Question of the Week

What community events are you most looking forward to in Forbes?

May 15, 2020 By editor

Peter Tzinos: I work seven days a week so every day is an event for me.

Jayne Whitworth: I am most looking forward to shows at the RSL club and things returning to normal.

How can we spoil mothers this Mother’s Day?

May 8, 2020 By editor

Vicki Dick: Just being present is enough to show love and gratitude.

Nina Crawford: A nice bottle of wine and a selection of cheeses.

As a business owner, what are some positives you have taken away from operating in lockdown?

April 24, 2020 By editor

Moana Duggan from Lakeside Takeaway: It has forced us to budget more, consider where our income comes from in terms of sales. While our lifestyle hasn’t changed too much, seeing our customers each day has kept us balanced and sane and vice versa. It has been great to see customers from different situations, like those home-schooling and enjoying it, and not enjoying it, farmers who are celebrating the rain we’ve had, those who have lost work, come together (at a social distance) to talk and form new friendships on their morning coffee run. There is a real sense of community and of being in this together.

Janet Callaghan from Painted Daisies Gift Shoppe: It has given me the chance to put more effort into my business online. I never would have done it otherwise. I think our locals also realise that times are tough, and they are shopping. We don’t get visitors anymore so local support is more important than ever.

Have the rules on social-distancing and lockdown been made clear enough?

April 17, 2020 By editor

Umima Austral: Yes and no. I think the rules outside are clear but there is still some confusion with rules around the household and visitors.

Sienna Sukkar: No, not initially anyway. I think Scott Morrison delivered a confusing series of press conferences but thanks to the media, no one really has an excuse not to know what the rules are, unless they live under a stone.

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.