Special Interests Archives - Page 81 of 118

Talking Real Estate with Tara

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

When looking at renting out a property there are a few things that can mean the difference between a successful investment, and a real estate nightmare.

It is crucial to have a property manager who stays on top of maintenance and has a great relationship with local tradespeople. When looking for a property manager, investors should look for one that is going to maintain the property, so the quality remains.

Consistency and integrity during regular property inspections, clear and concise communication with owners about the required repairs, as well as proactively organising repairs with tradespeople, are just some essential requirements of a successful property manager. Leaving repairs for an extended amount of time only creates larger problems, so we work to identify anything that needs doing and try to organize repairs as soon as possible to avoid further issues.

At Century 21, Tara and her team keep property owners updated throughout the repair process, ensuring the work has been done and to a high standard and sending images of the completed work for peace of mind.

The Century 21 property management team has an excellent relationship with local tradespeople which makes all the difference when getting the job completed to a high standard and in a suitable time frame. For investors to be certain that their property is well looked after and that the value of their property continues to increase, look no further than Tara and her team at Century 21 Central West. For more information about how the property management team at Century 21 can assist you with your investment property, please feel free to contact us today!

New Restrictions From 15 June At CWLE

June 19, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) is moving into Stage 2 of the recovery from COVID-19, with the allowance of agents, vendors, restockers and contractors on site while business is being conducted from 15 June.

“The Saleyards are not open to the general public, if you are not conducting direct business here please do not come,” says Forbes Shire Council’s General Manager, Steve Loane, who also advised that “we require all to follow some simple guidelines when attending the facility. Please fill out the attendance form before turning up at the yards. Failing to do so only results in long queues at the gate, which nobody appreciates. This form can be found on our website and the agents also have access to it.

“We know how important it is for our farming community to have a chance to catch up with fellow stock men and women and talk about their trials and tribulations. This place is a common meeting ground and everyone’s mental health needs considering,” Steve said.

For further information please contact Central West Livestock Exchange manager Cassi Walmsley on 6850 2300.

Health Check From Home

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Despite the impact the COVID-19 outbreak has had on our lives, preventative health and routine screening are still vital. This week is HIV Testing Week in NSW. The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is urging our communities that even during the COVID-19 outbreak, getting testing for HIV is still important.

Social distancing measures and changes to how Sexual Health services are running during the COVID-19 outbreak has meant people may be putting off getting tested for HIV. WNSWLHD Sexual Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Kim Grant, said: “It’s great so many people are keeping safe by practising physical distancing, however keeping on top of preventative health, in particular, HIV testing is just as important”.

Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing is also an option for people who meet eligibility criteria to test for HIV as well as Hepatitis C at home. It is free, easy, reliable, and confidential. It does not require an appointment with a doctor or a clinic.

“DBS tests can be ordered online, done in the privacy and safety of your home, and mailed directly to the lab.” Kim said.

Results from DBS tests take around a week, and clients can choose how to receive them. A nurse will be in contact via text message, email, or phone call, and are completely confidential.

WNSWLHD, Manager of HIV and Related Programs, Ann Ryan said, “HIV is a treatable health condition. The first step to living a long, healthy life with HIV is getting tested.”

To see if you are eligible for a Dried Blood Spot test head to www.hivtest.health.nsw.gov.au or get in contact with your local Sexual Health Service for an appointment or an assisted DBS test.

Farmers’ Flexibility Put To The Test Again

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Callen Thompson from the Central West Local Land Services has some great advice to help farmers adapt to recent change.

Following earlier rainfall, warmer temperatures, and generally lower numbers of stock across the region some producers are now considering silage as an option for storing excess feed.

Central West Local Land Services mixed farming advisor Callen Thompson said while excess feed was a good problem to have there were a number of things to keep in mind before trying silage for the first time.

“Particularly if they have sown grazing crops or their cereal crops have started to run up growers are looking at their options to conserve this fodder for future use or create a saleable product to help with cash flow,” Callen said.

“Silage can be a great fodder source used to fill gaps in feed supply,” he said. The growth stage of the crop, what the silage will be used for and how it will be made were all important considerations for producers.

If cut at the right time, silage can retain much of the crops fodder quality, unlike hay which decreases in quality through the hay making process. “At this time of year you need to know if you will be able to dry the cut material quick enough to ensure feed quality, you may need to wait until daytime temperatures start to increase,” Callen said.

The decision on whether to produce bales or chopped silage would also depend on how much would be used at a time and whether it would be used on the farm or sold. Bales can be a better option if you only want to feed out small amounts at a time and wrapped bales can be sold off farm more easily.

For more information on considerations for making silage or to be notified of upcoming silage workshops contact Central West Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

New Parent Groups Go Ahead

June 12, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Clinical nurse and child and family health consultant, Anne Roth and Meagan Evans, clinical nurse specialist for child and family health WNSWLHD.

Keeping new parents connected during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Child and Family Health Nurses developing a new way of working.

The WNSWLHD is now offering first time parent’s access to a Virtual New Parent Group.

WNSWLHD, Consultant Child and Family Health Clinical Nurse, Anne Roth said, “New Parents Groups are normally provided face to face in centres across the WNSWLHD and we’ve had a great response to the first group, with 52 first time parents registering since it started on 22 April.”

COVID-19 has meant that these face to face groups can no longer operate as normal but the need to stay connected is more important than ever.

“This is particularly important for new parents who can feel vulnerable at this time. It may be hard right now for them to know how to balance the joy and excitement of having a new baby with the fear caused by this unprecedented global pandemic,” Anne said.

The Group is led by Meagan Evans a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child and Family Health and is held weekly over four weeks with each session running for 90 minutes.

Nourish Baby Now Available For Free

May 29, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Flannery’s Pharmacy offers support and information through pregnancy, labour, birth preparation and more.

Flannery’s Pharmacy is excited to be able to provide a new online program for parents of children aged 0-3 years. “Nourish Baby offers a fully customised program designed to complement existing parenting services and programs,” said Debbie Prior, Business Manager at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

“The Nourish Baby online courses cover the full journey through pregnancy, labour, birth preparation and early parenting, including breastfeeding, sleep and settling your little one,” said Debbie. “Parents can join the online course at any stage, however, the earlier they start the greater the benefit and value of the Nourish Baby Course.”

“COVID-19 has been a difficult time, leaving many of our expectant and new parents no doubt feeling anxious and overwhelmed. With hospital antenatal classes no longer running due to social distancing and with parents of young children finding themselves much more isolated than normal, we thought this would be an ideal time to offer young parents the Nourish Baby modules free of charge.” The Nourish Baby program would normally cost the participant $195 but is currently free if you join up at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

To sign up, parents need to call the pharmacy on 6852 1111 for more information.

Heightened Demand For Social Services

May 22, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

There has been a 42% increase in demand for services at CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how quickly our team adapted to make sure support and services were still being delivered at a time when our many communities needed us most,” CCWF CEO, Anne-Marie Mioche said.

“Our team responded quickly and pro-actively and implemented really engaging new ways of supporting our clients through phone support, web-based interactions, video conferencing, social media, online help, in home resource packs and more,” Anne-Marie said.

“Our organisation was started in a time of serious drought, to address stress and depression in what is considered the poorest diocese in Australia. We continue to meet these needs by providing a range of parenting and family services, playgroups, housing, domestic and family violence, financial counselling, and mental health support from 14 offices and outreach centres covering 52% of NSW.

The innovation and genuine positive problem solving is an absolute credit to the hard working and resilient team members at CCWF who are out facing some community’s largest and most challenging issues.

Talking Mental Health

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging residents to access mental health support if they need it. The Federal Government has bolstered mental health and wellbeing services during the COVID-19 pandemic and Michael implored those who are feeling unwell to get help.

“Regional Australians are a resilient bunch but too often they shirk their own health and wellbeing.”

The Federal Government’s mental health package includes funding for dedicated phone and online resources. “These services are vital for residents throughout the Central West to get the support they need, when they need it,” Michael said.

The Australian Government funds a range of organisations where people can raise concerns, whether they relate to COVID-19, the ongoing drought, or the impact of the recent bushfires.

Telephone and online support is available from the following organisations:
• Headspace (for people aged 12 to 25 and their families) call 1800 650 890 or chat online
• Beyond Blue (anyone feeling depressed or anxious) call 1300 22 4636 or chat on-line
• This Way Up Clinic (anyone with stress, anxiety, and depression) online courses
• MindSpot (people with anxiety and depression) call 1800 61 44 34 or online screening.

A Windfall For Book Lovers!

May 15, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Central West Libraries has ramped up local access to online digital content in the wake of COVID-19 to help locals stay entertained through self-isolation. With the launch of an innovative new platform indyreads, Forbes library members can now access over 11,000 new ebooks and audiobooks from home.

Developed by the State Library of NSW, indyreads gives members 24/7 access to a range of eBooks, including fiction titles by well-known and popular authors, poetry collections, cookbooks, educational books, local studies resources and more.

“Indyreads also includes books from independent Australian and international publishers as well as the best examples of self-publishing, offering communities a greater diversity of stories,” says Ross Balharrie, indyreads project coordinator, State Library of NSW. “With indyreads library members can get a lot more variety – from high quality self-published works by local writers to international award-winning authors and modern classics,” says Ross.

According to Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards, “indyreads is a great addition to our library collection. I am particularly enjoying being able to access such a wealth of fiction by Australian authors”.

To access the collection visit www.cwl.nsw.gov.au To log onto indyreads you will need to:
• Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to use on your phone or tablet
• Choose ‘Central West Libraries’ from the drop-down list
• Type in your library card number
• Type in the password or PIN number associated with your library card.

Please call Central West Libraries on 6393 8132 if you require any assistance with your PIN number.

The Transition To Adulthood

May 8, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

The Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School is a vibrant learning hub, where staff work collaboratively to provide personalised support for students with additional needs, enabling students to be actively connected to their learning, have positive relationships with their teachers and peers and experience a sense of belonging.

Michelle MacGregor is the Assistant Principal for Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School. She believes that recognising and participating in annual World Autism Awareness campaigns, which aim to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, builds a more inclusive world for all.

By encouraging worldwide support and advocating for kindness improves outcomes for not only Forbes Public School students with special needs, but for their families, networks and community as a whole. Michelle went on to say that now, more than ever, “we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion.”

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day theme is ‘The Transition to Adulthood.’ The theme aims to engage all in considering what “becoming an adult’ means in terms of social, economic and political value, participation and engagement. The transition from adolescence to adulthood poses a

significant challenge for young people with Autism, especially in terms of opportunities that will help to support social, economic and political participation. It is especially important to understand that young people with Autism often face tremendous difficulties when formal education and other support services cease. The Transition to Adulthood for those with Autism certainly is something that the Forbes community can all benefit from having an awareness of.

Forbes Public School continues to foster authentic and productive partnerships with students and their families, responsive to their needs, in a climate characterised by flexibility, commitment and teamwork.

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