Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Fire, Flu And Now Floods

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

MORE RAIN TO COME: After another wet weekend the extended forecast for Forbes for the remainder of 2021 shows that more rainfall is likely meaning potential flooding. INSET: NSW Forbes SES Unit filling up sandbags in preparation for looming floods. Photo courtesy of Forbes SES.

It is well documented the past 18 months have resembled something from a Spielberg disaster film with fire, flu, vermin and now floods. One could be forgiven for thinking this is the end of days. Fortunately it isn’t but it will be wet for the rest of 2021 and that means floods in Forbes.

The Lachlan NSW SES advised Forbes Shire Council to expect moderate to major flooding on last Tuesday with everyone from WaterNSW to the Bureau of Meteor-ology keeping an eye on the weather and rising water levels.

After more rain last weekend and more to come, along with water already being released from Wyangala Dam, the next few weeks will be critical.

Already roads are covered in water with flooding west and south of Forbes.
Forbes Shire Council has also asked residents to keep an eye on the Forbes Shire Council social media pages, SMS messaging service and website to keep all residents and visitors up to date particularly info on roads.

If you aren’t a subscriber to the SMS service contact council and get yourself on the list, it’s easy – just email your mobile phone number and name to communications@forbes.nsw.gov.au or call Council to register.

For NSW State Emergency Service Ph: 132 500 or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
RMS Live Traffic is another good source of information regarding major roads www.livetraffic.com

Look to Councils communication channels for all other roads, including the website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/residents/emergency-information/road-closures

Snippets…

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Peta Allen won a Highly Com-mended in the Children’s Landscape section for this incredible photo of farm life.

AMAZING TALENT ON SHOW: It may not have been the Forbes Show as we have come to know it, but that didn’t stop a plethora of online entries coming through for a range of categories from children’s landscape photography to cooking and decorating cupcakes. Full winners list and photos on the Forbes Show NSW Facebook page.

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK: It’s National Child Protection Week and NSW Police are encouraging people in their community to ensure every child is getting a fair go. ThinkUKnow Australia is an evidence-based education program led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), delivered nationally in partnership with po-lice and industry partners to prevent online child exploitation. Stay informed about online safety by visiting – www.esafety.gov.au or www.thinkuknow.org.au/ #noexcuseforabuse #speakup

MEALS ON WHEELS: Did you know that anyone can buy meals from Forbes Meals on Wheels? Ask them about their meals today as they have a solution for you! Call 6851 4204 or call into 7 Harold Street – the building with the green picket fence. For more info go to their website www.nswmealsonwheels.org.au

R U OKAY DAY: R U OKAY Day was held this week on Thursday September 9 in a more subdued fashion than previous years due to COVID restrictions. The theme for 2021 was Are They Really Okay? In light of burgeoning numbers of people relying on mental health services – especially since the most recent restrictions, people are encouraged to stay connected online to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation. Eight people commit suicide in Australia every day. For more info go to – www.ruok.org.au/get-involved

LEARNING LADDER LOOKING FOR CAMERAS: Got any old cameras you no longer need? Forbes Learning Ladder Echidna Room is looking for old digital cameras for the children to make a museum. There will be a box out the front until today for those who have cameras. Ensure all SD cards and cords are removed before delivery.

VALE CAPTAIN BRUCE ACRET: Retired Captain Bruce Acret (1545) formerly of 294 Station Forbes passed last week. He will be sorely missed with the local station whirring the siren in respect for Bruce who served from October 1963 until his retirement in July 2001. Our condolences to the families who bid farewell to Bruce in a private family funeral service.

VALE CAPTAIN ACRET: Forbes RFS 294 Station let off the fire siren for the late Captain Bruce Acret who passed away last week. Bruce spent nearly 38 years with Station 294.

Bogan Fest Canned Due To COVID

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

LAST DRINKS: Australia’s Biggest Bogan Fest has been cancelled after COVID forced the postponement of the event back in June. Pictured is comedian Chris Franklin with the 2019 Australia’s Biggest Bogan – Ryan ‘Bogan’ Edwards.

It surely must be one of the saddest announcements we’ve heard in 2021 and will disappoint flanny-wearing Ford drivers everywhere – Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival is cancelled.

After initially scheduling a June 13 date, a COVID scare on June 2 after a Victorian couple drove through on their way to the Sunshine Coast, forced Forbes and surrounds into a spin. That forced organisers to postpone the festival and by June 10, the decision turned out to be the right one as Forbes entered a difficult eight weeks along with the rest of NSW.

“By then the event had been postponed to November 13 and we thought we may have a chance,” said organiser Luke Acheson.

“The way things are and the time everything is taking, we feel it is the best move to cancel the event,” he said. “It isn’t what we wanted but we have been left with little choice.”

With acts coming from across Australia and plenty of organising to do for the committee, Acheson was disappointed but realistic.

“Who knows what the future holds but for now we are cancelling the event and sorting out everything so please be patient with us,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported us and given it a go,” Luke said. “Keep an eye on the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page for announcements”.

Mayoral Notes

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

What a wet welcome to Spring we are having. There is a lot of water around and it is important we do prepare for flood, particularly if you are in low lying areas of town, should a flood come. This may involve tiding around your yard, talk to neighbours about what the flood was like last time and gather those important numbers like the SES 132 500, just in case you need them. The flood can behave differently every time and it is important we are prepared whichever way it decides to come. Rocky from Forbes SES has been busy preparing sandbags should you need them, just give them a call on 132 500.

I want to thank Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, for the amazing job he is doing for us in rural and regional NSW during this pandemic. He is ensuring we are not forgotten in Sydney and the community feels safe and very grateful for all that you are doing.

Work continues down at Lions Park constructing the new stage area and the Lachlan Vintage Village conversion to our new Visitor Information Centre is looking great. The wet weather has slowed up some of the road works and development up at the new Goldridge Estate but with this fine weather on the radar, we can get back into it. We will keep you updated through Facebook as we know you can’t get out and about to see.

Take care and God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Rain Dampens Medal Play

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WET CONDITIONS: Unfortunately there were wet conditions for the Wallace Cup Final and Stableford Medley on Sunday at Forbes Golf Course.

The field for Saturday’s Monthly Medal comp, sponsored by McFeeters Motor Museum, was reduced to 42 players as a result of cold and wet conditions that set in for the day. This was reflected in the winning scores.

The A-Grade was won by Neil McMillan (72 nett) ahead of Charles Dwyer, also on 72 nett.

The B-Grade went to Tony Cogswell with 72 nett, over Jack Dobell with his 73 nett, which included an untimely ‘8’ on the 17th hole.

The C-Grade once again had the best nett score of the day, this time going to Ri-ley Pike on 71 nett. Runner-up was Mat-thew Duff with 72 nett.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, so please check in the Pro Shop. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ben Robinson, 18th – John Betland. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Ben Robinson with a shot of 1.76 metre proximity, and was a precursor to his form on the day. There were no visitors.

Some hardy golfers ventured onto the course to play the Sunday Stableford Med-ley, in which the scores were impacted by the wet conditions.

The winner was Peter Dawson who managed 33 points. Runner-up was Trevor Toole with 30 points.
The Wallace Cup Final was played in difficult conditions on Sunday. Ben Robinson scoring a solid win over George Falvey.

We record with sadness the passing of Tom Edols late last week. Tom was a stalwart of the club, serving as President in his time, and always keen support competitions as best he could. Our condolences go to Tom’s family.

On Saturday 11th September, there is an Individual Stableford in place of the programmed 4BBB Ambrose. On Sunday there will be a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Be Seen

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

INLAND RAIL PRESENTATION: Recently Inland Rail reps completed a detailed presentation for Forbes CWA. CWA Forbes Evening Branch President Robyn Miller here with Inland Rail’s Amanda Dunn.

WINNER: Condobolin artist Robert Sloane’s painting Mirri (dragonfly) was awarded first place in the 2021 Catholic-Care Wilcannia-Forbes – CCWF Aboriginal Art Competition (judged before lockdown). Judges Wilcannia-Forbes Bishop, Columba Macbeth-Green, CCWF CEO Anne-Marie Mioche and artist Raymond Thorpe pictured.

HOMESCHOOL: Children from across the Forbes region are homeschooling with the rest of NSW during lockdown.

PROGRESS: The team from Darren Cowan along with FSC have been hard at it at Lion’s Park the past few weeks building a new stage.

Full Access For Road Trains On Newell Highway

September 10, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Road train operators can now access the entire length of the Newell Highway, unlocking big efficiency gains for the movement of freight from border to border.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said providing end-to-end access for all eligible vehicles up to 36.5m long and Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 3 vehicles on the Newell was a huge win for the freight industry.

“This is a game changer for people moving product along one of our State’s most important freight corridors,” Mr Toole said.

“We trialled this expanded road train ac-cess through the drought and through last year’s bumper grain harvest and we know it provides significant productivity and safety gains, potentially reducing truck movements by as much as 40 per cent.”

Gazetted access would now be available to all eligible vehicles up to 36.5 metres long along more than 1000 kilometres of highway including through Parkes, irrespective of the cargo carried.

“Parkes was the last section of the Newell where road trains were restricted but the trials we did with road trains to move fodder through drought and last year’s harvest has guided this change,” Mr Toole said.

“By granting road trains permanent access to the last remaining section of the highway without the need for a permit, it will improve the efficiency, sustainability and safety of freight transport in the region which is developing into an important freight hub.

“Higher productivity vehicles are able to move 63 percent more freight per trip than a 26m B-Double heavy vehicle, which means less trucks on our roads, greater efficiency and reduced costs.”

For more information go to nswroads.work/ravmap

Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SHARING THE ROAD: Farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day via Zoom on Tuesday 15 September from 8am

Farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend the Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day via Zoom on Tuesday, 15 September from 8am.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that unfortunately due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be held online for the second year in a row. Last year’s online delivery was well received and attended. We had 50 attendees on the day and a further 20 people had signed up for the waitlist.

“It was very pleasing to see many of the regulars join us for the online event last year, but there were also a large number of first-time attendees from right across the Central West,” Ms Suitor said.

The Virtual Field Day is supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Ser-vice, NSW Farmers, Australian Custom Harvesters Association, Graincorp and the Grain Transport Safety Network.

Topics which will be discussed include access, permits, fire safety, fatigue, load restraint and much more.

Registration is free but spaces are limited, so get in quick. Register online at www.eventbrite.com and search ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day’.

Paying Rates During COVID Times

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HERE TO HELP: Forbes Shire Council have numerous alternatives and plans for people looking to pay their Rates. Photo courtesy of FSC.

The COVID-19 situation is constantly changing, Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM wants to reassure residents that Council’s priority remains unchanged – “the health and safety of our employees, residents and the whole community are our number one priority.”

“We are here to help the community by continuing to provide essential services during these challenging times,” said Mayor Miller.

“At present the Council administration office remains closed. We know the rates are due and normally you can pop into Council and to pay them however there are options.”

Council have many payment options available:
• Payment over the phone by credit card (please have your details ready)
• Direct deposit to Council’s bank account BSB 032-822 A/C # 000102 (please use Assessment No. as reference)
• Direct debit arrangement (a form can be posted or emailed for set up)
• BPay transaction through internet banking
Cheque posted to PO Box 333 FORBES NSW 2871 or delivered to our afterhours mail chute at the Town Hall administration main door.

“Please be patient and understanding as we work through this situation together. We will do our best to help, but if you do experience wait times while your call is transferred, we apologise. I can assure you our staff are busy working behind those closed doors. We hope to open them again very soon.”

For enquiries and assistance regarding Rates payable, please call 02 6850 2319 or email Heidi.Paterson@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Western NSW Business Awards Finalists Announced

September 3, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Business NSW is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2021 Western NSW Business Awards.

The Western NSW Business Awards recognise growth, entrepreneurship, and celebrates business success and resilience.

Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager – Western NSW, at Business NSW, said this year’s finalists represent a fantastic cross section of businesses from right across the region.

“It’s been an incredibly tough few years for business with COVID, bushfires and mouse plagues,” said Ms Seccombe.

“We believe it’s incredibly important to celebrate and support our business community, so we will be pivoting to an online Awards event and will shortly be advising our finalists with a new date and format,” Ms Seccombe said.

Winners of the 2021 Western NSW Business Awards, will then represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held in November.

“Based on the calibre of this year’s finalists, I expect that our regional winners will again do very well at the State Business Awards,” Ms Seccombe said.

2021 Western NSW Business Awards Finalists include Parkes businesses Kitson Manufacturing Solutions and Giles Group Australia.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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