The Battle To Recover: Business NSW (Western NSW) believes businesses impacted by the current and ongoing weather events across Western NSW will need to be able to access the full range of financial support to reopen and recover. “We thank all levels of government and all the volunteers for their dedication and hard work so far to help our community through these current and unfolding natural disasters,” said Regional Director Vicki Seccombe. “Flood affected businesses in Western NSW will need access to grants such as the $50,000 small business grant that assists with the clean-up, stock losses and the reinstatement of a small business that were provided this year to businesses along the NSW Coast and Sydney. Western NSW businesses have shown incredible resilience to survive the past number of years, but these recent and evolving events could well mean they have little choice but to close for good.”

Reconsider All Travel: Motorists are urged to reconsider their travel plans, after floodwaters closed or damaged major roads and highways across the Central Tablelands, Central West, Orana and Far West. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said heavy storms on Sunday and Monday caused significant damage to roads, bridges and transport infrastructure. “We are asking all motorists to reconsider the need to travel to flood affected areas,” Sam said. “Many roads across the region are closed and others are likely to close with minimal notice. He said it was vitally important that motorists were extra vigilant on the roads and to never drive through floodwaters. He added potholes and damaged road surfaces also created hazards.

End of an era: The last service for Cookamidgera Uniting Church will be held on Sunday, 20th November. Only a small group of people have been worshipping in the building for a number of years and the decision has been made by those people to join the Parkes Congregation. The church was built for the Methodist Congregation by AR Davis of Parkes for £475. The church opened on 12th February 1930, and has over the years hosted services of several denominations, as well as weddings, funerals and special celebrations for local families and the community. The closing service at 10:30am will be followed by a BBQ. Local community and anyone with past connections to the Cookamidgera Church are welcome to attend.

Record-breaking Rain: The Bureau of Meteorology’s October national and state climate summaries show a record-breaking month of rain. Rainfall in October was the 2nd highest on record with rainfall above or very much above average for most of Australia, while Australia’s national area-average mean temperature was 0.19 °C above average for October. NSW had its wettest October on record with cooler than average days and warmer than average nights. Forbes received 143.4mm in October and a total of 838.2mm so far this year. Parkes is slightly less with 142.4mm in October and a total for the year so far at 816.2mm. By Tuesday Parkes had already received 64.4mm in the first 7 days of November.

Access To JE Vaccine: NSW has widened access to free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to a broader group of people. JE vaccine is now recommended for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in Forbes and Parkes, with identified JE risk who: Spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day) for unavoidable work, recreation, education, or other essential activities, OR are living in temporary or flood damaged accommodation (e.g. camps, tents, dwellings exposed to the external environment) that place them at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, OR are engaged in the prolonged outdoor recovery efforts (clean up) of stagnant waters following floods. The key to protecting yourself from JE and other mosquito borne infections is avoiding mosquito bites. JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs). People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. Some GPs may need to order the vaccine.

Mosquitoes: Protect yourself and your family against mosquitoes by: covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps in them; removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed; improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant; wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn; applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent; and using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside). For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes

Help For Flooded Farmers: Rural Aid is offering immediate financial assistance to primary producers impacted by the recent flooding events. Eligible, registered farmers in NSW can now apply for a $500 pre-paid visa card from Rural Aid. Farmers can register at www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624. 

June Public Holiday Renamed: In recognition of the reign of King Charles III, the NSW Government has amended the Public Holidays Act 2010 to rename the Queen’s Birthday public holiday the King’s Birthday public holiday. The amendment has been gazetted and will be effective from 13th January next year. The holiday remains the same, save for a change in name. This means the King’s Birthday public holiday will still be recognised on the second Monday in June. Although Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birth date was 21st April 1926, in keeping with Royal tradition, official celebrations in the UK were held in June when there was a greater likelihood of fine weather for the Birthday Parade or Trooping of the Colour. NSW followed in that tradition.

New Skills For School Leavers: The ‘Class of 2022’ will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education. The Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers. Summer Skills courses will be available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations for people between 16 and 24 who have left school. For more visit www.skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.

Real-Time Traffic Updates: The NSW Government announced the first regional expansion to its LiveTraffic system, with the status of roads across 22 local government areas now available for navigation software such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said the widespread heavy rain and flooding had caused major problems for many local roads, posing a safety risk. “There are potholes you could hide a cow in at some places, and getting them back up to standard quickly and efficiently will be a big problem for authorities. It’s great to see the first stage of the NSW Government’s LiveTraffic upgrade come online for some of these flood-impacted areas.” He said people in the Central West and Riverina would be very keen for their area to come online sooner than later. “In the meantime, everyone needs to drive to the conditions, take extra care and remember: if it’s flooded, forget it!

Thanksgiving Service: On Sunday, 6th November the Alectown Annual Thanksgiving Service will take place in the Alectown Soldiers Memorial Hall at 4pm. The event has been held annually for many years just prior to harvest to give thanks for the upcoming harvest and for all the blessings received throughout the year. Quite often rain is needed to finish crops off, but this year has been extraordinary and we pray for fine weather to dry out the soil so that the crops can be harvested. Afternoon tea is served afterwards and everyone is welcome. 

Funding For Country Arts: Applications are now open for Arts OutWest’s Country Arts Support Program (CASP), a small annual funding round supporting arts activities in the NSW Central West. Grants of up to $3,000 are available that will help to generate new arts activities. Applications for 2023 close at 5pm on Monday, 5th December. Projects could include (but are not limited to) arts or heritage-based workshops, classes, performances, installations, exhibitions, tours, screen/film making, writing or composition, development of new work, tours or talks, artist-in-residence programs, recordings or podcasts, and new arts activities attached to festivals or events – as long as they have some element of public outcome. 

Arts OutWest will run a free grant writing workshop in Parkes on Wednesday, 2nd November and an online CASP information session on Wednesday, 16th November. To apply you must discuss your idea with Arts OutWest before submitting an online application. Read the full criteria at www.artsoutwest.org.au/pf/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or artsoutwest@csu.edu.au 

Help Improve The Great Outdoors: Residents of Central West are encouraged to help shape the future of open spaces by completing the NSW Regional Outdoor Survey. The survey will only take about ten minutes to complete. To have your say go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/nsw-regional-outdoor-survey. 

New Rules To Boost Agritourism: More farmers across NSW will soon be able to welcome visitors thanks to a new policy that makes it easier to set up agritourism opportunities. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said: “We’re making it cheaper and easier for our farmers to diversify their income by starting, running and growing agritourism experiences, such as farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, retreats, roadside stalls, fruit picking and small wedding venues.” 

Return And Earn To Expand: The NSW Government’s wildly popular Return and Earn scheme is set to expand to include glass wine and spirits bottles and larger containers. The scheme has already seen more than eight billion containers returned. The planned expansion would see up to an additional 400 million eligible bottles recycled each year, including 233 million glass bottles. The discussion paper is available at https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/ and is open for consultation until 2nd December. More information about Return and Earn at www.returnandearn.org.au

Plastic Ban: Remember the NSW Government is banning single-use plastics from 1st November. This includes: single-use plastic straws and cutlery; single-use plastic plates and bowls; and expanded polystyrene foodware. For more information visit: bit.ly/plastics-ban

Regional Health Plan: People in rural, regional and remote communities across NSW are encouraged to have their say on a new plan for the future of regional health. Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the community’s feedback would be absolutely critical in developing the Regional Health Plan 2022-2032. So far there has been 68 consultation sessions with 1,600 people across NSW as well as more than 2,000 surveys completed.To have your say, visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-regional-health-plan. The survey closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, 23rd October. 

Central West Regional Weed Plan: Central West landholders and community members are encouraged to have their say on the new draft Central West Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan. It is one of 11 draft Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans that is open for consultation across NSW. The plans are used to explain how each region will work together to identify, minimise, respond to and manage priority weeds over the next five years. To view, read and submit feedback visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/weed-plans. Submissions close on Sunday, 6th November.

Counselling For Farmers: A new, dedicated phone line will allow to quickly and easily connect with the Rural Aid counselling team. The direct line will ensure farmers are provided a faster and more trauma-informed response with access to a trained counsellor who can support them with referrals for immediate needs, while getting a sense of their story and matching them with the most appropriate support. To get in touch with a Rural Aid counsellor, phone 1300 175 594 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

 

Nedd The Incredible: Forbes Shire Council staff clocked up 158.4 kilometres in support of Nedd Brockmann’s Record Run. Nedd, a Forbes local, has grabbed the attention of the whole country by doing a remarkable run from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to Sydney’s Bondi Beach – averaging 100 kilometres a day for more than 40 days. He is aiming to raise $1 million for homeless people. You can support his effort by donating to the Council effort, or follow Nedd on Instagram.

Biodiversity in Focus Competition: All students in the Parkes Shire can enter the inaugural Biodiversity in Focus photography competition. Cash prizes are up for grabs to students who submit the most creative and intriguing photos that feature native plants, fungi, animals, or vegetation assemblages found in the local government area. Entries close Wednesday, 28th October.More information on the council website. 

Signage On Mobile Speed Cameras: Additional warning signs will be introduced around all mobile speed cameras across NSW. Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the government had listened to the community on this important issue. “These additional warning signs will help educate drivers in real time, giving them advanced warning to slow down at these high-risk points of our road network.”

Variety Fundraising: This month, Woolworths is encouraging Parkes and Forbes Shire customers to support the Variety Fundraising Appeal by purchasing a $2 token or rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar when they shop. Funds from this year’s appeal will go towards the Variety We Move Grant, providing life-changing mobility equipment for kids living with a disability.

Work Starts On Manildra’s Bridge: Work has started on the new $12 million bridge at Manildra on the Henry Parkes Way an important link between Orange and Parkes, to replace the existing 92-year-old bridge. About 2,000 vehicles use the bridge every day. There will be full bridge closures for up to 10 weekends in 2023 with a detour via Cudal. Transport for NSW will notify residents two weeks in advance before any closures take place. The existing bridge will be reduced to a single lane from Monday, 24th October. More information on the Transport for NSW website.

 

Free Breast Screen: More than 250 women are expected to be diagnosed in Western NSW Local Health District with breast cancer this year. Make it a priority to book a free breast screen this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in NSW, with one in seven being diagnosed in their lifetime. More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. Screening saves lives by finding breast cancer early. BreastScreen NSW recommends all women aged 50-74 years have a breast screen every two years. It takes just 20 minutes. Call 13 20 50 to book an appointment or book online.

Have Your Say on Parkes Projects: Your Say Parkes is Parkes Shire Council’s online community hub where you can provide real input into the direction of projects and decisions that affect the community. Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Middleton Master Plan and the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy. To learn more about these projects, head to Your Say Parkes.

Helping Orphaned Animals: Forbes TAFE is hoping to run a one-day course in Orphaned Animal Nutrition. This basic introductory course is for members of the community to provide emergency care for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife. Cost is $85, and the course will run for one Forbes Public School day and is dependent on numbers to commence. A date will be set when minimum numbers have been reached. Register your interest at: https://forms.office.com/r/dzGqrxvQ4q

Newell Highway Update: The Newell Highway Taskforce held its AGM and regular committee meeting last month. Ongoing chair, Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM was re-elected and Bland Shire Councillor Tony Lord, re-elected as deputy chair. Ken reminded the community to be mindful in light of the wet weather. “We ask that all road users during this La Niña rain period drive safely and appreciate the difficulties the various road authorities are having trying to maintain the road network.” Current initiatives of the taskforce include: an additional 40 overtaking lanes; 1.2m centreline separation of traffic; bypass of Moree completed, Parkes underway; widened clear zones; additional truck stops. Over $1.4 billion has been spent or committed by the State and Federal Governments. Important projects the taskforce is currently seeking government commitment include: Forbes – West Wyalong flood mitigation; bypass of Coonabarabran; Inland Rail grade separation; more truck stops.

One Week Left To Use NSW Vouchers: Households are reminded to use any outstanding Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers as both programs are set to expire on Sunday, 9th October. The Stay NSW vouchers help support accommodation providers impacted by COVID-19. NSW residents aged 18 and older can apply for one $50 voucher to use towards the cost of accommodation bookings. There are around $63 million worth of Parents NSW vouchers issued, pending redemption, to date. One person from each eligible household can apply for five $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total. Visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw and https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers

Save On Petrol With App: NSW drivers are urged to use the FuelCheck app to find a cheaper servo and save up to $10 a tank as the fuel excise discount ended on Wednesday. Treasurer Matt Kean said the app could save drivers up to $800 a year. “Driving a couple of hundred metres down the road to a cheaper servo can really pay off and boost your budget. New data from the past six months shows independents consistently offer drivers the cheapest fuel. “FuelCheck has been an overwhelming success, with more than 2.2 million drivers downloading the free app, and 93% giving it the thumbs up.”

School Holiday Fun With Junior Landcare: Junior Landcare has added a fun new activity to its Learning Centre – an online platform packed with resources to help children learn about the environment and how they can protect it. To download the new Biodiversity Find-a-Word activity sheet, crosswords, colouring-in sheets and more holiday fun, visit www.juniorlandcare.org.au/just-for-kids

Nominate A Tradie: Get in your last nominations for the Tradie of the Month competition in Forbes sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear. Readers can nominate a tradie by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear or email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Combat Feral Animals: Landholders and farmers across the Central West are encouraged to take part in the NSW Government’s Spring Pest Offensive following a rise in the number of wild animals. Contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 29

School Holidays Activities: Virtual reality tournaments, Lego animation workshops and horse-riding clinics are among the many free or discounted activities available these spring school holidays thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Holiday Break Program. A new online interactive map is available outlining the programs, when the activities are running and how to book. Create NSW is delivering a range of artistic activities, including its popular song-writing program, SongMakers. To find activities near you through the new interactive map, visit www.nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak. 

8 Billion Containers: A major environment and recycling milestone was reached last weekend with eight billion bottles, cans and drink cartons returned through the NSW Return and Earn return point network. Minister for Environment James Griffin said the incredible effort from NSW communities was transforming how we recycle. 

The eight billion containers have delivered $800 million in refunds to the people of NSW, and reduced drink container litter by a massive 52%. “Heading to the local Return and Earn point has become a routine part of life, and I’d like to thank the almost 80% of adults in NSW who have got involved.” Return and Earn has contributed more than $35 million in donations to community groups and charities since its launch. 

Students And The Future: Applications for the Infrastructure Traineeship Program are now open for school leavers across the Central West. The two-year program brings together leading infrastructure government agencies and industry partners to offer school leavers practical experience in the infrastructure sector. More than 100 trainee roles are available through three rotations of eight months each with government agencies, contractors and consultants. For more information and to apply, visit: www.apprenticeshipcareers.com.au/infrastructure-traineeships 

Calling On Youth: Young people across regional NSW are encouraged to apply to become a member of the 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce consisting of 18 members, which includes two members from nine regions. “If you are aged 12 to 24 and are passionate about your region, being on the Taskforce is an opportunity to work with like-minded people and let us know how the NSW Government can help you and your peers work, live and thrive in your community,” said Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin. The Taskforce meets four times per year with travel costs, meals and accommodation covered. Applications close 23rd October. Visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-youth-taskforce 

Yoga & Meditation In Support Of Homelessness: Start your Grazing Down the Lachlan weekend with a yoga and meditation session tomorrow (Saturday) from 8 – 9am ate Wheogo Park. Guided by four local women, Carmen Spry, Kitty Stitt, Aimee Woods and Cherie Stitt, the session is perfect for all levels and you can choose to practice from a chair (provided) or a mat (bring your own). Payment by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Women’s Refuge run by CatholicCare in Forbes.

Nominate A Tradie: Our Tradie of the Month competitions in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively, continues this month. Readers can nominate a tradie by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. The Parkes competition closes on Sunday, 18th September.

Mandagery Creek Bridge: Abergeldie Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to build a new $12 million concrete bridge over Mandagery Creek at Manildra with construction to begin this month and completed by June 2024. The new bridge on Henry Parkes Way will have wider travel lanes and better access for pedestrians with a footpath on the northern side.

Slow Down For Moo-Ving Livestock: Local Land Services is reminding drivers to slow down when approaching livestock that are being moved along public roads. Following wet conditions and floods, many producers need to move livestock to safer ground. When stock are grazing or moving near or on a road, drovers must display approved black and yellow warning signs. Drivers must give way to stock and all other animals and any vehicle accompanying the stock.

Chief Medical Officer: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has announced the appointment of its first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Mark Arnold. He is set to begin in the new role in January next year. Mark Spittal, WNSWLHD Chief Executive, said the CMO role was specifically designed to put real emphasis on the standards of clinical practice, the ethics of care and the long-term development of the medical workforce in particular. Professor Arnold has more than 30 years’ experience as a rheumatologist and, as a senior academic with the University of Sydney as Head of the Rural Clinical School and Professor of Rural Medicine.