Forbes Christmas Colour-In Competition Winner: This year the Phoenix received a delightfully overwhelming response to our Christmas Colour-In Competition. Judging was not easy with so many colourful and creative entries from ages one to 12. The winner of the competition is Maci Kennedy, aged six. Well done to all of the talented children who sent in their work.

Forbes RV Dump Point Relocation: For travellers to the Forbes region, please be advised the RV Dump Point has been relocated from Lions Park to the new location at Junction Street, near the Short Stay Parking area. RV Dump Points are sites especially designed for Recreational Vehicles (RVs) to dispose of their waste, including Grey and Black Water, and Sewerage in an environmentally safe way.

Johnny Woods Crossing Footpath Dismantled: Forbes Shire Council closed the Johnny Woods Crossing from Thursday, 10 December to Friday, 11 last week for the removal of the raised footpath. The structure had significant concrete cancer damage and as there is a path adjacent to the raised footpath, a decision was made to remove the structure. As part of the approved Lake Forbes Activation Plan, this area will receive new pedestrian and cycling paths on either side of the road and new wetland edge plantings will improve aesthetics, water quality and habitat.

Travel From The Comfort Of Home: Global Gatherings was born from a love of travel and appreciation of unique hand- made products made in communities that are striving for sustainable livelihoods. The passion of the people and communities is the main reason they are bringing these products to a larger audience.

Global Gatherings believe their business offers customers a win-win situation. By purchasing one of their rare finds, you are not only getting a wonderful, handmade product for your home or business, you are also contributing to the preservation of many cultures by helping a craftsperson become financially independent. It is a true economic partnership in every sense of the word.

Every product has a story. If you listen closely, every product will tell you of the hands that held it and crafted it with care. Every stitch, bead, carve, cut, sand and polish represents a moment an artisan has spent, practising and perfecting their craft. Handcrafted products celebrate the traditions of cultures around the world. Global Gatherings hope each product you purchase takes you on an adventure.

A Big Thank You: The Western New South Wales Local Health District has given a big thanks to the Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary. This year, during unprecedented difficulties, the Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary continued their enormous support of the Forbes Health Service with donations of approximately $23,500 in purchases of essential pieces of equipment.

The purchases have included a treatment chair for the community nurses, bassinets for the maternity unit, a tonometer for the emergency department, and support equipment for occupational therapy in the inpatient unit.

Lachlan Health Service Health Service Manager Liz Mitchell said, “Without the continued support of the Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary, the Health Service wouldn’t have these items, we are ever so grateful for their continued support and donations they provide.”

Christmas Colour-In Competition: The Forbes Phoenix is running a Christmas Colour-In Competition and today, Friday, 11 December 2020 is the last day to enter. The winner of the competition will win a special prize just in time for Christmas, with the winner to be announced next week on Friday, 18 December. To enter the competition, simply colour in the picture on page four, take a picture of the complete colour-in, and send it to us via the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page or email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au with the entrants name and age. We look forward to seeing the wonderful work from children in the Forbes Shire, so get colouring!

Forbes In The Spotlight: Earlier this year, Forbes artist Holmsey teamed up with local producer and cinematographer Adam Enslow from StartFast Productions, to record Holmsey’s first single ‘Deep Breaths’ as well as film the music video for the track. The song was released on all major platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Music, Instagram and more in November. The 3.33-minute-long music video, which features many familiar faces and places in Forbes, is a cinematic journey which artistically intertwines the song’s lyrics with visuals that offers audiences further insight into the mental process of healing from the trauma caused by change and heartbreak. Holmsey hopes to inspire other aspiring artists in Forbes to follow their ambitions by proactively taking their dreams into their own hands. The release of Deep Breaths has proved that Forbes has the resources, and the talent, for artists to turn their creativity into something tangible that can be shared with the world.

Templar Street Receiving Finishing Touches: With much of the major structural work in Templar Street now complete, businesses, traffic and pedestrians can look forward to the CBD’s facelift being completed by February 2021, weather permitting. In the coming days and weeks there will be temporary closures for the installation of road surface borders and surface asphalt application between 25 and 30 November, and then again between 11 and 22 January 2021.

Tuesday next week will see the installation of the much-anticipated planter boxes. While there has been some disruption to business, Council has done their best to ensure pedestrian access is maintained during work on the upgrade.

The upgrade to the Forbes CBD further enhances its aesthetic and gives Forbes an advantage over its regional neighbours in terms of tourism and long-term economic growth. With many upgrades to Forbes that have taken place in recent years and months, including the Lake bridge, lights, sculptures and landscaping, and Gum Swamp upgrades, as well as plans for the new visitor information centre, Forbes continues to grow and offers more for residents and visitors alike.

Christmas Colour-In Competition: The Forbes Phoenix is running a Christmas Colour-In Competition from Friday, 27 November to Friday, 11 December 2020. The winner of the competition will win a special prize just in time for Christmas, with the winner to be announced in Phoenix’s last edition of 2020, on Friday, 18 December. To enter the competition, simply colour in the picture on page four, take a picture of the complete colour-in, and send it to us via the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page or email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au with the entrants name and age. We look forward to seeing the wonderful work from children in the Forbes Shire, so get colouring!

Funding Call For Heavy Vehicle Safety Programs: Australian heavy vehicle safety programs will receive another significant boost with the launch of Round 6 of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

If you have a project, program or campaign that will increase safety awareness and compliance that requires funding or support to make it happen, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi and view the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative 2021-22 Submission. Projects must be implementable, commence in the 2021-22 financial year and be completed by 30 June 2024.

Rhyme Time Returns: Rhyme Time is back in full swing with parents and young children embracing the weekly sessions now being held at Forbes North Public School. Previously held in the town library, the change of location was due to COVID restrictions not allowing voice projection in enclosed spaces. Rhyming helps babies and young children to learn about words, sounds and the formation of language. Hearing rhyme and rhythm helps children develop a strong foundation for early literacy skills and is important for early brain development. The new location of Rhyme Time at Forbes North Public School is accessible via Facey Street which allows for ample parking and a beautifully shaded area for families to enjoy. Organiser Maree Yapp said she was thrilled to have Rhyme Time back after a lengthy COVID hiatus. The group now meets weekly at 9.30am each Friday.

Christmas Hampers: Foodbank delivered a pallet load of 60 Christmas hampers to Forbes North Public School (FNPS) on Friday, 7 November, which are still being distributed to families throughout Forbes. The school and Foodbank have teamed up over this year, with volunteers from FNPS help- ing with Foodbanks July food drop at the Forbes showgrounds and Foodbank also running their School Breakfast Program at FNPS. While there has been a generous amount of rain this year, Foodbank recognises that families are still living under the strain of drought. To donate $35 for food hampers, follow the link of the Forbes North Public School Facebook page.

Veteran And Community Grants: Grants for activities and services which improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families in the Riverina and Central West are now available, with the latest round of Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG) program now open. The project aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, help veterans to live independently, reduce isolation, and to provide support to carers. The provision of these grants will enable communities to choose where funding is allocated, this is because it is the communities who know best which services will benefit individual veterans and their families the most. For information about how to apply visit the Community Grants Hub website www.communitygrants.gov.au. Assistance with grant application queries is also avail- able by phone on 1800 020 283 or by email support@communitygrants.gov.au. Grant applications will close 29 January 2021.

https://www.forbesphoenix.com.au/14988-2/

Remembrance Day: At 11am on Wednesday, Forbes residents, young and old, gathered at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park to honour those who have died in War. Wreaths were laid before a minute of silence, which was broken by the playing of the Last Post. Originally called Armistice Day, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month commemorates the end of World War I.

Rural Aid Webinar To Tackle Loneliness: During National Psychology Week, one of Australia’s largest rural charities is inviting farmers and rural residents across the country to attend this month’s edition of the popular “On The Couch” webinar series.

Hosted each month by one of Rural Aid’s specialist counsellors, this month’s edition focuses on the topics of isolation, loneliness and being alone. Counsellor Gary Bentley will host the webinar which will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, 18 November.

Any members of rural communities are welcome to attend. Attendance and comments made using the chat functionality of the webinar is strictly private and confidential. Register online at https://my.demio.com/ref/AEP48BZuWaHHjiBI to attend the webinar: ‘Isolation, loneliness and being alone: The challenges of living a solo life’.

Listen Up: The Hearing Australia Bus is coming to Forbes. Over 175,000 people have checked their hearing aboard the Hearing Australia buses since the mobile service launched in 2009. An estimated 3.6 million Australians are affected by hearing loss, and this is projected to more than double to 7.8 million by 2060, meaning nearly one in every five Australians will be affected. A hearing check is a quick and easy way to help identify if your hearing might not be as sharp as it used to be. The Hearing Australia bus is stopping into Forbes to offer free hearing checks and raise hearing health awareness in the local community. The service will be available from 9am- 2pm on Tuesday, 17 November, in Harold Street, opposite Council.

Congratulations To Kathryn: Kathryn Matheson was named as the winner of the Forbes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition for her beautiful portrayal of Spring in her Tulips photograph. There were so many fantastic entries this year, thank you to those who sent their photos in. Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography, who sponsored the competition, met with Kathryn last week to congratulate her on winning the $200 voucher for some amazing photography.

Spring Photo Competition Winner: Kathryn Matheson has been named as the 2020 Forbes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition winner. The annual Spring Photo Competition received many delightfully vibrant photographs from all over Forbes and this year, Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography who sponsored the competition, chose Kathryn’s photograph of Tulips in bloom. The winning photo was chosen due to the image being a captivating depiction of the natural beauty of Spring.

Christmas Cards 4 Farmers Initiative Launched: As the countdown to Christmas begins, Rural Aid is asking Australian school students to take the time to lift the spirits of farmers around the nation. With farmers nationwide enduring years of record-breaking droughts, floods, and fires, Rural Aid CEO, John Walters, is asking students to get their schools involved in their Christmas Cards 4 Farmers initiative in order to lift the spirits of and put a smile on the faces of Australian farmers this Christmas. Students are encouraged to let farmers know they are in our minds by creating homemade cards with a special, personal message. Farmers are central to our everyday life, despite the geographical distance, and in the past this initiative has had a positive impact on farmers’ mental health. Please send in homemade cards before 19 November. Cards cannot be larger than 120mm x 170mm. Do not send in individual envelopes. Mail them to Rural Aid at PO Box 1342, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109.

Social Farmer Giveaway Winner: The winner of The Social Farmer Giveaway is Emma Mayall. Emma has won a business profile makeover from The Social Farmer that will create and update her social media page and profile to expand her business digitally. The Social Farmer specialises in social media creation, management, and website design.

Great Inland Glossy Count Postponed: Organisers of the Great Inland Glossy Count have chosen to postpone the program due to rain. While rain is great for the region, it makes conditions for volunteers difficult. The new dates are Pilliga, 13 February, Goonoo, 20 February, and Goobang, 27 February 2021.Central West volunteers are needed for the NSW Saving our Species program to become “cockatoo counters” and help be part of the Great Inland Glossy Count.

Veterans’ Employment Award Nominations: Riverina and Central West organisations which employ and support members of the Veteran community, or Veterans making a significant contribution to their workplace, are being encouraged to nominate for the 2021 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards. More than 5,500 people leave the Australian Defence Force each year and the Federal Government’s aim is to ensure they can transition into civilian life effectively and find meaningful employment.

The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program aims to raise employers’ awareness of the enormous value and experience Veterans can bring to the civilian workplace. Nominations for the awards are now open online and will close on 20 November 2020 with winners announced in 2021. For more information go to www.veteransemployment.gov.au.

Regional Tourism Boost: The Morrison-McCormack Government will inject $250 million into regional Australia, encouraging more Australians to travel and experience a home-grown holiday, boosting regional jobs and local economies. The package include two measures, a $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative to assist businesses in regions heavily reliant on international tourism, and $200 million for an additional round of the Building Better Regions Fund.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the package would deliver targeted support for regional tourism. The aim is to help businesses bounce back by attracting more Australians, and then overseas visitors when our international borders re-open. Tourism is crucial in creating jobs which drive many regional economies. It is important that the tourism sector comes out in the best possible shape post COVID-19.

Federal funding has seen the improvement of existing tourism sights in and around Forbes, as well as the creation of many more. The funding has also gone into improving the functionality and aesthetic in town with many projects having come into fruition in 2020 alone.

Spring Photo Competition: Forbes residents have until Friday, 30 October to get their entries in for the Spring Photo Competition. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au.

2021 ‘Free Cuppa For The Driver’ Business Registrations Open: Local businesses are invited to help tackle driver fatigue by registering to take part in next year’s ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme. The multi award-winning driver fatigue awareness campaign will run from 1 March to 31 May 2021.

The scheme encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free cuppa and to take a break from driving long distances. Entering its eleventh year, the scheme sees partnerships formed between participating Councils and local businesses. The Councils provide the marketing and administer the scheme whilst the participating businesses provide the free cuppas.

Since its inception the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme has given away more than 27,000 free cuppas in 265 participating businesses across 91 towns, and cities in regional NSW. Organisers are expecting to see a large increase in road travel in 2021 as domestic and international flights remain heavily reduced.

The closing date for phase eleven registrations is Friday, 30 October 2020. If your business would like to participate in the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme please contact Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364 or email Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Spring Photo Competition: It is that time of year again. The Forbes Phoenix is running its annual Spring Photo Competition, and we are looking for your best and brightest spring snaps taken in and around beautiful Forbes. This year, Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography is sponsoring the competition. Submissions can be made on the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page, or emailed to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. Entries are being accepted until the end of October 2020.

COVID-19 Restrictions Eased: Gatherings in outdoor public spaces and group bookings at restaurants will be increased to 30 people under a relaxation of COVID-19 rules. From this Friday, 23 October, 30 people can gather outdoors in public spaces. Previously this was 20. The previous rule of a maximum of 10 customers per table and per booking in hospitality venues has now been extended to 30. Also, as of last Friday, 16 October, corporate functions of up to 300 people can now be held at any appropriate premises, including at restaurants, subject to a COVID-Safe plan.

From 1 December, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four-square metre rule indoors and two-square metre rule outdoors.