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Forbes Phoenix

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

November 23, 2023 by Roxane Manley

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

November 23, 2023 by Roxane Manley

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

November 23, 2023 by Roxane Manley

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

November 23, 2023 by Roxane Manley

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.

Started Out Just Drinking Beer

November 23, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Former Forbes local Stuart Lloyd author of THE mental as anything STORY.

A superbly researched and written account of one of Australia’s most popular bands, with unfettered access to all the key players, and a defacto social history of a time when living in Sydney was cheap and fun. 

The Mentals went from the top of a pool table to the top of the charts. Enjoy the untold stories behind Aussie classics like: Live It Up, Too Many Times, If You Leave Me Can I Come Too?, The Nips are Getting Bigger, and a whole lot more. 

Plus, tales from the road as told by Greedy, Martin, Bird, Pete & Reg — and a star-studded cast including Colin Hay, Richard Gottehrer, Mark Opitz, Ross Wilson and Wreckless Eric — in this access-all-areas official biography. 

Stuart has interviewed the likes of Paul Kelly, Bic Runga and REM, on song writing, and his travel and music features have appeared in publications such as Variety (US), The 

Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, and Songsmith. This is his 19th non-fiction book. The 

Telegraph (UK) described him as ‘The Perfect Storyteller!’ 

2 Princess Street – Historic Forbes

November 23, 2023 by Roxane Manley

For More information on the purchase of this historic forbes home contact Johnstons Rural Group.

Forbes based property specialists Johnston Rural Group are pleased to be able to offer 2 Princess Street, Forbes to the market. This historic Forbes home is spacious and light filled with a functional, open plan design – this is a home built for entertaining extended family and friends. 

This well-maintained and welcoming residential property enjoys a prime location only 2.2km from the Forbes town centre and is within walking distance from stunning Lake Forbes and the Forbes Ski Dam. 

The commanding 4-bedroom brick home was built in 2008 by Forbes master builder Bernie Horan and boasts a functional open plan living design with great integration between its indoor and outdoor living areas. 

The property characterises the ‘ideal family home’ with its large bedrooms that features built-in wardrobes, master bedroom with ensuite / walk-in robe, study / nursery, theatre room, games room, and an oversized two car garage. 

The additional improvements which are set within the low maintenance lawns and garden include a 3 bay lockup garage, small garden shed, services & utilities area and children’s playset. 

The Vendors Ken and Jann Sly have decided to sell the property which they have now called home for the past 15 years to downsize, and the new house that they are currently building in Forbes is nearing completion. 

Marketing agent Sam Johnston stated that “So far we have received enquiries from retiring farmers, people seeking a larger home in anticipation of a growing family, and from people looking for a robust long term residential investment.” 

\Sam Johston of Johnston Rural Group commenting that “This property would also suit families who are wanting to relocate to a vibrant country town that has strong future growth prospects and job opportunities”. 

2 Princess Street is being offered for sale by Expressions of Interest (EOI) with expressions closing at 12 noon AEDT Tuesday the 12th of December 2023. A detailed brochure and price guide is available upon request with inspections by appointments only. 0412 896 602 sam@johnstongroup.com.au 

Funding Boost For Rural Roads

November 23, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed news the Federal Government will double the Roads to Recovery funding program, providing a much needed shot in the arm to dilapidated regional roads. 

Minister Catherine King said the Government would gradually increase funding for the Roads to Recovery program from $500 million to a $1 billion program over the next four years. 

NFF President David Jochinke said this increased funding would provide key resources to local government to maintain local road networks. 

“Flooding in 2021 and 2022 significantly deteriorated critical road infrastructure across Australia and the systemic underfunding of the regional road network has slowed road repairs. 

“Local roads make up about 85% of the nation’s road network but they just have not been given the attention they deserve.” 

Mr Jochinke said the poor state of local roads had been a handbrake on productivity, holding back regional development and undermining safety and welfare for all road users. 

“Poor roads impede overall freight efficiency and slow the movement of freight but they also restrict high-productivity freight vehicles accessing ‘first and last mile’ roads essential for getting agricultural products from farm to market. 

“Many rural councils are at a breaking point with large road networks to manage and low populations. 

“The average cost of maintaining a kilometre of local government road in metropolitan councils is typically shared between 175 people, while in rural and remote council areas the cost is shared between less than five people.” 

Finns Store a New Beginning

November 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

13 years ago Jackie and Geoff Yeo the owners and restorers of Finns Store Canowindra embarked on a folly which turned into a love of Canowindra and country. It was 2010 NSW was gripped in drought, Canowindra was struggling, the main street was desolate having seen better days. Knowing that drought always breaks and though there being little optimism they could see the enormous potential of the region, the town, the bendy main street and most of all the grand old lady “Finns”. Purchasing and restoring the old building whilst pioneering the new retail concept mixing wine, food, coffee, art, clothing, jewellery, furniture and giftware the store quickly became unmatched in the central west. Other businesses in the main street quickly followed suit, and new retail and cafe businesses opened. 

It is with a heavy heart Jackie and Geoff have announced that the building and business is for sale either as a going concern or vacant possession. Jackie, still full of vitality, has a new passion: Grandchildren. 

Geoffrey wants to spend more time on his bike and more time managing the burgeoning legal practice Peacockes Solicitors. 

For the month of November the store will be conducting a progressive closing down sale with plenty of bargains to be had culminating with a Clearing Sale and Auction conducted by Elders Emms Mooney Saturday 2nd December. 

Call in to wish Jackie and Geoff all the best, grab a bargain, have one of those amazing iced chocolates or spiders, a coffee from the latte lawyer, or experience the warm and quirky ambience of the store one more time. 

If interested in the clearing sale please feel free to make inquiry at Finns or contact Peter Bromley on 0404 037 729

Forbes Christmas Promotion And Christmas Carnival Will Bring Fun, Laughter And Happiness To All

November 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Trees are out. Each participating business will have a wonderful timberChristmas Tree out the front of their business or close to their front door. 

Aaron Acheson said “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year. It has been a tough year so the Forbes Business Chamber is delighted to have kept the draws to encourage local shopping”. 

The draws began on November 13th.“All you need to do is scan the QR Code in store and fill in the details. If you don’t have a phone each store will have a manual sheet. We want to make sure that everyone has a fair turn,” said Aaron Acheson. $500 draws will be held on Thursday afternoons on the 16, 23 and 30th November, 7, 14 and 21 December. 5 x $500 draws will take place at the AMAZING Forbes Christmas Carnival on the 8 December. The remaining draws for the 23 December are 6 x $500, 1 x $1500, 2 x $2500 and 1 x $5000 giving a total funding pool of $20000. 

Participating businesses offering support for the Find It In AMAZING Forbes This Christmas. The businesses Acheson’s Mitre 10, AgriWest, Allure On Main, Bernardis, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organic Beauty, Bowns Sports Power, Cahills Footwear Forbes, Chapter Two Boutique, C&D Floorcovering, Euphoria Road, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Forbes Automotive Services and ARB, Forbes Business Chamber Inc., Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Shire Council, Forbes Small Engines, Graces Hair Studio, Gunns Menswear and Embroidery, HozPots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Café, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extras Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, News On Rankin, MD Steel, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, Steel Technology, Terry Bros Carpet Court, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One, Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie and WA Knights Cranes, Walkers AgNVet.

Local Artist Sean Cassidy Digs Art

November 16, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sean James Cassidy at 100-year anniversary for the Australian watercolour institute (AWI), L-R Sean With AWI president David Van Nunen.

Local artist Sean James Cassidy has received an outstanding recognition by being invited to join the Australian Wa­tercolour Institute (AWi). His nomination and subsequent induction, was a unani­mous decision by the Institute based on the quality of his work.

At the AWi’s recent exhibition, Brushes with History, held at Lion’s Gate Lodge at the Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney, Sean sub­mitted a painting titled Melodies of Wo­ven Light which he was delighted to sell. This art work and the materials used to create it were entirely made by Sean. The paper was handmade from a vari­ety of recycled products and included wood powder from the Paperbark tree. Kangaroo fur from the local area was also incorporated to strengthen the pa­per and to include some DNA from the Central West.

Sean used three colours in his work and made each of them. One colour was created from beetroot juice, purple car­rot juice and red wine and produced a paint throwing hues of magenta, ame­thyst and lilac. The yellow was made by crushing local ochre rock and adding turmeric. The white was also a crushed local rock. The binder used to set the colour to the paper was a mixture of Cootamundra Wattle sap, homemade vinegar and locally-sourced honey. This latest recognition for Sean has come after a recent cultural exchange with the Archaeology Faculty at the University of The Philippines. He was hosted by Alfred Galvez, a friend with whom Sean set up an art school and while Sean is no longer an owner, the school Galvez Atelier is flourishing and has connections with both the New York and Florence Art Academies. Sean is very proud of Alfred’s achievements and his philosophy of offering opportunities in art across all socio-economic groups. 

During his visit, Sean was invited to view museums and galleries, in the process of being built, to house the country’s important archaeological collections from Colonial and Pre-colonial history and to speak on the article co-written with Kerrie Peden, Excavating Bridges for Future Streams. 

Based on Sean’s previous contributions to exhibitions at the university, he was invited to study an intensive course in understanding the discipline of archaeology, to participate in skill sharing with doctoral student Mr Timothy James Vitales and to accompany a group of archaeologists on two expeditions. 

He was also asked to conceptualise an exhibition based on the expeditions’ findings, in collaboration with the National Museum of The Philippines and National Geographic. This project, Puliran, is to examine an ancient copper tablet discovered near Laguna Lake in the southern Luzon region. The tablet is covered in an unknown text and archaeologists plan to begin another dig in the area in an attempt to discover further clues to the tablet’s origin and the people who created it. Sean has also been asked to create programs in 2024 to help build ties between the local community and the archaeologists. 

In the future, Sean will be using the knowledge gained to explore his Celtic history through its patterns and iconography. He intends to study in Northern Ireland while researching his convict ancestry and plans to have his findings complete in time for the International Cassidy reunion in Enniskillen in 2025. 

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