October is Small Business Month and this year it aligns with Mental Health Month; a great opportunity to promote mental health and wellbeing in small businesses. According to research, those in small business have an increased risk of concern due to the unique stressors faced. Our Forbes shire has so many wonderful small businesses and it is important to look after them and for them to have places they can turn to for help. A website, funded by the Australian government is available with information, free training, resources and contact numbers; please visit www.aheadforbusiness.org.au Importantly for our area, this website also covers agribusiness. If you are a small business owner, please take a look – we have had our fair share of stresses over the past years, and are sure to face more.
The Forbes Challenge Cup last Saturday which saw a pre-season game between Canberra United FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC was a huge success. Going down to a penalty shootout, the atmosphere and sportsmanship on show was amazing. I give full credit to the players for their willingness to mingle and share their love of the sport with all who converged on the Botanical Gardens. I have absolutely no doubt that those youngsters left with an even greater love for their sport. Congratulations to all involved.
Don’t forget there is still plenty to do for the last week of school holidays – the outdoor movie night on Friday night, Children are Stinky theatre night, the opening of the town pool on Sunday and so much more!
Did you notice the colour of our Town Hall at night? This week it turned purple to highlight ITP Awareness (Immune Thrombocytopenia), a platelet disorder – find out more on the website www.itpaustralia.org.au At many different times throughout the year, our Town Hall changes colours for varying causes and reasons. Keep your eyes fixed on our beautiful landmark!
Enjoy your week and don’t forget to put your clocks forward before you go to bed on Saturday night for the arrival of Daylight Saving!
God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor