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Forbes Phoenix

Save Power Kit Available At Forbes Library

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

If you’re like the rest of us, you’re keen to save money on your power bills! The Forbes Library have stepped in to help, partnering with Forbes Council and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Sustainable Council and Communities Program (SCC) to provide community access to the Save the Power Kit for loan from Forbes Library.

The Save Power Kit provides tools and useful information to help households measure how they use power at home. It also identifies simple actions that households can take to save money, power and reduce impacts on the environment.

The kit can help identify the biggest users of electricity in your home and describes many easy, low cost things we can do at home to use less power and save money on bills, without changing your lifestyle. The Save Power Kit contains: Power-Mate lite, stopwatch, infared thermometer, light meter and thermometer.

The kits come with full instructions, a power mate to test the power use of appliances on stand-by, thermometers to check for drafts and heating and cooling, stopwatch and light meter. Even when an appliance is on standby, it can draw power, adding unnecessary costs to your power bills.

A guide book is included, and there is an action plan to allow each borrower to record results and plan improvements and savings. Best of all, it can be borrowed for free from Forbes Library.

There are 37 Councils across NSW who are members of the program. Call Forbes Library on 6852 1463 to reserve the Save Power Kit.

Nats Invest In The Future Of Our Kids

March 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Every child in NSW will gain a financial head-start under a life-changing Liberal and Nationals plan to futureproof the finances of generations to come, giving them the best start to life.

This is the most significant financial security investment in NSW history. Under a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government, every child in the Orange Electorate aged 10 and under – and continuing each year with every newborn child – will be eligible for a Kids Future Fund account, which will receive a $400 starting payment from the Government.

Parents will be able to contribute to the fund, with payments matched by the Government up to $400 per year, with interest also earned over time.

Once the child turns 18 they will be able to withdraw from their fund – which could be worth between $28,000 and $49,000 per child.

Nationals candidate Tony Mileto for the Orange Electorate said this landmark initiative is the first of its kind in Australia and will help provide financial security to an entire generation in the Orange Electorate.

“This investment will change the lives of children in NSW in the Orange Electorate forever,” Tony Mileto said.

Embracing Equity

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women of all ages, from across Forbes came together to celebrate International Women’s Day this week.

The sun rose on another annual International Women’ Day in Forbes’ Lions Park, setting the scene for soothing yoga, a hearty breakfast and a soul-warming address from guest speaker, communications guru, Dr Neryl East.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the wisdom and advice from Dr East on removing barriers to embracing equity in business, in the community and everyday life.

“Forbes has such a wealth of knowledge, capabilities and strength in our women and so often we can unknowingly limit our presence by not having that belief in ourselves, that confidence. Dr East spoke of some simple ways in which that can be addressed,” Phyllis said.

“She provided practical tips on how to communicate in business settings, for example just through the language you use. Simple things like using the phrases; ‘in my view’ or ‘in my opinion’ to give weight to your learnedness.”

Dr East also highlighted the importance of personal (internal) communication, through which negative self-talk is the most significant way to erode confidence.

Positive affirmations, such as those used by Olympic swimmers (of which she had some great anecdotes), remove negativity and set the focus of what you are setting out to achieve.

The IWD breakfast was hosted by Forbes Shire Council with funding assistance from the NSW Government.

The event is held each year to embrace the vital role women play in our community, whether it be in the workforce, the community or at home.

Dr East also addressed a number of business representatives on Tuesday night, providing insight into online reputations and business reputations.

“We thank Dr East for her time in Forbes, and look forward to seeing her advice come into play,” said Phyllis. 

Putting The ‘She’ In Sheep Sustainability

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Embrace Equity’ – an ethos the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) lives every day. Image supplied by Sheep Sustainability Framework. Image supplied by Sheep Sustainability Framework.

With a Board comprising 57% women and a Steering Group with strong female representation, the SSF is leading the charge to educate and raise awareness of women’s equality in the sheep industry.

“The Sheep Sustainability Framework has benefitted from female leadership, reflecting our participation and collaboration throughout the sheep meat and wool value chains,” SSF Board Chair, Lucinda Corrigan, said.

Established early 2021, the SSF helps industry better understand its opportunities, challenges and impacts in key areas such as environmental health, economic resilience, animal care, and people and community. It presents evidence to stakeholders that Australian sheep meat and wool is produced responsibly, and demonstrates the industry has a clear path towards continuous improvement, where needed.

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) and WoolProducers Australia (WPA) lead the Framework, with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) providing funding, strategic advice and secretariat support.

SSF Sustainability Steering Group Chair, Dr Scott Williams, said having more women in leadership positions has helped foster a more inclusive culture within the SSF.

“Sustainability affects all of us – so ‘all of us’ need to be involved in conversations about sustainability,” Dr Williams said.

Marked annually on 8th March, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and campaigns for accelerated gender parity.

No-Grounds Eviction Ban A Win For Renters, But More Is Required

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A long awaited decision announced, as the NSW Coalition commits to reform no-grounds evictions, but warns that further steps are required.

An end to no-grounds evictions has long been championed by a range of advocacy groups and NGOs including the Tenants Union of NSW, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Shelter NSW and NCOSS.

All major parties have now committed to some form of no-grounds evictions policy.

As the peak social services body, NCOSS said that the ban on no-grounds evictions for periodic leases could make a difference to the lives of people in NSW, but more safeguards are needed.

“These changes have the potential to make a difference to those renters in NSW who are on periodic leases,” said NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty.

“This is a positive step to help some renters improve their access to safe and secure housing.

“However, our main concern is that this announcement does not go far enough. The commitment does not include fixed-term leases, which is a critical piece of the puzzle if renters are to be given the housing security they so desperately need.

The NCOSS Policy Platform called for an end of no-grounds evictions and other stronger protections for NSW renters.

Do Your Kids Love Sport, Adventure Or Nature?

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/

The NSW Office of Sport is offering free Holiday Break camps to kids from regional NSW in the April school holidays.

Regional kids aged 12-15 can enjoy a free overnight camp at four sport and recreation centres. 

A range of activities, including mountain biking and BMX, stand-up paddleboarding and survival skills, camps include all meals and accommodation.

Office of Sport Chief Executive Karen Jones said the Holiday Break camps were an opportunity for regional kids to challenge themselves, learn new skills and have fun.

“With camps at Berry, Jindabyne, Lake Keepit and Broken Bay on the Central Coast, we’ve got all corners of the State covered. Register your kids and give them a once in a lifetime experience,” said Karen.

The Holiday Break camps are funded through the Office of Regional Youth’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Camp dates and locations:

• Berry: 17th – 19th April

• Lake Keepit: 17th – 19th April

• Jindabyne: 12th – 14th April

• Broken Bay: 17th – 19th April

For further information and to register call 13 13 02 or visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/holiday-break-camps 

Meeting Health Needs Of Rural Communities

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo provides Andrian Anderson with the opportunity to pursue his dream, while remaining close to family.

Adrian Anderson recently embarked on his journey to becoming a doctor, studying the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo. Adrian will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree in Dubbo with clinical training centered on Dubbo Hospital.

Originally from Narromine, Adrian returned to Dubbo 18 months ago to be closer to family and to work as a paramedic, all while following the development of the Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. Adrian was attracted to the rural focus of the program, the opportunity to study locally and the small cohort size which offers a more personalised study experience and more face-to-face time with clinicians and tutors. 

“I have been working as a paramedic for a while now and wanted to further the care I can provide for patients. I don’t think I can single-handedly solve the rural doctor shortage, but I want to do my bit to improve the access of country people to medical services. I have been watching the development of the full four-year program at Dubbo and saw it as a fantastic opportunity to pursue the dream,” said Adrian.

Adrian is part of the second cohort of students now studying the University of Sydney’s entire four-year Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. Students in Dubbo study the same world-class medical education as their peers in Sydney, while gaining hands-on experience in rural and remote medical practice. 

The Dubbo Stream is only available to students eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and pathways are available for First Nations students and those with rural backgrounds. 

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo features state-of-the-art medical education facilities including learning studios, anatomy teaching lab, and six-suite simulation training centre.

For more information visit sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/dubbo 

Families Set To Save With Voucher Swap Scheme

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parents will have more choice when it comes to cost of living support thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher swap initiative.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said families would be able to use the two vouchers interchangeably from Term 2, letting kids do more of what they love.

“Our Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers have been incredibly popular with parents across the state, with almost 7 million vouchers already downloaded and redeemed saving families $694 million,” Mr Perrottet said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the change would allow families to lean into the activities their kids loved.

“Whether it’s playing netball, footy or the violin, we want kids to be able to extract the most out of every day. Helping families with costs like these means they can focus on seeing their kids grow and kick goals, no matter what they love doing,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said families across the State could use the digital voucher in just a few clicks through the Service NSW app.

The voucher swap program will commence from the start of Term 2, 26th Apriland only apply to:

• $100 Active Kids voucher for sport and recreation costs including school holiday programs.

• $100 Creative Kids voucher for arts and cultural activities costs including school holiday classes and workshops.

Families can download their child’s vouchers via the Service NSW app or website and by calling 13 77 88.

Starting Medicine At 40

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Suzie Hill is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program, which is on offer in Dubbo.

Becoming a doctor was never a lifelong dream for Suzie Hill, but with two children who are now adults and have left home, she began looking at the next stage of her life.

Suzie is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. She will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo with clinical training centered on Dubbo Hospital.

Suzie had previously been practicing as a Radiographer for over 15 years. Like many rural residents, she is acutely aware of the impact the shortage of doctors has on our communities. She has been inspired by the care and support her son received by a specialist and the efforts he went to in bringing treatment closer to home as well as some gentle encouragement from Radiologists she has worked with over the years.

“Being able to study in Dubbo has been a huge attraction in maintaining my family life. I love that I’ll be learning in a smaller cohort and the opportunity to develop relationships with teaching and clinical staff that, hopefully I’ll be working with one day as a doctor.”

Suzie is part of the second cohort of students now studying the University of Sydney’s entire four-year Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. Students in Dubbo study the same world-class medical education as their peers in Sydney, while gaining hands-on experience in rural and remote medical practice. 

The Dubbo Stream is only available to students eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and pathways are available for First Nations students and those with rural backgrounds.

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo features state-of-the-art medical education facilities including learning studios, anatomy teaching lab, and six-suite simulation training centre.

For more information visit sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/dubbo

Life Pharmacy Group Make Annual Trip To Forbes

March 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Earlier this month, Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) gathered in Forbes for its 8th annual conference, to review the group’s strategy and plan for the year ahead. 

This year, attendees had the opportunity to hear great bush poetry and stories by local identity “Tractor” Rennick hosted by Debbie Prior at The Book Dispensary. The team were lucky to enjoy a delicious meal at the soon to open Donna’s Table restaurant! 

CEO Michael Flannery awarded Shannon Nash from Life Pharmacy Forbes the LPG 2023 Pharmacist in Charge of the Year award. Shannon has taken on extra responsibilities as PIC throughout the year and been a fantastic leader to the team and community during not one, but two devastating floods in Forbes at the end of 2022. 

The LPG 2023 Pharmacy of the Year award was presented to joint winners Life Pharmacy Forbes and Flannery’s Pharmacy. Both pharmacies showed resilience and amazing support to the local community during the Forbes floods. 

Forbes CanAssist hosted a BBQ breakfast at the picturesque Forbes Golf Club. Life Pharmacy Group proudly donated $2,500 to CanAssist. 

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