Living & Lifestyle

Western NSW Businesses Urged To Register For Dine & Discover

March 26, 2021 By editor

Business NSW is encouraging businesses across Western NSW in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors to register for the NSW Government’s Dine & Discover program.

The call comes as the four $25 vouchers have started to become available in several Local Government Areas across regional NSW this week.

“This was a popular announcement from last year’s State Budget, and it’s important our region’s businesses in tourism, hospitality and entertainment register now to benefit from the program,” said Business NSW, Regional Manager – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe.

“No one needs extra encouragement to have a meal out or enjoy some downtime after the past year, so I encourage Western NSW businesses to register now so they can reap the rewards when the program opens here soon,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Customers are likely to spend much more than the $25 the voucher provides, and they have the opportunity of opening their business up to a whole new potential client base and encourage repeat visitation.”

There will be two distinct categories of voucher, ensuring as many businesses as possible can benefit from the program.

“Two vouchers can be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays,” said Ms Seccombe.

New Free Cuppa For The Driver Website

December 11, 2020 By editor

A new website has been launched for the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme.

The website lists the participating businesses, features a new frequently asked questions page, and provides information about managing driver fatigue and much more.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the new website will be of tremendous value to visiting drivers and participating businesses alike.

“The new website will help to make it easier for drivers to find a participating business. The full list of the businesses participating in 2021 is now live.”

“So, go ahead and see who’s participating in your area and support your local businesses that support road safety,” said Melanie. The scheme, which has been operating since 2010, runs from 1 March to 31 May annually and offers free cuppas to visiting drivers at participating businesses.

In 2021, there will be 105 businesses in 52 towns across 16 local Councils, stretching from Moree in the North, down to the Victorian border, west to Wentworth as far East as the lower Blue Mountains.

Visit www.freecuppa.com.au to plan where to stop over the holidays.

Forbes Celebrating NAIDOC

October 30, 2020 By editor

NAIDOC celebrations will go ahead in Forbes in November.

The Forbes Aboriginal community has come together once again to plan a COVID-safe celebration for NAIDOC this year. Committee members from Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Forbes Wiradjuri Rangers, Amaroo, CatholicCare and Council as well as community members and representatives from local schools have joined forces to design a family-friendly celebration to be held at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre on Friday, 13 November from 4.30pm – 8pm.

The event will feature a range of free activities including traditional art, dancing, storytelling, and language as well as art and craft activities, jumping castles and bungee trampolines plus the chance to win some amazing prizes. There will be a range of food options available including a free barbecue and a variety of food vans to choose from.

“We are really excited to still be able to hold this event,” said Committee Chairperson Debbie Gaudie. “When we first started planning, we weren’t sure what would be happening with restrictions, but we have worked hard to make sure the event is COVID-safe for everyone and can still go ahead.”

“There will be plenty of hand sanitiser available, and we will be fencing off the entire event area with only one entry and one exit with QR code or paper sign in on entry. This will make sure we can manage numbers and make sure we have details for contact tracing as required by the State Government,” Debbie said. “All our activities will be run in a COVID-safe way.”

Attendees will be invited to complete a NAIDOC Celebration passport by completing each of the activities available on the day. The first 50 children to complete the activities on the day will win a fishing rod, kindly donated by DPI Fisheries. In addition, all completed passports will be entered into the draw to win an amazing prize pack from Forbes Shire Council.

Prompt, Proactive And Accurate Advice At David Bicket

July 3, 2020 By editor

David Bicket CPA is your local go to business for all taxation, accounting, financial and business issues. No job is too big or too small. They also specialise in succession, retirement and estate planning matters.

Since 2002, David and his staff have been servicing the needs of a diverse client base with their knowledge and expertise well recognised. With an understanding that no two businesses are the same and requires different levels of support, the firm can be relied upon for prompt, proactive and accurate advice delivered in a friendly and personal manner.

The staff members include Toni Hall, Lisa Bicket and Michael Reilly. Toni has been with the firm for over 13 years and specialises in all small business accounting software packages. Since 2002 Lisa has been the backbone of the business as office administrator/allrounder. Michael brings a wealth of professional, practical and commercial experience to the practice. Michael, a born and bred Parkes local, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and spent time in Sydney before returning where he was part of a major Forbes-based accounting practice in the 1990s.

Call today and make an appointment for your financial and taxation needs.

A Windfall For Book Lovers!

May 15, 2020 By editor

Central West Libraries has ramped up local access to online digital content in the wake of COVID-19 to help locals stay entertained through self-isolation. With the launch of an innovative new platform indyreads, Forbes library members can now access over 11,000 new ebooks and audiobooks from home.

Developed by the State Library of NSW, indyreads gives members 24/7 access to a range of eBooks, including fiction titles by well-known and popular authors, poetry collections, cookbooks, educational books, local studies resources and more.

“Indyreads also includes books from independent Australian and international publishers as well as the best examples of self-publishing, offering communities a greater diversity of stories,” says Ross Balharrie, indyreads project coordinator, State Library of NSW. “With indyreads library members can get a lot more variety – from high quality self-published works by local writers to international award-winning authors and modern classics,” says Ross.

According to Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards, “indyreads is a great addition to our library collection. I am particularly enjoying being able to access such a wealth of fiction by Australian authors”.

To access the collection visit www.cwl.nsw.gov.au To log onto indyreads you will need to:
• Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to use on your phone or tablet
• Choose ‘Central West Libraries’ from the drop-down list
• Type in your library card number
• Type in the password or PIN number associated with your library card.

Please call Central West Libraries on 6393 8132 if you require any assistance with your PIN number.

A Power Of Attorney That Endures

February 21, 2020 By editor

An enduring power of attorney authorises another person chosen by you to make decisions for you on legal and financial matters. You give that person full authority to act on your behalf. An enduring power of attorney is that it remains valid even if you become mentally incompetent.

You can limit the powers that you give to your attorney in the document. You can also limit it in time, and it can be revoked at any time, provided that you are mentally competent to do so.

You can appoint one or more persons. If you choose more than one attorney, you must decide whether they can act ‘jointly’ or ‘severally’. Jointly means that they must act together. Severally means that each attorney can make decisions by themselves and bind all other appointed attorneys. There are no set rules on whom you can appoint.

Unlike a general power of attorney, an enduring power must be witnessed by a solicitor, barrister or the registrar of the local court. In each case the witness must not work for, or have any close connection with, the person appointed as the attorney.

The power of attorney lasts until:
• You die
• You cancel it (and you have to be mentally competent to do this) by tearing it up and notifying the attorney that it is cancelled
• You become bankrupt
• A court cancels it

This is a complex legal field. If we at Matthews Williams can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.

By Mark Olson

Living and Lifestyle

August 24, 2017 By editor

The One-Stop Fashion Shop

Little Extras is excited to announce its new season fashion arrivals. New labels are arriving daily leading into the new spring racing season.

Brighten up your day with labels such as AKA, Sticks & Stones, Rollies and the beautiful scarf brand Frontrow Society, that can now be seen in store. Home of Raw wire wrapped crystal jewellery also on shelves ready for you.

New season trends are lending towards beautiful detailed sleeves in pastel colours with blush and soft pink still featuring strong. Also in stock are some favourite comfort brands such as Elm, Eb and Ive, Mink Pink and Mavi & Riders.

Don’t forget to grab a bargain at the 70% off winter clothing and footwear final clearance sale. Please call in and see one of the friendly girls for assistance with all your fashion and accessory needs.

Coloured Dot Sale At Painted Daisies

Painted Daisies Gift Shoppe is having a massive clearance sale on homewares, pillows and more today and tomorrow. Treat yourself, a friend or that special someone to beautiful gift items at affordable prices.

Sale merchandise is priced with coloured dots. Items marked with a red dot are selling at $20, green dots selling at $10 and yellow dots selling at $5.

More sales are on in-store with great prices to be found, including a selection of well-designed and practical products. You’ll be amazed at what you can find!

The India jute rug, a beautiful laundry basket, vases, cowhide bags and eye-popping candles reusable as succulents or as a cup are among the exquisite goods sold in this gem of a shop!

Take time this weekend for a browse – you might just find what you have been looking for or surprise yourself with something new. The sale ends tomorrow.

Are You The New Face Of Eyewear Specs?

May 25, 2017 By editor

Fiona Hayward of Eyewear Specs says having regular eye checks is the most important thing you can do to take care of your eyes.

Word of mouth has seen Fiona’s business grow since she opened the shop at 95 Rankin Street last year, and she is celebrating with a special offer for the Forbes community.

Right now, anyone who has an eye test and buys a pair of frames or glasses will get a second pair free. If you are willing to have your photo taken in your new glasses and have it posted on the Eyewear Specs Facebook page, you will be in the running to become the new face of Eyewear Specs.

Each month, the person whose photo has the most likes will receive a $100 voucher. At the end of the year, all names will go into the draw to win an iPad mini.

If you’ve noticed any changes in your eyes, Fiona says it’s important to have them checked as soon as possible.

You can have your eyes tested at the shop, or at any of Fiona’s mobile clinics around the Central West. Call Fiona on 6851 2299 to book or just drop in.

Italian Food In Forbes

May 25, 2017 By editor

Feeling like some great Italian food, drop in at Café Aglio e Olio next to Spotlight.

They have an extensive pizza menu with traditional, gourmet and even dessert pizzas. All pizzas have pomodoro and moz- zarella. Also on offer are risotto, tortellini boscaiola and garlic prawns. Call 6851 5522.

Tips To Survive Winter On A Budget

April 27, 2017 By editor

After such a hot summer it is hard to imagine feeling cold again, but as the weather starts to change, you will start feeling the chill of winter.

Here are seven tips to keep you warm this winter, without blowing your budget on heating bills.

1. BE STRATEGIC ABOUT WINDOWS AND CURTAINS
What time of day does the sun shine through your windows? When it does, open your curtains to soak up the heat. Once the sun’s gone, close them up to keep out the winter chill.

2. BECOME AN EXPERT ON YOUR HEATER
If you have heaters installed at your place, make sure they’re working correctly and that nothing is sitting in front of or on top of them. If you’re renting and the installed heaters aren’t working, remember that your landlord has a responsibility to make sure that they are. You should also find out if you have a gas or electric heater and then check if you’re getting a good deal from your energy supplier. The Australian Energy Regulator has some great online tools to help you com- pare the prices of different energy offers. If you plan on buying a heater, do some research.

3. SHUT UP UNUSED ROOMS

Keep the heat where you need it most by always shutting the doors on any rooms you’re not using, especially when you have the heater running.

4. GET DOOR DRAUGHT BLOCKERS

Cold air often creeps in underneath doors. Snake draught stoppers are a budget way of keeping out a lot of cold air. You can even make one yourself.

5. STAY WARM WHILE YOU SIT

You’re most likely to want to turn the heater up when you’re sitting still because your body temperature will naturally start to drop. Use a hot water bottle, blanket or beanie baby to prevent being tempted to turn the heater on while you’re lounging around.

6. COVER BARE FLOORS

Place rugs and mats on top of any bare floors to stop chill from rising.

7. SHOP SMART FOR WINTER CLOTHES
Don’t waste your budget – always read the labels when you shop for winter clothes. Avoid cotton and look for polyester (es- pecially polyester polar fleece), wool and things with down filling. Nylon is particular- ly good for windproof outer layers. There’s also no harm in getting some thermal un- derwear, for those extra chilly days.

Stay warm this winter and remember… there’s always an Aussie Summer waiting around the corner!

(Source: insiderguides.com.au)