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!

AMAZING TALENT ON SHOW: It may not have been the Forbes Show as we have come to know it, but that didn’t stop a plethora of online entries coming through for a range of categories from children’s landscape photography to cooking and decorating cupcakes. Full winners list and photos on the Forbes Show NSW Facebook page.

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK: It’s National Child Protection Week and NSW Police are encouraging people in their community to ensure every child is getting a fair go. ThinkUKnow Australia is an evidence-based education program led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), delivered nationally in partnership with po-lice and industry partners to prevent online child exploitation. Stay informed about online safety by visiting – www.esafety.gov.au or www.thinkuknow.org.au/ #noexcuseforabuse #speakup

MEALS ON WHEELS: Did you know that anyone can buy meals from Forbes Meals on Wheels? Ask them about their meals today as they have a solution for you! Call 6851 4204 or call into 7 Harold Street – the building with the green picket fence. For more info go to their website www.nswmealsonwheels.org.au

R U OKAY DAY: R U OKAY Day was held this week on Thursday September 9 in a more subdued fashion than previous years due to COVID restrictions. The theme for 2021 was Are They Really Okay? In light of burgeoning numbers of people relying on mental health services – especially since the most recent restrictions, people are encouraged to stay connected online to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation. Eight people commit suicide in Australia every day. For more info go to – www.ruok.org.au/get-involved

LEARNING LADDER LOOKING FOR CAMERAS: Got any old cameras you no longer need? Forbes Learning Ladder Echidna Room is looking for old digital cameras for the children to make a museum. There will be a box out the front until today for those who have cameras. Ensure all SD cards and cords are removed before delivery.

VALE CAPTAIN BRUCE ACRET: Retired Captain Bruce Acret (1545) formerly of 294 Station Forbes passed last week. He will be sorely missed with the local station whirring the siren in respect for Bruce who served from October 1963 until his retirement in July 2001. Our condolences to the families who bid farewell to Bruce in a private family funeral service.

 

 

MAKING BUYING LAND FAIR: Forbes Shire Council has taken the steps to address housing shortages in the Forbes region by opening up a new residential estate on the edge of town, Goldridge Estate. The first release will be offered for sale off the plan through a ballot system. The ballot system is the fairest and most transparent way the Council can sell residential lots to the public.
“Phase one will see seven lots up for grabs and the lot prices are set at market value of $149,000, which allows the buyer to purchase the lot without the risk of a higher bidder obtaining the lot,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.
“To participate in the ballot residents must talk to their preferred real estate agent. Once the registration form has been submitted, the potential buyer is then entered into the ballot and given a unique ballot number. It will be just like a lottery draw!” Registration for the ballot opens 9am Friday 3 September and closes 4.45pm Friday 24 September.

FEEDBACK AND IDEAS WANTED: Let’s get creative Forbes! Tell us what you would like to name a street in our latest Industrial land development, Central West Industrial Park. Choose your favourite agricultural related name for us to use as a street name. Head over to our Your Say platform for more information and to make your name suggestion count. https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/name-the-central-west-industrial-park-street

UPDATE TO THE SINGLE BUBBLE RULE: If you live alone – which means there are no other adults who live in the same home – you can have a nominated visitor and you do NOT need to register your nominated visitor. A nominated visitor is: One person (and their dependent children, if there is no alternative care) can visit you on more than one occasion, is not a nominated visitor for another person and lives in a stay at home area in regional NSW (allowing travel between regional LGAs).

DOMINOS SPECIAL DELIVERY FOR ADF: Domino’s said a massive thank you to the ADF on the weekend for traveling to us and providing the vaccine for over 79% of Forbes population “After hearing the ladies at the front saying they worked all weekend and long hours providing vaccine for us, we wanted to brighten up their day by providing ten large free pizzas to say thanks,” said Marketing Manager Tre Griffin.

 

Tip Times During Lockdown: Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has expressed her gratitude for the patience of Forbes residents while the Forbes Landfills have been closed this week to residential rubbish disposal. The details of the opening hours and special conditions can be found on the Forbes Shire Council website at – www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/news/august-2021/tip-times-during-covid-lockdown

Permits For Travel To Regional NSW: A permit system for some travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW has taken effect from 12.01am on Saturday 21 August. Permit applications will be made available on the Service NSW website. Due to ongoing concerns about community transmission in some regional areas, stay-at-home orders in place for regional NSW have been extended until 12.01am on 28 August 2021, in line with orders for the Greater Sydney area. Everyone must stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. NSW Health urges people to continue to be tested immediately with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms. There are more than 450 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.

To find your nearest testing clinic, visit the NSW Government website: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics.

Donato: Survey Says We’re Still Second-Class Citizens: Member for Orange Philip Donato MP yesterday shared survey results which, disappointingly, indicate that frontline workers and vulnerable people from country NSW are exposed while waiting for the call to have their COVID-19 vaccinations rescheduled.

“Following the foolish decision by the Premier and her Deputy to redirect Pfizer vaccines from regional NSW to the city, I received a flood of messages from country folk whose scheduled COVID-19 vaccination had been cancelled,” Mr Donato said.

“Gladys Berejiklian and John Barilaro’s decision to redirect Regional NSW’s much-needed vaccines to Sydney for year 12 school students, knowing that many vulnerable people and frontline health workers were still waiting to be vaccinated – was entirely reckless.”

“To get a more accurate snapshot of the vaccination interruptions caused, I recently launched a survey,” he said. “I thank the hundreds of respondents for participating. The results support the feedback I was receiving but are very troubling to me”. The survey shows nearly 80% of respondents had their scheduled vaccination cancelled.