Town Hall Renos Complete

After receiving funding from the NSW State Government to complete works at the Harold Street premises, the Forbes Town Hall refurbishment is complete and looks AMAZING! In an online statement FSC Mayor Phyllis Miller said she “couldn’t wait to utilise it and welcome everyone back!” Already the newly renovated space has been put to good use during the Australia Day celebrations most notably the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner.

Goldridge Estate Update

Forbes Shire Council are happy to report that despite the wet weather, the water and sewer for Stages 1 and 2 of the subdivision works are now complete! The site has been a hive of activity with stormwater works to be carried out as part of the next phase of the process.

Free RSA Courses To Help Ease Big Staff Shortages

The NSW Government will fund 5,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses to support new workers to enter the hospitality industry and help ease the staffing pressure on licensed hospitality venues. The hospitality sector makes up over 2 percent of total gross value added to the NSW economy and supports more than 300,000 jobs.

NSW Government Treasurer Matt Kean said the courses were vital to address shortages. The RSA courses will be available through TAFE NSW and private providers who already offer government subsidised programs.

Don’t Forget The Rotary Ipomoea Markets Saturday Feb 12

The RIM start at 8:30am-12noon at idyllic Lions Park. Plenty of food and a great space for the whole family! More info on their Facebook page or call 0427 201 445.

Have You Heard Vera Blue’s New Cover?

Our own Vera Blue (Celia Pavey) covered The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber hit ‘Stay’ for Triple J’s Like A Version last week and nailed it! If you haven’t heard it, track it down and give it a listen!

Water And Sewer Team Hard At It

With all the recent floods, any changes to water should be reported to Forbes Shire Council on 02 6852 2300 during business hours or 1300 978 633 after hours and a team will be sent over immediately. Forbes Shire Council is responsible for a huge amount of infrastructure of around 250km of buried pipes, 2 treatment plants, 5 reservoirs and 23 pump stations.

AgCAREERSTART Registrations Open

AgCAREERSTART is a structured gap year program that introduces young Australians to a career in agriculture. Over 12 months, you will be matched with an on-farm job, given training and development, and gain access to industry events and experiences with your AgCAREERSTART cohort. To find out more about being a gap year participant or on-farm host, register your details at www.agcareerstart.com.au/home

Headspace NSW Parent and Carer Sessions – Western NSW Local Health District

With the commencement of the 2022 school year, new sessions are starting in February for parents and carers to attend a free mental health education session hosted by the Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The sessions aim to:
• Strengthen your understanding of mental health definitions.
• Enhance your conversational approach to mental health and well-being.
• Build skills and strategies to support young people, including transition to work and study.
• Build awareness of local, state and national supports available to young people.
• Increase your knowledge and understanding of the mental health challenges facing young people today.
• Introduce you to some of the skills and strategies to encourage and support help-seeking.

There are two online webinars being held across the Western NSW LHD on:
• 7th February: Helping my young person during COVID. Registration: https://bit.ly/3I6Plge
• 14th March: Helping my young person during COVID. Registration: https://bit.ly/3flbTh5

Rotary Ipomoea Markets Are Back

Rotary Ipomoea Markets are every second Saturday of the month at Lions Park and will return Saturday February 12th. Come along and enjoy the market atmosphere at Lions Park, beautiful shade, new playground equipment, great coffee, hot breakfast available from the Rotary Breaky Van, and over 20 stalls show-casing local produce, hand-made arts and crafts, new and repurposed goods and plants. Rotary Ipomoea members will have a stall and look forward to sharing Rotary project information. Please contact Rotary Ipomoea on Ph 0427 201445 or find us on Facebook.

Boss Skills Coming To Forbes

NSW Farmers and Prime Super are bringing “Boss Skills” to Forbes on February 8th from 10am. Join us for an informative session on your obligations as a farm business employer. You can attend in or online attendance available. Register via https://form.jotform.com/holleyt/boss-skills-registration-form

Forbes TAFE Update

The Forbes G.R.O.W (Getting Ready for Opportunities to Work) is a course that is a great opportunity for students 16-24 who have left school and/or are unemployed. The course is free, runs 5 days a week for four months and students receive nationally recognised training in a variety of areas from how to operate heavy equipment, construction, motor bikes, plant trees, chemicals, chainsaw, landscaping, welding, customer service, presentation skills and computers. This fantastic opportunity is limited to 12 students so register now! RTO 90003

NSW Women’s Rural Gathering Rego Open

Registrations and Preliminary Program are online via https://forbes2021nswruralwomensgathering.com/registration/

Don’t forget to book your accommodation. There are some fabulous speakers and entertainment lined up!

Inland Rail REF Approval Docs On Public Exhibition

Inland Rail are placing two Review of Environmental Factors (REF) approvals documents on public exhibition from 3 – 24 February 2022. One of these documents covers the Stockinbingal to Parkes project’s Horizontal Clearances, including works at Caragabal and Quandialla at and the other one is for Lachlan River Bridge in Forbes. For more information regarding the project head over to: https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/where-we-go/projects/stockinbingal-to-parkes/status/

Well Done Forbes SES

Last week a boat overturned in Forbes and NSW SES Forbes Unit assisted NSW Police with locating an overturned boat and its occupants on the Lachlan River. All persons and the boat were returned safely to dry land.

 

New Sculpture Design At Club Forbes

The Damian Vick steel sculpture of the Rising Sun now takes pride and place on the Templar Street wall of Club Forbes.

The Rising Sun is a dynamic piece that is as versatile as it is dramatic. Having been designed and built in two halves allows it to be used in three distinct ways: hung flat on a wall, used as a divider for a space, or positioned in a corner. This particular screen was donated to the Club Forbes to commemorate the centenary of the first world war.

Vick, a Melbourne-based artist, has three sculptures in Forbes including The Hunter located at the Gum Swamp Bird Hide on the Newell Highway, The Heart of Country located 80km from Forbes on the Condobolin Road and the Rising Sun.

Eugowra Community Children’s Centre Grant

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP earlier this week officially announced the successful grants funding application by the Eugowra Community Children’s Centre Inc. for the purchase and installation of new flooring in the centre, artificial grass in the outside yard, a split system air conditioning system and an exhaust fan for the cot room.

The successful application was part of the 2020 NSW Government-funded Community Building Partnership Grants Program with Eugowra Community Children’s Centre Inc. receiving $14,750 of the $299,829 distributed to 20 projects across the electorate.

Travel Boost For Regional Seniors

Applications are open for the expanded 2022 NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card, allowing even more seniors to pocket their $250 pre-paid Visa card that can be used for fuel, taxis, pre-booked NSW TrainLink Regional trains and coaches, and select community transport services. Go to service.nsw.gov. au/regionalseniorstravel

Make It A Date At Forbes Library On Fridays At 10.30am

Forbes Rhymetime returns to Forbes Library on Friday 4th February, and Storytime on Friday 11th February at 10.30am during the school term.

Reading aloud to your child is also a great opportunity to share time together and bond as well as improve reading skills.

So make a date for Fridays at Forbes Library at 10.30am for lots of fun with stories, songs, games and craft.

Please let us know you are coming along by booking your place online via Eventbrite.com.au, register via the CWL website events page, or call us on 6852 1463.

Empowering Future Female Leaders

The NSW Government recently launched a new round of the Future Women Rural Scholarship Program to help women living in rural and regional NSW achieve their goals.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the program is about boosting the leadership potential of women living in remote, rural and regional NSW.

Applications are open to women living in remote, rural and regional NSW aged 18- 39 years old. Applications close today and recipients will be announced on 14th February, 2022. The NSW Government has partnered with Future Women, an organisation delivering virtual events, leadership training and a curated digital network to its members. To find out more, please visit: futurewomen.com

 

There is a changing of the guard at Forbes Arts Society. At the recent AGM Dr Karen Ritchie Chairwoman of Forbes Arts Society officially resigned from her seat and Trudy Mallick was overwhelmingly voted in to take the chair position. Karen may have stepped down from the chair, but she has taken the role of Secretary and Dr Keith Mallette remains as the ordinary member.

“During my two-year term as President of the Forbes Arts Society (FAS), much effort has been expended commencing and progressing the projects of the NSW State Government Restart Grant program – ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy through Art Embedded in our Amazing Environment, Forbes NSW,” said Dr Ritchie.

The funded project consists of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan Trail between Forbes and Condobolin, redeveloping the Gum Swamp area with refurbished and new bird hides, walkways and sculptures and purchasing and redeveloping the derelict, former Forbes District Ambulance Station into an art gallery and cultural hub.

“The past two years have been incredibly busy but very exciting and stimulating and I would like to extend my thanks to the hard-working members of the FAS.”

Incoming President Trudy Mallick thanked Dr Ritchie for all her efforts.

“I am indebted to the work Karen has commenced as Chair of the Forbes Arts Society and look forward to completing the building and the sculpture trail in 2022. The next twelve months will be an exciting and no doubt challenging time for all of us, however the sculpture trail and bird hides will be wonderful attractions and the culture centre will be an incredible meeting place and art gallery for the townspeople and visitors to Forbes alike.”

Donato’s Pre-Christmas Visit To Forbes: NSW Shooters Party member and State MP Phil Donato came to Forbes before Christmas to visit the Forbes Handicraft Centre and Men’s Shed. Donato, a champion for the electorate, was on hand to meet and greet volunteers and check out the recent developments.

“It’s a pleasure to support the ladies at the Forbes Handicraft Centre, who recently applied for grants funding to install new shelving, display cases and a quilt hanger,” said Donato in a statement on his Facebook page.

He also arrived just as the guys from the Forbes Men’s Shed were installing the quilt hanger – a pleasant surprise for all. “Congratulations to you all,” Donato said to the group.

Platypus Gallery Going Into Temporary Hiatus: The other big change for Forbes Arts Society is the Platypus Gallery is going into a temporary hiatus while the new culture centre is built. The centre will host a brand-new Platypus Gallery, along with a gallery for touring artwork, event rooms and a contemporary cafe. Platypus Gallery is closed and all the works will still be in the shop and online. For more information about the project or for online shopping, visit www.forbesartssociety.com.

Congrats To Ryan Browne: For the second year in a row KMWL’s Ryan Browne has been selected to compete in the ALPA NSW Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show! Well done Ryan!

Certificate Of Service For Hodder: Captain Brian Clarke recently presented Former Firefighter David Hodder with his certificate of service for 17 years with Forbes Fire and Rescue 294.

Firefighter Hodder began his career on 16th February, 2003 and finished 19th April, 2020 due to other commitments. During his time as an outstanding Firefighter he received a National medal for service, Unit commendation for courageous action and NSW Fire Brigade long service and good conduct medal.

“David Hodder will always be a part of Forbes Fire and Rescue station due to his committed service whilst in the Brigade,” Captain Brian Clarke said.

“We would like to thank David Hodder for his service and wish him and his family all the best in the future from all of us at Fire Rescue Forbes 294.”

 

Sandbag Collection In The CBD: Council will be collecting sandbags in the CBD area in the lead-up to Christmas, 13th December – 22nd December. Please call Council on 6850 2300 to register to have a pallet delivered to your shopfront to ensure you are not missed. We ask you to load the sandbags onto the pallet and ring to let us know the pallet is ready to be picked up. This service is only available for the CBD area and residents in the urban areas are advised to use any sandbags that are no longer needed to top-dress lawns and gardens. Your garden will thank you!

Platypus Gallery Showcases Its Latest Exhibition For 2021: Platypus Gallery is supporting the extended talents of all local artists. Each participant was asked to create an artwork that depicts a line from a song or poem that depicts the Rhythm of Life. The theme is a unique way of creating art that each artist has a reference point other than a scene. A song or poem can bring other emotions to the surface of the artist and extend their outlook into a deeper emotion. Rhythm of Life is an eclectic slew of submissions that will appeal to all ages. As the Christmas season is here, an artwork is a unique gift for friends, family, or work colleagues. For more information please contact: Elizabeth King Elizabeth. king@forbesartssociety.com 0467606073

Rural Financial Counseling Services Available: For those looking for rural counselling advice and information, John Beer – a Rural Financial Counselor, is an expert at navigating the Rural Assistance Authority. At present Forbes Shire is still classified at Category B – which means low interest loans and some freight and transport subsidies.
The assessment for the impact on the farming community is currently being undertaken by DPI in order to determine other support but we don’t know what the result of that will be. Of course the flood is still impacting our shire so this assessment is going to take time. Please see the link for more: www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/declared-natural-disasters Contact John on john@rfcsnsw.com.au or 0408 973 723. www.rfcsnsw.com.au

 

 

Disaster Relief Expanded As H-E-L-P Only An SES Away: Last week the NSW SES Forbes Unit called upon H-E-L-P from the NRMA Insurance chopper to assist with transporting people and resupply drops to two flood affected communities in Forbes. For the past ten years, NRMA Insurance has been the Principal Partner of NSW SES. The partnership focuses on engaging with and empowering local communities to understand their local risks, and take steps to manage that risk through preventative action. Find out more about the partnership here https://bit.ly/3xSaBTm

Cultural Art Workshop and BBQ December 20: Head down to the Forbes Youth and Community Centre for a Cultural Art Workshop and BBQ in Partner with Yoorana Gunya and Binnal Billa.
Date: Monday, 20th December
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Registrations essential
For ages 9 and over.
To register go to: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

Elders Team Up With Salvos This Christmas To Help Needy: Big congrats to members of the local Elders Real Estate team who have partnered with Forbes/Parkes Salvation Army for their annual Christmas appeal to help those in need this holiday season. Great effort guys!

Poppy Makes A Splash! And what about Poppy, who fetched top price of $24,000 at the inaugural Working Dog Challenge Trial and Auction in Carcoar? Her old owner, Forbes’ Nathan Morris, says she’s an obedient, quick learner with a calm temperament and loads of potential still to develop for her new owners.

Rotary Markets Saturday Dec 11 at Victoria Park: Saturday December 11th the Rotary Ipomoea Market will be held in Victoria Park, corner of Harold St & Court St, Forbes and not Lion’s Park like normal. COVID rules apply and the event kicks off at 8:30am.

Templar Street Update: The seating around the trees in Templar Street is now complete! How fantastic does it look? You will see there are handy power stations for easy access to charge your phone and for when the space is being used for events. Let us know what you think.

 

$20 Million Support For Domestic Violence Victim-Survivors: More domestic violence victim-survivors will receive critical support with a $20 million relief package for more than 180 NSW specialist frontline services being delivered. The announcement comes as an annual international violence prevention campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international awareness campaign that begins every November 25th – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and runs until World Human Rights Day on December 10th.

The $140 million boost is part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget, which committed a record $687 million over four years (including $80 million in Commonwealth funding) to improve victim safety and reduce family violence reoffending. For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).

TAFE NSW Forbes New Course: TAFE NSW Forbes has an exciting new course available face to face in 2022, Certificate II Salon Assistant. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to aid with client services in a hairdressing salon. This course will be run on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am until 4pm for 1 Semester. Start date: 2/2/2022 – End Date: 16/6/2022

Saturday December 4 Riverside Community Gardens: On Saturday December 4th, there will be a presentation morning tea at the Riverside Community Gardens from 10am. Donations will be made to Forbes & District Town Band, Forbes Toy Library, 97.9 Valley FM Community Radio, Forbes and District Lions and Forbes Rotary Club.

‘First Lap’ Swim Voucher Extended To Kindy Kids! The NSW Government’s new learn to swim voucher program will be expanded from preschool-aged children to include kindergarten kids who missed out on lessons due to COVID restrictions.

From December 1st, eligible children aged 3-6 can access a $100 ‘First Lap’ voucher for swimming lessons with an approved provider. Find out more and get signed up to the program mailing list: www. sport.nsw.gov.au/firstlap

$6 Million WNSWLHD Rural Health Boost: Regional and rural communities across NSW will benefit from more investment including $6 million for biomedical equipment upgrades across the Western NSW Local Health District. In a real win for the region, Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the additional funding will help deliver more health services, jobs and infrastructure needed in the bush.

 

Boys To The Bush Help Out During Floods: In another outstanding initiative, Boys To The Bush, Nathan Corliss and some guys were on hand cooking a BBQ last week for hungry flood affected victims and volunteers. It was exactly what was needed at the time and didn’t go unnoticed. We are lucky to have such a tremendous organisation around these parts!

White Ribbon Event At Binaal Billa: Yesterday Binaal Billa held a White Ribbon Day event to acknowledge the pandemic of male driven domestic violence towards women. Currently, 1 in 6 women (1.6 million) have experienced physical violence or sexual violence by a current or previous partner since the age of 15. Sadly, one woman a week dies at the hands of a man known to her. Locally, Binaal Billa remains on the front foot and their efforts have been tremendous. Well done to Deb and the team.

Northparkes Indigenous Scholarships Open: Northparkes Indigenous Scholarships are now open for applications with up to $10,000 for technical degrees and $5000 non-technical. Applications close Friday December 31 and info can be obtained from www.northparkes.com

Congratulations On 50 Years Betty! When we discuss institutions around Forbes one that comes to mind is Betty Trevorrow who last week celebrated 50 years as a legal secretary at Kneebone & Associates. A big congratulations on an outstanding achievement and here’s to many years more!

Community Gardens Special Days Planned: On Saturday December 4th, there will be a presentation morning tea at the Riverside Community Gardens from 10am. Donations will be made to five local community groups with donations from the profit raised from the Costa Open Day on May 29 this year. All groups invited are attending and include – Forbes & District Town Band, Forbes Toy Library, 97.9 Valley FM Community Radio, Forbes and District Lions and Forbes Rotary Club. Donation amounts will be revealed on the day as will the bright new T-shirts displaying the Community Gardens groups new promotional flags.

More Training Offered: Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, has announced more than 3,500 fee free training places will initially be offered across 40 different short courses to prepare for the busy Christmas retail period with more places to be added based on demand. Visit – https://bit.ly/2YAaQFn

It is becoming a habit the past few years – first COVID-19 and now floods, have been the reason our essential service personnel are stepping up to the plate once again. One can only marvel at our amazing volunteers and support staff.

From the Lachlan SES Forbes Unit to Forbes Hospital and Health staff to Forbes Police and Forbes RFS – everyone has come together again when the community has needed it most. It is what makes our essential workers incredible – the selflessness and utilitarian belief that helping your neighbour eventually means everyone can succeed. It’s also what makes Forbes unique and it has been on show again this week – our spirit. A spirit no disaster can break.

By the time many of you read this most of our volunteers will have been running on fumes all week. They are tired and giving it their best – for all of us. We appreciate all you do for our little town – thank you!