Question of the Week

What does the Men’s Shed mean to you?

September 25, 2020 By editor

Norm Haley: It means getting guys together for mateship which helps us to open up about health and find help, it also opens minds up about mental health and looking out for their friends. I think it’s about sharing and receiving experiences to learn.

Paul Anders: Mateship, something to do that gets me out of the house, it’s a community within a community. Being isolated on a property is hard on mental health, so it’s good to get together with others to talk.

Allan Hilder: Gets me out of mother’s hair for doing jobs at home, drinking tea and coffee, telling lies and telling yarns. Most important is the camaraderie and it’s pleasing to work in the new shed.

What is your favourite Spring pastime?

September 18, 2020 By editor

Holly Bradley: BBQ’s.

Ella Bennetts: Lakewalks.

Alliya Bradley: Going to the waterpark.

What is your favourite thing about Spring?

September 4, 2020 By editor

Ken Masters: The weather.

Natalie Robb: Everything, being outside, all of the flowers, It makes me happy.

Renae Sims: Nothing, I get hayfever and the magpies are out swooping in Spring.

Are you concerned by, or celebrating the increased traffic in and around Forbes these school holidays?

July 17, 2020 By editor

Joyce Nash: No, no, I’m not concerned about it at all, it’s good to see.

Katherine Lance: I guess it’s good for local businesses, while everyone needs to be mindful of social distancing and hand sanitising, the extra business is needed in smaller towns.

Trudi Smart: A bit of both actually, I want our small businesses to thrive however, the concern of COVID-19 is still there, so I am on the fence.

Why choose country over city living?

June 26, 2020 By editor

Kristy Herford: Because I’m a country girl at heart, I’ve always loved it. I’d never go back to Sydney, it’s a lot cleaner and prettier out here.

Ruby Coote: It’s not busy and out here you know lots of people.

Kieren Mowbray: Because country towns feel safer, it’s a more relaxed atmosphere and kids have more freedom to run around.

What is your message to the public during these turbulent times?

June 19, 2020 By editor

Chief Inspector David Cooper, Central West Police District: This year has certainly been one of challenges – as we all battled our way through a devastating drought and then the catastrophic bushfires – we thought things were finally starting to look up. Then COVID-19 hit and life has not been the same since. What these things have really shown is that our communities are adaptive, strong and resilient. What was considered “normal” in our day-to-day lives may never be the same again, but we have all managed to adapt and change the way we do things.

Internationally the “Black Lives Matter” movement has come to the fore and has brought with it many conversations. The actions of some police from overseas, as portrayed in the media, appear abhorrent. What I can say is that the police support our community because they are part of the community. Our police and community relations are strong and have been built over many years. Police rely on the community for their support just as much as the community relies on police to maintain law and order. I look forward to continue working with the community as we move forward and face the challenges together.

What will you miss the most post lockdown?

June 12, 2020 By editor

Margaret Vogelsang: What I’ll miss is the low rate of influenza infection in NSW. I’m afraid the rates will go up when people forget to wash their hands and keep their social distance.

Fred Vogelsang: I think people got closer together as a community during lockdown, and I hope we don’t lose that.

What should replace Target in Forbes?

June 5, 2020 By editor

Bee Moxey: Best&Less, it caters for all sizes for men, women, children, and babies. It’s something Parkes doesn’t have and will bring visitors and money into our community.

Peter Bright: This may sound a bit 19th century, but how about The Forbes Co-operative store?

Anna Stiles-Berry: Target, Kmart, Best&Less, Cotton On, Harris Scarfe but preferably something to cater for everyone. Some smaller vacant stores could have flip out, roller arcade, laser tag etc.