Special Interests Archives - Page 69 of 121

Your ‘Turn’ To Support A Truly Local Production

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Turning Tables is set to hit the stage at The Little Theatre in Parkes from tomorrow night after over 12 months of rehearsals and cancellations due to COVID-19.

Going off reviews from community members invited to the preview on Sunday, it’s going to be another hit for the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society. The praise afterwards included: “An excellent show…has to be seen”, “I absolutely loved it and will be coming back again!”, “Fresh, fun, powerful, provocative, moving and memorable”, “Incredible show” and “Took my breath away – just an amazing production from start to finish”.

With a script written by the Parkes M & D’s stellar director Lyn Townsend, Turning Tables tells the story of five women (Christie Green, Christa Radley, Shev Brown, Ruth Barnes and Maddi Collits), all different, all unique with their own ‘baggage’ to carry.

During the course of the show, each of the women take you on their journey, the relationships they have endured and the strength and resilience they gain from the friendships they forge with each other, despite the differences in age or social status. There are four male roles, all played by one token guy (Aaron Kingham).

With songs like Can’t fight the Moonlight, Stronger, Girls just wanna have fun, Because of you, Holding out for a hero, Born this way, Warrior, Jesus take the Wheel, Danger Zone, I’m so Excited, This is me, and many more, there is bound to be a song you know and love.

Turning Tables will play over three weekends. Tickets are available from www.parkesmandd.com.au or at the theatre box office an hour before any show, or on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. If you live out of town, email parkesmandd2870@gmail.com to request tickets be reserved or call 0429 623 829 after 5:30pm. The production is not suited for children under 14 due to adult themes, but for adults, this is just a fantastic outing!

It Ain’t Weak To Speak

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

BREAKING THE TABOO… The Forbes Mental Health Expo organisers were (L-R) Katie Shambrook (Catholic Care), Sam Webb (guest speaker and LIVIN founder), Fiona Glasheen (Catholic Care).

We all know what to do when we are injured, but how many of us know where to go when we are experiencing mental health issues?

While 20% of Autralians are impacted by mental health, it still seems to be a taboo subject in our modern lives.

Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb addressed this often painful subject speaking to about 200 students and community members at the Fobes Mental Health Expo on Tuesday.

Sam started his presentation with two words: I’m fine. “These are two of most dangerous words spoken every day. They were the last two words I heard from my good friend the night before he took his own life in 2013.”

Sam, who flew in from his home in Los Angeles, co-founded the mental health charity LIVIN after the death of his friend committing to helping people and organisations understand the importance of mental health and making wellness a priority.

Speaking from the heart his presentation focused on simple tools and strategies to live better, make a difference and be of service to other people.

“Don’t take ‘I’m fine’ for an answer any more. A lot of people use those two words just as a blow off, and what they really want to say is: Help Me!”

Sam said the “cool mantra” It Ain’t Weak To Speak was not just about mental health but could be applied to all aspects of life, like an upcoming exam, or relationship problems. He gave the audience some tips about talking to someone who is struggling. “Be honest, and don’t be afraid to have a hard conversation. It is about listening, and not trying to fix anything or solving problems.”

Another strategy Sam focused on was being adaptable in life. “It is not cool to hide your pain, and it does not get you anywhere. Find your north star – identify what you’re good at and value yourself and your worth. You have the power to make a difference in your life. It is OK not to be all right.”

For Sam self-care is vital. “We cannot help anyone properly if we do not look after ourselves first.” He said running was his best self-care option, while some answers from the audience included drawing, and talking to a friend.

Sam ended his presentation with a story about a fellow presenter who had survived a suicide attempt. He said the most important message from the survivor was that he felt instant regret the moment he jumped off a bridge.

Three Years Of Study To Achieve Her Goal

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Brodie Dukes is now a qualified optical dispenser.

Forbes resident Brodie Dukes has worked hard to turn her dreams into reality.

Brodie has been studying for a Certificate IV via distance education for three years at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing to achieve her goal of becoming an optical dispenser and to continue providing Forbes with the latest optical technology and services.

Brodie has been with Eyewear Specs for five years. “I had never considered becoming an optical dispenser until I met Fiona Hayward, Owner and Manager of Eyewear Specs. We discussed Fiona’s role and that got me interested and thinking about becoming an optical dispenser,” said Brodie.

When Fiona offered her a traineeship, she was quick to seize the amazing opportunity. “I enjoy the community spirit Forbes has as well as being able to help provide our community with their eye health and visual needs.

I hope to continue to learn and grow my skills as an optical dispenser and to be able to help grow Eyewear Specs to allow us to continue to provide Forbes and surrounding areas with the latest optical technology and services.”

Remember To Spend Your Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Customers are reminded to spend any remaining Dine & Discover NSW vouchers over the next few days as the 30th June deadline is just around the corner.

Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the program had been a game changer for local businesses and families, representing over $485 million invested across NSW.

“My message to the local community is simple – don’t miss out. Check your service NSW app to see if you have any vouchers remaining and spend them on local businesses now.

“These vouchers have been an overwhelming success. During a period of instability, they boosted household budgets and ensured that more customers got through the doors of local businesses,” he said. “Around 5.4 million customers registered for the program, receiving three $25 Dine and three $25 Discover vouchers, both of which went to supporting the businesses which were hit hard by the pandemic.”

Across NSW, 16,600 businesses have been supported with the vouchers, but around $330 million are still to be redeemed.

After 30 June, Dine & Discover Vouchers will move to the expired tab in the Service NSW app, but Discover NSW registered business can still accept Parents NSW Vouchers until 9th October.

ATO Priorities For Tax Time 2022

June 17, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced four key focus areas for Tax Time 2022.

The ATO will be focusing on:

• Record-keeping

• Work-related expenses. To claim a deduction for working from home expenses, there are three methods available depending on your circumstances. You can choose from the shortcut (all-inclusive), fixed rate and actual cost methods, as long as you meet the eligibility and record-keeping requirements.

• Rental property income and deductions. If you are a rental property owner, make sure you include all the income you’ve received from your rental in your tax return, including short-term rental arrangements, insurance payouts and rental bond money you retain.

• Capital gains from crypto assets, property, and shares.

Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said: “It’s important you rethink your claims and ensure you can satisfy the three golden rules.”

The golden rules are:

• You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed.

• If the expense is for a mix of income producing and private use, you can only claim the portion that relates to producing income.

• You must have a record to prove it.

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.

Subscribe