Special Interests Archives - Page 66 of 118

Queen’s Birthday Holiday Is Not Really Her Birthday

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Queen’s Birthday Holiday was celebrated on Monday in NSW following the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from 2nd to 5th June. (Photo: Geo News)

Why did we celebrate the Queen’s Birthday Holiday on Monday, 13th June, when Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21st April 1926?

Even more confusingly, why is it that the ACT, NSW, NT, SA, Tasmania and Victoria celebrate the Queen’s Birthday Holiday on the second Monday of June each year, but in Western Australia and Queensland the holiday is celebrated in October?

It turns out that the holiday has origins long before Queen Elizabeth II. The holiday tradition started in 1788 when Arthur Phillip, the Governor of NSW at the time, established the holiday to celebrate the birthday of King George III, the first European king of Australia.

The birthday was always celebrated on the actual date of the monarch’s birthday until 1936, the year of the death of King George V, Elizabeth’s grandfather. His birthday was 3rd June and the date has since stayed around early June.

Western Australia chooses to forgo the holiday in June since the previous Monday is already set aside for Foundation Day. In Queensland, the Labor Bligh government changed the Queen’s Birthday in 2012 from the traditional June date to the first weekend of October to better spread out the public holidays in the second half of the year.

Honour’s lists are proclaimed twice a year in Australia. The Australia Day list is on 26th January, and the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List is proclaimed on the June date each year.

Do You Recycle Your Receipts?

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Check if receipts are thermal. Run your fingernail firmly across the paper and if its thermal it will leave a mark. Make sure you check both the front and back side of the receipt.

Thermal receipts cannot be recycled. The ink used on the ‘thermal’ type paper contains BPA (now banned in specific types of plastic) and is tricky to remove during the recycling process. Due to the type of ink used that contains BPA it is easily transferrable and contaminates what it comes into contact with.

Unfortunately thermal receipts need to go into general waste, or you can refuse receipts and ask the business to email them if you need to keep them for record purposed.

Actor Sam Webb In Forbes For Mental Health Expo

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb will be speaking at a free mental health event in Forbes on Tuesday, 21st June at Forbes High School from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb will be the guest at a free mental health event in Forbes on Tuesday, 21st June.

Community members are invited to the Forbes Mental Health Expo organised by CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes at Forbes High School Hall from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

Sam, who is known for his appearances in Home and Away, Neighbours and Australian Survivor, co-founded the mental health charity LIVIN in 2013 after the death of a good friend to suicide.

“We’re thrilled that Sam Webb has come on board,” said Kate Shambrook, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes mental health programs manager.

“He is committed to helping people and organisations understand the importance of mental health and making wellness a priority. We think the community will gain a lot from his talk. “Mental health as an issue is growing in communities, especially in young people and it is an area of concern.”

Kate invited schools, parents, carers, students and other community members to the expo. Representatives from mental health support providers at Forbes will also be at the event for community members to meet and talk to. It is free to attend, but people are asked to register through Eventbrite.

Off-Leash Dog Park At Lake

June 10, 2022 by Brett Sale

The site for the off-leash dog park is proposed to be situated next to Colin Mackenzie Park.

That pup of yours could soon score a whole bunch of new places to sniff, socialise and play with the Forbes Shire Council announcing plans to create an off-leash dog park.

The proposed site is located off Riley Street, corner of the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club, and next to Colin Mackenzie Park.

“I am really excited by the potential of this location for the dog park, it is a large, long space which is accessible from the walking track and close to Wheogo Park for campers,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “We are so pleased to be able to commence with this project as it is a community priority.”

The Mayor said a dedicated dog park was another valuable addition to our beautiful lake and recreation facilities in town. “To have this so close to our Lake Forbes precinct is a value add for the community and visitors alike.”

Forbes Shire Council’s Planning and Growth Department will develop a plan for the 22m x 44m location to include fencing, safe entrance points and dedicated areas for large and small dogs.

“This site can be fenced in, it is very accessible and suitably sized. I think dog owners will welcome this excellent space with plenty of trees and shade,” Phyllis said.

Council will be talking to key stakeholders, user groups and neighbours to ensure the design and use of the park is compatible with how this part of the lake is used currently.

By Brett Sale

Sydney’s Hottest Men Live On Stage!

June 10, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://sydneyhotshots.com/

The hunks from Sydney Hotshots will be in Forbes to sizzle and seduce for one night with a brand-new killer show at the Forbes Services Club on Thursday, 23rd June!

The two-hour production is a visual feast, choreographed and developed by Australia’s leading professionals. The hand-picked selection of dreamy guys will have the ladies up from their chairs, screaming for more.

A high energy production, the show boasts the perfect mix of killer dance routines, eye-catching costumes, acrobatics and jaw dropping athletic male physiques. The smorgasbord of sexy guys were selected from hundreds of men nationwide and put though an intensive “Hotshots Bootcamp”, all graduating with an A+ in hip thrusting! The fellas come from various backgrounds from tradies, cops, farmers and even fireman to tour Australia and entertain the ladies!

Hosted by seasoned professional Paul Reynolds (original cast member of Manpower Australia and Las Vegas headliner), his showmanship and cheeky banter with audiences makes for an extra entertaining evening.

You can win a VIP double pass to see The Sydney Hotshots Live by entering the competition on this page.

Celebrate Winter Solstice

June 10, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is putting on a great show in celebration of the Winter Solstice under the brilliant Central West skies next Saturday, 18th June. It will be a night of hearty foods, boutique brews, thrilling live entertainment and music, and Wiradjuri cultural performances, all by warming fire buckets on the banks of Lake Forbes.

Entertainment on the night will include music from Forbes locals Emily Pavey, Clynton Breen and Jo Stephenson; Josh Maynard from Cowra and Bathurst duo, Smith & Jones with their band.

The headline act is beloved Aussie rock band Thirsty Merc playing all your favourite songs! There will also be plenty of fiery action with fire performances by the Sydney Fire Dancers throughout the night.

There will be free shuttle buses running every 20 minutes from 3:45pm throughout the evening to and from the event, departing Town Hall, Harold Street and Renfree Street.

Buy your tickets at 123tix.com.au, and use your NSW Discovery vouchers before they expire at the end of the month. Remember to bring your winter woollies and camp chairs or a picnic rug.

(CORRECTION: The wrong entertainment line-up was printed in last week’s edition of The Forbes Phoenix for this event.)

Author Talk At Library

June 10, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Author Justin Smith will be at the Forbes Library on 21st June at 1pm to talk about his book Cooper Not Out.

Forbes bookworms have something to look forward to when author Justin Smith will be in town to talk about his book Cooper Not Out on 21st June at 1pm.

The book is a heart-warming tale about an unlikely hero and is part of the One Library One Book innovative community reading program that encourages everyone in the region to read and discuss the same book at the same time. Books have been distributed across the Central West Libraries network including Forbes.

Pick up a copy at Forbes Library, read it and join in the conversation. There’s no better time to curl up and read a good book now that winter is upon us.

Cooper Not Out is a funny, heart-warming novel set against a backdrop of real events in the summer of 1984 when the West Indian cricket team was touring Australia. It is moving and highly original tale about friendship and belief, and the joy of being true to yourself and discovering your greatest potential.

“I’m thrilled Cooper Not Out has been chosen for the One Library, One Book initiative,” Justin said.

Please call Forbes Library on 6852 1463 or book online via Eventbrite.com.au.

Who Is Your Favourite Tradie?

June 3, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

We all need a tradie in our lives at some stage, and the time has come to acknowledge the work they do and how important they are in our daily lives. The Forbes Phoenix and Gunn’s Menswear are collaborating to shine the light on the tradies in Forbes.

The Forbes Phoenix is starting an exciting competition sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear in Forbes. Our readers are invited to nominate a tradie, male or female, to go into the draw for the Tradie of the Month. The winner each month will win a prize from Gunn’s Menswear.

Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear at 83 Rankin Street to nominate a tradie, or message the Gunn’s Menswear facebook page with your nomination, the tradie’s workplace and contact number. The closing date for this month’s nominations is Monday, 27th June.

Dine and Discover

June 3, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

We are all trying to catch up on two years of sitting at home and no events to go to. The Dine & Discover NSW vouchers implemented by the NSW Government to encourage consumer spending and support businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, will expire on Thursday, 30th June. There are some great events and entertainment venues in our region where you can use your vouchers. So, get in quick and redeem your vouchers at the following regional venues…

Orange Tenpin Bowling

Located at 315 Byng Street, Orange Tenpin Bowling has a great friendly and fun atmosphere with 16 lanes, computer scoring, lightweight bowling balls, ramps and bumper lanes, incredible disco bowling, pool tables, amusement games and café facilities. A great place for a birthday party or group functions. Open Monday to Thursday 9am to 8:30pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 9:30pm, Sunday 9am to 6pm.

Parkes M and D Society

The Little Theatre in Parkes is excited to present the original musical, written by Lyn Townsend, Turning Tables including well-known hits such as Stronger, Just The Way You Are, I’ll Never Love Again, Born This Way, My Immortal, Holding Out For A Hero, Because Of You, Girls Just Wannna Have Fun and more. The show opens 2nd July. Tickets are available online at www.parkesmandd.com.au or at the Theatre box office every Sunday 10am-12pm.

Forbes Frost and Fire

Frost and Fire at the Lake Forbes Ski Dam on 18th June from 4-10pm celebrates the winter solstice. A great opportunity to spend time with friends in the great outdoors by a fire, with an entertainment that line up including local acts Bob Evans, The Fog Pilots, Grace Jones, and more. Tickets are available at 123tix.com.au.

Club Forbes

Club Forbes is a welcoming, modern space for members from all walks of life with great entertainment and dining options. Wednesday night raffles include 15 prizes to be won, and Bingaroo Bingo every Wednesday from 10:45am with 300 prizes to be won. Enjoy Templar’s Bar & Bistro for dining or takeaway options!

Old Dubbo Gaol

Explore the gaol in your own time or catch (literally!) the characters in costume as they dare to outsmart the Gaol Warden. For some tall tales and performances by animated wardens and prisoners check out the tours and performance schedule for entertaining stories on prison life and their attempts to break out. Book your tickets at www.olddubbogaol.com.au

Forbes Show

The Forbes Show is set to take place this year on 9th and 10th September. The good news is that tickets for this year’s show are now available online. Make sure not to miss out on this year’s show by buying your tickets early using your vouchers to make a fun and enjoyable outing for the family after two years. Buy your tickets here: www.123tix.com.au

Call For 24/7 Nursing Care In Homes

June 3, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP with the bill calling for registered nurses to be available 24/7 at nursing homes.

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP will once again introduce a bill to the NSW Legislative Assembly seeking to mandate a registered nurse be available around the clock in NSW nursing homes.

“Tragically, the pandemic had a devastating impact on the vulnerable residents living in nursing homes, which exposed the severe lack of medically trained staff to care for those afflicted with Covid-19,” said Phil.

“The Royal Commission into Aged Care revealed an insufficient staffing of registered nurses in nursing homes, and one of the commissioner’s recommendations is the introduction of a minimum staff standard across the board – including registered nurses.”

The second iteration of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party’s bill, titled the Public Health Amendment (Registered Nurses in Nursing Homes) Bill 2020, was brought before the NSW Legislative Council for debate in May by Phil’s colleague, Mark Banasiak MLC, and passed the Upper House on 11th May.

“I acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the many personal care workers looking after the residents in the nursing homes, but they do not have the level of training or clinical expertise a registered nurse has, such as administering medications, assessing and managing medical conditions, and time-critical referrals for escalation of patient care.

“This bill, if passed into legislation, would require nursing homes to staff, at a minimum, the regulatory prescribed number of registered nurses at all times. Nursing homes would no longer be without a registered nurse to deliver care – day or night.

“We want the best possible nursing care for those precious seniors in our lives, our grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts – and that care shouldn’t be restricted to business hours, it should be 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Phil.

Subscribe