Joy Hocking and Beryl Milton attended Yoga in Wheogo Park for the Give it a Go Festival.
The a capella group Tapestry had the audience captivated at the Seniors Variety Concert.
The morning tea provided by Forbes Shire Council was thoroughly enjoyed by all after Tai Chi on Tuesday.
Zara Alghamdi was impressed by the display of local produce at the Town Hall on Sunday.
It was fantastic to see the rain hang around for a couple of days last week and provide good rainfall. However, this does not mean the drought has been broken, but it is a good start nonetheless. There have been a lot of tractors busily ploughing of late and I wish every farmer the best for 2020.
Bedgerabong Races were fantastic last weekend with a very healthy crowd. There were some absolutely stunning outfits on both men and women. On Saturday evening we had the launch of Regional Lifestyle Magazine Autumn edition in the Town Hall. This edition features Forbes and Parkes, showcasing many beautiful and informative stories from both our Shires. Make sure you get yourself a copy, it’s a fantastic read.
I would like to remind you to shop local, we want a healthy retail sector when the drought finally breaks. I would like to remind residents that Lake Forbes is not an off-leash area for your dogs. Please be especially mindful around the food areas where there are quite a few people.
We are very saddened to hear of the sud- den passing of Yvonne Shaw this week. Yvonne’s late husband, Ian Shaw, was the Mayor of Forbes from July 1993 to September 1997. Yvonne was a great lady and our thoughts and prayers are with Yvonne’s family at this very sad time. Until next week,
God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller
Meditation in motion, Tuesdays Tai Chi class was a great opportunity to exercise, socialise, and have fun.
Forbes has been celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival this week with its very own Give It A Go Festival.
The week-long celebration kicked off last Sunday showcasing exceptional talent at the Seniors Variety Concert in the Town Hall with proceeds going to the CWA Drought Relief. The concert, attended by many, was followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea which was generously provided by Council whilst supporting local businesses.
Yoga, croquet, indoor bowls, talks by renowned historians, dancing, fishing and drawing have been included in the festival’s line up this year, to include something for everyone.
On Tuesday, Cheryl Shirvington and Sandra Nicholson led a class of 25 ladies in Tai Chi at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. Cheryl and Sandra teach the class weekly and said that the best thing is that it is suitable for all abilities and fitness levels, with no commitment required. The classes are also a great excuse to socialise.
Forbes resident Alison Baker attended Tai Chi and saw it as “proof of what a great community Forbes is,” stating, “we are so grateful to the Council for all they do, not just for the seniors,” a sentiment shared by many attending the class on Tuesday.
The NSW Seniors Festival continues until Sunday with the Seniors Social Sundowner on the back deck at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club from 4pm-6pm. RSVP to Council on 02 6850 2300.
Forbes Division 4 Pennants team ready to play at Wentworth – Steven Grallelis, Les Little, Stephen McAlister, Troy Howe, Stuart Thomas
On Saturday the event was Individual 18-hole Stableford, sponsored by Cahill Footwear. The field of 59 players returned good scores in great conditions.
Division 1 winner was Barry Shine with 41 points, ahead of runner-up Andrew McDonald on 38 points. Barry hit every fairway, while Andrew was refreshed after a trip. The Division 2 winner was Phil Wells with a score of 39 points, closely followed by runner-up Rod Besgrove on 38 points.
The ball sweep went to 33 points on count back: 37 – N Duncan, A Dukes, J Bernardi, B Parker, Alf Davies, A Alley; 36 – P Gray- son, S Grallelis, C Barrett; 35 – F Donohoe, J Dobell; 34 – J Cutler, G Willis (D/league); 33 – R Baker, P Tisdell, P Duke.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – D Rhodes; 18th – R Smith. There were four visitors from Duntryleague – Greg Willis, Chris Kelly, Steve Fulmer and Mark Hildebrandt.
The Sunday Stableford Medley again had a small field with many regulars away. Mike Spice won with 38 points. There was no Runner-up or Ball sweep. The NTP’s, sponsored by GWG, saw no-one make it on the 9th, but Mike took the 18th quite easily.
Farewell to Tommy Punnett, the Touring Pro who has been helping at the Pro Shop during the Summer. Tommy was often seen fine tuning his putting or honing his chipping skills. We thank him for his company and wish him well on the Australian circuit.
The Summer Super 6’s competition will finish the last two weeks with handicaps frozen, which may affect the final placings on the Pool tables.
Saturday, 22nd February is a 4BBB Par, sponsored by Highlands Design, playing for the Ron Barton Memorial Trophy. Sunday has an 18-hole Stableford Medley, with Pennant duties for Divisions 1-3 at Cowra.
By Short Putt
AUTUMN NIGHT COMPETITIONS 2020
The format for the Autumn night competitions for both mixed and ladies’ teams were set at the General Meeting on Thursday. Team nomination forms can be downloaded from the FNA website, with the first grading to be held Wednesday night, 26th February. Ladies may play in both mixed and ladies’ teams, on the same night. Everyone is urged to come along and enjoy the fun of the night competitions.
FORBES ALL AGE CARNIVAL
The Forbes All Age carnival will be held on Sunday, 3rd May. This carnival has been operating since the association was formed in 1975, and, according to past teams, is one of the best organised carnivals in the region. Age groups are from 11 years to open ladies. Many extra helpers will be needed to help make the huge day another great success.
FORBES GALA DAY 2020
The Gala day, which was extremely popular in 2019, will again be held in 2020, bigger and better. A date in August will be finalised at the February general meeting.
FORBES REPRESENTATIVES 2020
The Forbes Netball Association has entered the Open representative team in the West/Central West Regional League Divi- sion 2. The team is training weekly and has already improved. The Open representative team will play the first round of games in Orange on Sunday, 1st March. A date for the Representative Information Day was finalised at the meeting on Thursday night. More information will be available next week. Players turning 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 will need to apply for their respective age groups. Players must be turning that age in 2020.
Tuesday’s Golf Croquet was a wash out, but the rain was welcomed. Croquet Club members look forward to any rain in the future.
Aussie Croquet Saturday, 15th February
Saturday’s Aussie Croquet was played on the best grassed surface club members have played on for the last 12 months. It was slow for a start because of the thickness of the grass but it played beautifully as the day went on. Out of 24 players there were only two players who won their three matches. They were Barry White and Elvy Quirk.
The closest matches on the day were:
• Elvy Quirk, Jeff Liebich 14, def John Cole, Kathleen Broderick 11.
• Colleen Liebich, Joan Littlejohn 14, def Bill Scott, Roz Rennick 11.
• Dorelle Scott, Veva MacCullagh 14, def Robin Pols, John Browne 11.
• Bob Murray, Sandy Hepburn 14, def Cherylin Cole, Ray Burridge 13.
• Barry White, Bill Scott 14, def Roz Rennick, Lorraine Todd 11.
• Elvy Quirk, Harley Stewart 14, def Colleen Liebich, Bob Murray 12.
• Jeff Liebich, John Cole 14, def Ray Burridge, Tony Thomson 13.
• John Browne, Merv Langfield 14, def Cherylin Cole, Veva MacCullagh 12.
• John Browne, Merv Langfield 14, def Cherylin Cole, Dorelle Scott 12.
Hokkaido took out first place, winning the Bedgerabong Picnic Cup. (Credit: Bedgerabong Picnic Cup 2020 facebook page.)
A Fantastic Day for All: The Bedgerabong Picnic Races saw Hokkaido take out first place with jockey, Brent Evans and trainer, Sharon Jeffries. The day was jam packed full of fun and entertainment with fabulous outfits, handsome horses and delicious food to keep spectators happy. Western Tree Care presented a cheque of sponsor- ship for next year’s Bedgerabong Picnic Cup.
Bernardi’s Keep Building: The Bernardi’s Building Better Communities initiative announced three new beneficiaries on Tuesday. Congratulations to Forbes Toy Library, Forbes & District Soccer Club Incorporated and Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Association. Customers can choose which group to put their support behind by using tokens earned in store.
Writing to Remember: Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is urging students throughout the Riverina and Central West to enter his 10th annual ANZAC writing competition. Michael said it was important to continue to remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have fought for peace and freedom in conflicts all over the world. Last year the competition attracted more than 800 entries from over 35 schools. This year, 120 primary and high schools have been invited to participate by writing a piece on “Remembering our ANZACs in the Riverina and Central West.” Entries need to be submitted by 5pm, Friday 28th February either by mail to the Wagga Wagga Electorate Office, Suite 2, 11-15 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga 2650, or via email to michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au.
Congratulations to Alex Hanley: Alex is the last Central West Credit Union Sports Achiever for 2019. Alex has been selected as the December winner for her achievements in Ranch Sorting. Alex has earnt the title of 2019 ABCRA Ranch Sorting Beginners Champion, this is such a massive achievement, considering that Alex only started in the sport in 2018.
Bruce Facey presented Alex Hanley with the Central West Credit Union Sports Achiever Award for December 2019 (Credit: Forbes Sports Person of the Year Association facebook page.)
Western NSW Local Health District is warning the public to take care against mosquito-borne viruses following recent heavy rains and associated flooding.
This increase in rain and flooding may result in an increase in mosquito breeding, particularly where there is pooled water. Much of the pooled water still remains in paddocks, on grassy roadsides and around the Ski Dam and Lake Forbes. Whilst being bitten is irritating, mosquitoes can carry disease such as Ross River, Barmah Forest Fever and Murray Valley Encephalitis.
These infections can cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, fever, and sore or swollen joints. Symptoms usually resolve within several days, but some people may experience symptoms for weeks or even months. Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis can cause more severe symptoms such as encephalitis.
Western NSW Local Health District Public Health Manager Priscilla Stanley advises residents and visitors to take preventative action to avoid being bitten.
Priscilla suggests people should protect themselves by screening all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside, using spray when mosquitoes are inside and wearing appropriate clothing and using repellent when outdoors at dusk and dawn as this is when mosquitoes are most active. It is also important to have septic tanks professionally pumped if they were inundated by flood water and to ensure mesh is in place on septic vents.
Central West and Riverina students planning to start university this year are being encouraged to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now to beat the queue.
Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible young people who pursue further study or an apprenticeship after leaving school and Austudy provides assistance to students and apprentices aged 25 or older.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said by applying now students could stress less. “They need to be able to focus on the classes ahead, not worry about their finances,” Mr McCormack said. “Thousands of students apply, and you don’t want to be waiting for your first payment when you are several lessons in.”
Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert encouraged students to apply to avoid the last-minute rush at the start of the new semester. “Eligibility for additional support will also be assessed. For example, students who move away from home to study may get the increased away from home rate of Youth Allowance.”
Students are among the first to benefit from the large-scale business transformation under way to modernise the delivery of government payments and services.
How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I’ve been here for five years next month; I like that Forbes is a quiet little town with friendly people.
What was your first job? Butcher, I’ve been a butcher for most of my life.
What makes you laugh the most? Oh gee, hearing a good joke, or a dirty joke.
If money were no object, what would you do with your time? I think I’d party hard.
Describe your dream holiday? Sitting back on the beach in Hawaii, drinking out of a coconut with an umbrella in it and wearing a pair of Manly footie shorts.
What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Meeting the Manly football team after they won the grand final in 1987.
If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I’d probably go back to Broken Hill in the 1970’s and early 80’s. I did my schooling out there and it’s a good place. I’d also go to Wilcannia where my Pop had a property and I’d swim in the (Darwin) river.
If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My dad, my uncle and my nan, they’ve all passed, and I miss them.