October is a special month for raising awareness of so many important issues, and amongst these is National Safe Work Month. Council takes this so very seriously and are continually monitoring and improving workplace safety. This October we are urging our employees to ‘Just Ask’ – when it comes to safety no question is too silly, and our employees can ask for help or training, or clarification – anything. We would love to see other businesses in Forbes follow – all we ask is ‘just ask’, for everyone’s safety.
This Saturday sees the return of Teddy Bears Picnic, a favourite event in our community! Make sure you grab your favourite stuffed toy and head on down to Lions Park from 10am to 2pm. There is so much to see and do and so many community groups – including schools – have joined in to help us celebrate Children’s Week, bringing home just how important our little people are and how important it is for them to have access to play, leisure and activities. There will be a jumping castle, special guests – Bluey and Bingo – (but shhhh keep that a surprise for the children!!), balloon twisting, giant games, face painting and so much more.
Myself and Mayors from Parkes and Condobolin have held talks with REX Airlines after it recently announced a reduction in the number of services to Parkes. We all know how reliant we are on this service for quick, safe transport to Sydney as a destination or through point. It is so important for business, medical, and leisure, so it was quite a blow to hear this announcement. Whilst we would love to see the service remain as it is and we are assured that it will be reviewed in March next year, we are adamant that it if it must be reduced, the timeslot needs to be acceptable for country residents. At the moment it seems to be a midday timeslot.
Finally, I urge you to stay aware of weather conditions, particularly for total fire bans. Hot, windy days combined with a greater amount of grass fuel after the wet year last year, are causing great concern. Please remember that a total fire ban means no fires in the open, or doing any activity that may spark a blaze (for example welding, grinding or slashing). Fines and penalties apply.
Enjoy your weekend, and God bless.
Phyllis Miller, OAM