Question of the Week

How do you plan to survive and thrive over the Easter period?

April 9, 2020 By editor

Tina Bray: I work and walk around the lake a whole lot more than usual.

Tiarna Clathier: I’m going to exercise and I bought a colour-in book to keep me busy.

How can you support a loved one who is battling depression?

March 13, 2020 By editor

Geoff Chase: Those with depression can hide it outside the family, at home it’s a different story. Softly, softly-more nurturing and understanding the symptoms. Communication can break the isolation, talk to someone who has been through it.

Craig Semple: The biggest thing is empathy, understanding over pity. Ask them how you can support them, like giving them space or a hug, can give a sense of control. Don’t just assume you know what’s best.

Chris Wilson: Encourage getting help, don’t force, just support. It is an illness.

What does gender equality mean to you?

March 6, 2020 By editor

Moana Duggen: Being treated with the same level of respect regardless of gender.

Tracey Mowbray: It’s a basic human right.

Sid James: Everything is equal, we share the jobs.

What is your fondest memory of school?

February 28, 2020 By editor

Bev Green: Only sport, that’s all I went for. I played all sports and was especially good at swimming.

Peter West: A bit like Bev, I was there for the sport but otherwise couldn’t wait to get out.

Alison Lockhart: I liked maths class the most, but I liked it all.

What does the Seniors Festival mean to you?

February 21, 2020 By editor

Sandra Nicholson: It is a celebration of the third age, where there is more time to take care of yourself.

Cheryl Shirvington: It means we are old, but more importantly, that we are acknowledged. There isn’t a whole lot on for only seniors, we often go unnoticed even though many seniors contribute a lot to the community. Which is why things like the Seniors Festival means a lot. We are so grateful to the Council for supporting Forbes seniors and activities such as Tai Chi for the health and wellbeing of Forbes residents, young and old.

Alison Baker: Opportunities and friendships. The community of Forbes is wonderful, we are very lucky to live here and be part of this.

What do you look forward to, in growing older?

February 14, 2020 By editor

Donna Cain: More downtime, hopefully.

Maree Yapp: Working less in a paid role and do- ing more with volunteer organisations.

Lucy Pearce: The opportunity to spend more time volunteering in the community.

What are some ways you can support drought stricken communities?

February 7, 2020 By editor

Andrew and Virginia Rice visited Forbes, from Parkes, to attend the ‘We’re Still Here’ Tour.

Andrew Rice: Generally supporting community events, not everything needs to be free. It is a good idea to have a variety of options for people, but we are happy to pay modest fees for events like this (Tom Curtain tour).

Virginia Rice: Having new events brought in and giving people the opportunity to travel and attend various shows, concerts, festivals brings a significant amount to rural economies when they spend on food, tickets, accommodation etc.

Leonie Miles: Give more support in helping. Being on the farm in floods it meant a lot when people offer to help mend fences or look after the cows or even having someone to talk to.Help doesn’t always have to involve money.

What does being Australian mean to you?

January 31, 2020 By editor

Julie Kearney: Safety. We are safe from the rest of the world.

Glen Kearney: It means everything to me, I’m proud to be Australian.

Dan Wright: The great part of being Australian is that my family and I are safe wherever we go. We have so many opportunities and experiences at our fingertips.