More than half of Australians are buying less food than they would like because of rising grocery costs, according to new YouGov research commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

Polling produced by YouGov for St Vincent de Paul Society NSW found that St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members supported 566 people in Forbes over the past year; 23% sought assistance for the first time and 50% requested food assistance.

Across the Central West, covering Condobolin, Forbes, Parkes, Peak Hill and Trundle, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members supported 1,400 people with 66% requesting food assistance and 23% seeking assistance for the first time.

Food assistance remains one of the most common reasons people seek help from the Society, accounting for nearly three in four people (73%) assisted by local members in the past year.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President Peter Houweling said the organisation continued to rely on community support to meet growing demand.

“In regional communities, we’re seeing people who never imagined they would need assistance now reaching out for help with basic essentials,” Mr Houweling said.

As demand for food assistance continues, the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is encouraging people who can help to support its Hampers of Care appeal.

Making a donation is a small action that makes an immediate impact for someone in their time of need. Your donation means that someone will have food on the table tonight.

You can donate to the Vinnies Hampers of Care appeal at nsw.vinnies.org.au/hampersofcare

President Marg Dent welcomed 32 members to our August meeting which was held at the Men’s Shed due to wet weather. Apologies were received from five members.

The meeting proceeded with minutes and reports and birthday wishes.

It was decided not to renew the PO box instead use Secretary Robin’s as very few letters come through this way, mostly now by email. The Christmas Meeting was discussed amongst the members and will be finalised next meeting.

Loris Stewart spoke on the history of the Garden Club which was started many years ago and held at the RSL, but was declining in numbers. Loris recalled being elected President when she moved to Forbes and decided on a new direction for the Club, holding meetings in different gardens. This proved to be a good move as the Club soon had over 100 members, who were mostly ladies with beautiful gardens who hosted meetings, and monies raised from open garden weekends and flower shows were given to local charities. Meg Scholefield thanked Loris for her interesting talk with a gift.

A beautiful display of flowers were judged for flower of the month with first John Browne – Gum, second Marie Langfield – Iris and third Elvy Quirk – Hellebore, Colleen Liebich – Iris and Margo Rath – Camelia.

The raffle winners were first Janette Thomas, second Denise Thurston and third Evelyn Mahlo.

The next meeting will be held at the home of Sue Ann Nixon, 24 Kent Street on Tuesday 22 September at 2pm. Please bring a flower for the competition a chair hat and cup. See you there!

By Green Thumb

The Forbes 150th Show is fast approaching. Two members of the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA have rolled up their sleeves to help for several years in the ‘Tea Rooms’ at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

As the 150th Forbes Show rapidly approaches, members of the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA have decided to emulate this Royal Easter Show tradition and offer the same tea room experience at the 150th Forbes Show.

Patrons will be able to attend the ‘Tea Rooms’ on Friday 11 September from 10am to 4pm and Saturday 12 Septemebr from 10am to 3pm, to partake in freshly baked scones served with jam, cream or butter with their chosen cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

The ‘Tea Rooms’ will be presented in the President’s room and kitchen attached to the Show Secretary’s office.

There will be signage around the Forbes Showground directing patrons to the ‘Tea Rooms’.

Robyn Miller, co-ordinator of the ‘Tea Rooms’ is excited that the Forbes Evening Branch of the CWA can offer this first-time experience to Forbes Show patrons, for the 150th Show.

All funds raised by the Forbes Evening CWA Branch remain in Forbes to support local people and organisations.