NEW OWNERS: Grant and Kim Clifton have sold the Vandenberg Hotel to a Sydney consortium of owners.
Last Drinks For Grant And Kim At The Van
After 19 years Grant and Kim Clifton will be clocking off the last time at Forbes most well-known pub – the Vandenberg Hotel. “It is time for us to hand it over to new owners,” they said in a statement on their Facebook page last week.
“What an amazing 19 years we have had here in Forbes, reinvigorating the “Old Van” that will hopefully give it another 100 plus years of trade!”
The popular local couple also paid tribute to the many punters that have graced the beautiful old bar since they took over in 2002/3. “To our loyal customers, our fantastic staff both present and past, our families and friends we say a big thank you for helping us achieve what we set out to and that is to create a great country pub!”
The new owners were due to start sooner except for COVID however it is all action stations now as restrictions have eased across NSW. “We wish the new owners every success and we hope the Vandenberg Hotel gives them as much as it has given us but now it’s onto our new adventures!”
New Payment Help Women Escape Violent Relationships
The Federal Government has announced a new one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help women establish a life free of violence. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed this saying “No-one should have to put up with violent relationships and what’s more they should not be condemned to staying in violent relationships because they can’t afford to leave”.
Women can apply for the payment through the UnitingCare Network. More information is available at unitingvictas.org.au/escaping-violence-payment
Regional Banking Taskforce Established
A Regional Banking Taskforce has been established by the Federal Government to assess the impact of bank branch closures on regional communities. The Taskforce will bring together banks and other key stakeholders to assess how bank branch closures have impacted local communities and work collaboratively to identify possible solutions.
Minister for Regionalisation Bridget McKenzie said the taskforce will provide a platform to establish how branch closures, has affected those living in the regions. “As we have heard, bank branch closures in the regions also affect the liveability of towns, and so I am pleased to announce this Taskforce will be looking at how we can keep banking services in rural Australia.”
The Co-Chairs of the Taskforce are: Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing the Hon. Michael Sukkar (as Co-Chair) reporting to the Treasurer and Senator Perin Davey (as Co-Chair) reporting to the Minister for Regionalisation, the Hon. Bridget McKenzie.
The Taskforce will hold its first meeting in early November and will release an issues paper for public consultation.
Small Business Grants Available
The NSW Government is helping small businesses bounce back from the pandemic with up to $640,000 in grants available to help organisations host events to generate new ideas and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Grants of up to $2,500 for local councils and $3,500 for chambers of commerce, industry associations and not-for-profit groups are available to help them organise events for the fifth NSW Small Business Month in March 2022. Further details on how small businesses and supporters can participate in NSW Small Business Month will be released soon. For more information visit: smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au
LVW Says Flooding Could Have Been Averted
It’s the elephant in the room and Lachlan Valley Water believes the ongoing flooding across the Lachlan Valley could have been averted if Wyangala Dam wall had been raised sooner.
The Wyangala Dam Wall Raising Project when complete will increase the dam’s capacity by 53 per cent – or an additional 650 gigalitres. The proposed project will see the dam wall height also raised, increasing the (FSL) Full Supply Level by approximately 10 metres.
Rain consistently across the year, water releases from Wyangala together with downstream tributary inflows has seen plenty of water flow through the Lachlan creating ongoing flooding.
WATER RELEASE WORRIES: Lachlan Valley Water’s Tom Green is concerned that the time taken to raise the Wyangala Dam Wall by 10m is taking too long as minor flooding continues throughout the region after heavy rains and consistent releases. Pic courtesy of Chris Watson and Farmpix.