Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

Free Arts Funding Workshop In Parkes

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Arts OutWest will run a free arts funding workshop in Parkes next Wednesday, 2nd November from 10:30am to 12.30pm at the Parkes Library.

The workshop will help people prepare applications for the annual Country Arts Support Program and brush up on their grant writing skills.

The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is a small annual funding round supporting arts activities in the NSW Central West. Applications for the 2023 round are now open.

CASP funds the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake or manage arts activities that offer exciting creative outcomes. Grants of up to $3,000 are available.

“The free workshop will explain the CASP funding, help people plan an application, chat through their project ideas and take a look at the application process,” Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead said.

CASP applications for 2023 close at 5pm on Monday, 5th December.

Projects funded by CASP could include (but are not limited to) arts or heritage-based workshops, classes, performances, installations, exhibitions, tours, screen/film making, writing or composition, development of new work, tours or talks, artist-in-residence programs, recordings or podcasts, and new arts activities attached to festivals or events – as long as they have some element of public outcome.

The funding is open to individuals, groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts businesses and councils.

If you can’t make the Parkes workshop, there will be an online information session on Wednesday, 16th November.

Book for the Parkes workshop at either Parkes Library, Arts OutWest or find it on Eventbrite.

Read the full CASP criteria at www.artsoutwest.org.au/pf/casp/

Our Gal – Irene Ridgeway

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Irene Ridgeway

Where were you born? I was born at Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Waratah in Newcastle.

Were you named after anyone? I was named after my Aunty Irene.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My six sons are my proudest accomplishment.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Marching down George Street in 1983 protesting John Pat’s death in custody. This protest became a symbol of injustice and oppression for Aboriginal people.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Just be you.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m not much of a risk taker, I think life is one big risk, it’s what we achieve daily that counts.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? I’d take an umbrella, some water and a satellite phone.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book a cruise somewhere.

When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m around the people I love and when I create art

Funds For Forbes Soccer Female Participation

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

At the $9,000 funding announcement for the Forbes & District Soccer Club were (L-R) Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto, Club President Paula Browne, MLC Sam Farraway, Head Coach Doug McKenzie, Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Mayor Phyllis Miller and soccer club players.

Forbes Soccer Club will be starting development programs for girls thanks to a $9,000 grant.

“With this funding, our club can fund new training sessions with female coaches which will provide the opportunity for girls to learn and play a sport in a fun and engaging environment,” said Club President of Forbes & District Soccer Club Paula Browne.

She welcomed the announcement and thanked the NSW Government, saying that the investment would ensure young girls in the area could participate in the sport.

“I am grateful to the NSW Government as it supports our children and young people, through initiatives like the Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the funding would support the club in hiring female coaches and referees, deliver more player advancement sessions and increase the number of females in the executive leadership.

“Programs such as Forbes Soccer Club’s is a great example of how we can improve the inclusiveness of sports for women.

“The club will recruit more female staff, deliver ‘come and try’ sessions for juniors and tailor advancement programs to push young girls to dream big.”

The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for wellbeing programs, events and resources as part of the initiative.

Applications for both large and smaller grants are open now and close on 31 December 2022, or when fully allocated.

For program and eligibility guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing.

A Fun Morning Of Science For Little Ones

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The activities at the 2019 Forbes Science Discovery Day had everyone enthralled.

If you want your little ones to discover the magic of science, but don’t want a mess in your house, the Forbes Science Discovery Day on Friday 4th November is just the place for you!

It has been a while since the inaugural Forbes Science Discovery Day was held and the team is delighted to present a fun packed morning at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre from 10am to 1pm this year.

“We are super excited to introduce Wendy from the Children’s Discovery Museum to our community,” said Maree Yapp from Forbes North SaCC.

“Wendy brings with her a wealth of experience and will be reading her story ‘Goldilocks and the Three Scientists’ every hour”. The morning will bring favourite activities along with some new experiences for children up to school age.

Families with young children are invited to come along and try all

the activities around the hall and speak with the presenters at each station. There will be plenty to see and do for everyone.

Rain Cancels Croquet

October 28, 2022 by Pegging Out

Rain again won the Day for Aussie Croquet last Saturday.

Then on Tuesday, Council cancelled all games on Council fields.

We have our annual general meeting after Aussie Croquet tomorrow (Saturday, 29th October). If it rains again the meeting will still take place at the club house starting at 10am. All are welcome.

Play will now be starting at 9am. Let’s hope the weather will be kind to us. That’s it for now.

By Pegging Out

Snippets…

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

‘Rory in the mud’ taken by Amelia O’Reilly from Tullibigeal received a special mention in the junior category of the 2022 Central West is Best Photography Competition.

Thanksgiving Service: On Sunday, 6th November the Alectown Annual Thanksgiving Service will take place in the Alectown Soldiers Memorial Hall at 4pm. The event has been held annually for many years just prior to harvest to give thanks for the upcoming harvest and for all the blessings received throughout the year. Quite often rain is needed to finish crops off, but this year has been extraordinary and we pray for fine weather to dry out the soil so that the crops can be harvested. Afternoon tea is served afterwards and everyone is welcome.

Funding For Country Arts: Applications are now open for Arts OutWest’s Country Arts Support Program (CASP), a small annual funding round supporting arts activities in the NSW Central West. Grants of up to $3,000 are available that will help to generate new arts activities. Applications for 2023 close at 5pm on Monday, 5th December. Projects could include (but are not limited to) arts or heritage-based workshops, classes, performances, installations, exhibitions, tours, screen/film making, writing or composition, development of new work, tours or talks, artist-in-residence programs, recordings or podcasts, and new arts activities attached to festivals or events – as long as they have some element of public outcome.

Arts OutWest will run a free grant writing workshop in Parkes on Wednesday, 2nd November and an online CASP information session on Wednesday, 16th November. To apply you must discuss your idea with Arts OutWest before submitting an online application. Read the full criteria at www.artsoutwest.org.au/pf/casp/ and contact Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Help Improve The Great Outdoors: Residents of Central West are encouraged to help shape the future of open spaces by completing the NSW Regional Outdoor Survey. The survey will only take about ten minutes to complete. To have your say go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/nsw-regional-outdoor-survey.

New Rules To Boost Agritourism: More farmers across NSW will soon be able to welcome visitors thanks to a new policy that makes it easier to set up agritourism opportunities. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said: “We’re making it cheaper and easier for our farmers to diversify their income by starting, running and growing agritourism experiences, such as farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, retreats, roadside stalls, fruit picking and small wedding venues.”

Ella Gibson from Baldry was the runner-up in the junior category of the 2022 Central West is Best Photography Competition with her entry called ‘If a shed could tell a story’.

Be Seen @ Lindsay Morehouse Concert

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jacinta Passmore, Luka Parkin and Reuben Kelly.

Ben McKay and Esther Bruce.

Ellen Tom, Phil Redenbach, Lila Gascoigne and Eliza Noakes. (Photos: Caroline Chapman)

New Mentors Ready To Help First Nations People Strengthen Financial Literacy

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Aboriginal financial counsellor intern Shardai Charters, and colleagues (second right) Jacqueline Coe and (right) Kyle Nixon-Croaker complete the training led by Jordy Dwyer from First Nations Foundation (second left) to become My Money Dream mentors.

Aboriginal people in western NSW seeking to build up their financial well-being and security need not do it alone.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) is ready to help on the ground, a number of its team members recently completing training with First Nations Foundation to become My Money Dream mentors.

My Money Dream is an education program created by First Nations people, for First Nations people, to teach skills for financial security and future prosperity.

CCWF provides free access to My Money Dream, and now with more CCWF team members across western NSW trained as mentors, it can further assist community members.

CCWF team members based at Dubbo, Forbes, Narromine, Orange, Bourke, Broken Hill and Condobolin took part in the training on 6th September at Dubbo.

“We are thrilled to partner with First Nations Foundation to become My Money Dream mentors, supporting us to bolster financial literacy in a culturally safe format,” CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Financial Stability portfolio manager Louise Cormie said.

“Enhanced financial literacy helps everyone. First Nations people were only permitted to enter our country’s economy in the 1970s.

“We can take steps to reduce this financial well-being deficit, by building confidence in managing money and for a secure financial future.”

CCWF notes a 2019 study by First Nations Foundation, in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact and NAB, that underscores the need. It found 48 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were living in financial stress.

CCWF provides free access to My Money Dream education via all formats – online, self-learn, or in-person with a mentor for individuals and groups. To sign up or for further information call 1800 067 067 or email lcormie@ccwf.org.au

Smoke Testing Helps Sewer System

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Smoke testing of stormwater and sewer connections in south Forbes has been completed by Forbes Shire Council and the results will now form the basis of future works.

Council, in conjunction with a contractor, conducted smoke testing of almost 400 sewer connections last month and found less than half had minor issues, according to Manager Water and Sewer Melanie Slimming.

Sewer manholes, used for access to the sewer system, were also inspected, and the majority were found to be in reasonable condition. A few manholes were found to have minor issues, and ten manholes were in poor condition and will require refurbishment.

“Our sewer crew will use this information to prioritise and schedule their works program to address all of the defects,” said Melanie.

“Additionally, all properties with defects will have letters sent to home owners requesting they address the non-conformance. In most instances this could be as minor as taking a photo of your boundary trap and sending it through to Council’s team,” she said.

“In a few instances, there may be some plumbing redirection required. Council will work with individuals as needed.”

Hayley’s ‘Having The Time Of Her Life’

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

DANCING QUEEN… Hayley Roach landed her dream job when she became Manager of the Trundle ABBA Festival.

As an events specialist she has worked on some of the biggest international events around the world including the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup, and then her dream job popped up.

Hayley Roach moved from England to Parkes in August this year to become Manager of the Trundle ABBA Festival one week after finishing a contract with the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

“This job really is my dream. I genuinely love ABBA and I get to listen to their songs all day every day,” she said listing the four countries where she’s seen Björn Again for a total of 28 times already.

She first heard ABBA as a six-year-old. “My dad was in the Royal Air Force and we used to travel wherever he got posted. I remember just being in the backseat of our car driving to Germany, driving to Holland, driving wherever and we’d have cassettes. ABBA was one of those cassettes. I remember just loving it. I always asked for ABBA. You can say it was the soundtrack to my youth, probably the soundtrack to my life now.”

Hayley never got to see ABBA live, but in 1992 she discovered the tribute band Björn Again. “They came to my hometown in Sheffield. To me Björn Again were the next best thing and how I would have imagined the real ABBA to be.”

They put on a show every year and Hayley went for 15 years in a row. “I ran out of friends to take as it was exactly the same show every year, and I ended up just going by myself.”

When Hayley saw the job ad she had no idea where Trundle was, but the word ABBA was what drew her in. And when she discovered it was the only ABBA festival in the world, she definitely wanted the job title on her CV.

“Trundle is the smallest town I’ve ever been to in my life with the widest streets, but the people are so lovely.” Hayley very quickly realised how important the festival was for the town’s economy, and her main objective was to make it the best experience it could be.

“I am blessed to have a job that I’m so passionate about, and as a fan I wanted to make sure this festival celebrates their music and achievements, and as an events manager I wanted to ensure we deliver a successful event.”

Unfortunately, the weather gods decided otherwise, and while Hayley was hugely disappointed the festival had to be cancelled a week out from happening, she loved every minute of the Björn Again show in Parkes and how much everyone else enjoyed it.

And after all those years of following the world’s number one ABBA tribute band around the globe, she got a photo with Björn Again in Parkes.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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