It is possible to do your own divorce, property settlement, custody and maintenance matters. Remember that these areas are fraught with emotion and pit falls. Remember, too, the old axiom: “Any lawyer who acts for himself has a fool for a client.” This applies equally to lay people.

Lawyers can give you information and advice, prepare documents, assist in negotiations, counselling and mediations, and can represent you in court if your issues cannot be resolved beforehand.

The Family Law Act requires a lawyer to tell you about how you can settle your disputes by conciliation and the counselling services offered by the Family Court. You must also be given a copy of the information brochure “Marriage, Families and Separation”.

The reasons you should consider appointment of a legal representative are that you may want advice on multiple issues at the same time. A court will not grant final orders until it is satisfied that proper arrangements have been made for the children. There may also be tensions between the parties, which make it impossible for them to objectively deal with all issues.

Legal aid maybe available but you will need to complete and submit a legal aid application.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson

Ian Thompson has given himself a Christmas present learning a new life skill.

He has been attending computer lessons at Parkes Library for over two years, and this is what he has gained from it.

Why did you want to do the computer training at the library? It was initially recommended by my rehabilitation provider to improve my chances of returning to work. I had wanted to learn about computers anyway so I went.

What have you learned? I didn’t know how to make capital letters when I first started! But I now know how to email, do word processing and research the internet. I have also been learning about cyber bullying.

How did you find the lessons? They’re informative but everyone learns at their own pace so there’s no pressure.

Will you be able to put your new knowledge to good use and how do you plan to use it? I feel confident to use it at home and to stay up to date with what the family are doing too.

Would you recommend it to other people? Yes. The library staff allow everyone to learn at their own pace, there’s no pressure to hit certain benchmarks. They are very patient and make the learning fun as well as informative.

What was the highlight of the training for you? Learning how to use the computer and surprising myself that I was able to learn more. Yes, there’s a lot to learn but you only need to learn what you want to know. Once you get the basics, it’s quite fascinating learning more and more.

The Parkes Library offers the lessons for free, but bookings are essential. Contact Library staff on 6861 2309 or pop in to talk to Dan who runs the computer classes.

Up to 2,000 people attended the annual and festive Carols in the Park event on a beautiful night to celebrate life in the midst of losses and challenges last Sunday.

Some people remarked it was one of the best Carols events they could remember.

The carols band and singers led the community in beautiful songs, while all the primary school choirs, Tapestry and Hannah Dun provided the entertainment for the night.

“I really enjoyed the strong expression of unity and community which gave a very special feel,” said Rev Andrew Taggart, President of the Parkes Ministers Association. “With the children in front of the stage so full of joy, there was a sense that we were a great extended family. I also really enjoyed the variety and creativity of the mix of items.”

Determined to do their bit to reduce drink driving across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas, 57 pubs, clubs and bottle shops have joined the Plan B campaign.

Plan B is a state-wide initiative encouraging patrons to think about alternatives to driving home after a night out.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Of- ficer, Melanie Suitor, said drink driving was one of the biggest causes of death and in- jury on NSW roads.

“Country people are at particular risk given the lack of public transport or other op- tions for getting home.”

Alcohol related crashes claimed the lives of at least 64 people on NSW roads last year, accounting for 18% of all road fatalities and included 52 lives lost on country roads.

During December, patrons at participating businesses will be invited to enter a competition to win a swag valued at $250 by nominating a Plan B for getting home.

The competition will be drawn on New Year’s Eve.

The promotion coincides with enhanced Police enforcement, reminding drivers that RBT means you need a Plan B, especially following the introduction of tougher drink driving penalties earlier this year.

These include drivers who commit a low range drink driving offence for the first time. They will have their licence suspended immediately, effective for three months. This will be coupled with a significant fine of $572.

A low range drink drive reading is a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.079. The reforms deliver swifter, consistent and more certain penalties for drink driving in NSW.

More than 20 Currajong Disability Services clients attended the second annual pool party to celebrate the International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD) in Forbes recently.

Swimming, music and dance, yoga, painting and many more activities were on offer for about 80 people, while care providers had the opportunity to mingle, network and share ideas with each other in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

“We were ecstatic with the turn out and participation to celebrate such an important day on the disability calendar,” said Dane Millerd of Currajong.

“IDPwD has now well and truly been established as a flagship event on the Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin calendar.”

“Next year we are planning a bigger and bolder event,” said Dane.

The party guests with a disability were also able to meet and socialise with a diverse range of people whom they wouldn’t always have access to.

Forbes Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb spoke about the importance of showing disabled residents that “they feel very special in the community, while raising awareness within the community on how special they are”.

The event aims to break down barriers within the community by acknowledging differences between people and appreciating each person’s unique value.

The party served as a wonderful example of how the Council, residents and care agencies value, include and appreciate the residents of Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin who live with a disability.