General Interest Archives - Page 4 of 303

You’re one point away from postnatal depression

November 7, 2024 By Roxane Manley

“You’re one point away from postnatal depression” said the family health care nurse scoring the questionnaire I had just completed in her office.

I was on the verge of breaking point. My baby, our third addition, was breastfeeding every 40 minutes overnight and would not take a bottle.

The nurse explained that I was in a zone called postnatal depletion. My hair was falling out, my nails were cracked, my mind was playing tricks on me. I was depleted.

Being pregnant, breastfeeding, caring for other humans, not getting enough sleep had taken its toll.

Fast forward a few weeks as I now sit in front of Laura, my Nutritionist, as she reviews the results of my blood test. The numbers on the page in front of us tell the story of how I feel.

I was a tired Mum, so exhausted that I was surviving on frozen pizza and dino chicken nuggets. I’m sure many of you can relate!With the help of Laura I began to reincorporate foods into my diet that were rich in the vitamins and minerals my body was lacking and pretty quickly, my nails healed up and grew. My hair stopped clogging the shower drain, and I didn’t feel exhausted every time I woke up in the morning.

We’re thrilled to share that Laura is now offering her Nutrition Consultation services to our community in Parkes or via Telehealth to any location. If you are seeking support to feel your best, reach out to our team to book an appointment with Laura today on 0437 749 746 or learn more at www.kerinhealth.com.au

Forbes’ Jack Buckley Announced Pharmacist Of The Year

October 31, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Forbes Pharmacist Jack Buckley has been named the Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia (IPA) annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards.

The part owner of Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy in Forbes received the accolade for his dedication to rural healthcare. A trained pilot, Jack’s innovative approach to healthcare delivery was first recognised during the NSW flood crisis in November 2022, when he utilised his flying skills to transport medical supplies and pharmacy staff to towns along the Lachlan River.

By combining his professional expertise as a pharmacist, with his passion for flying, Jack has revolutionised the delivery of essential medical services to remote communities.

Jack said “I think the key message is, don’t underestimate what community pharmacy can offer patients, particularly in regional centres. We are very service based and place a huge emphasis on patient management and, the great thing is, we are making a difference to the community.”

The award is one of Australia’s most prestigious and regarded pharmacy accolades, with LPG CEO, Michael Flannery saying “This award is a credit to Jack and all the work he puts into the Forbes stores and his local community. He has been a wonderful addition to LPG since joining us over 12 years ago”.

Jack has embraced the Forbes community, and is an excellent Pharmacist. The impact he has made in recent years, particularly utilising his love of flying, highlights his dedication and commitment to community health.”

Women’s Health Services Transformation

October 31, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Australian women in every state and territory can now access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at a community pharmacy, without a prescriptionIt follows a decision to empower community pharmacists to do more for their female patients. UTIs are the second most frequent preventable cause of hospitalisation and on average 1 in 2 women develop a UTI in their lifetime.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey said “Women are busy mothers, carers, bosses who need timely easy-to-access access relief to get on with their day and prevent long-term health complications.”

Professor Twomey said increased access to UTI treatment was part of a larger evolution of women’s health services in community pharmacies across Australia.

There are more than 6000 community pharmacies across Australia that have the opportunity to provide additional services and prescriptions for everyday health conditions.

“The widening of the services provided in community pharmacy is meeting the expectation of the modern patient and is relieving the pressure on other parts of the health system.

“Community pharmacists are highly skilled health professionals and we’re ready, willing and able to deliver more for our patients,” Professor Twomey said.

Parkes Shire Council Named Finalist In Tidy Towns Awards

October 31, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is proud to announce we have been selected as a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KAB NSW) Tidy Towns Awards. The Parkes Shire has been recognised as a finalist in multiple award categories including:

Galing Gindhay Water Play and Lake Endeavour Project – Finalist for Liveable Towns Award: This inclusive space combines water play, adventure elements, and shaded seating. Integrating Wiradjuri cultural knowledge and highlights the local water story through design and storytelling.

Homegrown Parkes Community Events – Finalist for Community Spirit and Inclusion Award: Homegrown Parkes is a free, community-driven event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate local food, art, and sustainability.

Waders and Woodlands: Parkes Wetlands – Finalist for Biodiversity Conservation Award:

Parkes Shire Council has rehabilitated 25 hectares into a thriving wetland ecosystem, supporting native flora and fauna. The wetlands serve as an essential habitat for migratory and threatened bird species and feature more than 3,000 native plants and macrophytes.

Raw Water Storage Lagoon (RWSL)

– Contributing to the Overall Tidy Town Award: The RWSL is a key water security project, storing and managing water using solar energy and gravity.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, celebrated the recognition and commended the efforts of everyone involved in delivering these impactful projects.

“We are incredibly proud to see Parkes Shire recognised at this level. These achievements would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of Council staff, lo

cal contractors, community volunteers, and the generous support of our partners,” Cr Applebee said.

The 2024 Tidy Towns Awards winners will be announced on Saturday 2 November in Bathurst. Parkes Shire Council is honoured to be recognised among the state’s best in sustainability, community development, and environmental preservation. This acknowledgment reinforces our commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive community for all.

Inland Rail Skills Academy Graduates Get On The Tools

October 31, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Inland Rail Skills Academy graduates (from left) Hamilton Currie, Brett Whyman and (far right) Lawrence Button with Inland Rail’s Cathy Duncan, Senior Program Skills and Training Advisor, and Adam O’Sullivan, Rail Superintendent, Martinus (second right).

A trio of Inland Rail Skills Academy graduates have used their new-found skills to find employment with Inland Rail contractor Martinus Rail and make their own contributions to the project.

The three graduates: Brett Whyman, Lawrence Button and Hamilton Currie, each completed a five-week Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure course through the Inland Rail Skills Academy earlier this year. The course, provided by First Nations training provider Yakka Training, took place over five weeks in March and April in Wagga Wagga.

The graduates then started work with Inland Rail contractor Martinus Rail and were assigned to the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) section during the September possession, a 100-hour period where the rail line was closed and an intense period of construction took place.

Inland Rail is an approximately 1,600km freight rail line that will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, enhancing Australia’s national freight network and supply chain capabilities, connecting existing freight routes through rail, roads and ports, and supporting Australia’s growth.

The Inland Rail sections between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales are prioritised for completion by 2027.

Brett Whyman, Martinus employee and Inland Rail Skills Academy graduate, said “The Inland Rail Skills Academy appealed to me because it gave me an opportunity to put my foot in the door and start in the rail industry. The advice I’d give to locals about the Inland Rail Skills Academy is: go for it.

It’s very rewarding once you get into the industry and the Inland Rail Skills Academy will help you with everything to get into the industry.”

Nedd’s Incredible 1,600km Run For Charity

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Nedd Brockmann once again captured the hearts and minds of the country with his epic 1,000-mile or 1,609-kilometre run that he described as ten times harder than when he ran across Australia.

“To say I’m proud is an understatement,” Brockmann said.

“You don’t know the extent of something until you’re in it, and when you’re in it, you’re shocked by its enormity.”

The man from Forbes finished the 1,000 miles in 12 days, 13 hours and 45 seconds at the Sydney Olympic Athletic Centre, which is 3,760 laps of the athletic track.

This time places him in the top 10 in the world and ranks him as the second fastest Australian to run the 1000 miles.

Brockmann constantly remarked on how he felt support from the local community, particularly from the countless donations, including the very generous $30,000 donation from the Forbes Gala Ball.

Brockmann’s efforts have led to a staggering $3,700,000 raised for We Are Mobilise, with the fundraising efforts not over.

The second part of Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge invites workplaces, schools, gyms and individuals to commit to their own challenge that takes you out of your comfort zone.

“ This is about making people understand that any real growth comes with adversity and by taking an intentional challenge, they might be more prepared when they’re faced with a challenge they hadn’t expected” Brockmann said.

Choose your own adventure at www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com

Australia’s 3G Networks Switch Off From 28th October

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Australia’s 3G networks will shut down from 28th October and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) is urging all Australians to act now and “Check Your Tech” to ensure they will stay connected once the networks are switched off.

Telstra and Optus will switch off their 3G networks from 28th October 2024. TPG Telecom-owned Vodafone has already closed its network in January 2024.

This means that devices that depend on the 3G network will no longer work. 3G devices will no longer be supported and will not be able to make calls, including emergency voice calls to Triple Zero on any Australian mobile network.

This closure will also affect some 4G devices that default emergency calls to 3G.

While these devices can make normal 4G voice calls, they push emergency calls to 3G and so won’t be able to make an emergency call after the closure.

In addition, devices that have been purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones, might not be fully supported once the 3G network shuts down Impacted devices may also include smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.

Local Wheat Growers Encouraged To Enter Agshows NSW Competition

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Northern NSW judging (pictured) is now complete. Southern, Central and Western regions are still to be judged.

As the 2024 growing season faces setbacks due to adverse weather conditions, wheat growers across New South Wales are encouraged to showcase their expertise and innovation by entering the prestigious AgShows NSW Suncorp Bank Championship Dryland Field Wheat and Durum Competition.

This highly anticipated annual competition celebrates excellence in wheat production and provides an opportunity for growers to be recognised for their hard work in overcoming challenging conditions.

With frosts and dry weather across NSW throughout September, private forecasts predict Australia’s national wheat crop may fall below 30 million tonnes—well short of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences’ (ABARES) September forecast of 31.8 million tonnes.

Stephen Hatty, Chair of the Wheat Advisory Committee, encourages growers to take part: “While we may see a lower national wheat crop this year, the competition remains an excellent opportunity for growers to demonstrate the effectiveness of their management practices under difficult conditions.”

The competition is open to growers from all regions of NSW, with 30th October the cut-off for growers in our region. To enter the competition, growers should contact their local competition coordinator. A full list of local coordinators can be found on the AgShows NSW website, along with entry forms and judging criteria.

Judging will begin shortly after the regional deadlines, with regional winners being announced later in the year. The state winner will be revealed at the Wheat Presentation Dinner in Dubbo on 12th January 2025.

Don’t Ghost The ATO

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

CPA Australia is urging all Australians to dust the cobwebs off their tax returns and ensure they are lodged by the Halloween deadline: 31st October 2024.

But don’t be fooled by scammers who target taxpayers rushing to the finish line.

“Failing to lodge your tax return on time could ultimately mean a scary penalty,” says CPA Australia’s Tax Lead, Jenny Wong. “Rushing to lodge can also result in more tricks than treats as scammers will target people with last-minute calls to action, or promises of substantial refunds.

“So, if you haven’t already done it, set aside some time over the next week to compile your evidence and get your return in on time. Or seek expert advice from a registered tax agent who can assist, especially if your finances are complicated.”

Individuals who lodge their own tax returns are required to do so by 31st October, but those who use a tax agent have longer to lodge, as long as they are on their agent’s books by the end of October.

“We’re all busy and time can get away from us, but lodging your tax return on time is really important,” says Ms Wong. “Leaving it until the last minute comes with the risk that you cut corners, get things wrong and don’t submit your return accurately.

You could ultimately receive a less favourable outcome as a result.

“If submitting yourself through myGov, make sure you check the pre-filled information is correct, and don’t just copy and paste the same deductions as last year.

If you do miss the deadline, Ms Wong says to contact the ATO as soon as possible.

World Class Bush Art Trail Complete After 13 Years

October 24, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The recent unveiling of ‘Brumbies Run’ by Brett Mon Garling, the final sculpture completing the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail after 13 years.

What’s 100km long, took 13 years, and features brumbies, goannas, birds and lovable dogs?

After 13 years in the making, the worldclass public art trail ‘Sculpture Down the Lachlan’ is complete with the final work ‘Brumbies Run’ by Brett Garling installed.

Featuring 25 installations over 100 km from Forbes to Condobolin in Central NSW, the bush’s version of Bondi’s ‘Sculpture by the Sea’, attracts thousands of road-trippers who marvel at the quirky and unique largerthan-life artworks which follow the Lachlan River along the Lachlan Valley Way road.

‘Brumbies Run’ is a bronze sculpture located at Warroo Reserve off Lachlan Valley Way. It features wild horses running, kicking, flaring nostrils and leaping, and represents the freedom, spirit and enthusiasm of so many Australians.

The trail launched in 2011 and aimed to celebrate the diversity of the rural community, its artistic edge, culture, people and stories. Over the years it has gained international recognition with visitors enjoying the trail, nestled amongst golden grasses and majestic red river gums.

Other recent installations are ‘Waiting for the Rain’ by Jimmy Rix (April 2024) and ‘Between the Silence’ by Clancy Warner (May 2023). Plus, don’t miss Stephen King’s the ‘Tower’, the original ‘amazing’ sign at Forbes, a 12-metre steel goanna ‘Varanus’ and the 6-metre ‘Heart of Country’.

The brainchild of Sculpture Down the Lachlan is local artist Rosie Johnston who was unrelenting in her passion to see art embedded in nature by some of Australia’s leading creatives.

At the end of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail, travellers will find themselves at Condobolin’s iconic ‘Utes in the Paddock’.

The unique collection of 20 Holden Utes is such a drawcard that Lachlan Shire Council constructed its new Visitor Information Centre at the site.

For more information you can contact the friendly staff at Amazing Forbes NSW

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