Alister Linn, Carol-Anne Fuller, Steve Loane and Mayor Phyllis Miller at the unveiling of new CBD speed zones.

Speed Limit: After carrying out a speed zone review at the request of Forbes Shire Council, it was decided by Transport NSW to lower the speed limit to 40km/h in the Forbes CBD. Transport for NSW Director West, Alistair Lunn and new Deputy Secretary Regional and Outer Metropolitan, Carol-Anne Fuller visited Forbes last week to walk through the new speed zone with Mayor Phyllis Miller and Council’s General Manager Steve Loane. The new speed limit, which aims to significantly reduce the risk of injury and fatalities for pedestrians, came into effect on Monday, 25th May. On average, it takes 38 metres for a car travelling at 50km/h to stop and it takes 28 metres for a car travelling 40km/h to stop. By lowering the speed limit, when crashes do occur, they will be less severe, especially for children and the elderly.

Funding For Forbes: Sam Farraway MLC visited Forbes last week to announce over $730,000 in round three of funding from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund. The funding will provide upgrades to play equipment and the soft fall area at Jenny Murphy Park, upgrades to lighting at Spooner Oval and the exciting new development of a ninja park for the youth of Forbes to enjoy. Sam said that while the projects were exciting, they were also critical for the sustainability for the Forbes Community. Mayor Phyllis Miller pointed out that it was incredibly important for Forbes to have the infrastructure to support young families, which make up a significant portion of the Forbes Shire community and thanked Deputy Premier John Barilaro for the initiative.

Grants Support Work Of Forbes Volunteers: Aruma Services and the Forbes Business Chamber will share in grants worth nearly $7,000 through the Federal Government’s 2019-20 Volunteer Grants round, Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced. Aruma Services will receive $4,850 for indoor furniture and equipment and the Forbes Business Chamber will receive $2,060 to purchase a laptop, printer, keyboard, and a carry bag.

“I am pleased to deliver grants to these two organisations because they do fantastic work for the Forbes community,” Michael said, adding that “they are small grants, but they can make the world of difference to these small community organisations in what has been a tough year.”

Sam Farraway met with Mayor Phyllis Miller and mem- bers of Forbes Shire Council at Spooner Oval for the announcement of $738,000 in funding for community projects.

Kathy Collitis is back at Council’s customer service counter.

Council Offices Open to the Public Again: Forbes Shire residents can pay their accounts at Council’s Customer Service counter again after closing in March due to COVID-19. The Council advises a maximum of three people are allowed in the customer service area at any one time.

Entry to the foyer is available through the electric sliding doors in Harold Street. Everyone is asked to wait outside until space is available. Those leaving the foyer will let the next customer know it is their turn.

Council asks that people with cold and/or flu-like symptoms do not enter the building but rather call the administration office on 6850 2300.

The community are reminded to use the Local Assistance Line should they have queries regarding services and assistance due to COVID-19. The number to call is 6850 2393.

Free Movie Streaming: Central West Libraries members in Forbes can now stream hundreds of the best Australian and independent movies, documentaries, and festival favourites at home for free using their library cards. To log-in to the service library members need to use their membership number.

Beamafilm offers more than 750 independent films with the option for high definition streaming. Its outstanding collection has been handpicked, with a strong focus on award-winning indie features, documentaries, classics, and Aussie masterpieces. It is the perfect solution if you’re looking for something different to watch during the week or for a weekend treat.

If you require assistance with your library membership card, please call library staff on 6393 8132 during weekdays 9am to 5pm. Head to the website www.cwl.nsw.gov.au for online resources available 24/7.

Pushing For A Good Cause: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) leaders are taking part in the 2020 Push up challenge. The team of 10 has to individually do 3,046 push ups over 21 days. WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said, “I am proud of our WNSWLHD Warriors Team and all the other staff members in other teams who are taking part in this challenge. It’s for a worthwhile cause.” If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact lifeline on 13 11 14.

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Scott McLachlan is pushing up the profile of mental health in rural communities.

Jarrod Zuvela urges families and carers to REACH.

Do you know when to REACH?: Hospitals and Multipurpose Services across the Western NSW LHD (WNSWLHD) will be rolling out the REACH system to help patients and their families escalate their concerns with staff about changes in a patient’s condition. The REACH model is a graded approach to patient and family activated escalation:

• Recognise: Patients and families can often recognise signs of deterioration before they are clinically evident.
• Engage: Patients and families should engage with their treating team if they are concerned that ‘something is not right’.
• Act: Patients and families can request a ‘clinical review’.
• Call: Patients and families can call for an independent review if they are still concerned.
• Help: Help will be on its way in Western NSW when you call our REACH number, your call will be answered by a nurse who will coordinate an independent review of the patient.

Slowing Things Down: While it’s rarely ever easy to adapt to change, once we begin to settle into the major or minor alterations, change can bring appreciation for the ceasing of “non-essential” things. Many of us are at the stage now where we may feel nervous at the thought of things going back to the way they were before, others cannot wait. Either way, it is during this time where many of us are living at a much slower pace of life that we will start to really stop and enjoy the little things. The Forbes Phoenix would like to know if you have taken up a hobby, or do you have a favourite place you like to sit and relax? What are you reading? Have you learned to cook something new? Let us know on our Facebook page so that we can all stay connected and be inspired.

Heavy fines for illegal firewood: As the weather cools, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding residents across the Central West that it is illegal to collect firewood in national parks, state conservation areas and nature reserves. NPWS Central West Area Man- ager Fiona Buchanan said it is important that residents around Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Condobolin, Forbes and Grenfell are aware of the heavy fines that apply. “We are getting the message out there that collecting firewood, including dead wood and fallen trees, is not permitted in national parks,” Fiona said.

Dead hollow-bearing trees and woody debris provide habitat for many endangered native animals in the Central West. Illegally cutting down dead trees and removing this fallen timber for firewood destroys critical habitat that these animals depend on for survival. Fiona wants Forbes residents to understand that fallen timber in national parks will not be a low-cost means of heat- ing during the frosty Forbes winter.

“NPWS uses surveillance cameras in parks to detect illegal activities, including firewood collection. On-the-spot-fines apply, and very large fines can be handed out by the courts. Last year, three individuals in Forbes received $7,100 in fines and court costs for illegal firewood collecting,” Fiona said.

Firewood collection is permitted in some Forestry Corporation state forests, however permits must be obtained beforehand. Firewood permits are available online at https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/

Many animals depend on hollow dead-wood for a habitat.

Jamal and Zara Alghamdi loved the snow machine at last year’s Frost and Fire night.

Officially Frozen: The much anticipated second year of Frost and Fire has been cancelled. Council voted to cancel the event, at their 16 April meeting, before any more time and money was spent on the event.

Construction Sector Vital to Economy: The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to work closely with the construction sector during this unprecedented pandemic to ensure longevity and job creation throughout and on the other side of COVID-19. Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack said construction is key to navigating Australia out of the pandemic while maintaining jobs and economic growth.

The Federal Government has called on States and Territories as well as the 537 local governments to ask them what infrastructure can be brought forward. The government is now assessing that infra- structure with responses received from three-quarters of the local councils. There are around 160 major projects currently underway including the 1700-kilometre Inland Rail project.

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia CEO, Adrian Dwyer, said the focus on keeping construction going has been vital for the sector and the economy. “It’s not just about the 1.3 million people employed in the sector, it’s the flow-on effect to their families and the broader economy which makes it so important that we maintain a strong and viable sector through the COVID-19 crisis and out the other side.”

Inland Rail to Continue: The Australian Government has welcomed additional public health and safety measures implemented by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) on national rail infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, said Inland Rail’s construction would continue with other major construction projects, critical to securing the nation’s freight future. “We all rely on the freight network to deliver the essential supplies such as food, medicine, medical equipment, which are critical now more than ever. Inland Rail will support 5,000 jobs in New South Wales, and we are already seeing the benefits of this in Parkes and the surrounding region, with a boost to employment and supplier contracts flowing from construction”. Find out more at www.inlandrail.artc.com.au.

Ski Dam Revamp: Landscaping has commenced at the Ski Dam and is now closed to all public vehicles. The playground also remains closed however, walkers, joggers and cyclists are still welcome to use the path through this area. Council reminds those using the path to exercise caution in this area.

Upgrades continue to improve the Forbes Ski Dam.

Expect to be checked. Nurses will check your temperature before entering Forbes Hospital.

Temperature Screening: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is implementing screening and temperature testing for all people coming into health services as part of the state-wide response to COVID-19. Health services will primarily be using thermal thermometers. This means that no contact is required to test the temperature of everyone entering a health facility. The testing will apply to all visitors, staff, and contractors.

These measures are being implemented in all NSW health facilities. The screening questions to all people coming to local health facilities will be:
1. Have you returned from overseas travel (or a cruise ship) in the last 14 days?
2. Have you had any close contact with a COVID-19 positive case?
3. Do you have any flu-like symptoms?

The WNSWLHD has previously introduced restrictions on visitors in all its facilities, with one visitor per patient in larger facilities, and no visitors in MPS facilities, where aged care residents may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. These are challenging measures for everyone to adapt to, but at the heart of WNSWLHD response measures is the need to do everything pos- sible to protect the most vulnerable people in the community. For more information on COVID-19 follow the WNSWLHD on Facebook, contact the Public Health Helpline on 1300 066 055 or contact healthdirect online or on 1800 022 222.

Blood Is Still Essential: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is calling on people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. We need donors now more than ever. The government has made blood donation one of the 16 reasons you can leave your home.

WNSWLHD, Haemovigilance Clinical Nurse Consultant, Karen Beattie said, “There are 800 blood donation cancellations per day, nationally, and blood products shortages are potentially going to be a reality.”

“The need for blood never stops. Blood is needed every day by Australian patients including road trauma patients, surgical patients, medical and orthopaedic patients, pregnant women and cancer patients,” Karen said.

The WSNWLHD is calling on eligible Australians to become blood donors and for existing donors to make and honour their appointments to prevent a potential shortage of blood supplies. You can make an appointment online or call 13 14 95. Remember the mobile van also visits Forbes from 4th – 6th May and is open from 9.30am-2.30pm.

The mobile blood donor van will be visiting Forbes early in May.

Bernardi’s in Forbes are urging shoppers to wash their hands before entering the store.

On the Ball at Bernardi’s: This week saw the installation of a hand wash basin at the front of the Bernardi’s store in Forbes to help encourage the public to wash their hands and implement further preventative health measures in light of the pandemic. What a wonderful initiative to help protect the people of Forbes from COVID-19.

Livestock Exchange Update: Effective as of 12pm, 26 March every person enter- ing the Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) site must complete and provide a signed COVID-19 declaration. A link to the declaration is available on the CWLE website, www.forbes.gov.au.

Without providing a signed declaration, entry will not be granted. The site entrance will be manned, and delays are expected. CWLE recommends that attendees print off the declaration and complete it prior to their arrival to minimise delays. This is a requirement going forward for each sale at the CWLE until further notice.

CWLE staff, CWLE agents and genuine commission/company buyers and carriers are permitted on site. Vendors consigning stock to the sales will not be permitted to stay for the sale. Re-stockers are being urged to contact their preferred agent or commission buyer. Livestock carriers are to vacate the site once unloaded, out loading carriers are to stay at their truck until loading is to commence. Council staff will be disinfecting the yards before each sale to help minimise risk to essential staff.

For more information please contact Saleyards Manager Cassi Walmsley on 0448 998 149.

School Respond to Changes: Over the past two weeks more and more children have been withdrawn from school in order the adhere to social distancing measures and to minimise the risk of illness. The schools in and around Forbes have each responded in their own unique ways and teachers, staff and Principals need to be commended for their creativity and quick planning that has allowed for flexible learning, both at home and on school grounds. The changes engage children while taking as much strain as possible off parents who are faced with the daunting task of teaching their children at home. While staff miss having a school full of students, they are committed to adapting to changes, in order to continue educating their students.

Forbes North Public School have offered online learning as well as take home packs. They also engage with parents and students via social media.

Forbes Livestock Exchange is open to agents, buyers, Council staff and transport operators only.

Livestock Limits: Council is advising visitors to not visit the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange if it is not essential to do so. Only agents, buyers, Council staff and transport operators are to attend. Everyone entering the saleyards will be required to sign in to ensure Council has a complete register of people entering. Please contact Central West Livestock Exchange should you have any further enquiries on 02 6853 3194.

Calm for Kids: Educational psychology and child protection expert, Dr Lesley-Anne Ey, says the need for protective health practices is very real, however, when explaining to children the importance of more frequent handwashing, avoiding handshakes or high-fives, and not touching their face after touching things in public, parents should be clear that these steps are preventative, not doomed steps. For parents, the most important thing is to maintain a sense of calm around your kids. Shield them from too much sensationalist TV news but be honest about what’s happening in the world.

COVID-19 Support For Regional Australia: An initial $1 billion will be injected into regional communities to support businesses, agriculture and tourism impacted by the ongoing spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Deputy Prime Minister Mi- chael McCormack said many small and medium businesses were the core of regional communities. “Our funding will ensure we provide the right support so industries and businesses keep going and employees can keep their jobs which includes the more than three million small and medium businesses as well as casuals, sole traders, retirees and those on income support.”

Contributions Welcome: With the current COVID-19 pandemic we can’t be out and about in the community. To assist us in bringing you local news each week, please email any articles, Be Seen photos, Stork News, Letter to the Editor or any other ex- citing story ideas to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or phone 0431 147 754.

Events Cancelled but Not High Spirits: While Coronavirus may be responsible for the cancelation of all events, Currajong Disability Services CEO, Jeff Evans stated that the Currajong team are keeping up to date with the latest medical and government advice to ensure the health and safety of their participants, staff and family.

Scott Salter, one of Currajong’s most experienced support workers with Karen Willis and Jay Crouch reinforcing proper hygiene.