Pipe’s Laid At Goldridge Estate: Work is well underway on the installation of Goldridge Estate’s sewer infrastructure. “Forbes Shire Council is committed to delivering for the community and this project will deliver much needed residential land with all the associated services to ensure Forbes can continue to grow and thrive,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. The Strategic Planning Statement 2040 released earlier this year identified extensive future growth within Forbes, specifically in the northwest area (where the new estate is located) which is attractive to buyers due to being well out of the flood zone.

Life In Colour Art Exhibition: Don’t forget the Life In Colour Art Exhibition until December 4 at the Platypus Gallery, 111 Lachlan St. Forbes. It is amazing! More info at www.forbesartssociety.com

Chelsie Farmer Fundraiser A Success! Well done to everyone who helped raise $30,000 for the CHELSIE FARMER FUNDRAISER last week! It was a great effort by the Forbes community supporting such a good cause. A big thank you to the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel and all the businesses who jumped on board to support Chelsie and her family during this difficult time.

White Ribbon Day Today: White Ribbon Day is today November 19 and the day is about shining a light on the concerning and alarming DV rates and the ongoing epidemic of men’s violence towards women. Get involved today with any number of events across the region. Go to – www.whiteribbon.org.au

Australia Day Nominations Open: Austrlia Day nominations are open and categories include the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. The awards are open to residents across the Forbes Shire. Nominations close at 5pm, Sunday 9 January 2022 and can be sent to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Great Work Forbes Dominos! Forbes Dominos has struck again, this time donating pizzas to Forbes Police, Forbes Hospital and Lachlan SES Forbes Unit volunteers! Great effort Tre Griffin and the team for supporting our essential servicemen and women!

NAIDOC Celebrations: Last week Forbes Public School students and other schools and groups across the region acknowledged NAIDOC Week after various cancellations and postponements due to COVID. You can see some fabulous work on display at the Lachlan Street fence at Forbes Public School! Well done everyone!

Cenwesttours Forbes helping the ill

If you are a friend or a relative of someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, please let the team at Cenwest tours Forbes know so they can take you or your loved one on an idyllic one-hour countryside Forbes Sunset Tour in their beautiful limousine absolutely FREE.

The team at Cenwesttours Forbes love Forbes and those that have supported them over the years and want to give back to such a caring community. The tour includes a bottle of wine of your choice plus a cheese platter on the banks of the AMAZING Lake Forbes all totally free of charge. Times like this, lasting memories are most appreciated. Cenwesttours Forbes, really are going the extra mile! Great work!

Fundraiser for Chelsie today at the Golfy

Come down to the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel TODAY November 12 from 4pm and help raise some much-needed funds to help support Chelsie Farmer and her family. Chelsie was involved in a very serious and traumatic motorbike accident and suffered severe life-threatening injuries on 22nd October. She has a long road ahead of her and her recovery journey will be even longer. 100% proceeds will go to the family and Chelsie – see you there! Stevie, Rheeba and Sabrina.

Are you a new mum or new mum to Forbes?

Forbes Community Health will be running a Telehealth Virtual new mum’s group for all the first-time mum’s or mum’s new to the area. This is a great way to meet new people, get advice or support and even make lifelong friendships. The group is on Monday’s from 10am for another 5 weeks. For registration details mum’s can contact Jane on 6850 7300 or via email jane.omalley@health.nsw.gov.au

Child and Family Health Nurse

A drop-in clinic is held every Tuesday at Forbes Preschool. Entrance is via the side of Preschool near the Tennis Court. No Appointments are necessary and your child or siblings do not need to be enrolled at Forbes Preschool to see the CFHN. CFHNs can do Blue Book checks and assist on a range of topics from breastfeeding to developmental milestones. COVID-19 precautions in place including QR code check-in. For more Information please contact Denise via email denise.hopkins@health.nsw.gov.au or phone 6850 7305. Alternatively, you may contact Forbes Community Health Reception on 6850 7300.

 

Last Drinks For Grant And Kim At The Van

After 19 years Grant and Kim Clifton will be clocking off the last time at Forbes most well-known pub – the Vandenberg Hotel. “It is time for us to hand it over to new owners,” they said in a statement on their Facebook page last week.

“What an amazing 19 years we have had here in Forbes, reinvigorating the “Old Van” that will hopefully give it another 100 plus years of trade!”

The popular local couple also paid tribute to the many punters that have graced the beautiful old bar since they took over in 2002/3. “To our loyal customers, our fantastic staff both present and past, our families and friends we say a big thank you for helping us achieve what we set out to and that is to create a great country pub!”

The new owners were due to start sooner except for COVID however it is all action stations now as restrictions have eased across NSW. “We wish the new owners every success and we hope the Vandenberg Hotel gives them as much as it has given us but now it’s onto our new adventures!”

New Payment Help Women Escape Violent Relationships

The Federal Government has announced a new one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help women establish a life free of violence. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed this saying “No-one should have to put up with violent relationships and what’s more they should not be condemned to staying in violent relationships because they can’t afford to leave”.

Women can apply for the payment through the UnitingCare Network. More information is available at unitingvictas.org.au/escaping-violence-payment

Regional Banking Taskforce Established

A Regional Banking Taskforce has been established by the Federal Government to assess the impact of bank branch closures on regional communities. The Taskforce will bring together banks and other key stakeholders to assess how bank branch closures have impacted local communities and work collaboratively to identify possible solutions.

Minister for Regionalisation Bridget McKenzie said the taskforce will provide a platform to establish how branch closures, has affected those living in the regions. “As we have heard, bank branch closures in the regions also affect the liveability of towns, and so I am pleased to announce this Taskforce will be looking at how we can keep banking services in rural Australia.”

The Co-Chairs of the Taskforce are: Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing the Hon. Michael Sukkar (as Co-Chair) reporting to the Treasurer and Senator Perin Davey (as Co-Chair) reporting to the Minister for Regionalisation, the Hon. Bridget McKenzie.

The Taskforce will hold its first meeting in early November and will release an issues paper for public consultation.

Small Business Grants Available

The NSW Government is helping small businesses bounce back from the pandemic with up to $640,000 in grants available to help organisations host events to generate new ideas and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Grants of up to $2,500 for local councils and $3,500 for chambers of commerce, industry associations and not-for-profit groups are available to help them organise events for the fifth NSW Small Business Month in March 2022. Further details on how small businesses and supporters can participate in NSW Small Business Month will be released soon. For more information visit: smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au

LVW Says Flooding Could Have Been Averted

It’s the elephant in the room and Lachlan Valley Water believes the ongoing flooding across the Lachlan Valley could have been averted if Wyangala Dam wall had been raised sooner.

The Wyangala Dam Wall Raising Project when complete will increase the dam’s capacity by 53 per cent – or an additional 650 gigalitres. The proposed project will see the dam wall height also raised, increasing the (FSL) Full Supply Level by approximately 10 metres.

Rain consistently across the year, water releases from Wyangala together with downstream tributary inflows has seen plenty of water flow through the Lachlan creating ongoing flooding.

 

Brett’s As Aussie As The Biscuit

Recently, Brett Clarke, one of the workers at Aussie Biscuits, celebrated his 35th year at the not-for-profit, and says the camaraderie is what makes his job so awesome. “The feeling that I get when I walk into work, it always makes me feel good,” he said. “Oh, and all the talking we do is good exercise – works the jaw bones!” Outside of work, Brett’s big loves are his dogs (Suzie, Sparky, The Big Oof, Molly, Wolly, and Peaches) and his pet python George, who’s only given him a ‘love bite’ once! www.aussiebiscuits.com.au

Old Abbies Site Sold

It’s been sitting there since 2003 but now the site of the former abattoir on the northern side of town has been sold, and developers have a big vision for the near half a million-acre property to the delight of Mayor Phyllis Miller. In an online social media post, the Mayor announced the sale and touched on the fact developers had already “put out feelers.”

“They hope to re-purpose the old abattoir site and they’ve got some great ideas meaning this is going to be another amazing development in Forbes.”

Paul Johnston is based in Forbes and involved in the redevelopment of the property with Rob Britt from Brisull Investments who is based in Sydney.

$250 Thank You Vouchers

If you’re Forbes resident with school-aged children in 2021 then the good news is you are due to receive a $250 “thank you” from the State Government as part of the NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy released last week. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the vouchers are to stimulate economic activity in cities and regions with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses and communities. Only families who had a school-aged child in 2021 will receive the bonus which will be available in the form of vouchers from Service NSW in March.

RDA Appoints New CEO

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) has welcomed Mr. Wayne Sunderland as CEO. Mr. Sunderland, who has a strong background in business and leadership, said he is dedicated to continuing the work of his predecessor Mr. Sam Harma. “I look forward to working with the team at RDA Central West and forming new connections across all levels of government, the private sector and our local community organisations.”

Flummeries Available Through Lions

The Forbes N District Lions have now got stocks of Christmas Cakes and Puddings at a number of locations around Forbes and Parkes. These cakes are made by a contractor to their own special recipe, so you won’t get these cakes anywhere else.

Lions Cakes Chairperson, Neil Lambert and his trusty assistant, Ian Acret have been out and about this week delivering cakes to our stockists. Get in fast as these goodies won’t last and are an ideal additive to your Xmas shopping list while also supporting the community re-open from COVID and lockdowns.

Farewell Scott Mclachlan

He has become a familiar face with his daily COVID updates over the past three months for the local health district, but last week Scott McLachlan announced he was leaving the region. Scott has been in the role as Chief Executive of the Western NSW Local Health District for the past eight years. He will be leaving on 10th November to take up the role of Chief Executive of the Central Coast Local Health District.

“This was my first posting as a Chief Executive. While I’m looking forward to my new role, I will always be grateful to the people in our LHD team and communities who have supported me, and who I’ve learned so much from.”

Snakes Alive – 33 And Counting

Paul Newcombe, or Boo as he is known, announced earlier this year that he was retiring, but because of the demand he has caught 33 snakes this season. “I think the mouse plague definitely played a role,” Paul said.

He expects the breeding season to be very busy and his best advice if you’re within a metre of a snake to stand very still, and if you’re more than two metres away to back away very slowly.

His Facebook page called Snake Catch-er Forbes and Surrounding Areas, and he can be contacted on 0424 522 608. (If you have a bee swarm that needs to be moved, call Kevin Miles on 0487 912 332 or 6862 5302).

Mobile Kids Library Returns

Our friendly girls from Binaal Billa will be helping run the Yoorana Gunya Mobile Children’s Library every Monday from 3.30pm – 4.30pm. Call Binaal Billa for more information 6850 1234 and connect with the Mobile Children’s Library team today!

 

 

 

New Chamber Promo Has Begun!

Introducing Shirley to Esme’ – these diverse female caricatures will become part of the Forbes business landscape as of this week until the end of October. Originally, the ladies were a part of a NSW Women’s Gathering Celebration which was postponed due to COVID. They are available for collection via the Forbes Business Chamber at the display shop next to KHub.

Big Elections Looming

Local government elections are on December 4 with candidate registrations opening from October 25 and closing November 12. As a result of postponements due to COVID, the current councillors have now served nearly six years, and accordingly, the next term will be a reduced one. All FSC councillors will stand for re-election except Cr Grant Clifton and Cr Susan Chau who has since moved. If you are running for council let us know! Email: editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Recovery Support Available For Riverina

Further support is available for primary industries in the Riverina electorate affected by storms and floods earlier this year through the $80 million Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program, which is now open for applications. Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack urged eligible industries affected by the February and March 2021 storm and flood events to apply for support. For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/StormFloodRecovery Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au

A Million Reasons To Care

It’s National Carers Week and this year’s theme is ‘Mil-lions of Reasons to Care’ which aims to bring attention to the 2.65 million carers around the country who provide outstanding care and support to their loved ones. Find out more at: www.carersweek.com.au

Online Workshop For L Driver Supervisors

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be hosting an online workshop for parents and other supervisors of local learner drivers, full of practical advice and information about completing the 120 hours of supervised driving.

The free ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop is scheduled for Wednesday 27 October from 5.30pm and 75mins long.

The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Log-book including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver and more.

 

 

Australia Day Awards Are Now Open!

Forbes Shire Councils invites all members of the community to nominate an outstanding member of our community for the annual Australia Day Awards! The Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards recognise and reward those Shire residents who have displayed a consistent record of excellence, who have made outstanding achievements in their field and who have made a significant contribution to our community. The awards are open to residents across the Forbes Shire.

Nominations are now open, closing at 5pm, Sunday January 9th, 2022. It would be great to see the festivities at our new space in Lions Park!

Additionally, for all Australia Day information please keep your eye on the below link, which will be updated to reflect all the fun things we have planned for this upcoming Australia Day!

www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/our-community/australia-day/australia-day-celebrations

 

Lions Doing Their Part For Sick Kids

Be it a Tsunami in Indonesia, an Earthquake in Haiti, presenting a mobility system to a disabled child or a Hearing Dog to a hearing-impaired older person – Lions have been supporting communities and causes for decades especially in Forbes and the Central West.

Now childhood cancer research is getting a $1.05 million boost thanks to Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. The latest project is $1.05 million of funding to the Telethon Kids Institute to support the Centre’s vital research aimed at improving survival rates, longevity and quality of life for children with cancer. Over the past 10 years, the Australian Lions Childhood Research Foundation has raised over $10 million for childhood cancer research.

From September 2019 to December 2020 the Lions Clubs of Australia also provided nearly $5,000,000 assistance to farmers in the Central West and Western areas of NSW.

Earlier, in 2016, the Lions Clubs of Australia and International provided flood relief funding right here in Forbes. These funds were administered by the local Forbes and District Lions Club.

So if you need an outlet for your kindness or want to get involved with Lions or this cause you can as Lions support numerous groups and missions.

Forbes Vax Rates Climbing

Forbes continues to perform well with strong numbers for both first and second dose vaccinations. Remember 2nd dose AZ is available this weekend and COVID surveillance tests are ongoing. See vax chart on page 1 for figures.

 

Smart Farms Small Grants Round Now Open

A new round of the Federal Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants Program is now open to eligible Riverina and Central West organisations and individuals.

The final round of Smart Farms Small Grants program will fund a diverse range of soil extension activities across Australia. Under this round, multiple activities may be applied for in the one application. Grants are available for between $100,000 to $250,000 per activity and will be delivered over two years. Applicants may apply for a maximum of $2 million per application. This round of funding will close at 9pm on 12 October 2021.

Boost For Food And Garden Waste Collection

More household food and garden waste will be kept out of landfill, thanks to $12 million in grant funding for councils across the State.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said the funding supports the NSW Government’s commitment to halve the amount of organic waste sent to landfill and reach net zero emissions from organic waste in landfill by 2030.“Each year more than a third of waste sent to landfill in NSW is food – with the average NSW household throwing away $2,500 worth, ” Mr Kean said.

The funding, available through the Organics Collections program, can also be used to support the purchase of new infrastructure such as wheelie bins and kitchen caddies, or for community education campaigns.

Since 2013, more than $26 million has been awarded to 62 projects through the program. Go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-environmental-trust/grants-available/organics-collections

Wiradjuri Mural Project At Forbes Public

Forbes Public School P&C Association has received a grant for $5000 to enhance community connection and cultural identity via Forbes Public School students painting a mural with a local Wiradjuri Indigenous artist. They were one of ninety locally-led initiatives that were funded and are set to strengthen remote, rural communities across Australia by sharing in $1,057,044 in funding, thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant program.

TAFE Comms Short Course Taking Enrolments

TAFE NSW Forbes is looking for interest in a Statement in Communication Online short course for Term 4. Content for the course will include using social media, email and zoom. Cost will be $125. To register interest, please complete the link on the TAFE NSW Forbes Facebook page.

Forbes Olympic Pool Set To Open Soon

Forbes Shire Council is happy to report the Forbes Olympic Pool will be opening at the beginning of October for the season. There will be some new rules in place to ensure we are all COVIDSafe so keep an eye on the Forbes Shire Council website and social media pages for more. With summer temps expected to be humid and warm, the local pool will be very popular again this summer and residents are asked to ensure they familiarise themselves with the new rules to protect the entire community.

Carrawobitty Manor Sold

It is one of the most beautiful houses in the Forbes Shire and now it has been sold. Carrawobbity, approximately 13kms on the Bedgerabong Road, west of Forbes, has been sold by Michael Robinson Real Estate for previous owners Ken and Monica Wren. The house has had some magnificent work done to it during the time the Wren family have had it. From holding retreats and workshops to hosting reunions and film crews – the beautiful idyllic homestead is a sight to behold and has some stories to tell. All the best Ken and Monica for the future and the next chapter of your life!

Shared Pathway Complete

The shared pathway in Johnson Street, Baldock Street and Barton Street has been completed in line with Council’s Strategic Plan to link the northern end of Forbes with the CBD. An additional 262m of shared pathway is now completed and looks great. From all reports it has already been getting a fair workout!

 

 

YOUTH SURVEY RESULTS IN

Forbes Shire Council was blown away with the responses received in our latest Youth Survey – with 51 coffee vouchers waiting to be claimed!

• 44/51 young people believed that Mental Health Awareness programs would be most beneficial to the Shire’s youth.

• Majority of young people believed that money was the biggest barrier to learning new skills and a lack of promotion was the main reason for young people not attending events or playing sports!

• 40/51 responses did not access services because they do not know what services are available!

• Knowledge about how to rent houses, general handyman skills and how to manage credit cards were the skills young people believed they lacked when leaving school!

• Young people stated that lack of training, knowledge in how to apply and having access to transportation to find employment.

To claim your prize – Inbox your name and address to have your coffee voucher delivered straight to your door!

If you would like any additional information, please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 6850 2300.

DEMENTIA WEEK

It’s Dementia Action Week. This year’s theme is “A little support makes a big difference”. This year, the focus will also be on supporting and celebrating carers of people living with dementia. Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years. Go to the Dementia Australia website at https://discrimination.dementia.org.au/

ELECTION CANDIDATE REGO INFO

A reminder that if you’re running as a candidate or group at the 2021 Local Government elections, you must register with the NSW Electoral Commission before accepting political donations or making payments for electoral expenditure. Register now through Funding and Disclosure Online: https://bit.ly/3DVnheE. Applying to register online is simple and fast. Registration closes on Wednesday, 3 November 2021.

TOWN HALL PROGRESS

Due to the cancellation of recent events at the Town Hall, the works at the kichenette have been able to continue uninterrupted. The Bar area is complete and the gyprock and other exterior features are now being fitted for the kitchenette. We all look forward to welcoming weddings, functions and performances back into the beautiful Town Hall soon!

 

 

CENTRAL WEST VACCINATION RATES

As of last Monday, 8 of the 11 local government areas (LGAs) are now above 80% vaccination for 1st dose and the remaining three LGA’s are now over 70% heading towards 80% quickly. Following the successful ADF vaccination walk-in clinics across the region, the rollout of the clinics 2nd Pfizer dose starts across the region this week. So, please book your vaccination tomorrow, if you’ve not done so already. You can check your eligibility and book a vaccine online here: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines. Importantly, NSW Health has announced that the interval between doses for AZ has now been reduced to a minimum of 4 weeks (down from 12 weeks), for everyone across NSW.

FORBES SHOW DEADLINE 20TH SEPTEMBER

After such a wonderful response to the pavilion online competition we are pleased to announce the Forbes Online Show Livestock and Pet section entries are open from now until the 20/9/21. Please send entries to our Facebook page or email forbesshow@gmail.com

INSURANCE REMINDER

Message to all Home and Caravan Owners! It’s important to always be prepared for floods if you live in the Lachlan River area. Now’s the time to get prepared. Make sure your insurance is adequate to your situation and risk and up to date. Visit the Insurance Council of Australia website.

CENTRAL WEST PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

‘There’s no place like home’ is this year’s theme for Regional Development Australia Central West’s (RDA Central West) annual photography competition. Applicants are encouraged to capture the essence of their hometown. Entry is free and open to all ages and photographic abilities. Entries close at 5pm on Friday, 24th September. More information is available at www.rdacentralwest.org.au

MICE SET TO RETURN

As we head into spring, landholders are encouraged to control mice at the first sign of crop damage to reduce numbers prior to harvest. To help cover the cost of baiting, eligible primary producers can apply for a rebate of 50% on zinc phosphide purchases, up to $10,000. To find out more visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au/ NSW Farmers NSW Rural Assistance Authority NSW Department of Primary Indus-tries. And remember lots of mice means more snakes like the 2m Brown (pictured) our out-of-retirement Forbes Snake-catcher caught this week in Parkes!