esky and join us by the lake for what is sure to be an epic evening of live music.”

Sundown Sounds is a BYO event. Food vans and a bucking mechanical bull will be available. All ages are welcome.

Tickets are free, but essential and are available to online at www.123tix.com.au/events/37984/forbes-sundown-sounds

Students Leading The Way For Their Local Communities

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Foundation has announced a record 73 scholarships across its RASF Rural Scholarship program this week, with eleven ambitious students from the Central West region named among the deserving scholars.

The RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship program provides financial assistance to rural and regional students who are passionate about the future success of regional NSW and intend to work within a rural community at the completion of their studies.

The students from the Central West region are studying a range of courses, from psychology to education to medical radiation science, and are eager to take their knowledge and skills back to their communities.

The RAS Foundation awards up to $6000 to Rural Scholarship recipients undertaking full-time study, or up to $3000 for those studying part-time.

Since its inception in 2007, the RAS Foundation has invested over $8.2 million into country NSW through its education and community grant programs.

Over 750 scholarships have been provided to students across Australia, including targeted scholarships for careers in both regional journalism and the Australian wine industry.

Applications for the 2024 RASF Rural Scholarship are now open and will close 17 September 2023. For further information, please visit www.rasf.org.au.

Luke Mcdean, Bogan Gate 

Bachelor Of Education (Secondary) 

Luke McDean is currently enrolled at the University of Newcastle studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Health and Physical Education). Luke comes from the small town of Bogan Gate and grew up on a hobby farm, enjoying the lifestyle. Luke has always known that he will go back once he has completed his studies and plans to teach in rural areas. PDHPE teaching is a career in which Luke sees himself giving back to the community and educating students about the importance and benefits of their personal health. 

 

Emily Gartner – Forbes

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology 

Emily Gartner has grown up in a small country town in Central West NSW. Growing up on a sheep farm and participating in her school show team, preparing and showing both sheep and cattle, has contributed to Emily’s love for animals. This inspired Emily to study a Bachelor of Animal Science through Charles Sturt University. Emily wants to be able to give back to small rural communities like her own and to further immerse herself within the agricultural industry. 

Scholarship donated by: The Agricultural Societies Council of NSW

Katie Townsend, Eugowra 

Bachelor of Medical Science/ Bachelor of Science 

Katie Townsend comes from a hobby farm just outside of Eugowra. For Kate, growing up in a rural setting ingrained an interest in agriculture and through high school biology -medicine. This led Katie to study a double degree Bachelor of Science/Bachelor ofMedical Science at the Australian NationalUniversity. These degrees have allowed anincreased understanding of aspects of themedical sphere and engagement with keystakeholders within agricultural innovation.Completion of her studies will provide a basis for postgraduate study and the opportunity to work in and for regional areas.

Scholarship donated by: The SnowFoundation

 

Monique Morgan, Trundle

Bachelor of Nursing 

Monique Morgan grew up in Trundle, a small farming community in NSW. In 2022 Monique moved to Bathurst to study a Bachelor of Nursing and is now in her second year of study. As she grew up in a small rural area, Monique understands the health inequities faced, especially that in the field of mental health. When Monique graduates, she wishes to return to rural NSW and help address the mental health issues experienced by those in the bush and provide a positive impact to those who struggle with their mental wellbeing. 

Scholarship donated by: Quayclean

 

Kiara Harris, Condobolin 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Kiara Harris is a proud descendant of the Barkindji people from the Darling River of Wilcannia. Born in Gunnedah (Gamilaroi country), Kiara has lived in Condobolin (Wiradjuri country) for the majority of her life. The middle child of a close extended family with six siblings, Kiara has been an active member of Condobolin for eight years through school, work and community service. Kiara enjoys living in a rural community and feel this will always be part of her identity. Kiara is in her first year of studying a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Canberra. 

Scholarship donated by: The Snow Foundation

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