The recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day, held via Zoom on Wednesday 15 September, was a success with over 60 people dialling in.
Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations.
The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, Graincorp/Grain Transport Safety Network and NSW Farmers.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said it was great to see strong numbers again this year for the Virtual Field Day, especially as the region is expecting another good harvest.
“Unfortunately, due to the current COVID situation we had to hold the field day online again this year, rather than the usual face to face event at the Forbes Saleyards. It was very pleasing to see many of the regulars in attendance. This year we also saw a large number of first-time attendees from right across the Central West.
“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that during harvest all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.
“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period,’ Ms Suitor said.
The program included presentations about access, fire safety, load restraint and much more.
“Feedback from attendees about the need for the event, format, length, presentations, range of topics, registration process and event organisation has all been very positive. With participants giving the event almost a five-star rating.
“Thanks to everyone who assisted to organise and promote the event. And a bigger thank-you to everyone who registered and attended,” Ms Suitor said.
The Virtual Field Day was recorded and can be accessed on the Forbes Councils’ YouTube channel or via this link – https://youtu.be/wkALs0-xY94
The winner of the feedback form lucky door prize, an Engel Thermo15 cab fridge worth $190, was Campbell Wilson.
All attendees will be receiving participant packs that include; an NHVR cooler bag and hand sanitizer, NSW Rural Fire Service Grain Harvesting Safety Index sticker, NSW Farmers magazine, load restraint pack (Load Restraint Guide 2018, fact sheets and links to the recent how-to videos) and a 2021 ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USB, which contains all the notices and information you need in the lead up to and during harvest.
“The USBs are extremely popular and we will be releasing more at local rural supply stores and agricultural machinery retailers just in time for harvest,” Ms Suitor said.
